Chapter 38

Chapter 38
Elisa’s POV

“No,” I whispered into the dark. “This time, I’ll fight it.”

But my wolf stirred. You can’t fight fate.

I covered my ears like I could shut her out.

The day of departure came faster than I wanted. We all gathered at the college gate. Sylvia looked like she was walking a runway, her hair perfect, her lips painted red. She smirked the moment she saw me.

“Ready to lose again, Elisa?” she whispered as she passed me.

I ignored her, gripping the handle of my bag.

Then Roman appeared. His presence silenced the group instantly. He wore a simple black shirt, his sleeves rolled up, his jaw sharp and tense. My chest tightened against my will.

Fucking handsome but who cares?

Our eyes met for a fraction of a second. My heart skipped. Then he looked away, like I was invisible.

Good. Let him.

We lined up and got into the bus, eighteen students from our college music department. The bus ride was long. Students laughed and chatted, but I kept my face turned to the window. Sylvia sat two rows ahead, throwing glances at Roman every few minutes. She touched his arm once, pretending to ask about the schedule. My stomach twisted. I wished seats were switched and I sat in front where I won’t have to see them.

I hated that it still bothered me. I fell asleep without knowing, covering my face over the backrest of the seat before me. 

When the bus finally stopped, the camp came into view. I woke up suddenly from my drowsiness, yawning but suddenly pulling my palms over my mouth. 

Wooden cabins lined the clearing, a wide stage built near the trees, and lanterns hanging overhead. It should have looked magical, but all I felt was dread. 

“Hello everyone.” Roman clapped his hands in midair commanding the attention of everyone. All stood still, listening to him. I did but never let my eyes meet with his. 

“Groups will be divided into cabins. You’ll rehearse during the day, perform at night. Rules are simple: stay together, don’t wander into the woods alone.”

I recalled his story of getting so deep into the woods and meeting with ill luck, the one we’re still facing today. 

His eyes swept over the crowd. For one second, they lingered on me. My breath caught. Then he moved on.

I watched Sylvia lean over to him, smiling. “Don’t worry, Roman. I’ll stick by your side.” Her voice was sweet poison no matter how sweet it sounded.

I turned away quickly before my anger spilled out. I didn’t want any of what they were doing to distract me. 

We were assigned our space, the tents which belonged to our college. The woods were so big, over fifty colleges attended and it would be category by category. We met and socialized as much as possible but were cautious not to get lost in the crowd. 

That evening, rehearsals began. The stage lights glowed, and everyone was asked to sing a short solo.

When my turn came, I took a deep breath and began. My voice carried strong, steady, but my chest ached. Every note felt heavy, because I knew he was listening. 

When I finished, there was great applause. Even when not in my best mood, I performed my best. 

Then Sylvia stepped up. She wasn’t even supposed to have a piece ready, but she smirked and started singing anyway. Her voice was weaker than mine, but she played it loud, dramatic, tossing her hair, throwing winks at the audience. All I knew was for Roman to see. 

Some students laughed, others clapped harder than they should have. She was stealing attention, not with skill, but with tricks.

When it ended, she bowed like a queen. Then her eyes found mine, mocking.

Roman cleared his throat, about to comment, but he hesitated. He didn’t say anything. His eyes met mine finally and I held a questioning look.

Later that night, after everyone had gone to their cabins, I stayed by the lake close by, at least I wasn’t going deep into the woods, sitting alone on the wooden pier. The water rippled under the moonlight. At least I felt a little comfort other than going in to have a sleep I know won’t be possible.

All of a sudden, I heard footsteps behind me, then a call.

“Elisa.”

His voice.

I stiffened. “Go away.” It took the greatest courage to spew this at him but he insisted, walking closer. “You shouldn’t be out here alone. It’s not safe.”

“I don’t need you telling me what to do,” I snapped.

Silence came in between us. I didn’t turn. I didn’t want to look at him. 

Then I felt the warmth of his presence as he stopped beside me.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly.

I turned then, anger and heartbreak colliding. “Sorry? You rejected me, Roman. You looked me in the eyes and told me to forget you. Now you want to come here and say sorry, in private?”

He breathed heavily. “I did it to protect you.”

“Protect me?” I laughed bitterly. “You don’t get to decide that. You don’t get to break me and then act like you’re saving me.”

His jaw worked like he was swallowing words he couldn’t say. “If I stay with you, you’ll die, Elisa.”

My chest froze. “What do you mean?”

He shook his head. “You don’t need to know. Just trust me.”

I stared at him, tears burning my eyes. “I can’t trust someone who isn’t frank.”

Before he could reply, a sudden splash echoed from the woods. A scream followed.

We both whipped our heads toward the sound. It sounded like one of the students but I didn’t want to believe it. It was coming from the direction of the cabins.

Roman’s face hardened. “Let’s go in.”

Before he spoke, I was already on my feet. 

He grabbed my wrist, leading me quickly in. “It’s not good to stay out here alone.” He whispered. I got inside after he dropped me by the door. I closed the curtain quickly, my chest tight with confusion.

I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep here with Sylvia right in here with me. Her name following up on the list got her becoming my roommate. Sylvia’s quiet breathing filled the room, but my mind was on Roman standing out there in the dark. He had rejected me, pushed me away, yet here he was, keeping watch, showing care.

I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, asking myself the question I didn’t want to admit out loud.

Did he still care for me or am I just imagining it?