Luna's Second Chance

The night had fallen over the city of Grand Midea. Dark clouds filled the skies and rain threatened to fall. "Ahh!!" I left out a frustrated groan as I continued to pace to the party in my high silhouettes. I could barely keep my balance, and I threatened to fall a couple of times already. "Are you okay?" that's when I realized I was walking next to Phoebe. My best friend since... forever actually. She walked elegantly taking massive strides with her heels as though she was born to wear them. Her wore a beautiful red dress that hugged her body exposing a little of her breasts.

Her long blonde hair moving with the wind. Phoebe was a party person. She could literally mingle with anyone she wishes. She was confident and had a charm no guy could resist. But for me the contrary was the case. I wasn't a party person, infact I hated them. I was rather much of an introvert, who really hated to mingle with others and was a bit shy. I prefer to spend most of my time researching on supernatural creatures, like zombies and werewolves. "I'm good." I answered her. When we finally reached, the house was alive with the loud music thundering through the speakers. The conversations of various people formed into a mass noise, where one couldn't even hear her own thoughts. "I don't like this Phoebe." I yelled out to her, but the tone in my voice was tuned off by the noise. "You'll like it trust me." "Follow me!" I followed Alice through the crowded living room, picking a red plastic cup more for appearances than anything else. We walked into a crowd of people by a makeshift bar. She immediately began to mingle with them. I could see literally flirting with two guys at the same time. It wasn't my scene, never had been but Pheobe had insisted I come to the party for... socialization. So here I was, trying to blend into the background while she soaked up the energy of the room. I filled in my cup and took a seat by the corner of the room sipping at my cold beer, my eyes scanning the crowd out of habit rather than interest. Suddenly, I felt a tingle at the back of my neck. It was as though I was being watched, or even stalked. I turned my head slightly trying to find my stalker. There!! His piercing eyes landed at me again. He was leaning casually against the far wall, a drink in one hand, but his attention was entirely fixed on me. Dark eyes, intense and unyielding, locked onto mine. He had a black curly hair. He was easily the most handsome man I've ever seen. But yet something about him made my hair stand up. I quickly looked away, my heart skipping a beat. "Was he looking at me?" Maybe I'd imagined it. Maybe he wasn't staring at me but at someone near me. I glanced back. No, there was no mistaking it. His gaze hadn't wavered, and the longer I pretended not to notice, the heavier his stare seemed to grow. I snapped my head back in his direction. What!! He's gone. But he was just there a second ago. Where could he have gone? The air in the room felt suddenly thick, tension aroused in my veins. A certain restlessness gripped me. My grip tightened around the cup, my pulse quickening. I glanced frantically from left to right. What was his problem? Suddenly I felt a nudge on my back causing me to scramble from my seat. I snapped my head behind me. And there he was. He even looked more handsome up close. His dark green eyes glinting at me. "Stay away from me!" I snapped at him. "What's the matter." I watched hm chuckle lightly under his breath. He was right to laugh, I behaved like a fool. I sighed. "I'm sorry. I just felt strange when I saw you staring at me." I confessed. The man replied in an amusing tone. "Sorry shouldn't be accepted for free." I was a little surprised by his answer. His words were a bit cheesy that gave me weird feelings. Drawing a nervous breath, I replied. "Then what can I offer for your apology?" The man smiled satisfyingly at her. "How about a dance together?" I hesitated in delusion. I wasn't familiar with him and dancing wasn't really my favourite. I agreed reluctantly. "Okay but please ignore my clumsiness." The man laughed, staring deep into our eyes before answering. "Perfect." The man led me to the dance floor slowly. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable since I've never danced before. As if I was his sole interest among everyone here, the man never teared his eyes away from me, not even a second. I dwelled on how to initiate our first step together, the man extended his right hand towards me like a gentleman. Lips curving up a little, he asked like a gentleman, "May I?" I nodded humbly, placing my hand into his palm clumsily. The coldness of his skin almost shooked my sanity. For a moment, it felt like I was placing my palm into an ice water. The man groped my hand tightly, giving it a hard pull until we were face to face with each other. His smile broadened. "You are so easily frightened. What do you think of me? A devil." His words sent shivers down my spine. I wanted to run away at this point, but it would seem improper. I shut my eyes, trying to clear out the messy thoughts in my head. "I-I... am.. not used to it... I don't normally interact with strangers." To my surprise, he didnt find my words amusing as most people would. "We are going to take it slow. It's just a dance. Relax and enjoy it." His words had a certain charm that seem to calm my nerves. Inhaling a deep breath, I stepped closer bravely and placed my trembling hands on his shoulders. My lips curving into awkward smile, I broke off my introvert personality. "Let's do it then." We slow danced to the music, our movement sync. We matched our steps swaying our hips rhythmically holding knot each other. Neither of us seemed to be able to take their eyes off the other. He pulled me in closer to him, my left hand wrapped behind my back. We continued until the music began to slowly fade. "What's your name?" He asked sharply, his gaze still fixed on me. "Aria.. " I said my tone feint. "And yours, if I may ask?" He then smiled mysteriously at me. "You'll know soon enough." What? I was a bit puzzled by his answer. "Aria!!!" I heard a loud voice. I turned to see Phoebe waving eagerly at me. Eager to meet her, I swiftly turned to the mystery man, but he was gone! Not even a sight of him. I squinted my eyes through the crowd, but not a sign of him. Strange!

I walked back to meet Phoebe, but I still couldn't shake off the strange feeling of the man. One second he was there and the next he vanished "Phoebe," I said, forcing a smile. "I think I'm just tired. I might head out soon." "But... you just got here!" she protested, but I shook my head. "I know, but I'm not really feeling well." I lied. I just didn't want to stay around, the only reason I even stayed this long was because of the stranger. "Okay, but can I atleast walk you halfway? It's very dangerous to walk alone by this time." "I'll take a taxi.

Text you later," I said, already backing away. As I stepped outside into the cool night air, a little bit relief washed over me. But even as I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling of that piercing stare frpm earlier. But the mystery man was gone and that's all that matters. I waited for any car or taxi outside. But it was already late and there were no empty vehicles avaliable at that moment. My house was just about fifteen minutes away. Maybe I'll just walk. I dressed my gown and began walking. Strolling through the night, only the flickering street light served as illumination. A certain erring feeling gripped me. I quickened my steps the more when I was far from the party and there was not another person on the street. Suddenly a car stopped beside me. My body froze when I heard a few voices that resounded drunk. "What's a sweetie like you doing all alone?" "Want a ride?" "Hello beatiful lady... Come! We will send you home." My body broke out in sweat. My heart began to pound profusely. I needed to run, and fast. If I don't that could only lead to one thing. Me getting raped or even worse.. I took a long deep breath. My hands were trembling. I slowly glanced back in their direction. They wore hideous grins on their faces. I could see the burning lust in their eyes. I had the urge to start running. I'll take my chance of running in to another person than waiting here for them to attack me. "Sorry, but I'm good." I answered them, my voice cracking. The fear had gotten a grip of me, and I let it take over. Hearing my innocent response, almost stirred up their list even more. "Come on sweet! You know you want a ride with us. We'll take you home safe." Their drunken voices continued, this time even more persistent. Suddenly, one of them hopped down from the car and began walking towards me. "Hey come here." Panic surged through my veins. I picked up my race the more but without trying to run. My eyes wandered around hoping to find even another person. No! I was completely alone to these men. I picked up my phone from my hand bag. I was about to call Mom, when a man's firm grip held my worst tightly dropping the phone to the floor. "Were trying to give you a ride, but you're very ungrateful." I slowly looked up, to see a blond hair man, his eyes looked jaded. "Leave me alone!! I don't want a ride." I struggled with him as best I could, but his grip was just too tight around my arm. "Let me go!! Please!!" my voice grew louder echoing through the empty streets. "Hey shut up!!" The man yelled in a stern voice. My loud screams seemed to have angered him. "Xander, Elvis. Get out now, she's screaming." Oh no!! My heart raced even more when the man called out the two other men in the car. I couldn't break free from one of them, if two others join him then... I'm done for. I have to do something! With a little bit of courage. I kicked back my leg to his knee, forcing him to loose his balance and then his grip. "Arggh!!" He let out a loud groan in pain. This was my chance! Using the opportunity of his distraction, i took off from them in flash. I took long strides, my legs stretching out on front of the other as I tried to quicken my pace. I took off in the opposite direction of where they were. "Hey come back!!" They chased after me as fast as they could. But I had a head start on them "If I get you girl, I'll kill you!!" "Don't try to act tough girl you'll regret it I promise!" They yelled out a few threats to my ear. My heart raced even faster. And in the heat of the moment, I took my mind off trying to escape them. My leg went against the other, taking me off my feet in flash. I lost my balance and fell on the concrete floor. A surge of pain was all over me. My head went in hard against the floor and oof swarmed out like an endless stream. I wanted to cry out in pain, but I held myself. Crying right now won't be of any help. It will only make me weaker in their eyes! My head ached terribly, my eyes were getting a bit heavy. They slowed down their pace seeing me helpless on the floor. They slowly approached me, like a predator stocking his prey. "Please... let me go.. Please." I pleaded desperately, tears rolling down my cheeks. They showed not even a flicker of sympathy inspite that. "Dont worry princess. When we're done with you, you can go home." The blonde hair man said, as he wore a sick smile on his face. My eyes widened in fear hearing his words. I mustered the last ounce of strength I had left to rise back to my feet. I could barely even walk only limp. Before I could even take another step, i felt painful yank on my hair collapsing me to the floor again. "Enough of this. No more child's play." The blonde hair guy yelled out. The two men beside him began to fold up their sleeves. I crawled back to the wall resting my back against it. My eyes were now even more heavy, I could feel myself drifting out of consciousness. The men began to approach me yet again, but this time, I was helpless as ever. "Save me, please." I muttered a short prayer. I could only hope for a miracle to save me right now. Suddenly i heard a loud roar from a corner . Almost like that of a dog but more fierce and louder. I wanted to look at its direction but I couldn't shift my head. I glanced at the three men after me. I saw fear and terror in their eyes. It was as if they saw a ghost. "Please don't kill us." "Stay back beast." I heard faint voices pleading desperately. I was beginning to drift in and out of consciousness, when suddenly I saw a huge beast jump out of nowhere and bounced on the men. There cries of fear, soon turned to pain. I was now half conscious when a figure appeared in front of me. I couldn't even muster the energy to look at whoever it was. Suddenly I felt a warm breath around my neck before I felt a sharp pain. It was as though the sharp teeths of a dog sank into my flesh. But my body and my mind was too weak to pay attention to it. Soon, my vision began to blur, my eyes fluttering. Before I became completely unconscious I heard a faint voice, almost like it was from another world. "You are now my mate, Arie." And then I gently shut them and let the darkness envelope me.

My eyes fluttered open, my blurry vision gradually sharpening. I groaned over my head groggily until my sense started to come back. "Wait!!" My eyes snapped wide open. I looked over my body, I was in my pyjamas. A great relief washed over my body seeing I was surrounded by posters and pictures I hung on the wall of my room. But... what happened? My head ached so badly, I could only recall vague pictures from last night, everything else to me was like a blur. How did I even end up here? The door pushed open, the gentle creak disturbing the silence.

The imposing figure of my mother stood in front of door, as she wore a gloomy face. "Aria! You're awake!" she yelled out, her tone laced with relief. "What have I told you about drinking too much Aria? You should know better." I could only listen to Mom as she ranted. But what she was saying really didn't piece out. I barely drank a cup of beer, I was sure I wasn't drunk last night. "H-How did I. .. get home last night?" I asked my words stuttering. "What?!!" Mom raised her voice more in disbelief. "See you can't even remember how you got home last night. Aria I can't believe right now. You should know better than to drink that much. I found you barely conscious on the porch last night." Mom finally answered after her excessive rant. "Aria." mom hesitated lowering her head. "I'm glad your okay. Come down for your breakfast." Mom turned and left my room gently closing the door behind her. But.. how did I get home? I remembered bleeding out my cloth, I was so weak. I also saw something like a large dog, or a wolf. "Huh!!" I let out a huge gasp. "It was a werewolf. I saw a werewolf." I said outloud to myself, my tone laced with excitement. The picture from last night seems more clear to me than ever... I saw werewolf, leap across me and devoured those men. But then... After that, I don't remember anything again... I must have blacked out after seeing the werewolf. I must find that werewolf no matter the cost and prove that they are indeed real." I quickly took my shower and walked downstairs. I moved with an extra spring in my step. Reaching downstairs, the tingling aroma of Mom's favourite pancakes filled my nose. Nothing better to start off my day than with her pancakes. Mom, well, Idris Farouk, is the only thing I've ever known as family. I never really knew my dad. The only thing I knew was that he left when I was born. Mom always avoided the question of why. I've grown to stop asking though. Whatever reason he left is on him. But with me and mom, things really haven't been easy. She has to work two shifts to pay for bills and save enough for my tuition so I can return back to school. I wish I could help but she always insisted that she got it under control. I do my bit and work as an employee in her restaurant for free. It saves her the cost of employing a worker. "Honey have you heard the news?"Mom walked out of the kitchen holding her phone. "NO, why?" I asked curiosly. Mom doesn't usually ask me this unless something bad happened. "Three men were found dead last night, just a few buildings from where you held the party." What? My breath froze for a minute. Three men? Dead? "Can i see it?" Mom handed me the phone. I couldn't believe my eyes. Those were the three men from yesterday who tried to rape me. I was correct! It was a werewolf. "Mom, I have to go. I'll meet up with you at work." I gave her kiss to her forehead before dashing out of the house in a haste. I needed to know more on werewolves not just for the knowledge, but for the first time. I was sure that they were indeed real. I have to be ready to come across him again, and next time I won't let an opportunity slip away. I decided to take a short stop to the international library to read as many werewolf books as I could before going to work. I need to know any features or characteristics that could help me spot a werewolf next time it comes. I walked into the library and straight to the counter. I glanced around the library admiring the shelves of books. "Ma'am are you going to read something?" A staff in the library approached me, her voice soft and gentle as the wind. "Yes I am! Where can I get the books on the supernatural?" I asked. "In the inner room, aisle 17" she answered swiftly. "Thank you." I went to the inner room to check for a book that could be of help at all. In the dim light of the library hall, I wandered through the aisles, my fingers trailing along different volumes of books. The air was thick with the scent of dusty and old paper. As I turned a corner, an old, leather-bound book caught my eye. Its name cover was wrapped with strange design that seemed to shimmer faintly from the rest. It was the eyes of the rarest species of werewolves...... The white wolves. Curiosity got the better of me, I pulled the book from the shelf and opened it. The pages were yellowed, filled with various illustrations of werewolves, they were white wolf's, their fur were as white as snow. Their red laser eyes shown through any darkness. As I flipped through the pages, a sudden chill ran down my spine. The room around me began to fade, and the colors of the illustrations bled into reality. I shut my eyes hard as the world around me began spinning. As everything seemed to calm down I gradually opened my eyes to a new world. "What!!" I let out a sharp scream. I couldn't believe my eyes... was I dreaming again? I was floating in a void. An empty world, no sun or moon, no people, nothing but myself. "Where am I?" my voice echoed through the void. "Lalalalaalaaalalallaa" I heard a beautiful voice singing at a distance. And in a heartbeat I floated away trying to follow the voice. From a distance my eyes landed on a majestic figure. I couldn't help but marvel at the creature. It was a white wolf. The white wolf stood as a majestic figure, it's fur shining like fallen snow. It's red eyes glittered. I gently approached it, my movement cautious. "Aria Baxter!" The white wolf's voice thundered through the void. My eyes flung wide open, my heart racing. The white wolf softly walked towards me, it spaws stretched out. And with a gentle touch on me, it thundered these words. "You are the chosen one....... You are one of us" And with those words white wolf gradually disappeared into fog. "Wait, what do you mean?" I was left dumbfounded by what I saw and what the white wolf said. My vision shattered, pulling me back to the library, the book still open in my hands. Heart racing, my breath heavy, I glanced around, feeling the weight of the knowledge I had just gained. 'One of us' the words of the white wolf echoed in my head.