Alice POV
Today was my 18th birthday, a day I had been eagerly anticipating. Stepping into the bustling kitchen, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of my mother's cooking. Her hands moved with purpose, a whirlwind of activity as she prepared the feast for my celebration. Despite the chaos, her smile radiated love and determination.
Meanwhile, my step-sister Rem and I were engrossed in decorating the room with vibrant balloons. With each pump, the excitement of the impending celebration grew. Laughter filled the air as we worked together, a sense of camaraderie enveloping us.
As evening approached, the anticipation reached a crescendo. I slipped into the elegant blue off-shoulder dress my mother had chosen for me. The fabric draped around me, exuding a sense of grace and sophistication, as I prepared to step into the spotlight for my debut.
In that moment, as I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, dressed in an elegant ensemble, a flood of emotions washed over me. Nerves fluttered in my stomach, mingling with the excitement of being the center of attention and a hint of apprehension. Yet, underlying it all was a profound sense of gratitude for the love and support that enveloped me on this special night.
After carefully preparing myself, I descended the stairs with a heart full of nervous anticipation. At the bottom, a heartwarming scene unfolded before me: my mom, dad, Rem, and all my friends gathered together, their eyes filled with anticipation and their smiles beaming with love and pride.
Stepping into the circle of their embrace, surrounded by those who mattered most, I was overcome with emotion. It was a moment I had longed for, one that captured the essence of love, support, and unity.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, each pulse of excitement reverberating through the room. A profound sense of belonging washed over me, comforting me with the knowledge that I was never alone, no matter what lay ahead.
Amidst the joyful laughter and lively chatter, I glimpsed familiar faces, each one a testament to the bonds we had forged over the years. Their presence was like a soothing balm to my soul, reminding me of the enduring strength of our connection, regardless of the distance life may bring.
As I stood there, enveloped in the warmth of their affection and the brightness of their smiles, a swell of gratitude flooded my heart. This wasn't merely a celebration of my birthday; it was a celebration of the countless shared moments, cherished memories, and the journey we had undertaken together.
In that moment, surrounded by the ones I loved most, I knew that no matter what the future held, as long as I had them by my side, I could weather any storm, conquer any obstacle, and emerge stronger, braver, and more resilient than ever before.
As the clock struck midnight, the golden glow of the full moon began to seep through the windows, casting an ethereal light upon the room. With a sense of urgency, my mom and dad swiftly guided me to the underground chamber of our house, where my cage awaited.
There was a palpable tension in the air as they secured the door behind me, the metallic click echoing in the silence of the room. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as the realization sank in – tonight, my beastly form would emerge under the watchful gaze of the moon.
As my mom's tears fell freely, her trembling hand grasping mine, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion welling up inside me. Her sorrow mirrored my own, a reflection of the pain we both endured every time the moon cast its spell upon me.
"It's okay, Mom," I whispered, my voice barely above a hoarse whisper as tears traced silent paths down my cheeks. "I've accepted who I am."
Despite the ache in my heart, there was a sense of acceptance that washed over me, a quiet resolve to embrace the beast within. For years, I had struggled with this curse, but tonight, as the moon rose high in the sky, I found solace in the knowledge that I was not alone.
With only moments to spare, my dad's voice cut through the heavy silence, a stark reminder of the impending transformation. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as we watched the seconds tick by, each moment tinged with a sense of finality.
And then, with a whispered promise and a lingering touch, my parents hurriedly departed, leaving me alone with the impending darkness. As the last echoes of their footsteps faded away, I braced myself for the inevitable, knowing that no matter how fierce the beast within, the love of my family would always guide me home.
In the soft light of the morning, I awoke to the gentle touch of my human form, a stark contrast to the turmoil that churned within me. Ever since I turned sixteen, my beastly alter ego had emerged, shattering the illusion of normalcy and thrusting me into a world of uncertainty.
Accepting this newfound identity was a battle I fought fiercely, grappling with questions that clawed at the edges of my consciousness. Why was I cursed with this duality? Who were my true parents, and what secrets lay hidden within the tangled web of my past?
In those moments of despair, when the weight of my existence threatened to crush me, it was my mother's unwavering courage that became my lifeline. Her words were a beacon of hope in the darkness, a reminder that giving up was never an option.
Yet, despite her words of encouragement, there were times when frustration gnawed at the edges of my patience. My parents, bound by secrets they could not share, were the gatekeepers to my past, holding the keys to a truth I yearned to uncover.
In moments of vulnerability, I would confront them with my doubts and fears, pleading for answers that always seemed just out of reach. Each evasion fueled my frustration, stirring a tempest of emotions within me as I grappled with the tangled strands of my identity.
But as the years passed, I began to understand that some truths were too painful to bear, some secrets too heavy to share. And though the mysteries of my past remained shrouded in darkness, I found solace in the love and support of my family, knowing that no matter where my journey led, they would always be by my side.
As I heard the creak of the door, my attention snapped to its source, revealing Rem's figure approaching with a solemn expression etched across her features. Concern laced my words as I questioned her, my voice tinged with worry, "Rem, what's wrong? Why do you look so sad?"
Standing up, I moved closer to her, my hands gripping the bars of my cage in anticipation. Despite my inquiries, Rem remained silent, her focus solely on unlocking the cage that held me captive, her actions speaking louder than words.
As Rem turned to leave, a sense of urgency gripped me, compelling me to halt her departure. "Rem, what's happening?" I queried, reaching out to grasp her hand, my voice tinged with apprehension. Despite my plea, she remained resolute, her gaze fixed ahead, unmoved by my touch.
Her words pierced through the silence with a weightiness that left me unsettled. "Get dressed and come out," she instructed, her tone devoid of its usual warmth, signaling a seriousness that brooked no argument. With a sense of foreboding settling over me, I watched as she strode purposefully out of the room, leaving me to grapple with the unanswered questions that hung heavy in the air.
I found myself perplexed by Rem's sudden change in demeanor. Memories flooded my mind of her previous visits, where her joyous face and warm embraces were a source of comfort and happiness. I recalled the way her eyes lit up with delight upon seeing me in my human form, her genuine happiness evident in every smile and embrace.
Yet now, as I stood before her, confusion gnawed at the edges of my thoughts. Why had her face shifted so drastically? What had changed since our last encounter that now left her so distant and serious.
With a tinge of apprehension lingering in my heart, I set aside my swirling emotions and focused on the task at hand. Without dwelling further on Rem's enigmatic behavior, I swiftly gathered myself and readied for whatever awaited me outside.
ALICE
As I stepped into the living room, confusion engulfed me. I spotted an unfamiliar man among my family, his presence unsettling. Their expressions, a mix of concern and discomfort, made me uneasy.
I approached them with determined steps, scanning their faces for answers. "What's going on?" I asked, my voice trembling with urgency. I turned to my mother, seeking clarity. "And who is this man, Mom?"
My mother took my hand, her eyes filled with tears. "Alice, I'm so sorry. I didn't expect this to happen," she said, her words heavy with confusion and despair.
"What do you mean, Mom?" I asked, fear and disbelief coloring my voice.
"Alice," Mom's voice quivered, tears streaming down her cheeks. "He's Mr. Rollen from Moonlight Shine Village. He's here to take you with him. You'll be living there from now on."
Her words left me stunned, unable to comprehend the sudden urgency of the situation. "Yes, honey, what your mom said is true. We're deeply sorry to have to leave you," my dad explained, wrapping me in a tight embrace.
"No! I won't leave you! I don't want to go with a man I've never met before," I protested, clinging to my dad as I cast a wary glance at the stranger.
"Honey, you need to go with him. You may not understand it now, but you will soon," Mom gently caressed my cheeks. Unable to hold back my tears, I bowed my head, feeling as though my heart was being pierced by a needle in that moment.
"Hello, Alice. I'm Mr. Jack Rollen, a professor at Moonlight Shine Academy," he introduced himself with a grave tone. "I apologize for the suddenness of my arrival and for the urgency of my request. Your time here in the human world has come to an end." His words weighed heavily on my mind, leaving me feeling confused.
"What are you talking about?" I stammered, my voice trembling as I faced him.
"Since now, you go back to your real world," he said solemnly.
"Real world? Are you insane?" I exclaimed, turning to my parents for clarification. But they remained silent, their faces etched with sadness.
"My world is here! What are you talking about?" I insisted, refusing to believe his words.
"Come go with me, and you will understand," he added in a calm voice.
"No, you can explain it to me here. I will not go with you," I yelled back.
"We have no time. We need to go now," he insisted.
"Mom, Dad, please convince him that I don't want to go with him," I pleaded, turning to them. But Mom shook her head, as if she couldn't do anything for me now.
After a couple of minutes, our attention turned to Rem, who was carrying my belongings. Additionally, my feelings worsened; it was becoming apparent that this situation was no longer a joke.
"Mr. and Mrs. William, we need to go now," the man said in a serious tone as he attempted to grab my hand.
"No! Don't touch me! I said I will never go with you!" I yelled, tears streaming down my cheeks.
"Mom, please," I implored, my voice wavering with desperation. "I can't go with him. You're all I have." With trembling hands, I clung to her, the fear of separation gripping my heart.
My heart sank as I watched my mother brush aside my pleas. "Please, Mom," I begged, hoping she would hear me out. But instead, she pushed me away with a force that stung.
"Leave! Don't ever come back here! You're no longer a part of this family," she declared, her words cutting through me like a knife. Tears streamed down her cheeks, a painful reminder of the rift that had torn us apart.
Standing before them, my body trembled with uncertainty. "Let's go," Mr. Rollen's firm grip pulled me towards the door, and in that moment, it felt as though I lacked the strength to resist him. Despite my silent pleas for them to intervene, my parents remained silent, their eyes fixed on me with a mixture of sadness and resignation. I wished desperately for them to chase after me, to refuse to let me go, but to my dismay, they made no move to stop Mr. Rollen. With a heavy heart, I realized that this time, they had truly let me go.
As Mr. Rollen secured my luggage in his car, he swiftly climbed into the driver's seat and ignited the engine. Throughout the ride, a profound silence hung heavy in the air. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions; disbelief, sorrow, and longing intertwined within me. It was surreal to fathom that I had indeed left my family behind.
The weight of the situation bore down on me, sapping my strength and leaving me feeling utterly vulnerable. Every fiber of my being yearned to turn back, to return to the embrace of my loved ones. Yet, despite this longing, my resolve wavered under the weight of my mother's words, which echoed relentlessly in my mind.
At this moment, I found myself uncertain of where my journey would lead. "Just take a nap; we have a long ride ahead," Mr. Rollen suggested, noticing my quiet demeanor. Despite the myriad of questions swirling in my mind, it felt as though my mouth refused to utter them. Confusion clouded my thoughts, and my heart ached with an inexplicable pain. Perhaps he was right; perhaps a nap would offer respite from the overwhelming stress that consumed me.
An hour later, I awoke to the sight of large pine trees, realizing we were in the middle of nowhere. "Um, pardon me, Mr. Rollen, where are we going exactly?" I questioned, my voice tinged with worry.
"We're heading north, to our place," he replied seriously, his focus remaining on the road ahead.
After a couple of minutes of silence, I gathered the courage to address him. "Mr. Rollen, who are you? And why did you take me so urgently?" I asked, my tone serious.
"I'm a werewolf, just like you," he responded gravely. His words seemed to render me speechless, as if my mouth couldn't bring itself to open.
As the revelation of my cursed fate flooded my mind, Mr. Rollen's voice broke through the chaos, "Don't bother your thoughts about it, you will understand soon." he said, his tone calm yet firm, as if he understood the whirlwind of emotions raging inside me.
In an attempt to quell the disquieting thoughts swirling in my mind, I turned my attention to the quaint village surrounding us. Its charm was undeniable, each meticulously crafted house standing in perfect harmony with its neighbors. As we traversed the cobblestone streets, my gaze was drawn to the array of shops and a modest three-story mall, each offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the village inhabitants. Yet, it was the imposing mansion nestled at the heart of the village that truly captured my imagination, its grandeur akin to that of a regal palace.
Pulling up in front of a sprawling maroon building reminiscent of a medieval fortress, Mr. Rollen's warm smile broke through the tension that had settled between us. "We've arrived," he announced with a touch of excitement, prompting me to hurriedly exit the car. Eager to assist, I offered, "Let me help you, Mr. Rollen," as he made his way to the trunk to retrieve our luggage. Together, we made our way towards the academy.
"Moonlight Shine Academy," I murmured, halting in my tracks as my eyes fell upon the words etched beneath a majestic wolf statue guarding the entrance. Tentatively, I reached out to touch the statue, a strange sensation tingling through my fingertips. A shiver ran down my spine as I quickly withdrew my hand, a sense of unease settling over me like a heavy cloak.
"Alice, is there something wrong ?" Mr. Rollen's voice broke through my reverie, his concern evident as he gestured towards the academy's entrance. With a forced smile, I replied, "Nothing, Mr. Rollen. Let's proceed inside," masking the trepidation that gnawed at my insides at the sight of the academy's emblem.
As we made our way through the halls of the Moonlight Shine Academy, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement mingled with trepidation. It was as if each step brought me closer to uncovering the mysteries that lay hidden within these ancient walls, waiting to be unveiled.
ALICE
Arriving in front of a wide oak maroon door, Mr. Rollen opened it, and we entered. The room exuded an air of solemnity, with dark oak furniture and shelves lined with dusty tomes. The walls were adorned with framed diplomas and certificates, testaments to the principal's accomplishments and authority.
A large mahogany desk dominated the space, its polished surface reflecting the dim light filtering through heavy drapes drawn over the windows. Behind the desk sat the principal, a figure shrouded in shadows, his features obscured by the faint glow of candlelight flickering on his face.
The atmosphere was tinged with an unsettling tension, as if the very walls held secrets waiting to be uncovered. The scent of old parchment mingled with the faint musk of something primal, hinting at the supernatural forces that lurked just beneath the surface.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Berlin!" Mr. Rollen greeted a man in a red robe.
"Good afternoon," the man response as his gaze shifting to me.
"Good afternoon, sir," I greeted, bowing my head.
"Sit down, Miss Collin," he directed, indicating the vacant chair in front of him. I wondered why he already knew my last name as I took a seat, contemplating the unfolding situation.
"Take this; you just need to fill up." he handed me a paper, and I began to complete it. After a few minutes, I handed it back, and he read it. "Well, tomorrow you start school. Mr. Rollen can guide you here." He spoke earnestly, looking at Mr. Rollen.
"Okay, Mr. Berlin, thank you," I said as I stood up.
After leaving the room, Mr. Rollen told that we were heading to my dorm upstairs. He grabbed my luggage to assist me, but about ten steps into our walk, someone bumped into me, causing me to almost fall. Fortunately, I quickly grabbed the stainless steel railing beside me.
"Alice, are you okay?" Mr. Rollen approached with concern. I just nodded as my response while my eyes were on the black curly-haired girl wearing glasses.
"I'm so sorry, Miss. I was in a hurry!" she apologised before quickly running away. I sighed, the unexpected encounter leaving me slightly shaken.
"Let's go!" Mr. Rollen began to ascend the stairs, and I followed suit until we reached Room 216. Mr. Rollen pulled the key from his pocket and opened the door. "Get inside, leave your stuff, and come out again. We'll go to the clinic first to check your condition. You felt stressed and uneasy earlier, so we need to make sure that you are fine now. Our pack doctor here will give you medicine for calmness," he instructed, handing my belongings to me. I simply nodded in response and entered the room.
Glancing around, I noticed two beds, one in the right side corner covered with a black bed sheet, the pillowcase matching the dark hue.
And practically everything she owned was black, "what a weird kinda stuff." I wondered in my head, but I brushed that aside and continued walking toward the vacant bed, leaving my belongings on top of it and then I hurriedly exited. Mr. Rollen secured the door, and we walked to the clinic.
We were in the clinic when a girl in a white robe approached us. "Hello, Mr. Rollen, who's this pretty girl?" she said, smiling as she looked at me.
"Um, this is Alice Collin. She's a new student here. Can you check her condition now?" Mr. Rollen responded.
"Of course, come with me, dear," she said, motioning towards her table.
"Sit down," she added, adjusting her stethoscope. I sat obediently as she began to check me, pressing her stethoscope against my chest.
When she finished checking me, she simply stated that I was fine; I just needed to relax so that my mind and heart could calm down. "Thank you, doc," I smiled at her as I got up.
"You're welcome, pretty girl," she said, grasping my hand and smiling sweetly.
"Are you feeling better now, Alice?" Mr. Rollen seemed concerned as he tapped my shoulder.
"Yeah," I nodded.
"Well, we're taking our lunch now," he said, turning to face Doctor Maurine. "We're leaving now, doc. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Mr. Rollen," she sweetly replied.
Mr. Rollen led me into the canteen, and as we entered, all eyes turned toward me. "She's so pretty," I heard a girl shriek. "Yeah, she's new, maybe," replied another.
With that, embarrassment washed over me, and I couldn't bring myself to meet their eyes properly. I stepped behind Mr. Rollen, seeking refuge from their stares.
"What's wrong, Alice?" he muttered, turning his gaze to me. "I felt awkward under their scrutiny, Mr. Rollen," I admitted, feeling bashful.
"Oh, come on, Alice. You know why people are staring; it's because you're different from them. You're beautiful. Your wavy blonde hair and dark grey eyes are bound to catch their attention," he said, giving me a wink.
His compliment caused me to flush with embarrassment.
We immediately went to a vacant table and set our meals down. "Enjoy your meal," he said, offering me a spoon and fork. I simply nodded in response, directing my attention to the food. The beef stick looked delicious, so I picked up a piece and took a bite. "The taste is pretty good," I thought to myself as I chewed the meat.
After lunch, he took me on a tour of the Academy; everything here appeared old, including the design of the building. The halls echoed with the footsteps of students, and the air carried a sense of history that seeped through the cracks in the walls. Despite its age, there was a strange charm to the place, as if each creaking floorboard held a secret waiting to be discovered.
As we walked, my eyes caught sight of a peculiar statue of a wolf, its eyes seeming to follow us as we passed. It was a curious addition to the decor, yet somehow fitting for a place shrouded in mystery and tradition.
Though everything here felt unfamiliar and strange, I knew I had to accept it as my new home. I was no longer a pure human; my family had abandoned me, leaving me with nothing but the echoes of their absence. But I had learned to live without them, to forge my path in this world that now seemed so foreign and daunting.
With a heavy sigh, I resigned myself to this new reality, knowing that I had no choice but to embrace it and find my place among the shadows and secrets of the Academy.
"Are you okay?" Mr. Rollen asked me after noticing my sigh.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Mr. Rollen," I lied.
"Well, after your class tomorrow, we need to go to the Alpha's house," he remarked seriously.
"Alpha? What is that? I'm curious," I asked.
"Alpha is the leader of our pack and the most powerful among us. You must respect him as your leader."
"Ah, is he a scary person or a scary creature like a monster?" I inquired with curiosity.
Mr. Rollen started laughing. "Is there something funny in my words, Mr. Rollen?" I asked clumsily.
"I'm sorry, You really don't know anything yet Alice." He grinned and touched my hair, as if I were a small girl at this moment.
****
At night, I returned to my dorm, and when I entered, I immediately turned on the light. I noticed that the owner of the one bed was still not there, so I immediately sat down on my bed and opened my luggage to take my dress and put it inside the closet. I left the rest of my stuff in my bag, and tomorrow I will organize them. I had no time tonight because I was very exhausted and just needed to relax immediately, but before that, I hurriedly walked into the bathroom to wash my body and brush my teeth.
My bed sheets, pillowcase, and blanket were all comfy, and I am confident I fell asleep shortly. After 30 minutes, I thought I'd be able to fall asleep easily, but I couldn't since my thoughts were continually distracted with my family, who I miss so much. I got up, folded my legs, placed my arms on top of my knees, rested my head on them, and started crying. "Mom, why are you letting go of me, I thought you loved me?" I sobbed.
When I heard the door open and footsteps, I stopped sobbing and carefully lifted my head, focusing my attention there. The black-curly girl drew my attention and went up to sit with me. "It's good to cry, dear, and you'll feel better and calmer afterwards," she added, gently massaging my back. I simply faced her and burst into tears; my chest was heavy and tight at the time. "Go on," she said in a pity tone, hugging me.
When I felt calm, I let go of her embrace and immediately wiped away my tears with my palm. "Are you feeling better now?" she said pleasantly. "Yeah." I nodded.
"By the way, I'm Nicole, and you?" She extended her hand to me. "I'm Alice Collin." I took her hand and shook it. "Good to meet you, Alice," she remarked, grinning at me. "It's also nice to meet you." I smiled at her.
"Thank you, by the way." I said.
"No, it's fine; I understand you; I felt the same way when I first came here.""Every night, I cried alone."
" Why? "Is your family also abandoning you?" I asked sadly.
"No, don't ask about them. By the way, we really need to sleep now," she said with a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. She stood up and walked towards her bed, her movements somewhat hurried. "Good night, Alice!" she exclaimed, though her voice sounded strained as she lay down, suddenly feeling a pang of pain at my words.