Knight Read Free Page B

ground. “I can stop the bleeding, but that's all I can do. You must heal on your own.”
    She took out a bottle from her pocket and her foot out of her shoes before massaging the wound with the concoction she had with her. Valeriana was nervous seeing her do what she did seeing as she did not trust oil soaked leaves being rubbed on her flesh.
    “I am sorry. As much as I hate involving people who absolutely have no business in my affairs, I do not think I can turn a blind eye.” She said.
    Valeriana felt confused. “Um . . . what?”
    The lady opened her mouth to speak when a howl echoed from the distance. She gritted her teeth in sheer irritation and frustration before turning to look at Valeriana in the eye. “Seems my hunt is not over yet.” Finally, she turned to Valeriana. “Do you have a name?”
    The girl was frozen that she couldn't bring herself to answer.
    “What is your name?” She repeated.
    Feeling slightly hesitant, she answered, “It's Valeriana.”
    “Valeriana . . .” The lady turned her back on her, as though she was contemplating about something deep she wouldn't understand. “You did not see anything.”
    “Uh . . . okay.” Valeriana reluctantly nodded.
    “You just knocked your head a little, tripped on your own foot or fell down the stairs. Any reason will do.” The lady then sighed and shook her head. “Stay quiet. Speak of this to no one. Do you hear me?”
    Valeriana gulped loudly in trepidation.
    “Do you hear me?” She repeated.
    “Yes.”
    “Now that we are clear, I'll be taking my leave. We shall see each other again.” The lady stated. “When that time comes, prepare yourself.”
    Without further ado, the woman left. In style.
    And by in style , that meant running towards the nearest wall, shooting off the ground, walking on the wall towards the top of the building, and disappearing from Valeriana's line of view.
    Maybe she was hallucinating.
    Her knees buckled and she fell to the ground. She didn't realize she was holding her breath until she released the air from her lungs and breathed in deeply. She blinked a few times and scanned the ground where she saw the beast vanish. There were scorch marks on the pavement.
    She stood from the ground and closed her eyes, trying to regain what little was left of her sanity.
    While a little bit dazed and confused from the recent events, she limped out to the streets and sank to the ground next to a homeless man. He eyed her questioningly.
    She dialed Xandra's number and heard Paramore as the line tried connecting. After a few seconds, she picked up. “Val, where are you? Are you alright?”
    “I don't know . . .” She whispered. “Don't worry, though. I promise I'll be there. I'll see you off even if I have to die trying.”
    “Are you sure? Why don't you just . . . go home? I'll be better if I know you're safe and well.”
    Valeriana struggled to stand, feeling her knees tremble and pain spike up from her wounds. “No. I'm fine, Xan. I will be there. Just wait for me.” She cut the call and tucked the gadget back inside her pocket.
    She glared down at her aching foot. There was blood on her shoes where that strange creature bit and the oddest things popped into her mind that moment.
    “I hope I won't turn into a werewolf like those crappy movies.” Valeriana muttered and half-dragged, half-hopped out to the street to hail a cab.
    “Do you need to go to the hospital, miss?” The driver's brows creased as he gazed at her through his rearview mirror once she finally got inside.
    “No. Quite the opposite, actually.” She breathed as she leaned back. “Please take me to the airport.”

 

Chapter Three ♣ The Best
 
    The cab pulled over in front of the airport and Valeriana spied Xandra and her parents waiting in front of the gates. Her best friend's face was creased with worry as she restlessly rocked on her heels and played with her fingers, throwing her gaze in every direction.
    Valeriana rapped on the back of the