Chapter 2 The Pursuit

Kaida's POV

Desperation covered my face as I sat in Prof. Anam's office once again.

"Sir, I really need your help. I don't want to go to the Moonlight Shadows pack."

Prof. Anam leaned forward, his eyes locked onto mine.

Prof. Anam's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he leaned forward.

"I know you're struggling with this posting, but I believe in you. You have a unique perspective that could bring value to the Moonlight Shadows pack."

His voice was filled with conviction, and I could sense the depth of his belief in me.

The heavy silence in the room just felt like it was noticeable; it was on top of my shoulders.

Prof. Anam became serious, furrowing his brows.

"I understand that this is a difficult scenario, but I am here to help you. I will do everything under my power to make you succeed."

His words yielded to me a thrill of hope, which was at once muffled by my skepticism.

"But I am not sure, Prof. Anam, that I can do this. What will happen to me in case I screw up?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You've got this, Kaida. Just be yourself and you'll do fine." he tried to assure me.

As I walked out of Prof. Anam's office, the bright sunlight was a stark contrast to the dimly lit room I had just left.

I felt a sense of unease wash over me as I thought about the challenges ahead. The city sounds seemed to grow louder and more intense, like a cacophony of doubts and fears that echoed in my mind.

Every street felt the same as I walked, while I kept playing over our conversation.

In my heart, I would admit that I was escaping out of my fears. I feared failure, fear of not being too good.

But I was stimulated too by the challenge, by the chance to show myself.

I felt thrilled with the prospect of an adventure, though I was terrified of the Moonlight Shadows pack. It was a confusing mix of emotions, but one that I couldn't ignore.

I considered all my choices, trying to figure out what would work best for me.

When I took the next turn, I found the pack mediator's office. I waited, braced up for what must follow. The mediator may advise me on how to fight pack politics to rewrite my posting.

As I approached the mediator's office, I felt a sense of unease.

What would she say?

Would she be able to help me?

I guess I'll have to find out on my own now.

I cautiously advanced a step and opened the door and entered.

The office of the mediator was dark, and the shelves were full of old books, and the aroma of old paper was present as she heard about my concerns.

The mediator's smile and eyes sparkled with kindness when I entered.

"Please, Kaida, take a seat."

As I sat in the mediator's office, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.

Would I be able to navigate the complexities of the Moonlight Shadows pack, or would I falter?

The doubt stuck at my throat, and my stomach turned with worry.

A cheerful smile from the mediator relieved me, yet there was a flavor of anxiety in her eyes.

She was personally interested, I understood, in how it would turn out, and not simply because it was a professional necessity that she should be a judge of it.

Listening to me, I felt that she understood and was very empathetic towards my concerns. She was not only the mediator but also a keeper of the traditions and values of the pack.

The mediator sat straight with a different tone in her voice.

"I can see what you mean, but the elders have decided. It is too late to change the posting."

Her statement was definite, yet I detected some regret in it.

With a heavy stomach, I got out of my chair.

"Thank you for having given me your time." I mumbled a thank you to her.

The mediator nodded.

I walked out of the office but with a feeling of unease. I was overwhelmed by the city sounds, and I could not stop thinking about the discussion.

The shadows of the setting sun were extending and becoming darker, like the uncertainty that seized my heart.

I was happy the mediator was so kind, but I could not help feeling that I had no option left.

As I walked out of the mediator's office, I noticed a figure standing across the street. At first, I thought he was just a passerby, but as I looked closer, I realized he was staring at me. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

The figure was tall and imposing, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline. His eyes were piercing, and I could feel their intensity even from a distance.

I tried to look away, but my gaze was drawn back to him, like a moth to a flame.

As I stood there, frozen in fear, I could hear the sound of my own heartbeat pounding in my ears. The city sounds seemed to fade into the background, and all I could focus on was the figure watching me.

I felt a cold sweat trickle down my spine as I realized the figure was moving towards me. My heart was racing, and my senses were on high alert.