The sound of my boots against the pebbled path could be heard clearly across the yard. I let out a yawn, my fangs clearly visible to any prying eyes. It had been two days since the night I jumped over the brick wall, the world outside feeling more unreal for every day that passes by. I couldn’t help but feel like something had shifted, noticing there were a couple of daring eyes following me since I walked out of the dorm this morning. The mere feeling of it making me a bit uneasy, as if my instincts were trying to warn me about an impending threat. Even by the time noon rolled around I could still feel it, never really going away. 

I knew it had something to do with Elijah, since I couldn’t remember feeling this many hostile eyes earlier when walking alongside him. He had up until now remained by my side as I got used to things. Somehow I couldn't help but somewhat miss the presence of him, his calm and gentle nature giving me comfort in this new environment. 

Making my way to the main building I couldn’t help but notice a group of wolves, standing around in the shade underneath the willow tree as they watched me. They didn’t try hiding their hostile stares, whispering among themselves as it was clear they didn’t like me much. One of the wolves stood out to me, his piercing gray eyes as sharp as a knife, giving off an unpleasant feeling. His scent was thick, a hint of wet dog and smoke which was making me a bit nauseous. 

I couldn’t stand the stench much longer, continuing walking on the gravel path until I found myself standing in front of what looked like a training ground.

I had yet to locate the dark creature, its movement being unpredictable as it jumped all around the place. Every time I felt as if I was gaining on it, the scent would become fainter. It was starting to piss me off by this point, frustrated to be so close yet unable to reach it.

But instead of continuing my search as I should, my eyes were glued to the relentless students who were passionately practicing their combat skills. Kicks high and fists hard as they meet their opponents body. I glanced over to the tall boy who was standing victorious in the battle square, hair messy, skin glistening with sweat and eyes intense as they met my own. In an instance I turned away, continuing my search as I rounded the corner of the building before walking through the open doors to the greenhouse connected to the main building.

I hadn't gotten any luck with my search, deciding to have a change of scenery as I walked into the school's library. Other than needing to find the dark creature I hoped to find anything new about my kind. Elijah had just briefly shown me around the first day I arrived, letting me know the basics.

I walked along the aisles, skimming through the different sections until my eyes caught the glimpse of the title Aija shizen, a word I knew by heart.

The section wasn’t big, only finding a few books on the topic. I pulled out the first one that caught my attention, its red cover not revealing much as there was only a mountain visible on its surface. As I opened it, flipping through its pages from creatures to fairy tales, nothing seemed to be what I was looking for. There was a high possibility I had hit yet another dead end.

- Hi.

My attention was darted towards the boy coming into the small space. I had barely noticed Elijah's presence, something I found odd as I wasn't usually easy to sneak up on. Especially by a wolf.

- Hi.

- Are you doing alright in your classes?

His tone was soft and gentle, as if he was afraid that if he were to speak louder he would scare me off. I had yet to get used to things here, lessons as well as the general school life was nothing I had ever experienced before.

- I’m starting to get the hang of it.

- Good, I wanted to let you know I’m coming back pretty late tonight, just so you know. Hanging out with a friend of mine.

The thought of him staying out late when there was no full moon out made me wrinkle my nose, fowl memories playing with my mind as I tried to remain calm in his presence.

- Okay.

It wasn’t my place to know whether he would be coming back to the room late or not. Regardless, I would be occupied with my hunt for the essence, so I would likely not even notice his absence. Elijah looked at me for a moment before letting out a sigh, seeming to be ready to leave. But before I would let him there was one thing I wanted to know, if he would give me an answer. I stepped forward, opening my mouth as I hesitated to grab his hand, opting to just ask outright.

- Are wolves always territorial?

There was a pause between us as I watched him with intent eyes, waiting. His emotion seemed to go from surprised to worried in seconds, brows narrowed and voice low.

- You ok? Has someone bothered you?

- No, I'm fine. Just wondering.

- Well. Depends on the wolf, though alphas are naturally quite territorial. Especially if they’re mated.

- Oh ok.

It wasn’t really an answer I expected, but it was some information at least. I gave him a nod before returning to the book in my hand, only seeing in the corner of my eye how he slowly retreated away.