e i g h t
a b s e n t
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TIA WOKE TO a slither of morning light penetrating her eyelids. It had darted through the open slit in the curtains, trailing on her face like a wave of fire. Flustered, Tia had no choice but to wake.

Her hair was scattered in all directions, and she strained a yawn as she pulled the black tresses into a messy bun. The woman sighed. Her eye bags were noticeably darker, and a scattering of spots had begin to show on the right cheek; the side she had been sleeping.

Eretria's face appeared almost as lost as her soul. She still hadn't pieced together the fragments of her crushed heart.

Tia rushed into the shower, and quickly applied another round of makeup when she was clothed and dry. She had opted for yet another pair of leggings, sporting a large hole ripped across the knee, accompanied by a leather jacket she had stolen from Colton's belongings. Her top was grey and plain, so that she wouldn't draw unneeded attention to herself.

The brunette sighed as she stood in front of the mirror. She could see the invisible lines across her face where her façade had cracked. She had a peculiar face, with an unfeminine strong jaw, yet soft eyes. Her lips were full, a trait she had adorned with scarlet every day since she was fourteen.

She turned away from her reflection, refusing to gaze back into the eyes staring directly at her. They were scared, and she didn't need to remind herself of the events that had occurred in the previous days. Nor did she want to think about her most recent encounter with Jared.

Refusing to delve deeper into her fathomless pit of thoughts, Tia hurried out the door and knocked on the one opposite her room. The girl's heart sank to her bare feet when Colton didn't answer. She would have to face the pack alone.

Navigating the endless labyrinth of corridors was no easy feat. Yet, with determination, Eretria made it to the large dining area within five minutes. She was grateful that she had only gotten lost once.

Tia grazed her knuckles against the wooden wall, the plaster giving way to horizontal oak beams. The shining ancient wood was beautiful, and bordered the whole room. Even the two large dinner tables were composed of the material, splintering yet beautiful in their unnatural form. Wooden benches creaked as a mass of men, women, and children sat at the two tables eating off white plates. At the far end of the room was an enormous window opening up onto the pack grounds, and forest beyond. The light was young as it filtered through the clean glass, dust motes twirling an estranged dance as Tia picked out Colton, and slid onto the bench next to him.

The scent of bacon tickled her nose, but she shook her head and prohibited her sense of smell.

Tia wasn't hungry.

"Hey," Colton murmured through a mouthful of hash brown. His best friend rolled her dark eyes, scorning his eagerness to eat. He had already settled in, despite his refusal the day before. "You're up late."

"It's eight thirty." Eretria scowled, picking at the hem of her shirt. The fabric was stiff between her scarred fingers.

"Exactly."

Eretria knocked Colton's elbow as he attempted to eat another mouthful of food. "Just because you get up at six, it doesn't mean you can mock me."

Tia lowered her voice as six pack wolves from the opposite table gathered up their plates and left, leaving empty space in their wake. Only ten people remained in the room, and Tia finally felt room to breath. She sighed deeply, replenishing the oxygen she had deprived her lungs.

"Good morning," another voice uttered, a body clambering onto the bench across the pair. Unprovoked, Eretria already had her hands balled so tightly the skin had turned white at the knuckles.

Tia pried herself from the chair. "And goodbye."

"Ti," Colton groaned, pulling her back down onto the wood with a thump. Inwardly, Tia's soul dissembled.

The she wolf angrily crossed her arms, protecting her heart. She wished she had done it sooner. Maybe then she'd feel as close to normal as a werewolf could be.

Losing her first father had been hard. She could remember the night clearly, and the way in which she was torn from his life. He was a good man, with kind eyes. Tia didn't remember the rest of his face; just the fluctuating hazel orbs with suspended flecks of gold, pure like his soul. She had spent years of her life searching for the remnants of her true family, but there was no evidence there were still alive. Yet, a spark of hope leapt in her chest and kept her functioning each day. She would find her parents.

Before she went insane.

Eretria rolled her eyes. "What?" She retorted, wrenching her body sideways to free it from Colton's grip. Her eyes darted to gaze at Jared's, only to be met with an equally glacial stare. "No offence, but I can't trust him."

Jared strained his thin lips into a smile, slapping the table. Colton froze. "I appreciate it, thanks," he scowled. Tia decided that she would definitely, without a question, break his arm when the opportunity presented itself. "Anyway, Alpha Connor's asking for you. I suggest you come."

The woman looked at the Beta in disdain, hatred coiling through her veins so tightly it felt like her skin was tingling with one thousand volts of electricity. "We don't take orders from you."

"Tia-" Colton spoke slowly, in a voice the girl had heard on numerous occasions when dealing with other packs. She had no concept of manners. To her, the werewolf system was faulty and sexist. She wanted to change that.

"What?" Eretria spat, standing up defiantly. "We might be staying in your pack house, but you seem to forget that I am an alpha, too. I will not let you command me."

Jared's long lashes fluttered, slitting his eyes. "Do you want revenge for whoever murdered your pack?"

Tia bit her lip. "Yes," she exhaled.

Jared straightened his unflattering attire as he rose from the chair. His movements were sharp, and Tia couldn't help but notice that his actions were taut. He looked uncomfortable in his own skin, and the stench of smoke lingered on his clothes.

"Then follow me."

Bile rose in Tia's throat, threatening to choke her. She wanted to throw up; pass out from dehydration or starvation. Yes, Jared was handsome, but Eretria had trust issues. And not for one second, would she let her guard slip and reveal the true girl hiding in the shell of a false warrior.

Jared led the pair from the room. Tia forced Colton to leave his half finished breakfast on the table, steam rising from the hot food like a miniature cloud. She exhaled loudly as soon as she couldn't smell the delicious food, her stomach no longer tempted. But she had lost her appetite, and it wasn't coming back anytime soon.

The hallways whirled into one continuous pathway, the doorways equidistant; plaster continually an unnerving white. As the trio mounted the last flight of stairs to Connor's office, Tia sucked in a breath and prepared herself for the worst.

Jared pushed open the broad double oak doors, flexing his large biceps to gather enough energy to move the heavy obstacles. Unlike the rest of the pack house, Connor's office was magnificent, and the large window at the far end of the room framed the vivid orb in the sky as it scraped into existence. Colton wretched at the scent of fresh paper and old books, the antiquated items clinging onto the numerous bookshelves pushed up against the left wall. It was the third time the members of the Scarlet Pack had been in the stunning and clean room, yet as Tia walked into its unique clutches, she felt as though she was stepping into the office for the very first time. Excitement fizzed in her veins.

Time resumed as soon as Jared closed the doors with a click. Tia was no longer overwhelmed by the room, and sunk back against the wall as Connor stepped out from behind his desk.

His appearance was immaculate as always, the signs of a restless night invisible to the untrained eye. Yet, his caramel tresses were ruffled as though he had simply clambered from his bed and shrugged on his suit mere moments ago. In fact, Tia thought his hair definitely looked better when it hadn't been brushed.

"Thank you for bringing them, Jared," Connor nodded towards his Beta, who swiftly moved from behind Colton and Tia to take up his position at Connor's side. "There's been an improvement in your case."

Something lurked in the air. It was cold; frigid. And untouchable. A shiver ran down Tia's spine, making her legs tingle with the foreign sensation of pins and needles. She rubbed her leather covered arms. She couldn't smell anything. It was like death was hiding behind her.

Too excited - yet petrified - to form syllables, the pair stood still like a couple of stone statues.

Connor's eyes glazed over, making the cobalt of his irises more captivating to behold. Today, they represented a stormy sea. White horses broke in the dissolving blue, crashing into infinite blusters of azure. "There's someone I'd like you to meet," he spoke without emotion, waving his arm.

Eretria hadn't noticed the woman sitting in the armchair until the moment. The ruby material was turned with its back to her, a white hand resting on the plush furnishing. It twitched, life suddenly struck into the figure. Tia gasped so quietly, it resembled the squeak of a mouse. She hurried to wipe the sweat sticking to her forehead.

A bun of blonde tresses appeared as the lady stood up, her orange jacket a sheer contrast against the paper white of her skin. Tia didn't want her to turn around - begged her silently not to - but her wordless protest was useless. The creature spun around, shadowed face emerging from the light and reflecting off her pastel skill. For a moment, Colton and Tia were blinded.

The unknown woman was beautiful, with full salmon lips, and baby blue eyes as round as large coins. Her jawline was as sharp as a knife, matching the intensity of her stare.

"W- Who is this?" Colton stuttered. Jared's face had turned into a gaze of confusion.

The woman stepped forward, her footfalls merging into one as though she was gliding. She handed Colton and Eretria each a piece of card, followed by a black box.

"Sofia," Connor nodded, and the woman smiled in response. "She's a vampire, and one I've known for most of my life. She's here to help us get the information we need. If our presumptions are correct, the murder of your pack had something to do with vampires."

Eretria had never seen a vampire up close before. She had known - believed - of their existence, but she had never confronted one.

"We've got two days to prepare."

"Prepare for what?" Tia muttered in confusion, her eyes skimming over the invitation before realising she couldn't read half the words scribed elegantly on the parchment. Her hands grazed over the black cardboard box, pulling it open.

Connor smirked. "For the Seasonal Crescent Ball."

But Tia already knew.

Before her eyes, tucked into a robe of purple velvet was a gorgeous, gem studded, ruby mask.

Eretria cursed under her breath. Public events weren't her forte.

Ok the ball thing is a bit cliché, but I've been planning it for a while, and you'll see the significance of it as the story develops ;)

please tell me what you thought!! Each chapter will be dedicated to a different reader each time, and will be based on their comments :)

Dedicated to twenty_nine_ for being an incredible and supportive friend. I love you <33

Lotte xx