Chapter Seven

I finished the last sip of my cold lemon tea, relishing the tangy sweetness as it refreshed my parched throat. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was time to head back for my remaining classes of the day. The midday sun cast a warm glow over the campus as I walked, my mind still lingering on the abrupt departure of Levi earlier.

Entering the classroom for my last class, I took my seat near the window, my gaze instinctively drawn to the empty seat beside me that Levi usually occupied. It felt strangely hollow without him there, his usual warmth and charisma noticeably absent. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss, that Levi was carrying a weight on his shoulders.

As the professor started the lecture, I found it challenging to concentrate. My attention kept wandering, stealing glances towards the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of Levi. The minutes ticked by, each one stretching into an eternity as I yearned for any sign of his return.

Soon enough, the professor's voice began to fade, signalling the imminent end of the class. I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The weight of the day's responsibilities momentarily lifted from my shoulders. However, my tranquillity was abruptly shattered as the professor's voice boomed through the lecture hall.

"Before you all leave, I have an important announcement to make," the professor declared, capturing the attention of every student. The room fell into an anticipatory silence. "There will be a test tomorrow on the material we've covered this week."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the classroom, intermingled with the rustling of papers and the shuffling of backpacks. The sudden realization of an impending test sent a ripple of anxiety coursing through my veins. I exchanged glances with my classmates, and we shared a collective sense of trepidation.

Determined to prepare for the test and make the most of the limited time available, I quickly packed my belongings and made my way out of the lecture hall. With a sense of urgency, I headed towards the school library, hoping to find the necessary resources to study and review the material.

As I stepped into the library, a wave of familiarity washed over me. The quiet atmosphere, usually prevalent at this time, embraced me like a comforting friend. I took a deep breath, ready to dive into the sea of knowledge that awaited me.

However, my attention was quickly drawn to a disturbance at the far edge of the library. The faint sound of murmuring voices disrupted the serenity, piquing my curiosity. It was unusual for the library to be anything other than a sanctuary of silence, and the presence of voices suggested that something out of the ordinary was happening.

Intrigued, I followed the sound, my footsteps falling softly on the polished floor as I moved closer. Peering through the rows of bookshelves, I caught sight of three figures engaged in an intense conversation. Their hushed tones carried an air of secrecy, their gestures hinting at a clandestine affair. It was as if they were discussing something they shouldn't be.

Intrigued by the mysterious conversation unfolding in the library, I couldn't resist the temptation to move closer and uncover the truth hidden behind the veiled whispers. With each careful step, my curiosity grew, mingling with a hint of apprehension. Peering through the rows of bookshelves, my eyes widened as I recognized the three figures engaged in the clandestine affair.

Levi, with his distinct features and long brown hair, stood at the centre of the trio. His normally vibrant and charismatic demeanour seemed tinged with concern. Jason and Newgate, his loyal and steadfast friends, stood beside him, their brows furrowed in shared unease.

Their hushed tones, barely audible yet charged with an air of secrecy, reached my ears, pulling me deeper into their world. I strained to catch their words, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"So the Red Fang Pack have begun making moves, huh?" Levi's voice carried a note of surprise, laced with a touch of frustration. "Well, that's strange because Grapetown is our territory, and they shouldn't be lurking around."

Jason nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting a similar mixture of bewilderment and concern. "You're right, Levi. It doesn't make sense. We've maintained control over these lands for years. The Red Fang Pack shouldn't dare encroach upon our territory."

Newgate chimed in, his tone measured and thoughtful. "Indeed, it is a cause for concern. We must ascertain their motives and respond accordingly. Our pack's safety and dominance in this region are at stake."

As I listened, my mind raced with questions. The Red Fang Pack? Territory disputes? What is all this about? What had happened to disrupt the fragile equilibrium that existed between the packs? My curiosity intensified, fueling a desire to unravel the layers of this intriguing mystery.

Hidden in the shadows of the bookshelves, I continued to eavesdrop, feeling both a sense of guilt and an overwhelming need to know more. The conversation continued, each word spoken by Levi, Jason, and Newgate weaving a tapestry of intrigue.

"We need to gather more information," Levi asserted, his voice carrying a determined edge. "Find out their intentions, their movements. We cannot afford to underestimate them."

Jason nodded, his gaze fixed on Levi with unwavering loyalty. "I'll start digging deeper, talk to our contacts. We'll get to the bottom of this, Levi."

Newgate's piercing gaze surveyed the room, his voice steady and authoritative. "Stay vigilant, both of you. We must protect our pack and preserve our dominion over these lands. We will not allow the Red Fang Pack to threaten what we've built."

Caught between awe and concern, I absorbed every word, every hint of urgency. The pieces of the puzzle began to take shape, revealing a world of hidden tensions, unseen struggles, and an imminent clash that could reshape the balance of power.

As their conversation came to an end, the three of them exchanged solemn glances, their determination etched onto their faces. With a sense of purpose, they dispersed, each heading in a different direction, ready to embark on their individual missions.

Left alone in the library, I stood there, my mind spinning with the weight of the secrets I had stumbled upon.