Chapter 3 03

I put on some makeup and let my hair down. I looked in the mirror and smiled, holding the pendant as it glowed softly. I bid my grandfather father goodbye and set off for the party.

I finally got to the party and pushed the door open, looking around. My mouth opened in awe of the hall but I closed it as I saw some students staring at me. They seemed to be enchanted by how pretty I looked but immediately came back to their senses as Vanessa walked through the crowd.

"Hey Lyra," she called out to me while walking towards me.

I didn't say anything. I just tilted my head in confusion.

"Look Lyra, I know I have been a really bad person to you and I am really sorry about that," Vanessa said. Gasps filled the hall as everyone focused on us.

"You are sorry? Why would you.......I....I don't know what to say, Vanessa," I stuttered, still confused.

"Yes, I am really sorry. It's okay for you to be confused," Vanessa said as she walked slowly to me and placed her hands on my shoulder.

"O...kay," I said.

"Oh come on, birthday girl," Vanessa said, smiling.

My eyes widened. I hadn't told anyone that today was my eighteenth birthday. "How... How did you know about that?" I said.

"I decided to be a good friend and dig in on you. Not to be rude or anything. I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and a good luck in finding your mate today," Vanessa said and hugged me.

I stood there frozen. The almighty Vanessa Thorne just hugged me.

"Come on, hug me back," Vanessa pouted, still hugging me.

I came back to my senses and slowly raised my hands, hugging her back.

Vanessa made a disgusted face but immediately replaced it with a smile as she moved away from me. "I prepared a surprise for you Lyra and I hope you will like it." She smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "Follow me."

I didn't notice it. I smiled and followed her. We walked till we reached a door.

"Your surprise is inside, like I said I hope you like it." Vanessa smirked and pushed the door open. It was dark and a foul smell hit the air as we entered.

"What's that smell?" I said, covering my nose. "Vanessa? Vanessa?? Where are you?" I called out but there was no answer.

Suddenly the light came on and I saw lots of students. Some were smiling at me while some gave me dirty looks. But almost immediately, Vanessa pushed me forward.

"You little omega, you think I will just...be your friend from nowhere? You really had lots of expectations from me. Well, as I said, I hope you will love what is gonna happen," she said menacingly as she signalled two boys.

The boys dragged a rope and immediately a pool of pig's blood fell on me, staining my dress and drenching me completely.

"Ohhhhh!!" They laughed at me, pointing their fingers. Vanessa joined in too.

I was a fool to listen to this cruel witch.