Unspoken Words

The grand dining hall was alive with the usual morning bustle of students chattering and utensils clinking against plates. Long wooden tables stretched across the room, and a warm glow from the enchanted chandeliers overhead softened the chilly autumn air seeping through the stone walls. Yet, for Sara, William, Sean, and Kira, the lively atmosphere did little to quell the worry gnawing at their thoughts.

Sara poked at her plate of eggs absently, her eyes flitting to the doorway every few seconds. “He still hasn’t shown up,” she murmured, her voice barely audible over the din.

William, sitting across from her, glanced at the door as well, his expression grim. “I don’t get it. If he came back last night, someone would’ve seen him. Right?”

Sean, leaning back in his chair, crossed his arms. “Maybe he’s hiding out. Can you blame him after... everything?”

Kira, sitting at the edge of the group, remained quiet. Her usually confident demeanor was overshadowed by a pensive frown. She had overheard fragments of conversations between the professors the night before, whispers about Alex’s outburst and what it might mean. It didn’t sit right with her.

“I just don’t like this,” Sara said, breaking the silence. “We should’ve gone looking for him.”

“And risk getting caught?” Sean shot back. “He’s probably fine. They wouldn’t just... you know...”

“Don’t say it,” Sara interrupted sharply, her fork clattering against her plate. Her glare was enough to make Sean hold his tongue.

William sighed, rubbing his temples. “Look, let’s not jump to conclusions. Maybe he’s—”

The hall’s doors creaked open, and the low murmur of conversation around the room faltered. Heads turned as the pack entered, their presence always commanding attention.

Tanaka Hatake, the Alpha, led the group. His tall, imposing figure was matched by an air of authority that demanded respect. The pack trailed behind him, their steps slower than usual, their faces drawn with exhaustion. It was clear they were still recovering from the previous night’s full moon.

“They look... different,” Sara whispered.

“Tired,” Sean corrected, narrowing his eyes. “But why? They should be fine by now.”

The pack moved toward their usual table at the far end of the hall, their presence cutting through the air like a blade. But as they passed the group’s table, Tanaka suddenly paused.

His golden eyes glowed faintly, flickering like embers as they locked onto the group. For a brief moment, the room seemed to still. Sara froze under his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. Sean’s hand twitched as if ready to defend himself, while William stiffened, his jaw tightening.

Kira, however, didn’t flinch. She met Tanaka’s gaze head-on, her sharp eyes watching his every movement.

The Alpha’s expression was unreadable, but there was recognition in his eyes—a flicker of something unspoken. He glanced at each of them in turn before finally stepping away and continuing toward his table. The tension in the air eased as he sat, but the unease lingered like a shadow.

“What... was that about?” Sara whispered, her voice trembling.

Sean shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite the faint sheen of sweat on his forehead. “Maybe he remembers something from last night.”

“Do you think he knows?” William asked, his voice low.

“I don’t know,” Kira said quietly, her tone laced with uncertainty. “But that look wasn’t random.”

Before they could dwell on it further, the hall’s doors opened again, and this time, Alex walked in.

Sara gasped softly, her relief palpable. “Alex!”

He looked different—not just tired but... distant. His usually disheveled hair was slightly damp as if he had just showered, and there was a stiffness in his movements. He scanned the room briefly before spotting them and making his way over.

“Where have you been?” Sara asked as soon as he sat down, her worry spilling out in a rush. “We’ve been worried sick! Why didn’t you come back last night? Are you okay? What happened—”

“Relax,” Alex said, raising a hand to stop her. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. “I’m fine. I just... needed some space.”

“Space?” Sean repeated, incredulous. “You disappear after—” He stopped himself, glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “After last night, and all you have to say is you needed space?”

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Look, I get it. You’re worried. But I’m okay. Really.”

William leaned forward, his brows furrowed. “Alex, we just want to understand. What happened out there?”

Alex hesitated, his gaze dropping to the table. “I don’t remember much,” he admitted. “It’s all... blurry. One minute, we were surrounded, and the next...” He trailed off, shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter. I’m fine now.”

“Doesn’t matter?” Sara repeated, her voice rising slightly. “Alex, you—”

“Let it go, Sara,” Alex interrupted, his tone firm. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

The table fell silent. Sara looked hurt, but she didn’t press further. William exchanged a glance with Sean, who merely shrugged, clearly annoyed.

Kira, who had been quiet the entire time, studied Alex intently. She wasn’t convinced. She had heard enough the night before to know that something was deeply wrong. And now, looking at him, she could see it—the way he avoided their eyes, the tension in his shoulders, the shadow of something haunting him.

“Fine,” Kira said finally, her tone neutral. “If you don’t want to talk about it, we won’t force you.”

Alex glanced at her, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks.”

But as the others turned their attention back to their plates, Kira kept her gaze on Alex, her thoughts swirling. She didn’t trust his answers—or his silence. Whatever had happened last night, it wasn’t over. And she had a sinking feeling that it was only the beginning.