Six
1352 Words
Shock horror, I spent the night running to find the same two men I had for the last month and surprise, surprise… I found myself falling just as I reached them.
I found myself slightly disappointed I hadn’t seen Wroe again. After I had seen the contents of the locket, I had more questions than ever.
I fiddled with the metal heart as I stared at the ceiling, was that really my birth mother? That was undetermined, although the connection between us was undisputed. She looked exactly like me, one way or another we were related.
The unknown was eating me up, I couldn’t just sit here any longer and wait for answers to find me, so I needed to go searching for them.
Josie had texted for a coffee catchup, but I told her I was too hungover to get out of bed. In reality, I planned to head over to the public library and see what I could find in regards to this ‘supernatural realm’ Wroe had mentioned.
I still wasn’t entirely convinced all of this wasn’t a figment of my imagination, but after finding that photo, I wanted to at least see what I could learn.
After making my bed and getting ready, I rushed downstairs with a determined expression. What I hadn’t planned for, however, was my mother leaning against the kitchen door staring at me like she was about to put me 6-feet under.
I smiled at her nervously, reluctant to pass. “You alright there, mum?” I queried, instantly regretting opening my mouth.
She clicked her tongue, tilting her head as she pretended to contemplate for a moment. “Hmm, I’m not sure.” She began, before unfolding her arms and showing me the broken piece from the tap. “Let’s ask the kitchen sink.”
My eyes widened in horror. “So, about that.” I shuffled on the spot. “I really don’t know how it happened.” Which was the truth, I really don’t know how it happened.
She blinked as she looked me dead in the eyes. “Wanna try again?” She challenged.
I pressed my lips together as I slowly edged towards the door, keeping my eyes on her at all times. “I really don’t know, mum. It just snapped off.” I shrugged in honesty. “But I’ll pay to fix it, just let me know how much.”
I pressed down against the handle of the front door, desperate to get away from my mothers deathly glare. “Where are you going?” She asked.
I couldn’t exactly tell her I was going to go and do some research on supernatural beings because a guy came to me in one of my dreams to tell me that he was my brother and that I wasn’t even from this world, or that in those dreams I’d been chasing after two shirtless men who make Ryan Gosling seem like a solid 6.
“Meeting Josie for coffee.” I quickly answered, stumbling out the door. “See you later!” I called out, dashing down to my car.
I wandered around the library like a lost puppy, not quite understanding the navigational system of the building. It was clear to anyone with eyes that I’d never stepped foot in here before, but nevertheless we all had to start somewhere.
I cast my eyes over the leather spines, waiting for a title of some relevance to pop out. So far all I could find was romance novels with a fantasy flare, not exactly what I was looking for right now.
Then, my eyes landed on a particular book. The history of shapeshifters. Hmm, that ought to do it.
I grabbed the book before heading to an isolated corner in the back of the library. I made myself comfy on the floor, placing the book the book on my lap, and began flicking through the pages.
“The legend of the Lycaon; the son of Pelasgus, Lycaon, angered the God, Zeus, when he served him a meal from the remains of a sacrificed child. The enraged Zeus punished Lycaon by turning him and his sons into wolves.”
Frowning, I continued skim reading until something was of particular use.
“Some legends state that werewolves shape-shift at will due to a curse, whereas others state that a human transforms into a werewolf by receiving a scratch or bite from another.
There has been barely any sightings of werewolves for the past 100 years, rendering a halt in many scientists research.
Previously, it was thought that werewolves lived amongst others of their kind under a term called a ‘pack’, also resembling a community.
The pack would reside in land out in the country, generating human business to not raise suspicions of their kind. The pack would have tiers of ‘titles’ as such, demonstrating the hierarchy amongst them. The leader of the pack is known as the ‘Alpha’, who is typically the strongest of them all and is trusted to keep them safe.
The Alpha usually has a second and third in command, also known as a Beta and Gamma, who will help him run pack affairs.
The pack will also generally have a line up of warriors, those who are great fighters and can assist the Alpha if they are attacked.
Finally, there are Omegas, who are in charge of the day to day responsibilities, such as the cleaning and cooking for the warriors and alpha.
When the Alpha meets his mate, she will take on the role of the Luna, who can be considered the mother of the pack.”
I pushed my brows together as I momentarily looked away from the book. What the heck is a mate? Is that short for soul-mate?
Blinking my tired eyes, I returned my attention to the book.
“There are many different characteristics of a vampire, but the key element is that they drink human blood in order to stay alive. In general, vampires hunt at night as sunlight weakens their powers.
Some have the ability to shape-shift, but it’s thought that many do not. Vampires have supernatural strength and tend to have a hypnotic, sensual effect on their victims, making it much easier for them to hunt their prey.
Typically, a vampire will drain the blood of their victim, using their fangs to penetrate their vein and killing them, before the victim themselves transform.”
A shudder ran down my spine as I processed what I had read, were they really that bad? I mean, I didn’t exactly expect them to sparkle like Edward Cullen, but were they really so… inhumane?
“You look lost in thought, dear.” A soft voice spoke from above.
I turned to the owner of the voice, it was an elder woman beaming down at me. Her long, white hair descended down her shoulders, her friendly green eyes leered down at me, the edges of her lips were curved as she offered me a warm smile.
I couldn’t quite work out her age, she had a mature posterior about her yet her face appeared so youthful, but experienced.
I returned her smile as I closed the book. “They always capture your attention, these books.” I chuckled as I waved the book in the air.
“Ah, that they do.” She grinned.
I rose to my feet, hugging the book against my chest. “Can I help you find something? I don’t really know my way around, but I’m sure I could figure it out.”
Her smile deepened as she shook her head. “You’re too kind. I’ve actually found what I was looking for.”
I scanned my eyes over her frame with a puzzled expression, she wasn’t holding any books. “Oh?”
“My name is Gladdis, I’m told you were expecting my visit.” The woman quirked a brow.
My eyes widened in shock, that was the name Wroe had mentioned the other night. I stared at the woman, too stunned to speak.
- Writer
