Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Nivaan’s POV

I growled as I stomped around my room. I was beyond furious with myself. How could I feel that way about Emilia? How could I feel anything for her? A furious growl escaped my lips and I ran my fingers through my hair. I just wanted this to end quickly so that I could go back to being normal.

I fished out a black device from my pocket and pressed a button, "I want to send a message to Emilia Ryanwood.”

My grip on the device tightened as a mechanical voice sounded, “You can speak your message now.”

I drew in a deep breath, “Meet me at Cofferocks, It is high time you reject me..."

The device transcribed my voice and sent it as a text message. My pace increased as I continued to wear out the carpet in my room. She took some time to respond but the good news was that she had agreed to meet at 6 o’clock.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips. Finally, I could put this all behind me and focus on the weird ritual that was looming over us.

I tapped the button again and said "Message Vernon to call me back."

A few moments later a deep, husky voice echoed in the room, "Wassup buddy?"

"Did you find anything about The Lupus Constellation?"

"Nothing much, Nivaan... I have read almost all the grimoires and legends end to end... But I couldn't find anything useful. There was just one entry in a folktale. It said that the constellation holds special significance for werewolves," his disappointed voice sounded.

I scratched his chin thoughtfully, "Keep me posted if you find anything more...”

The frown on my forehead deepened. We had been trying so hard to find out about the constellation but nothing. It was as if this ritual was never recorded in history. There was only one way to find information now.

With a sharp exhale, I called up Mark.

"Alpha...," he greeted me in a cheerful voice.

My fingers curled into a tight fist and my jaws clenched. If only there was another way. Clenching my teeth, I gritted out, "Release Mike immediately..."

There was a long pause before Mark's skeptical voice sounded, "Do you think he knows about the ritual?"

"I know he doesn't,” I replied in a calm voice.

"Then, why do you want to release him?"

"He doesn't know about the witch but I am sure he will investigate this case... Mike's network is very large... All we have to do is keep an eye on him... He will lead us right into the heart of this issue..."

"Hmmm... So, have you decided to forgive him?"

My fists clenched tighter and the veins on my forehead popped. Letting out a soft growl I gritted out, "I have just delayed his punishment for my benefit..."

I disconnected the call without waiting for Mark's response. I was about to make another call when his phone dinged and a robotic voice stated, "You have to be at The Coffeerocks in thirty minutes...."

I massaged my forehead. A deep suffering sigh escaped my lips. My hand flew to the locket around my neck as I muttered, "Today, I will end this craziness. If Elsie doesn't agree to reject me, I will... I won't let anyone come between you and me... I will cherish your memories till there is breath in my body...."

Slamming the door shut, I trotted down the stairs. I had already booked a cab to avoid unnecessary delay.

My mind veered to the time I had met Valence for the first time. I was bound by silver chains and Ariana had also injected me with some sort of liquid.

It caused my entire body to burn from within. It wasn't a quick wave of heat that knocked you out; rather it was slow and smoldering. My entire body was covered in sweat and I was dying for water.

In her crooked sense of humor, Ariana had placed the pot of water in front of me; just beyond my reach. I had closed my eyes, unable to bear the tantalizing view in front of him.

Suddenly, I felt a cold glass press against my lips. I had gulped the water rather unceremoniously; causing a lot of water to spill all over me.

When I finally gained enough strength to open my eyes, I saw the prettiest girl in the world. Her eyes held such depth that I felt I would drown in them.

Her scent indicated that she wasn't a werewolf... But, I didn't care. She had shown me kindness when I was at my lowest point.

I fell for her that very day but I remained in denial for a very long time. After all, she was Ariana's daughter. It took me a very long time to come to terms with his feelings.

The screeching sound of the tires pulled me back to reality. I got out of the car and walked towards the cafe; tapping my long stick against the pavement.

My eyebrows furrowed the moment I stepped into the cafe. Why was it so silent? All I could hear was the soft music and some clanking. Coffeerocks was usually so crowded. Had I come to the wrong place?

I was about to turn around and leave when I was assaulted by a strong scent of pine and lemons. So, Emilia was already here...

"Nivaan, I am so glad you made it on time," Emilia's voice sounded close to me. She held my hand and led me to the table. Her behavior struck me as odd but I shook it off. She could behave like a clown for all I cared. What did it have to do with me?

I pulled my hand away the moment I sat down. I cleared my throat and placed my hands on the table. Leaning forward, I got straight to the point, "Would you like to do the honors or should I help you with it?"

I had expected a quick rejection but she seemed to be in the mood to drag this evening. She grasped my hand and said, "I know that you want this to get over as soon as possible… But, can't you tolerate me for a few more minutes?

I just want to apologize for everything I did… I am so stupid… If you hadn't come on time, God knows what would have happened. I want to…."

I was so tempted to shout at her but I held back. I interrupted her before she could rant any more. "There is no need to thank me…I would have done that for any girl…"

Silence hung deep and heavy in the room for a long time before Emilia spoke up, "Will you at least have a drink with me before we part our ways?"

"I don't think…."

"Please…. Only one drink… I swear I won't take too much of your time," Emilia pleaded, squeezing my hand.

I would have refused but I didn’t want to give her a chance to reach out to me in the future. I could have a drink with her if that meant she wouldn't bug her again.

The moment I nodded, she jumped to her feet and rushed to get the drink. I could hear the clicking of her heels echo in the room. Why was it so eerily quiet? Something wasn't right…I just couldn’t figure out what it was.