Nightmares at Everglade Falls

8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Ophelia

We’re walking back to our room, and I can’t help but vent to Aurora about Gabriel. “Ugh, I can’t stand him. He’s such a pompous fool,” I grumble, feeling frustrated.

Aurora gives me a sympathetic look, her hand resting on my shoulder. “Maybe this assignment will give you a chance to sort things out between you two,” she suggests optimistically.

“Speaking of assignments,” I say, changing the subject, “what’s going on between you and the vampire?”

Aurora’s cheeks turn pink, and she looks down at her feet. “He’s... nice. Patient,” she admits quietly.

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

Aurora takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “I’m dyslexic,” she confesses, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m actually repeating the third year. I failed almost all my classes, and my classmates moved on to the fourth year without me.”

I feel sympathy for my friend, realizing there’s more to her story than meets the eye.

“Is that why you are the only fairy in class?”

She nods. “I can’t even do something as basic as controlling my wings, so that is why I was held back. No one is more disappointed than I am,” she says softly.

“I’m so sorry, Aurora,” I say softly, reaching out to squeeze her hand.

But she surprises me with a small smile. “It’s okay. When I explained it to Owen, he took his time to read every single word to me. He’s being sweet,” she says, a hint of fondness in her voice.

I can’t help but smile at her words, feeling a warmth spreading through me. It seems like my friend’s crush is growing, and I couldn’t be happier for her.

As we reach our room, I give Aurora’s hand one last squeeze, thanking her for confiding in me. Despite everything, I’m grateful to have her by my side.

I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate, especially after my experience with the witches yesterday.

That is the problem with coming into a school later than everyone else. They seem to have already settled into their own little covens.

The other thing no one told me about is just how mean witches can get.

It was a potions class, and from the moment I stepped in, I could feel the stares boring into me like icy daggers. I tried to find a seat, hoping someone would invite me to join their group, but no such luck. I ended up sitting alone at a table, feeling more isolated than ever.

As the class went on, the other witches worked together in groups, chatting and laughing as if I didn’t even exist. I was met with cold shoulders and disdainful glares when I tried to ask for help or join in. It was like they had formed their own little clique, and I was definitely not invited.

When the teacher announced a group project, my heart sank. I knew I’d be left out, but it still stung when everyone formed their groups and I was left standing there alone. It was like a slap in the face, a painful reminder of just how unwelcome I was in their world.

But I refused to let their cruelty get to me. I reminded myself why I was here. The principal had made it clear that I could only stay if I kept up my grades, and as tough as this school was, it was still better than life at the orphanage. I couldn’t let a few mean witches drive me away.

So, I walk beside my only friend back to my room, pushing thoughts of their icy stares and hurtful words out of my mind.

Tomorrow, I have to meet with Gabriel, the last person I want to see. What other option did I have, really?

I wake up to the soft rays of dawn peeking through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Aurora is still asleep, her gentle breathing filling the silence of our shared space. I quietly slip out of bed, not wanting to disturb her peaceful slumber.

I quickly get ready, pulling on my uniform and my blazer to ward off the morning chill. I’m not sure how long the discussion with Gabriel will last, so I decide to skip breakfast for now. I can grab something to eat later.

With a determined stride, I go to the lab where we had the advanced class yesterday. The halls are quiet at this early hour. The only sound is the echo of my footsteps against the polished floors.

As I approach the lab, I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach. I’m not sure what to expect from this meeting with Gabriel, but I know I need to be prepared. Taking a deep breath, I push open the door and step inside.

The lab is empty, and the tables and equipment are bathed in soft light filtered through the windows. I take a moment to gather my thoughts before pulling out a chair and settling in to wait for Gabriel to arrive.

I’m still feeling slightly bleary-eyed from the early morning start when Gabriel walks in. He’s in his uniform, looking a bit messy but more awake than me. I can’t help but notice the absence of his blazer, which gives him a slightly rugged charm.

“Did we really have to meet so early?” I groan as he takes a seat beside me.

He gives me a pointed look. “We’re both behind,” he replies matter-of-factly.

I can’t argue with that logic, so I reluctantly agree. As he pulls out his papers, his scent hits me, something reminiscent of pine. It’s intoxicating, and I find myself taking a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden flutter in my stomach.

“Do you have any ideas on the project?” he asks, his voice pulling me back to reality. We are supposed to work on something to show the interaction of supernatural beings with the elements.

I shake my head, feeling utterly useless. “Sorry, I’m drawing a blank.”

“Why?” he presses, looking genuinely curious.

I take a deep breath, trying to find the words to explain. “There is something I need to tell you.”

He nods his head, signaling for me to go on.

“I... I don’t have any powers,” I admit, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck.

Gabriel’s expression shifts to one of confusion. “What do you mean?” he asks, clearly taken aback.

I swallow hard, steeling myself to reveal the truth. “I had no idea supernatural beings even existed before coming to this school a few days ago,” I confess, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as the words spill out.

Gabriel’s shock is palpable, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Seriously?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

I rub my hands together, trying to stave off the chill that settles over me, both from the confession I’ve just made and the steely weather outside. Gabriel’s eyes soften in confusion, and I can tell he’s struggling to process what I’ve just revealed.

“You’re a witch?” he says incredulously, his voice tinged with disbelief.

I nod, feeling embarrassed and relieved at finally sharing the truth. “Celestia seems to think so, but so far, I haven’t had any indication of it.”

I go on to explain how I’ve been falling behind ever since I arrived at the school, trying to catch up on subjects like the history of witches when, just a short while ago, I was studying calculus. It’s all so jarring, trying to wrap my head around this new reality.

Gabriel listens intently, his expression thoughtful. “I had no idea,” he admits, looking genuinely surprised.

I sigh, feeling the weight of my secret lifting slightly now that I’ve shared it with someone else. “No one knows except Aurora,” I tell him quietly.

He furrows his brow in concern. “Has Celestia provided you with any answers on what actually happened in your past?” he asks.

I shake my head, feeling a pang of frustration. “No, she hasn’t. I’m not even sure if I lost my powers at birth or if the principal is just confused and wrong.”

Gabriel shakes his head, his expression grave. “The principal is never wrong,” he says firmly.

I’m taken aback by the certainty in his voice, but before I can respond, he surprises me by taking both of my hands in his. I feel a jolt of warmth spread through me at his touch. His hands are callused and warm against mine.

“You were cold. I had to at least do something about that,” he says, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

I can’t help but smile back, feeling something unfurl in my belly at his gesture. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“Let me get this straight,” Gabriel says, his brows furrowing in concentration. I nod, waiting for him to continue.

“This is the very first time you’re encountering a wolf, then?” he asks, seeking confirmation.

I nod again, feeling a little out of my depth. “Yes, it is.”

“So, you don’t even know what that means, what I am?” he presses, his tone gentle but curious.

I shake my head, feeling a little embarrassed. “I’ve read some anatomy books, but... yeah, I don’t really know much,” I admit sheepishly.

Gabriel’s expression softens, and he reaches out to place a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay. We all have to start somewhere,” he says kindly.

I nod, grateful for his understanding. Despite our rocky start, there’s something comforting about his presence.

He clears his throat, shifting slightly in his seat. “Look, I know we haven’t exactly gotten off on the right foot, but I want to make it up to you,” he says earnestly.

I raise an eyebrow, curious about what he has in mind. “How?” I ask.

He hesitates for a moment before speaking. “I can be your little case study,” he suggests. “You can ask me anything, everything you want to know about wolves, and I’ll do my best to answer. Then, we can work on the assignment together.”

I consider his offer for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. It could be a valuable opportunity to learn more about wolves, but it also means spending more time with Gabriel, someone I’m not entirely sure I trust yet.

But then again, he did seem genuinely interested in helping me, and maybe this could be a chance to bridge the gap between us.

“Okay, I agree,” I say finally, giving him a tentative smile.

He returns the smile, looking genuinely pleased. “Great. So, where do you want to start?” he asks, leaning forward expectantly.

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “Um, okay... basic questions, I guess,” I say, trying to organize my thoughts. “Like... what’s it like being a wolf? Do you have any special abilities or powers?”

I lean in closer, eager to soak up any information he’s willing to share.

Gabriel takes a moment to consider his response, his gaze drifting off into the distance before returning to meet mine. “Well, I have speed and strength,” he begins, his voice low and measured. “And I can transform.”

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Transform? Like, into a wolf?” I ask, my eyes widening with intrigue.

He nods, a hint of pride creeping into his expression. “Exactly. It’s one of our abilities.”

I nod, mentally filing away this new piece of information. “What do you eat?” I ask, genuinely curious.

He chuckles, a low rumble in his chest. “Basic things, mostly. But I need a lot of protein to keep up my strength.”

I nod, silently noting his dietary requirements. “And what does it mean for you to be a wolf?” I ask, my curiosity piqued by the mysterious aura that surrounds him.

He hesitates for a moment, something flickering across his face, before he clears his throat and answers. “I’m an alpha,” he explains, his tone serious. “It means I’m the leader of my pack, responsible for protecting and guiding them.”

I nod, digesting this new piece of information. “What about betas?” I ask, wanting to delve deeper into the intricacies of wolf hierarchy.

He shrugs, a hint of disdain crossing his features. “Betas are usually inferior to alphas. They look for someone to lead them,” he explains, his voice tinged with a hint of superiority.

I furrow my brow, trying to make sense of the complex social dynamics at play. “Is Isabella a beta?” I ask, unable to resist the urge to probe further.

Gabriel nods, a wistful expression crossing his face. “She wants to be more,” he admits, his voice tinged with admiration.

“More?” I press, eager to understand the dynamics of their relationship.

He hesitates for a moment before answering, his gaze flickering to meet mine. “If I claimed her as a mate, she would become a Luna,” he explains, his voice low and serious.

I feel my heart skip a beat at his words, a rush of excitement coursing through me. This is the first positive interaction I’ve had with him, maybe ever, and I can’t help but feel a spark of curiosity ignite within me.

As our conversation continues, Gabriel reveals more about his abilities, demonstrating his claws and explaining their significance in his defense. I watch in awe as he allows his claws to form, their brutal appearance sending a shiver down my spine.

“Wow,” I breathe, reaching out to trace the sharp edges of his claws with my fingertips.

He watches me intently, his eyes darkening with a mix of curiosity and something else I can’t quite place. Suddenly, his eyes shift to a deep amber color, and his canines peek out from behind his lips. I gasp in surprise, my heart racing at the sight.

“I’m in partial transformation,” he explains, his voice low and husky. “It helps in defense.”

I nod, captivated by the sight before me. “Can you fully transform?” I ask, unable to resist the urge to probe further.

He nods, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “I can,” he admits, his voice tinged with pride.

I swallow hard, feeling a rush of excitement coursing through me. “Can I... touch you?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “You have my permission,” he says, his voice gentle and reassuring.

My hand trails along his jaw, the rough texture of his stubble sending shivers down my spine. I can feel the heat radiating off him, his presence overwhelming and intoxicating all at once. As I brush his lower lip, I notice his eyes darken with desire, his breaths coming out in shallow pants.

I can feel my own heartbeat echoing in my ears as he leans in closer, his gaze fixed on my lips. I hold my breath, anticipation coursing through me like wildfire. Just as our lips are about to meet, a voice pierces through the air, shattering the moment like fragile glass.

“What in the crescent fuck am I looking at right now?” her voice echoes around the room.

We jump apart, our hearts pounding in unison as we turn to see Isabella standing at the doorway, her expression a mix of shock and betrayal. Before either of us can speak, Gabriel transforms back, his movements quick and fluid as he rises to his feet.

“I can explain,” he starts, his voice strained with urgency, but Isabella doesn’t wait to hear it. She turns on her heel and bolts out of the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Gabriel hesitates for a moment, torn between chasing after her and staying with me. In the end, he rushes after her without a second glance in my direction.

I’m left standing there, my heart racing and my mind reeling with confusion. I grab my bag, my hands trembling as I make my way to the door. I need to get out of here, fast.

With shaky hands, I push open the back door and slip out into the cool morning air, hurrying away from the chaos behind me.

My mind is a whirlwind of emotions, and I can’t help but wonder how everything spiraled out of control so quickly.

Was I just about to let Gabriel kiss me?