《FIRST BONE》 THE SAGA BEGINS THE SAGA BEGINS The sign at the entrance was on the verge of falling, bearing a wolf emblem. Dead bodies lay scattered throughout the front courtyard. They looked like ordinary human beings, except for their fangs and elongated nails resembling those of wolves. A man, appearing to be in his late thirties, stood before a painting no smaller than a door. The artwork depicted a wolf stood in front of a Witch. As he gazed at the painting, an old man rushed in, clearly distressed. ¡°Master, the enemy is about to reach the mansion! All of your personal guards are dead, and their bodies are lying in the courtyard.¡± Despite the urgency in the old man¡¯s voice, the man did not seem to react at all. He continued to stare at the painting as if it were his only priority at that moment. The old man¡¯s face was etched with worry as he implored him. ¡°Master, please! I beg you. You must escape! I¡¯ll distract the enemies with the remaining forces.¡± But the man remained unresponsive, lost in his own thoughts, oblivious to the old man''s presence. He began to speak to himself. ¡°They said he was special. He was practically a god. He was the one to unite all of us.¡± The old man interrupted, lowering his head. ¡°What are you saying, Master? You are our King. The enemy is at the door, and you need to escape and survive. You must.¡± The old man was cut off again by the man. ¡°I wondered how he did that when all of the tribes were at each other''s throats and the Vampire tribe was hunting us.¡± The old man pressed on, trying to convince him once more. ¡°Please, Master, I beg you to escape. You are our people¡¯s only hope. Without you, all of the tribes will be at war. Only you can bring peace.¡± ¡°Peace? What have I achieved while being a king? The enemies are at my door, and most of my closest allies are dead. I have achieved nothing, old man.¡± The man replied, turning his head toward the pleading old man. The old man looked up and said, ¡°You united us, master. We enjoyed peace for nearly 300 years. All of this happened because of you. If only we hadn¡¯t been betrayed or trusted them in the first place.¡± The man gazed at the old man, stepping forward two paces and pointing at the painting. ¡°I tried everything to be like him. I fought bravely, uniting others. But in the end, I failed.¡± ¡°There¡¯s still a chance you can do that again. Please, escape,¡± the old man begged. But the man was resolute in his decision. ¡°I will not run from my enemies. I¡¯ll face them head-on. Bring out my sword; it¡¯s time I teach them their place.¡± The old man spoke again. ¡°The war is already lost, Master. The enemies are at the main gate. If you don¡¯t run now, we¡¯ll lose our king.¡± Nearly a hundred people approached the burning mansion, all dressed in black hoodies. Only a few of them wielded swords. Inside the mansion, the man asked the old man. ¡°Bring out my sword, old man. It¡¯s an order. It may be my last war.¡± ¡°Master!!¡± You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The old man looked into the man¡¯s eyes, realizing there was no stopping him. Suddenly, the sound of someone falling and rolling on the floor broke the silence. Both men turned to see a four or five-year-old wolf child, complete with wolf ears and claws, sprawled on the ground. A mysterious figure stood nearby, making it seem as if they had thrown the child to the floor. ¡°Did the intruder run off after killing everyone in the mansion?¡± The man inquired of the suddenly appeared mysterious figure. ¡°They escaped with their prisoner before I reached the prison chamber. Their scent was still fresh. They''ll likely meet up with the main force outside the mansion,¡± The mysterious figure reported regarding the child. ¡°They only left this little pup behind, half dead. He''s one of them. I had no idea what to do, so I brought him here.¡± The old man looked at the kid and said, ¡°If they leave one of their kind, then he must be an anomaly.¡± He stepped forward, grabbing the kid by the neck, lifting him up like a small pup, and pulling him closer. The kid was bleeding from his forehead, but His eyes burned with fury as he fixed his gaze on the man. ¡°Tell me, kid. How do I kill you? You are one of them. You are my enemy, and there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll let you go.¡± The old man appeared shocked, while the mysterious man remained unfazed. ¡°Master, there¡¯s no time. The enemies are already gathered outside the mansion. You should¡ª¡± The old man was cut off by the kid''s words. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you kill me, but don¡¯t call me one of them.¡± The man replied, ¡°Interesting. Any last words before I snap your neck? Perhaps I should leave you here half dead. You¡¯re dead anyway¡ªeither by your own kind or from bleeding to death.¡± The kid fiercely replied, The man replied, ¡°How many times do I have to tell you they are not my kind? I¡¯ll kill every one of them.¡± The kid¡¯s eyes shone, and the man laughed heartily. ¡°So that¡¯s how it is. Ha ha! Old man, I hereby name this kid my successor.¡± The old man was in shock, left frozen in place. ¡°But master, it is not the time to discuss these matters. I am sure we will find someone of royal blood.¡± The man placed the kid on the floor. ¡°It¡¯s an order, old man¡ªno, Uncle Bren. Raise this kid to be my successor. Escape with him, Uncle.¡± The old man seemed convinced somehow and walked toward the kid. ¡°Is this another one of your gambles, King Jacaerys?¡± the mysterious man asked, tossing a sword toward the King. ¡°It¡¯s a gamble whose outcome I won¡¯t live to see. The last gamble of my life.¡± The old man carried the child on his back as he approached the mysterious figure. ¡°I hope you haven¡¯t grown weak from sitting on the throne.¡± The mysterious man glanced at the old man, who was carrying the child, and added, ¡°Follow my scent if you can¡¯t find the hidden passage. I came through it. With all the enemies gathered outside, you shouldn''t encounter any. Stay safe, Uncle Bren.¡± The old man, known as Uncle Bren, nodded and left the room. ¡°You should have run while you had the chance. But I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here, Xyrus.¡±¡± The king unsheathes his sword and begins to move. The mysterious man also advances in the same direction as the king. ¡°Well, it¡¯s been a while since I tasted werewolf blood. Today, I¡¯ll have a feast.¡± His claws are growing slightly larger. Outside, a figure with a sword signals by waving it toward the mansion. ¡°Attack!¡± All the forces then rush into the mansion to launch their assault. HOMECOMING HOMECOMING A young boy and an old man were paying their respects at a cemetery. The sky was clear, but there was no sunlight, as it was early morning, with clouds obscuring the sun. The boy wore black jeans and a black jacket, with a white T-shirt underneath. He looked up at the sky and then bowed his head again. ¡°I¡¯m glad you didn¡¯t skip his death anniversary. You didn¡¯t show up for the last few either,¡± The old man said, gazing at the name inscribed on the grave: ¡°King Jacaerys.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t come here for the anniversary, Grandpa. It¡¯s just a coincidence, nothing more,¡± The boy replied, placing his hand in his jacket pocket. The old man looked surprised. ¡°So what brings you here on your father¡¯s anniversary, Liam? He would have been so happy to see this rebellious side of yours if he were still alive,¡± The man remarked with a slight smile. Liam looked annoyed. ¡°It¡¯s not like he was my real father or anything. He just found me before his final battle.¡± ¡°But he named you his successor, didn¡¯t he? He saw something in your eyes. Maybe you reminded him of his past self.¡± The old man seemed to enjoy Liam¡¯s annoyed expression. Liam responded as he stood there, ¡°Stop making things up, Grandpa. I was there too. He just went insane before his death.¡± ¡°Well, even though you and he weren¡¯t related by blood, he was just like you back then¡ªalways annoyed and living by his own rules,¡± the old man said as he started moving toward the castle. ¡°Again, stop making things up, Grandpa. I¡¯m here for other reasons anyway,¡± Liam replied, starting to move as well. The old man almost caught up to him. ¡°So what brings you here? Is it a girl, or do you want to go on another trip to Himalaya to enjoy the mountains?¡± Liam replied with a sigh. ¡°Not any of them. I want to go to Maplewood High School. The Art and Language programs there are excellent. They recently won an international award for best painting.¡± The old man interrupted, ¡°No. I won¡¯t allow you to go there.¡± Liam looked at him with surprised eyes. ¡°You never had a problem with my education until now. You even allowed me to go to the Himalayas.¡± The uncle replied with a straight face, ¡°I don¡¯t have an issue with you going to any school. I have a problem with where that school is located.¡± Liam¡¯s tone shifted suddenly. ¡°Please, Grandpa. You know people. They don¡¯t take admissions in the last year, but you have connections. If you could just pull a few strings¡­¡± Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. The old man laughed and said, ¡°Just like him, you change your tone when you need something. Where has your attitude gone now?¡± Liam attempted to convince him further. ¡°You always look out for me anyway. What could possibly happen?¡± The old man''s face turned serious. ¡°I¡¯m not worried for nothing. That place belongs to that damn witch¡¯s territory. If she finds out you¡¯re the real successor, she will tear you apart. "Although no one has seen her in the past hundred years." Liam tried to convince him again. ¡°Look, nobody has seen her in 100 years. She might be dead, too. It¡¯s not like she can sense me from her grave. Even if she is alive, it¡¯s not as if she would come out into the human world to check if some young wolf invaded her territory.¡± The old man looked at Liam and said, ¡°Well, rumor has it she had a daughter, and she¡¯s in college. If you run into her, she could alert her mother.¡± Liam interrupted by glancing at the old man¡¯s face. "If the Witch is still alive, it¡¯s only a year, Grandpa. I promise I won¡¯t fight anyone. After a year, I¡¯ll turn 18, and I¡¯ll have to start taking my responsibilities as King.¡± ¡°I thought you hated being a king. You really are stubborn,¡± The old man replied as they reached the mansion. ¡°Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Remember, I¡¯m doing this so you don¡¯t do anything reckless,¡± Liam said, a smile playing on his lips. ¡°I promise no fights, no meddling with other tribes, and no contact with those vampires,¡± The old man responded. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ring that should control your blood scent. And remember; don¡¯t mingle with that Witch¡¯s daughter. If you sense any danger, call me.¡± Liam grinned and playfully grabbed the old man¡¯s arm. ¡°Who knows, I might make that Witch¡¯s daughter fall in love with me.¡± The old man looked at Liam, who then gave him a side hug, saying, ¡°I¡¯m kidding, Grandpa. Don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± A soccer match was underway on the field, with a signboard nearby engraved with ¡°Maplewood High School.¡± Four girls were seated in the gallery, enjoying the game. One of them, a blonde, was positioned at the center, flanked by two girls with black hair on either side, while a girl with red hair sat in front of her. ¡°Who do you think will win, Margaret?¡± The red-haired girl asked the girl in the center. Two players from opposing teams collided over the ball; they were tall, white, and handsome. ¡°I¡¯ll go with Tyler from Team Red since he has the stamina to keep up. He¡¯s the lone warrior of the team,¡± Margaret replied casually. The girl with red hair looked at her. ¡°But Ryan¡¯s team is working together like a pack of wolves to counter Tyler¡¯s brute strength.¡± Margaret continued watching the match and responded, ¡°Whatever happens, I just hate wolves. Plus, I think Tyler is kinda hot.¡± She smiled as she focused on the game. In that moment, the blue team leader clashed with Tyler. ¡°Who knows? The hottest boy in the college might just be wandering around while we¡¯re busy watching this practice match because Margaret thinks Tyler is hot,¡± The girl on the right remarked. The girl on the left replied while still watching the game, ¡°After all, she is our princess. I think I might just faint from watching these hot guys sweat.¡± ¡°And finally, I am here!¡± Margaret suddenly felt a breeze and turned around. Liam was standing at the entrance of Maplewood High School with a school bag in hand, wearing blue jeans and a black shirt, and with a smile on his face. FIRST COUNTER PART ONE FIRST COUNTER PART ONE The academy was as busy as ever. All the students were engrossed in studying, playing, or chatting with their friends. The campus consisted of three modern buildings surrounded by trees and green fields. The playing ground was on the left side of the pathway leading to the administrative building and was clearly visible. The gallery wrapped around the other side of the playing ground, encircling the field. Liam ran toward the fencing that marked the boundary to watch the boys play. He smiled to himself and then turned to walk along the pathway to enter the administrative building. Once inside, he noticed all the students were focused on their own activities. He stopped a guy walking past and asked, "Hey, can you please tell me where the principal¡¯s office is? This is my first time here." ¡°It¡¯s okay. Just go right, and then look to your left. You¡¯ll see ¡®Principal¡¯s Office¡¯ written on the board,¡± the guy replied politely before continuing on his way. Liam thanked him and headed in the direction he had indicated. ¡°Thank you, friend,¡± he said. A man who appeared to be in his fifties was sitting and reading a newspaper. Across the table, Liam was seated, glancing around the room. The word "Principal" was engraved on a wooden plaque on the table. The room featured two wooden armoires displaying trophies, and a few photos of students holding trophies and medals adorned the walls. The Principal finished reading his paper and looked up with a sigh. Liam, noticing, stopped his wandering gaze and sat up straight, trying to appear polite. ¡°So, Mr. Liam, were there any inconveniences during your trip? I hope you didn''t encounter any trouble finding this academy,¡± he inquired. Liam smiled and responded politely while still keeping his bag on his back. ¡°No, Sir, not at all. The people from the towns are very friendly and helped me get here easily.¡± ¡°That''s great to hear. I''ve known your grandpa Sam for a long time. When he called me the other day, I was surprised! Usually, we don¡¯t take enrollments this time of year, but you are a special case,¡± The Principal explained. ¡°Thank you for accepting me into the academy, Sir. Grandpa sent his regards,¡± Liam replied while lowering his head slightly. "The Principal commented while smiling warmly, ¡°He is a very generous person, your grandpa.¡± Liam smiled in response but said nothing, doing his best to sit as politely as possible. The principal continued, ¡°So let me welcome to Maplewood High School. Our soccer team will be thrilled to have such a strong young talent like you.¡± He flashed a smile. Liam however looked confused. ¡°But sir, I applied for Arts and History. I left soccer years ago when I was in middle school.¡± The principal appeared taken aback. ¡°Ahem. But with that impressive physique of yours, I¡¯m sure you could take on a guy or two easily.¡± ¡°No sir. Grandpa strictly prohibited me from fighting. That was the only condition he agreed to let me study here.¡± The principal seemed to reconsider and sighed, ¡°I was so excited about your arrival that I didn¡¯t even check your enrollment form. But you needn¡¯t worry about your grandpa while I¡¯m here. Follow your heart.¡± ¡°But sir, I am genuinely here to study Arts and History.¡± Liam insisted politely. The principal removed his glasses and said, ¡°Alright then, Mr. Liam. You can start tomorrow. Please collect your schedule from the administrative office.¡± Liam stood up and lowered his head slightly once more. ¡°Thank you again, sir, for accepting me.¡± ¡°Enjoy your time here, Mr. Liam,¡± The principal replied, holding his glasses in his hand. Liam nodded and left the room. As soon as he was out of the room, Liam appeared very uncomfortable. He closed the door, began to shake, and pressed his hand against his lower stomach. He muttered to himself, ¡°Damn. I need to find a bathroom. Where is it?¡± A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. He looked around while pressing his lower stomach. Spotting the previous guy ahead of him, he dashed toward them while still holding his lower stomach in an inclined manner. He asked, ¡°Hey, hey, you again. Could you please tell me where the bathroom is?¡± The guy looked at Liam''s face and replied politely, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you again. Did you find the principal''s room?¡± Liam appeared desperate but managed to respond, ¡°Yes, but thanks. Now, please tell me where the bathroom is. I really can¡¯t hold it anymore.¡± ¡°Go straight to this direction and turn left. You will see Man¡¯s locker room. Bathroom is there¡± Liam didn¡¯t let him finish his sentence as he ran towards the bathroom. He didn¡¯t look back. The guy seemed little surprised but he didn¡¯t stood there. Liam entered and locker room. He went straight to the bathroom and Looked so relaxed. He was looking up ward to the ceiling while he sound voice ¡°Click!!!¡± Liam didn¡¯t pay attention until a few seconds later when he heard a girl¡¯s voice. He finished his job and approached the door, only to discover it was locked from the outside. He tried to open it but was unsuccessful. Then, he heard a boy''s voice. Placing his ear against the door while holding the lock with one hand, he listened intently. Outside the bathroom, in the locker room, Margaret and Tyler were locked in each other¡¯s gaze. Tyler leaned against the wall, while Margaret¡¯s face was just a step away from his. Here¡¯s a revised version of the line without altering the content: ¡°Margaret smiled and said, ¡°You¡¯re bold, Tyler."Taking me to the boys¡¯ locker room.¡± Tyler took a deep breath while gazing at Margaret¡¯s face. ¡°I thought you wanted us to be alone. You were watching me the whole time I was playing.¡± Margaret remained expressionless as she pushed Tyler¡¯s arm with her bare hand, causing his back to hit the wall of the room. Concerned, Tyler didn¡¯t smile or show any expression. ¡°What if somebody catches us? I would be ashamed.¡± She grabbed Tyler¡¯s arm and pushed him further, leaving him no space to step back. Tyler appeared anxious and began to breathe heavily, with Margaret¡¯s face only inches from his. ¡°I asked everyone not to come to this room. And everyone listens to me. So nobody will know.¡± Tyler''s voice shook heavily. Margaret glanced at his face and said, ¡°Is that so, Tyler? So now everyone knows we are here alone. Trying to be brave and cool, huh?¡± Tyler appeared even more terrified as Margaret stepped closer to him. Margaret''s face was so close to Tyler''s that she could feel his breathing. She examined his face closely while keeping her hand on his arm, maintaining a few inches of distance to ensure her body wouldn''t touch Tyler. ¡°I I IIII ammm sorry¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­..¡± Margaret interrupted while looking straight at Tyler¡¯s face. "Shiiii. Shut up. Even if we didn¡¯t do anything bad here, people will still think of me as s**t. What are you gonna do about it, Tyler?" Tyler began to sweat, rendered speechless. Meanwhile, Liam listened to their conversation while scanning for an escape route. Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to a large hole in the ceiling. A smile crossed his face as he muttered, "Look like there''s a way out. I could break the door, but that would attract too much attention." Liam closed his eyes and took a deep breath through his nose. ¡°The scent of the trees is coming from that direction. I should be able to sneak out.¡± Liam wasted no time; he placed his feet on the door lock and jumped upward to reach the hole. With little space to maneuver, he could barely lean against the ceiling. Liam began to move forward, using his hands like a snake. Tyler was sweating and terrified; he couldn¡¯t grasp what was happening in that moment. Margaret moved closer to Tyler and said, ¡°Since people will think of me badly, I might as well do it too. Remove your t-shirt, Tyler.¡± Margaret smiled, leaving Tyler in shock. He responded, ¡°What?¡± ¡°I said remove your t-shirt.¡± ¡°But you said ¡­¡± Tyler felt a mix of fear and confusion. Margaret ignored his hesitation and simply continued to look at him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a hot shot these days? Isn¡¯t that why you brought me here?¡± Liam started to move slowly, like a snake, without making a sound. He could hear their voices clearly. ¡°You wanted to show me how impressive you are. So show me, Tyler, what you¡¯ve got.¡± Margaret appeared more annoyed than angry, looking at Tyler''s face as if mocking him. Tyler seemed traumatized, not realizing how close Margaret¡¯s lips were to his. He was breathing heavily, and Margaret could feel it too. Liam moved swiftly, remaining silent as he crossed halfway across the room. Suddenly, he heard a cracking sound and glanced at the ceiling. Margaret¡¯s eyes taunted Tyler, making him feel like nothing more than an insect to her. While she stared at him, she heard a noise. ¡°Dhoomm!!!¡± "She released Tyler¡¯s arm and looked around. Liam fell from the ceiling onto the floor. Debris from the ceiling was scattered around him as he checked his body while lying on the ground. Liam shouted, ¡°My back!!!¡± Margaret and Tyler rushed to Liam, both surprised. He was still on the ground with a painful expression. ¡°Hi, guys!!!¡± Liam said with a smile. FIRST COUNTER PART TWO FIRST COUNTER PART TWO Margaret shot a surprised look at Tyler while he just stood there. ¡°He''s a moron. That¡¯s what you get for eavesdropping,¡± Liam¡¯s expression was pained as he spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, guys, I won¡¯t tell anyone about it.¡± Liam gave a thumbs-up while still on the ground and added, ¡°And it was you who locked me outside. I was just looking for a way out.¡± Upon hearing this, Margaret shot Tyler an angry glare. ¡°What a bunch of fools you guys are. I¡¯m out. Do whatever.¡± Margaret turned around and left the room, seemingly unfazed. Now it was just Tyler and Liam in the room. Liam asked Tyler for help in getting up, but Tyler didn¡¯t seem to care at all. ¡°Who the hell are you, and how much did you hear?¡± "Well, since we were in the same room, practically all of it.¡± Since Tyler refused to help, Liam got up by himself and started cleaning his jacket. Tyler asked, "Are you going to tell everyone about it?" Liam replied while brushing off his clothes, "I really don¡¯t care what you do. I just don¡¯t want any trouble." Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. As soon as Liam finished his sentence, Tyler grabbed Liam¡¯s collar and said with an angry expression, "You bastard. Playing smart, huh? Don¡¯t try to fool me." Liam looked into Tyler¡¯s eyes and said, "I don¡¯t have anything to do with this, friend. Just let me go." Liam grabbed Tyler¡¯s hand to free his color, and in an instant, he released Tyler¡¯s grip with minimal force. Tyler didn¡¯t even realize what had just happened until he felt a sudden pain in his right hand. Clutching it, he said angrily, ¡°What did you do, you bastard? You think you¡¯re going to get away with this?¡± Liam took a few steps back and raised both of his hands. ¡°Look, man, I am so sorry. She had you done for. I swear I won¡¯t tell a ghost.¡± Liam started moving backward again. ¡°I just want no trouble.¡± As soon as he reached the door, Liam turned and ran. Tyler stood there, the pain in his right hand throbbing. ¡°Next time I see you at this college, I¡¯ll kill you, bastard,¡± He muttered to himself. A ship was docking near a river as a man ran toward the water, but a flying knife struck him in the neck, causing him to fall to the ground. ¡°He would die in the river anyway. Why run toward it?¡± a female voice questioned, while the lifeless body of the man lay on the ground. All of the bodies had slash marks that appeared to be caused by wolves. ¡°You could have killed him instantly. Then why let him run?¡± They had slash marks on their body as well. A couple of bodies were scattered on the boat. ¡°There would be no fun at all then,¡± The girl replied, as more bodies were seen on the ground near the boat. ¡°Fun was always important to you, right?¡± The male voice responded. A car was parked nearby. ¡°The fun is about to start. We got the info. We need to move to where the fun is.¡± She said. The car door opened and closed before the engine roared to life. The car drove away, and the faces of the two individuals remained unseen. FIRST DAY AT MAPPLE HIGH PART I FIRST DAY AT MAPPLE HIGH PART I A new day. The alarm rang for few seconds until a hand push the snooze button. Liam didn¡¯t look at the alarm as he was still sleeping. He raised his hand stopped it. Liam didn¡¯t even realize that he pushed the snooze button instead of stop button. Few minutes later the alarm rang again and this time Liam opened his eyes. Liam stopped the alarm and kept staring at the wall for few seconds. Liam got up from bed and the first thing he did was to take off his t shirt. His eyes were telling that he was still sleepy. He entered into bathroom being half naked. His bulky muscles were proof of him being a gym freak. As he was looking at his abs on the mirror as all the normal boys do. He then brushed his teeth while looking himself on the mirror. Suddenly his memory ran a flashback of him yesterday. He remembered the girls face ¡°Take of your t shirt¡± Then again he looked at his abs and smiled ¡°She would have liked this if she is into abs.¡± He then cleaned his mouth and went into shower. ¡°Maplewood High School¡± That was written on the back of jacket Liam was wearing. Liam looked up at the entrance and said ¡°Here we go¡± Liam entered the college and he walked to the main building. As soon as Liam entered the academy while wearing a jacket of their college everyone turned their face looked at him. Especially the girls were in shocked by how handsome Liam was. Some of girl even made a face full of expression ¡°woof¡­ Hot¡± A girl said to her friend ¡°Who is this hot guy? 6.1¡¯ with absolute freakiness in his face¡± Liam soon realized that he was being watch as he looked around. But all the students were had their eyes on still Liam. Liam tried to walk quickly. After talking a few steps Liam turned his face as he saw someone. Margaret was standing there with her four friends. Liam noticed her first. So he turned his face and tried to get past them without looking. He tried his best to not to look at her. Margaret eye locked onto him and she turned her face. She was completely red while looking the other way. ¡°Why are you turning back so suddenly Margaret?¡± One friend asked as they had no idea why Margaret turned her back to front ¡°It¡¯s him. The one I told you about guys yesterday¡± Liam hadn¡¯t gotten past them until that point. He was just looking around, whistling through his lips. Once Margaret told her friends about Liam they all tried to get a glimpse of him quickly. ¡°That guy who fell from ceiling and overheard all your conversation¡± One of the girls with black hair stated while they all looked at the direction of Liam. And finally the other girl with curly hair shouted ¡°Guys, that¡¯s him. And for some reason he is coming to this direction¡± Liam was only few feet away from the so it wasn¡¯t hard to find him. All three of the girl looked at Liam. ¡°Why is he coming to us?¡± Margaret panicked as she was looking the other way. She also thought that Liam was coming to approach her or something. ¡°I don¡¯t know but he is sure coming to us. What to do Margaret?¡± The girl with black hair asked. The three of them were only looking at Liam. Liam attempted to disregard the fact that all three girls were staring at him by avoiding looking in their direction. ¡°I don¡¯t know why he is coming. Tell him I am not here or something else. Just make him go¡± Margaret looked uncomfortable while saying this. The red hair girl couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Liam. ¡°He is hot. If you are not interested give him to me Margaret¡± She said while kept looking at Liam. Margaret got shocked and yelled at her. ¡°What!!!! This isn¡¯t the time for this. Make him go just.¡± The girl said without looking away from Liam ¡°There is no way I could let go of a handsome guy like. He is about to get here anyway¡± Margaret yelled again If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°This girl is such a maddie. uff. Do whatever just doesn¡¯t tangle me.¡± ¡°He is almost here.¡± The girl said it while still looking at Liam. As Liam about to get past them while the three girl looked at Liam. But Liam walked passed by them without even looking at them. The red girl was expecting too much for a conversation but Liam didn¡¯t seem to notice and walk past them. The red hair girl looked annoyed as they saw Liam walked past them. ¡°What?? He didn¡¯t even notice us¡± The girl with the red hair said. ¡°Did he just ignore us?¡± Another girl yelled. Margaret took such a deep breath ¡°Is he really gone?¡± Margaret asked to the other girls. ¡°Guys I think he didn¡¯t come for us. He was just entering the main building like everyone.¡± The girl with curly hair said while still looking at the direction of main building where Liam had gone. Margaret finally turned and said with a sigh ¡°What a relief. I would be so embarrassed if he looked at me¡± Liam took a deep breath and takes a sigh ¡°That girl didn¡¯t saw me at all. She would have been embarrassed¡± Liam muttered while looking all around him. The entire students were busy as Liam was confused with the direction where should he go. Then his eye caught the site of the student who helped him the day before. Liam ran toward him and called him ¡°Hey friend. hello.¡± The guy turned to see who was calling whom. Instead of other person he found Liam. He stopped as Liam was running towards him. ¡°Hello friend again¡± The guy didn¡¯t respond to Liam at all. He only stared at Liam¡¯s face. Liam spoke again ¡°Can you tell me which way the Art class is? Actually it¡¯s my first day and I don¡¯t know around¡± The guy looked calmed as he didn¡¯t react anything. He only raised his hand and said politely ¡°Go to this direction and you¡¯ll find the Art¡¯s classroom at last¡± ¡°Thank you¡± Liam ran towards the classroom. The teacher was explaining the topic to the students. The students were listening quietly. Among the Students Margaret and her friends were there too. The red hair girl and the other two girls were attending as well. They were all sitting on the fourth row of the classroom. Liam showed up at the door. ¡°May I come in Sir?¡± Liam said politely. The teacher stopped teaching and looked at the door. He saw Liam standing at the door. ¡°You must be Liam¡± ¡°Yes sir¡± ¡°Okay come in¡± The teacher asked Liam to enter the class. Liam walked inside the class as he started looking for an empty seat but standing near the teacher. ¡°Students this is Liam. He will be joining you from today. I hope everyone will help him.¡± After the teacher introduced everyone to Liam he asked Liam to take a sit. Liam smiled and went for an empty seat. Margaret who was seeing all this sits, there like a numb. The pen she was using dropped from her hand as soon as she Liam walking towards her direction to grab the empty seat before her. Everyone was looking at Liam as he had just become the center of the attraction of the class. Liam walked to the empty seat. He was about to grab the chair when he noticed Margaret sitting next to him.The teacher continued to session. Margaret looked extremely embarrassed as she stared at the back of Liam''s head, who was focused on the teacher. She could clearly see blonde hair of Liam. She didn¡¯t try to look at it but she couldn¡¯t unsee it either. ¡°Fuck it¡± "She muttered as she noticed that Liam¡¯s hair wasn¡¯t exactly white; it blended with light blonde. As she looked at his hair, her eyes caught sight of the tattoo on his neck: three slash marks on the right side, under his ear, at almost a 45-degree angle. ¡°Why am I even looking at him? Not that his hair is particularly beautiful or anything.¡± She thought. She could no longer bear it. Her expression shifted suddenly. She tore a sheet from her book and wrote something on it before tossing it to Liam. Liam was trying to concentrate the teacher when a piece of folded paper fell on to his book. He looked around the class to check who threw it. But he couldn¡¯t find any clue. The teacher was still explaining. Liam decided to open the paper. He unfolded the paper and tried to read whatever written on it ¡°If you tell anyone about yesterday I will personally kill you xd¡± Liam smiled after reading this and folded the paper and kept it on his pocket. Margaret made an expression at her face too. When all of this was going on another male student was looking at Liam. Liam didn¡¯t realize at first but His eye caught the guy who was kept looking at him. The guy¡¯s eyes met Liam¡¯s eye. But Liam didn¡¯t show any reaction on his face. The guy then sent a text to someone. Tyler name was visible on the contact list. ¡°He is here¡± The other party replied ¡°Keep an eye on him till the session is over¡± ¡°Ok boss¡± The guy from the classroom replied to Tyler text. Tyler who was sitting on the gallery of the soccer ground with some of his friend shouted ¡°Guys that fool is here. He is in Professor Erwin¡¯s class. I asked one of my friends to bring him here¡± Tyler stood up and all of his friends were looking at him. A boy from far behind was looking at this whole thing. FIRST DAY AT MAPPLE HIGH PART II FIRST DAY AT MAPPLE HIGH PART II The human nature always failed to comprehend the weight of the situation. We always want to become superior. Tyler and His friends were getting ready take revenge for what happened yesterday. They failed to realize what was coming. As soon as the session ended, Margaret left the room without looking back. The other students also exited the room. Liam stood up and preparing to leave as well. Then he suddenly noticed the guy who had been watching him throughout the session. The guy approached Liam. Liam attempted to walk past him but was stopped. "Hey mate. Tyler is waiting for you at the ground. He asked me to bring you there.¡± Liam tried to avoid eye contact with him. ¡°Sorry mate. I don¡¯t know any Tyler. If you could just excuse me¡­¡± Liam attempted to walk past him but the guy blocked his path. Liam gave him a slight shoulder bump and continued on his way. The guy glanced back at Liam. But Liam left the room as quickly as he could. As soon as Liam exited the room then he noticed a guy walking toward him from the right. Liam ignored him and turned left. All the other students were engrossed in their own worlds and didn¡¯t notice Liam at all. Then Liam saw two more guys approaching him. His eyes searched for an escape route but he couldn¡¯t find one. Eventually he spotted a corridor leading to the locker room and ran toward it. As he walked through the corridor he found himself in the middle of an open ground. The boys'' locker room was connected to the playing field via the corridor. Tyler and his friends were waiting on the ground. Liam reached the ground looked backed and saw two of Tyler¡¯s friend blocking the corridor. Liam stopped and started huffing. ¡°F**k. huf huf huf¡± Liam turned to flee, but two of Tyler''s friends were already present on the corridor. Liam didn¡¯t have a much of choice. Liam muttered under his breath. ¡°Looks like I have got no choice¡±. Two of the Tyler¡¯s friend grabbed Liam¡¯s arm and pushed him to walk to Tyler¡¯s. Tyler and his friends shot a death stare at Liam, as if they were about to rip him apart. Two guys released Liam as they stepped in front of Tyler. Liam stood there, his face devoid of expression. He realized that it all related to yesterday¡¯s incident. The guy in front of him was attempting to establish himself as the leader of the pack. ¡°You ran off yesterday. What are you going to do now boy¡± Tyler asked with a loud voice with a constant stare. Liam tried to reason with Tyler ¡°"Look, friend. Yesterday I didn¡¯t hear anything. It was an accident. Please let me go."¡± Tyler wasn''t convinced at all. ¡°Trying to get out bay talking it out, Bastard¡± Liam raised both hands slightly and attempted to reason once again. ¡°"I don¡¯t even know you all. Why would I want anything to do with you? Just let me go this time. I¡¯ll be staying 10 meters away from everyone." Tyler''s face turned red as he remembered all the humiliation from yesterday. He recalled Margaret¡¯s face. ¡°First eavesdropping between two lovers and now trying to get out ¡° Tyler spoke those words while clenching his fist. Liam understood the whole situation. Tyler lied to his friend, claiming he and the girl were together. Because of Liam''s intervention, Margaret is now angry with Tyler. ¡°I get it friend. I totally get it. Trust it. I¡¯ll pretend that nothing happened yesterday. I even forgot that girl¡¯s face already¡± Liam was hinting that he wouldn¡¯t tell anyone about the incident, but Tyler was such a thickhead that he didn¡¯t realize it. Liam¡¯s words only made him angrier. ¡°You dare to speak about her insolent boy¡± Liam clenched his teeth and folded his fingers to punch. He didn¡¯t seem to be afraid at all. Liam could knock everyone out with ease since he was a werewolf, but he kept his promise to his grandfather. He looked up at the sky and breathed out. ¡°I really don¡¯t want any fights on my first days of college. My grandpa would be so mad. I am sorry for yester¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡± A punch landed on Liam''s face. Tyler became so angry that he couldn¡¯t listen to Liam anymore. What infuriated him further was the absence of fear in Liam¡¯s eyes. The punch hit Liam¡¯s teeth, causing him to bleed. Liam touched his lip with his left hand and felt the blood. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. ¡°How are you still standing there after talking a hit from Tyler¡± "The guy with blonde hair spoke. Liam wiped the blood away with his thumb and spat out what had gotten in his mouth. Liam said very politely. ¡°Now that I bleed and you''ve just shown me how strong you are. Why don¡¯t we end this and you let me go¡± Tyler always believed he was the strongest in his group. However, when Liam didn¡¯t flinch after taking his punch, Tyler became even angrier.. ¡°Are trying to mock us? Or you are showing us how tough you are by not reacting¡± Tyler tried to involve the group as well. Liam looked annoyed ¡°I really hate this guy. Don¡¯t take it far. It¡¯s one against eleven anyway¡± A punch was about to land on Liam¡¯s again but he dogged. All the guys were shocked. ¡°Oops¡± Liam¡¯s reflexes were high so does his muscle memory. Tyler took two steps forward to throw another punch, but this time Liam dodged once more. Tyler''s eyes turned red with anger ¡°Bastard. You think you can outmatch all of us with that attitude of yours?" Tyler¡¯s went for a punch again for the fourth time, but this time he aimed for the lower stomach, figuring that Liam couldn¡¯t dodge this. He couldn''t lower himself to that level. All of this commotion was being observed by Margaret¡¯s group from the building. They watched through the window. ¡°Boys!!!!!!!!!! All they know is how to throw a punch!"¡± The girl with red hair said ¡°And how to dodge a punch too¡± Margaret muttered while observed through the large window on the second floor of the building. ¡°Hey Lily. Who is the other guy also watching the fight as well¡± The girl with red hair noticed a guy watching the fight as well. He was standing near the gallery. Margaret didn¡¯t pay attention to any of the girls talking; she was focused on the fight, particularly on Liam, who was about to receive a severe beating. Liam took a punch to the lower stomach from Tyler and cried out in pain. ¡°F**K. It didn¡¯t even hurt at all. I¡¯ll have to put on an act¡± Tyler looked at his knuckles, now red from the rough skin of Liam. He felt a twinge of pain in his finger and realized Liam was strong; he couldn''t take him on alone. Meanwhile, Liam continued to act as though he were in great pain and thinking of a way to escape the situation. ¡°Looks like I have to do that again,¡± he muttered. ¡°What did you say, bastard? It didn¡¯t even hurt you at all. Today you¡¯ll know what pain is,¡± Tyler retorted. Tyler signaled to his friends to attack by moving his eyes. Suddenly, one of them struck Liam from behind with a wooden stick he had been hiding. They all began to kick Liam. He covered his face with his hands and rolled onto the ground. An endless barrage of kicks landed all over his body. A few guys even kicked him in the face, but most of the blows landed on the area he was trying to shield. Only the guy with blonde hair stood back and watched. Neither was attacking Liam nor intervening. ¡°I would appreciate it if you guys stopped.¡± The one who had been watching earlier stepped in, a baseball bat in hand, resting it on his shoulder. Tyler looked up, seeing that Liam was bleeding all over. ¡°Why are you here, bastard?¡± Tyler shouted while landing one last kick to Liam''s chest. The blond guy rolled his eyes as all the others stopped at Tyler''s command. ¡°I think it¡¯s enough for today. You guys don¡¯t want to kill him, right?¡± He shot a serious look as he spoke. Tyler''s expression remained Liam. ¡°What if we do? Are you going to attack us with that baseball bat? It¡¯s one against ten anyway.¡± The guy swung his bat mockingly. ¡°Oh!!!!This bat? No, I just keep it to scare off animals. Fighting is prohibited at the academy.¡± Finally the guy with blonde hair stepped forward and grabbed Tyler¡¯s arm. ¡°It¡¯s enough for today. We¡¯ve had enough. Take your guy, Barney. We didn¡¯t know he was your guy.¡± Tyler looked confused, but seeing how serious the blonde guy was, he didn¡¯t ask any questions. ¡°Boys, that¡¯s enough for today.¡± At Tyler¡¯s command, the group stepped back. ¡°Looks like someone in your group knows how to think. Just so you know, he¡¯s not my guy; I only came to help him because I felt sorry for him.¡± The blonde guy stayed quiet. Barney continued, ¡°Isn¡¯t that why you didn¡¯t lay a hand on him, right, Eddie?¡± Eddie nodded and departed with Tyler and his group. Margaret watched the scene unfold, a shiver unexpectedly running down her spine. A male and female with black hair are walking out of the airport, both wearing jackets lined with brown fur, and they are pulling their trolleys behind them. MARGARET MARGARET "I have always wanted to be rain. Never anyone''s son or daughter. People would yearn for me for months, and when I finally arrive, they would open their umbrellas. I would then slip past them without ever touching them." f-rom the diary of Margaret Robin Margaret was walking along the narrow road, holding her bags under her arm. The road was empty as the sun was about to set. No people could be seen in the houses situated on both sides of the road. The houses were simple one-BHK duplex with slanted roofs. Soon, she noticed two kids trying to light a small bonfire using some wood. As Margaret got closer to them, she saw the wind blowing out the matchsticks. The kids struggled to ignite the fire, only to have the flames extinguished by the breeze. They both looked frustrated. Margaret paused to watch them, and one of the kids, exasperated, threw the matchbox away. The other kid turned his face toward the match when they heard a noise. The wood suddenly ignited on its own. The kids eyes widened in shock as they didn¡¯t understand how the fire had started. They glanced around to see if anyone was nearby and noticed Margaret observing the flames. "Witch¡± One of the kids said. As their eyes locked onto Margaret, she turned her face and started walking. The kids kept looking at her, but Margaret didn¡¯t look back as she continued walking. Margaret stopped in front of a house. Two lemon plants, full of lemons, were at the front of the house, with both plants positioned opposite each other. Before entering, Margaret looked at the house. As she entered, all the lamps hanging on the wall lit up by themselves. She didn¡¯t stop at the hall as she went straight up to her room. There were lamps hanging on the wall to illuminate the staircase as well. All of them began to light up as she approached them, almost as if the lights were welcoming her. The lamps were not ordinary; the light emanated from their flames. As soon as Margaret opened the door, she threw her bag and jumped onto her bed, hiding her face between her palms.¡±. ¡°I just wanted to help them. Why would they call me Witch?¡± Margaret muttered ¡°I am so embarrassed. Even the kids are afraid of me now.¡± Margaret opened her palm and glanced at the teddy nailed to one of her walls. ¡°But I am a good witch¡­ I am a good girl. There¡¯s no need to call me by that title,¡± She muttered, shifting her gaze to the other teddy affixed to the opposite wall of her room. ¡°Jeez, talk about embarrassment!!! What¡¯s with that guy...?¡± As Margaret continued talking to herself, she heard noise outside. People were shouting. Unable to discern anything, she looked through the mirror. She spotted a few people, with two kids standing in the front yard of her house. ¡°What do these guys want now? Always harassing a young girl.¡± Margaret descended the stairs to confront them. As soon as she opened the door, ¡°What did you do in front of them, Witch? Ever since they arrived, all they talk about is you,¡± One of the men shouted. ¡°Stay away from our kid, or you¡¯ll have to leave this neighborhood for good,¡± Another man interrupted. There were a total of four people there, along with the kids from earlier, who were watching Margaret silently. Margaret folded her arms with an annoyed expression. ¡°Is this what you guys do? Harass a lonely orphan girl? Is this how you show your masculinity¡ªby ganging up on me?¡± Margaret shot back. ¡°Don¡¯t try to play innocent. We know what you are. Next time we see you near our kid; we won¡¯t just give you a warning,¡± One man yelled angrily. ¡°If anything happens, we won¡¯t let you off, Witch,¡± Stolen story; please report. Another man shouted furiously. Margaret gave them an irritated look and said, ¡°Should I call the police and tell them that you¡¯re threatening me, a 17-year-old orphan?¡± The man stopped for a second and looked at each other. The anger in their eyes still hadn¡¯t faded. ¡°Next time, even the police won¡¯t be able to save you. You¡¯re only allowed to stay because of your father. He was a good man, and by keeping you here, we are not letting his soul down.¡± The men left with a clear warning. Margaret closed the door and went upstairs again. Margaret was wearing the same dress as she had been at school. She unbuttoned her shirt, took it off, and threw it aside. Just as she was about to unzip her bra, her phone rang. She checked and received a message from Lily. "Hey girl. Dreaming about Tyler or the new guy!!" A message popped up from Lily¡¯s chat. Margaret smiled and fell onto her bed to reply to the text. ¡°Jeez. I¡¯m not thinking about either of them.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lie, babe. I¡¯m your best friend, remember?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not falling for your words. I don¡¯t like either of them.¡± Margaret smiled while writing messages. She didn¡¯t even realize that she was only wearing a skirt and a white bra. ¡°Btw, the new guy smells so good. I can¡¯t unsmell it now.¡± ¡°Stop trying to invent new words. Unsmell? I didn¡¯t get any smell.¡± Margaret rolled over on her bed while smiling and replying. ¡°Trying to be innocent, huh? Don¡¯t suit you, princess.¡± ¡°Aren''t you a bit too excited for the new guy? We don¡¯t know anything about him.¡± ¡°To learn about him, I¡¯ll have to talk to him. I¡¯ve decided to introduce myself tomorrow.¡± ¡°Good luck, girl. We¡¯re your backup if anything goes wrong.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re my best friend, Margaret.¡± Margaret sent two heart emojis in reply to Lily¡¯s text. Suddenly, her eyes caught one of the messages from her to Lily ¡°Aren''t you a bit too excited for the new guy? We don¡¯t know anything about him.¡± A brief flashback flickered in Margaret¡¯s mind. After a moment, she suddenly pictured the hair at the back of Liam''s head and the tattoos on his neck. ¡°There are slashes like wolf claw marks and no smell at all. What could he be?¡± She whistled with her fingers and sat up on the bed. A wardrobe opened, and an old book flew toward her. She caught the book as if it were meant to be land only in her hand. She flipped through the pages for clues, but found nothing. Closing the book, she rested her elbow on it as she sat there. ¡°Three slashes. Could he be a wolf too? Well, if that¡¯s the case¡­¡± Margaret looked determined as she talked to herself, adjusting the strap of her bra, which she wore only at that moment. ¡°If he is a wolf, then I¡¯ll have to kill him with my hands.¡± Margaret''s eyes sparkled as the light from the lamps blazed brightly. "Liam was unboxing a large package while talking on the phone. The phone was on speaker. ¡°Yes, Grandpa, the day went well. I didn¡¯t fight anyone, didn¡¯t make any enemies, and attended all the classes.¡± Bren, on the other end of the line, replied, ¡°Well, that¡¯s good to hear. Make some good friends, too.¡± ¡°I actually made a friend today. I forgot his name, though, but he seemed like a good person.¡± Bren laughed heartily. ¡°You made a friend, and you don¡¯t even remember his name? That¡¯s so typical of you, Liam.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ll ask him his name tomorrow,¡± Liam said while moving the large box. ¡°By the way, Grandpa, I think I saw someone else.¡± ¡°What! Don¡¯t tell me you actually found that witch¡¯s daughter and are messing with her too!¡± ¡°Relax, Grandpa. I don¡¯t know about her mother, but I can tell she posses something special that others don¡¯t.¡± Liam smiled as he began arranging everything. The tattoo on his neck was clearly visible, as he was only wearing a T-shirt." A letter arrived at the door. A girl with black hair opened the door of the hotel and received the letter. The letter was sealed with a wolf signet. A boy was sitting on the bed, spreading one leg across the bed while the other rested on the ground. ¡°We have received the instructions to kill that thing,¡± The girl said after opening the letter and reading it.