Chapter 7

ADAM'S POV

I back away, still rubbing my wrist. I never thought I would actually meet Scarlet King. I had heard so much about her. How she was cold, angry, violent, manipulative, and feared. Just like her father. Everyone around us looks at her with fear in their eyes. A bunch of thoughts start to run through my mind.

'Was it all fake? Was she trying to manipulate me? But why would she want to manipulate me in the first place?' I take a look at her, and she looks at me, her eyes filled with shame. She then speaks. Her voice is filled with coldness.

"Continue your little show. Don't let my presence disturb you." She gives everyone a dirty look, then storms off, hands in her pockets. Without thinking, I automatically run after her. She goes deeper and deeper into the park, and I run as fast as I can to not lose sight of her.

***

"Wait!" I call out after finally catching up with her. She turns to face me and I catch my breath. I'm exhausted from all that running. It takes me a while to catch my breath but once I do, I straighten up. Curiosity gets the better of me. I need to make sure I heard correctly.

"You're Scarlet King? The daughter of Silas King?"

"Don't say his name!" She spits out as soon as her father's name is mentioned.

"Is that why you're so sad? Are you still feeling sad about your father's death? I'm sorry to hear that, by the way. I can't imagine what it feels like to lose a parent." She lets out a sarcastic laugh and mutters something under her breath that I can just about make out.

"He was never a father to me. That bastard deserved what he got,"

Her eyes are now gleaming with anger. I have the impression they turned red.

The atmosphere becomes incredibly colder.

"Y-your eyes..." She closes them for a few seconds, before opening them. They look black again. Was it my imagination, or did her eyes really turn red?

"Why did you not want me to know who you really are?" She thinks, choosing her words carefully, before replying.

"I think it's pretty self-explanatory. I'm sure you've heard of the reputation I have. You're gonna start behaving like all the others do around me." She continues to glare at me. I start to doubt her words. She didn't seem like her reputation had stated. Sure, she had choked me in front of everyone, but other than that, she seemed quiet as well as nervous. She glares at me for a bit longer, then turns to walk away. I then run after her and block her path.

"Wait! Can we still be friends?" I don't know why I'm asking this. I should wary of her.

"You wouldn't want to be friends with someone like me. I would only cause you trouble. Just go, make other friends, and enjoy a life of peace." And with that, she dashes off. Her silhouette gets lost in the trees.

I stand there, thinking about what happened. Was I really trying to befriend Scarlet King? I'm amazed I ate lunch with her! The press and paparazzi say it's hard to talk to her as she never goes out.

I think about her behaviour earlier. Was she covering her face to hide from the public? I think about how hard it must be for her to be famous. She must have to deal with loads of questions, cameras in her face, people gossiping about her - good or bad. Above all, she has to deal with numerous questions about her father. After his death, I've seen news report after news report of people asking about Silas. Scarlet didn't answer them, she just brushed them off.

I don't understand how I didn't recognise her. My parents occasionally watched the news and I had seen her on TV multiple times. I shiver as I remember seeing both her and her father on TV. They both looked really intimidating - especially her father.

I take deep breaths to calm myself down, then head back to my dorm. I don't see anyone on the way there. As soon as I get inside I flop on the sofa and think about what happened today.

SCARLET'S POV

I continue to wander around the park until I reach the forest. I blindly walk as my mind is racing. What's gonna happen in school now? Will he try to hang out with me? Or will he forget about me? A part of me wants him to forget, to hope he just leaves me alone. But another part of me wants him to not forget, to still try to be my friend. Why am I feeling like this? Usually, I hate people and want them to just leave me alone. What in the fuck is so special about Adam? Is it the fact that he didn't find me boring, how he was concerned about me, or his persistence in wanting to be my friend? I then stop and punch a tree. It shakes violently under the force of my punch.

'Stupid feelings! Always getting in the goddamn way!' I take out a cigarette and begin to smoke. I lean against a tree and stare at the sky. I'm so pissed that he found out who I was. It's going to make things more complicated, and I don't need unnecessary drama added to all of my life problems. Just thinking about everything stresses me out as it is.

The sound of my phone alerts me, and I take it out to check the notification. It's a message from Viktor. I unlock the phone and open our chats.

'Hey. Do you have any books on demons I can borrow? I'm supposed to be teaching the demon Anna how to control her powers.'

'Yes. I can come by to your place and give you some, and I can also give you info on demons.'

'That sounds fine. I'll see you later.' I stay in the forest until I've finished smoking my cigarette. I don't want to go back to my dorm as I'll run the risk of seeing Adam. I decide to go to the supernatural library my family own.

I chuck my cigarette on the floor, stand on it to put the fire out, then make my way to the library. As usual, my hands are in my pockets. The library contains a vast amount of books about all sorts of creatures and important events in supernatural history. There are books about famous battles - in all of these my ancestors were involved. There are also books on important figures. In the recent ones, me and Silas are in them. It is weird when I'm reading a book then all of a sudden see my face in there. And when I see Silas in them, I drop the book in fright and run away like it's a spider.

I approach the building and enter. It looks abandoned on the outside to avoid humans coming near. The inside however, is amazing. The atmosphere is very welcoming and it's easy to navigate your way around. Of course, when I enter, everyone tenses. They look at me warily. I ignore them and go straight to the section on demons. I run my fingers over the many books, trying to find the perfect ones for beginners.

"Miss King, it's a pleasure to have you here. I trust your uncles are doing well?" The manager bows. I find it annoying when creatures do that to someone more powerful than them. It makes me feel arrogant.

"Yeah, they're fine." Is all I reply and carry on searching.

"Allow me to assist you. What is it you seek?"

"It's fine. I think I've found some." I take a couple of books and show them to her. She nods her head then I leave. Because my uncles are the owners I don't need to use a library card to borrow books.

I ring the doorbell to Viktor's house. He answers the door and we greet each other before he invites me inside. We both sit down on the sofa. I hand him the books and he flicks through them before thanking me. I let out a tired sigh and throw myself back, slouching.

"What's the matter? You seem pissed." I explain to him everything that happened today. He's shocked that I actually went with Adam. I understand, I am too. I explain to him the time in the diner, and in the park. I feel angry again as I talk about Adam finding out who I am.

I let Viktor take in what I've said. He stares into space, thinking before he speaks.

"So he still wants to be friends with you?"

"I'm not sure,"

"If he does, then that's a good thing. That means he's not afraid of you,"

"Yeah..."

"But?"

"But I'm not ready to make new friends. Especially with someone like him. He's a human, he also seems happy. I don't want to bring my darkness onto him. I don't want to drag him into my world. Can you imagine someone like him facing off against all the big and powerful creatures?"

"You're overthinking too much. You'll just be friends, you'll keep each other company, talk, hang out and that. You won't be dragging him into your world,"

"But..."

"Come on, just give him a chance. Now that he knows who you are, let's see how he'll be like." I fall silent, "You won't be alone in this. I'll help you,"

"Thanks,"

"Don't mention it,"

"Gosh, you sounded like my grandfather. He said the same thing to me yesterday,"

"He's right. How is he, by the way?"

"He's good. He was asking about you, you know,"

"He was?"

"Yeah. He wanted to know how you were... ya know... handling your werewolf,"

"It's getting harder to contain. Especially with the full moon coming soon,"

I slam my hand on the armrest, "Ugh! I wish I could do something to help you!" It's not fair having you turn into a wolf every month!"

"I know." I look up at him. His dark blue eyes are filled with worry. It fuels my anger even more. I've had no success in trying to find a cure. It fills me with rage thinking that the damage done to him is irreversible. He doesn't deserve this! He's a good guy!

"It's alright. I can handle it," Viktor says in a gentle yet worried voice.

"That doesn't mean I can't worry!" He gives me a tired smile. I stare into space, thinking deep and hard about something - anything - that can return a werewolf to its human state and reverse the effects of the curse. In order to become a werewolf, on the full moon when one has turned they need to bite someone and inject their venom into the victim. Viktor had the misfortune of encountering that. I can tell that night haunts him. I'm not surprised - the wolf killed his mother. Viktor and his mother had a really close relationship. I saw it for myself before life decided to be nasty to both of us and separate us from our mother's, in different ways. Though mine happened a week earlier or something. I can't really remember, it's just a blur of pain.

***

The next day at uni, I stand in the field for sports class. I end up zoning out - as per usual. My conversation with Viktor comes to mind. Should I give Adam a chance? I mean, he didn't find me boring, he found me funny and wanted to be my friend. I guess I could see if he sees past the cold and angry person that I am.

A ball smacks me square in the face causing me to step back, almost falling. I hear some people laughing, and some frightened gasps. I look around to find the person who threw that. His buddies are frightened and are telling him to apologise, but he refuses.

"She thinks she can do whatever she wants! She's just a loser! She deserved that hit!" He yells. The other students begin to whisper. One dumbass follows his lead and throws a ball behind me. Little does she know, I can sense her actions. I casually turn around and catch the ball before it hits me. The girl looks frightened. I throw the ball smack in her face and she falls over. I grab a ball lying up my feet and face the other guy who threw one at my face. I smirk at him and throw the ball up in the air and catch it. He gulps, trying to be brave. I give him a wink which makes him all the more frightened, before throwing the ball in his face. He also falls back. I'm not in the mood for this shit today. The demon is bothering me, so I'm listening to her to shut her up. I walk away nonchalantly with my hands in my pockets, making sure to stand on the guy's stomach.

"Imagine what Silas would say about your behaviour," he mumbles. I charge to him and grab his shirt. I lift him up with one hand.

"Don't you DARE say his name!" I throw a punch in his face, blinded by anger. I keep doing that then his buddies try to stop me. I beat them up as well. Once they're all on the floor, I beat them up one last time before staring down at them.

"Pathetic humans!" I spit.

"Scarlet! You're disqualified! Report to the dean's office now!" I shrug my shoulders then sit on the benches. The teacher tries to intimidate me, but I intimidate her. She looks away, nervous. I smirk to myself. It feels satisfying knowing all the teachers are somewhat afraid of me. Some are more afraid than others. Some hide it well and some don't.

I sense someone's presence and they sit near me.

"Tch!" I don't bother hiding my annoyance or look in their direction. I sense who it is, then feel nervous. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to act. I just sit there and see if he does something.

ADAM'S POV

I sit near Scarlet, unsure of whether to sit next to her or not. She did just single-handedly beat up a group of guys. Her skills were amazing, but it was wrong to harm them like that.

I decide to risk it and sit next to her. I hope to get her to realise that she can't be so casual about that. As soon as my butt hits the seat next to hers, I feel intimidated. There's this dark aura emanating from her. She's slouching on the bench, hands in pockets. She's not even wearing the right sports uniform - she's wearing all black. I am confused about how she doesn't get warm when all her skin is covered. And it's tight, which makes it look even warmer.

"Is there a reason for your presence?" She asks, breaking the silence.

"Uhh... I... You looked awesome fighting there. B-but you shouldn't really do that." She frowns at me and I feel even more nervous. I look away but she doesn't take her eyes off me.

"Did you sit here just to lecture me?"

"Wha- No! I-I just wanted to see how you were. They mentioned your father, and it seems like a sore topic." She doesn't answer but continues to glare at me, "You probably miss him, right? You must've been close,"

The atmosphere turns even colder. Scarlet narrows her eyes at me and chills run down my spine. I have the impression that her eyes turn a shade of red again. Is it just my imagination, or is it real?! She grabs my shirt and pulls me towards her. She slowly moves her face towards my ear. More shivers run down my spine as I feel her cold breath against my skin. She whispers in a low, threatening voice, "You don't get it, do you?"

"G-get what?"

"You said so yourself, the topic of that cunt is a sore topic, yet you continue to blabber on about it. I'll say this once. If you ever dare mention that prick one more time, I'll rip your tongue out with my bare hands and eat it right in front of your face,"

"Woah! There's no need to do that! Also, why are you calling him names? I don't wanna sound rude but it's kinda disrespectful to the dead, so I wouldn't do that,"

She grabs my face with her hand and grips it tightly. She's now glaring right into my eyes, and I can't look away.

"You don't tell me what I can and can't do. I'll call him whatever I want to, you got that?" She says in a low, threatening voice. Before I can answer, she pushes me off the bench.

"Wanker," Scarlet spits out darkly before sadness fills her eyes. I get up and sit further away from her. Isabel runs up to her looking furious.

"Scarlet, that's enough! How many times have I told you not to beat people up?! The students are not your punching bags!"

"Then what else are they for?" Her calm demeanour amazes me. How does she not see that as a problem?

"They're your classmates! They're here to learn, not to be a victim of your anger!"

"Shut up Isabel! I'm not a child, you know! Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you get to boss me around! Everyone deserves what they got. You shouldn't feel sorry for them. They're just humans! You're way above them!"

Isabel lets out a heavy sigh. She is right - Scarlet shouldn't be doing something like this and referring to them as humans. I mean, she's a human too, so she's basically insulting herself. Scarlet stands up and walks away angrily. I'm confused by her behaviour. Why is she acting like this? Or, did she always act like this?

RACHEL'S POV

I lay on the floor, trying to catch my breath. My head is killing me. I tried to block my mind from him. Tried to stop him from using his powers. My attempts were useless. He's way too powerful for me. I wish I had enough power to take him on and run away from him. He strokes my cheek with his thumb and I feel even worse. He looked into my mind. He found out everything that happened between me and Scarlet when we reunited. He knows how traumatised she is. He knows certain things that trigger her. He knows how to get to her.

"Cheer up, Rachel. It had to be done," his cold, sick voice gives me the shivers. Of course, his mind intrusion had to be painful. Everything he does to me is painful. I try to move away from him but my body is too weak. He notices my struggle and helps me sit up. It feels like there is a weight on my head. It hurts so bad. I clutch my head in pain and end up falling back down.

"Aagh! What have you done to me!" I yell out in pain. He places himself on top of me and whispers in my ear.

"I like it when you moan." He kisses my cheek.

"G-get off of me... agh!" I struggle to suppress the moans of pain. I shut my eyes and hope it all goes away.

"Yes, that's it. Keep doing that,"

I summon all the strength I have in me to roll away from him. I slam my hand on the stool and push myself up. I dash out of the bedroom and stumble into the hall. I almost faint when I see staircases I have to climb down. I grab onto the bannister as tight as I can and carefully walk down the stairs, making sure not to trip.

I stagger into the kitchen and search the kitchen cupboards for painkillers. He doesn't need medicine, so the only reason we have it is so I won't fall ill. He needs me alive, and I do not plan on giving up. I grab the painkillers, rip a couple out and shove them in my mouth. I rush to the sink, grab a cup and fill it with water. I guzzle the cool water down, swallowing the painkillers.

He enters the kitchen and I throw my glass in his face before running away. I run in the hall and to the front door. I open it, but can't seem to get out. I try to resist the mind compulsion. I need to get out. I need to see my daughter. I need to alert her. I need to make sure she's doing okay.

I stare at the door. I can't seem to get my legs to walk forward. It's like they've forgotten how. A hand grabs my wrist and spins me around. Of course, he doesn't have a single scratch on his face after I threw a glass at him. I panic, afraid he is going to punish me for trying to escape. He shuts the door. I start shaking. Tears well up in the corner of my eyes. I was so close, yet so far.

I hide my face from him as the tears begin to leak. I don't want him to see me weak. He pulls me to him, and I try to push him away. He wipes away my tears. He presses his fingers against the bite wound on my neck. I moan in pain and clutch it. He chuckles. I realise that he's going to do more if he really wants to hear me in pain.

SCARLET'S POV

I'm laying there in bed. I can't stop thinking about my mother. I hold onto my teddy tighter and tighter. I keep overthinking everything. What if she's dead? What if she wants nothing to do with me? I start to feel the tears well up in my eyes. Looks like I'm going to have yet another sleepless night.

After ages of tossing and turning, I get up from bed and look outside the window, before deciding to take a walk. I get dressed and leave the dorm.

As I walk on the streets, the cool night air breezes against my face. The streets are dark and empty, dimly lit by the street lights. The night is silent. Just the way I like it. I can sense the presence of some supernatural creatures here and there, but nothing to worry about. It feels good walking down the street with no one there. I don't have to worry about people gossiping, the paparazzi, getting anxious - anything. I allow myself to zone out and enjoy the tranquillity. I always go on walks in the middle of the night. I'm used to not getting sleep. I basically look like a zombie with the eye bags.

I end up thinking about what happened today. I feel irritated again as I think of those guys. Why did that guy have to open his mouth and mention Silas? Why does everyone have to mention Silas? Now Adam has joined in. It pisses me off so much.

Wanting to dispel my anger, I find my feet taking me to one of the supernatural clubs we own. The only reason I go there is to smoke and distract myself. The music is alright, but the people are annoying. The only decent person is the bartender. I sometimes chat with him. He's also a demon, which makes it even better.

Once I hear the subtle sounds of music, I know I'm near the club. I walk a bit further and find myself outside. It's quite busy tonight. As always, I skip the queue and go straight in. And as always, nobody says anything. Some back away, intimidated, and some are fuming but don't say anything.

I am blinded by light and deafened by music as I walk through the door. I need a good distraction, so I decide to sit at the main bar area. The bartender - Joe - greets me and I nod my head at him. I take out a cigarette and smoke. I drum my fingers on the table to the beat of the music. Me and Joe start to chat. He knows I don't drink alcohol, so he doesn't offer me any.

I turn my head around at the sound of punches. A fight has broken out between two supernatural beings. This is normal. People usually fight, and others bet on who they think is going to win. I watch with enthusiasm. These are so interesting. I usually compete in these fights when I'm feeling depressed or highly pissed off. Or if I'm bored.

I stub my cigarette out on the ashtray Joe had lent me, then head up to compete in a fight. I reach the crowd and see a guy standing in the middle, flexing to the crowd. Looks like he has been winning. I use my sensing powers to study him. He's a powerful werewolf. I am startled - werewolves are hard to come by. They tend to stay hidden as they are hunted. Other creatures don't want to run the risk of getting bitten by a wolf so have taken to hunting them down.

I use my telekinesis to make a gap in the crowd and walk towards the guy. The crowd gasps then cheers even louder. They know it's going to get interesting. The guy flexes his muscles at me. I stand there completely unfazed. The "referee" tells us to get into position. The guy gets into a fancy position, whereas I just stand there, hands in pockets. The ref counts down, and the guy charges at me. Before his fist reaches my face I grab it and bend his hand back. He hides the pain and tries to punch with his other hand. I grab onto that, pull him forward then kick him in the stomach.

I don't even need to use a lot of strength to take this guy down. In fact, I barely move an inch. The crowd is cheering for me and I stand there. I take on a couple more creatures. When I see the sun rising I decide to get back to my dorm. I need to get ready for school.

***

I'm sitting in the library, reading a book. I've got earphones in to block out the noise of the outside world. I'm listening to a sombre piano track. It goes well with what I'm reading.

I feel someone sit at the seat across from me and I get the urge to whack the book across their head.

"Hey, Scarlet. Can I talk to you for a minute?"