Meant to be mine

Arlyn's point of view.

"A boarding school?" I asked doubtfully, eyeing the silver necklace resting in its box.

My father's jaw tensed. "It's for your own good; you'll be safe there."

Anger bubbled up inside me. "I'm not a child; I can take care of myself!"

He shook his head solemnly. "Not from what's out there," he said, meaning the werewolves he hunted. I shuddered, remembering the gruesome tales he'd told. But I had lived in this town my whole life.

"All my friends are here," I whispered weakly.

My father sighed. "I know it's hard. But this school has the best protection. No supernatural creatures can get in."

My fingers closed around the necklace. As much as I didn't want to leave...a boarding school meant new friends, new experiences. A place untainted by my father's dangerous mission.

I met his gaze. "All right; I'll go."

I was hoping you’d say that. It’ll be an adventure!” he tried to sound cheerful, but I could hear the worry in his voice.

My chest tightened. My father had sacrificed so much to keep me safe. The least I could do was try this school, even if it meant leaving everything familiar behind.

I lifted the necklace and clasped it around my neck. The silver was cool against my skin. "When do I leave?"

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. "Next Monday. You've got a week to get ready."

I nodded, mustering a small smile. A whole new world awaited me, for better or worse. I touched the necklace for luck, and braced myself for the journey ahead.

Claire looked up from her book as I entered the dorm room, giving me a warm smile. "You must be Arlyn," she said. "I'm Claire, your roommate. Welcome to Arfield Academy!"

"Thanks," I replied, setting my suitcase down and sitting on my new bed. Claire seemed sweet, and I was glad to have her as my roommate on my first day.

Claire closed her book. "Don't worry, you'll settle in soon enough," she reassured me. "Come on, I'll introduce you to some people."

She led me to the common area where students chatted in groups. Claire waved to a group of boys. "Hey guys, this is my new roommate, Arlyn," she said.

The handsome blond boy smiled charmingly at me. "Pleasure to meet you, Arlyn," he said, taking my hand gently. I felt sparks as our eyes met.

Claire giggled. "That's Arthur; he's a flirt," she whispered.

Arthur invited us to sit with them. As we talked, I found myself staring at him, captivated yet unsettled by his charming smile and mysterious dark eyes. There was something beguiling yet ominous about him that I couldn't place.

After a while, Arthur stood. "I'd be delighted to give you a tour, Arlyn," he said, his gaze piercing. "May I have the pleasure of your company this afternoon?"

The words tumbled out before I could stop them. "Yes, that would be nice."

Claire gave me a puzzled look as Arthur left. "Tread carefully with him," she warned. "Arthur usually gets whatever he wants."

I watched him go, Claire's words sending a thrill through me rather than caution. There was something alluring yet sinister about Arthur, and I felt irresistibly drawn under his spell.

I was sitting in the library, reading when I sensed someone watching me. I looked up to see Arthur gazing at me intently. Our eyes met and he smiled, walking over.

He asked, "May I join you?" I nodded, unable to speak.

Arthur sat down, his eyes never leaving mine. "You have an enchanting aroma," he said softly. "Like flowers and honey."

I blushed. "Thank you." His strange comment and intense gaze made me uneasy yet fascinated.

Arthur reached out and gently took my hand. "Forgive me for being so forward," he said, "but I am captivated by you." His thumb caressed my palm, sending a shiver through me. "I must know you better, Arlyn."

A warning bell rang in my mind, but I could not pull my hand away. "Why me?" I murmured.

Arthur's smile was enthralling yet dangerous. "Because you are different. Special. I knew it the moment I saw you." He lifted my hand to his lips. "Say you'll allow me to court you."

Every instinct screamed this was a bad idea, yet I could not resist him. "I will," I found myself saying.

Arthur's smile widened, triumph in his eyes. "Wonderful." He kissed my hand once more. "Tomorrow I shall pick some flowers for you." Then he was gone, leaving me bewildered, fascinated yet unsettled by the darkness I sensed beneath his charming smile.

Arthur handed me the bouquet of flowers; I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Something about him seemed off, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something from me.

"These are beautiful," I said, trying to hide my apprehension.

Arthur smiled, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous gleam. "I'm glad you like them, my flower."

My heart skipped a beat at the nickname, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him. But at the same time, I knew that I shouldn't trust him. He was too charming, too perfect, and I couldn't help but feel like I was being lured into a trap.

As we walked through the school grounds, Arthur talked about his family and his past. He seemed to be an open book, but I couldn't help but feel like he was leaving out something important.

He said suddenly, breaking me out of my thoughts, "You're different from any other human I've ever met."

"What do you mean?" I inquired, curious despite myself.

Arthur took a deep breath, his eyes locked on mine. "Your scent is unlike anything I've ever smelled before. It's intoxicating, like a blend of flowers and honey. I knew from the moment I smelled you that you were meant to be mine."

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words. They were both flattering and unsettling. I couldn't help but wonder what he meant by "meant to be mine." Was he trying to claim me as his own?