Luna Aria

III. Princess

Aria's POV:

Throwing my gray hood on, I did my usual morning routine and lay on Sam's lap to take a nap. She lifted her book and stroked my hair, mumbling the words to herself as the light music beat in the background.

John and Joe were sitting in the car's front seat, discussing their plan for the weekends. The twins almost always hang out together every weekend. I'm grateful I wasn't born into a werewolf family because they would have the same mate.

How creepy is that?

It's like two hotdogs trying to fit into one bu-

My thoughts were interrupted when Joe made a sharp turn into the parking space, causing my body to roll into the ground. "Sorry!" he shouted, but there wasn't a hint of remorse in his voice.

There is no way he could've read my mind...right?

Releasing an awful grunt, I turned my head to see a twenty-dollar bill under the car seat. Joe rustled around, "Did anyone see a twenty? I put thirty dollars in my wallet earlier, but now I only have ten," he said.

Subtly, I snatched the twenty and sneaked it into my pocket. I turned my head to see Sam staring at me with a brow raised. A sheepish grin made its appearance, and I held a finger to my lips, silencing her. She shook her head, opened the car door, and left.

Joe opened his side, "Sam! Did you see it?!"

"No, and if I were you, I would drive slower next time," she screamed.

After some time, I sat up and crawled out of the car. Joe snapped his neck towards me. "Don't ask me," I said a bit too quickly, planting both feet on the cement ground. I grabbed my backpack and walked away.

"You have it!" Joe yelled.

I dash for school. "I don't!" I shriek, stumbling into some students.

"Then why are you running!" he continued his chase.

"Because you are chasing me! Stop chasing me!"

"Give me back my money! I need it to buy a new shirt for soccer!"

"What money? You mean the twenty I found, that's mine?" I pulled out the bill and waved it in the air, cracking into a ludicrous laugh.

"Aria Sienna Rossi!" He shouted, increasing his speed.

"Ha! It only works when dad says it!" I pushed the money back into my pocket.

When I heard a loud bang, I turned around to see Joe on the floor, possibly running right into an open door. My legs stopped, watching him as he sat up, shaking his head. I resumed running when I saw him standing up, without any visible injuries.

My classroom came into view, and I sighed with relief when I saw a teacher standing there. I grabbed the door's frame and stumbled inside, hiding behind the teacher.

Joe dug his shoes onto the floor, causing an obnoxious squeaking sound. He shot me a lethal glare and marched in my direction.

To catch his attention, the teacher fake coughed: "Joseph, this isn't your classroom."

Joe sends him an apology, reverting his glare at me. "I'll be back," he said in a deep robotic voice.

I stuck out my tongue, and in return, he stuck out his tongue at me.

"I'm telling mom!" he shouted.

"I'm telling dad!" I yelled, clinging to the teacher who threw his arms up in the air, muttering: "Of course, Rossi's siblings."

"What are you going to tell dad, huh?! I didn't do anything wrong! You are the one who stole money from me!"

"No! I found the twenty that conveniently lay under the car seat you were sitting on!"

"Yes! My twenty!" he shouted, pointing at himself

"It's dad's car! It may be his money!"

"No! It's mine!" he shouted, running around, attempting to grab me as I pulled the teacher, facing him, who looked like he was having a migraine.

"Well, even if it's yours, finders keepers, loser weepers!" I blew a raspberry.

"That's enough!" The teacher yelled.

"But sir sh-"

"Joseph Dante Rossi! Go to your class!" he pointed at the door.

Joe and John are nice guys, but they are short-tempered, so they often get into fights with other students. Dad always screamed at them by their full name when he got a call from the principal. Of course, they never fight without a good reason. That's why the school usually sends them to detention instead of expulsion. Plus, it helps to have parents who established a firm reputation in human and hunter societies.

Joe mumbled: "Yes, sir," and dragged his legs out.

"Please, sit down, Aria," the teacher said, and I rolled my tongue back inside my mouth.

When I turned my head, he stuck his face on the window, mouthing: "I'll kill you," and I ignored it, knowing it would irritate the s**t out of him. Joe hates it when someone purposely ignores him.

The whole day, I avoided Joe like he was a plague. I would rush to my classroom or the girl's bathroom whenever I saw him.

I stood in the hallway, opening my locker, causing a note to fall out. Bending down, I grabbed the crinkle paper and scanned it. I burst into laughter.

' Watch your back, baby sister. Remember, I'm not afraid to punch a girl in the face. Equality is a b***h, isn't it?

- Love,

Your dear big brother,

Joseph Dante Rossi.

Also known as your worst nightmare.′

When I heard the creepy dramatic background music, I turned around to see a guy holding up his phone. "Joe told me to play it when you read the note," he said, walking away.

My family was taught to treat both males and females equally, neglecting genders. If a girl were to drive Joe over the edge, he would fight her, but she has to do something f**k up for him to do it.

Maybe something equivalent to chasing him with a sharp knife attempting to end his life. Yeah, that would drive him over the edge. Even I would punch a child if they tried to murder me.

When lunchtime arrived, I knew Joe wouldn't try to hunt me down because he had a chess club meeting.

Putting the books back in my locker, I nod mindlessly to Cynthia's usual talk about werewolves. Zipping up my backpack, we walked toward the cafeteria. My brain jumped back into reality when I heard a finger-snapping in front of me. "Huh? What?"

"I ask you if you're going to Gabriella's birthday party this Saturday," she said, snuggling her arm around mine as we stumbled back and forth in the hallway.

"Yeah, why not," I responded, warming my hands inside the hoodie's pocket.

"Great, put my name on the gift we are going to give her," she shamelessly announces with a sweet smile.

My mouth opened to respond, but it was cut off by a loud bang, startling everyone. We saw a rush of students running towards the noise, causing traffic in the middle of the hallway.

"What's going on?" Cynthia asked me, and I replied with a shrug.

We walked towards the sounds, where Cynthia pushed her way through the crowd to get a better view. Due to my short nature, all I see are the back of people's heads, but I can hear some aggressive insults.

"Shut up! You disgust me!" a voice shouted.

Cynthia tapped a random person's shoulder, causing her to turn around, "Oh! Hi Cynthia! Hi Aria!" she said.

How does everyone know our names?

"What's happening?" Cynthia asks.

"A few guys are pushing this one guy around," she whispered.

"Why?" I question, pulling the strap of my backpack, causing it to push up.

"Turns out the guy is gay," she mumbled.

"So?" We responded at the same time.

She was cut off by a loud bang coming from the direction of the fight. I pushed my way through the rest of the crowd to see a guy backing up towards a locker. He had a hand on his head, preventing the blood from leaking down his bruised face. Four buffed guys surrounded him, a painful smirk etched on their faces.

"We don't need a fag coming to our school," one of them said

"Go home, you c**k sucker!" another one shouted

My eyes lurked around, hearing some snickers. I can see the guy searching for someone to aid him, but everyone averted his pleas.

I took a step forward, "That's enough!" I shouted, and everyone turned their attention toward me.

One of the guys, his eyes softened when he saw me. I realize it was one of John and Joe's close friends who trained with them since their first year in high school. Crossing my arms, I shot him a nasty glare, where he instantly averted his eyes to the ground. "Aria, this is none of your business," a guy said.

How the f**k does everyone know my name?!

I c****d a brow, "You are all causing a commotion in the hallway, making it my business."

"Four against one? Really guys? That's low," Cynthia said, shaking her head in disapproval.

I walked over to the injured guy, brushing my shoulders against their arm. "Are you okay?" I asked, and he nodded while the sweats dripped down his neck.

"Aria, go away," one of the guys said.

"Do your parents know you're doing this?"

"Doing what?" he spat out.

"Bullying," I hissed out while Cynthia helped the guy stand up

"We aren't bullying. We are teaching him how to be less disgusting."

I rolled my eyes, "The revolting ones are you guys," I turned towards the guy I knew. "Gary, I know your parents. How would they feel knowing you are doing something like this?"

Gary averted his eyes once more, fingers playing with one another. One of the guys was about to talk until: "What's going on here?" the principal shouted, causing everyone to disperse, giving him room to come closer.

My cold eyes glare at them as sweat pours down their faces. "N-N-Nothing, Mr.Edison, we were ju-" one of them said.

"They were bullying him," Cynthia cut him off.

Mr.Edison turned toward the four guys. "Is that true?"

"She is lying!" one of them shouted.

"Miss Cynthia may be many things," he paused, peeking at Cynthia, and shook his head. She gave him a sheepish smile." Many things, but she isn't a liar," he replied.

"She is right! They were bullying him!" a girl shouted.

"Yeah! I saw it!"

"Me too!"

I stood there, unsurprised by the response of the crowd. That's how human nature, no, anyone capable of rationalizing behaves. Gifted with the ability to think independently, yet in the end, they follow who is the leader or whoever held the upper hand during that specific situation.

The reason is simple; we are social animals. To most, it matters what other people think about them, and that simple fact influences how we behave and think.

But, in the end, it's fear clouding others from doing what's rational, such as aiding someone in desperate need of it. Many are afraid to take the first step to stop the infelicitous incident in front of them, frightened by the results, where they may be the next target, or no one will stand beside their righteous act.

"Everyone in my office! Now!" he shouted.

"This guy needs medical help," I replied, helping Cynthia hold him up.

"Take him to the nurse, then come to my office," Mr.Edison stated, gesturing for the boys to follow him.

They, except Gary, who was ashamed of himself, shot us an unpleasant glare, but when their eyes moved towards the injured guy, they softened, filled with remorse. Cynthia and I helped the guy towards the nursing room.

"Thanks," he mumbled.

"So, you're gay?" Cynthia casually asks.

He released a short chuckle and nodded, "Yeah."

"I can't believe they would bully you for that," she said.

He exhales deeply, licking his dry lips. "s**t happens."

We decided not to question him, knowing it's a touchy subject. When we reached the nurse's office, he helped him to bed, and the guy gave us a: "Thank you."

I gave him a nod and walked to the principal office, where we spent the rest of lunch there explaining the situation we saw.

The guys got expelled for three weeks to think about what they had done.

You might as well just spank them and send them back to class.

"Miss Aria and Miss Cynthia, you can get a late lunch then attend your next class," he said, handing us an excuse slip.

Cynthia and I walked to the cafeteria for our late lunch, but I didn't mind since I got to skip class. She wrapped her arms around me as we zigzag through the empty hallway.

Instead of going home with my siblings, Cynthia took me back today since they were busy. Silence engulfs me when I open the door to my house. I dropped my backpack.

Quickly I walked toward the living room and turned on the tv. I never like being in a place that's too quiet. I find silence to be too loud. It makes specific unwanted thoughts appear.

My stomach growled, notifying me to feed it. I notice a note on the fridge.

Hi Sweetie!

Welcome back! I'm going to be at work till 2 am tonight. Your father will be back around 10 pm after dinner with his client. John and Joe decided to sleep over at their friend's house tonight. Samantha went to a friend's house to pull an all-nighter for a school project. You know, she has to be the best. There is dinner in the fridge if you get hungry! XOXO

Love,

Mom :)

My mom is a doctor who often works the night shift. She loves helping others. Therefore she became a doctor. Dad is somewhat like mom, who enjoys assisting people.

Alas, unlike mom, he does not like helping anyone other than humans or hunters. He works within the human government, ensuring they get equal rights.

Dad doesn't hate other creatures, but he doesn't particularly like them either. No one blames him for his behavior; after all, he has a good reason.

After finishing my dinner, I took a quick shower before studying. Just kidding, I don't study. It's high school. I went through it several times. I'm pretty sure I'll be fine. I won't pass with flying colors, but I'll pass. Go average!

Finally, I finish my hot steamy shower, just in case I go to hell. That's right. I'm practicing for hell. Hopefully, it's burning hot down there, not cold.

I grabbed the towel and wrapped it around myself. Extending a hand, I wiped off the fog and stared at my reflection. Exhaling a breath I've been holding, I continue staring at myself. My eyes went down towards the area underneath my right breast, fingers tracing along with the dark ink.

Let's try to make this life better than the previous ones.

My parents will have a cow, no a farm if they ever find out what I did on my thirteenth birthday.

Shaking the thought out of my head, I slip on my blue bunny pajamas and walk into the living room, patting my hair dry with a towel.

I stopped when I saw a tall man leaning against the backyard window. He pushed his dirty blonde hair back, revealing a pair of light brown eyes.

"Uh, hi?" I said, catching his attention. He turned towards me, and a smile formed on my face. I walked over to him and hugged him.

"I miss you," he mumbled, patting my back.

"I miss you too, Tom."

Tom let me go and gave me a huge smile. I haven't seen Tom since I was twelve. Why is he here now?

"You are wondering why I am here now, aren't you?"

I nodded my head, resuming the previous action of drying my hair.

"Before we start talking, aren't you going to offer me some coffee, tea, or something? After all, I am a guest."

I snorted, "Yeah, an unwanted guest."

He raised an eyebrow at me, "And why is that?"

I rolled my eyes, "Whenever you come. You always bring some bad news."

The corner of his lips tilted down into a frown. "That's not true."

"That's so true!"

"Not."

"Yes."

"No."

"It's true! You only see me when you have bad news!" I yelled, throwing my arms up in the air.

"That's not true!"

"Oh yeah? When was the last time you brought good news?" I used the quotation mark with my fingers. Crossing my arms, I tapped my foot, waiting for his response.

He opened and closed his mouth several times, attempting to say something. "Uhhhh...Ummm," he started rubbing the back of his neck.

"That's what I thought. Moving on, what's the bad news?"

Hesitantly, he smiles, "Can't I get some water or tea first? It's been a long ride."

I let out a deep breath as I started walking into the kitchen. I gesture at Tom to come into the kitchen with me. I grabbed a teapot, tea leaves, and two small cups. Using a small spoon, I scooped two spoonfuls of leaves into the pot, pouring in hot water. Inhaling the soothing scent of Jasmine tea, my nerves calm. I grabbed the teapot and two cups towards the table. Setting it down, I poured the yellowish liquid.

"I'm pretty sure you heard the latest news," Tom said, blowing on his hot tea as I shook my head back and forth.

I haven't been into the supernatural world news lately.

"The council decided to invite some humans into Were-High School," he continued.

Were High School is the most abundant wolf pack school in America, consisting of roughly 1500 students. The councils were formed by the legendary five to ensure each species got equal rights. There are two individuals from each species representing them. There are two Lycans, werewolves, humans, hunters, witches, fairies, mermaids, and vampires; 16 individuals. Currently, only three out of the legendary five are presented. No one knew what happened to the other two. Some say they are in hiding. Others say they are dead.

"Continue," I waved my hand at him.

"They decided to choose five humans and five hunters to attend Were-High School. They want to make a school where every species can coexist slowly."

"And why Were-High School? Why not that blood-sucking academy in the east?"

There is a school for vampires, ahem, excuse me. I meant the academy. They don't like calling it a high school. Stuck up, bitches.

"Just like you say, blood-sucking academy. They believe it's too dangerous for humans to go to a school filled with vampires. And if you're wondering why they didn't choose Magic High School, it's because those damn witches are tricky. They can make the students disappear without us noticing," he said, sipping his tea.

Three years ago, they decided to send several students to Magic High School, and all of them disappeared. The council tried to figure out what happened, but they couldn't find any leads.

"Why only humans and hunters, though? Why not the other creatures?"

Tom lets out a breath while scratching his head." The council initially wanted only humans since they thought having other creatures with power would instantly cause a war."

"Initially only wanted humans? Where do the hunters come in?"

"As you know, the hunters and humans are extremely close. The hunters refuse to let humans enter a Werewolf school alone without protection," he said, pouring himself another cup.

Indeed, the hunters and humans are incredibly close, primarily since they fought with humans throughout the war.

"And what does that have to do with me?" I ask, leaning back on the chair and stretching my legs.

He ran his hand through his dirty blonde hair. Oh crap. "Well, you see. My daughter Chelsea had been chosen as one of the hunters to go to Were High School."

I slowly nodded, grabbing my cup, "And?"

"I was wondering if you would enroll yourself as a human to go to Were High School to ensure she is alright."

I let out a long sigh and sip the cooling tea. As much as I like Chelsea, Kim, and Tom, I didn't like them that much.

"Tom. You know I like you and your family, but I don't think I can do it," I responded, setting my cup down.

Tom nodded, knowing that once I decided on something. I refused to change my answer.

"Well, if you decided to change your mind. Please, tell me." He stood up and walked towards the door, looking like a gray cloud was hanging over his head.

I nodded and walked him out, giving him an apologetic smile. Closing the door, I walked upstairs, turned all lights possible, and grabbed my favorite fluffy blue blanket. I headed downstairs, snuggled on the couch with a bag of chocolate, and turned on Everything that Comes Before. Nestling on the sofa, I can hear the water dripping in the sink, overpowering the TV volume.

The whispering echoes in my mind increased with each drop, and I curled myself into a ball. "Please, come home soon," I mumble in the noiseless house.

Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep. Rubbing my eyes, I lifted my lids to see a dignified older man carrying me in his arms. The stubble on his face manifested, light brown eyes gazing forward earnestly. I held his white button-up shirt, "Daddy?" I croaked out in a barely audible voice

"How are you, princess?" he grinned at me, stoned expression softening.

"I'm good but sleepy," I responded, releasing a deep yawn.

"I'm sorry, but my meeting ran later than usual. I know how you don't like staying at home alone," he whispers, opening my bedroom door.

Everyone in my family knows I don't like sleeping alone. I used to sleep with my other older sister, but ever since she left our lives, according to them, I've been screaming in my sleep.

We didn't realize I was doing something like that until my mom came home early a year ago and caught me screaming in my bedroom. She physically broke my door and was ready to shoot whoever was in my room with a gun. I didn't know I was doing something like that, but according to everyone, I was doing it at night when no one was home.

The doctors and therapists say it's because I've been traumatized by my sister's passing, believing it was all my fault. They claim my mind is stuck on the thought that I wasn't watching her properly, causing her to sing with the Angels.

My family repeatedly said it wasn't my fault because she ran to the forest all the time to play. Sadly, this time, she ran too deep into the black forest. Potentially, that's partially the reason, but I know that's not the entire cause of my nightmares.

Dad laid me down in bed and tucked me in, laying a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Call me if you need anything. I'll be right downstairs."

"Good night, daddy," I replied.

"Sweet dreams, princess."