The Howl of new beginnings
festive spirit. Maya caught glimpses of her classmates wearing an assortment of colorful outf
he main living room, where music thumped and bodies swayed. "See
g with a group of friends. Tanning in the glow of the neon lights, his tousled hair fram
Delbee prompted, nudging he
er legs moving. She had no idea what she would say, but he
tion. Just as she was about to say hi, with all the confidence she
ate kiss with Jake. The sight of them entwined together, oblivious to the world around them, was like a slap across the face. Maya
ad gushed endlessly about her crush on Jake? Her sister could be so careless sometimes, and it hurt more than anything
f vodka in sight, flipping the cap off in a hasty motion before lifting it to her lips. The burn of the alcohol was fierce, but she welcomed the sensation; it was a
s going to get through this party, she was going to do it just like the adventurous teens who seemed to have the world fi
the clinking of glasses – it all blended into a chaotic melody that beckoned her to let loose. And let loose she did. She surrendered
ctious energy of those around her. With each passing minute and each drink, Maya let the bitterness transform in
ling for dominance. Intrigue, desire, and a creeping sense of responsibility coalesced into something he hadn't felt in a long time. As A
urrowed with concern. "Nik, are you okay? You've been s
swirling within him, but his gaze remained fixed on the crowd.
credulous look. "Nik, you can't get distracted now. We have a contrac
distant. "I can't shake this feeling. She's... something else. We can d
pretty face get to you! Focus
just met. There was a fire in her spirit, a boldness that intrigued him. A part of him wanted
was surrounded by a group of friends, their raucous energy electrifying the atmosphere. He found himself drifting further away from
turning serious. "You need to be sharp. If we're going to est
r of people. Reluctantly, he turned back to Jaronas, but his mind was still e
d, though he could feel a sliver of doubt creeping in. As he and Jaronas maneuvered thro
n after, their presence commanding respect. The leader, a tall, silver-haired woman named Celina, ap
fering a gracious nod. "I appreci
forward to discussing our future," Nikolas replied,
continued, Nikolas found his mind wandering again. He grasped the details here and there, but images
forward, observing him keenly. "Nik, is somethi
Let's continue." He redirected the conversation back to business, forcing himse
with both packs reaching a consensus that would benefit them both. Jaronas cla
tmindedly, his thoughts still linger
here she was again. The girl stood within a cluster, her vibrant energy radiating l
rom Jaronas as he pushed through the crowd. Each step felt both
s laughing, her eyes sparkling with a warmth that felt magnetic. He
You have quite the energy," he said, trying to sound
his song! It's nearly impossible not to dance!" There was a genuine light
introduced himself
e brief contact sent an unexpected jolt through him, and he in
plied, surprised at how easy it was to sha
wow! I didn't realize I was danc
st a guy trying to make the
That sounds like a lot of responsibil
o find moments like this," he gestured around at the ga
why not dance with me? Sometimes, the best way to
u convinced me," he said with a grin, and together they stepped onto the
they twirled and spun under the dim lights. As they danced, the world around them seemed to blur. Maya's laughter mingled with the m