Andria's POV
I haven't felt right since we left the witch's house. Something in me hasn't settled, not my thoughts, not my body. I could tell Mel noticed. She's not subtle, not when she's worried.
"Aria's been acting weird since we came back," she whispered in a tone not low enough for me not to hear it from behind my door.
Larissa had shrugged it off like she always does. "She's grown. She can handle herself. You heard her already."
Maybe they were right. Or perhaps I am just trying to make them believe that, rather than the fact that I was a monster and chaos within, searching for my Identity, and true parents.
I sat up in bed slowly, like I was afraid something might break. My legs stretched down to the floor, and I paused there, just sitting, trying to feel steady before I stood.
My muscles still ached, deep and heavy, reminders of almost dying, of running harder than I ever had in my life.
The mirror didn't help. I looked like hell. My hair was a mess, my face pale and tight around the eyes. I shook it off as best as I could and made my way into the bathroom.
The shower saved me a little. The warm water pouring down on me was everything as it hit my hair, I felt the pain I felt all over my body disappear.
I stood under it longer than I should have. Honestly, I didn't want to leave. But eventually, the steam cleared, and the silence began to feel too loud.
I dried off, threw on a mini skirt and a loose shirt, and packed my notebook, just in case I ended up at the library, which I intended. Habit, I guess.
As I grabbed my bag, I remembered the day before. That moment in the library with Aven and the librarian still made my stomach twist. "Mtchew," I muttered under my breath, flicking my hair back with irritation.
Mel and Larissa were deep in conversation when I came out, so lost in it they didn't even notice me until I leaned in and whispered, "What's up for breakfast?"
Mel jumped like I'd hit her with a spell. Larissa nearly fell off the couch.
I couldn't help laughing. "Seriously? You didn't hear me come out?, What are we having for breakfast?"
"We're having your head for breakfast," Mel groaned, sinking back into the couch.
"Delicious, at least we are not having yours," I said, heading toward the kitchen and opening random cabinets like I might magically find something edible.
I grabbed my bag again, since I couldn't find anything. Thank goodness I fed well last night. "I'm heading out. I'll be back before sunset."
Outside, the sunlight was soft and golden, warming the pavement and my skin. I tilted my face up to it out of habit, to know if someday I will have an effect like other vampires.
No burning, no pain. I'd always found that strange, how I never reacted like other vampires. Meeting my wolf had explained it. That part of me had been shielding the rest all along.
The school hallway was mostly quiet. A few students still walked the halls, but most were either in the stadium celebrating or in their rooms for the Moonfall Remembrance.
It's a day the werewolves take seriously, honoring the beginning, the first wolves, the origin stories. I didn't feel like celebrating anything today.
But what other day will be more fitting to search for the myths surrounding this school, the werewolf and me than the Moonfall remembrance day?
The library was almost too quiet. I headed straight for the shelf where The Book of Myth had been. But it was gone.
My heart sank a little.
I went to the front desk, trying not to sound too desperate. "Hi. That book, The Book of Myth, from yesterday, do you know where it is?"
The librarian barely looked up. "The Alpha successor, Aven, asked me to hold it for him. I'm not allowed to give it to anyone else."
I let out a slow breath. "Aven again?" I said under my breath. Of course. Of course, it would be him; he doesn't fail to ruin my day.
Fine. Maybe there was still something here I could use. I moved toward the laptops, checking each one for decent internet, as if I were searching for a lifeline. Because honestly, I was.
Finally, I was able to get one.
I typed the book of myths, and nothing came out, except an indication that the book had not been uploaded to any website; it must be a top-secret book, which is why it was only one.
"Looking for the book of myth on the internet won't help because it hasn't been uploaded yet and won't. It has a limited edition and can be found only in a few places, the royal palace, this school and the author's home."
The librarian spoke up behind me, but I didn't notice when she came to where I was, as she carried out her routine supervision of the e-library.
"Oh, I see, maybe I'll read something else," I replied and then pretended to be busy with my hair until she passed me.
I wonder why she had to sneak up on me and snoop. She's just weird
I turned back to the laptop and typed 'the myth of the Lunara-blooded,' hoping someone had written about it, but I could only find a map.
What is this map? Where does this map lead to? I took out my phone and took a picture of it. I'll solve this puzzle.
Just as I got up to go, I saw Zade walk in; the last time we met was at the restroom scene. Zade was a year ahead of me, so I wasn't expecting to meet him in class either.
He wore a bright smile immediately after my eyes met his, and I could feel Athena melt under the heat of his gaze.
"Athena, we are in a hurry to solve this riddle, so you just have to know that there is no time for bonding now."
I moved towards the front desk to get my backpack checked before I exited, and suddenly Zade was behind me.
"Hello Aria, I don't mean to startle you or be creepy."
I turned to face him and he swallowed, allowing his Adam's apple to budge.
I was always drawn to him because of that feature, and I just don't want to fall for the same crap that neglected my words and chose my sister's words against mine.