Third Person POV
As Phoenix and the stranger scoured the crowd for Lisa, an unsettling feeling settled in Phoenix’s mind. Something about this unfamiliar person felt off—perhaps it was the constant watchful gaze or the lingering touch that made Phoenix uneasy. However, their primary focus remained on finding their friend and escaping the current situation.
Shallow gasps escaped Phoenix’s lips as they and the stranger maneuvered through the pulsating crowd. The cacophony of voices and music assaulted their ears, while the flashing lights synchronized with the booming bass sent waves of dizziness crashing over them.
The stranger’s hand on Phoenix’s arm provided stability as they navigated the chaotic club, preventing them from collapsing as their legs wobbled like jelly. A stumble threatened to send Phoenix tumbling, but the stranger swiftly caught them with strong, dependable arms, offering a rare sense of security after hours of uncertainty.
Amid their search for Lisa, the stranger’s voice acted as a lifeline amidst the mayhem. With a gentle touch and a constant stream of reassurance, they guided Phoenix through the intricate maze of the club.
“Maybe she’s in the restroom?” The stranger’s words were muffled by the ringing in Phoenix’s ears, but the suggestion was clear. Trying to nod, Phoenix found their head weighed down like a heavy burden, lacking the strength to lift it.
The sound of knocking on a nearby door shattered the enveloping silence, causing Phoenix’s heart to pound with fear. Was it someone approaching with harmful intentions? Unable to discern amidst the jumble of thoughts, Phoenix’s mind became tangled and slipped away, lost in a swirling storm of confusion.
Suddenly, it felt as though Phoenix’s body no longer belonged to them alone. They experienced a merging sensation with something else, simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. Conflicting emotions clashed within, fueling a desperate hope that they wouldn’t succumb to regrettable actions. Sensing the mounting tension in the stranger’s grip on their arm, Phoenix felt their determination to keep them steady.
The pounding on the bathroom door echoed in Phoenix’s ears, causing her head to throb. She struggled to steady herself, but the world around her blurred as her merged side took control. The merging of her wolf and demon forms filled her with a strange euphoria.
From her vantage point, Phoenix observed as her merged side seized the man’s hand and pulled him towards the balcony. Although he sensed something was amiss, he followed her without questioning.
Once outside, Phoenix swiftly employed a spell her father had taught her, ensuring the man couldn’t escape. She pleaded with her merged side to stop, to think rationally, but it was futile. Her other half refused to listen and forcefully pressed the man against the balcony door.
Crackling with amethyst lightning, Phoenix’s moonlight blue eyes traced a finger across the man’s face, stirring an intense desire within him. Despite realizing the predicament he was in, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her. He gently pushed Phoenix away, but her merged side yanked her back, deepening the kiss. They found humor in the audacity of the situation and braced themselves against the door, their bodies pressed together. The glass fogged up as their passionate kissing escalated, and the man’s hands roamed over Phoenix’s form.
Leaving a trail of kisses and bite marks on her neck, the sensations overwhelmed Phoenix, and she became lost in the moment.
All of a sudden, when the clock hit midnight, Phoenix became aware again, and her merged side vanished. She forcefully pushed him away and hurriedly fled from the building, magically teleporting back to her room. The mysterious man let out a deep sigh, couldn’t believing what just happen. Feeling frustrated, he punched the wall, leaving a sizable dent, and wondered what came over him and why couldn’t he control himself.
“Why did you do that?” Phoenix asked, her voice tinged with irritation. She quickly stripped out of her black dress and slipped into her training outfit, feeling the cool fabric against her skin. The tension in her muscles was palpable.
“He was hot, and you know we like to have fun when we merge,” the voice of her demon side replied with a smug grin, causing Phoenix to roll her eyes. Her merged sides were always the reckless ones, constantly seeking thrills. At least they didn’t force her to sleep with anyone.
“You enjoy it,” the werewolf side taunted her, their voice low and seductive.
“As if,” she retorted, her lips twisting into a scowl. She despised the way they made assumptions about her.
“Don’t kid yourself,” they persisted, but she ignored them and pushed past, heading towards the training grounds.
The hallway leading to the grounds was pitch-black, and Phoenix relied on her enhanced senses to navigate. Changing into her half form, she became more alert, able to see clearly in the darkness.
In the quiet halls, her footsteps echoed, and she breathed heavily with excitement. Upon opening the door, the bright lights momentarily blinded her, so she squinted until her eyes adjusted. She then reverted to her human form, feeling relieved.
The training facility was vast and impressive, resembling that of a military establishment, complete with a self-restructuring maze.
“Your tardiness is unacceptable,” her father snapped, the resonance of his voice piercing the room like a gunshot. His commanding tone brooked no disobedience, and Phoenix understood the gravity of the situation.
“I’m just a minute late,” she argued, her defiance palpable in her voice.
“A minute is still late,” he grumbled, his irritation apparent.
“Fine,” she muttered under her breath, a simmering anger building within her.
“Don’t adopt a sassy attitude, young lady,” he warned, shaking his index finger at her.
She couldn’t resist a smirk. “Sure thing, old man.”
“You,” he sighed, his frustration evident, “begin your training.”
“What’s the first task?” she inquired eagerly.
“Running. You have one minute to cover seven miles. Start now,” he commanded.
She sprinted, her legs moving swiftly as the rush of running tousled her hair. After what felt like a blur, she halted, slightly breathless. She couldn’t discern if it was from the run or the replay of the kiss in her mind.
“One minute and thirty seconds. That won’t suffice,” her father declared, disappointment etched on his face.