"It doesn't matter. What matters is that you believe in yourself. You have the strength to overcome any obstacle," He added, his words carrying a surge of conviction.
I pressed on. The field seemed to stretch endlessly before me. As I approached the final laps, the cheers from the students became a new form of strength and kicked at Jeremy's bad remarks.
"You can't escape your limitations, Amaya. You are not special," Jeremy sneered, his attempts to make me lose growing more desperate.
But the veiled stranger continued to counter his negativity. "Believe in yourself, Amaya. You have the power to rise above."
In the final stretch of the race, I summoned a reserve of strength I didn't know I possessed. As I crossed the finish line, the cheers of the students erupted like a roaring thunder. I breathlessly but victoriously stood triumphant amidst the field I had conquered while the veiled figure approached me, revealing a reassuring smile.
"Thank you," I appreciated genuinely for the timely encouragement.
The veiled stranger nodded. "You had the strength within you all along. Never doubt your capabilities," he reassured and disappeared into the crowds.
I left the cheering atmosphere and quickly followed after the veiled stranger. His voice sounded so familiar. Who could he be?
"Hi!" I ran after him and resounded, but he turned deaf ears to it and kept walking hurriedly out of the crowds. I increased the speed of my foot as he was now faster than I was. I followed him up to a secluded place in the school, and he disappeared like a burning flame. I looked around in panic, trying to find his hideout. I was just so curious to see him. Suddenly, a hand pulled me from behind and covered my mouth.
He turned me around to face him, and lowered his veil, revealing a charming guy I had once loved, Jason.
"Alpha Jason? What are you doing here? Where have you been?" My voice laced with surprise and a pang of suspicion, echoed through the secluded place where I had followed him.
Alpha Jason turned to face me, his eyes hidden behind the mask of the veil. "Amaya, it's been a long time. I have been watching over you secretly, waiting for the right moment to reveal myself."
My gaze flickered at Jason and the memories of the past lingered once again. "Why reveal yourself now? What do you want?"
Alpha Jason sighed, and the power of unspoken truths etched on his face. "I need your help, Amaya. I need you to clear my name. I am not the kidnapper you believe me to be."
My eyes narrowed. "You expect me to believe that after all these years?"
Alpha Jason nodded solemnly. "I had to go into hiding to protect you and your mother. The real culprits are the Black Rogues, a group within my pack that operates secretly."
"Why should I trust you, Jason? And how do I know you are not just manipulating me?" I asked him.
He took a step closer, his gaze earnest. "I was at the party that day Cena was poisoned. Latina's poisoned drink was swapped by me. I caught her poisoning your drink so I swapped it.”
My eyes widened again. So Jason was the one that saved my life. He was the one who swapped my poisoned drink that day. Was he truly protecting me secretly or he was doing all this just to make me a tool to get power as my mother used to say?
"Why should I believe that you are not just another wolf in sheep's clothing?" I questioned my guard still firmly in place.
Alpha Jason pulled away the veil, revealing his face for the first time. His eyes held a sincerity that cut through the layers of doubt.
"Because I care about you, Amaya. I have watched you grow, and I have kept my distance to protect you. I want to make amends for the pain my absence has caused."
I studied his face, searching for any trace of deception, but I could not find any.
"I need time to think about this," I finally said, my tone guarded.
Alpha Jason nodded understandingly. "Take all the time you need, but remember, time is of the essence." He walked away from me as he landed.
"Who's that?" Jeremy walked up to me from behind and asked.
I turned to face him, my expression guarded as his bold voice sent a shiver down my spine. "It is none of your business, Jeremy."
A flicker of jealousy flashed in Jeremy's eyes, and a bitter edge crept into his voice. "None of my business? He seemed pretty interested in you."
"As I have said it's not your business, Jeremy!" I yelled at him. He scoffed and drew nearer.
"Is he part of your hidden family who kill people's loved ones too?" Jeremy pouted.
My patience wore thin as I locked eyes with him. "He is someone I met. Someone who might help me clear my father's name and release my mom from prison. It doesn't concern you."
Jeremy looked around and smiled. "Always with the heroics, Amaya. Do you think some mysterious stranger is going to solve all your problems? What if he's just using you?"
"He's not," I interjected, my voice hardened. "Unlike some people, he cares about what happens to me and my family."
"Your family? What about mine? You know my mother is gone because of your father," Jeremy said with pain in his voice.
"Your mother's death is a tragedy, Jeremy, but I won't let you use it as an excuse for revenge. My father had his reasons, and I am trying to set things right."
A bitter smile twisted Jeremy's lips. "Setting things right? It is too late for that. I have found someone new, someone who understands my pain. You and your father will pay for what you have done."
"I am not paying for anything, Jeremy. Watch your mouth!" I dared him. He laughed.
"Don't tell me you depend on your light ability, Amaya. I will make life hell for you and your family, bitch!" Jeremy said to my face and walked away.
I walked away with tears all over my face as his words sank into my system. I felt miserable hearing him talk bad about my family.
"Congratulations, Amaya. You have made us proud again" The proprietor walked up to me, and rested his hands on my shoulder. I turned around, trying to hide my tears away from him.
"This isn't the time to cry, Amaya. You should pray Cena wakes up in no distant time so that we can let her go," He tucked his chin forward, his hands in his pocket, and said.
I bow my head in thought.
"For you making us win this phase of competition, Amaya, I and the elders have concluded to give you just 20 minutes to speak with your mom in the prison," The proprietor added, his words jeered me up, and I was so excited to nod my head in agreement.
"Thanks for the opportunity, Sir!" I said to him, and then he directed me to the path where my mom was kept.