Destiny: Chosen For Battle

The rest of the guys just stared in shock as they watched me sob over Kelvin's body. They finally snapped out of their trance and helped me carry him out of the forest and back to the academy. As we approached the gates, I noticed Manny emerging from the woods, looking flustered.

We took Kelvin to the academy hospital and waited anxiously for the nurse to attend to him.

"He's going to be fine," the nurse assured us with a kind smile before leaving the room.

"Is he a werewolf?" Manny asked suddenly, standing beside me. I turned my head to her, raising a brow. Before I could offer a sarcastic reply, Frex beat me to it.

"What does it look like?" Frex quipped, and I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips.

"But he's the son of Master," June chimed in. "Is Master a werewolf too?" she asked, voicing the question I was also wondering.

"I dunno, June," I murmured, holding Kelvin's hand in mine.

"You must really be close, huh?" Manny commented, smirking. I nodded, though it wasn't entirely true.

The nurse returned at that moment, prompting me to move away from Kelvin so she could check on him. "He'll be awake within two to three hours," she said before leaving again.

"I'll be on my way now," Manny said, giving me a brief nod before exiting the ward.

"Will you be okay all by yourself?" June asked with concern etched on her face.

"Yeah," I mumbled curtly, giving her a reassuring nod. One by one, the rest of the group left until I was alone with Kelvin.

I rested my head on the bed near Kelvin's chest and didn't realize when I drifted off to sleep.

"Destiny, Destiny," I heard a voice call softly. Groaning, I turned my head to the other side, resisting the urge to wake up. A hand brushed against my face gently, prompting my eyes to flutter open. Kelvin was smiling down at me.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and stifling a yawn.

"I'm okay," he mumbled, glancing around. "But how did I get here?"

"You don't remember?" I asked, frowning as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"No, I don't," he replied curtly.

"You almost attacked us in your wolf form," I said, locking eyes with him. "In the woods," I added, watching as his eyes widened.

His silence stretched on for what felt like minutes, worry building in my chest. "Kelvin, are you okay?" I asked softly.

He nodded and sighed, standing up from the bed. "I can't control myself when I transform into a werewolf. So, every night, I leave the academy to transform," he confessed, running a hand through his hair. "I knew what I did, but why were you in the woods?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Don't worry about that," I said, brushing his question aside. "How many of you exist?" I asked, curiosity sparking.

"You mean werewolves? Well, I'm the only one left. They're all dead," he replied somberly. Even though I'd expected that answer, it didn't make it any less heartbreaking.

"So, your dad isn't a werewolf?" I asked.

"No, but my mom is—or was. My dad told me they're all gone," he said with a sad smile.

"And you believe him?" I frowned.

"Yeah… well…" he trailed off with a small chuckle.

"Thanks for staying all night," he added suddenly, pulling me into a quick hug.

"I was just curious, that's all. Don't let it go to your head," I teased, winking at him.

"Whatever," he laughed.

The nurse returned to check on Kelvin and informed him he was free to leave. As we walked through the halls, I couldn't help but glance at him, wondering if there were more werewolves out there.

We parted ways when Kelvin left to meet with Master, and I headed back to my dorm. My mind wandered to Lex—I hadn't seen him since training.

When I opened the door, I saw Rachel talking to someone. When the figure turned, it was Lex.

"What are you doing here?" I asked curiously, though his scoff was the only answer I got at first.

"I came to see you," he finally said, ignoring Rachel's giggles behind us.

"Do you mind training together this afternoon? We only have seven days left for Master to pick who will go to war," he added, sliding his hands into his jeans pockets.

"I thought we'd have to fight to get chosen," I said, frowning.

"That's why we need training," he replied, clearly growing annoyed with my questions.

"But why me?" I teased, feeling giddy like a schoolgirl.

"Never mind," he said, turning to leave.

"Wait!" I called, stopping him.

"What?" he asked, exasperated.

"Where have you been all this time?"

"Home," was all he said before walking out the door.

I sighed as I flopped onto my bed. Training was crucial, but Lex had left me feeling both confused and hopeful.

Rachel giggled. "You like him, huh?"

"No," I replied curtly.

"Liar. It's obvious," she teased, wiggling her brows.

"I don't!" I protested, earning an eye-roll from her.

"Let's go to the hall. Everyone's gathering for a meeting," Rachel said, heading for the door.

In the hall, Master stood on the stage, microphone in hand. The room fell silent as he began speaking.

"Demons are breaching the magical barrier protecting us and the outside world. Thousands are dying, and this place is no longer safe," he announced grimly.

"I need six fighters: three girls and three boys. In three days, there will be a competition to determine who is worthy. Until then, you will be paired for training."

He gestured to a black box. "Pick your numbers."

When it was my turn, I opened my slip. "Thirty," I murmured.

Master called for everyone to announce their numbers aloud. When number thirty-one called out, I gasped—it was Lex.

He gave me a sly wink, and I turned away, blushing.