I came down to the halls and cut to the left and stood against the wall trying to catch my breath. Shortly, later Lorraine and Ashley joined me "what was with all that 'dash and run' ?" Ashley asked me huffing.

     "Ummm.... that was... running. You know i heard that running was good for your health?" I smiled still huffing in between.

     "Good Lord! She has finally lost it!" Lorraine said, her eyes glued to her phone.

     "Im still waiting for your answer..." Ashley said tapping her fingers impatiently on her sides. They would think im crazy if i told them the reason behind me running out. Oh my god! What's wrong with me? Why did i even run out in the first place? Geez! Now they would be more suspicious about it.

      I sighed "its not a big deal, i just thought it would be better if we would... you know be prepared for the next class early, so that we could have more time to... spend in... the next class?" I gave them my best fake smile.

     "The next class is math! And as long as i can remember you always planned to ditch this class... whats up with you?" Lorraine grunted, slipping her phone back in her pockets. I mentally facepalmed myself for thousand times for saying that crap.

     "You know, you arent a very good liar" ashley said raising her spectacles up on her nose.

      I looked down at floor "its nothing really. I thought the next class was literature" i lied.

      "Oh... okay, but you're acting weird" Lorraine said gesturing her hands over me. I rolled my eyes and looked at her. "Anyways, ive planned a girls night out this friday. Just us three" Lorraine said smiling. Her eyes glinted like gems.

     " wow! Its been really long since we went out. This is great! Im up!" ashley said clapping her hands and smiling widely. They both turned to look at me.

     "My dad's gonna be out this friday. So i think i can come with you guys" i said shoving my hands into my pockets.

      "Think? " Lorraine asked me raising her brow.  "Do you really thimk we're gonna leave you? Try that on someone else, because it aint gonna work on us" Lorraine said putting her arm over Ashley's shoulder.

       I smiled and hugged them tightly. "You guys are the best!" I said slowly and shut my eyes tightly

       "You too..." Lorraine said with her voice muffled.

       "Lesbians!" Someone muttered when they passed through us.

  We let each other go "kids these days... need to learn to mind their own businesses" Lorraine said nodding her head.

       "Let them be... we three are just too cool and they hate to accept it" Ashley said looking at the group of students who called us 'lesbians' walk down the hall. I sighed loudly and started laughing.

I saw a boy approach us. He was Brown-haired and had freckles on his cheeks. He was as same height as me, probably a bit younger. "Ashley, Lorraine. You're been asked by Ms.Braid. she told me you both have to meet her right away... " his noes scrunched up. He had a bunch of papers in his hand.

       "Okay. We'll come." Ashley  said smiling. He turned around and disappeared from our eyes.

       "You will be okay by yourself?" Lorraine asked me. Her hands were swinging on her sides.

       I rolled my eyes "im not a kid." I crossed my arms.

       "We know that..." Ashley said smiling sweetly. "We'll be back. Dont go wandering around."

       "I'll be near the lockers. See you there!" I said walking away and waving back at them. I looked at my wristwatch. There were still more minutes left before the recess got over. I came to the locker area and stood next to mine. The whole hall was chatting and playing around.

Few cheerleaders were standing there and gossiping about someone and everyone were gathering around them. I didnt care and i stuffed my physics books back into my locker and got my math book out. "Oh my god! I was so starstruck when i saw him walk in through the gates"..... " trust me girl, i think ive met my true soulmate..." i heard all these girls squealing over some guy. Some guy, oh my! Shit! Its that new guy! I shuddered at the flashback. What was wrong with me? He probably thinks you're crazy now, Carly! Job well done!. Ugh! Whatever! I dont care what he thinks about me. And i wont ever meet him again! I said to myself.
   
The crowd that had gathered moved away. Thank god! It was getting so noisy in here, finally i get some peace which i truly deserve. I sighed and smiled to myself. I shut my locker and turned around to see that one familiar head with dark shiny black hair far away at the end of the hall. He turned around and we made eye-contact. He smiled again. Ohmygod!!! That boy gotta stop smiling like that or i think i will really go crazy. I kept looking at him and his smile turned more into a smirk. My whole body shuddered and i got goosebumps on my arms. He kept the smirk plastered on his face and he walked ahead, making his way towards me. OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD! I turned around to face my locker. I tried opening it but failed miserably. I felt like i was hit by a meteorite. I kept my head against my locker and waited for my life's embarrassment to approach me. Something about that smirk wasnt right and i knew it. I cursed at my locker for making a mess of myself. I felt his presence behind me and my skin tingled in an odd sort of way.

     "Excuse me? " i heard a warm soothing voice that felt like soft petals of flowers in the early dawn...WAIT WHAT?! What was i even thinking?  I shook that thought out from my mind and turned around to see him. Now that he was standing so close to me i could see him properly. He was taller than me, probably 6". He was wearing a white t-shirt with a black jacket over it and plain black jeans. His hair almost covered his forehead and his eyes... his eyes had me stuck in time.

     "Ummm .. may i help you?" I asked brushing away all the thoughts that came in my mind. I tried to be as casual as possible.

     "Ummm... yeah, i cant find my locker" he said running his hand through his hair. He cant find his locker? The goddamn locker is just down the hall! Why ask me? I sobbed. He handed me a slip of paper. I took it and saw the number '241C' written on it.

      I smiled "its this way" and i started walking away not even looking back if he was following or not. I didnt have to turn back, since i could feel his stare piercing through me. I walked straight to almost to the other end of the hall and stopped infront of his locker. "Here it is!" I said looking at the locker and then back at him.

      "Thanks!" He said smiling brightly. I saw his eyes almost disappear when he smiled and my heart skipped a beat. "Im Sammuel Sylvester, call me Sam" He said opening his locker.

      He put his stuff in and shut the door "And.. you're Carly Hunt.. right?"

      How did he know my name? I never introduced myself to him. I tilted my head "How did you.."

      "..know your name?" He answered perfectly completing my sentence.

      "Yeah?" I said

      "i asked with one of the guys back in the class and then i asked Adam..."

  Adam? Does he know him? Why does he want to know my name? "Adam?" I asked and my shoulders slouched down.

     "Hmmm yeah... I asked him after i caught you staring at me" he said looking at me innocently, smirking and putting his hands back into his pockets.

Staring? I cant believe this guy " staring?" I scoffed and then i looked at him "i wasnt staring at you! I was just seeing who you were because.. ive never seen you in class before and besides when i turned around you were already looking, so wasnt it you who was staring?"  I asked satisfied with my reply. It was true afterall, i didnt turn around to 'stare' anyone, but when i did turn someone was already staring at me.

     "Hmmm.. i guess youre right. I didnt mean to stare at you, sorry" he said looking down and then back up at me.

     "Its okay Samuel" i sighed. Was i too harsh that he apologised so quickly?

     "Sam, call me Sam" he smiled again.

     "Oh.. umm okay.. Sam" i smiled back again and looked down at the floor.

     "Hey Carly!" I heard Lorraine's voice. I looked up and i saw both of them coming towards me. This was bad, no this was worse. They would probably imagine something extra with me standing here with the new-transfer-student/A.K.A every-girl's-hot-Samuel-Sylvester and that EXTRA came with all the levels of embarrassment and teasings. They noticed Sam standing ahead of me. He gave them a smile and they smiled back. This was the perfect time to screw up my life. The worse part was i could already see them smirking. I felt like i was stuck in a raging ocean with only a raft with having nowhere to go.

     "Hey Carly! We were looking everywhere for you!" Ashley said with a worried expression on her face. Obviously she was faking it and i knew why.

     "Im sorry if i kept Carly busy. Im new and i couldnt find my locker" he said facing   Ashley and Lorraine.

     "No.. no.. its completely fine! You can take Carly out wherever you want " Lorraine said dreamily. Why did she say that?!

     I elbowed her hard and glared at her. "I... I... mean you can.. ask her help whenever you want. I mean its hard to know a place of youre coming there for the first time... right Ashley,?" Lorraine stuttered covering up what had gone between us. Ashley nodded her head.

    "Im glad you feel that way. Im Samuel by the way" he said smiling sweetly.

    "Nice to meet you Samuel. Im Ashley and this is Lorraine. We're Carly's best friends!"  Ashley said gesturing to Lorraine. Lorraine smiled and did a quick-wave.

    "Nice to meet you both!" He said smiling. "Anyways... I think i should leave now." He took a step back still facing us. He looked at me, " i'll see you around and thanks... Carly."

    "Your welcome Samuel.." i said and he frowned again. I realised and corrected myself  "Sam... " i tugged a strand of my hair behind my ears and smiled.

He smiled a little and turned on his heels and walked away. I watched him disappear in the corridors. I heard Lorraine and Ashley giggling over. I sighed loudly "its not what you thin-"

     "Saaaaaammmmm" Lorraine chided flicking her hair.

     Ashley started laughing and she joined in as well "oh Saaaaammmm.... youre so cool! Did you really want to find your locker or did you just want to spend your time with me?" Ashley whined trying not to laugh.

     The way they dragged his name was really annoying " guys stop it! Its not funny! People are looking here!" I said walking away.

     "Oh Saaammm.. you can take me anywhere you want! I'm going bonkers over you " Lorraine said putting up her Britain-accent. Damn! This girl gotta stop hanging around Ashley's house a lot. Did i mention that Ashley's aunt is from England?

      Ashley lost it after Lorraine said that. She laughed loudly and picked up from the same place with that accent "oh Saaamm you can come around my house when my dad's not around" Ashley said laughing but still keeping the conversation up.

      I stopped and turned around to face them "you know what? You guys need help!"i said plainly not showing any emotion.

      "Who are the lovebirds now... huh?" Lorraine asked me still laughing.

      "Look, i just call him in that name because he told me to" i said crossing my arms.

      "Well, he didnt tell us to!" Lorraine said standing up straight.

      "Well thats not my problem" i said with ascowl in my face. I wanted to just go to an emptyfield and scream for an hour. Gosh! This is so frusturating!

"But you-" Lorraine  fought back with a smile plastered on her face.

"Shut up!" Was the first thing that came out of my mouth.

            *****

There was so much going through my head and it has only been an hour or so. I walked back to my class and scanned the crowd. No Sam, well, thats good news. I plopped down on my seat and Lorraine and Ashley came in together and took their seats. The math class  began and i started taking down important notes. I tried hard to keep my mind focused on the lesson, but my mind kept drifting back to him. I didnt know why but, there was something different about him. His whole aura gave a different glow, something that i couldnt get a grasp of. I nodded my head and rubbed my eyes. I just wanted to know.

          *****
 

The classes were almost over. The last class was literature and Ms.Braid had left us free since she finished early with the chapter. I lied down and closed my eyes. The cold desk felt so nice against my skin. I breathed in deeply. "Carly!" I heard Lorraine beside me

     "yeah?" I asked with my eyes still closed.

     "You sure you dont have a thing for Samuel?" She asked. I sighed and opened my eyes.

     I sat straight and looked at her "no, why do you ask?" My eyebrows furrowed.

    "Because the other girls are planning to ask him out!" Ashley blurted out.

     "Okay... umm, so what do i have to do with this information?" I asked frowning at Ashley.

     " 'what do i have to do'? "Ashley repeated, " anyone on the first glance can tell you guys are meant to be together. Its like you're freaking soulmates..."

      i choked at that, "can you even spell soulmates?" The bell rang. I put my stuff back into my bag and i got up. Ashley grunted.

      "Okay, so can you explain the blush on your face?" Lorraine asked me pointing her index finger at me. I felt my blood rush into my veins.

      "What blush? Im not blushing!" I lied. I had no idea why i was blushing. What was wrong with me?

      "Everytime someone speaks about him you blush.. see?" She said pointing at my face. I held my cheeks and walked ahead.

       " ohmygod! Sweet baby Jesus! You fell for him!" Ashley said cupping her mouth.

       "Im gonna tell him..." Lorraine said smirking at me and wiggling her eyebrows. Ive had enough of this today!

       I stopped dead in my tracks and faced at them"i did not fall for him, nor am i in love. And YES no one's telling anything to anyone... clear?" I yelled a little. They both looked at each other and then looked at me and gave me a smile. I clearly lost. They arent going to buy it. "I really qui- owww!!" I tripped over my leg and fell on the floor. Pain rushed into my legs.

       "You okay?" I heard that warm soothing voice again. I looked up and saw Sam, ohmygod! Was he standing here all this time? He put out his hand for me, "you fell!" He said raising his eyebrows and smiling a bit.

       "You think?" I asked angrily. The pain in my legs wasnt helping me at all. I got up on my own and i saw him retreating his hands back awkwardly and putting them back in his pockets. I realised the whole corridor was silent and everyone were looking at me.
"Im fine!!!" I yelled loudly and waved my hands above my head and then everyone continued walking.

   Sam didnt say anything to me so it was getting a bit awkward. "Ummm.. so i guess i will be seeing you around quite often then?" I asked with a smile.

    "Yeah, i guess..." he smiled. "Well, then... ummm... see you tomorrow!" I said pulling my bag-straps.

    He blinked his eyes and smiled sweetly "see you tomorrow Carly!"

        *****

I came back home and i saw my dad, William Hunt in his armchair. He was watching the T.V and he looked at me as i walked in. "Hey Carly! How's school?" He asked sipping coke.

    "Hmmm.. it was interesting today." I made my way to the sofa and dropped my body there.

    "Hmmm.. thats new!" He chuckled slowly. My dad William, worked at the court. He was a lawyer. The 'best one' is what others called him. He saved many lives and helped in giving justice. But cases that came to him these days werent just to defend the justice, but also to defend the crimes. My dad backed away from such cases when he knew the client had committed the crime. He always said that he became a lawyer to give justice and not to be a pawn of those who committed a crime.

     "How's work?" I asked

     "scarce... as usuals." He smiled a little. There were wrinkles around his black eyes. His brown hair was messed up and he was still wearing his dress shirt. "Honey, i was thinking.. what if we opened a cafe with little tables and huge windows?" He asked me hesitantly.

     I gave him a thumbs-up sign and smiled "thats great! At least, i can get free coffee everyday!" I mused a little and mumbled "mom loved places with little tables and huge windows." I didnt expect my dad to hear it, but he did. He didnt say anything and he continued staring at the T.V screen. I got up and walked upstairs. I went into my room and finished my homework. I washed up, ate my dinner and plopped down on my soft bed. I stared at my ceiling and i thought about all the things that happened today.  I smiled to myself and went to sleep.

●○●
"Let me out! LET ME OUT!" i screamed as i banged on the huge wooden doors. I felt pain gushing in my veins. My eyes burnt making my vision blurred. "Stop... please... dont do it... please.. i beg of you... " my clothes werent my clothes. They looked like silk robes and they were stained in blood.

      The huge doors creaked and opened slowly. I backed away and stood up. One man walked in, he was dressed up in armour. He looked at me and, he smiled weakily "you have to be strong Princess Arica. Your father would want you to be strong... i know its hard, But theres nothing we can do now. I deeply apologise for your loss." He bowed and he left.

      I started crying again and then another man walked in the room. The black hair and the mysterious smile on his face had a dark aura surrounded around him. My instincts made me stronger when he walked in. He was wearing black robes and his hands were covered in blood. "You monster! How could you do this? My father trusted you!!" I shouted angrily with hot tears streaming down my face.

     He just smiled and walked closer to me. Then, i noticed... the eyes, his eyes were of tinted red color. I gasped and gritted my teeth. "Your father still trusted me until his last breath..." he chuckled. His pale skin glowed in the moonlight, "since i am the other soul that binds perfectly with yours.... it was a waste to take down a great king as him... but he was a fool" he said wiping his hands on his robes.

      I saw his face and my blood froze, "you are not the soul that binds with mine. You never were and you will never be" i said holding my anger in.

      "So do you think its that, scrawny kid you found in the dungeons? " i couldnt breathe anymore. For some reason i felt afraid, weak. "Yes, yes, i know that you found him and you let him escape... but dont worry, we will find him before the Bloodmoon arrives. Ive got the best night-raiders on his trail. He won't survive for more than a week"

      night-raiders... i shuddered at the thought of those merciless beasts that feed on human flesh on his trail. "The bloodmoon comes in 4 weeks, you've to prepare yourself for the bonding... my bride." He caressed my cheeks and i smacked them away.

      My anger surged through my whole body and into the ground where i was standing. The ground shuddered loudly and cracks appeared on the walls of the room. "I wouldn't do that if i were you Princess. Your people are also at stake." He smiled carelessly. I wanted to rip out his face but i calmed down. He turned around to leave and he stopped midway "ive found a new sorcerer and he believes he can break the prophecy. Then you'll become mine... and i can get rid of... Onuel forever." He shut the door and walked away. I screamed loudly and i cried shutting my eyes tightly.
●○●

I woke up in my bed. I was sweating profusely, I tried to catch my breath. It was a dream, it was just a dream. I calmed myself and kept my hand on my chest to feel my heart beat. I exhaled and looked at the time. It was 4.30a.m in the morning. A drop of water fell on my hand. I touched my cheeks and i saw tears. I had been crying all this time, I wiped them away and sighed. I looked out the window and i saw a huge cloud approaching the moon. The light faded away and it became dark. I lied down on the bed and i finally fell asleep, a dream-less sleep.

*

Author note:
If you guys are wondering what night-raiders are, just imagine anything and everything that are almost 5"8 with no facial features as eyes, nose or ears but only a huge mouth with shark teeth and a long spiked tongue. They run on all four limbs and have a hunched back... moreover, they depend on human flesh. Things will get crazy in the later few chapters and its not for the weak hearted...

P.S:these 'night-raiders' are one of my worst nightmares😂😂 and im letting them invade the book. Anyways enjoy the horror that is yet to come...

If there are any questions, please write down in the comments😙😙. More explanations are coming ahead...