(Akilah's pov)
I thought having the day off would mean, I would get to relax, sleep another 12 hours, and maybe get a hit of chocolate to be the highlight of my day but life always had its way of making me miserable.
I dragged myself through the academy's café with exhaustion written across every inch of my face. My hair was tied into a messy knot, my eyes felt heavy, and every muscle in my body seemed determined to remind me that I had spent the previous day running through a forest, nearly drowning, fighting a Siren spirit, and somehow surviving long enough to make it back to Veyloria Academy before the other teams.
The café was already crowded. Students occupied almost every table, their voices blending into one constant hum.
I spotted Nadira almost immediately.
She was sitting beside Eria near the large windows overlooking the academy courtyard. The moment she saw me, her face lit up.
"Akilah!"
Several heads turned.
I considered pretending I hadn't heard her.
Unfortunately, Nadira knew me too well.
"Don't you dare ignore me!"
I sighed and walked over to the counter.
I ordered a hot chocolate and an oatmeal biscuit before turning around.
As I walked toward my friends, I noticed a group of girls sitting near the entrance. They were some of the girls who had also been on the mission as well.
"Hey, Akilah!"
I stopped.
Me?
I looked behind myself.
There was no one there.
When I realized they were actually talking to me, I awkwardly lifted my hand.
"Hi."
They smiled.
I continued walking, trying not to look as confused. A few days ago I would have received disgusted looks and growls but all of a sudden I get hellos. Weird.
I slid into the seat opposite Nadira and Eria.
"There she is," Nadira said dramatically.
"The woman of the hour."
I groaned.
"Please don't."
Eria laughed.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like I got hit by a car."
"That's fair."
Nadira leaned across the table.
"So?"
"So what?"
"The challenge."
I stared at her.
"You know what happened."
"I heard things."
She lowered her voice.
"I heard you were on Kael's team."
I took a long breath.
"Of course you did."
"How was that?"
"Terrible."
Eria laughed.
Nadira looked delighted.
"I knew it."
I took a sip of my hot chocolate when it finally arrived, allowing the warmth to settle into my stomach.
God was it delicious.
"Well spill, we want to know everything," Eria said.
I told them everything. Well…almost everything.
I explained the forest, the pendant, the memories, the river, and how I had eventually managed to break the spell.
I left out the Moon Goddess.
I left out Vespera.
Nobody knew what Vespera truly was.
Not even Nadira. Being bullied a lot when I was younge thought me to kinda close off, and the fact that my father told me not to let anyone know what I truly am. In high school it got better and I somehow became popular.
When I finished, both girls were staring at me.
"You fought a Siren spirit underwater?" Eria asked.
"Yep," I said taking a sip of my hot chocolate again.
Nadira shook her head."You're insane why didn't you just let Kael do it? He wouldn't have been missed if something happened to him. You could have gotten seriously hurt."
"First of all, I can take care of myself and secondly I wanted to contribute to something," I stated.
"I know you can but still." She smiled "First team back on your first try is amazing."
I couldn't help smiling.
"Yeah."
Then someone pulled out the chair beside me.
"Hey, girls."
I turned.
A girl with curly red hair sat beside me.
I stared at her.
She was stunning.
Her curls framed her face perfectly, and her bright blue eyes seemed almost impossible against her warm complexion.
She smiled at Nadira and Eria before turning toward me.
"You must be Akilah." She said extending a hand.
I hesitated before shaking it.
"Yeah."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
I looked at Nadira then Eria, waiting for an explanation.
I raised an eyebrow.
Nadira finally laughed.
"Akilah, this is Vanessa."
Vanessa smiled.
"We met in history class."Eria nodded.
"We kind of ended up together for most of yesterday."
Vanessa shrugged. "She's stuck with me now."
"Unfortunately," Eria joked.
"Vanessa over here, is actually an alpha's daughter," Eria stated.
"Oh," I said.
"It's nothing special. My father may be the leader of our pack but we still follow under the king." She said.
"Most of the students here are technically werewolves." Nadira jumped in as she pointed around the café.
"But we're not all the same."
I listened carefully.
"The Lycans are at the top of the hierarchy," she continued. "They live in the city beneath the kingdom. Werewolves like us live in packs scattered throughout Lycarian territory."
"Think of it like the social rank back home," Eria said
pointed toward the window. "For example…"
I followed her finger.
Outside stood Kael, Darien, Seraphina, Taylor, and several other students.
"They're nobility," Eria said.
"Lycans."
"Because of their bloodlines, they can basically get away with anything."
"I always disliked them, especially Seraphina. The school's queen B," Vanessa said.
Nadira snorted.
I barely heard her.
My eyes had already settled on Kael.
He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking as arrogant and untouchable as ever.
Seraphina stood beside him.
Her arm brushed his.
Something unpleasant twisted inside my stomach.
I immediately looked away taking a sip of my drink.
"What's it like living in a pack?" I asked Vanessa.
"I'm from the northern packs."
"Nothing fancy."
"That's probably why I like it here."
We continued talking for several minutes until Eria suddenly turned toward Vanessa.
"How's your essay?"
Vanessa groaned.
"Don't remind me."
"Have you chosen a topic yet?"
"Yes actually, it's about The Moon Goddess."
My hand froze around my cup.
The Moon Goddess.
The words immediately caught my attention.
"Do you know anything about her?" I tried to sound casual taking a sip of my drink.
All three faces turned to me.
I blinked.
"What?"
Nadira narrowed her eyes."Since when are you interested in the Moon Goddess?"
"I'm not."
"You literally just asked."
"I'm trying to become knowledgeable."
Nadira stared at me.
"Uh-huh."
I ignored her.
Vanessa smiled. "There are actually a lot of books about her."
"Where?"
"The old library."
My heart jumped.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"There's an entire section." I smiled."Thanks."
Nadira frowned."Why are you suddenly so interested?"
"I told you."
"I'm trying to learn."
I finished the last of my hot chocolate and grabbed my biscuit.
"I'll catch up with you later."
"Where are you going?"
"I have something to do."
"Akilah—"
"Later!"
I stood before she could interrogate me.
I was halfway toward the exit when someone stepped into my path.
Taylor.
"Morning."He smiled.
I smiled back."Morning."
He reached over and ruffled my carefully arranged hair.
I slapped his hand away.
"Don't."
He laughed.
"You look exhausted."
"I am."
"Coming to the costume party tonight?"
I stared at him.
"What costume party?"
His eyebrows rose.
"You don't know?"
"No."
Nadira appeared behind me.
"That's because she ran off before we could tell her."
Taylor looked amused.
"I'll see you there then."
He leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek before walking away.
I froze.
Nadira made a sound somewhere between a squeal and a gasp.
"Ooooooh."
I wiped my cheek.
"Don't."
"You like him."
"We're friends."
"Of course you are."
I pointed at her which only caused her to grin.
I shook my head and continued toward the library.
As I passed the table outside the café, Darien noticed me.
"Akilah!"
I waved.
"Hey."
Kael looked up.
His eyes met mine.
Cold.
Unreadable.
I held his stare for half a second before looking away. Seraphina was sitting right next to him arm linked with his. She looked at me before looking back at Kael, pulling his face to look at her.
I rolled my eyes before continuing my journey to the library.
The old library smelled like dust, leather, and mold.
I approached the receptionist.
"Excuse me."
"Yes?" She replied without looking up.
"Could you tell me where I can find books about the Moon Goddess?"
She finally looked at me.
"Have you checked the shelves?"
"No."
I smiled politely.
"I was hoping you could tell me which section—"
"You should go look."
I blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
"You have eyes."
Her expression remained completely flat.
"You can use them."
I stared at her.
"Right."
She returned to whatever she had been reading.
I turned away slowly.
"Helpful," I muttered.
I walked through aisle after aisle until I finally found a small section marked LUNAR DEITIES & ANCIENT MYTHOLOGY
I started looking for books that could be helpful. A huge silver book sat at the end of the shelf. Pulling it out, the cover had a picture of the moon on it.
I walked to a nearby table, dropping it onto the wooden surface creating a loud thud.
A few students looked over.
"Shhh!"
I immediately lowered my voice.
"Sorry."
I sat down and opened the book. I read through the pages I found absolutely nothing that would explain my situation with Vee's connection to the moon goddess. All I could find was the moon goddess's creation of the first wolves.
Nothing about being able to summon her, nothing about her being able to connect with a child of the sun.
Hours passed.
The light outside changed.
I turned another page.
Nothing.
I closed the book.
"Dead end."
I leaned back and checked my holo-screen.
A message from Nadira appeared.
Where are you???
Another followed.
You need to get ready.
Then:
I have a surprise for you.
I groaned.
That sentence had never ended well.
I packed the book away and left the library.
On my way back to my room, one thought kept returning.
Would Kael be at the party?
Obviously.
Taylor was going.
Darien would probably be there.
Which meant Kael would almost certainly attend.
And if Seraphina was going…
I sighed.
Why did I even care? This situation of ours will soon blow over and it would be like none of these ever happened.
So why did seeing him with Seraphina still hurt?
I reached my door.
The moment I opened it—
"FINALLY!"
I jumped.
"Nadira!"
She stood beside my bed grinning.
I clutched my chest."How did you get in?"
"Pick-locked the door." She shrugged
"You what?"
She ignored me. "The party starts soon!"
It was then I noticed her outfit. A white bunny costume.
White ears, a fluffy tail, white corset bodysuit, white stockings, glass heels. She looked incredible which only grew my suspiciousness on what her surprise was.
She smiled. "I have something for you."
"No."
"You haven't even seen it."
"I know you."
She grabbed an outfit from my bed and threw it at me.
I barely caught it before looking down at the light fabric in my hand.
My eyes opened wide with shock. I looked at her.
"No."
"Please."
"No."
"Akilah."
"No."
"Please."
"No."
"You'll look amazing."
"I don't care."
"Please?"
"No. Absolutely not…"
———————————-
An hour had passed and I was now being dragged through the academy grounds wearing the exact costume I had sworn I would never put on.
"Walk faster!"
"Nadira!"
"I told Eria and Vanessa we'd meet them an hour ago!"
"I told you I wasn't wearing this!"
"And yet…"
She looked me up and down.
"…you're wearing it."
I tugged at the hem.
"I feel exposed."
"You look amazing."
"Everything is on display."
"Stop pulling it down!"
I glared at her.
She laughed.
The forest opened into a clearing where a large lake house stood surrounded by students.
Music blasted through the trees.
Lights flashed through the windows.
Students in costumes crowded the entrance.
Nadira immediately spotted Eria and Vanessa.
"There!"
They hurried toward us.
Both were wearing matching peanut-butter-and-jelly costumes.
"That's actually adorable." Nadira cooed at them.
Both Vanessa and Eria grinned.
"Thank you." They said in unison.
I glanced down at myself.
I should have worn a sandwich costume.
I would've been comfortable.
We entered the house.
Music shook the floor.
Students danced everywhere.
Others crowded around tables.
Some were laughing.
Others were making out in corners.
Eria looked around.
"Whose house is this?"
"It used to belong to the king during his schooling days. Apparently, he didn't want to live in the school's dormitory so he had this built." Vanessa shrugged. "He doesn't use it anymore so students sneak here from time to time."
Nadira grabbed both their hands.
"Enough talking."
"Let's dance."
She pulled them toward the crowd.
I laughed and followed.
For a while…
I forgot everything.
The challenge.
The pendant.
The Moon Goddess.
Kael.
Everything.
Then someone tapped my shoulder.
I turned.
Taylor.
His eyes widened slightly.
"You actually came."
"I was kidnapped."
He laughed.
"You look stunning."
Before I could answer, Darien appeared behind him.
He threw an arm around my shoulders.
"I didn't know a cat could get this fly."
I giggled.
"I try."
Nadira appeared beside me.
"It's my work."
Taylor laughed.
Darien smiled.
"Well, good job."
I introduced Nadira to them. We were talking for a while before a boy tapped Darien's shoulder.
"Kael's here."
The laughter disappeared from my face.
Everyone looked toward the entrance.
Kael walked inside. With Seraphina right beside him.
My chest tightened.
It wasn't like he was mine. He didn't want me. He had said so. He could be with whoever he wanted to be with. Yet somehow…seeing them together hurt.
I turned away.
"I need something to drink."
I walked toward the refreshments table before anyone could stop me.
I grabbed a bottle of water and drank half of it in one go. My body then jerked forward as someone bumped into me causing me to spill the remaining water onto my outfit.
"Oops."
I froze.
I knew that voice.
I slowly turned.
Seraphina stood there.
Her friends behind her.
She smiled."Well, don't you look cute." Her eyes traveled over my costume.
"Playing nurse, are we?"
I stepped aside.
"Excuse me."
Her friends moved into my path.
I turned back.
"What do you want?"
"I heard you were teamed up with Kael."
"We were for the mission," I replied already irritated.
"Ohhh it was for the challenge. Well, that's good," she smiled.
"Because that means you can understand what about to say." Her voice remained sweet.
"Kael is mine."
My eyebrows rose.
"You should know your place."
"Know my place, what is this high school," I said.
Her smile disappeared.
"I don't like you."
She leaned closer. "You and your friends made a mistake coming here."
Her voice dropped.
"And if you want their lives to remain peaceful…" Her voice dropped. "…stay away from Kael."
She straightened herself, a smile of victory written on her face as she walked past me.
I stood there silently.
"Unbelievable."
I looked down at my wet costume.
I needed somewhere quiet away from this madness.
I pushed through the crowd and headed upstairs. Searching through several rooms trying to find the bathroom.
Finally finding it. I opened the door without knocking not expecting anyone inside. As soon as I got in I heard shuffling realizing someone was actually using the bathroom.
Embarrassed I quickly turned away. Through the reflection of the mirror, I saw Kael.
A collection of pills sat on the counter. His hand moved quickly as he tried to hide them.
I turned around to look at him.
"What are those?"
"None of your business."
He reached for them.
I grabbed one first.
He immediately took it from my fingers.
"Mind your own business, Akilah."
He tried to walk past.
I caught his arm.
"Is something wrong?"
His eyes darkened.
He stepped toward me.
I took a step backward until my back touched the counter.
Kael planted one hand beside me.
Then the other. Trapping me between him and the counter.
His face was inches from mine.
"Don't tell anyone what you saw."
I swallowed.
"What exactly did I see?"
His jaw tightened.
"If it's nothing bad, then you would be worried about me telling anyone, right," I said.
A quiet laugh escaped him.
I froze.
I'd never heard him laugh before. It was softer than I expected. Almost warm.
I shook my head. Why did I think that sounded sweet?
Kael narrowed his eyes. "You really love testing me."
I lifted my chin.
"Maybe I do."
We stared at each other. Neither of us moving. Just lost in each other's gaze.
Then his fingers slipped beneath my chin.
He gently tilted my face upward.
My heart slammed against my ribs.
His eyes searched mine.
"Then maybe…"
His voice dropped.
"…you should learn what happens when you push me too far."
I could feel his hot breath near my lips. I found myself looking down at his lips before looking back up to meet his gaze.
He leaned closer and this time he didn't stop. He closed the distance between us, crashing his lips against mine. I could feel his hunger from the kiss. Like he had been holding himself back.
One of his hands moved to grab my waist pulling me even closer to him. His hand rubbed my waist gently causing me to gasp in his mouth. He took it as an advantage to slide his touge in.
My grip on his jacket tightened, giving him the signal to continue. He broke the kiss and left wet kisses down my jawline until he reached my neck sucking gently.
I found myself melting at his touch. It's like my mind was clouded. I couldn't think straight. Every single kiss he left affected my breathing.
"Do you want me to stop," he asked.
No being able to form words I shook my head because I didn't want him to stop I wanted more.
Kael hummed as he moved his lips to my ear. "Use your words kitten," he said softly.
"No," I managed to let out. Each touch sent a wave of warmth throughout my body. The tension between my legs was building up.
With that, Kael picked me up, placing me onto the counter, standing right between my legs.
My heart pounded loudly at this new position and I was sure he could hear it too. His hand slid from my waist moving to my inner thigh. I released a soft gasp beginning to feel overwhelmed.
His hand inched upward, sliding underneath my already short dress. I closed my legs together which caused him to forcefully part them open. "Don't close them," he demanded.
My pulse quickened as I felt completely exposed.
His hand reached the thin fabric covering my honey pot. Kaels fingers slid up and down my already wet thong.
My back arched into his hand, a soft whimper escaping my lips.
He chuckled a little, "I believe I could make you cum in a minute judging by how wet you already feel."
"It feels good doesn't it," he whispered his finger his fingers continuing to torture the already tender spot.
I nodded unable to form words.
His fingers shifted the fabric to the side. A cold breeze blew against my now exposed area causing me to throw my head back a bit. I could now feel his bare fingers rubbing against my pussy.
"Do you want me to slide it inside," he asked but I still couldn't respond. All I could do was moan in pleasure.
Kael took it as an invitation as I felt his finger slide inside me. A broken moan came out of my mouth. Kael crashed his slips against mine desperately kissing me. I kissed back with the same energy showing him how much I want this.
He moved his finger in and out of me slowly before picking up the pace. A powerful wave of pleasure ripped through my body. Making me gasp loudly at the feeling of his hand.
"Kael—," I cried out.
"Do you want to cum," he asked.
I nodded my head.
"Ask politely, and I will let you cum," he said not slowing his pace at all.
I tried to form words with whatever strength I had left but bit my lip trying not to release another moan.
"Don't try to be quiet, tell me what you want?" He murmured.
I tried to say something but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Scared that someone would see us like this I tried to push Kael's hand away from me, but that only made him go harder and this time I could stop the moan that had been threatening to escape my mouth.
"One moment," Kael yelled, not breaking any eye contact.
My entire body trembled uncontrollably. I gripped onto him for support.
"Kael—," I called out again.
His pace then slowed down. "Just say the words and I will make you cum," he said softly.
I looked into his eyes trusting him. I don't know why but I felt safe with him.
"Please make me cum," I moaned out.
With that, his pace quickened again. Feeling an intense wave of pleasure, I couldn't stop the sounds coming out of my mouth. Couldn't control my body from shaking. It was all too powerful. When I was finished, I was out of breath panting against his chest.
Kael slowly pulled his finger out of me before bringing it to his mouth sucking on it.
"Sweet," he said.
I could feel heat rushing to my cheeks. I couldn't believe we just did that. In a bathroom with a bunch of people literally outside.
He grabbed a towel before gently wiping and cleaning my inner thighs.
After I was done, I got off of the counter. Looking anywhere but his gaze. Embarrassed by what just happened.
A chuckle left Kael's mouth. He walked up to me lifting my chin before planting a soft kiss onto my lips. "Who knew that a fruit so dangerous could taste this sweet?" He said pulling away.
He walked out of the bathroom, leaving me standing there by myself and in my thoughts.
What the hell just happened?