Sworn Enemies

Chapter 6: A Tighter Leash

Star and Leo eyed me in disgust, not budging as they waited for me to follow.

I followed silently, following Abel as the other two trailed behind.

The air was thick with tension, the sounds of our footsteps being the only audible sound to be heard.

It wasn't long before we returned to the same sequestered space where the elders gathered.

All their eyes fell on me as I entered the space, eying me with more caution than before. I could tell some of them were on edge by their dispersed arrangement.

The white haired man who had spoken in clearing once again separated himself from the group.

“We've reached a decision," he announced, cutting straight to the chase.

From the scowls and frowns plastered on many of the elders, I could tell this wasn't a decision the entire group agreed upon.

I had to expect the worst. If they wanted me dead, I could use this to my advantage. I just had to distract them long enough to find an opening to escape amongst the division. It wouldn't be easy but it wasn't my first time finding ways to slip through the cracks. Once they led me out into the clearing, I would-

“She will live," he declared, breaking me free from my thoughts. My jaw dropped open in astonishment.

I saw Star and Leo in the corner of my eye, their jaws tensing as they struggled to conceal their frustration.

“Seeing how she's managed to escape when imprisoned alone, we've decided to place her with the girls in the Center Residence," the man continued.

“You have got to be kidding me," Star said under her breath.

“Shhh," Leo whispered, nudging Star with her shoulder as he kept his gaze forward.

“Perhaps she should be placed in the fields instead," one of the other elders spoke up.

“We can't risk her escape. The Center Residence is the best fit for her. They're capable girls. She may be a hybrid but she can't take down a whole house of werewolves," the white haired man replied, shutting down any arguments that might come.

“Are there any objections?" He asked, looking around at everyone before finally landing on me. I smirked at the irony of him looking at me last as of the decision wasn't made about me.

“I object," I said, raising my hand as I saw no one else would this time.

“On what grounds?" He asked, the genuine expression on his face confusing me further. Is he serious? He's kidding, he has to be.

“On the grounds that I'm being held here against my will. If you put me in a residence, I'll just escape and who knows who will get hurt this time," I threatened, holding my gaze with him to let him know I wasn't bluffing.

After a few seconds, he turned to Abel before saying, “Take her away."

Abel turned, briefly looking at me like he had something to say before brushing past me. I turned, following him as Star and Leo trailed once again.

Minutes passed, stretching longer and longer with the dead silence. Deciding to break the silence, I spoke up.

“I'd rather be in the prison," I said, quickening my pace to match Abel's stride for stride.

“Good thing you don't have a say," he said dryly.

“Do you really think putting me in a house full of girls is going to stop me from escaping?"

He stayed silent, speeding up as he started to walk ahead of me.

“Suit yourself. I'll just tear their throats out and make you reconsider."

At my words, he stopped cold in his tracks, whipping his head around to look at me. I stopped, caught off guard by his sudden reaction. My words must have made impact because his normally shielded expression faltered for a split second, revealing a new emotion. To my surprise, it wasn't anger or indifference, it was unease. His face immediately reverted back to it's distant countenance and he continued walking.

I followed him the rest of the way quietly, losing all my former interest to speak.

We stopped at a tall brick building with the words Center Residence hung above the doorway. There were square windows that wrapped around the whole building. Chatter and laughter could be heard from outside of the building.

“Star," he said nodding before turning on his heel and leaving with Leo.

Star quickly walked up the steps that led to the tall, double doored entrance. I hesitated, looking around and noticing werewolves nearby eying me warily.

Star turned back around, waiting impatiently as I walked up after her. I entered the residence and was taken aback by the inside. Despite its small, plain appearance the inside was anything but. There were girls seated at tables playing games, lounged out on couches watching movies, scuffling in the corners. There were pictures and paintings decorating the walls and corners everywhere I looked.

I spotted the hallway to our left that was scattered with doors where the rooms were probably located. That was probably my best bet in finding a way out. I wasn't able to get far before the room filled with dialogue as they noticed us.

“Hey Star!"

“Who's that?"

“There's a new girl?"

“She's the hybrid," Star said, smiling at the girls before turning to me.

I watched as their excited faces changed, replaced with murderous expressions.