(Amaia)
We live on the continent of Tarathia. The human population lives on the eastern side of the continent Tarathia. The Kingdom of Orion is the most advanced Kingdom of our continent. Humans aren't permitted inside unless a special permission is granted or Huradis puts in a word.
The Kingdom of Orion comprises werewolves, hybrids, and other supernatural creatures.
Werewolves dwell in other parts of Tarathia, too; they have their own packs. Some form alliances with the Kingdom of Orion, while others live independently.
The pack I grew up in, the one that provided me shelter after my village was destroyed and my people were massacred, including my mother and brother, is called the Silvershade Pack. A small pack but had an alliance with our people. Their Alpha Kalistian Thuder took me in and sheltered me from the Dread Army.
Only he knew of my secret identity that I am the last of the Fae kind. My secret died with him when he passed away six months ago. His son and my ex-mate, Tarian, took over.
Tarian lacks leadership skills, and his wolf is not as strong as his father's. I tried to help him keep the enemies away from our borders and look after the pack but I guess I wasn't enough for him.
Those who are weak try to project their insecurities on others and Tarian is no different. When it came to survival, he just fled, leaving me to fend for myself and rejecting me in the process.
Maybe he wanted someone who had a wolf. He was never very thrilled to find out that I was his mate but the fear of his father kept him in place. Now that Alpha Kalistian is no more, he got rid of me without any consequences and most certainly believes I am dead.
That is my sob story but no way I am telling any of this as my introduction.
I stand up and face them confidently. "My name is Amaia Zhāng. I am human and an orphan. I grew up in the Silvershade Pack after my family died." Alnitak's eyes widen at my revelation while Mintaka watches me with a bored expression.
Alnilam, on the other hand, seems to be absorbing every word I am saying, and I know he is going to confirm my story later.
"It was always my dream to join the Orion Academy and become a monster hunter. I trained from a very young age and Alpha Kalistian mentored me, perfected my moves. I proved myself in the sandy pits by bringing the monster down with my teammates." I smile and focus my attention on Alnilam, hoping he won't bring up Huradis and what he witnessed.
He gives me a hard stare; those piercing amethyst-shaded eyes seem to stare right into my soul.
My stupid heart picks up its pace, no matter how calm I try to keep myself. I know he can hear the increase in beats. But he spares me any humiliation and points down with his index finger, telling me to settle.
With relief coursing through I quickly perch on my chair. Alnilam moves to a boy from House Serpen and his introduction begins.
I place my hands on the table and clutch them tightly, hoping they won't shake.
Kacir leans in and murmurs in an apologetic tone, "I am sorry, I didn't know."
"It's alright, Kacir." I try to smile, but deep inside my heart, the memories of that night have fully awakened.
The screams of my people, the desperation in my mother's eyes as she told me to run and hide. The bravery of my brother as he shields me from the enemy with his little body.
So brave, Aziel was my hero. I don't even know when tears accumulate in my eyes and one of them slips out. I am stuck in that memory.
A warm hand covers mine and squeezes. The delicate tingles race over my skin, and my head turns to find Alnitak sitting where Kacir had been.
Concerns run deep on his face, his gold-dusted eyes carry deep emotions. He shifts my hand to his thigh and refuses to let go, squeezing it. He doesn't say any comforting words and focuses his attention towards others making introductions. He just holds my hand, sharing this pain. Although my thigh is on fire because of his touch, his closeness is worth that ache.
Alnilam gives his brother a hard stare at the change of seats but stays quiet. Maybe he saw the pain and tears and decided to let this pass.
Even through his introduction, Alnitak keeps it simple and holds my hand.
Once the introductions are done, Alnilam faces us.
"I will be teaching you Combat and Monster Studies. We will learn about the weaknesses of these monsters that now dwell in our world and then battle them out."
"Open your History of Monsters and take out page 58. We will begin with Antrodias. Learn its weaknesses and habitats. Tomorrow you will come face-to-face with one."
I use my left hand to open the book as Alnitak refuses to let go of my hand.
Alnilam begins describing Antrodias.
"This particular creature evolved from ants. When the spell was cast, some ants were mutilated and then crossbred with beetles. Henceforth bringing forth this monster. Standing at 8 feet, its shell is extremely hard and even uncrackable with weapons and magic. But it has a weak spot. Any guesses?" He asks and I raise my left hand.
"Yes!"
"It's underbelly," I say with confidence and Alnilam nods at me.
"That's true. The juncture between their legs that lies in their underbelly is their weak spot. You want to kill them, that's where you hit. Jamina will guide you regarding what kinds of concoctions you can use against it to temporarily knock it off. So pay attention in her class."
Her name from his mouth comes so lovingly and it pinches my heart. I know they had been intimate today, and I had felt every second of their lovemaking as a torture session.
My body shakes at the reminder and Alnitak's curious gaze flits towards me in confusion. He feels the tremor because he is still holding my hand. But he stays quiet and doesn't speak.
Alnilam continues to brief us about Antrodias until our library session ends.
"Head over to the training ground and start the laps as your punishment. No slacking or you will be starting over," Alnilam threatens as we gather our books and notebooks to place in the lockers assigned on the left side of the library.
Alnilam and others leave. Kacir lingers but Alnitak nods at him, letting him know to go ahead.
He then turns towards me and says,
"Stay, I want to talk to you. We still have 20 minutes between these two sessions. We will make it."