Nightfall

Prologue [Nightfall]

"Don't run away from fate..."

EURUS

Mabilis akong tumatakbo sa kalaliman ng gabi. Malakas na bumubuhos ang ulan.

Matalim ang gumuguhit na kidlat sa kalangitan at pinipigilan ko ang sarili na
manginig sa takot. The sound of thunder was rumbling in my sensitive ears. Kahit
hindi na kumukulog at tanging mga patak na lang ng rumaragasang ulan ang maririnig
ay hindi ito mawala sa tainga ko.

The sound was still echoing inside my head. Muling gumuhit ang matalim na kidlat sa
kalangitan. Biglang sumagi sa alaala ko ang mga matatalim at mahahabang kuko na
bumawi sa buhay ng mga magulang ko.

The Alpha is dead. My mother is dead and she's the alpha female. And my father
chose to die with her. I'm left alone. No. I'm always alone. They kept me hidden
because I'm different. No one knows that I'm their child. Mag-isa akong tumatakas
at lumalayo sa bangungot na hindi ko inakalang mangyayari. Hindi ko na alam kung
nasaan ang mga kapatid ko. Kung nakatakas ba sila o sa kasamaang palad, wala na.

Now, those murderers already had the control on our territory. They now control the
whole pack my mother and father protected with their lives.

Napasinghap ako nang tumama ang isang matalim na kidlat sa punong nasa tagiliran
ko, sa 'di kalayuan. Halos manginig at madulas ako sa pagtakbo. The forest was
frightening. This was the first time I was left alone in the deep woods.
Napakaliwanag nito na dahilan upang mas makita ang totoo kong anyo. I'm a werecat.
To be specific, an albino werepanther. My claws dug on the muddy grounds. My whole
body was covered with white wet furs and mud and I was now in a form of a panther.

Ngayon lang nagkaroon ng kulay ang mapuputi kong balahibo. Matagal ko na itong
hinihiling pero hindi sa ganitong sitwasyon. Gusto kong maging normal pero hindi sa
ganitong pagkakataon.

Malayo na ang narating ko. Pakiramdam ko nasa kabilang bahagi na ako ng mundo.
Sapat na ito upang maramdaman na ligtas na ako pero hindi ito sapat na konsolasyon.
Wala na akong tirahan. Wala na akong babalikan.

Now, I'm one of those stray cats. I don't belong to any packs. I don't have any
territories. An albino like me, doesn't belong anywhere. I'm now alone in this
world.

I screamed and growled at the top of my lungs. I don't have anywhere to go and I
don't know where I was now. How will I survive? A twelve-year-old girl like me
knows nothing.

Sumisikip ang dibdib ko, unti-unti akong bumalik sa anyong tao. Unti-unting nawala
ang mga balahibo ko sa katawan at matatalas na kuko. Malaporselanang kutis ng balat
ang tumambad sa mga mata ko. My gold eyes with black slits turned back into its
green color. My whiskers disappeared and my gentle, pale face came into view.
Tumabing ang basa at puting buhok sa mukha ko. Punong-puno ng luha ang mga mata ko
at nanginginig ang buong katawan ko dahil sa walang tigil na pag-ulan. I know I
have to take shelter but my heart was too heavy for me to run.
Punong-puno ng putik ang hubad kong katawan. Pitong oras na akong walang tigil sa
pagtakbo. Kung hindi lang bumabagyo, tiyak na mag-uumaga na. Sumasakit ang buo kong
katawan at hindi man lang ako makatayo mula sa pagkakaupo. Nanlalabo at dumudoble
na rin ang paningin ko. I need to rest and I gave the rest that my body screams
for. I collapsed and lost consciousness.

Sharp claws and dripping blood haunted my dreams.

***

A/N:

Thanks Jeanne for the wonderful cover photo. Nahihipnotismo ako sa mata niya. Haha!

Nightfall 1: White [Nightfall]

"Tonight, death is fate's game..."

EURUS

Nakatayo ako malapit sa bintana habang nakatingkayad. Tahimik kong pinanonood ang
mga batang naglalaro sa harap ng bakuran namin. Mataas ang araw pero madilim sa
loob ng silid ko dahil sa makakapal na kurtinang tumatabing sa mga bintana.

Hindi ako maaaring lumabas. Hindi ako maaaring magpakita. Mag-isa akong nagsasanay
sa loob ng malawak na silid na ito. Mag-isa akong natutulog dito. My mother won't
let me come out because she was afraid that I'll get hurt. She's overprotecting me.

Minsan naiinis ako sa ginagawa niya pero alam kong tama siya. Noong araw na
ipinakilala niya ako sa mga kapatid ko, kahit hindi man nila sabihin, alam kong
hindi nila ako gusto. Unang tingin pa lang nila sa 'kin, alam na nila kung ano ako.

The white hair at my young age, five years old, already gave me away. They know
that I'm an albino even when I'm not even shifting into my panther form. They
already know I'm different. And they hate different.

Although there's one exception. My third brother, Lexus, showed that he doesn't
mind if I'm different, Sometimes, he would find time to play with me but this is
not the time. Right now, he's happy playing with those normal kids.

I have three brothers and I'm the only daughter. Ang pinakamatanda ay si Blade
Bane. Sumunod naman si Binx Bane. Pangatlo si Lexus Bane.

Blade hates me so much that he could influence my brother, Binx.

When my mother gave birth to me, they told the whole pack that I died. Pero ibang
bangkay ang nakita nila. It was my twin sister who died. She's not an albino,
though. Kaya nakapagtataka na ako ang nakaligtas sa 'ming dalawa at hindi siya. The
albinos are weaker.
Pero sinabi sa 'kin ng aking ina ang totoong nangyari noong isinilang niya kami. My
twin sister is the one who was really stronger. She should have been the one to
survive. Pero nang sumunod akong ipanganak, alam ng aking ina na mamamatay ako
dahil mahina ang tibok ng puso ko. Pero sa hindi maintindihang dahilan, nanghina
ang kapatid ko at mas lumakas ako.

She died and I survived for some reasons I can't understand.

The whole pack was really hoping for a girl to be born but they were really
disappointed that her daughter died. And that changed everything because she
couldn't gave birth anymore.

Rumors started to spread within and outside our territory. She was not fated to
born the next alpha female. Now, one of my brothers must marry an alpha female. Or
look for an alpha female.

One of the reasons, Blade hates me is because I may be the next alpha but I'm an
albino. Ang tingin niya sa mga albino ay mahihina. Hindi niya matanggap pero hindi
ko rin naman iniisip na isa akong alpha. I can't handle our pack. I won't be able
to lead the pack.

And there's a price for being the alpha. If you want to be an alpha, you must kill
the current alpha. I can't kill my mother. I can't kill her. Kahit itinago niya
ako, ramdam ko pa rin ang pagmamahal niya sa 'kin.

Tuwing gabi, pumupunta siya sa silid ko upang basahan ako ng kwento hanggang sa
makatulog ako. She's also the one who trained me. Binabantayan niya ako sa bawat
gagawin ko at tinuturuan niya ako nang tama. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang pagmamahal
niya sa 'kin. That's why I can't hate her. I just love her even more.

Sometimes, I'm afraid that she's teaching me just to kill her. I'm a weapon to kill
her. But she's not afraid. Sabi niya, ipakikilala niya ako sa mundo kapag alam
niyang kaya ko nang lumaban. Kapag kaya ko nang ipagtanggol ang sarili ko kung
sakaling apihin nila ako dahil sa pagiging iba ko.

But I don't want to be that kind of strong. Lalo na kung wala naman akong kaibigan.
Lalo na kung tanging kaaway lang ang meron ako. I couldn't peacefully sleep at
night with that kind of life.

Alpha females are rare. Our pack is one of those few who believe in alpha females.
May iba na hindi sang-ayon sa ganitong pamamalakad kaya sa iba sila sumasanib. Some
of our kinds hate alpha females because the pack looks weak with a female leading
the pack.

I could see my brothers and their friends playing soft ball. Sometimes, they are
shifting into their cat forms. Panthers. We are a pack of panthers. They are
sometimes playfully pawing the ball. Their laughters are too innocent and loud.
They're really happy with each other's company. Hindi ko maiwasan ang inggit na
namumuo sa puso ko.

I'm left here alone. Alone. And forever will be. Bumukas ang pinto kaya agad akong
napalingon sa taong pumasok. Ngumiti sa 'kin ang aking ina. Her perfectly white
teeth show. She look so elegant even with her simple summer dress. Matitingkad ang
berdeng mata niya at mahahaba ang pilik-mata. Ang itim at mahaba niyang buhok ay
nakalugay. She's beautiful but she's also the perfect picture of authority and
power.
Kung hindi lang puti ang mga buhok ko, halos magkamukha na kami.

Maamo at napakaganda ng mukha niya at hindi iisipin na may anak na siya.

Naglakad siya patungo sa 'kin na tila isang modelo. Female cats always walk with
elegance and grace. Hindi na ako nagtataka kung bakit nahuhumaling ako sa bawat
galaw niya. Hindi ko maalis ang mga mata ko sa kanya. Bahagya niyang hinawi ang
kurtina at tinanaw kung ano ang pinagmamasdan ko. "Huwag kang mag-alala.
Makalalabas ka rin. Makakapaglaro ka rin sa ilalim ng araw," mahinang bulong niya
sa 'kin. Mabini ang bawat salita niya na tila nakikiramay sa kalungkutan ko.

I doubt it. Hindi na ako makapaglalaro kung lalabas man ako sa lungga ko. Maaaring
huli na ang lahat upang maglaro. Pinilit kong hindi ipakita na dismayado ako sa
takbo ng buhay ko. Pinilit kong magpanggap na wala lang sa 'kin ang lahat ng
nangyayaring ito.

Why do they have to judge me by my color? Can't they consider the intentions of my
heart? I don't want to harm them. Gusto ko lang silang maging kaibigan.

Nang hindi ako magsalita, bumaling ang paningin sa 'kin ng aking ina. Her green
eyes were soft and gentle. My eyes started to swell. Unti-unting namumuo ang luha
ko dahil sa nangyayari sa buhay ko.

She smells so good and refreshing, like raspberry. Her scent calmed me down. She
had this scent that can attract every tomcats.
Marahang pinahid ng malambot niyang kamay ang luha ko.

"It's alright. Remember this. Alpha females don't run in packs. You have to believe
in yourself. You have to stand and be brave. Be soft but strong and smart," puno ng
pagmamahal na sambit niya.

I want to believe her but I can't. I clearly knew that I'm not an alpha female. I
can't handle this loneliness. I can't stand being alone for the rest of my lives.
If I really do have nine lives, then the pain of living will kill me nine times.

Napasinghap ako dahil sa isa na namang panaginip. Siyam na taon na ang nakalipas
pero hindi pa rin ako nilulubayan ng mga panaginip ko. Napapanaginipan ko pa rin
ang aking ina at ang mga bagay na itinuro niya noon.

The night when I fell unconscious in the deep woods, someone came to save me. A
hunter was looking for his way home and was stuck in the storm. Swerte lang na
natagpuan niya akong walang malay at tinulungan niya ako. May asawa siya pero wala
silang anak kaya inampon nila ako. I am trying to live a normal life right now.

Yes. I'm desperate to be normal that I even cut my link with my panther. I cut my
link with White.

Iginala ko ang paningin sa loob ng silid ko. Hinanap ng mga mata ko si White. She
also felt my anxiety. Nagtama ang paningin naming dalawa. Her white and soft fur
glows in the darkness. Her glowing gold eyes with black slits stared back at me.
Tila inirapan niya ako nang mapansin na ayos lang ako. She still cared for me but
she still can't forget the fact that I unlink myself from her.
Now, she looks like my spirit animal. Pero sa paningin ng mga umampon sa 'kin,
normal lang siya. Hindi ko makakalimutan ang reaksiyon ng mga umampon sa 'kin nang
makita nila si White. They wanted to shoot her because she's dangerous but I
stopped them. It's a good thing that White proved that she's tamed. Now, she looks
like a normal panther. She's my pet and she's bigger than me and any other human.

I even dyed my hair into blond or black or any colors just to gain friends. I was
living a pretentious life.

But I can still hear her voice and White can hear mine. We have this kind of
connection. Saka ko lang siya hinahayaang sumanib sa 'kin kapag kabilugan ng buwan.
She's restless with those times and I have to help her hunt. I became restless too
when she's restless.

I'm not afraid to unlink from her because I can call her whenever and wherever I
am.

Kapansin-pansin ang pananahimik ni White. Kanina lang ay nag-away kami dahil

sinasabi niya na unti-unti ko na siyang kinakalimutan. I now have friends and she's
left alone. She will be forgotten soon.

I felt guilty with her accusations. A part of me really wants to forget her. A part
of me really wants to get rid of her. But I know I couldn't run away from my fate,
not forever.
"I'm sorry," mahina kong sambit pero sapat na upang marinig niya.

Ibinaon lang niya ang ulo sa pagitan ng mga unahang paa niya. She was comfortably
lying on the couch made only for her. Like a queen. Like an alpha. Hindi pa rin
niya ako pinapatawad hanggang ngayon.

Minsan, gusto kong maniwala na maaaring isa nga akong alpha dahil sa kanya. Pero
imposible na 'yon dahil wala na ang teritoryong kinagisnan ko. Wala na akong balita
sa kanila. Hindi ko alam ang daan pabalik sa kanila. O siguro, niloloko ko lang ang
sarili na hindi ko na alam ang daan pabalik.

"Hanggang kailan ka magtatago?" tanong sa 'kin ni White.

She can speak to me through telepathy and I can understand her perfectly well.
Maybe it has something to do with our connection. Our link is not entirely broken.
Pinapaniwala ko lang ang sarili ko na nawala na ang lahat ng kaugnayan ko sa
totoong pagkatao ko. Sa totoong ako.

Hindi ko siya pinansin. Tumingin ako sa orasang nakasabit sa dingding. "It's just
four in the morning. We should get some more sleep." Humiga na ako. Alam ko na alam
niya ang napanaginipan ko. Ako at siya ay iisa.

She growled lowly. It's enough for me to feel her frustrations. Hindi niya gusto
ang ginagawa kong pagbalewala sa tanong niya. "Go ahead. Play dumb. Play innocent.
Play normal as much as you can until you get sick of it. But soon, they'll catch
you. Fate will catch up. And you'll regret this wasted time."
Hindi ko siya pinansin. Tumagilid ako upang iwasan ang maliliwanag niyang mata na
humuhusga sa buong pagkatao ko. Sa lahat ng bagay na ginagawa ko.

"It's not a coincidence that you dreamt of your mother. She's haunting you. She's
begging you to come back. She's begging you to accept your fate and you still
choose to ignore her all these years. Nine whole years," she continued. Mariin kong
ipinikit ang mga mata ko. I wanted to shut her voice out of my head. I wanted her
to be quiet. I wanted to forget everything.

Tahimik na naglandas ang luha sa pisngi ko. Loneliness and guilt flooded my senses.
My mother's memories are haunting me for the past years and I did nothing.

"Soon, they will come," makahulugang saad ni White bago niya piniling manahimik.
Kahit hindi ko ipahalata, alam niyang natakot ako sa babala niya. Maybe she's the
other part of my self, the courageous and brave one and this part of me is the
pitiful coward. Hindi na ako nakatulog pa. Hindi na ako dalawin ng antok kahit
gusto ko pang ituloy ang naudlot kong pagtulog.

~~~

Malakas na tumutugtog ang musika sa loob ng bar. The neon lights are blinding me.
Good thing I was not using my feline eyes. I'm perfectly normal, perfectly human.

I'm still a college student but my friends are so persistent to go here. Para
magkaroon ng kaibigan, kailangan kong makibagay sa kanila. Kailangan kong ipakita
ang pagiging normal ko.

It's friday night. We ditched our thesis and all the upcoming exams just for this
night. I hate my friends, sometimes.

Yes. I ended up being one of these bad girls but my parents never know. Akala nila
may overnight kami para sa thesis namin. They never had the idea that the nice girl
is with these rebels.

With my black hunter boots, black leather jacket, red tank top and black leather
skirts, I stand out in the crowd. My red lips are bright and my face is covered
with light shade of makeup. Nakalugay ang mahaba kong buhok. Mula sa tuktok ng ulo
ko hanggang sa gitnang bahagi ng buhok ko, puti ang kulay nito. Samantalang kulay
lila at asul naman ang pababa.

It's fascinating that white hair looks normal nowadays. My friends thought that my
white hair is just due to the trending fashion but they never thought it's just
natural. Ano kaya ang iisipin nila kapag nalaman nila ang totoo? Kapag nalaman nila
na naiiba ako?

I batted my long eyelashes. I'm sure my green eyes are glowing with the neon
lights. We stand out in the crowd. Kahit ang tatlong babae na kasama ko ay hindi
maiwasang lingunin ng mga kalalakihan.

We walk like queens but I'm sure I walk better than they did. Sometimes, I noticed
how they envy me. My senses are that great. Kahit wala si White sa sistema ko,
nahuhulaan ko pa rin ang nararamdaman nila.
Cat walk. Isa ito sa itinuro ng ina ko sa 'kin na hindi mawala-wala sa sistema ko.
Kahit ano'ng mangyari kailangan kong maglakad na parang reyna. I must walk with
pride, with my chin held high. She thought me how to walk like a royalty, like an
alpha she wished me to be.

This is also the reason why I ended up with these bad girls. They thought I walk so
cool, like a model. I walk with elegance. I walk like I'm afraid of nothing. As if
I'm someone special. Self-centered is the negative word for that. They included me
in their circle. It feels like I ended up being their minion or they ended up to be
my minions. I don't know. I'm confused of the truth.

I only know that a cat always walk with grace and elegance. An alpha walks with
power and authority and grace and all. My mother told me this. But the only thing I
love best about cat walking is stealth. No one will notice that I'm slipping away.

The guys can't take their gazes away from us. Ang iba sa mga kalalakihan sa loob ng
bar ay namumukhaan ko. Some of them are still college students. I'm just not sure
what department. I'm not interested.

Kung hindi lang ako nakikibagay sa kanila, hindi ako sasama. Mas pipiliin ko pang
gawin ang reports o thesis namin kaysa ang pumunta at magpanggap na masaya sa lugar
na ito. Mas gusto ko pang ibaon ang mukha ko sa mga libro.

Umupo kami sa bakanteng upuan. The couches are formed into a half circle. My
friends started to order their drinks. When they are a bit tipsy, they take over
the dancefloor.
Unfortunately, cats are harder to get drunk. Maybe because of accelerated
metabolism. I'm not a drinker but sometimes, I'm pretending to be drunk with three
to four glasses of alcohol. I didn't want my parents to smell my breath. I would
choose to lay wasted on the couch and pretend I'm drunk than to dance.

Akala nila, mahina ako sa alak. They would sometimes make fun of me. "Eurus! Sumama
ka na sa 'min! Sumayaw na tayo!" pangungulit sa 'kin ni Celine habang hinihila ang
kamay ko. Pinipilit niya akong tumayo. Her lips have a darker shade of red. Her
blue eyes are smoky with all the makeup. Her raven hair is tied in a high ponytail.

Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang magpahila dahil alam kong hindi siya titigil. I
danced and tolerate the dancefloor. I could feel some guys leaning closer. I hate
this. Sometimes, they are pretending to accidentally touch my waist and butt. I
secretly want to kick their asses and leave claw marks on their faces. Feline
instincts. Did they really think they can take advantage of me? I frowned and
choose to stay away from making a scene. I remembered to live a normal life.

Did I mention that I have this gorgeous figure and perfect body proportions? Maybe
it's due to where I came from. My feline roots made me this way.

I hate getting too much attention with this body. Minsan, mas pinipili ko na lang
magsuot ng maluluwag na damit at pantalon para hindi nila mapansin. But my distinct
face stands out as well. I'm too beautiful to be normal. And guys are drawn to this
kind of beauty.

Lihim akong bumuntong-hininga. Smoke and alcohol are all over the dance floor.
Ipinagpatuloy ko lang ang pagsayaw ko. I ignored the guys trying to hit on me. Pero
natigilan ako dahil sa kakaibang amoy na humalo sa hangin. It was a distinct smell
I would never forget.
There's a cat in the crowd!

One of the reasons why I cut link with White is because of her smell. I have to
remove her scent on me, on my skin so no one will know that I'm a cat. Pero kahit
tinanggal ko si White sa sistema ko, hindi pa rin nawawala ang pandama ng pusang
kagaya ko. Cats will always know their kind.

Agad kong iginala ang paningin sa buong paligid. Hindi ko siya mahahanap dahil
natatabunan ng alak at amoy ng sigarilyo ang amoy niya. Kung tatawagin ko naman si
White, maaalarma ang pusang gumagala rito. The cat will know that there is another
cat here.

Unfortunately, the cat in the crowd is not a royal one. Not someone who takes
pride. The cat in the crowd is a stray. And stray cats are dangerous. They don't
belong to any packs. They are hideous and don't follow any laws. Sometimes, they
play and the game is not really a good one. Death is their game. They kill for
their own pleasure.

My heart raced and slammed my ribcage, back and forth. Ano naman kaya ang pakay
niya sa ganitong lugar? I have a bad feeling about this.

Bars are best places for crimes.

***
 Nightfall 2: Stray [Nightfall]

"Will you die or survive?"

EURUS

I hissed under my breath. Agad akong umalis sa dancefloor. Pinatalas ko ang pang-
amoy at paningin. Itinuon ko ang pansin sa bawat pagtibok ng puso ng mga taong nasa
paligid ko. There's a distinction with a human heart and cat heart. A cat's heart
beats much faster. Typically three times as fast as a human heart.

Heightening my senses was harder than it seems. Mas matalas talaga ang pandama ko
kung nandito si White. Natatabunan na ng ingay ng musika ang pandinig ko. Maging
ang pang-amoy ko ay mas mahina na kaysa sa dati pero alam ko na humalo na siya sa
karamihan.

If the stray is a tomcat, maybe he's after some girls. I can't think of any reasons
for him to go after boys unless he wanted revenge.

If it's a tabby, she may be after a boy she's interested in. Or a girl she hate or
she's insecure about. Sumasakit ang ulo ko dahil sa iniisip ko. Pero paano kung
mali pala ang hinala ko? Paano kung napadaan lang siya rito at gusto lang niyang
magsaya?

Nakikita ko ang mga lalaking gustong lumapit sa 'kin pero agad akong umiiwas sa
kanila lalo na't nagtatangka silang lumapit. Hinanap ko na sina Celine, Alys at
Bess. Nakita ko sina Alys at Bess na walang tigil sa pagsasayaw sa gitna ng
dancefloor. They look wasted. Wala na talaga sila sa katinuan. Pasuray-suray na
sila sa pagsayaw at halos matumba na minsan.

Kinagat ko ang labi nang makita ang mga lalaking natutuwa sa kanila at sinasalo pa
sila sa tuwing matutumba. They're taking advantage of the girls. I need to get them
home as soon as possible. Nilapitan ko sila. Tiyak na hindi na nila maaalala na
tuwid pa ang paglalakad ko at hindi pa ako lasing.

Tiningnan ko nang masama ang dalawang lalaki na humahawak kay Alys at Bess. Lasing
na rin sila at mukhang gusto pa nilang iuwi ang dalawa kong kaibigan. Siguro
napansin nila na hindi ko sila bubuhayin kung sakaling may mangyari sa dalawa kong
kaibigan kaya napaurong sila.

"Eurhussss!" lasing na sambit ni Alys. She giggled like a teenager. She's already
wasted. Muntik ng matumba si Bess kaya agad ko siyang sinalo ng isang kamay.

"It's getting late. Let's get out of here. Let's go home," mariing sabi ko.

Bess and Alys giggled. Inalis nila ang kamay ko na umalalay sa kanila. "The fhun
jusss starthing!" maingay na saad ni Bess at itinaas pa ang kamay sa ere.
"Wooooooh!" sigaw pa niya.

Wala namang tigil sa katatawa si Alys. Naiinis na napailing ako. I even rolled my
eyes. Look how carefree and wasted they are. Alys' curly black hair is a mess right
now. Her red lipstick already faded. Her make up is already worn off. Mapupungay na
ang asul niyang mata at nakikita na ang strap ng bra niya dahil sa kasasayaw.
Tuwid pa naman ang itim na buhok ni Bess pero kita na ang pusod niya dahil sa
pagtaas ng maikli niyang damit. Her eyeliner was too thick. Halos kumalat na ito sa
ilalim ng mata niya. She'd been biting her lips and her lipstick already faded. Her
brown eyes were already sleepy. They are still beautiful though.

Tawa sila nang tawa nang hilahin ko sila paalis sa dance floor. Bumalik kami sa
puwesto namin. Pagod na pagod na napaupo sila sa malambot na upuan. Hindi pa rin
tumitigil ang tawa at sigaw nila.

"Inhom pha thayo!" sigaw ni Alys sabay kampay sa isang baso ng alak. Inilapat niya
sa labi ang baso pero tumapon ang ibang laman nito sa bibig niya pababa sa leeg
niya hanggang sa mabasa ang damit niya.

"Tama na. Lasing na kayo!" mariing saad ko.

"Hindi pha khami lashhing!" natatawang sambit niya. Napansin ko na nakapikit na si

Bess at wala ng pakialam sa paligid. Damn! They're a pain!

Naiiling na kinuha ko ang baso sa kamay niya. "Sober up. I'll find Celine. Huwag
kayong aalis dito!" mabilis na saad ko. I can't leave them for long. Baka kung ano
ang mangyari sa kanila. Kung sakaling may masamang binabalak ang stray cat na nasa
paligid, kailangang mailayo ko agad sila rito upang makaiwas kami sa gulo.

wala sa sariling kinuha ni Alys ang cellphone niya at may tinawagan. She's talking
to her ex now. Begging him to come back. Hindi ko alam ang sinabi ng ex niya pero
naiinis na ihinagis ni Alys ang cellphone sa bakanteng couch. She cried and threw
up. Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin. She'll get better soon.

Iginala ko ang paningin sa loob ng bar. Mula sa isang madilim na sulok, natanaw ko
si Celine. Muntik na siyang matumba at lasing na lasing na pero may lalaking sumalo
sa kanya. Celine's eyes are closed but she's smiling. Why do they drink too much if
they can't handle their alcohol? Damn!

Napansin ko ang paggalaw ng labi ng lalaki na tila may sinasabi. Mahina namang
tumawa si Celine na tila nagustuhan niya ang narinig. Nagsimula na akong maglakad
patungo sa kinatatayuan nila. The guy caressed her face ever slightly. The guy
doesn't look like a college boy. He looks like a grown up man. And he's good
looking in the darkness.

I can't fully see his face but he's obviously charismatic. The way he moves his
hands and supports her weight, he's elegant and composed. But I didn't want to
check his features. I want to get my friends out of here and so I ignored every
little details of him.

"Excuse me," pagsingit ko sa kanila.

Natigilan ang lalaki sa ginagawang pagbulong kay Celine. Dahan-dahan niyang inangat
ang paningin sa 'kin. Kumunot ang noo niya nang titigan niya akong mabuti. He has
this bright brown eyes and strong jaws. Makinis ang kutis niya at maninipis ang mga
labi.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla akong natigilan. Isang segundong tumigil sa pagtibok
ang puso ko sa hindi ko maintindihang dahilan.
Muli niyang ibinaling ang paningin kay Celine bago muling bumaling sa 'kin. "Your
friend?" malalim ang tinig na tanong niya sa 'kin. Wala sa sariling tumango ako.
Nang matauhan agad kong hinawakan si Celine.

"Let's go home," mahinang sabi ko. She's half awake but she nodded. I'm sure her
head is spinning due to the alcohol. Alam kong nakatitig pa rin sa 'kin ang lalaki.
I could feel my uneasiness with the man's gaze. I could feel it even if I'm
pretending to not look at him. Agad kong inilayo si Celine sa kanya. My instincts
tell me to do so.

Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sila naisakay sa kotse. Celine threw up before she
could even ride the car. Hindi na sila makapaglakad nang tuwid sa matataas na heels
nila. I already closed the door of the passenger seat and they're already sound
asleep. Bago ako makapunta sa driver's seat, naalala ko ang cellphone ni Alys sa
couch.

Holy Shit! Iniisip ko kung babalikan ko ba ito o hindi. Sa huli, nagpasya akong
balikan ito at nagbabaka sakaling nandoon pa sa upuan ang cellphone niya. Bago ako
umalis, sinigurado ko munang nakalock ang bawat pinto ng kotse.

Malalaki ang mga hakbang na naglakad ako. Nasa dulo pa naman kami ng parking lot.
Kapansin-pansin din na madilim sa bahaging ito. Tanging ang halos bilog na buwan
ang nagbibigay-liwanag sa paligid.

Sa hindi ko malamang dahilan, biglang tumaas ang mga balahibo ko sa katawan. I

usually don't get these goosebumps so easily. My goosebumps are rare. And whenever
I get this goosebumps, something bad happens. Siyam na taon na ang nakalipas nang
makaramdam ako ng ganito. Noong gabing paslangin ang mga magulang ko.
I looked around, searching for something suspicious. The whole place is eerily
quiet and dark. Even the light's post are blinking until it died. Mas lalong
tumitindi ang namumuong takot sa kalamnan ko.

Walang tao pero nararamdaman kong may nagmamasid sa 'kin. His smell suddenly
reached my senses. The stray! The stray is here! Nagtalo ang isip ko kung babalik
pa ba ako sa bar o tatakbo na pabalik sa kotse ko. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko
kahit pinipilit kong kumalma. My feet won't stop moving even if I wanted to turn
back and run towards the car. I want to drive away but my feet won't let me.

My feet became numb to even run.

Ayaw ko ring ipahalata sa taong nagmamasid sa 'kin na alam kong pinapanood niya
ako. I don't want him to suspect that I'm different.

Halos mapasigaw ako nang may biglang humila sa 'kin sa madilim na parte ng parking
lot. My voice was muffled by the large hand covering my mouth and a knife near my
throat. My pulse quickened even more. Pakiramdam ko, nakain ko ang dila ko. I can't
let out a scream.

I could smell my own panic together with this man's scent. It's familiar though.
Halos manginig ang tuhod ko nang maintindihan kung sino siya. The stray is
threatening my life for some reason I don't know. Hinila niya ako at wala akong
lakas na lumaban. Hindi pa makapag-isip nang tama ang utak ko.
Lumiko kami sa madilim at makipot na eskinita. Malansa ang amoy sa lugar na ito. I
could smell blood and pee and food waste. Lumapat ang talim ng kutsilyo sa balat ko
dahilan upang maramdaman ko ang pagtulo ng dugo mula roon. Masyadong madiin ang
paglapat ng kutsilyo at pigil ko ang hininga ko.

Nang mas naging maliwanag na ang isip ko, nagsimula na akong mag-isip. Hindi ko
siya maaaring sikuhin dahil maaaring hindi siya magdalawang-isip at ibaon ang
kutsilyo sa leeg ko. That will only mean death for me.

Hinayaan ko siyang dalhin ako sa walang katao-taong lugar. I could shift there. I
could fight him and my only goal is to kill him. Wala akong balak na ipaalam sa
ibang tao kung sino o ano ba talaga ako. I don't want any witness.

Hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto na niya akong hinihila. He was dragging me and the
alley was too dark for my human eyes. He opened a rusty gate and drag me inside.
Napapalibutan ang buong paligid ng matataas na pader. Isa itong bakanteng lote. He
closed the gates and pushed me away from him. Muntik na akong matumba sa lupa kung
hindi ko nahanap agad ang balanse ko.

Agad akong humarap sa kanya. Napasinghap ako nang mamukhaan ko siya at makumpirma
ang hinala ko. Siya ang lalaking sumalo kay Celine kanina. He's the stray! I looked
around me. Halos masuka ako nang makita ko ang mga patay na katawan na nagkalat sa
paligid. The smell of these dead people was nauseating.

Hindi pa siya nahuhuli kung ganu'n. His hideout is so disgusting, my stomach

clenched. The smell of blood and decaying bodies was penetrating my sense of smell,
vertigo hits my head. Mas pinili ko na lang ituon ang pansin sa lalaking nasa harap
ko.
His body will be added on these dead piles, not mine. Matalim na tingin ang
ipinukol ko sa kanya. He smiled, it was quiet charming but sometimes the devil can
be charming too.

He was wearing a blue V-neck shirt and ripped jeans. He had this well-built body
and his tensed muscles fit into his shirt. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit hindi
ko agad siya naamoy kanina. I should have known better. Damn!

His brown eyes are dark and full of... lust. I could see lust. Not just for my body
but I could clearly see his bloodlust. He inhaled deeply as if he smelled something
good.

"So you're the one I smelled," he almost whispered. His voice was deep and husky.
He stepped closer, tossing the knife on the ground.

Napaurong naman ako pero hindi nakaligtas sa pandinig ko ang sinabi niya. "Ano?
Ano'ng sinasabi mo? Bakit mo ako dinala rito?" Of course. I know the answer to my
last question but I want to play dumb as much as possible. But he said he smelled
me and that's what I don't understand. Did he smelled me as another cat? Did my
real scent slip without my notice?

"What smell?" naguguluhang tanong ko sa kanya. Did he approach Celine because my

smell lingers on her?

"A smell that gets me drunk," he answered briefly.

Not the smell of a cat? I hissed under my breath. Mas bumilis ang paglalakad niya
patungo sa 'kin. Patuloy lang akong umuurong. I looked for a weapon to use but
there's nothing here but bones.

He was faster than me. Agad niya akong naabutan at mahigpit na hinawakan ang aking
pulsuhan. He grabbed my hair and he was pulling it backwards. Napangiwi ako dahil
sumasakit ang anit ko.

His canines slowly showed. He was showing his true form. Kahit gusto kong
magpanggap na nagulat, hindi ko magawa. I was too used with cat forms and nothing
would surprise me anymore. I didn't even shriek or scream and he found it amusing.

"Are you?" hindi niya maituloy ang tanong niya dahil halatang hindi siya sigurado.
He inhaled my scent and he's confused for what I really am. I'm sure that I don't
smell like a cat.

"Am I?" nakangisi at makahulugang tanong ko sa kanya. I clawed his face using my
nails. Medyo mahahaba ang kuko ko kaya kahit papaano ay nasugatan ko siya. I kicked
him in the balls and that made him scream and gasped for air. Nabitawan niya ako
nang wala sa oras. Agad akong lumayo at tumakbo. There's no time for spacing out.

I need to think clearly. May nakita akong bakal malapit sa pader kaya agad ko itong
pinulot. For now, I will fight in human form. I won't shift unless there's really
no way out. My mother taught me how to fight with my barehands and with some
martial arts.

My father, the one who adopted me, taught me how to fight too, with barehands and
crossbows. We usually hunt in the forest together. He taught me how to survive on
my own.

I hold the steel with my two hands. As if I'm waiting to hit a baseball ball. He
snarled at me with anger. Nakikita ko ang unti-unting paghaba ng mga kuko niya at
pagpapalit ng kulay ng mga mata niya. He has this brown jaguar eyes, with rounded
black slits.

His speed surely increased because in one blink of an eye, he's already halfway
running towards me. Itinaas niya ang mga kamay at kitang-kita ko ang pagkinang ng
matatalas niyang kuko sa kabila ng malamlam na liwanag ng buwan. He tried to claw
and ruin my face but I had good reflexes. Agad kong hinampas ng bakal na hawak ko
ang kamay niya.

I even strike another blow. I hit his head hard. He tried to cut me again with his
claws but I twisted my body and moved to his back. I hit him hard in the back. He
gasped and I could feel his heartbeat raced more quickly. Ramdam ko ang namumuong
galit niya kaya alam ko na kailangan ko ng tumakbo palayo. I did run away. He's
going to completely shift now.

I was right. Nang lingunin ko siya, nakita ko na nasa anyong pusa na siya. A
werejaguar. He has this cream fur, a bit yellowish. He had this distinct black
rings on his body. He is larger than my pather, White. I expected that because
White is just a normal panther now. If we join together, White will be larger than
her normal size.

Pero natitiyak kong mas maliit pa rin ako kung magpapalit ako ng anyo. Boy cats are
normally bigger than girl cats.
His brown eyes stung with anger. He growled and snarled. He was pawing the ground
to show his impatience. Nang akmang dadambahin na niya ako, magpapalit-anyo na sana
ako pero may isa pang malaking pusa na sumali sa aming laro. He jumped from
nowhere.

I don't even smell the scent of a stray from the new one. He looks like a tiger.
His fur has blue and white shades. Sometimes, it turns violet in my eyes. Long
black stripes are very distinct on his body. He was larger than the jaguar. And I
noticed something. He's not just a tiger. He was a hybrid. A panther and a Royal
White Bengal Tiger. His tiger form and traits are more noticeable, though.

"Stay away from this! You filthy cat!" The jaguar growled with anger. I could
understand him.

"No. I promised death and I will fulfill it now. Your crimes don't deserve pardon.
The alpha sent me here. You've already gone too far," the hybrid growled.

Mas pinili ko na lang umurong at lumayo sa kanilang dalawa. Tumakbo ako sa isang
sulok. Malayo sa mga patay na katawan. Saka ko lang naramdaman ang panginginig ng
tuhod ko. Napasandal ako sa pader at habol ang hininga. It seems the weretiger-
panther was just in time to save me due to his duty. Pero hindi ako maaaring maging
kampante. Maaaring may binabalak din siyang masama sa 'kin.

Dinamba ng hybrid ang jaguar. He bit his neck. I could hear snapping bones. The
jaguar clawed the hybrid's body. Blood dripped from their wounds. But the jaguar
was mostly wounded. Hindi niya magalaw ang leeg. Hindi niya makagat pabalik ang
hybrid para bumawi. Masyadong malalim ang pagkakabaon ng mga pangil ng hybrid sa
leeg. He couldn't move his head. All he could do is claw the hybrid with
desperation.
Napasinghap ako nang marinig ang pagkabali ng leeg ng jaguar. His head fell off.
Bumagsak ang katawan niya sa lupa. The hybrid lick the blood on his teeth, face and
mouth using his tongue until blood was no longer found. He turned to me.
Nanghihinang napaupo ako sa isang tabi. I couldn't stand.

His blue eyes stared back at me. He growled and hissed. I could feel his
frustration. He growled once more and he was more likely talking to himself.

"He's attracted to her smell," he growled. I was lucky that I could understand him
even in his cat form. I was still staring at him and he walked towards me. He
mentioned an alpha then that means he belonged to a pack. He was really after the
stray. Or maybe he was hunting uncontrollable strays.

He was looking at me, intently. Pinag-aaralan niya ang buong anyo ko.

I heard another hiss. "She looks normal to me."

Gusto kong matawa sa sinasabi niya pero mabuti na lang masyado na akong pagod upang
gawin 'yon. Right now, I was just gaping at him.

Pigil ko na ang hininga nang tuluyan na siyang makalapit sa 'kin. Nasa harapan ko
na siya at hawak ko pa rin ang bakal sa isang kamay ko. He growled at me while
eyeing the steel. Wala sa sariling nabitawan ko ito. My heart skipped a beat for
some reasons. Though I'm not scared. Hindi ko maalis ang mga mata ko sa kanya.
I like the color blue and white on his furs. I like the black stripes too. His body
is bleeding but he doesn't mind. He's treating the wound as a scratch. Mas lalo
siyang lumapit sa 'kin. Hinayaan ko lang siya.

"She smells good and different."

"You're wounded," hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko. He winced because of my

voice. He was about to retreat but instead, he just growled at me. Siguro iniisip
niya na nagsasalita lang akong mag-isa katulad ng mga taong kumakausap sa mga alaga
nilang hayop.

He stared at my bleeding neck. Saka ko lang napansin ang walang tigil na pagdugo
nito. He made a hissing sound. "She's wounded. She needs to stop the bleeding. I
wonder if I can lick her wounds without scaring her or making her faint. Siguro mas
mabuti na kung takutin ko siya? Mas mabuti kung mahihimatay siya."

Hindi ko na napigilan ang tipid na ngiti. "Come here," I persuaded him. "I won't
hurt you." Itinaas ko ang kamay at nagtangkang hawakan siya. Sa una, napaurong siya
pero nang tumingin siya sa mata ko, lumambot ang ekspresiyon ng mga mata niya. At
dahan-dahang lumapit sa 'kin.

Hinawakan ko ang makakapal niyang balahibo. Napapikit siya na tila nagugustuhan ang
ginagawa ko kaya mas lalo siyang lumapit sa 'kin na tila naglalambing. Cats are
sweet creatures when they're tamed. But they're also the most despicable when it
comes with their enemies.

He opened his eyes and stared at my wounds again. Hinawi ko ang buhok ko. I offered
my bare neck. He gulped. He was confused. "Did she understand me?"

I understand you perfectly well. I want to answer him but I can't give myself away.
Kahit nagdadalawang-isip ay mas lalo siyang lumapit. He licked my wounds. Gusto
kong matawa sa ginagawa niya. But he must be careful next time. He can't lick human
wounds carelessly like this because he might infect them. Hinayaan ko lang siya
ngayon dahil hindi naman talaga ako normal na tao lang. And he saved me from
revealing my true self.

"Thanks for saving me," I whispered. Natigilan siya. Naghilom na ang sugat ko. Mas
lalo akong napangiti nang naramdaman ko ang pag-amoy niya sa 'kin. He inhaled my
scent deeply. Now, this is intimate. Napapikit ako. He wouldn't leave my neck. He
inhaled me again and again like I'm something so familiar.

Pero ilang segundo lang, narinig ko ang sunud-sunod na pagmumura.

"This is wrong. I must leave now. She's human. Damn!"

Bago pa ako magmulat ng mga mata, tumakbo na siya palayo at tinalon ang mataas na
pader. He disappeared in the night. I sighed in disappointment. I saw the jaguar
lying dead on the ground. He will decay in his cat form.

Mahina akong tumawa nang maalala ko ang hybrid. He's amusing. I guess, playing dumb
is fun. I won't get tired on hearing his cat voice. Tumayo na ako at nagmamadaling
umalis sa lugar. Hindi ko na binalikan pa ang cellphone ni Alys. Mabuti na lang,
pagbalik ko sa kotse, tulog na tulog pa rin sila. I drop all of them at Celine's
house. Mabuti na lang wala ang mga magulang niya. Sinigurado kong nakalock lahat ng
pinto at bintana bago ko sila iniwan.
I decided to go home. Madaling araw na nang makarating ako sa bahay. Our house is
in the middle of the forest. It's the only house here. Unfortunately, I don't have
the house keys with me. Naglakad ako sa likod ng bahay kung nasaan ang silid ko. It
was a two-story house. Nasa pangalawang palapag ang silid ko.

"White!" I called her and I did a partial shift. My eyes turned gold with black
slits. My canines grow. I would jump from here to my window. Mabuti na lang, hindi
ko ito inila-lock.

"What happen?" tanong ni White sa 'kin.

"Later," sagot ko sa kanya. I jumped and my feet landed on the small side of my
window without a sound. My body is too light. Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang sliding
window at pumasok sa loob.

I cut link with White. She's back on her panther form. Agad kong hinubad ang damit
na suot ko. I need a long hot scented bath.

****

Nightfall 3: First Kill [Nightfall]

"Save yourself..."
I dip myself in a hot bath. Hinayaan kong bukas ang pinto upang makapasok si White.
The water smelled like raspberry and roses, a scent that reminds me of my mother
and it relaxes me. A temporary comfort.

I played with the rose petals. I dip my head even lower. Hanggang lumubog sa tubig
ang kalahati ng mukha ko. Ramdam ko ang pagpasok ni White kahit wala siyang
ginagawang ingay. Her footsteps are so silent, so light as a feather.

"I smell blood and cats," she started. I know her eyes are narrowing at me even if
I don't turn to her. Inalis ko sa pagkakalubog ang ulo ko at kumportableng
isinandal ito sa bathtub. Nakatingala na ako sa puting kisame at malalim na nag-
iisip.

"Maybe you're right..." mahinang saad ko.

"About what?" naguguluhang tanong niya sa 'kin.

"They're coming for me," sagot ko.

Natahimik siya pero alam kong iniintindi lang niya ang bawat sinasabi ko. "Ano
ba'ng nangyari?" naiinis na tanong niya sa 'kin. She hated it when I answer
indirectly. Napapagod na napangiti ako dahil sa inaasal niya. She never changed.
She always wants to get straight to the point. She doesn't want to be left hanging,
guessing.
"A stray cat attacked me. He said I smell good. A scent that gets him drunk. And
then another cat, from a pack, said I smell good and different. What are they
talking about?" naguguluhang tanong ko. Ibinaling ko ang naguguluhang tingin kay
White. Halos magkasalubong na ang kilay ko. She's intently looking at me. Iginalaw
ko ang kamay upang abutin siya. I touched her fluffy white fur. I rubbed her chin
and she moved closer. Napapikit pa siya. She loves to be pet.

"Stop it," she playfully said but I know she doesn't want me to stop. She's always
playing hard to get. I softly laughed. Naalala ko tuloy ang hybrid na nagligtas sa
'kin kanina. He's also playing hard to get. He's amusing. He amuses me.

Bahagyang natigilan si White nang may maalala. Nanlaki ang mga gintong mata niya
nang tumingin sa 'kin. "Did you say you smell good? But not because you're a cat?"
gulat na tanong niya sa 'kin. Her reaction was already late.

Kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi niya pero marahan akong tumango. "I don't smell
like a cat. They should have discovered if I am," sagot ko sa kanya.

Naalarma si White. She sniffed the air and inhaled my scent. Mas lalo siyang
natigilan. Dread flooded her expression. Kinabahan ako dahil sa reaksiyon niya.
"Holy cat!" she cursed. "How can I forget?" Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya sa gulat at
reyalisasyon.

She stared at me with wide eyes. I can see fear.

"Bakit?" tanong ko sa kanya kahit natatakot ako sa isasagot niya.

"Tama siya. You smell good. You smell like power," sagot ni white. Mas lalo akong
naguluhan. "Holy cat! Your power is slipping away!" she exclaimed.

"What does that mean?" takang tanong ko sa kanya. "What power?"

"That means your life is slipping away!" sigaw niya sa 'kin. "You'll meet deaths
starting from your 21st birthday! And your 21st birthday already passed weeks ago.
They will come after your life because it's now your destiny. Danger will come to
you because of your scent."

Hindi ko maintindihan ang mga sinasabi niya kahit gusto ko mang intindihin.
Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya pero wala akong masabi.

Nagpatuloy siya pero halata ang takot sa bawat salitang binibitawan niya. The
urgency in her voice is noticeable. Wala siyang pakialam kung naiintindihan ko ba o
hindi ang mga sinasabi niya. "Those who want power will get drunk of it. If they
succeed to take your life, they will become more powerful. You're meant to be
hunted because you throw away your responsibilities. You left everything behind by
unlinking me. You are now cursed and marked. You disappointed and angered the
gods."

Naguguluhang tiningnan ko siya. Ano'ng sinasabi niya? Hindi ko magawang magsalita

dahil hindi ko siya naiintindihan. "Explain further," tanging nasabi ko na lang.
Itinigil ko na ang paghawak sa kanya. Pinipilit kong intindihin lahat ng sinabi
niya. I am marked?
Cursed?

I angered the gods?

"You unlinked me," paliwanag niya. "With that you will have a shorter lifespan. You
have a time limit. And nine years already passed."

Napasinghap ako. "Did I already use my nine lives?" gulat na tanong ko sa kanya.
Huling buhay ko na ba 'to? Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang umiling si White.

"Your nine lives is just starting," she answered gravely.

Namilog ang mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Unti-unting gumapang ang takot sa
kalamnan ko hanggang sa kabuuan ng aking sistema. "I will be killed nine times!"
hindi makapaniwalang bulalas ko.

Mahinang tumawa si white. "And you'll survive eight times. And for the ninth, it's
still unknown," she answered.

"I don't get it!" naguguluhang bulalas ko. It's unfair!

"Hindi pa ako tapos magpaliwanag," saad ni White. Sumenyas ako sa kanya upang
ipagpatuloy niya. Ihinilig ko na ang ulo ko sa braso kong nakapatong sa gilid ng
bathtub.

"All werecats who unlinked with their spirit cats usually die in an instant. But
you survived for nine years. Why? Because of your first kill. But don't worry. You
will still survive until you reached your ninth life if you are powerful enough to
avoid death," seryosong paliwanag niya.

"My first kill?" takang tanong ko sa kanya. I can't remember killing someone
though. Kinikilabutan ako sa mga sinasabi niya.

Tumango si White. "Your twin sister is your first kill," paglilinaw niya. Napaawang
ang labi ko sa sinabi niya. Mahigpit na napahawak ang kamay ko sa gilid ng bathtub.
Pakiramdam ko, malulunod ako kahit mababaw lang ito.

"You sucked her life. You use her life force to survive and you become stronger,"
she explained but she didn't sound like she was accusing me of a crime. Gusto lang
niyang maintindihan ko ang mga nangyari. Her voice was soothing and understanding
but it doesn't change the fact that I still killed my sister.

"It's not your intention to kill your twin sister," saad niya. "But If you didn't
fight back, she will kill you instead. She tried to suck your life force too. Siya
ang nauna. That's the reason why you turned into an albino. But not entirely
because you managed to keep the true color of your eyes. You struggled too much to
survive and you just fought back. It's a matter of survival," paglilinaw niya.
Napakunot ang noo ko dahil sa mga sinasabi niya.
"Paano mo nalaman 'to?" naguguluhang tanong ko sa kanya.

"I fought with you," sagot niya. "She tried to kill you first. Twin werecats always
end up killing each other when they are born. It always happen. It's natural. Cats
who are born twins with alpha traits and fates must have their first kill. It's a
ritual. An initiation. You are born weak because of her but you managed to defeat
her in the end. Your mother and the midwife knows."

"Bakit hindi niya sinabi sa 'kin?" nanliliit ang boses na tanong ko. Nanghihina ako
dahil sa mga nalalaman ko.

"Masyado ka pang bata para ipaliwanag sa 'yo."

"Is there an age requirement for the truth?" naiinis na tanong ko sa kanya. "Mas
nahihirapan akong intindihin ang lahat dahil pakiramdam ko, huli na ang lahat para
sa katotohanan."

Malungkot ang mga mata niya dahil sa sinabi ko. "Wala na siya. Hindi mo na
mahahabol ang katotohanan mula sa kanya."

Matalim na tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya. "Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa 'kin? Bakit
ngayon lang?"
She growled at me. She's a bit angry. Natigilan ako. This is the first time. "You
want a normal life. I don't want to burst your bubble. I don't want to end your
delusions. You look happy with your life now. You look contented. I thought it will
be okay since you survived when you unlinked me. Hindi ka nanghina. You can live
without me. Hindi ko kailangang mag-alala sa 'yo dahil normal naman ang buhay mo.
Ikaw ang nang-iwan sa ere, hindi ako," naiinis na sagot niya. Naramdaman ko ang
galit at pagtatampo niya sa 'kin.

Mariin kong nakagat ang labi ko. Siguro nga, ako ang may kasalanan ng lahat. I
choose to ignore the truth about me. Sarili ko lang ang dapat kong sisihin at wala
ng iba.

Pumagitan ang nakabibinging katahimikan. If I smell like power, I will attract more
werecats. They will come after me. They will come after my life.

"Are you sure I angered the gods? Or they just want me to come back?" napapagod na
tanong ko sa kanya.

"Hindi ko alam. Maybe they want you to come back. But your fate is still in your
hands. You have a choice," sagot niya sa 'kin.

"Ano na ang mangyayari sa 'kin? Ano ang dapat kong gawin para maiwasan ang lahat ng
ito?" naguguluhang tanong ko sa kanya.

"Restore our link. This is the only way to recuperate. We can gradually stop your
power from slipping if you accepted me once again. We can stop the curse," she
answered.

"Kung gagawin natin 'yan, malalaman nila ang totoo kong pagkatao," nahihirapang
sabi ko.

"Ito lang ang tanging paraan," pinal na sabi ni White. "Kapag hindi ka nagdesisyon
agad, hindi mo maiiwasan ang kamatayan. Remember. You only have nine lives and
there's no extension."

Malalim akong bumuntong-hininga. "Pag-iisipan ko," mahinang sagot ko sa kanya. "Sa

ngayon, mag-iingat muna ako. Pwede naman kitang tawagin kapag kailangan ko ng
tulong, hindi ba?" umaasang sabi ko sa kanya.

Bumuntong-hininga at napailing si white. I know I'm unfair to her. Ginagawa ko lang

ang mga bagay na sarili ko lang ang makikinabang. "Bahala ka. Wala naman akong
magagawa." Tinalikuran na niya ako. Alam kong naiinis at nagtatampo siya sa 'kin.

Bago siya tuluyang lumabas. Narinig ko pa ang huling sinabi niya. "You save
yourself or you remain unsaved."

Mariin kong kinagat ang labi ko. Naiwan akong mag-isa. Alam kong tama siya pero isa
akong duwag na tumatakbo palayo sa nakaraan ko.

~~~
Hapon na nang magising ako. Agad akong lumabas sa silid ko at pumunta sa kusina.

"Ano'ng oras ka umuwi?" tanong ni Mama nang makita akong nagbubukas ng gatas at
cereals. "Akala ko ba gagawa kayo ng thesis? Natapos ba ninyo?" kunot-noong tanong
pa niya sa 'kin. She's already in her late forties. Nakikita ko na rin ang ilang
puting hibla sa buhok niya. There are some wrinkles on her face and she's the most
caring person I've ever known in this world.

Umiling ako. "Madaling araw na po ako umuwi. Brownout kasi sa bahay ng kaklase ko
kaya umuwi na lang po ako," pagsisinungaling ko. "Hindi pa namin tapos ang thesis
namin."

"Bakit hindi mo na lang sila dalhin dito?" muling pagtatanong ni Mama. Suot niya
ang apron niya. Narinig kong tumunog ang timer ng oven. She's baking a cake. That's
one of her hobbies. Siguro may nagpagawa na naman sa kanya ng cake.

Maamo ang mukha niya at palaging nakangiti.

Maputi siya at palaging nakangiti ang mga asul na mata. She's not that tall. She's
average.

"Saka na lang po," sagot ko pero ang totoo, ayokong dalhin dito ang mga kaibigan
ko.
Pumasok si Papa at ay bitbit na crossbow. "Gising ka na pala!" nakangiting sabi ni
Papa. "Gusto mo bang sumama sa 'kin sa pangangaso?"

Napailing naman si Mama. "Ayan ka na naman, Art. Sinasanay mo si Eurus sa mga

ganyang bagay," komento ni Mama. "Tandaan mo, babae ang anak mo."

"Leah, mas mabuti nang marunong ang anak natin sa ganito. Saka hindi ko naman siya
pababayaang masaktan," natatawang sagot ni Papa. Makikita na ang mga puting buhok
niya. He's already on his early fifties. He's tall and good-looking. Pero ngayon,
medyo bumagsak na ang katawan niya dahil sa katandaan. Abo ang mga mata niya at
tinutubuan na rin siya ng bigote at balbas. He forgot to shave.

Ngayon ko lang napansin na tumatanda na talaga sila. Hindi ko man lang sila
napasalamatan sa lahat ng ginawa nila para sa 'kin.

Inilabas na ni Mama ang cake at ipinatong sa mesa. Agad na lumapit si Papa at

akmang titikman ang cake pero marahang tinapik ni Mama ang kamay niya. Mahina akong
tumawa nang sumimangot si Papa. Ipinagpatuloy ko lang ang pagkain ko ng cereals.

Patuloy lang silang nagkukulitan sa harapan ko habang naglalagay ng icing si Mama

sa cake. Napangiti ako dahil hindi pa rin sila nagbabago. They really love each
other. I will miss them when they're gone. Wala sa sariling tumayo ako at lumapit
sa kanila. Sabay ko silang niyakap. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko ito ginagawa. "I
love you, Mama, Papa," mahinang sambit ko.
Halatang natigilan ang dalawa dahil sa inakto ko pero makalipas ang ilang segundo,
mahina silang tumawa. "Mahal ka rin namin," sabi ni Mama.

"Bakit bigla ka na lang naglalambing? May kailangan ka, 'no?" pagbibiro ni Papa.
Ginulo niya ang buhok ko kaya sumimangot ako.

"Hindi ko kasi madalas nasasabi sa inyo. Teka, magbibihis muna po ako," nakangising
sagot ko sa kanya. Agad akong tumakbo sa silid ko at nagbihis. I wore my hunter
boots and camouflage hunter clothes and cap. Kinuha ko rin ang crossbow ko na
nakasabit sa pader.

"Sasama ka?" tanong ko kay White. Umiling siya. Mukhang wala siya sa mood. She's
awfully quiet.

"Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo?" nag-aalalang tanong ko sa kanya. Nilapitan ko siya

at hinaplos ang ulo niya.

"Tinatamad lang ako," sagot niya.

"Sige. Ikaw na ang bahalang magbantay kay Mama," bilin ko sa kanya. Marahang
tumango siya.
Nang bumaba ako, nasa wrangler na si Papa. "Bye, Ma!" sigaw ko kasabay ng pagkaway.
Nagmamadali akong lumabas ng bahay.

"Ingat!" sigaw pabalik ni Mama.

Sumakay ako sa wrangler at umupo sa tabi ni Papa. He started the engine and drove.
"You've already grown," komento ni Papa.

"You think so?" nakangiting tanong ko sa kanya. "Do you think I can hunt now? On my
own?"

Mahinang tumawa si Papa. "Hindi ko masasabi. For me, you're still a girl. You're
still that girl I found unconscious in the forest," mahinang sagot niya. Natigilan
ako dahil sa sinabi niya. It's nostalgic.

"And I'm thankful that you found me," mahinang komento ko. "I owe you my life,
Dad."

Malalim na bumuntong-hininga si Papa. "Hindi mo pa rin ba naaalala kung saan ka

nakatira o kung sino ang mga magulang mo?" nag-aalangang tanong niya sa 'kin.
"Paano kung hinahanap ka pala nila? I'm guilty for keeping you, for hiding you from
them. Alam ko ang pakiramdam ng mawalan ng anak."

"Mawalan ng anak? Did you lose your child?" gulat na tanong ko sa kanya.
Marahang tumango si Papa. "Nalaglagan si Leah. She can't bear a child anymore."

Natahimik ako. Hindi ko alam kung sasabihin ko ba sa kanya ang totoo o hindi. "I'm
sure that my parents will be forever grateful that you keep me," sabi ko na lang.
He looked at me, unsure but he didn't speak. Magagalit ba siya kung aaminin ko ang
totoo?

Tumigil kami sa masukal na talahiban. Mula roon, maglalakad na kami papasok sa

kakahuyan. "What are you hunting for, today?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Deer," he answered. "Pero depende pa rin kung ano ang una nating makita."

Tumango ako. Maingat kaming naglalakad sa kagubatan. Hindi kami gumagawa ng anumang
ingay. Nagtatago kami sa mga puno at tinatalasan namin ang pandinig kung sakaling
may makita kaming usa. Nakayuko kami habang hawak sa dalawang kamay ang crossbow.
Natanaw namin ang isang malinis na batis kung saan madalas pumupunta ang mga usa.

Halos dalawang daang metro ang layo namin sa batis. Nasa mataas kaming bahagi kaya
kitang-kita namin ang nangyayari sa baba. Nagtago kami sa mga halaman at naghintay.
The pine trees are overpowering our scents. Hindi kami maamoy agad ng mga hayop.
They won't sense danger. Ilang minuto lang ay may nakita na kaming gumagalaw
papunta sa batis.
Lumabas ito mula sa makapal na halamanan. Pigil ko ang hininga ko. Nakagat ko ang
labi nang makita ang isang malaking pusa. It was a tiger with blue and white fur.
Mas mariin kong kinagat ang labi ko nang mapansin ang pagiging pamilyar niya. I
inhaled the air to confirm it but I could just smell the overwhelming scent of the
pine trees.

Pero hindi ako maaaring magkamali! It's the same hybrid who saved me. Nang
tiningnan ko si Papa, tumango siya sa 'kin at unti-unting itinapat ang crossbow
niya sa hybrid.

Agad akong nagsalita para lang mapigilan siya. "The tiger's dangerous. Paano kung
sumablay ang arrow natin?" mahinang bulong ko sa kanya. Gusto kong magbago ang isip
niya. Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko dahil sa kaba.

"Make sure to target the eyes," he instructed. I gasped.

"Pa!" gulat na saad ko sa kanya. Napalakas ang boses ko kaya naging alerto ang
hybrid. The tiger growled at our direction when he saw us. Narinig ko ang pagmumura
ni Papa. Itutuloy na sana niya ang pagpapakawala ng palaso pero agad ko siyang
pinigilan. Mabilis akong nakalapit sa kanya nang hindi niya napapansin. Nahawakan
ko ang kamay niya nang mahigpit.

Napasinghap kaming pareho nang makitang tumatakbo na sa direksiyon namin ang

hybrid. He's going to attack us.

"Let's get out of here," mariing saad ko. Pero mas lalo akong natigilan nang
nagpakawala na ng maraming palaso si Papa. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang mapansin
na lahat ng palaso ay nailagan ng hybrid. Galit na galit na ito. Siguro naman hindi
ito pumapatay ng normal na tao? But we attacked him first!
"He's smart. Let's run," nagmamadaling sambit ko. Hinila ko na si Papa at pinauna
ko na siyang tumakbo. I can handle cats. Nagpahuli ako. When I turned around, the
hybrid is already behind me. Ten meters away from me.

"Eurus!" sigaw ni Papa nang mapansin na nahuhuli ako. Tumigil siya at muling
itinutok ang crossbow sa hybrid.

"Dad, wait!" desperadang sigaw ko. "Remember white? Maybe he's just like White,"
natatarantang saad ko pero nakatutok na rin ang crossbow ko sa hybrid. Tiningnan ko
ang hybrid. My expression was pleading. I am begging him to stop, to just let us
go.

"This not a tamed tiger we are talking about," sigaw ni Dad sa 'kin.

"Please..." mahinang sambit ko. Nakatingin pa rin ako sa hybrid. Nanghihina ako
dahil wala akong maisip sabihin. Nagmamakaawa ako sa kanya at hindi kay Papa.
Natigilan naman ang hybrid. He calmed down. Tila namukhaan niya ako.

His bared fangs are no longer long. His expression became softer. He was staring
back at me. Sa tingin ko, bumuntong-hininga pa siya.

"Damn!" he growled under his breath.

"I'm sorry," mahinang saad ko.

The hybrid looked at my Dad and back at me. Mas pinili na lang niyang humiga sa
lupa habang nakatingin sa 'kin. He pretended to be tamed. But the truth is he's
just bored. Naguluhan naman si Papa pero hindi pa rin maikakaila ang pagdududa at
takot sa mukha niya.

"I'll come back," I mouthed.

Hinila ko na si Papa pero hindi niya inaalis ang tingin sa hybrid. He's still
suspicious. Nang makabalik kami sa wrangler, kinuha ko ang susi mula sa kanya. I
drive us home.

Nang makarating sa bahay. "Dad, I have to meet my friends. They texted me. I'll
come back before dinner," pagsisinungaling ko. Kinuha ko ang susi ng kotse ko at
dala ko pa rin ang crossbow ko nang hindi niya napapansin.

I took the national road. Baka kasi maghinala si Papa. Nang sigurado na akong
malayo na ang bahay, agad kong iniliko ang kotse at tinunton ang kagubatan.

Nang makarating ako sa batis, hinanap ko agad siya. Hindi ako natatakot dahil
katulad ko siya. Kung sasaktan man niya ako, lalabanan ko siya. Hawak ko pa rin sa
dalawang kamay ang crossbow. Hinanap ko siya pero hindi ko siya nakita.
Medyo madilim na sa kagubatan dahil unti-unti ng lumulubog ang araw. Maingay ang
mga dahon dahil sa pag-ihip ng hangin. It was almost nightfall.

Halos libutin ko na ang parteng ito ng kagubatan pero hindi ko pa rin siya nakita.
Maybe he didn't understand what I said. Maybe he already left. Mabigat akong
bumuntong-hininga.

Muntik ng mapatalon ang puso ko sa gulat nang may malalim na tinig na nagsalita
mula sa likod ko. "Are you looking for someone?"

Agad ko siyang hinarap. Nakahilig siya sa isang puno habang nakahalukipkip.

Nakatayo siya pero magkakrus ang mga binti niya. I could see the hint of amusement
in his blue eyes as he stared back at me. Hinigpitan ko ang pagkakahawak sa
crossbow ko.

He is half-naked. He was just wearing his tattered jeans and barefooted. He is

displaying his muscled body. Although there are visible scars, these don't make him
less enticing. The scars just made him more gorgeous and dangerous. Tama lang ang
haba ng buhok niya sa harapan. He still looked clean. Pero sa likod niya, nakita ko
ang mahaba at manipis na buhok niyang nakatirintas. Mukhang ang manipis na buntot
lang sa likod ng buhok niya ang pinapahaba niya. I think, it is kind of hot.

His thin lips are pressed into a tight line. Matangos din ang ilong niya at medyo
makapal ang kilay. Bahagyang kumunot ang noo niya kaya halos magkasalubong na ang
mga ito. His eyelashes almost covered his blue eyes. Gladly, his blue eyes are
bright as sapphire. His strong jaws moved. His Adam's apple are moving up and down
as he swallows.
I cleared my throat. Saka ko lang napansin na bahagyang nakaawang pala ang labi ko.
I was stunned. He's in his human form! Damn the gods of all cats for making him
this hot and for blessing him too much with good looks! Maybe the gods love him so
much!

****

Nightfall 4: Eclipse [Nightfall]

"Or remain unsaved..."

EURUS

Matipid na ngumiti siya sa 'kin. Bahagyang siyang tumungo at saglit na tumingin sa

lupa. I could see how the dimple on his right cheek deepened. Hindi ko alam kung
bakit siya ngumingiti samantalang ako naman ay pinagmamasdan siya ng magkahalong
pagdududa at pangamba. His charming demeanor was quiet dangerous and enticing at
the same time. Makalipas ang ilang segundo ay muling bumalik ang tingin niya sa
'kin.

Hindi ko magawang ikilos ang katawan ko. Tila napako ako sa kinatatayuan.

"Ako ba ang hinahanap mo?" diretsong tanong niya sa 'kin. Natulos ako sa
kinatatayuan. Wala siyang balak itago ang totoong pagkatao niya mula sa 'kin.
Walang takot sa mga asul niyang mata kaya hindi ko alam kung ako ba dapat ang
matakot sa kanya. Tiyak na iniisip niya na wala akong kakayahang lumaban kaya
malakas ang loob niya. He could kill me here anytime, if he wished to.
Umalis siya sa pagkakasandal sa puno at seryosong tumingin sa 'kin. Sinuklay ng
magkabilang kamay niya ang medyo magulong buhok. The tail of his hair was swaying
on his back. Hindi ako makapagsalita. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang tamang
reaksiyon sa sitwasyon na ito.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ako natatakot sa kanya. Ang problema lang, masyadong malakas
ang dating niya dahilan upang mailang ako nang bahagya.

Mas lalo akong natigilan nang nagsimula na siyang maglakad patungo sa 'kin. He was
walking slowly and gracefully. As if the wind was dancing gently around him. As if
he was a well-trained model. As if he was born that way. Hindi ko mapigilan ang
sarili na pagmasdan ang bawat kilos at hakbang niya. I can't help but be
mesmerized.

"A-Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin?" maang na tanong ko sa kanya.

Nakagat ko ang labi nang muli kong marinig ang baritonong tinig niya.

"Hindi ko na kailangang magtago, hindi ba? Alam kong alam mo kung ano ako. I'm sure
you saw the man shift. You already had an idea," seryosong saad niya.

Nagdududang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya. "Did you show your face just so you
can kill me? Is that my reward before you grant me death?" nakataas ang kilay na
tanong ko sa kanya. Itinutok ko sa kanya ang hawak kong crossbow.
Napansin ko ang pag-angat ng sulok ng kanyang labi at hindi inaalis ang tingin sa
'kin.

"I know fear when I smelled it. But in your case, you're not afraid. Kahit
pagkagulat ay wala sa reaksiyon mo. I decided to show you my face because you
already made me wait here. Sa palagay ko, mas madalas na tayong magkikita mula
ngayon," sagot niya.

"You owe me your life and your father's life," mariing sambit niya na tila
ipinaiintindi talaga sa 'kin ang bawat salitang binibitiwan niya. I hate what he
was implying.

Tuluyan na siyang nakalapit. Hindi ko na nagawang umurong pa kaya inilapat ko sa

leeg niya ang crossbow na hawak ko. Walang takot sa mga mata ko. If he kills me, I
don't think I have a problem with that. No one will mourn my death. No one will
know and I don't mind if I leave no trace in this world. I fear nothing because I
have nothing.

Hindi ko talaga magawang magpanggap na takot dahil na rin sa kadahilanang katulad

din niya ako. Tiningnan ko siya nang masama.

"Huwag mong idamay rito ang ama ko! Wala siyang alam at kinalaman dito. Come at
me," ani ko. Hindi ako natatakot para sa sarili ko pero natatakot ako para sa ibang
tao. Ayokong madamay sila sa mga problema ko. "Paano kung ipagkalat ko ang tungkol
sa 'yo?" mariing tanong ko sa kanya. I was threatening him.
He grinned that showed his perfectly white set of teeth. His dimple deepened. I
think my small finger will be a perfect fit in it. I think, it's a sin to be this
gorgeous and charming. He's a sin who came into life.

"May maniniwala ba sa 'yo?" naaaliw na tanong niya. Hinayaan lang niya ang crossbow
sa leeg niya. It doesn't concern him even a little. Hindi siya natatakot kahit
isang kalabit ko lang sa crossbow, babaon na ang palaso sa leeg niya. "Pero kung
maling tao ang sasabihan mo ng sikreto ko, abangan mo na ako sa harap ng bahay
ninyo. I'll take your life as payment. Your life is mine. I'll spare your father if
that's your death wish."

Pinag-aralan ko ang mukha niya. Halatang seryoso siya. Unti-unting nawala ang ngiti
niya sa labi. Tila natigilan siya nang may mapansin siyang kakaiba sa 'kin.

"A cat," bulong niya sa hangin. Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. "Your
scent..."

Did my cat scent slip?

I inhaled secretly. I can't smell anything because of the pine trees.

He leaned closer. Bumaba ang ulo niya sa leeg ko. Mas idiniin ko ang crossbow sa
leeg niya. Napansin ko ang pamumula nito dahil sa matalim na dulo ng palaso na
lumalapat sa balat niya.
"Kapag hindi ka tumigil, ibabaon ko 'tong palaso sa leeg mo," galit na sambit ko sa
kanya. "I will kill you in an instant."

Hindi siya natinag. Ipinagpatuloy niya ang ginagawa. He inhaled and sniffed my
scent.

"Stay still," mariing sambit niya. Hinawakan niya ang dulo ng palaso at walang
kahirap-hirap na binali ito. Hindi ko inasahan na gagawin niya 'yon.

Akmang ihahampas ko na ang crossbow sa ulo niya pero agad niyang nahawakan ang
crossbow ko gamit ang kaliwang kamay. Hinila niya ang kanang kamay ko dahilan upang
mabitawan ko ang crossbow. He threw my crossbow on the ground.

I gaped when he sniffed my right hand. "Here," he said. Tiningnan niya ako nang
matiim. He looks confused. He was analyzing the cat scent.

Pinigilan ko ang pagngiti. Hindi ko magawang mainis dahil sa ginagawa niya. He

seems innocent in some ways. He doesn't scare me. I remembered touching White
before I went out hunting. Gusto kong matawa sa ginagawa niya ngayon.

"I have a cat," sambit ko. A panther, to be exact. I don't think I have to tell him
that though. Namula ang mukha ko dahil sa pagdampi ng malambot na labi niya sa
palad ko. I don't know if it's an accident. He doesn't seem to mean it. He doesn't
even mind.
Napansin ko ang paggalaw ng panga niya.

"I see. I can be your cat too," makahulugang wika niya. Nakatitig siya sa 'kin na
tila pinag-aaralan ang reaksiyon ko. Hindi siya ngumingiti kaya hindi ko alam kung
nagbibiro ba siya o seryoso. I was flustered even more. He's suggesting a bad idea.
Wala sa sariling hinila ko ang kamay ko mula sa kanya.

Hinayaan lang niya ako.

"No thanks. You're a dangerous cat if you haven't realized yet," mahinang sambit
ko. Baka hindi na sila magkasya ni White sa silid ko kapag nagsama silang dalawa.
And White is not friendly.

"Too bad. I thought you can share your bed with me," makahulugang sambit niya pero
tiningnan ko siya nang masama. Mukhang may ibang kahulugan 'yon

"Gusto mo na bang mamatay?" inis na tanong ko sa kanya.

He grinned. Umiling siya at bahagyang lumayo sa 'kin. "I am just worried. I thought
I infected you and turned you into a cat," he said. "Mabuti na lang, mali ako."
Then, he shouldn't be reckless. "What will happen if I turned into a cat?" I
pretended to be dumb.

"Then you'll become a stray," nakasimangot na sagot niya. "We don't accept strays.
We kill them. Unless you're a natural born then you're an exception."

Sumimangot ako. "Kung ganu'n, dapat maging mas maingat ka. O baka naman, gustong-
gusto mo talagang pumatay?"

"Hindi mo maiintindihan kahit ipaliwanag ko," he coldly answered.

"He's a stray? That's why you killed him?" tanong ko sa kanya kahit alam ko na ang
sagot. May iba pa akong gustong itanong sa kanya. May gusto akong malaman pero baka
magduda na siya.

"He's not an ordinary stray. He abandoned the pack. He kills. He's a criminal in
our own law. Hindi siya kayang hulihin ng ordinaryong tao kaya ako ang kailangang
humarap sa kanya," paliwanag niya.

"In what pack do you belong?" tanong ko sa kanya.

Umangat ang isang kilay niya. "Bakit mukhang interesado ka?" tanong niya.
Bumuntong-hininga siya at umiling. "Wala kang makukuhang impormasyon mula sa 'kin.
Bakit mo pala ako pinaghintay rito? Gumagabi na. Don't hunt here. Tell your father
as well. It's our territory. Mabuti na lang, ako ang nakita ninyo," naiiling na
sambit niya.

Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit kailangan kong bumalik dito. Bumalik ba ako upang
magpasalamat sa kanya?

"S-Salamat," mahinang sambit ko.

"Bumalik ka rito para lang magpasalamat?" kunot-noong tanong niya sa 'kin. He had a
small smirk on his face.

Inulit ko ang katanungan sa sarili ko. Saka ko lang napagtanto na hindi lang
pagpapasalamat ang dahilan ko. I want to know something about his pack. I want to
know if we belong to the same pack. But I can't ask anymore questions.

I was embarassed. Wala akong masabi. Hindi ko napigilan ang pamumula ang mukha ko.
Ayaw kong isipin niya na ganu'n kaliit ang dahilan ko upang bumalik dito. I want
information.

Bumuntong-hininga siya nang walang salitang namutawi sa bibig ko. "Kung 'yon lang
ang ipinunta mo rito, hindi ako tumatanggap ng salamat lang. It's hard to pretend
tamed. Give me more."
Napaawang ang labi ko at namilog ang mga mata dahil sa sinabi niya. "Wow! Ang hirap
mo naman palang pasalamatan?!" hindi makapaniwalang komento ko. "Sige. Uuwi na lang
ako," naiiling na saad ko. Wala na akong dahilan upang magtagal dito. Wala akong
makukuhang sagot mula sa kanya. He wouldn't trust a mere human with information
about his pack.

But it's so awkward when a half-naked guy stands in front of you asking you to give
him more. Ipinilig ko ang ulo. I need to shake the thought off.

Tinalikuran ko na siya. Nagsimula na akong maglakad. Mabibigat ang mga hakbang ko

pero napasinghap ako nang hawakan niya ang pulsuhan ko. Nagtatakang nilingon ko
siya.

"You're an albino but your eyes are bright green," he commented. He traced my
eyebrows with his index finger and stared at my eyes. Napansin niya ang puting
buhok ng pilik-mata at kilay ko. I forgot to put my make up on.

I rolled my eyes. Mukhang hindi naman niya ako iniinsulto. He was just stating a
fact and I don't get offended. He looks amazed too.

"I have to go home. I don't want to be late for dinner," saad ko. Hinila ko na ang
kamay ko at nagmamadaling naglakad palayo.

"I told you to give me more but you're running away." Narinig ko pa ang komento
niya pero hindi niya ako sinundan. "Maybe next time," he added.
"What's your name?" tanong niya. Hindi pa ako nakakalayo kaya napatigil ako sa
paghakbang. Nilingon ko siya.

"Ikaw? Ano'ng pangalan mo?" tanong ko sa kanya.

He smirked. "Can't you answer a simple question? Don't answer a question with
another question."

Sumimangot ako at siniringan siya ng mga mata. "Eurus."

"Eurus," he whispered in the air.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Eurus din pangalan mo?" I mocked.

Nakakalokong ngumiti siya. "When the moon blocks the sun or when the earth casts a
shadow on the moon, that's my name."

"That's too long for a name. I can't memorize that," I mocked although I know what
he meant. He smiled a little. An eclipse. He's Eclipse. Itinago ko ang pagngiti ko.
"Kahit sa pangalan pa lang, alam ko ng mapanganib ka."

"You think so?" nakaangat ang kilay na tanong niya.

Tumango ako. "You can cause darkness even for a short period of time. And when
there is darkness, there is chaos."

Marahang napatango si Eclipse. "Or maybe it's just a warning for the great danger
to come. Shall I give you a warning?" Matiim ang pagtitig niya sa mukha ko.
Nakaramdam ako ng kakaibang kaba. I could sense danger.

"Ano 'yon?" nag-aalangang tanong ko sa kanya.

"Your scent," panimula niya. Kumalabog ang puso ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Maybe he
noticed that my power is slipping away. Pinag-aaralan niya ang reaksiyon ko kaya
ginawa kong blanko ang emosyon ko.

"I actually like the scent. Pero alam kong hindi lang ako ang makakapansin sa 'yo.
Prepare. This time, you're not the hunter but instead you will be the hunted and we
will be... the hunters," seryosong sabi niya. Tumaas ang mga balahibo ko sa batok.
"But don't worry. Your life is already mine and I will decide whether to kill you
or save you. No one will be able to touch you but me."
"Tss. You're too full of yourself," I hissed. "No one owns me but me."

Nagmamadaling tinalikuran ko siya. Agad akong sumakay sa pulang kotse ko. Did he
get drunk of my scent? Did he want power? Agad kong pinaandar ang sasakyan. I was
stepping on the gas pedal a little harder. Mabilis ang pagpapatakbo ko sa sasakyan.
Wala akong pakialam sa paligid ko.

Napasinghap na lang ako nang may bumangga sa likod ng sasakyan ko. I instantly
stepped on the brake. Nang tumingin ako sa likod. Dalawang malalaking pusa ang nag-
aaway. A tiger and a panther. Sa tingin ko, nawasak nilang dalawa ang likod ng
sasakyan ko.

Lalabas sana ako pero dumating si Eclipse. He ordered them to stop and they
followed him like they were scolded kittens. Agad silang tumakbo palayo at nawala
sa madilim na kagubatan.

When I looked at Eclipse, I could see his gleaming blue cat eyes in the night. He
partially shifted. He used his night vision. Tumango lang siya sa 'kin at naglakad
na palayo. Sumunod siya sa dalawang malalaking pusa. Saka ko lang napansin na
kanina pang nakaawang ang labi ko dahil sa pagkagulat.

Naiinis na nahampas ko ang manibela. They destroyed my car's trunk! Paano ko

ipapaliwanag ito sa mga magulang ko? Damn those cats! I should have asked them to
pay for the damages!

***

Nightfall 5: Sanguis [Nightfall]

 "The curse has begun..."

EURUS

Mariin kong ipinikit ang mga mata ko habang hinihilot ang sintido. This day is the
worst! Napilitan akong mag-commute dahil ipinaayos ko sa isang talyer ang kotse ko.
Ginamit ko pa ang ipon ko para lang hindi magtaka sina Papa at Mama. Sinabi ko sa
kanila na iniwan ko sa bahay ng kaklase ko ang kotse.

Ngayon naman, pinipiga ko ang utak ko dahil sa thesis namin. Hindi na sana ako
sumama kina Alys noong Biyernes. Pero mabuti na rin siguro na sumama ako dahil
nakaiwas sila sa kapahamakan.

Wala pa sina Alys kaya naiinis ako. Nakatambay ako sa library ng Vaire University.
The library is huge and comforting even though the design is quite old. The antique
smell of old books linger in my nose. Even if I'm not in my werecat form, my senses
are still sensitive. The only comfort I can get now is the calming scent of these
books.

There are more than thirty rows of bookshelves inside. Sa unahan ng malaking silid,
mapapansin ang librarian na hindi man lang ngumingiti sa mga estudyante. It seems
she's not fond of students. She's just fond of books. She's very protective of
these books.

Mabigat akong bumuntong-hininga. I already texted the girls but I didn't get a
single reply. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung papasok ba sila o hindi. We got different
subject schedules but I still didn't see them around this morning.
Malapit ng mag-alas dose ng tanghali. The place I want to avoid the most in Vaire
University is the cafeteria. Like the library, the cafeteria is also old-fashioned
but magnificiently elegant. The carvings and moldings on the wall look like a
design from medieval period. The high ceiling is decorated with huge chandeliers.
The mahogany chairs and tables are placed like it's following successive circle
paths. It was systematically designed.

The old design is not what I'm avoiding. But there are a lot of cats inside Vaire
University. Mas malakas ang amoy nila sa cafeteria. Most of them are gathering in
that place. Ginagawa ko ang makakaya ko upang iwasan sila. Kahit sa hallway, pilit
ko rin silang iniiwasan sa tuwing maaamoy ko na papalapit na sila.

I got some werecat classmates too but I stay away from them as much as possible.
Mabuti na lang, wala kaming block section kaya hindi nila ako nabibigyan ng pansin.
I made myself invisible whenever they are around. I don't want to mess with them. I
don't want to have any connections with them.

Iminulat ko ang mga mata at muling tumipa sa netbook ko. Pero muli akong napapikit
nang maramdaman ko ang pagkalam ng sikmura ko. Hindi ako nakapagbaon ng pagkain
dahil sa pagmamadali kanina. Naiinis na isinara ko ang netbook ko at inilagay sa
backpack. Ibinalik ko rin ang mga librong kinuha ko. Kahit kailan, hindi ko talaga
matiis ang gutom ko.

Hindi naman siguro nila ako mapapansin kung pupunta ako sa cafeteria? They won't
pay me attention. Pero ngayon, ang ikinakatakot ko ay ang sinabi ni White. What if
they accidentally smell my slipping power? I need to be extra careful.

My phone vibrated. I got a text from Celine.

Lunch! We're in cafeteria!

Napailing ako. Nagmamadaling tinahak ko ang daan patungo sa cafeteria. Sa tuwing

may madadaanan akong werecat, bahagya akong yumuyuko para hindi nila ako mapansin.
Iniiwasan kong tumingin sa mga mata nila. One thing about werecats is that they
don't get their back hunched. They are prideful of their forms. They would always
walk with pride. They always held their chins up. Kaya naiinis ako kapag yumuyuko
ako upang iwasan sila.

Nang nasa harap na ako ng nakabukas na double door ng cafeteria. I could smell the
strong mixed scents of a big group of werecats. Ramdam ko ang mabilis na pagtibok
ng puso ko. If they will all devour me, I doubt that I will ever survive. I can
feel that this double door is an entrance to hell. As if it's whispering 'Welcome
To Hell, Eurus'.

Ipinilig ko ang ulo ko. I don't think they will be able to smell my scent. Sa
dinami-dami ba naman ng tao rito na may halo-halong amoy, maaamoy pa kaya nila ako?
Hindi na siguro. I inhaled and exhaled to calm myself. Think positive!

Lakas-loob na pumasok ako sa cafeteria. The old-fashioned ambiance is no longer

noticeable inside because of the huge amount of students dining and wandering
around.

May kanya-kanyang grupo ang mga estudyante. Some groups are bullying weak students
like this place is their territory. Some girl groups are into fashion and make-ups.
Naagaw ang pansin ko ng isang grupo ng werecats. They are all beautiful and eye-
catching in their own ways. Mapa-babae man o lalaki. They are full of pride and
fear is not visible in their eyes. Some of them are wearing their uniforms, some
are not. Kitang-kita ang ibang kalalakihan at kababaihan na napapalingon sa
direksiyon nila. I could guess that they wished to be noticed by the group. But I
wish otherwise. Magiging magulo lang ang buhay ko kung mapapansin nila ako.

Sa kabilang bahagi, may isa pang grupo ng werecats na malakas din ang hatak sa mga
tao. Malalakas din ang dating at karisma nila na agaw-pansin. Pero mukhang hindi
magkasundo ang dalawang grupo na ito. Ramdam ko ang tensyon sa pagitan nila. Maybe
they are from different packs. Some of their group members are flirting with mere
humans.

May iba pang grupo ng werecats pero hindi nila mapapantayan ang dating at karisma
ng dalawang grupong ito. Nag-iwas na ako ng tingin sa kanila. I don't want them to
notice my presence. Hinanap agad ng mga mata ko sina Alys, Celine at Bess.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko dahil malapit ang table nila sa table ng unang grupo ng
werecats na gusto ko sanang iwasan. Nang matanaw nila ako, agad silang kumaway sa
'kin. Mariin akong napapikit dahil wala na akong pagpipilian pa. Binaybay ko ang
gilid ng cafeteria para hindi ko madaanan ang table ng mga werecats.

Agad akong umupo sa tabi ni Celine. "What's up? Bakit hindi kayo pumunta sa
library?" tanong ko. Salubong ang mga kilay ko at hindi maipinta ang mukha dahil sa
pagsimangot.

"Nag-extend ang professor namin sa discussion. At dahil gutom na kami, dumiretso

kami rito," sagot ni Celine.
"Himala yata na pumayag kang pumunta rito?" takang tanong ni Bess.

"Wala akong baon," sagot ko na lang.

"Sakto lang ang dating mo, Eurus! Marami tayong mahahanap na papabols dito!"
excited namang bulong ni Alys sa tainga ko. Hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan ko siya.
Kaka-break lang nila ng boyfriend niya. Noong biyernes lang nakikipagbalikan pa
siya.

"Paano ang ex mo?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko.

"Hayaan mo siya! Wala na akong pakialam sa kanya! Nawala kaya ang cellphone ko
dahil sa kanya!" inis na sabi ni Alys. She was blaming her ex-boyfriend but she's
the one to blame for losing her cellphone.

Marahan akong umiling. Napansin ko na nakabili na sila ng pagkain nila. "Bibili

lang ako ng pagkain," sambit ko.

Tumango si Celine. "Sige. Mamaya na natin pag-usapan ang mga boylets na nandito.
Malay mo, nandito na pala ang forever mo, 'di ba? Hindi ka kasi masyadong
nakikisalamuha sa kapwa mo estudyante! Malay mo, nasa cafeteria lang pala ang sagot
sa dalangin mo," malanding wika ni Celine. Mahinang tumawa sina Alys at Bess.
Marahang kinutusan ko naman sa ulo si Celine. Napasimangot naman siya at hindi na
nakaangal nang umalis na ako.
Dahil halo-halo na ang amoy ng werecats at mga tao sa lugar na ito, hindi ko na
matukoy kung werecats ba ang dumadaan sa gilid at harapan ko. My senses are a bit
confused due to some perfumes too. Saka ko lang makukumpirma kung werecats o normal
na tao ang nakapaligid sa 'kin kapag tuluyan na akong nakalapit sa kanila.

Analyzing these people made me a bit dizzy. Mas pinili ko na lang na hindi pansinin
ang mga taong nakapaligid sa 'kin dahil ako rin ang mahihirapan. Maybe I should
just act normal. I will just ignore them. Mukhang hindi naman nila pinapansin ang
mga taong nakapaligid sa kanila. Hindi nila ako mapapansin.

Pumila na ako pero natigilan ako nang may maamoy akong pamilyar mula sa likod ko.

"Hey, Eurus. We meet again," someone whispered in my ear. I could sense the teasing
grin slowly forming on his lips. Hindi na ako nag-abala pang lumingon sa kanya.
Boses pa lang niya, alam ko na kung sino siya. An eclipse is unexpectedly occuring
right now and missed its regular cycle. I thought eclipse only takes place every
two to four times each year. This is his third appearance, almost for consecutive
days.

His masculine and feline scent lingered in my nose. I could smell danger.

"So, you're a student here?" mahinang tanong ko. Mapapansin ang kaunting pagkagulat
sa tinig ko. Tumayo siya nang tuwid at bahagyang lumayo sa 'kin. Lihim akong
nakahinga nang maluwag.
"Don't ask the obvious," he answered. "You're not safe here," seryosong sambit
niya. Mahina lang ang tinig niya. Iniiwasan niyang may makarinig sa 'min. "Leave as
soon as possible," he advised.

Nakarating na ako sa counter kaya hindi ko na siya nasagot pa. I ordered spaghetti,
pizza and bottled water. Nang makuha ko ang order ko, agad akong lumayo kay
Eclipse. Malalaki at nagmamadali ang bawat hakbang ko para lang makalayo agad.

Nang umupo ako sa tabi ni Celine, tapos na silang kumain. Pinagtatalunan na nila
kung sino ang mas gwapo sa mga lalaking nasa kabilang table. Unfortunately, they're
discussing the boys from the werecats group near our table.

The boys in that group are all good-looking. They're the athletic type too. Hindi
ko na lang pinansin sina Celine pero lihim akong nakikinig. Sinimulan ko na ang
pagkain at nagbabaka sakaling mas mapabilis ang pag-alis namin sa lugar na ito
kapag natapos ako. Pero alam kong imposible dahil nag-eenjoy pa sina Celine sa
paghahanap ng boylet nila.

I was really shocked to meet Eclipse here. How unlucky I could get? Seriously?

"What's the name of their group?" takang tanong ni Alys kay Celine. It seems Celine
got all the information about this werecat group near our table. Kaya pala dito
sila umupo.

"Actually. I'm not sure. But I heard them saying 'Sanguis or Sanguin or Sanguine?'"
she answered. "Well, I don't care about their group name. I care for them,
individually," she answered with a mischievous grin.
"I bet their group name is Sanguis," sabat ko. "That means blood. And they call the
female, sanguine and the male, sanguin. Though the sound of those words don't make
any difference." Nagkibit-balikat ako at ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain.

"Wow! You know a lot!" bulalas ni Bess.

Nagsalubong naman ang kilay ni Alys. "But why blood? Don't you think it's a bit
creepy?"

"Ano ka ba? Group name lang 'yon! Siguro para naman magmukha silang astig, 'di ba?"
komento ni Celine. "Hindi naman sila mukhang mamamatay tao."

"Oo nga. Ang kikinis at ang gu-gwapo nila. Infairness! Do you see that other
group?" puna ni Bess. Pasimple pa niyang itinuro ang isa pang grupo sa kabilang
table. That's the other charismatic werecat group. "Kanina ko pa sila napapansin.
Mukhang may iba silang grupo pero ang gugwapo rin ng mga lalaki ha."

"That group is the Lycan," seryosong sagot ni Celine. "I don't think they will
notice us though. They seem unreachable."

"Lycan? Like werewolves?" kunot-noong tanong ni Bess.

"Hindi lang werewolves ang Lycan," komento ni Alys kaya kinabahan ako. "Pero ang
hot nila. If they are werewolves, I will volunteer to be one of them."

Marahan akong napailing. They are not wolves but dangerous cats. Ang problema,
kapag naging werecats sila, hindi sila matatanggap ng iba. They will become strays.

"But wolves are just real in movies," paalala ni Celine.

Werewolves are not really full Lycans. Because if you're a Lycan, you have a
control on your shift or transformation whether it's a full moon or not. Werewolves
have the call of the moon and they don't have any control of it. They will shift
against their will. But for us, werecats, we are not dependent of the moon. We are
not affected by a full moon. We can change whenever we want.

But I always make sure to shift in a full moon. That's the only time I can give
White. The only time I can make up with her. It's an agreement between us. Even
though we don't have this call of the moon, we both love full moons.

Lycan and Sanguis. Is that the name of their packs?

Napansin ko ang pag-upo ni Eclipse sa table ng mga Lycan. Everyone looks at him
with respect. Maybe he's the leader of that group inside this University.
"He's the leader," pasimpleng turo ni Celine kay Eclipse. "Eclipse Gregory."

Impit na napatili sina Bess at Alys. "He's a total hottie!" komento nilang dalawa.
Minsan matipid na ngumingiti si Eclipse sa mga kasama niya kaya sumisilay ang
malalalim na biloy niya. Medyo magulo at basa pa ang buhok niya.

"Mukhang katatapos lang ng football practice niya," sambit ni Celine. Napaawang ang
labi ko. Naglalaro siya ng football? Hindi kaya nabubutas ang net ng goal dahil sa
puwersa ng sipa niya?

Kinalabit naman ni Celine sina Bess at Alys. May itinuro siyang lalaki na papasok
sa cafeteria. "That's the leader of Sanguis. He's also a football player. Teammate
ni Eclipse pero mukhang hindi sila close," paliwanag ni Celine. "Yul Haven Wave."

Nang lumingon ako sa entrance ng cafeteria, pinagmasdan ko ang lalaking tinutukoy

ni Celine. He has this deep hazel eyes that can suck you up and get lost with it.
Basa rin ang buhok niya na sinusuklay niya gamit ang mga daliri. His short auburn
hair perfectly matched his hazel eyes. He has a set of perfect chiseled jaws and
distinct athletic body. His downturned lips are red. In short, he's hot but
unfortunately, he's a werecat.

Hindi siya mukhang mabait pero hindi ibig sabihin nu'n ay masama na siya. There's a
dangerous ambiance lingering around him. He's someone to avoid. Someone I couldn't
take lightly.

For some reasons, our gazes meet. Namula ang mukha ko dahil nahuli niya akong
nakatitig sa kanya. His lips formed into a half-smirk. Or is it just my
imagination? I don't know why my heart suddenly gotten out of rhythm.

Agad akong nag-iwas ng tingin. Ibinalik ko ang pansin sa kinakain ko at

nagmamadaling sumubo. Halos hindi ko na nguyain ang kinakain kaya muntik na akong
mabulunan. Agad kong binuksan ang bottled water. I drink it straight. I feel so
clumsy.

Hindi sinasadyang napatingin ako kay Eclipse. He was looking at me. Marahan siyang
umiling. He mouthed something at me.

"You're dead." That's what I understand. My stomach turned upside down. Nawalan na
ako ng ganang kumain. Did Yul notice my scent? Pasimpleng sumenyas sa 'kin si
Eclipse. Tila sinasabi niya na umalis na ako.

"Let's get out of here," mahinang sabi ko kina Celine. "Gawin na natin ang thesis
natin," seryosong sambit ko pa. Nagtatakang nagkatinginan sila dahil sa desisyon
ko. Yul already reached the Sanguis' table. Agad na akong tumayo at nagmamadaling
lumabas sa cafeteria. Wala na silang nagawa kundi ang sumunod sa 'kin.

"Kailangan na talaga nating matapos ang thesis na 'to para makapaghanap na ako ng
bagong papa," pagmamaktol ni Alys.

"Right. At saka malapit na rin ang Student Night kaya dapat talagang matapos na
natin 'to," nakangising sabi ni Bess. "You must attend this time, Eurus. Palagi ka
na lang wala sa Student Night. Last year mo na sa college! Huwag mo ng palampasin
'to!"
Bumuntong-hininga ako.

"Tama! Hindi ka na pwedeng mawala. Hindi na kami papayag," segunda ni Celine. It's
already October and we're in the middle of fall season. Hindi maganda ang kutob ko
sa Student Night na sinasabi nila. My instincts are telling me not to go. Hindi ko
na lang sila sinagot at dumiretso na kami sa library. We started our mind-draining
research.

~~~~

I just remembered that tonight is a full moon. Magsasara na ang library at

nagpaparamdam na sa 'min ang librarian. It's already eight in the evening. Tiyak na
naghihintay na rin sa 'kin si White. Ang problema, wala akong kotse kaya hindi ko
na hawak ang oras ng pag-uwi ko.

"Uwi na tayo. Bukas na natin ituloy 'to," sabi ko kina Celine.

Tumango sila sa 'kin. Halatang pagod na rin sila sa pagre-research. Their eyes are
a bit drowsy too. Nag-inat-inat muna sila bago nagsimulang ayusin ang mga gamit
nila. Inayos ko na ang mga gamit ko at ipinasok sa backpack ko.

"Wala kang dalang kotse?" kunot-noong tanong ni Celine. Tumango ako. Nasa parking
lot na kami ng Vaire University.
"Magta-taxi na lang ako," sabi ko. "Ingat kayo." Tumango sila at sumakay na sa
kani-kanilang sasakyan. Kinawayan ko sila at pinanood ang pag-alis nila. Sa sabado
ko pa makukuha ang kotse ko. Halos isang linggo pa akong maghihirap.

Nagsimula na akong maglakad pero may narinig akong malakas na ungol at impit na
sigaw sa madilim na bahagi ng parking lot. Someone's in pain.

Kinagat ko ang labi ko. If I want to keep a low profile, I must avoid it. Muli
akong nakarinig ng impit na daing at ungol. My ears are ringing with annoyance.
Ikinuyom ko ang kamao ko. Kapag nakialam ako, tiyak na madadamay pa ako sa gulo
nila. Muli akong humakbang para lumayo sa kanila pero sumasakit talaga ang tainga
ko sa mga ungol at daing na naririnig ko.

Hindi ko na nakontrol ang mga paa ko. Lumihis na ito ng daan at nagtungo sa
pinagmumulan ng ingay. I was walking with stealth. Walang kahit anong ingay na
maririnig sa bawat yabag ko. I was extra careful.

Nagtatago ako sa mga sasakyan para hindi nila ako mapansin. Gladly, I'm not wearing
my uniform. My sneakers helped me a lot. Nakalapit na ako sa kanila at nakita ko
ang ginagawa nilang pagbugbog sa isang lalaki. I could smell that the victim is a
werecat through his blood. But it's a different kind of smell. He's a stray.

Nang maaninag ko ang mukha ng lalaki, basag na ito at punong-puno ng dugo. The
black eyes are bleeding too. He doesn't look like a dangerous stray to me. Nakita
ko na nakasandal si Yul sa unahan ng isang pulang kotse. Dalawang lalaki ang
bumubugbog sa lalaki. Two girls are watching but one of them is a little worried.
"Kairi, mag-ingat ka sa susunod. Don't recklessly infect people. Hindi magiging
ligtas ang sikreto natin sa kanila. You know the rules," seryosong wika ni Yul. The
girl with a curly brown hair almost jumped due to Yul's voice. Hindi maalis ang
pag-aalala sa mukha niya habang pinapanood ang pagbugbog sa lalaki. Halatang naaawa
at nagsisisi siya. Pinipigil din niya ang luha na namumuo sa gilid ng mga mata
niya. Kahit gusto niyang pigilan ang nangyayari, hindi siya makapagsalita.

"Kill him," pinal na utos ni Yul.

Hindi ko alam kung makikialam ba ako o hindi. Umurong ako pero napatid ang kanang
paa ko ng kaliwa kong paa kaya biglang napatuon ang kamay ko sa trunk ng isang
kotse. I made a noise. Mariin akong napapikit. Maybe I should run now? Akmang
tatakbo na ako pero mas mabilis kumilos si Yul. He now stood in front of the car
where I hide.

My heart is rampaging against my chest. It's too late. I'm caught. Nanuyo ang
lalamunan ko at namasa ang kamay ko nang tumayo ako nang tuwid.

Salubong ang kilay niya at madilim ang mga mata habang pinag-aaralan ako. Bahagyang
gumalaw ang panga niya at mariing ikinuyom ang kamao na parang pinipigil ang inis.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo?" nakaangat ang isang kilay na tanong niya. Malalim at seryoso
ang tinig niya. Isang maling sagot ko lang, alam kong tutuluyan niya ako.

"Napadaan lang," nakangiwing sagot ko. I tried to keep my straight face but I
failed. Umangat ang sulok ng labi ni Yul.
"Nag-iisa ka?"

"No. Someone's waiting for me. I have to go now," agad kong sabi.

Hindi niya pinansin ang sinabi ko. Iginala niya ang paningin sa buong paligid. Nang
masiguradong mag-isa lang ako, humakbang siya papalapit sa 'kin na ikinaurong ko.
It seems that he's planning to strangle me to death. If worse comes to worst, I
have no choice but to shift and fight. "Narinig mo ba ang pinag-uusapan namin?"
mapanganib ang tinig na tanong niya sa 'kin.

Sunud-sunod akong umiling.

"Liar." Madilim ang tinig at mga mata niya. "Don't worry. You can join him in
hell." Patuloy siya sa paghakbang.

Tiningnan ko siya nang masama. "Stop there," mariing wika ko. Pilit kong itinago
ang takot. Alam kong seryoso siya at hindi na magbabago ang isip niya. He looked at
me with amusement. Sinunod niya ang sinabi ko pero hindi dahil sa takot. Alam kong
gusto niyang malaman ang sunod na sasabihin ko. "If you take another step, I'm
gonna slit your throat first," matapang na saad ko.

"Oh?" naaaliw na reaksiyon niya. "You're a mere human."

Actually, if he takes another step, I'm going to make a run for it. But I'm glad he
didn't smell something different from me.

He's amused. Akmang ihahakbang na niya ang isang paa niya at tatakbo na ako pero
pareho kaming natigilan nang may tumawag sa pangalan ko.

"Eurus." Someone with a bored tone called for me. "I told you to head straight to
my car. Why are you here?" An eclipse made another appearance. His cycle is really
irregular.

Hindi ko alam kung kanino ba ako mas mapapahamak. Kay Eclipse o kay Yul? Hindi ko
man lang naramdaman ang pagdating ni Eclipse.

Naglakad siya papalapit sa 'kin at inakbayan ako. Nilingon niya si Yul na tila
bahagyang nagulat pa. "Why are you holding her up here? Are you threatening her? Or
do you like her? She's mine, Yul," he warned.

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ni Yul kay Eclipse bago bumalik ang tingin niya sa
'kin. Kahit hindi siya nagsasalita, ramdam ko ang pagbabanta sa tingin niya.

"Huwag mo siyang tingnan nang ganyan. You're scaring her. I told you, she's mine.
She knows my secret and if she gave me a reason to kill her, I will do it myself,"
mariing wika ni Eclipse. "So, hands off, Yul." Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan.
"You must kill her now," giit ni Yul.

"Huwag mo akong diktahan. Alam ko ang ginagawa ko. If you lay a finger even on the
strand of her hair, I won't forgive you," pinal na wika ni Eclipse. Walang babala
na hinila na niya ako palayo. Hindi na ako nakaangal pa. He opened the door of a
black car and shoved me inside. Magpoprotesta pa sana ako pero malakas na niyang
naisara ang pinto.

Binuhay niya ang makina nang makapasok sa loob. "You got yourself in trouble."

"There's no need to save me," naiinis na wika ko.

"You're about to run. Sa tingin mo ba matatakasan mo siya nang ganu'n kadali?

Probably, you'll die. I can't let you die in that pathetic state." Pinaharurot na
niya ang sasakyan. He looks pissed.

No. I will shift if I fail to escape from him. Natahimik ako. Siguro nga mas mabuti
na rin na iniligtas niya ako pero natitiyak kong may kapalit ang ginagawa niya. He
will kill me if I make a wrong move. "They will kill him."

"Don't meddle in their business. It's their rules. Like me, Yul is not ordinary. I
can't believe you just threatened him to slit his throat. Gusto mo na bang
mamatay?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya.
Gusto kong tumawa dahil sa pagsasalubong ng kilay niya at hindi maipinta ang mukha
niya.

"You can give me an A for the effort," nakangising sagot ko.

"You can't live with that A mark," naiiling na sambit niya. "I actually want to
slit your throat that time so you can never speak again."

Humalukipkip ako. "Hindi ko alam kung nag-aalala ka ba o gusto mo talaga akong

patayin."

"Hindi ako nag-aalala," inis na wika ni Eclipse habang mariing hawak ang manibela.
"You can't die without my consent."

"You're impossible!" inis na wika ko sa kanya. Umiling ako at pinili na lang

tumingin sa labas ng bintana. I can't believe I'm actually talking to him. We're
actually discussing my death.

"Remember this Eurus," he whispered. "Your life is mine to take. Protect your life
until I claim it. Yul is not a sanguin for no reason."
Sumimangot ako. He really claims my life as if he has all the rights to do that.
And for Yul... I know he will not hesitate to kill me. It's already a given.

Napansin ko na tama ang daang tinatahak niya pauwi sa bahay ko kaya napakunot-noo
ako. "Do you know where I live?" nagdududang tanong ko.

"No. It's a hunch. Tell me where to turn next," he answered. Binabaybay namin ang
madilim at baku-bakong daan sa gitna ng kagubatan. Nakita ko ang kantong patungo sa
bahay namin.

"Ibaba mo na ako rito."

"No. Ihahatid kita sa mismong bahay mo," mariing wika ni Eclipse. Lumiko siya sa
kanto nang walang pasabi. Sa dulo ng kalsada, makikita ang isang bahay.

I sucked my breath. White is waiting in my room but I wish Eclipse won't notice her
scent. I'm sure White is already impatient to shift.

***

Nightfall 6: Full Moon [Nightfall]

"Your first life fades when the Snow Moon shows its face..."

EURUS
"Itigil mo na. Kaya kong maglakad," mariing wika ko. Tumatambol ang dibdib ko dahil
sa kaba. Hindi ordinaryong pusa si White. Imposibleng makaligtas ito sa pang-amoy
ni Eclipse. Kailangan ko siyang mailayo kay White sa kahit anong paraan.

"Why are you so stubborn?" salubong ang kilay na tanong niya. Hindi pa rin niya
itinitigil ang kotse. Wala siyang balak sumunod sa 'kin.

"My parents will get the wrong idea. Just stop here," inis na wika ko. Mariin kong
hinawakan ang kanang pulsuhan niya. Malalim siyang bumuntong-hininga at walang
babalang nagpreno. Nilingon niya ako. There's no humor in his eyes. He stared at me
with bored eyes.

"Who cares about your parents?" walang konsiderasyong tanong niya.

Tiningnan ko siya nang masama. "Siguro wala kang mga magulang kaya ka
nakapagsasalita nang ganyan," inis na sabi ko. It's my time to get out of the car.
His eyes became distant.

"We're different. What humans consider as family can never be family for us. We can
easily break trust for power," he answered. "Some werecats are ambitious."

I chuckled. "Humans are ambitious too," mahinang wika ko. Why is he taking this
seriously? But something is off.
"Loyalty is everything in your pack, right? Like werevolves? It's something I read
in books," nag-aalangang tanong ko sa kanya.

"We're not living inside a book. This is not even a movie. This is real life,"
naiiling na sabi niya. Halata sa mukha niya na ayaw niyang ipaliwanag sa 'kin ang
lahat. "Those people you trust can break you the most."

"Did your parents break you?" mahinang tanong ko. I should go now but I couldn't
sate my curiosity. "Hindi ka ba kabilang sa kanila? Do you belong in another pack?"

"I belong in their pack," mariing sagot niya.

"That's odd. Mas lalo mong ginugulo ang isip ko. What's your rank? I mean, alpha,
beta or omega? Something like the rank of werewolves?" I sounded like I don't have
any ideas at all.

"I hate it when you're bringing up those werewolves," he growled under his breath.
Pinigil ko ang tawa ko. Of course, werecats hate those werewolves. I don't think
there are werewolves in this part of the world. There's an agreement between us
that we will stay away from each other as much as possible. Our territories are
already determined. Final. Werewolves will never cross our borders and we will
never cross theirs. We did that to avoid bloodshed.
"So, what's your rank?" I asked with impatience. I slowly opened the door. Baka
magbago pa ang isip niya.

Pinag-aralan niya ang anyo ko. Tinitimbang niya kung sasabihin ba niya sa 'kin ang
totoo o hindi.

"I'm the Beta," he answered honestly. He didn't falter. He didn't consider me as a

threat. I secretly snorted. Kung kilala lang niya kung sino talaga ako. Hindi ko
kilala ang mga umatake sa pamilya ko. Maybe I can get some information from him.

"So your father is the Alpha?" tanong ko pa. His eyes turned to blank. I noticed
how tighter he gripped the steering wheel. He nodded.

"You don't like him?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya.

"I don't like his ways," he answered. Iniwas niya ang tingin sa 'kin.

"How can you transform? Do you have a spirit cat or something? Is it possible to
unlink yourself from those things?" I curiously asked.

Umigting ang panga niya. Tiningnan niya ako na parang nababaliw na ako. "Ang dami
mong tanong. I do have a cat inside me. But I never tried to unlink myself from it.
It will become the death of me."
"I think you're just afraid to try. You never really know if you will die or not."
I grinned. "Wala pang gumagawa ng ganito, hindi ba? You'll be the first. Gusto kong
makita kung mamamatay ka nga o hindi."

Umiling si Eclipse. "Marami na ang sumubok, Eurus. They all die in the end,"
mabigat na sabi niya. "I don't think that's necessary. Hindi ako tumatakbo sa
responsibilidad ko para gawin 'yon. I don't want to die in that pathetic state. If
I will die, I want to die fighting. Until my very last breath."

So I'm the only one who actually lived and survived this long. Maybe I should give
myself a pat and be proud. Pero hindi ito ang oras ng pagsasaya, malapit na rin
akong mamatay kagaya ng iba.

Mula sa malayo, tinanaw ni Eclipse ang bahay namin. Nagsalubong ang kilay niya.
"You mentioned a cat before," he suddenly whispered. Biglang bumundol ang kaba sa
dibdib ko. Mukhang mali na pag-usapan namin ito. He'll get an idea of what I am
made of.

"I can hear your wild heartbeat," he said with a smirk. "Ano kaya ang dahilan upang
kabahan ka nang ganyan? I can't even get a good reaction from you when I bring up
your death."

"What's wrong with my cat?" mariing tanong ko. "Just get out of here before my
parents notice you. I don't want unnecessary introductions." Nagmamadaling lumabas
ako sa kotse niya at pabalibag na isinara ang pinto. I heard him yell at me but I
didn't pay him any attention. Walang lingon-likod na naglakad ako patungo sa bahay
namin.
Tumatambol pa rin ang dibdib ko. Dumiretso agad ako sa silid ko. Sa hula ko,
natutulog na ang mga magulang ko. Nang makita ako ni White, nagliwanag ang mga mata
niya at agad siyang tumalon sa 'kin. Niyakap ko siya.

"Bakit ang tagal mo?" inip na tanong niya sa 'kin. She was already excited to
shift. "It's a full moon."

"Let's wait for a bit," sabi ko. I smiled weakly at her. Binitawan ko siya at
dumiretso ako sa bintana. Bumaling na ang sasakyan ni Eclipse. He was now driving
away from our house.

"Who's that?" nagdududang tanong ni White. Naalala ko na hindi ko pa nasasabi sa

kanya ang tungkol kay Eclipse. "He's a dangerous werecat. He's Eclipse,"
nanghihinang sagot ko. "He saved me from a stray. I saw him in a forest. He's a
student of Vaire University. Now, he's already claiming my life as his."

"Did he threatened you? Gusto ka ba niyang patayin?" nag-aalalang tanong ni White.

"Kapag ikinalat ko ang sikreto niya, tiyak na papatayin niya ako," sagot ko. "Isang
maling hakbang ko lang, hindi siya magdadalawang-isip na burahin ako sa mundong
ito."

"Alam ba niya ang katotohanan tungkol sa 'yo?" tanong ni White.

Umiling ako. "He thought I'm just a mere human," sagot ko. Bumuntong-hininga ako.
"Hindi lang siya ang problema ko. Werecats are all over Vaire University. What if
they smell my slipping power? Hindi ko maramdaman na ligtas ako sa lugar na 'yon.
Kailangan ko na ng solusyon sa lalong madaling panahon! Wala na ba talagang ibang
paraan?" Pagod ang tinig ko. Nakatitig ako kay White at umaasang may sasabihin
siyang solusyon.

"I already told you the solution. Restore our link. Pero kapag ginawa mo 'yon,
malalaman nila kung ano ka. Hindi mo na maitatago ang katotohanan," she answered.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Hinilot ko ang aking sintido at tumingin sa labas. Wala na
ang sasakyan ni Eclipse. It is safe to shift now. Binuksan ko ang bintana.

"He's gone. Let's go," sabi ko. Isa-isa kong hinubad ang damit at sapatos na suot
ko. I linked with White once again. It is a full moon and she wants to wander
inside the forest. My partial shift started. My face grows some whiskers. Unti-
unting nabalot ng balahibo ang katawan ko. My canines and sharp claws started to
grow.

My eyes became clearer and better in the dark. I assume it already turned to bright
gold with black slits. I heard the cracking of my bones as I continued to shift.
Tumuntong ako sa gilid ng bintana.

"We need to get here before dawn. Kailangan ko pang magpahinga. I have classes in
the morning." I talked to White inside my head.
"Fine. Then let's roll." She said with excitement. I smiled. When I jumped out of
the window, the shift is already complete. I was now in the form of an albino
panther. I growled under my breath. My body felt warm. It feels good and familiar.
Pero hindi nawawala ang takot sa kalamnan ko. I'm scared of this form. I'm scared
of who I am.

Tinakbo ko ang madilim na kagubatan. Maliwanag at bilog na bilog ang buwan. Tila
nag-aanyaya ito na makipaglaro ako sa kanya.

Malakas ang hanging tumatama sa aking katawan pero hindi sapat ito upang manlamig
ako. Hot blood circulates and pumps inside my veins. There's no way I will shiver
in the cold. Maraming ibon ang biglang lumipad nang mapadaan ako sa kung saan sila
nagpapahinga. My presence threatens them. May ibang hayop na nagsipagtakbuhan
palayo.

The leaves of the maple trees fall behind me. The whole path is already covered
with maple leaves as if the road is on fire.

I don't care about those scared animals. Sometimes, I actually like it when they're
scared. That's the only time I could feel that I'm powerful enough to scare someone
away.

I ran towards the hill where I can have a clear view of the full moon. I could feel
the adrenaline rush in my veins. White is really excited so I ran even faster.

I reached the hilltop. A single maple tree stands with pride on top of it. The
earth around it was already covered with blazing red leaves. An old bench sits
beside the tree. This place is my favorite. I could see the other side of the
forest. The city lights are dancing in front of my eyes. The full moon above feels
like it's staring down at me. Smiling. It's smiling.

I sit there as I silently observe everything around me. The trees below are swaying
in a soothing way. I love the calm. I could hear the sound of an owl hooting at the
moon. Nababalot ng katahimikan ang gabi kung hindi lang dahil sa mga kuliglig at
ibang nagliliparang ibon sa kalangitan.

The moon's silvery light is beautiful but something break through the silence of
the night. Agad akong naging alerto. I was on all fours.

Biglang naglipadan palayo ang mga ibon. Narinig ko rin ang sigaw ng ilang hayop sa
paligid. Someone's breaking the calm and silence of the night. Someone's here to
bring chaos. Hindi ko alam kung tatakbo ba ako palayo o magtatago. I could hear the
sounds of footsteps. There are cats running wild in the forest. Ipinagdadasal ko na
lang na sana walang maligaw sa lugar na ito.

"Hindi ko inaasahan ito. Ngayon lang ito nangyari," mahinang wika ko sa sarili ko.

If some cats already claimed this as their territory, then I can't peacefully
wander around here anymore. I can only think of Eclipse and his pack.

Tumaas ang mga balahibo ko dahil may narinig akong paparating. Unti-unti akong
napaurong. I must run now. Nakahanda na akong tumakbo pero natigilan ako nang may
isa pang werecat na sumulpot sa kung saan. The werecat growled at me. Natigilan
ako.
He's not familiar. Ngayon ko lang siya nakita. He was a snow leopard. Bright aqua
eyes gleamed under the moonlight. His thick gray and white fur looks so soft and
warm. The black marks in his body are pretty and well defined. I'm sure he will
love it when winter comes. He was bigger than me and he stared at me with caution.

Kinikilala niya ako pero halatang ngayon lang niya ako nakita. Someone's
approaching from behind. Nang lumingon ako, nakita ko ang isang asul na tigre. He's
also a panther. Nakilala ko siya. He's Eclipse. Tila gusto kong maglahong parang
bula dahil sa dinami-dami ba naman ng pagkakataon na maaari kaming magkita, ngayon
pa!

Pinag-aralan din ni Eclipse ang anyo ko. I shivered even though my white fur is
already too thick for my liking. The hot blood flowing in my veins can't help
either. My gold eyes stared back at him. I slowly bared my fangs. At least, I have
a bigger chance to survive in this form.

He growled at me. "Sino ka?"

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya. Kinokondisyon ko ang mga binti ko para
tumakbo. I don't have the heart to reveal my true identity.

"She doesn't smell like a stray," komento ng Snow Leopard na kasama ni Eclipse.
Naglakad siya papalapit sa 'kin. Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan. He sniffed and
inhaled my scent. I hate it when someone's doing that. He doesn't have the right to
do that.
Mas lalong umungol si Eclipse. He sounded mad. "Hindi pa tayo tapos, Yul," mariing
sabi ni Eclipse. I help my breath. So the Snow Leopard is Yul?

Yul growled at him. I think I really need to run now but Yul held me captive as he
encircled me. He draws too close.

"In which pack do you belong?" mahinang tanong ni Yul sa 'kin. Wala na kay Eclipse
ang atensiyon niya. I don't have sweat glands in this form. Cats only sweat through
their paws but the human inside me is already sweating to death.

"Relax," he whispered once again. How can I relax if he's inching much closer? He's
now sniffing my neck. He's flirting. I inhaled deeply. I calmed my senses. I looked
at Eclipse. He's conflicted. He stared at me with confusion. Maybe because my eyes
are begging him to take me away from here.

"She doesn't like you, Yul," diretsong sabi ni Eclipse. Hindi ko alam kung matatawa
ba ako o mas kakabahan dahil sa pagiging prangka niya. "Just let her go," mahinang
dagdag pa niya.

"She's an unusual albino," saad ni Yul. Mapapansin na interesado siya sa 'kin. "And
her scent is different from others. Hindi siya mukhang mahina para sa 'kin."
Dinilaan niya ang leeg ko kaya agad akong napaurong. It will be bad if his scent
mixed with mine.

"Huwag kang lumapit," mariing wika ko. I growled at him. I bared my fangs. I'm
ready to bite him if he ignored my warning. I hate it when I'm being marked.
Mukhang mas natuwa naman si Yul dahil sa nakita niya. Mas lalong napukaw ang
interes niya para sa 'kin. Dahil naiinis na ako sa presensiya nilang dalawa, hindi
na ako nagdalawang-isip na tumakbo palayo. If they follow and chase me, I will let
them taste my sharp claws. I can ruin their faces and they will regret it forever.

I heard as Yul snickered. He didn't bother to follow me but I can hear his promise
blown by the wind. We will meet again.

Hindi maalis sa isip ko ang tanong niya sa 'kin. In which pack do I belong? I'm not
sure if my pack is still existing. Siguro nabura at nakalimutan na ito dahil sa
tagal ng panahon.

But I once belong to the pack, Nightfall. Maybe now, Nightfall is already swallowed
by darkness. It has already fallen.

Nang dumating ako sa silid ko, agad kaming naghiwalay ni White. "Those guys are
hot," mahinang komento niya. She was teasing me because I knew those guys.

"Don't bother with them. They're dangerous," naiiling na wika ko. Kinuha ko ang
tuwalya. Nababalot ako sa alikabok at putik.

"They're powerful too. I can feel it," seryosong sabi ni White. "Do you know their
packs?"
"Maybe Lycan and Sanguis?" Hindi sigurado ang sagot ko.

"Ngayon ko lang narinig ang packs nila." Humiga si White sa couch.

"Siyam na taon din tayong nawala. Siguradong marami ng pagbabago sa sistema ng mga
werecats." Umiling ako at dumiretso sa banyo. Itinapat ko ang ulo sa shower. Yul's
scent lingers on my neck. Wala sa sariling sumimangot ako. Mariing ikiniskis ko ng
sabon ang balat ko. I don't want to be marked by that jerk! Ang sarap sirain ng
mukha niya!

It's true that werecats don't have that connection about mates like werewolves do.
Love will not hit our hearts or brains instantly and know that someone is our mate.
We don't have that kind of connection. We can choose who to fall in love with or
sometimes, love is out of our control, out of our grasp. But one thing is for sure,
we choose our mates.

~~~

I was running late to my first class. Tinanghali ako ng gising. I was running in
the wide field of the University. Wala akong pakialam sa mga varsity players na
nag-eensayo sa gitna ng field. This is the problem with commuting. Wala akong
magamit na sasakyan. Pwede naman akong tumakbo sa main road ng University pero ang
field ang shortcut papunta sa kabilang building.

Some students are running and jogging. Some are throwing javelins. Some are playing
football, volleyball and other outdoor games. May iba akong nababangga sa field
pero mabuti na lang hindi sila nakikipag-away.

Natanaw ko ang court ng football. Nahagip ng paningin ko sina Eclipse at Yul.

Iniisip ko kung ano ang pinagtatalunan nila kagabi. Mukhang hindi naman sila nag-
away dahil walang galos ang mga katawan nila. But they are frowning at each other.

Nag-iwas na ako ng tingin. Itinuon ko ang pansin sa daang tinatakbo ko. I was in
the middle of the field. Mas lalo kong binilisan ang pagtakbo pero natigilan ako
nang may maramdaman akong lumilipad patungo sa direksiyon ko.

Nang lumingon ako, nakita ko ang bola ng football na lumilipad patungo sa 'kin.
Mabuti na lang, mabilis ang reflexes ko kaya agad akong tumigil sa pagtakbo at
nakailag. Humaging ang bola sa gilid ko. Kung matatamaan ako ng bolang 'yon, tiyak
na kasama akong lilipad. When I looked at the football court, I saw Yul as he
stared back at me. Nakataas ang kilay niya dahil hindi niya inaasahang maiilagan ko
ang bola.

He didn't hold back. He poured his strength on that shot. But I'm still lucky. My
senses saved me.

Eclipse looked annoyed than before when he saw me.

"Hey, Yul! Be careful!" sigaw ng isa nilang teammate.

"My bad. Sorry," sigaw ni Yul pabalik. Napasinghap ako nang lapitan ni Eclipse si
Yul. They were both soaking in their sweats.

Eclipse grabbed Yul's clothes. He wants to start a fight. "I told you not to touch
her!" galit na sigaw ni Eclipse kay Yul. Umigting ang mga panga niya at lumilitaw
ang ugat sa leeg niya. I can tell that he's really angry.

"Hoy! Easy lang kayo!" sigaw ng mga teammates nila. Agad nilang pinigilan ang
pagtatalo ng dalawa. Napailing naman ako. I don't have time for this. Kahit gusto
kong sigawan at sapakin si Yul, hindi pa rin ako maaaring makipag-away. I'm still
late. Ipinagpatuloy ko ang pagtakbo. I don't care about Yul. I don't care about
Eclipse. They can fight until they die and it's fine. They're doing me a favor.

****

Nightfall 7: First Drop [Nightfall]

"A drop of your blood will start it all..."

EURUS

"Lunch na," sabi ni Celine nang dumaan siya sa upuan ko. Sumimangot ako. Mukhang
makikita ko na naman sina Eclipse at Yul. Wala sa sariling inayos ko ang mga gamit
ko at tumayo.

"May problema ba?" kunot-noong tanong ni Celine sa 'kin. Umiling ako. Hindi ko
maaaring sabihin na sina Yul at Eclipse ang problema ko. Her raven hair are in tied
in her signature high ponytail. Her blue eyes are staring at me intently. Tila
hinuhulaan niya kung ano ang problema ko at kung ano ang nangyayari sa 'kin. I know
she find this unusual because I'm diligent when it comes to studies.
"Hindi mo na naabutan ang quiz kanina," napapailing na sabi ni Celine. "It's
unusual for you to go in class late. Nasaan pala ang kotse mo?"

"Nasa talyer," nakangusong sagot ko.

"Ano'ng sira?" takang tanong ni Celine. Naglalakad na kami papunta sa cafeteria.

"Yung trunk," sagot ko.

"Ano'ng nangyari?"

"Mahabang kwento. Huwag mo ng itanong. Mahirap ipaliwanag." Nang pumasok kami sa

cafeteria, natanaw ko sina Alys at Bess. Nakalugay ang itim at kulot na buhok ni
Alys. We are all wearing our uniforms this day. Tuwing Lunes, Miyerkules at
Biyernes lang kami maaaring magsuot ng casual attire.

We all wear our white collar, black long sleeves blouse with white ribbon necktie.
This outfit matched our black pleated above-the-knee skirts and white knee-high
socks. There's a VU letter gold pin in the left side of our uniform which stands
for Vaire University. My black shoes are flat and so, it's easier to run.
For the guys, they also have white collar, black long sleeves uniforms. Their pants
are pure black. I can't believe the taste of this University. It looks like we're
all gathering for a funeral. But I'm glad that the students wear these uniforms in
a classy way not in a gloomy way.

Bess was checking her lipstick. Napansin ko na nasa kabilang table lang ang tropa
ni Yul. Malapit lang din sa table namin ang pack ni Eclipse.

Pinilit kong iiwas ang paningin sa kanila. Hindi ko pa nakakalimutan ang ginawa ni
Yul sa 'kin kanina. Kapag nakakita ako ng pagkakataon, ibabalik ko ang pabor sa
kanya.

Maingay sa loob ng cafeteria. Dumiretso agad kami kina Bess at Alys.

"Musta? Bukas na ang pasahan ng initial draft ng thesis," bungad sa 'min ni Bess.

"Sa tingin ko naman, matatapos na natin mamaya. Chapters one to three pa lang naman
ang ipapasa," kibit-balikat na sabi ko.

"I-send namin sa email mo ang mga nagawa namin para ma-consolidate mo na," sabi
naman ni Alys. Sinusuklay niya ang kulot na buhok gamit ang mga daliri. Iniikot pa
niya minsan sa daliri ang mga buhok niya para maging mas maayos ang kulot.
"Sige. Ipa-print na lang natin mamaya," sabi ko. Kumakalam na ang sikmura ko.
"Bumili na tayo ng pagkain," pagyayaya ko sa kanila. Tumango naman sila at sumunod
sa 'kin. I checked my purse while walking. Hindi inaasahang may nabangga ako kaya
muntik na akong matumba. Mabuti na lang naalalayan niya ako kaagad.

"Careful." Magaan ang tinig niya. Nang tingnan ko siya nang mabuti, kumunot ang noo
ko. He looks familiar. Maging siya ay napakunot-noo. Namilog ang mga mata niya na
tila naalala ako. Maging ako ay napasinghap.

"Eurus."

"Kuya Lexus."

Pareho kaming hindi makapaniwala sa nakikita. Nakagat ni Kuya Lexus ang kanyang
labi. It's been nine years but it's impossible for me to forget his face. Bumundol
ang kaba sa dibdib ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin. His green eyes turned
distant. Umigting ang panga niya at agad akong binitawan. His ash brown hair is cut
short in a clean way. Matangos ang ilong niya at mapupula ang maninipis na labi.

"Why are you here? It's dangerous here," mabigat na wika niya. "Magpanggap kang
hindi ako kilala." His eyes looks suddenly conflicted. "Why didn't I smell your
cat?"

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Bahagya akong lumapit sa kanya at bumulong. "I cut my link
with it. I'm a mere human now."
Mas lalong namilog ang mga mata niya dahil sa gulat. "You can't do that! Are you
insane? You'll die!" mariing wika niya pero halos pabulong na lang ang pagsasalita
niya. "Follow me. Let's talk." Nagmamadali ang mga hakbang niya nang talikuran ako.
I looked around. It will be suspicious if I follow him. Sinigurado kong walang
nakapansin sa pag-alis ko. Nakapila na sina Alys sa isang stall kaya lumihis na ako
ng daan.

We end up in the back of the building. Walang taong dumadaan dito kaya unti-unti
akong naging kalmado.

"Do you want to die?" galit na tanong ni Kuya Lexus. Mariin akong napapikit.

"Syempre, hindi! Wala lang akong pagpipilian. Kailangan kong itago ang pagkatao ko.
I don't belong in any packs now. Ni hindi ko nga alam kung buhay pa kayo. Hindi ko
alam kung paano ako mabubuhay nang normal kung mananatili si White sa sistema ko,"
mariing wika ko.

"Kailan pa?" mariing tanong niya. He couldn't contain his anger and disappointment.

"Nine years ago," mahinang sambit ko.

"What the fuck, Eurus!" halos pasigaw na sabi niya. He sounds frustrated.
Napahilamos siya sa mukha. "Fine. I'll commend you for surviving this long but your
life's fading away. I can sense it. You must restore the link but don't ever come
back here," mariing sabi niya. "You must live but not here. If they realize who you
are, you're dead. Lumayo ka hangga't maaari."
Tiningnan ko siya nang masama. Alam kong nag-aalala siya sa 'kin pero naiinis ako
dahil mukhang wala siyang balak na sabihin sa 'kin ang lahat-lahat. He will keep
the truth from me. "What about you? Ano'ng ginagawa mo rito? Nasaan ang mga kapatid
natin? Did they survive?"

Naging malungkot ang ekspresiyon ng mukha niya. Mariin niyang naikuyom ang kamao.
"They all died. I'm the only one who survived," sagot niya. Natigilan ako. Tila may
pumiga sa puso ko. A bile was building in my throat. I couldn't even speak. Pinigil
ko ang pag-agos ng luha sa mga mata ko.

"Hindi ko inaasahang buhay ka rin. I'm glad you did but you makes me nervous. Gusto
kitang protektahan hangga't kaya ko. Ngayong alam kong buhay ka pa, gusto kitang
ilayo sa lugar na ito."

"Who killed them?" mabigat na tanong ko. Diretsong tingnan ko siya sa mga mata. His
eyes turned dark.

"You don't have to know. Ako na ang bahalang maghiganti para sa ating dalawa. I'll
make them pay," mahinang sabi niya.

"What about the pack? What about Nightfall? Ano'ng nangyari sa kanila?" mariing
tanong ko. "Don't do something stupid. Mamamatay ka dahil sa ginagawa mo."
"They took over the pack. Wala na ang Nightfall, Eurus. We are governed by a new
pack."

"So you are under the pack who killed our parents and brothers?" hindi
makapaniwalang tanong ko sa kanya.

"It's for revenge," he answered.

"Don't be stupid! You're alone. You can't do it alone," mariing sabi ko. Halos
pabulong na lang ang pag-uusap namin. Nanghihina ako dahil sa mga nalalaman ko.

Hindi siya nagsalita kaya muli ko siyang tiningnan. Matiim siyang nakatitig sa
'kin. "I think, I'm no longer alone. Restore your link with your cat. You're an
alpha female. Maybe you can help and free all of us," seryosong sabi ni Kuya Lexus.

Gumapang ang takot sa kalamnan ko. I can see war written all over his face. He's
determined to take revenge. "I can't. Just live a normal life. Huwag ka ng
maghiganti. It's alright to have a new pack. Mukhang maayos naman ang buhay ninyo.
Huwag mo ng paguluhin ang sitwasyon. I don't think I'm an alpha female to begin
with. No one knows that I even exist. No one will believe me." Mabigat ang tinig
ko.

"You resembled our mother. They will believe you," giit ni Kuya Lexus. Sunud-sunod
ang pag-iling ko.
"I don't want to live behind the shadows of our mother. I don't want to use her
name just so I can live. I'm not her. Hindi ako kasing-tapang at kasing-galing
niya." Mapapansin ang inis sa tinig ko. Maybe they will recognize me because I'm
the split image of my mother but I don't like that. I don't want their high
expectations. I don't want to let them down in the end.

"Nightfall has the lowest rank in the new pack," mabigat na sabi ni Lexus. "They're
looking down at us because a female alpha led us. We're not really in good terms
right now. Nightfall is suffering."

Bumibigat ang dibdib ko. "Just stay silent and earn their trust. Maybe you'll get a
higher rank," mahina at naguguluhang sambit ko.

Mabigat na bumuntong-hininga si Kuya Lexus. "You really don't plan to restore the
link?"

Tumango ako. "Just live your life well. Don't think of revenge. It will hurt you
and the people around you. It's not the only solution," mabigat na sabi ko.
"Siguro, kailangan lang nilang maramdaman na tapat kayo sa kanila."

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol sa 'kin ni Kuya Lexus. "You don't care about us."

It's hard to care when I don't even know them. Galit ako sa pumatay sa mga kapatid
at magulang ko. The scars brought by that nightmare is already etched in my whole
being. But the people, my brother talks about, is unknown to me. They might be
family for him, but not for me.
"It's not like that," nanghihinang sabi ko.

"It's like that, Eurus," mariing wika ng Kuya ko. "You don't care because you don't
know them. You don't know us. Natatakot ka dahil hindi ka nila kilala? Then I will
let them know that you exist. I will declare to everyone that you exist. Alam kong
gusto mo ng tahimik na buhay. Gusto ko rin 'yon para sa 'yo. If you're not being
like this, I will let you live that peaceful life. But right now, you're being
selfish. You're throwing everything away. Your past and your true self. Nightfall
and even me," mariin at seryosong wika niya.

He was looking at me with determination I've never seen before. Mas lalong lumalaki
ang bikig sa lalamunan ko. Pinipigil ko ang pagtulo ng luha ko. He's right. I'm
selfish. I'm running away. I'm throwing everything away.

"You will restore the link. I will make that happen," pinal na wika niya. "They
will know who you are and what you are made of. Come to me if you need any help but
don't reveal our connection. Give me your phone."

I did gave him my phone. He saved his number and gave himself a call. Ibinalik niya
sa 'kin ang cellphone.

"It's good to see you alive," mahinang wika niya. Malambot na ang ekspresiyon sa
mukha niya. "I'm sorry. Patawarin mo ako sa lahat ng gagawin ko."
"Ano'ng binabalak mo?" nagdududang tanong ko sa kanya.

"You know what, Eurus? Kahit hindi ako ang magsimula nito, magiging magulo pa rin
ang buhay mo sa mga susunod na araw. I can feel it. Your power is slipping away.
Your life is already at the edge. Maybe it will take some time for every werecats
to notice but soon you will be their target. You will become their prey," seryosong
sabi ni Kuya Lexus. "Papadaliin ko lang ang lahat. Come find me if you need me,"
muling paalala niya.

Tinalikuran na niya ako. Napaawang ang labi ko. Ano'ng binabalak niya? Masama ang
kutob ko dahil sa mga sinabi niya. He can't do this to me!

Nang bumalik ako sa cafeteria, agad akong kinawayan nina Alys. Mukhang kanina pa
nila ako hinahanap.

"Saan ka nagpunta?" Salubong ang kilay ni Bess. "Bigla ka na lang nawala. Matatapos
na ang lunch break. Bumili ka na ng pagkain mo."

Tumango ako. Pasimpleng hinanap ng paningin ko si Kuya Lexus. Napasinghap ako nang
makita ko siya sa grupo nina Yul. I don't want to jump into conclusions but I have
a bad feeling about this. He was frowning and some of the guys in the group makes
fun of him. Bumaling ang atensiyon ko kay Yul pero nakatingin pala siya sa 'kin.
His half-moon smirk is a bad omen. He looks like a death god in his black uniform.

Bumaling si Yul kay Kuya Lexus. Tila may pinag-uusapan sila. My brother resembled
my father but he got those green eyes from my mother. We both have those green
eyes. Hindi naman siguro mahuhulaan ni Yul na magkapatid kami. Mukhang may inuutos
siya sa kapatid ko. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa kanila.
Nagmadali ako sa pagbili ng pagkain. Bakit sa dinami-dami pa ng packs, sa pack pa
ni Yul? Gusto kong malaman ang rank ni Yul. Siya ba ang bumawi sa buhay ng mga
magulang ko? But he's still too young when that nightmare happened. Maybe his
father?

Nawalan na ako ng ganang kumain kaya bumili na lang ako ng burger, fries at drinks.
Bitbit ko ang tray pabalik sa mesa namin. I need to get out of here as soon as
possible. Bago ako makarating sa mesa ko, dumaan sa gilid ko si Kuya Lexus.

Napasinghap ako nang maramdaman ko ang patalim na lumapat sa kaliwang braso ko.
Muntik ko ng mabitawan ang tray pero mabuti na lang hinigpitan ko ang hawak dito.
He looked at me apologetically.

"It's an order," mahinang wika niya. "And this is the beginning. Finally, you will
exist."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. Does he plan to bully me or what? Nilampasan niya ako na
tila walang nangyari. Walang lingon-likod na lumabas na siya ng cafeteria. I could
feel the blood drifting from my wound. Sunud-sunod na pumatak ito sa sahig.

In the first drop of my blood, I could feel their heated gaze. Tumahimik ang lahat.
Nagtataka naman ang ibang tao dahil sa biglaang katahimikan. My face turned pale.
Every werecats look at my direction. Everyone in the cafeteria looks at me. So this
is it? The beginning? I can clearly see the door of hell opening in front of me.
Napansin ko ang unti-unting pag-awang ng labi ni Yul. Namimilog ang mga mata niya
dahil sa gulat. They finally noticed my scent. They finally noticed that if they
kill me, they will get stronger. Wala sa sariling napatayo si Eclipse sa kabilang
mesa. Gusto kong maglaho na parang bula. I got everyone's attention and this is
embarassing.

Nagtatakang napalingon naman sa 'kin sina Alys. "Oh shit! You're bleeding!" bulalas
ni Alys. Agad siyang lumapit sa 'kin at pinunasan ng panyo ang sugat ko. Agad niya
itong itinali sa 'kin.

"What happened? Tara sa clinic!" agad na wika ni Celine. Kinuha niya ang tray sa
kamay ko. Hinila na ako ni Alys sa clinic. "We'll take care of your things. Susunod
kami ni Bess," dagdag ni Celine.

Nahihirapan akong humakbang. Konting dugo lang ang nawala sa 'kin pero tila
tinakasan ako ng kulay sa mukha at nanlalamig na ang mga kamay ko. They look at me
like I'm their prey. Everyone wants power and this is now their chance, an
opportunity they can't miss.

I don't want this kind of existence. It's creepy. Hindi ko mapigilan ang mga
balahibong tumataas sa likod ng batok ko. Natigilan pa ako nang humarang sa daan
namin si Eclipse.

"This is bad," mariing wika niya.

Napanganga naman si Alys dahil sa biglang paglapit ni Eclipse sa 'min. Nagtatanong

ang mga mata niya sa 'kin. Alam kong gusto na niyang tumili pero pinipigilan lang
niya ang sarili.
Nang lumingon ako sa likod ko. Mas lalong napukaw ang interes nila dahil sa
paglapit ni Eclipse. Siguro iniisip nila na inuunahan na sila ni Eclipse.

Masamang tingin ang ibinaling ko kay Eclipse. "Go away," I groaned. Nagmamadali ang
bawat hakbang ko kaya hinabol ako ni Alys.

"What was that?" takang sabi ni Alys. "Magkakilala ba kayo? MUkhang nagmamalasakit
lang 'yong tao tapos sinabihan mo ng ganu'n," sermon ni Alys. "Hoy Eurus! Hindi ka
ba nasasayangan sa kanya?"

Gusto kong sabihin na hindi siya tao. Pusa siya! Isang malaking pusang gala! Hindi
ko alam ang motibo niya. Siguro, lumalapit lang siya dahil sa buhay ko na gusto
niyang makuha.

"Hoy Eurus! Dahan-dahan ka lang sa paglalakad, naka-heels ako. Loka ka!" reklamo ni
Alys kaya binagalan ko ang paglalakad. Ang problema, may mga werecats kaming
nadadaanan na napapalingon sa direksiyon namin.

This is bad. Really bad. Can I just die now? No. Erase that. I don't want to die. I
want to live as peaceful as possible.

"Hindi mo sinagot ang tanong ko," nakangusong sabi ni Alys. She doesn't sense the
threat. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makapasok kami sa clinic. I closed the
door. Agad namang ginamot ng nurse ang sugat ko nang makita ito. Mabuti na lang,
isa siyang normal na tao.

"Ano'ng nangyari?" tanong ng nurse. She was curious because the cut looks
intentional.

"Sumabit lang po," wala sa sariling sagot ko.

"Sa susunod, mag-iingat ka." Naiiling na sabi ng nurse. Marahan akong tumango. I
don't feel safe anymore. Hindi ko alam kung makakauwi pa ako nang buhay sa araw na
ito.

Nang lumabas kami sa clinic, nakita ko si Eclipse na naghihintay sa labas.

Nakapamulsa siya at halatang hinihintay ako. He looked like a fallen angel in his
black uniform. It's not a compliment. A fallen angel is a demon.

I secretly sighed. I hate to admit this but he looks good in black. Natigilan naman
si Alys. Tumatakbo naman patungo sa 'min sina Bess at Celine. Pakiramdam ko tuloy,
isinugod ako sa Emergency room dahil sa pag-aalala nila.

"Ayos ka na ba?" agad na tanong nina Celine. They are exaggerating. I secretly
rolled my eyes.

"It's just a cut," mariing wika ko. I am annoyed at them for no reason. Hindi na
nila pinansin ang sinabi ko dahil nabaling na ang atensiyon nila kay Eclipse.
Napanganga sila dahil hindi nila alam kung ano ang dapat maging reaksiyon nila.

Unfortunately, Eclipse is only looking at me. Maigting ang mga panga niya at
seryosong nakatitig sa 'kin.

"Stay with me. Always," he blurted.

Hindi na napigilan nina Bess, Alys at Celine ang impit na pagtili. I rolled my eyes
once again. Kung alam lang nila ang totoo, tiyak na hindi sila kikiligin nang
ganito.

"What for?" inis na tanong ko sa kanya.

"Let's talk," he said. "In private," mariing wika ni Eclipse.

"Narinig ninyo 'yon? Private daw mga 'te! Alis na tayo," tulak ni Alys kina Bess at
Celine.

"Hindi ba pwedeng private pero kasama tayo?" tanong ni Bess. Hindi talaga niya
maiwasan ang pagiging tsismosa.
"Baliw!" sabi ni Celine. "Teka! Ito na ang gamit at pagkain mo Eurus. Mukhang
maayos ka na naman kaya huwag mo na kaming hanapin. May klase pa kami," she
mischievously said.

Kinuha ko na ang gamit ko mula sa kanya. "I-send ninyo sa email ko ang thesis
natin!" pahabol na sabi ko. I hate it when all I can think about is my grades. Even
when I'm already at the verge of death.

"Sige! Kami'ng bahala!" sigaw ni Alys. "'Wag masyadong magpahard-to-get! Lovelife

na 'yan! Sayang naman kung magiging bato pa!" She giggled. She really
misunderstands.

Ang sarap nilang batuhin ng hawak kong bag. Nang tumingin ako kay Eclipse, hindi
maipinta ang mukha niya. Walang galos ang mukha niya kaya natitiyak kong hindi
natuloy ang pag-aaway nila ni Yul. Lihim akong nanghinayang.

"Sa rooftop," he said. May bandage na ang sugat ko kaya hindi na maaamoy ang dugo
ko. Pero kahit ganu'n, may ilang werecats pa rin na napapalingon sa direksiyon ko.
I feel like I'm being followed. Sumunod ako sa kanya.

"Stay close. They won't hurt you if you do," seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. Hinila niya
ako papalapit sa kanya at sabay kaming naglakad. Kinuha niya ang pagkain sa kamay
ko. He's trying to be a gentleman which is suspiscious.

I didn't argue. I stay close like he said. It's a bad idea to stay close though.
Can I trust him?

I secretly gritted my teeth when I remembered something. My brother knew everything

but he still did it. I wanted to hate him but I just couldn't. He's my one and only
brother. He's the only one left.

****

Nightfall 8: Bloodlust [Nightfall]

"Know who's on your side..."

EURUS

Sinigurado ni Eclipse na nakasara nang maayos ang pinto ng rooftop. Seryoso ang
mukha niya at malalim ang iniisip. Maigting ang mga panga niya na tila naiinis sa
hindi ko malamang dahilan. But when he noticed how confused I looked at him, his
facial expression loosened.

Mabigat siyang nagpakawala ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga. "I don't know

what's special about you and your blood," naiiling na sabi ni Eclipse. Naglakad
siya patungo sa railings ng building. The railings is secured by a chain link
fence.
Isinandal niya ang noo sa bakod na ito at napahawak nang maigting dito. He looks
like he's trying to figure out everything about me. Tiningnan ko lang ang malapad
na likod niya. His muscles are tensing.

"What are you thinking?" maang na tanong ko sa kanya. I must pretend that I didn't
know everything. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ko itatago ang katotohanan.
Magagalit kaya siya kung malaman niya ang totoo? I've been deceiving him this whole
time.

Hinarap niya ako. "Your blood attracted almost all the werecats in this University.
They will surely come for your life. Maaari kong pigilan ang mga Lycans pero hindi
ko na hawak ang ibang werecats. Mas malala kung isang stray ang magtangka sa buhay
mo. They're uncontrollable," mariing paliwanag niya. Mariin siyang napahilamos sa
kanyang mukha. Mas pinoproblema pa niya ang problema ko.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko dahil sa inaasal niya. Ako dapat ang mamroblema at
hindi siya pero kabaliktaran ang nangyayari. Wala ba akong pakiramdam? Wala ba
akong pakialam sa sasapitin ko? There's something wrong with me.

I don't know how to feel.

Maybe my brother is right. I don't care. Not just about Nightfall or him but even
myself. Something's really wrong with me.

Hindi ko ba pinahahalagahan ang buhay ko? Siguro nga hindi. May mga panahong gusto
kong mawala na lang sa mundong ito. Siguro ito ang dahilan kung bakit wala akong
maramdamang kahit ano. Maybe I'm panicking inside but it's not enough for me to
save myself. I'm afraid but it's not enough for me to fight.

"Bakit ka namomroblema? Hindi ba mas magiging madali kung mawawala ako? You can get
rid of me, anytime," diretsong sabi ko sa kanya. "Ano ba talaga ang binabalak mo,
Eclipse? Hindi ko alam kung pinoprotektahan mo ako o ginagawa mo lang ito para sa
pansariling interes mo." Nagdududang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya.

"Yes. It's easier to kill you right now. Mas magiging malakas ako. But I can't
figure out why you're marked," mariing wika niya. "You're marked, Eurus. But you
are just a mere human. Naiintindihan mo ba ang ibig kong sabihin? Only those
werecats who throw everything away are being marked by the gods. Those werecats are
a disgrace," bulalas niya. Pero siya na rin ang natigilan dahil sa sinabi niya.
Nagdududang tumingin siya sa 'kin.

"Don't tell me you're a werecat before?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya.

Namimilog ang mga mata niya at unti-unting napaawang ang mga labi niya.

Pinilit kong tumingin sa kanya nang diretso kahit pinagpapawisan ang mga kamay ko
at unti-unting bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko. I hope he didn't notice. Hindi ko
hahayaang maghinala siya sa 'kin. Pinilit kong kumilos ng normal. Pagak akong
tumawa. "You can't be serious. Do I look like a werecat to you?" I asked and tried
to humor him.

Sunud-sunod siyang napailing. "That can't be possible. It's only a myth. This never
happened before. And those who unlinked their spirit cats die instantly. They can't
even last a day," naguguluhang sabi niya. "Siguro may iba pang dahilan kung bakit
nangyayari ito sa 'yo. Maybe I really did infect you? Maybe instead of becoming a
stray, you have been marked?"
Nakagat ko ang labi ko. I can't believe he's actually thinking about this. Gusto
kong matawa sa itsura niya. Gusto kong sabihin na tama ang una niyang hinala at
imposibleng mangyari ang pangalawa niyang hula. But he's cute when he's confused.
Kahit hindi niya intensiyon, bigla na lang lumalabas ang mga biloy niya sa kabila
ng pag-igting ng mga panga niya. He's adorable in this state and I'm the cruel one.

"Wala ka bang balak na patayin ako?" nanunukat na tanong ko sa kanya.

"I can't kill you. I feel responsible," mariing wika niya. "Wala na akong maisip na
dahilan para mangyari ito sa 'yo. Sa tingin ko, ako ang may kasalanan," he said.

Naiinis na nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa kanya. Hindi niya kasalanan ang lahat. Ginusto
ko ang nangyari sa 'kin. Tumatakbo ako sa responsibilidad kaya pinaparusahan ako.
"You're being weak. You're soft, Eclipse," naiiling na sabi ko. Mataas ang sikat ng
araw kaya humahapdi ang balat ko dahil sa init. The Sky is bright above us but from
a far distance, I could see dark, heavy clouds forming. It will rain soon.

I bet, it will also rain in my life soon.

"Hindi ka ba natatakot na mamatay?" naiinis na tanong ni Eclipse. Alam kong naiinis

siya dahil nakikita niya akong kalmado sa panlabas kong anyo. My face doesn't show
any worries at all. But deep inside I'm worrying. Whatever may happen, I'm the only
one to blame.

Hindi ko na alam. My chest seems hollow. I can't feel anything. Or maybe, I'm still
confused. Hindi ko pa siguro naiintindihan kung gaano kalala ang sitwasyong pinasok
ko. Maybe I'll understand better when every werecats chase after me to claim my
life.
"I don't know," I answered with a distant voice. "Is this life even worth living?"
Hindi ko siya nilingon. Nanatili ang mga mata ko sa maiitim na ulap sa malayo. "Am
I even worth it?" tanong ko. Ako ba talaga ang magpapalaya sa Nightfall? Kaya ko
ba? Hindi nila ako kilala at hindi ko rin sila kilala.

"I can't believe you'll say that. Kaya ba hindi ka natatakot sa tuwing babantaan
kita? Do you really want to die that badly?" galit na tanong niya sa 'kin. Tumataas
ang boses niya. I could sense the shock on his voice. I squinted due to the bright
rays of sun. Tinakpan ko ang mga mata ko upang hindi ako masilaw.

"You should value your life even more. You're not as insignificant as you feel.
Maraming tao ang halos magpakamatay na para lang mabuhay," he said in a serious
tone.

Mahina akong tumawa dahil sa sinabi niya. "What? That's a weird statement. I don't
think those words will meet at the end," mahinang sabi ko.

"That's just an exaggeration, Eurus," mariing wika niya.

"I don't know you value life that much."

"You don't know how everyone wants to survive and live their life that much. You
don't know because you are just looking at yourself. You don't consider anyone's
feelings. You're too self-centered. Why? You think you're the only one who's
burdened?"

Something strike me with his words. Maybe he's right. I'm really self-centered.
Pakiramdam ko, ako lang ang nasasaktan, ako lang ang nahihirapan. I know I'm wrong,
totally wrong. But who can save me from these feelings when I'm already drowning in
them?

"I better go now," mahinang sabi ko. Tinalikuran ko siya. Nagsimula na akong
maglakad palayo pero mariin niyang hinawakan ang pulsuhan ko.

"The moment you leave this place, death will come to you," babala ni Eclipse. "I
don't want you to die in their hands."

"So, should I die in yours?" mahinang tanong ko.

"I hate it when you're throwing your life away," mariing wika ni Eclipse. "I no
longer want you dead. I'm no longer thrilled. If you can't live for yourself, live
for me." I could sense the finality in his voice. Naiinis na nilingon ko siya.
That's the most absurd thing he ever said. And that statement made my heart leap a
beat.

"Nababaliw ka na ba?" Tumaas ang boses ko. He grinned at me. He's happy that he
finally got my attention.
"You look a little lonely so I gave you a reason to live," he playfully said. "And
since you're living for me, I must protect you."

"Gunggong ka rin 'no?"

"Gwapo lang." He teased me like I didn't just insult him.

"Baliw!"

Bumuntong-hininga si Eclipse at napailing. "Woman, I'm trying my best to be kind.

Don't argue with me anymore. Sa ayaw o sa gusto mo, gagawin ko ang lahat para
mabuhay ka. It's not fun when they take your precious toys away from you, right?"

"Sira na talaga ang ulo mo. Mukha ba akong laruan sa paningin mo?" Inis na tanong
ko sa kanya.

"You didn't notice the 'precious' part? I can finally confirm that negativity
already feasted in your system." He grinned a little wider. Naaaliw siya.

Hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan ko siya. "Man, you're dope. So positive ang precious
sa sinabi mo? Loko! Ano ba talaga ang gusto mo nang matapos na itong pinag-uusapan
natin? Ha? Eclipse?"
"Gusto mo talagang malaman kung ano ang gusto ko?"

Nag-aalangang tumango ako.

Sumeryoso ang mga mata niya. Matiim siyang tumitig sa 'kin na nagpatahimik sa 'kin.
"Don't die, Eurus. From now on, if you can't live for yourself, live for me. Stay
close and don't be so stubborn. Let me protect you. I think you're precious.
Hangga't hindi ko pa nako-kumpirma kung ano ba talaga ang nangyayari sa 'yo,
manatili ka sa tabi ko."

Bumigat ang pakiramdam ko dahil sa mga sinabi niya. I feel burdened. I'm guilty.
Alam ko ang nangyayari sa 'kin pero hindi ko maamin ang totoo. Hindi ko masabi sa
kanya kung ano ako. Binabalot ng takot ang puso ko.

If he discovers the truth, he'll hate me.

But maybe, I can live with that. It's better when he hates me.

"Bahala ka sa buhay mo. Ginusto mo 'yan. Hindi kita pinilit. Don't blame me if you
die protecting me," seryosong sagot ko sa kanya. "And another thing, I'm sorry but
I can't live for you. Swerte mo naman! Gwapo mo ha!"
Unti-unti siyang napangiti. "Alam kong nagagwapuhan ka sa 'kin. Hindi mo na dapat
sinasabi 'yan."

"Kapal. Pa-demure ka pang hayop ka," sabi ko kasabay ng pagsimangot.

"Ang sweet mo pala, 'no?" mapang-asar na tanong niya. Naiinis na hinila ko ang
kamay mula sa kanya.

He's dumb. Damn! He's getting in my nerves. Sa halip na siya ang mainis, ako pa ang
naiinis. Nagmamadali ang mga hakbang ko. Hindi naman siya nahirapang humabol sa
'kin na lalong ikinainis ko.

"Maybe, you've been mark because you're throwing your life away," he concluded.

"Hindi pa rin tapos ang issue na 'yan?" naiinis na tanong ko sa kanya.

Sumeryoso siya. "Pero seryoso, Eurus. You will no longer live a peaceful life. Mas
mabuti siguro kung tumira ka na sa bahay ko para makatulog ka nang mahimbing sa
gabi," seryosong sabi niya. Tiningnan ko siya nang masama.

"May pagka-maniac ka rin 'no?" nagdududang tanong ko sa kanya.

Ngumisi siya nang nakakaloko. "Don't worry. I won't make the first move."

"I won't make the first move either," inis na sabi ko.

"Mamaya, ihahatid kita pauwi," he said.

Tumango ako dahil mukhang mas ligtas ako sa kanya. "Uh-uh."

"Okay. That is sexy," he commented.

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya. He smiled at me coyly. Hindi ko talaga

siya maintindihan. Nang makaalis kami sa rooftop, dumiretso ako sa library. Kumunot
ang noo ko dahil sumusunod pa rin siya sa 'kin.

"Wala ka bang klase?" takang tanong ko sa kanya.

"Dito ka lang ba?" tanong niya imbes na sagutin ako.

"I need to finish our thesis," sagot ko. "Alas-kwatro pa ang sunod na klase ko."
Tumingin sa paligid si Eclipse. Nagliwanag ang mga mata niya nang may makitang
kakilala. Sumenyas siya sa isang babae. Lumapit naman ito sa kinaroroonan namin.

"Hi Dean," bati ni Eclipse sa babae. The girl's complexion is pale but she's
pretty. Her black long hair matched her pretty black eyes. She smiled at Eclipse. I
can tell she's a werecat.

"Hi Eclipse," bati niya. Bumaling ang tingin sa 'kin ng babae. She smiled at me
meaningfully. She knew. Pero hindi ko naramdaman na gusto niya akong patayin.

"She's the girl?" takang tanong ni Dean.

Tumango si Eclipse. "I'll be gone for a while. Alam mo na ang gagawin," seryosong
sabi niya. Tumango naman ang babae. She smiled once again before she excused
herself. Bumalik siya sa upuan niya.

"What was that?" kunot-noong tanong ko kay Eclipse. "Parang inutos mo sa kanya na
patayin ako, ah."

Ginulo niya ang buhok ko. "Just do your thesis. She won't hurt you. Give me your
phone." Inilahad niya ang kamay sa 'kin. I don't want to give my phone. I was
hesitant.
"I can trace your scent but it's easier to contact you through the phone,"
seryosong sabi ni Eclipse.

Bumuntong-hininga ako. "Give me your phone," sabi ko. Kinuha niya sa bulsa niya ang
cellphone niya at ibinigay sa 'kin. I called my own number. I gave his phone back.
He smiles even wider.

"Thanks," he said. "See you." He slightly waved his hands in the air before he
walked out of the library. Nagkibit-balikat ako nang makaalis siya at dumiretso na
sa isang bakanteng mesa.

I know it's odd to continue studying given that I'm already marked and chased by
death. I can't help it. Nang buksan ko ang email ko, naipasa na nina Alys ang parte
nila sa thesis. I consolidate and organized it.

The library is eerily quiet in the afternoon. Hindi ako dapat maasiwa dahil nasa
library ako pero nararamdaman ko ang mga matang nagmamasid sa 'kin. Tumataas ang
balahibo sa batok ko at hindi ko maiwasang kabahan. I looked around but no one's
looking at me. Halos lahat ay abala sa kanilang ginagawa at binabasa. I don't want
to suspect anyone. May ilang werecats sa loob ng library pero mukhang hindi naman
nila ako binibigyan ng pansin.

Maybe I'm just paranoid.

I already finished the thesis and it's now ready for printing. I save it in a
flashdrive and checked the time. May isang oras pa bago ang klase ko. Magpapa-print
muna ako. Iniligpit ko na ang mga gamit ko. Kahit pakiramdam ko, may nagmamasid sa
'kin, hindi ko na muna ito pinansin.

Bago ako lumabas, may humarang sa daan ko.

"Hey," bati sa 'kin ni Dean. Kumunot ang noo ko.

"Saan ka pupunta?" she asked.

"Magpapaprint lang?" hindi siguradong sagot ko.

She hooked her hands around my arm. "Let's go together," nakangiting sabi niya.
Hinila na niya ako kaya hindi na ako nakapagsalita pa.

Wow. This is awkward. Wala akong nararamdamang kakaiba sa kanya pero hindi ko
mapigilan ang paghihinala.

"What are you doing?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"I have to make sure you're alive when he sees you," kibit-balikat na sagot niya.

"Si Eclipse ba ang tinutukoy mo?" tanong ko sa kanya.

Tumango siya.

"You're a Lycan?"

Muli siyang tumango. "I can't believe Eclipse told you this," naiiling na sabi
niya. "Hindi ko siya maintindihan. What's so special about you?"

"Go, ask him," nakasimangot na sabi ko. Nakarating na kami sa printing corner ng
University. Ibinigay ko sa isang babae ang flashdrive ko at sinabi ang file name.

"Where do you live?" tanong sa 'kin ni Dean.

"South of Vaire City," sagot ko sa kanya.

"That's the forest," nakasimangot na sabi ni Dean.

"Yeah. The forest," walang ganang saad ko.

"It will be easier to kill you, then," kibit-balikat na sabi ni Dean. She pats my
back as if she symphatizes with me. "I feel sorry for you, girl." I rolled my eyes.

"Hindi ka pakikialaman ng mga Lycans dahil kay Eclipse pero may iba na naghahangad
ng buhay mo," she almost whispered. "I don't think Eclipse can help you, always. He
won't always be there. He has other responsibilities."

"If you don't like me, just go," mariing sabi ko sa kanya. I don't want to hear her
babbling.

"Hindi ko sinasabi ito dahil hindi kita gusto. You're just..." bumuntong-hininga si
Dean. "I know, you're just you. And I can feel that you don't care about him.
Ipapahamak mo lang siya."

"Then talk to him," mabigat na wika ko.

"He won't listen," kibit-balikat na sabi ni Dean. Ibinigay na sa 'kin ng babae ang
copy ko. I paid.
"I'll head to my classroom now," paalam ko kay Dean. She looks conflicted but she
nodded. Hindi na niya ako sinamahan pa.

Matapos ang klase, agad akong pinalibutan ng mga kaklase kong werecats sa upuan ko.
Three werecats. Bumuntong-hininga ako.

"What do you want?" naiinis na tanong ko sa kanila. Ngumisi sila sa 'kin nang
nakakaloko.

"She looks normal," sabi ng isang babae. She's chewing bubblegum. Nakahalukipkip
siya habang pinag-aaralan ang anyo ko. "But her scent makes me want to kill her. I
feel like I'm gaining power from her scent. I want the taste of her blood."

"You're scaring her," nakangising sabi ng isang lalaki. I could see the tattoos on
his neck.

"Yul ordered us not to touch her. He's being greedy," naiiling na sabi ng isa pang
lalaki. His hair had red strands on it. He was grinning like a thrilled demon.
Kumunot ang noo ko. Then they will not hurt me. Iniligpit ko na ang mga gamit ko. I
don't have time for them. Akmang tatayo na ako nang hawakan ng babae ang balikat
ko. Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya.

"But we can still play, right?" nakangising tanong ng babae sa 'kin.

"I like games," nakangising sabi ng lalaking may tattoo sa katawan.

Ah, but I don't like games.

Sa kasamaang palad, kaming apat na lang ang natira sa loob ng silid na ito. It's
already six in the evening. Pinatay ng isang lalaking may tattoo sa leeg ang ilaw.
Nakagat ko ang labi ko.

Of course, they don't need the light for their crimes.

I could smell their bloodlust.

The other guy closed and locked the door.

Should I give them the taste of blood they're asking for?

***

Nightfall 9: Albino [Nightfall]

"Or you'll end up falling to your demise..."

EURUS

Binitawan ko agad ang bag ko. I'm more worried on the bundle of clipped paper, our
thesis, on the table. Nang akmang hahawakan ako ng babae ang braso ko, agad akong
umiwas. Nagmamadaling tumayo ako at lumayo sa kanila. I tightly held one chair in
my hand. Ihahampas ko talaga ito sa kanila kapag lumapit sila sa 'kin.

I can't see their movements through my human eyes. My eyes are still adjusting in
the sudden darkness. Their movements are still blurry. Their silhouettes are darker
than darkness. Their bloodlust seep in the air, absorbed by my senses. It sends
creeps in my whole system.

When my sight finally adjusted, I could see how they flashed amused grins in their
faces. Dahan-dahan silang lumapit sa 'kin at pinalibutan ako. They're cowards. They
couldn't fight alone. What a bunch of incompetent fools!

I saw how their canines grow and glinted in the darkness. Ang mga kuko nila ay
unti-unting humaba at tumalim. Maging ang mga mata nila ay nagliwanag sa kadiliman
at kuminang. Maliwanag na asul at abo ang bawat pares ng kanilang mga mata. They
are shifting. Desidido na talaga silang makipaglaro sa 'kin.

I'm not fond of games, especially when the game is death. I already had enough of
death in my nightmares. Death is already part of my past. And now, my reality.
Kitang-kita sa mga mata nila ang pagnanais na padanakin ang dugo ko sa kanilang mga
palad at matatalim na kuko. They want the taste of my blood on their lips. The look
on their faces held desperation and ecstacy.

Mariin kong ikinuyom ang isang kamao ko. Hindi ko alam kung tatawagin ko na ba si
White o magmamatigas pa ako. I checked the glass windows. Fortunately, they are the
sliding ones. Kung tatawagin ko siya ngayon, kailangan kong tumakas agad para hindi
na ako maamoy ng ibang werecat.

But this is terribly uncomfortable, shifting in school, in this classroom. Kung

magpapalit ako ng anyo, kailangan kong masigurado na hindi sila magsasalita. Pero
paano? They can't speak if I slit their throats or worst, kill them.

Napasinghap ako. Alam kong hindi ko sila mapapatay. I don't have the heart to do
that. Not in this place.

Here I am, trapped in the amber of this moment. Confused. A little scared of my own
decisions. I don't want to risk my identity. I don't want them to know what I am or
who I am. I don't want to complicate my life even more.

Nang matapos na nila ang pagpapalit-anyo nila, bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. They
were looking at me as if I'm not human, as if my death doesn't bother them. The
girl with sharp blue cat eyes grinned at me. That's when I know, she'll come at me
first.

Mahigpit kong hinawakan ang upuang nasa tabi ko. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. She
loves it even more if I fight back. She lunged towards me. Her claws aiming for my
face. Her face twitched in a snarl.
I lifted the chair with all my human strength. Malakas na ihinampas ko ito sa mukha
niya kaya wala siyang nagawa kundi ang sanggahan ito ng mga kamay niya. She growled
in frustration. Sinipa ko siya nang malakas sa tiyan kaya natumba siya at tumama
ang likod niya sa mga upuan. I wished I'm wearing pumps right now. Mas masakit
siguro ang sipa ko.

Muli ko siyang hinampas ng upuang hawak ko. Hindi ako sigurado kung napuruhan ko
siya dahil narinig ko na ang mga yabag ng dalawa pa niyang kasama mula sa likod ko.
Binitawan ko na ang silya dahil pinipigilan na ng lakas niya ang hampas ko. Tumakbo
agad ako palayo sa kanya.

Agad kong hinarap ang lalaking may tattoo sa katawan. He was growling at me. "You
can fight back, you can try with all your might but we will never be satisfied with
just your blood. We will soon take your life and you'll leave no trace behind," he
said with a grin.

Tinakbo niya ang distansya sa pagitan namin. He flew in the air with a kick. Agad
akong tumayo sa isa pang silya at tumalon palayo sa kanya. The guy with red hair
strands run towards me too. Hindi na siya makapaghintay pa. Agad kong ihinampas sa
kanya ang isa pang silyang nahawakan ko. Napigilan niya ito ng dalawang kamay. Agad
ko itong binitawan at tumakbo palayao. He threw the chair towards me. Fuck!

I'm in deep panic. Agad akong napaupo upang iwasan ito. Malakas na tumama ang silya
sa dingding, malayo sa likod ko. Nakagat ko ang labi ko dahil sa ingay na dulot
nito. Agad akong tumayo at tumakbo patungo sa pinto pero humarang sa daan ang
babae. Her grin became wider. Napasinghap ako nang tumama ang mga kuko niya sa
braso ko at ako'y napaurong.

Blood drifted from my wounds. She looked thrilled. She tasted my blood and she
looks ecstatic. She felt more powerful. Mas lalong kuminang ang kanyang mga mata.
Pakiramdam ko, mas tumalim ang kanyang mga kuko. Her canines grew even longer,
deadly. She's more determined to kill me now.

I kicked her side and throw punches in her sides and face. Nagagawa niyang
sanggahan ang mga ito. Nang akmang kakalmutin niya akong muli, nahawakan ko ang
braso niya. I lifter her weight with all my might. Her back slammed across a chair
with a thud. Nasira ang silya at natumba siya sa sahig. I kicked her in the face
and blood drifted in her nose.

Napadaing ako nang biglang humampas ang isang silya sa tagiliran ko. Nawala ako sa
sarili ko kaya hindi ko napansin ang paglapit ng lalaking may tattoo sa 'kin. I
could hear bones cracking. I was sent flying. Natumbahan pa ako ng ibang upuan na
nilipadan ko at tinamaan ko. Dumaing ako sa sakit. Napilayan ako. Ramdam ko ang
sakit sa tagiliran ko. Natitiyak kong nagkapasa na ito.

Kahit nahihirapang gumalaw dahil sa mga silyang tumumba sa 'kin, pinilit ko itong
alisin. I was almost done, when someone grabbed my arm, it's the boy with red hair
strands! His inhuman strength carved on my arm. Namula ang braso ko dahil sa
mariing paghawak niya rito. Kitang-kita ang pasang namuo sa braso ko.
Unfortunately, I am too pale to hide the purple bruises and all.

Napangiwi ako. I was in too much pain. My back, my arms and stomach are in terrible
pain. I tried to kick the guy but to no avail. I feel helpless in this state. He
punched me in the stomach. I almost threw up.

"Damn!" pagmumura ko. Lumapit na ang dalawa niyang kasama sa 'kin. Sinampal ako ng
babae. She was really pissed. Pinahid niya ang dumudugo niyang ilong. Pakiramdam ko
biglang kumapal ang mukha ko dahil sa lakas ng sampal niya. I even tasted the blood
on my cut lips. One of her finger purposely cut it.
"If Yul discovered what you've done, you're dead," mariing sabi ko. Ito na lang ang
tanging paraan upang makawala ako sa kanila. Kung matitino pa sila, isasaalang-
alang nila si Yul. They will reconsider their actions. They will hesitate. Ayaw ko
mang gamitin ang pangalan ni Yul, wala na akong pagpipilian pa. I could see the
sudden confusion in their faces. I'm silently praying for this to work.

"Wala na siyang magagawa kung patay ka na," seryosong sabi ng lalaking may hawak sa
braso ko. "Kung magalit man siya, sasabihin namin na ikaw ang unang umatake sa
'min. Hindi na niya malalaman pa ang katotohanan kung patay ka na."

"Unless he can resurrect the dead," nakangising sabi pa ng lalaking may tattoo.
Sinabunutan niya ang buhok kaya napatingala ako at napilitang tingnan siya. His
canines are glinting in the dark. A demon grin flashed on his face. I hate the dead
look on his face. He was ready to kill me, anytime. Napangiwi ako at mahinang
napadaing. Dread flooded my face. I'm doomed. Fear slowly seeps through my eyes.
Desperation started to flood my system.

I'm not going to die in their hands. I can't believe they are one of those people
who can break someone's trust. Paano kapag malaman ni Yul na hindi niya kayang
kontrolin ang mga kasama niya?

Natigilan kami nang biglang tumunog ang cellphone na nasa bag ko. My thesis is
scattered all over the floor. Chaos is visible inside this room. May mga silyang
nabalian ng mga paa. The three of them ignored the call. I gritted my teeth. I
closed my eyes. Desperation is my only friend right now.

White. I called and searched for her. Nagdadalawang-isip pa ako kung ibabalik ko
ang koneksiyon namin ngayon. Muli akong sinampal ng babae at mas lalo akong
sinabunutan ng lalaki. The other guy slowly cuts my flesh in the arms. Napadaing
ako sa sakit at halos mapasigaw. Mariin kong kinakagat ang labi ko kaya mas lalo
itong dumugo. Pinipilit ko silang sipain. Pinipilit kong kumawala mula sa kanila. I
was trying to throw a punch but everything I do is useless.
They are ruining my concentration. I could'nt connect with White. My heart is
racing. My body trembles in pain. Damn! I managed to punch the girl in the face.
Her face was distorted into a snarl. She was pissed off. Her blue cat eyes are full
of anger now.

Akmang muli niya akong sasampalin nang biglang bumakas ang pinto. Someone kicked
the door open. Nagkaroon ako ng pag-asa na makakaligtas ako. Hindi ko alam kung
matutuwa ba ako o hindi dahil nakita ko ang seryosong mukha ni Yul habang
nakatingin sa 'kin. Pinag-aralan niya ang itsura ko bago bumaling sa mga kasama
niya.

He glared at them. He was not pleased. He has this deadly look on his face that
makes my insides tremble. Napaurong naman ang tatlo. Kitang-kita ang pagtakas ng
kulay sa mga mukha nila. Agad nila akong binitawan.

"You disobeyed my orders," he said in a dangerous tone. His lips are tight. His
jaws and fists are clenched. "Get off her!" he almost growled.

Agad na napaurong ang tatlo. Yul closed the door. Mas makakahinga ako nang maluwag
kung si Eclipse sana ang dumating. Hindi ako siguradong ligtas kay Yul. He also
wants my life. Napaurong din ako nang maglakad siya patungo sa 'kin. Tumayo siya sa
harap. His height towered me. He was not smiling. His eyes are blank. He touched my
bleeding face. Sinubukan kong tanggalin ang kamay niya pero pinigilan niya ako
gamit ng isa pang kamay. He was holding me tightly. He's pissed for some unknown
reasons. Siguro ayaw niyang nauunahan siya ng iba.

I can't blame him. These guys, his underlings, broke his trust.
He also checked my bleeding arms and my bruised sides. Saka ko lang naramdaman ang
matinding pananakit ng katawan ko. Mas lalong nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya.
Ramdam ko ang tahimik na pagngingitngit niya. Binitawan niya ako at nilampasan. He
went straight to his underlings. Napasinghap ako nang mapansin ang unti-unting
paghaba ng mga kuko niya. He's willing to punish them right away. In front of me.
In front of an outsider.

Nilingon ko sila. The three of them looked like scaredy cats. Naumid ang mga dila
nila. Lahat sila nakatungo at hindi matingnan si Yul nang diretso sa mga mata.
Nakatalikod sa 'kin si Yul. Maybe his expression was darker than darkness. Maybe he
was scarier than these werecats. Scarier than the night.

"You dare to disobey my orders," he emphasized in a dark tone of voice. "Hindi pa

ba ninyo ako kilala? You know I won't regret your deaths. You know I can take your
life now," he said as he gritted his teeth. I could feel his seeping anger. He is
mad, real mad.

"Patawarin mo kami, Yul. Hindi namin napigilan ang aming sarili. Her scent is just
too good for us," sabi ng lalaking may tattoo sa katawan. Nanginginig ang tinig
niya. Tila ngayon lang siya natauhan.

Maging ang mga kasama niya ay naninginig ang katawan. They are embracing
themselves. Preparing themselves for punishment.

"That's not an excuse! An order is an order!" Yul growled. "If you can't follow
orders then might as well leave the pack! Hindi ko kailangan ng mga katulad ninyo!"
Kahit ako ay nanginig sa tinig niya. His voice thundered inside the room. I bit my
lower lip. Agad na hinanap ng mga mata ko ang bag ko. I grabbed my bag and gathered
the scattered papers on the floor. If I left this mess, the teachers will find out.
Tumulo ang dugo ko sa ibang papel.

Natigilan ako nang marinig ang malakas na pagdaing ng babae. I gasped when I looked
at her. There's a claw mark in her chest. She was bleeding all over her uniform and
yet she's still standing. She was waiting for Yul's order in fear. He was
merciless. Ano na lang ang sasapitin ko sa mga kamay niya?

"You're a disgrace. The scars will be a reminder forever," madilim na sabi ni Yul.
He moved to the next. Nanginig ang mga kamay ko nang makita kung paano niya sugatan
at markahan ang mga dibdib nila. They growled in pain and regret. Muntik ko ng
mabitawan ang mga papel na hawak ko. Nang makahuma ako, mas lalo akong nagmadali.
Agad akong tumayo at patakbong tinungo ang pinto.

"You!" sigaw ni Yul sa 'kin. Natulos ako sa kinatatayuan ko. Hawak ko na ang
doorknob. I was about to open it but Yul was able to stop me by his thundering
voice. I looked back at him. His underlings already escaped from the window. He
ordered them to go. Kaming dalawa na lang ang natitira sa loob ng silid. Mas lalong
nanlamig ang katawan ko. The room gets even colder and smaller and darker.

I turned on the lights. Kung hindi ko gagawin ito, sa palagay ko, hindi ako
makakahinga. His presence is suffocating for my own benefit. He squinted as if he's
not used with the light.

He was no longer in his partial shift. He's human once again. Magkasalubong ang mga
kilay niya na tila may inaayos siyang problema sa isip niya nang tumingin sa 'kin.
May bahid ng dugo ang kanang kamay niya. Naglakad siya patungo sa 'kin. His gaze
held me captive. I couldn't move and turn away.
"Balak mo ba akong patayin?" tanong ko sa kanya. Tiningnan ko siya nang masama.
Mariin kong hinawakan ang doorknob. Pinihit ko ito. Handa na akong tumakbo.

"Not now. You're still a mystery to solve. I want to uncover all the secrets you
hold," seryosong sagot niya. "Are you a werecat before?" he asked. Nakataas ang
kilay niya. His hazel eyes are questioning me. I couldn't see his bloodlust. He was
just amused and confused at the same time. His lips pulled into a smirk while I
held mine in a tight line.

"What do you think?" nanunukat na tanong ko sa kanya.

Umiling siya. "I can't smell the cat in you. If you're a werecat before, you can't
live this long," he said. He was towering me now. Nakalapit na siya at lihim kong
nahigit ko ang hininga. He stared down at me. Pinag-aaralan niya ako. Sumimangot
siya nang mapansin ang mga sugat at pasa sa katawan.

"You had it worst," he said. Then a sudden realization flooded his face. "You're an
albino." Hinawakan niya ang buhok ko gamit ang kaliwang kamay. "Pinakulayan mo ang
buhok mo. But your complexion is paler than normal. And your eyes are bright green.
A special case of albinism."

Bigla siyang natigilan nang may maalala. Dread flooded in my system. "I saw an
albino werecat before. She had gold eyes instead of red or pink. Another special
case," he said. Unti-unting naging simpatiko ang ngiti niya. As if he had
discovered a secret.
He pulled my head backward that my neck was already exposed to him. Hindi ako
nasaktan sa ginawa niya. His hands are gently tugging my hair. Napasinghap ako nang
bumaba ang mukha niya sa leeg ko. "Are you her?" he asked in a hoarse voice. He
inhaled my scent. Mariin akong napapikit. I bet he was comparing my scent to the
albino werecat.

Binitawan na niya ako at nagmulat ako ng mga mata. Bahagya siyang lumayo sa 'kin
upang titigan ako diretso sa mga mata. Seryoso siya at hindi ngumingiti. "Your
scent is human. I could smell the scent of my underlings on you but you are
perfectly human. I can't verify your identity yet. Until I discover who you are,
I'll let you live."

Tiningnan ko siya nang masama. Natigilan ako nang biglang bumukas ang pinto. Hinila
ako ni Yul palayo roon.

"Eurus!" tawag ni Eclipse sa 'kin. Natigilan siya nang makita na hawak ni Yul ang
braso ko. Masamang tingin ang ipinukol niya kay Yul nang mapansin ang sugat at pasa
ko. He lunged at him. Eclipse punched him in the face. That was fast! Napabaling
ang mukha ni Yul sa kabilang direksiyon. I noticed his lips are cut and bleeding.

"Fuck! I told you to stay away from her!" sigaw ni Eclipse. I was stunned.
Napanganga na lang ako dahil sa bilis ng pangyayari.

Napangisi lang si Yul at umiling. Nakakalokong tingin ang ipinukol niya kay
Eclipse. "I'm really wondering why you want to keep her on your side so bad. So
this is the reason? Dahil mas magiging malakas ka kung makukuha mo siya? Balak mo
rin ba siyang patayin?"
"Hindi ako kagaya mo," giit ni Eclipse. He grabbed my wounded arm and pulled me
towards him. Napangiwi ako at mahinang napadaing. He loosened his grip when he
noticed that he was hurting me. Binitawan na rin ako ni Yul.

"Is she a werecat? You want her to be your mate?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong ni
Yul.

"She's human, Yul," he answered with an exasperated look. "Sa susunod na lapitan at
saktan mo siya, hindi lang suntok ang ibibigay ko sa 'yo." Eclipse led me outside.
Hindi na niya hinayaang magsalita pa si Yul. I was dumbfounded. He was like a
storm. Bringing chaos in fast pace and will suddenly leave. Just like an eclipse
too. His name suits him well.

He held my hand tightly and forced me to walk with him. Sumasakit ang katawan ko
pero hindi na ako nagreklamo pa. My clothes are smeared with blood. Nang lumingon
ako sa likod, nakita ko si Yul na nakasandal sa pader at nakahalukipkip. He was
looking at us. He smiled at me like he knows something I don't know. He smiled at
me coyly and walked on the other side of the corridor.

Nang sumakay kami sa kotse ni Eclipse, nagsalita ako. "Bakit mo ba 'to ginagawa,
Eclipse. You don't have to protect me. Ano ba talaga ang kailangan mo sa 'kin?"

Seryosong tumingin sa 'kin si Eclipse. "I already answered the question before."

"Hindi kita maintindihan," giit ko sa kanya.

"Hindi mo ako kailangang intindihin."

"You're impossible," mariing wika ko.

"You're impossible too." He sighed and then his left hand reached out for my
bruised face. "Your face sucks," he commented.

"You, werecats, suck!" inis na sabi ko. I suck too.

He gently touched my wounds. I winced. He moved closer and I sucked my breath.

"What are you doing? Are you going to lick my wounds again?" nag-aakusang tanong ko
sa kanya.

He grinned. "It won't heal even if I lick it. I'm human right now. Are you alright?
Or traumatized or something?" he asked with concern. He was checking my face too
close. "Are you afraid?"

"I don't think so," I answered. I'm not afraid of them. I'm more afraid of my
decisions.
"I can't lick you wounds now. I might infect you for real. I really felt
responsible, Eurus. That's my only reason. When we first met, when I did lick your
wounds, I'm actually worried about you. Iniisip ko kung ano ang gagawin ko kapag
naging stray ka. Can I kill you? Do I have the heart to do that? You're innocent.
Hindi ka dapat madamay sa mga ganitong bagay," sabi niya sa malalim na tinig.

My heart swells.

"You're not responsible. I let you. Kung ano man ang mangyari sa 'kin ngayon, lahat
'yon ay desisyon ko. Labas ka na rito. Don't involve yourself with me and my
problems anymore," matigas na sabi ko sa kanya.

"Are you telling me to let them hunt you and kill you?" nakataas ang kilay na
tanong niya sa 'kin. Hindi siya ngumingiti.

"If it's my fate, then let it be," I answered.

"You can change your fate," mariing sabi ni Eclipse.

"You don't know anything about me."

"Then tell me everything about you," mariing sabi niya.

"I can't," pinal na sabi ko.

"That's the problem, Eurus. You're not willing to open up. You hold thousands of
secrets inside you, I feel the urge to involve myself with you even more. I want to
understand you and dissecting your secrets is the only way to understand," he said
with determination.

"You can choose the path to take, I can choose mine as well. You don't have a say
in everything I do. Your choice is yours. My choice is mine. We don't blame each
other," pinal na sabi niya.

Lumayo na siya sa 'kin. He starts the car engine and drives.

"You're an albino, Eurus," he said as if he was reminding me, as if he was

reminding himself too. He already knows that when we first met. Why was he telling
me this now? I have a bad feeling about this. My heart won't stop rampaging against
my chest.

***

Nightfall 10: Drugged [Nightfall]

"Your destiny is already carved in the stars..."

EURUS
I sneaked quietly to my room. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin ko kina Mama
kapag nakita nila ang kalagayan ko. Tiyak na marami silang tanong at iisipin nilang
may bumu-bully sa 'kin. Partly true though.

Nang pumasok ako sa silid ko, agad na lumapit sa 'kin si White. Kitang-kita ang
pagkagulat sa kanya nang makita ang anyo ko.

"You got into a fight?" she asked.

Napapagod na tumango ako. Sumasakit ang buong katawan ko. Nang hubadin ko ang damit
ko, nakita ko ang natuyong dugo sa katawan ko. My wounds suck. The pain is too much
for my human body. I winced. Sa tuwing gagalaw ako, sumasakit lalo ang katawan ko.
I need a cold bath.

"Nagsisimula na?"

"My brother started everything. Buhay si Kuya Lexus. Buhay siya, White!" I was
exasperated but I'm relieve too. My brother is still alive and I'm happy, though
I'm pissed too. Halo-halo ang emosyong nararamdaman ko sa oras na ito. Sobrang dami
ng nangyari sa buong araw na ito. This day is hectic than normal. I want my life
back to normal.

"Ano'ng ginawa niya?" tanong ni White. Tumalon siya sa couch na para sa kanya. She
watch me undress and wince in pain.
"He cut me. My blood got every werecat's attention. Now, I'm hunted," seryosong
sagot ko. Nang tingnan ko si White, kitang-kita ang takot sa mga mata niya.

"It's over for you, Eurus," she said almost gaping.

"That's too positive White," I bitterly said.

"Don't take this lightly!" she growled. "You're going to die."

"Alam ko. Masyado ng obvious na mamamatay ako." I groaned with exhaustion. "Hindi
mo na kailangang sabihin o ipaalala sa 'kin. Alam ko. Huwag mo ng ulitin pa." Agad
akong pumasok sa banyo. I took a cold shower.

"Restore the link if you know," naiinis na sabi ni White.

"It's not easy," sagot ko. She walked towards the door.

"What's not easy? Ikaw lang ang kumplikado, Eurus. Ayaw mong tanggapin ang
responsibilidad na nakaatang sa balikat mo. Ikaw lang ang tumatanggi sa kapalaran
mo. You're a werecat, Eurus. That truth will never change even if you die. You're
forever trap in your own skin. Don't pretend that you're someone else," giit sa
'kin ni White.

"I'm not yet ready," inis na sabi ko sa kanya.

"You're ready. You know, you're ready," she said in a low voice. "What's so bad
about being a werecat? What's so bad about being you?"

Nothing. It's just all in my head. I'm not at home in my own skin and that's the
worst. I don't belong anywhere. I don't think I belong with those werecats. I just
don't belong.

"Nahihirapan na akong intindihin ka," pagod na sabi ni White. She sounds hopeless.
She sounds defeated. I could feel the bile forming in my throat. I couldn't speak.
This life is hard. It's all messed up.

"I want to belong but I don't know how," mahinang sabi ko.

"If you want to belong, you must accept yourself first. Embrace the real you. You
don't have to pretend anymore. That way, you'll see everything in a different
light," she said. Mahirap ang lahat ng sinasabi niya. I only know how to run away.
I never know how to embrace the storm and chaos inside of me. Naglakad na siya
palayo. "Hindi na ako magtataka kung may maramdaman akong gumagalang werecats sa
labas ng bahay na 'to," she told me.
Fear flooded my system. She's right. Tiyak na pupunta sila rito. Nakagat ko ang mga
labi ko. Paano kapag nadamay sina Mama at Papa? It will be my fault. Napangiwi ako
dahil sa mga sugat sa katawan ko. Unfortunately, White can't heal my wound, unless
she's a werecat. But right now, she's only a normal panther.

But there's another way to heal faster. I must transform into my werecat form. That
way, I will heal faster.

Lumabas ako sa CR. I slipped into my night gown. Hihiga na sana ako sa kama ko nang
may marinig akong kaluskos. Pareho kaming natigilan ni White nang may marinig
kaming mga mabibilis na yabag na nagmumula sa kagubatan. Nagkatinginan kami. Agad
akong lumapit sa bintana. I linked with White and do my partial shift. My eyes
gleam in the darkness. I could feel my bruises and wounds as they heal a little
faster.

I hide my presence from them. From afar I could see things alot better. Malayo sila
at hindi na nila napapansin ang presensiya ko. Imposibleng maamoy nila ako sa
ganitong distansya. I made sure all the glass windows are closed and the lights are
turned off.

There are shadows hiding in the trees. One of them is familiar. The girl punished
by Yul. Mukhang nandito siya upang maghiganti. May iba pa akong nakitang anino na
hindi ko na makilala.

Napasinghap ako nang makita ko ang pagdamba sa kanya ng isang werecat. She was
bitten in the right leg. Sisigaw sana siya pero may isa pang werecat na tumayo sa
likod niya. They are fighting. The werecat, in her partial shift, break the girl's
neck. Mahigpit akong napahawak sa kurtina. Bumagsak ang walang buhay niyang katawan
sa lupa. My heart is racing against my chest. Nang bumalik sa dating anyo ang
babae. She looks like Dean. Her long black hair shadows the night.
She ordered some werecats to clean up and they disappeared quietly in the night.
Hindi ko na nakikita ang mga anino nila kahit saan. Maybe Eclipse sent them to
watch over me. He knew that this will happen. Everything becomes darker and darker.

Nauubos ang lakas na napaupo ako sa kama ko. I lay in the bed and stay in my
partial shift. The pain is slowly going away. My wounds are slow erased in my skin.
No scars left. Cracked bones healed. Wala na rin ang mga pasa. My mind stayed
awake. Maybe it's better to leave. Maybe I could avoid my fate.

Bumuntong-hininga ako. I can't leave my parents alone. I'm not that ungrateful. I
unlinked with White when I feel a lot better.

"We can't involve them," sabi ni White sa 'kin. Tinakpan ko ang mga mata gamit ang
likod ng isa kong kamay. I closed my eyes too.

"I can't leave them," mahinang sabi ko. I was stuck in another dilemma. Another
problem. Another headache. Kung pati sila madadamay, hindi na ako magdadalawang-
isip na lumaban. I will do everything for them.

"I will protect them, White. We will protect them, no matter what," pinal na sabi
ko. White jumped in my bed and laid beside me. She kissed my cheeks and I hugged
her tight. Nakatulog ako dahil sa pagod. Hindi ko alam kung nakatulog din si White.
Maybe not. Maybe she watched over me. Maybe she guarded the whole place. She would
surely sense the movements around the house.
~~~

Weeks passed. Nakakapagtaka na walang lumalapit na werecats sa 'kin. Siguro dahil

madalas nila akong nakikita kasama si Eclipse. I'm well protected. I hate it
though. I feel like I'm using him for my own benefit.

Hindi ko sinasabi kay Eclipse na alam kong nagpapadala siya ng werecats upang
magbantay sa bahay ko. I'm glad they are still too far away to notice White. Akala
nila, hindi ko sila napapansin. I know White is just a normal cat now but they will
wonder why a panther lives inside our house. They will suspect me.

Naipasa na namin ang thesis namin. We are just waiting for a defense this December.
This is not final though. Madalas kong nahuhuli ang mga tingin ni Yul pero hindi
niya ako tinatangkang lapitan. Madalas nagsasalubong ang mga kilay niya na tila may
hindi naiintindihan. Pakiramdam ko pinag-aaralan niya talaga ako. For him, I'm a
puzzle that needs to be solved. A total mystery.

Every lunchtime, Eclipse invades our table. Kilig na kilig naman sina Alys. Akala
nila may namamagitan sa 'min ni Eclipse. I couldn't explain what's the real deal
between us. It's difficult for me to explain so I choose to remain silent.

"Let's go to a party!" excited na sabi ni Alys. "China will hold a party tonight in
their house. Her parents are out of town. She invited us too."

I showed them a bored face. China's house is located in a subdivision, west part of
Vaire. Some parts of it are still under development. Kaya malakas ang loob ni China
dahil wala pa silang masyadong kapitbahay na magagambala. She can have the whole
night for herself.
"I want to go. Gusto ko na ring magka-lovelife," Bess said as she pouted. Napailing
naman ako.

"Maybe we should go. Tapos na ang initial draft ng thesis kaya oras na para
magsaya!" excited na sabi naman ni Celine.

"Sasama ka rin ba, Eclipse? Balita ko niyaya niya ang grupo ninyo at nina Yul?"
tanong ni Alys. She's being friendly and comfortable with him. Lihim akong
sumimangot. Hindi man lang nila tinanong ang opinyon ko. Mas nauna pa nilang
tanungin si Eclipse.

"If she's in, why not?" nakangising sabi ni Eclipse. He's putting all the pressure
in me. I don't know how he could easily wear smiles and grins like that. Lumalabas
tuloy ng wala sa oras ang mga dimples niya.

This is the thirtieth of November. Tonight, midnight, will be the first day of
December. The first day of winter. My parents expect the snow to fall early today
but it's not yet happening. I had my white scarf wrapped around my neck because I
could already feel the cold. We're not wearing our uniforms so I wear a red
sweater, blue ripped jeans and sneakers.

I remembered White. It's a full moon tonight, midnight. I expect the Snow Moon to
appear too. Snow Moon appears when the moon is in its perfect round shape and when
the first fall of snow occurs. It's a beautiful moon that reflects the whiteness of
the snow. White is excited to see it. And so I am.
"Sumama ka na, Eurus!" sabi ni Celine at pinanlakihan pa ako ng mga mata. Kitang-
kita ang pagdadalawang-isip sa mga mata ko.

"I have something urgent to do tonight," mahinang sabi ko.

"You can do it tomorrow," nakasimangot na sabi ni Alys. "Sige na, Eurus! Please!
Sumama ka na!" she said with puppy eyes.

"Minsan lang naman, Eurus! Grabe siya oh! Para ka namang others!" sabi naman ni
celine. She looks at me expectantly. I don't want to let them down but White is
waiting for me. She's the most important for me. I already promised her. Ang
problema ko na lang ngayon ay kung paano matatakasan ang mga werecats na
nagbabantay sa bahay namin mula sa malayo.

"May iba ka bang gagawin?" kunot-noong tanong sa 'kin ni Eclipse. Inirapan ko siya.
I hate it when he's too at home in our group. He's too friendly. I hate his smiling
face. Parang hindi siya nauubusan ng ngiti sa labi kay mas gumagaan ang loob nina
Celine sa kanya. I wonder if he's showing the real him. Was he always this
friendly? Hindi ko maiwasan ang pagdududang nararamdaman ko.

I don't think he's normally friendly. Ako na rin ang sumagot sa sarili kong tanong.
I need to watch out for him. May posibilidad na biglang magbago ang isip niya at
mas piliin na lang na patayin ako.

"Wala ka na roon," sagot ko sa kanya. Gusto ko sanang sabihin na huwag muna siyang
magpadala ng werecats sa 'min ngayong gabi pero magdududa naman si Eclipse.
Mas lumawak ang ngiti ni Eclipse sa kanyang labi. Mas lalong lumubog ang biloy
niya. He doesn't seem fazed by my rudeness. Sanay na sanay na siya dahil araw-araw
ko siyang tinatarayan. Simula nang magawa ang kotse ko, hindi na niya ako hinahatid
pa pero lagi naman niya akong inaabangan sa University. Hindi niya ako hinahatid
pero alam kong may werecat na laging nakasunod sa pag-uwi ko. Sinisigurado talaga
ni Eclipse na ligtas ako.

"Grabe siya kay Eclipse oh!" sabi ni Bess. "Bukas mo na gawin ang gagawin mo."

Tomorrow is still full moon but it will be different. We will miss the first snow
tonight.

"Ano'ng oras ng party?" nakasimangot na tanong ko. May naisip na akong paraan para
matakasan ang mga werecats na nagbabantay sa bahay namin. I will slip out of the
party and then I will transform outside.

"Eight in the evening but it's too early to have fun. Tiyak na light drinks lang
ang maiinom natin sa oras na 'yon," nakangising sabi ni Celine. "But unfortunately,
you can't handle the light drinks too." Iniisip pa rin nila na madali akong
malasing.

"She can't handle light drinks? That's interesting. I want to see the drunk and
wasted Eurus," sabi ni Eclipse na may pilyong ngiti sa labi.
Tiningnan ko nang masama si Eclipse. He just winked like a flirt he is. Even if I'm
pretending to be drunk. I won't fool around with him. "Fine. I'm in," nakasimangot
na sabi ko. Mahinang napatili sina Celine.

"That's my girl!" sabi ni Alys na may thumbs up pa. Hindi na siguro nila mapapansin
kung bigla akong mawala sa party. Si Eclipse lang ang problema ko. Iniisip ko kung
paano siya lulusutan.

No matter what. I will sneak before midnight.

~~~

We didn't change our clothes. Diretso na kami sa party ni China. Hindi pa rin
pumapatak ang yelo. Siguro mamayang hating-gabi pa ito babagsak. Hindi ako pumayag
na sumakay sa kotse ni Eclipse. Now, his car is tailing mine.

The subdivision is a bit eerie. It's dark and quiet. Kaunti pa lang ang mga poste
ng ilaw na nakatayo dahil mangilan-ngilan pa lang ang mga bahay na naitayo na at
nakatira rito. This looks like a subdivision in some horror movies where psychotic
ax-murderers suddenly appear in the middle of the road or demons and vampires
ambushed innocent people.

Hindi ko mapigilan ang pagtaas ng mga balahibo sa batok ko dahil sa naiisip ko.
Pero hindi rin naman ako normal na tao. Bakit ako natatakot? I'm a werecat, for
Pete's sake.
Natanaw ko na ang bahay nina China. A two-story house with a huge balcony in the
second floor. Ito lang ang bahay na may ilaw sa dulong bahagi ng subdivision. I
could hear the loud music from here.

Bumagal ang pagpapatakbo ko. Binuksan ko ang bintana ng sasakyan ko. I could feel
the cold breeze caressing my pale skin. Tumigil ako sa bakanteng lote na ginawa ng
parking lot ng mga naunang dumating sa 'min. I put on my lipstick and light make
up. I closed the window when Eclipse stood next to my car. I noticed his silent
sigh. Umupo siya sa hood ng sasakyan ko habang nakahalukipkip at tumingala sa
langit.

The muscles in his lean back is twitching. I could watch him forever from here, in
that state, if I'm not in my right mind. But unfortunately, I'm still thinking
straight. I'm not drunk either. I doubt I will get drunk anyway.

Nang matapos ako, lumabas ako at lumapit sa kanya. I looked up in the starry night
sky. May mga ulap na ring namumuo sa itaas pero hindi ito sapat upang matakpan ang
buong kalangitan. The moon which looks like a silver plate shines brightly and
quietly and it is watching over us. The moon is the only one who knows our
secrets. Who knows all my secrets. I hope the moon will not reveal the real me
tonight.

"Tara na," sabi ko kay Eclipse. He looked at me and smiled. "You'll pay for being
so mean," he said.

"I don't think so," nakangising sabi ko.

Karma is not my friend but I don't think she'll get me tonight.

Sobrang lakas ng tugtog at ingay na nagmumula sa loob ng bahay ni China. Marami ng

tao sa loob. Marami na ring werecats. They smell like smoke and beer and sweat and
pot. Halo-halo na ang amoy nila kahit maaga pa. I can't distinguish the scent from
one another now.

Eclipse smoothly slip a hand on my waist and pulled me closer. I don't know if he's
being protective. Napapansin ko rin kasi ang mga mata ng mga werecats na tumitingin
sa direksiyon ko. They are looking at me with interest. Well, in a scary way.

"Eurus, don't go anywhere. I suddenly realized that this is such a bad idea. Your
scent is getting stronger each and every day. Tonight, it's a lot stronger than
before." Tiningala ko siya. Salubong ang mga kilay niya. He was shooting glares
that can kill like daggers in every werecats that we came across.

Hindi ko pa ulit nakikita si Kuya Lexus mula noong sugatan niya ako. Pero nang
mapalingon ako sa kusina, nakita ko siya at napaawang ang mga labi niya. He looks
at me and then to Eclipse. Tiyak na iniisip niya na may namamagitan sa 'kin. Gusto
niya akong lapitan pero nag-aalangan siya dahil kay Eclipse.

May nag-abot sa 'min ng inumin. Canned beers. Ang iba ay walang humpay sa
pagsasayaw. Nakita ko pa sina Alys na may kanya-kanya na ring kasayaw. They don't
need me here. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pinilit pa nila ako rito. Dumiretso kami sa
balcony. There are couples making out in here that made the atmosphere a bit
awkward. Napansin naman ni Eclipse na hindi ako natutuwa kaya hinila na niya ako
paalis sa lugar na 'yon.

There was an open room and he pushed me inside. He locked the door. Tinaasan ko
siya ng kilay.

"It's safer here," sabi ni Eclipse. He sat down the bed and opened the canned beer.
He drinks it straight. Alam kong hindi siya malalasing dahil sa metabolism niya.

"Siguro mas maganda kung aalis na tayo rito," nakasimangot na sabi ko. Hindi ko na
binuksan ang canned beer na hawak ko. Umiling si Eclipse.

"Mas mapanganib kung aalis tayo. Masusundan ka nila. Mapapahamak ang mga magulang
mo," seryosong sabi niya. Magkasalubong ang mga kilay niya. His blue eyes are deep.
He's thinking. "There's something off. Hindi lang mga Lycans nandito. Hindi lang
Sanguis."

"Ano na ang gagawin ko? Maghihintay hanggang umaga rito?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa
kanya. Napapagod na tumabi ako sa kanya. I opened the canned beer and drink it
straight. Napangiwi ako dahil sa pait pero mas lamang pa rin ang tamis. There's
something off with the taste. I smelled the canned beer. They slipped drugs on it.
I never take drugs before. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa
sistema ko. I'm human right now. Not a werecat. White is not inside my system.

Ramdam ko ang pag-iinit ng lalamunan ko at buong sistema ko. Eclipse threw the
empty can in a corner. It was already flat due to his tight grip. Naubos na niya
ang iniinom niya. Kahit alam kong may droga sa iniinom ko, gusto ko pa rin itong
inumin. Maybe that's the effect of this drug to me. I couldn't help but drink it.
My whole system is asking for it.

Nang akmang ilalapat ko na ang inumin sa labi ko, kinuha ni Eclipse mula sa 'kin
ang canned beer. I protested.
"It's drugged," he told me as if I'm committing a sin. I felt like he's accusing
me. His lips is turned up in a smirk. I want to tell him that I don't care but he
took a sip of it instead. He emptied the can and threw it again.

My throat is desperately asking for it. I want the taste of it.

"But you drank it," I accused him.

"It has no effects on me," he answered in a straight voice.

"Because you're a werecat?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko sa kanya. I was staring
at his still wet lips. Napalunok ako. I was desperate for the taste of the drug.
Tumango siya at tumingin sa 'kin.

"Not fair," I said with a pout. I could feel the heat on my cheeks. Tumayo ako. I
want to get my own drink. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko kaya natigilan ako.

"Stay here. Don't drink again. It will get even worse. Mawawala rin ang epekto
nito. Stay still for an hour," he assured me. Hinila niya ako paupo kaya muntik na
akong matumba sa kama.
"I can't stay still for an hour!" inis na sabi ko sa kanya. Halos sumisigaw na ako
dahil sa pagiging desperada.

Pilyong ngumiti sa 'kin si Eclipse. "You can. The taste is still on my lips. You
can have it. For an hour. Or for as long as you want," he teased. Muli akong
napatingin sa labi niya.

"No!" sigaw ko. My mind is screaming no. But my body betrays me. Nauuhaw ako. I
need something. I need to get over this feeling.

"You're taking advantage," nasabi ko pa.

He smiled. That makes his wet lips more tempting. "Then hold it for an hour without
doing anything. Or sleep. Don't even think of drinking it again." He's cruel.

My pulse is racing. I know I can't hold it. I'm trying so hard but I can't. I even
closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep but my throat is burning.

Nang imulat ko ang mga mata, nagmamakaawang tumingin ako kay Eclipse. "Eclipse,
please..."

Bumuntong-hininga si Eclipse. "Kukuha ako ng tubig. Hope it is enough to quench

your thirst. I'm sorry, I didn't warn you."

Nang akmang tatayo na siya, pinigilan ko siya. I moved closer.

"You bring this upon yourself," paalala ni Eclipse nang malapit ng lumapat ang labi
ko sa labi niya.

"You tempt me first." I answered before I kissed
bitter-sweet after-taste of the drug is still in
don't know if he's moaning. Or if it's me. Or if
tongue searched inside his mouth. He just let me
firmly held my waist to maintain our balance.
him hungrily. He's right. The
his mouth. I lost track of time. I
both. But I was after the drug. My
do all the work. But his hands

My mind is accusing me for being such a slut. It's telling me to stop. But my body
won't stop. It has a mind of its own.

Maybe, I can just jump off a cliff when everything is over.

Damn this party! Damn that drug!

***

Nightfall 11: Snow Moon [Nightfall]

"Once an Alpha female, always an Alpha female..."

EURUS

I kiss him for a long time. Or the correct term is 'taste'? He's not kissing me
back but he allowed me to do whatever I want. I'm not sure if that's a good thing.
I'm after the drug after all. Maybe I'm not tempting for him. I'm out of breath
when I stopped.

My head hurts. The drugs already wear off. My lips are swollen from the kiss. Well,
I don't think that's a kiss. I'm the only one who's kissing. Maybe it's still a
kiss. My mind is spinning. I still can't think clearly.

Pero alam kong wala ng epekto sa 'kin ang droga. Alam kong nasa huwisyo na ako.
Sobrang lapit ng mukha ko kay Eclipse. Tiningnan ko siya sa mga mata at naramdaman
ko ang pamumula ng mukha ko.

Damn! I fucking kiss him!

Pilyong ngumiti siya sa 'kin. Alam niyang nawala na ang epekto ng droga sa 'kin.

"I told you, I won't make the first move," he said. This one is a jerk.
Wala sa sariling sinampal ko siya. He chuckled. Hindi niya pinansin ang sampal ko
sa kanya at natatawang tumingin sa 'kin. I still can't move and get off him. My
whole body is numb.

"Remember when I told you that you'll pay for being mean?" he said with a knowing
smile. His blue eyes are dancing. "I didn't plan to go that far but you're rather
cute when high." Muli siyang tumawa. Sumimangot ako at muli siyang sinampal.

"That's for taking advantage," naiinis na sabi ko.

"Woman, I didn't. You're the one who take advantage," he said with a grin. Mapula
na ang mukha niya pero alam kong hindi ganu'n kalakas ang sampal ko. Lalong namula
ang mukha ko dahil sa sinabi niya. "Well, you're the worst kisser, after all," he
teased.

I slapped him once again.

"Fine, you're great," he admitted.

Another slap landed on his face.

"Wow! Woman, you don't like an insult but you don't like a compliment either," he
said with an amused laugh. He grabbed my hand and kissed it. Naiinis na hinila ko
ito mula sa kanya.

"Just stop talking!" naiinis na sabi ko. Nang bumalik ang lakas ko, dahan-dahan
akong umalis sa pagkakaupo sa mga binti niya. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na
nagawa ko siyang halikan. Mas lalo tuloy umiikot ang mundo ko kapag naiisip ko ang
ginawa ko.

Nagmamadaling tinungo ko ang pinto at lumabas. Natigilan ako nang mabangga ko si

Yul. He grinned at me. "You're really here," he said.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Ha?"

"No, I mean, I smelled your scent but couldn't find you. Akala ko pinaglalaruan
lang ako ng isip at pandama ko," he said. His hazel eyes are dancing in the neon
light. Mas tumindi ang usok at ingay sa loob ng bahay. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin
ko kay Yul.

"Want a drink?" he asked. Tiningnan ko siya nang masama. Does he want to drug me
too?

"No, thanks. She already had enough of those drinks," nakangising sagot ni Eclipse
na nasa likod ko na ngayon.
Umangat ang kilay ni Yul kay Eclipse bago niya ako muling pinag-aralan. Napailing
ako. Hindi ko alam ang iniisip niya. "I need water," nasabi ko na lang at
nagmamadaling dumiretso sa kitchen. There are alot of beer tower in the kitchen.
Maging sa salas. They make different flavor of punches too.

Ngumisi sa 'kin ang isang lalaki na naghahalo ng kung ano sa mga inumin. He winked
at me. I frowned. I could smell it. A drug. Ah! I hate this kind of party. Ano na
kaya ang nangyayari kina Alys? Umalis na ang lalaki para ipainom sa mga tao ang
ginawa niya.

Kumuha ako ng baso at binuksan ang gripo. I choose to drink tap water. Ito na ang
pinakaligtas na inumin sa lahat sa oras na ito. Diretso ko itong ininom dahil sa
uhaw. I checked my wrist watch. It's already quarter to ten.

Lumapit sa 'kin ang isang babae. She offered me some brownies. She had this bright
red hair and cute smile. Her gray eyes are twinkling. I get one because her smile
is inviting. After that, she's gone. Nang kakagatin ko na ito, kinuha ito ni
Eclipse mula sa 'kin. He smiled at me brightly.

"It's stoned, lassie," he said.

I hate him when he called me lassie. As if he's scolding a young girl. So

everything here is drugged?

"Uuwi na ako," mariing sabi ko.

"You can't. There's a problem," sabi niya sa seryosong tinig.

Napapagod na sumandal ako sa sink. "Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin?" kunot-noong tanong
ko sa kanya. Inilibot ko ang paningin sa paligid. There's a lot of people making
out here. Some of them are dancing and bumping into each other, already wasted.

Mas matindi na ang amoy ng usok at droga sa loob. The sweats and pots are mixing in
the air. Nang tumingin ako kay Eclipse, iginagala niya rin ang paningin sa paligid.
Nang makita ko si Yul sa sala, alam kong may hinahanap siya pero hindi ako.

"There's a stray," he whispered. "Not just one or two. Hindi ko pa makumpirma kung
ilan sila. Their scents are blending in the crowd. They are good at hiding." Kung
ganu'n, hinahanap din ni Yul ang mga strays.

"What?" gulat na tanong ko. I didn't notice. Humihina na ba ang mga pandama ko?

"It seems they came after you. Your scent invites them here," he answered.

That's the problem on this party. Wala ng pakialam ang mga tao kung sino ang labas-
pasok sa loob ng bahay na ito. Everyone can be a friend of another or pretend to be
and no one will suspect.
"Mukhang hindi ka pa nila nahahanap. They can't confirm it as well because your
scent is mixed with us," sabi ni Eclipse.

Mariin akong napapikit. Karma is not my friend and it seems it's after me now.

"Mas mabuti siguro kung ilalayo ko sila rito," seryosong sabi ko. "They can't stay
here. Mas maraming tao ang mapapahamak dito."

"Ipapain mo ang sarili mo?" kunot-noong tanong ni Eclipse. There's a lot of

werecats here. Marami rin ang napapalingon sa direksiyon ko. I can't tell if they
are strays or normal werecats. I don't care. I need to find the girls. Kailangan na
nilang umuwi.

Nagmamadaling pumunta ako sa sala. Nakita ko si Alys na nakikipagsayaw sa isang

lalaki. Ngayon ko lang siya nakita. He has this deep gray eyes and he's smiling and
dancing with Alys. I was too focused at Alys to check if he's human or not.

I grabbed her arms and pulled her to me. "Let's go home. Hanapin mo sina Celine at
umuwi na kayo. Uuwi na ako," sabi ko sa kanya pero pasigaw na dahil sa lakas ng
tugtog. "Huwag mo na akong hanapin. Mauuna na ako."

"Grabe naman Eurus! Ang KJ mo! Nagsisimula pa lang ang party!" sabi niya sa 'kin. I
could smell the beer on her breath. She's drunk. Sumasakit ang ulo ko. I can't
leave her on this state. Nang ilibot ko ang paningin upang hanapin sina Celine at
Bess, nakita ko si Bess na nakikipaghalikan sa isang lalaki, sa couch. Si Celine
naman ay umiinom sa isang gilid at may kausap na lalaki. She giggles as he whispers
something on her ear.
Everything is a mess. Binitawan ko na si Alys dahil ayaw na niyang magpapigil.
Nagmamadaling lumapit ako kay Eclipse. "Hindi ko maaaring iwan ang mga kaibigan ko
rito," naiinis na sabi ko sa kanya.

"I already asked Dean. Inutusan ko na ang ibang kasama ko na bantayan sila. Mukhang
mas maganda nga kung aalis ka rito. Let's head straight to the forest. we will
ambush them there," seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. Sumenyas siya kay Yul at tumango
naman si Yul. Maybe they're not enemies after all.

"Drive alone. Huwag kang mag-alala. Susundan ka namin nang palihim," sabi ni
Eclipse. Tumango ako.

Nagmamadaling dumiretso ako sa isang pinto sa kusina. I have a hunch that it is the
exit.

The cold breeze greeted me. Agad kong tinakbo ang kotse ko. Natigilan ako nang
makita si Kuya Lexus na nakasandal sa katabing kotse.

"You know?" kunot-noong tanong ko kay Kuya Lexus.

"About the strays?" tanong niya. Tumango siya bilang sagot. "You have to come back
to us, Eurus," seryosong sabi niya.
"Huwag natin 'tong pag-usapan ngayon," mariing sabi ko. Sumakay na ako sa kotse ko
at mabilis na pinaharurot ang sasakyan. I head straight to the forest. I slowed
down due to the bumpy road.

The moon is bright and that's the only light that guides me inside the forest. I
didn't notice Eclipse or anyone following me. I'm in the west side of Vaire. Alam
kong malayo na ako sa subdivision. Hindi ko mapigilan ang pagtaas ng balahibo ko.

Paano kung mapatay nila ako? Mahigpit kong hinawakan ang manibela. I'm tempted to
call White. Maybe I can call her now? After all, she's the stronger side of me.

Natigilan ako nang biglang mabutas ang gulong ng sasakyan ko. Naramdaman ko kung
paano ito mawalan ng hangin. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Agad akong nagpreno. When I
looked outside, wala akong nakikitang kahit sino. I was just surrounded by huge
dark trees.

Malakas na umihip ang hangin. I expect for someone to jump in my car hood or punch
my windows but nothing came. No one attacked me. I waited and waited but all I hear
was the silence of the night. Siguro may matalim na bagay akong nadaanan kaya
nabutas ang isang gulong?

I inhaled and exhaled before I decided to get out of the car. I checked the wheels.
Nabutas ang gulong sa likod, sa kaliwang bahagi. Napailing ako dahil nakita ko ang
mga bubog sa ilalim nito. I looked around but all I see are trees and darkness. May
liwanag na nagmumula sa buwan at may ilang ibong lumilipad. Hindi ko makita sina
Eclipse. Hindi ko maramdaman ang presensiya nila.
Mas pinili ko na lang munang maglakad sa kakahuyan. Nag-aalala ako. Did he really
follow me? O baka naman nagpaiwan talaga siya upang linisin ang kalat? Siguro
nalaman na nila kung sino ang mga strays na nasa party kaya hindi na sila
sumusunod?

Tinakbo ko ang kagubatan. I silently called for White but I didn't transform into a
werecat. Pinakiramdaman ko ang sarili kung nasa loob ko na ba siya. There's a
temporary linkage between our thoughts.

"Why?" she asked me.

"I think I'm in trouble," sagot ko.

"You're always in trouble," she said. "So no transforming-for-the-snow-moon

tonight?"

"Depends. If I'm still alive," sabi ko. Napapagod na tumigil ako sa isang malaking
puno at umupo sa gilid nito. We can see the Snow Moon in human form anyway.

Wala pa rin akong naririnig na kahit ano kundi ang pag-ihip ng hangin at ingay ng
mga sumasayaw na dahon. Another reason why I called White is to enhance my senses.

"Are you going to restore the link now?" tanong niya.

"If I restore the link. You'll be gone forever. You will become a part of me. We're
going to be one. You'll be in the sidelines, my shadow," sabi ko.

"I am you," seryosong sabi niya. "I don't see any difference."

"You're the stronger part of me. I'm the coward. Which one do you think will win?"

"You're not a coward. You're the one who's stronger between us. If I'm stronger, I
should have controlled you instead. You make your own decisions. You have your own
choices while I don't have the luxury of it. I'm always in the sidelines. I'm
always your shadow."

Mariin kong kinagat ang labi ko.

"Natatakot ka ba na manalo ang malakas na bahagi ng katauhan mo? If the stronger

part wins, it will only mean one thing, right? You will accept all the
responsibilities of an alpha female. You will free Nightfall. You will stop the
darkness from spreading."

Napasabunot ako sa sarili ko.

"You don't know them in person but you know your pack by heart," she insisted.

I wish I did. I wish it is that easy. But heaven knows, I'm a troubled soul and my
heart doesn't work as easy as that.

Hindi ko alam kung ilang oras akong nakaupo sa lupa at nakasandal sa puno.
Naramdaman ko na lang ang pagpatak ng nyebe sa pisngi ko. When I looked up at the
moon, I saw how it glows brightly and reflects the whiteness of the snow. It's
lovely.

The Snow Moon already shows its face.

Natigilan ako nang may marinig akong kaluskos mula sa malayo. I smelled that
familiar scent of a stray. Wild. Dark. Bloody. They are a different kind of stray.
They are natural werecats but they kill and don't belong to any packs. Now, they
are a group of killers.

Hindi ko maamoy sina Eclipse. May tatlong stray na nasa kagubatan. Mabilis silang
gumalaw. Mula sa malayo, pinalibutan nila ako. Dahan-dahan akong tumayo. Patuloy
ang pagpatak ng nyebe at ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang panlalamig ng katawan ko.
I'm still human. Maybe I need to grow furs.

One of them is standing in a branch of a tree. He stares at me. His gray eyes are
glinting in the darkness. He was in a partial shift. His claws and fangs are sharp.
Hindi ko matanaw ang iba niyang kasama dahil malayo sila at nasa madilim na parte.
They are hiding behind huge trees. The guy jumped off the tree and landed smoothly
on the ground. Nakatapak ang mga paa niya. Nakita ko ang mukha niya dahil sa
liwanag ng buwan.

He's the guy dancing with Alys earlier. Why didn't I notice? Humihina na ba ang
pandama ko? No. Eclipse should have noticed too. Or Yul. Why didn't we notice?

"Who are you?" sigaw ko sa kanya.

"I thought she's the one but I'm Jin," naiiling na sabi niya habang naglalakad
papalapit sa 'kin.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. "Ano'ng ginawa mo kay Alys?" sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Nothing. Ligtas siya. Pero siya sana ang mawawala kung hindi mo siya nilapitan,"
sagot niya. "I thought the target was her. Your scent is mixed with hers. My senses
are a bit dull due to the drugs."

Lihim akong nakahinga nang maluwag dahil walang nangyari kay Alys. Maybe the drugs
affected Eclipse's senses too. Pero nasaan siya ngayon? Wala naman sigurong
masamang nangyari sa kanya? Ipinilig ko ang ulo para hindi mag-isip ang utak ko ng
kung anu-ano.
"Mas mabuti pa, sumama ka na lang sa 'kin para hindi ka na mahirapan pa,"
nakangising sabi niya. Matipuno ang pangangatawan niya. His face is a bit mature
but I bet he was also in his early twenties. Nagmamadaling hinubad ko ang sneakers
ko. I don't think I can transform with my sneakers on. Hinawakan ko ito sa dalawang
kamay. Since we are outside, I can just kill them.

Bago pa siya makalapit, bigla na lang akong tumakbo sa mas malalim na bahagi ng
kagubatan. Because they are in their partial shifts mas mabilis nila akong
naabutan. Binato ko sila ng sapatos ko pero agad nila itong nailagan.

"Pinapahirapan mo lang ang sarili mo!" sigaw ni Jin. Dinamba ako ng isang kasama
niya kaya nasubsob ako sa lupa.

"Hi!" matinis ang boses ng nagsalita. She was a girl. Dinadaganan niya ako pero
hindi siya ganun kabigat. Her claws are grazing my neck with a warning. Ibinaba
niya ang ulo niya sa tapat ng ulo ko at ngumiti sa 'kin. It's the girl who gave me
the stoned brownies. Her red hair touched the ground.

Unti-unting bumaon ang kuko niya sa leeg ko. Napangiwi ako at mahinang napadaing. I
could feel the sticky liquid coming from my wounds. My blood flows like water.

Mas lalong napangisi ang babae sa 'kin. "Ah! Your blood is better than any drugs!"
Hindi namin pinapansin ang mga nyebe na pumapatak sa 'min.

Ngumisi ako sa kanya. "Yeah. My blood is better than any drugs. And my claws are
better than yours." I immediately do my partial shift. I clawed her chest and
pushed her away. She was caught off guard. Saka lang niya naramdaman ang sugat na
idinulot ko sa kanya. She growled at me. Napanganga siya nang mapagmasdan ang
itsura ko. I scrambled to my feet. Natigilan ang tatlong strays dahil sa ginawa ko.

My claws are drifting with blood.

"Why? Do you really think I'm a normal human?" nakangising tanong ko sa kanila. My
gold eyes are glowing.

The red hair girl gritted her teeth. "Did you unlink your spirit cat before?" she
asked.

"I did," sagot ko sa kanya.

"Paano ka nanatiling buhay?" naguguluhang tanong ni Jin. Mariin niyang ikinuyom ang
kamao. He can't understand everything.

"There are secrets that I can't share," sagot ko.

Umiling ang isang lalaki. I know him. Siya ang lalaking naghahalo ng droga sa mga
inumin. "Either way, you're still marked. You didn't restore your link yet. It's
still temporary," sabi niya. He's smart. "Are you an alpha female?" kunot-noong
tanong pa niya.
"What of it?" kunot-noong tanong ko. How can he tell?

Ngumisi siya. "Even if you restore the link, you will still be hunted if you're an
alpha female. The council will hunt you. They will search the world just to kill
you."

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ko. Hindi ko maintindihan ang ibig niyang sabihin.

"It seems she doesn't know anything. She left her pack and unlinked her spirit cat,
after all," naiiling na sabi ng babae. "Just die in our hands. We can use your
power for our cause."

Tumayo na ang babae at kumikinang ang mga mata. She proceeds in her full shift. She
was an orange jaguar with distinct black spots in her body.

"Alpha females can no longer lead any werecat packs. They were removed from the
council. They were annihilated years ago," sabi ni Jin.

And my mother is one of them.

My heart started to race. My body sweats. Tiyak na alam ito ni Kuya Lexus pero
inilihim niya sa 'kin. Bakit pa niya ako pinababalik sa pack namin? Para lang ba
mamatay? Ano ba ang binabalak niya?

Maybe everything is worthless after all. Even if I fight back, I will still die. I
can't free Nightfall.

Slowly they moved towards me. My whole body is numb due to the truth they revealed
to me. I couldn't move my limbs. The Snow Moon shines above me. It's like a
warning, a signal light of my death.

***

Nightfall 12: Snowfall [Nightfall]

"Fight your own battles..."

EURUS

My heart slams against my chest. The eerie silence of the night's first snowfall is
loud in my ears. I'm not sure why I'm seeing everything in slow motion. My mind
won't process it in fast pace.

Saka pa lang ako natauhan nang makita ko ang kamao ni Jin na akmang tatama na sa
mukha ko. I know to struggle is not good but giving up is not an option now. I
won't give them the satisfaction to beat me to death and to tear my every limbs
while I'm eaten with fear and terror.
I won't give up without a fight. I won't fall without striking a punch or two. Or
without ruining one of their faces.

Naigalaw ko ang katawan ko sa kabila ng paninigas nito. I swiftly duck my head to

avoid the punch. I moved away and regained my fighting posture. Isang malakas na
sipa ang pinatama ko sa tagiliran ni Jin. Bahagya siyang napaurong pero nagawa
niyang hawakan ang paa ko. He tried to flip me over, tried to slam my body against
the ground but I twirl my body along with his movements. I tried to kick is face
using my other leg but he managed to avoid it. Binitawan na niya ang paa ko kaya
magaang bumagsak ang dalawang paa ko sa lupa habang nakaluhod ang isang tuhod.

"Roe get her!" inis na sabi ni Jin sa babae. The orange jaguar snarled at me. Agad
akong tumayo. "Shawn put her to sleep!" He barked orders while carefully walking
towards me. Dahan-dahan akong umurong. Naglakad si Roe paikot, patungo sa likod ko.
They plan to corner me.

Ah! I hate this cowardly fight. Dealing with three werecats are just too much for
my untrained body.

May hawak na puting panyo si Shawn. His gray eyes narrowed. Napansin ko ang
malaking peklat sa braso niya. That made him look even dangerous.

Humaba ang mga kuko ni Jin. Both Shawn and Jin already finished their partial
shifts. Maging ako ay ganu'n din. They fangs were glinting against the falling
snow. Napansin ko na unti-unting bumibigat ang bawat patak ng yelo.
Jin run and clawed my face in a swift move. I dodged it using my claws. His hands
were attacking me alternately, sometimes, simultaneously. We don't care about the
blood. Shawn joined the fight. I kicked him on the side but he managed to tackle
me. Tumama ang likod ko sa lupa na unti-unting nababasa ng yelo. Agad ko siyang
sinipa sa tiyan bago tumalon patayo.

Malakas akong napasigaw nang bumaon ang pangil ni Roe sa kanang binti ko.
Pinagpapawisan na ako nang malamig. I clawed her face. Malakas na napaungol si Roe
dahil sa dumudugong markang iniwan ko sa mukha niya. Lumuwag ang pagkagat niya sa
binti ko. I kicked her on her side. My pulse is throbbing due to headache and loss
of blood. Malakas na umalulong si Roe dahil sa galit.

They bared their fangs at me. Akmang sabay-sabay silang susugod pero naagapan ko
agad ito. I did some backhand flips and I landed softly like a light feather on
Roe's back. Malakas siyang umungol. She's thrashing her body in annoyance.
Tumingala ako sa mga puno. I jumped as high as I could and managed to grab a
branch. I swayed my feet and twirled and landed softly on the branch.

Inilibot ko ang paningin upang maghanap ng lugar na maaaring takbuhan at pagtaguan.

Kailangan ko silang matakasan. From a distance, kilometers away, napansin ko ang
mga anyo ng tao at mga werecats na nagrarambulan. Nakilala ko ang dalawa sa kanila.
Eclipse and Yul are fighting a group of werecats. Nanliit ang mga mata ko. Fifteen?
Twenty? It seems they were ambushed. They couldn't come to my aid. The werecats are
holding them at bay.

I decided to head on the other direction when Jin jumped on the branch. I ran and
jumped on the branches. Habol ko na ang hininga. Sa ibaba, natanaw ko sina Roe at
Shawn na mabilis na tumatakbo at humahabol din sa 'kin. Nang lumingon ako, hindi ko
na matanaw sina Eclipse. I bit my lower lip and tried to focus on the branches.

My blood is dripping on the branches and the ground. My right leg is wobbling and
trembling in pain but I managed to still run. My hands and body are screaming in
silent pain.
Jin tried to tackle me but I held his head and slam it against the tree trunk. I
jumped at his back, almost kicking him to escape on another branch. He was cursing
and cursing and cursing. Somehow, that made me feel better. At least, I still know
how to fight.

I continued to run. Run. Jump. Run. Jump.

Pilit kong pinapagana ang isip ko kung paano sila matatakasan. The snowfall is
already heavy and thick. Dumudulas na rin ang mga sanga. Napapagod na rin ang mga
paa ko. The whole forest was dark but my night vision is good enough. Nasa likod ko
na naman si Jin. Bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko kasabay ng mabilis kong pagtakbo.

My foot slipped on one of the branches muntik na akong mahila pababa ni Shawn nang
lumaylay ang paa ko. Bumaon ang matalim na kuko niya sa kaliwang binti ko. I
screamed in pain and winced. I managed to kick him on the face, swing and twirl.
Another kick landed on his back. He almost stumbled on his face across the ground.

Roe was waiting patienly for my fall. She growled at me. Agad akong nakatalon nang
akmang tatalon na si Jin sa sangang kinaroroonan ko.

The pain on my legs are like needles slicing through my flesh. Mariin kong kinagat
ang labi ko hanggang sa halos dumugo na ito. Shawn jumped and tried to catch my
feet. He was determined to bring me back to the ground. I was kicking and clawing
him sometimes.
Nakahabol na si Jin, bumaon ang kuko niya sa tagiliran ko kaya nawalan ako nang
balanse. Nadulas ang paa ko dahil sa basang sanga ng puno. I fell on the ground
with a thud. My rib cage vibrated in pain.

I noticed the smug grin on their faces when they cornered me. Shawn clawed my
stomach. I managed to move on the side so they claw marks are shallow. Sinipa ko si
Roe na akmang kakagat na sa balikat ko. I transformed into my full shift, an albino
werepanter.

Malakas akong umalulong dahil sa hindi matawarang sakit. I bit Shawn's leg and he
thrashed and kicked in pain. Bumaon ang mga pangil ko sa binti niya na ikinasigaw
niya. I pulled my fangs away, mercilessly, almost tearing the tissues and muscles
out of his legs, his bone is already see through.

Roe bit my side with anger. Her fangs digging on my side. Blood stained her
glinting face. I growled in anger. Shawn transformed in his full shift. I lunged
for Roe's neck. I snap it and let her lifeless body fall to my side. The horror of
killing someone send chills down my spine. Ilang segundo rin akong natigilan.

Jin was also stunned. His face distorted in anger and grief. Shawn jumped towards
me, growling, screaming revenge. When I managed to gather my shit together, I run
as fast as I could. I'm losing too much blood. I'm already out of breath. Slowly
dying, fading.

Naabutan ako ni Shawn. We are running side to side. He was trying to bite me and
dig his fangs on my side. I jumped at him. I landed and his side. I'm already
desperate. I no longer want to add pain in my weakening body. I bit his neck and
snapped it will all the strength I could muster.
Saka ko lang napansin si Jin na nasa likod ko na. He jumped at me. Gumulong kaming
dalawa sa lupa. I thrashed when he bit one of my legs that was equal to my right
shoulder blades in human form. Agad kong kinagat ang leeg niya. Nauubos na ang
hininga ko. Nauubos na ang lakas ko. With my last remaining strength, I almost
pulled off his head. With a last, loud shriek, he laid dead on top of me.

I crawled and limped away from them. Ngayon ko lang napansin ang puting yelo sa
lupa na unti-unting kumakapal. The cold coming from the ground made my aching body
somehow numb. Hinihingal ako. Hindi rin ako lubusang nakalayo. Walang lakas na
bumagsak ang katawan ko sa lupa. I growled heavily under my breath.

I'm sorry, White. I don't think I can still live in this condition.

Fine. I'll think about restoring the link when I miraculously survived. Maybe I'll
even try to save Nightfall. Gusto kong matawa sa mga iniisip ko ngayon. It's
already too late considering these things.

I transformed back to my human form. Naked and covered in blood. I don't want to
die in my werecat form. Maybe they could still give me a decent funeral.

Hindi ko na maramdaman ang tibok ng puso sa dibdib ko. Unti-unti na itong

nanghihina. Maybe cats don't really have nine lives. When the time comes to die,
you will die. No nine lives rule. No exceptions.

I slowly closed my blurry eyes. I caught a glimpse of the bright Snow Moon peering
down at me with pity. My blood stained the once pure snow. The wind blew harder.
The snow falls heavily like a wild storm. I could feel the snow covering my whole
body. Maybe I will be buried in this snow forever. Maybe not forever, maybe just
before the end of this winter.

It's already time to sleep.

Maybe I'll see my mother soon but I don't think I can face her with pride. I know I
messed up. Tears slipped in my already closed eyes.

Maybe she's wrong. I'm not an alpha after all.

I was really to embrace death. My breath is already shallow. I'm already running
out of oxygen, when I hear a faint male voice.

"Eurus!" He was shouting but his voice is too far away. Or maybe he was near
because I could feel hands continuously pumping against my chest, willing to bring
me back to life. "Shit! Wake up!" The urgency on his voice made me want to open my
eyes. And so I did. I slowly opened my eyes to see his face.

Blurry. Everything's just blurry.

But I recognized his desperate face. Yul. The last person I expected to see.
My heart sank at the sight of him. Maybe I'm expecting someone else? Or maybe I
don't want to see how desperate he looks right now. Ah, he's so different. I can't
get used to that worried face. He looks kind with that face.

Relief flooded his face when he saw me twitched. He looked at my half-open eyes.
"You're alive!" he exclaimed. I don't think so.

I'm half-alive, half-dead. I'm still ruined and busted and dying. Not something to
be happy about. Not something worthy to celebrate. Not yet.

I want to laugh at his reaction but I don't have the energy to do that. Maybe this
is what it feels to die. You suddenly see some unbelievably good things about some
people you don't even like.

I hope he'll give me a better funeral or else I'll haunt him for the rest of his
life. I'll haunt him in his dreams. In the woods. In school. Everywhere.

It's a promise.

I managed a faint, broken smile before I blacked out.

***

Nightfall 13: Queen [Nightfall]

"Fight to survive..."

EURUS

I'm lying at my back on a damn cold floor. My eyes adjusted on the darkness of the
room. No. This isn't a room but infinite darkness. Pinilit kong tumayo. My body is
light and any trace of wounds are nowhere to be found. And I'm barefooted, wearing
an impossibly white dress.

Maybe this is already the afterlife. Maybe I'm already a soul. No one's going to
survive with those wounds. Maybe I'm gone for good.

Nasilaw ako sa liwanag na biglang bumalot sa buong paligid. Bahagya kong tinakpan
ang aking mga mata at pilit inaninag ang taong naglalakad patungo sa 'kin.

Her every move is graceful and elegant and so natural. Her black hair is
overflowing in her shoulders and her complexion is radiant as I remembered in my
own memory. She stares back at me with that kind and understanding smile. Somehow,
I feel like I'm staring back to myself. She's almost the split image of me. Mother.

If I'm seeing my mother right now, therefore I'm already dead.

Tears form in my eye. But I don't think we can cry in the afterlife. Or yes?

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili. Tumakbo ako patungo sa kanya na parang bata. I
miss her. I miss my mother. Niyakap niya ako pabalik, mahigpit at inalo ako na.

"Shhh... Don't cry," malambing na wika niya. Mas lalo akong napaiyak. I can't
believe I'm seeing her right now.

"I'm sorry," sinisinok na sabi ko. My eyes are bleak with tears. Nakasubsob lang
ang mukha ko sa dibdib niya. She pats my back like I'm still a child. Maybe I never
really grow for my mother. I'm still her baby. "I'm sorry," ulit ko. "Hindi ako
nabuhay katulad ng gusto ninyo. I don't think I'm born to be an alpha like you
said. I didn't have the chance to save Nightfall. I don't think I can," I said
regretfully.

"Hmmmm..." she hummed. "I don't think I'm wrong about you."

Bahagyang kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Marahan niyang hinawakan ang mga
balikat ko at dahan-dahan niya akong ihinarap sa kanya. "I'm here to send you back.
You can't stay here," she said with a sad smile. "They need you. Nightfall needs
you."

Naguguluhang tiningnan ko siya habang nakaawang ang mga labi. "You're sending me
back?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko. Possible ba ang sinasabi niya? But I don't
think I still want to come back.
"Your life doesn't end here. You are born to be great. You will follow the path of
greatness," nakangiting paliwanag niya.

Unti-unting sumeryoso ang malambot na ekspresiyon ng mukha niya. "Alam kong

nagdadalawang-isip ka. Alam kong nagdududa ka pero kailangan mong harapin ang
nakatadhana para sa 'yo. No matter how hard or fast you run, you will be dragged
back. Fate is dragging for the in-denials. Face it and you'll be free," she said.

Marahan akong umiling. "I can't."

"Mas mahirap ang daang tatahakin mo kung magiging matigas ang ulo mo pero sa huli,
babalik ka rin sa kung ano man ang nakatadhana sa 'yo," sabi niya kasabay ng
mabigat na buntong-hininga. She lightly kissed my forehead.

"Fine. I won't force this to you but don't expect fate to do the same. Kailangan mo
ng bumalik. Hindi ka maaaring magtagal dito," she said.

"Pero--"

"No buts," she said with authority. "It's time to fight your own battles. Fight to
survive. Fight to live. I want to see you brave, Eurus. If it's already time to
come back here, face me without regrets."
"You are born from marigolds and light."

Bago pa ako makapagsalita, bigla na lang siyang nabalot ng liwanag samantalang ako
ay nabalot ng kadiliman.

~~~

Mabigat ang katawan ko. Pinilit kong igalaw ang mga daliri ko. I feel like I was
pinned in the bed with heavy shackles. My body is numb with pain. My throat is dry
I couldn't even speak. My eyes won't open. Deep inside, I was so frustrated.

Gusto kong magwala para makawala sa kadilimang ito. The darkness is suffocating.
It's torture. Pinilit kong gumalaw pero natigilan ako nang maramdaman ko ang mainit
na kamay na marahang pumisil sa kamay ko. I calmed down a bit.

Kumunot ang noo ko habang pilit na iminumulat ang mga mata ko. Unti-unti akong
nakakita ng liwanag. The room is dim. Hindi ko maigalaw ang leeg ko kaya hindi ko
tuluyang mapag-aralan ang lugar kung nasaan ako. I heard a gasp of relief.

"You're awake! Can you hear me?" he asked. He blocked my view with his worried
face. If my body doesn't ache, I would surely give him a punch on the face. He's
scary cheerful and worried and lost. Hindi ako nakapagsalita dahil na nanunuyo kong
lalamunan. Pakiramdam ko, ilang linggo akong natulog at hindi ko na mahanap ang
boses ko.
Siya lang ang tao sa loob ng silid. Agad niyang kinuha ang stethoscope at ipinatong
sa dibdib ko. He listened to my weak heart. Is he studying medicine or what? He
nodded a bit and his face turned serious.

"Water?" he asked. His hazel eyes looked at me expectantly. Gusto kong sumimangot
pero kahit ang ekspresiyon ng mukha ko ay hindi ko na mahagilap. I nodded
passively.

Agad niya akong iniwan. Napansin ko ang dextrose na nakasabit sa gilid ng kama ko.
May karayom na nakatusok sa ugat ko. Did he took care of me? Where's Eclipse? Ilang
araw na akong natutulog? Marami akong gustong itanong kay Yul pero hindi pa rin ako
makapagsalita. Bugbog at pagod ang katawan ko. Pinilit kong magsalita pero ungol
lang ang lumabas sa bibig ko kahit ilang ulit kong subukan.

May dala siyang isang basong tubig pagbalik niya. Inalalayan niya ako paupo. Halos
yakapin na niya ako para lang makaupo at maisandal ko ang likod ko nang maayos. I
winced in the needle-liked pain. I wear a white hospital gown but I don't think I'm
in the hospital.

He helped me drink. Mariin akong napapikit dahil sa wakas, nawala na ang panunuyo
ng lalamunan ko. My chapped lips are no longer dry. Matapos uminom, pinilit kong
hanapin ang boses ko pero isang ungol lang din ang nakawala sa bibig ko.

Yul chuckled with amusement. "You've been sleeping for almost three weeks," he
explained. "I thought you won't make it."
Gusto ko siyang tingnan ng masama dahil sa sinabi niya pero nanatiling blanko ang
mukha ko. Almost three weeks? Holy cat! I tried to speak once again. I need to
speak. What about my parents? Fuck!

"Y-Yul," mahinang sabi ko. It was a low, hoarse and tired growl. Natigilan siya
dahil sa pagtawag ko sa pangalan.

"You need something else?" kunot-noong tanong niya. He stared at me with confusion.

"Y-yul..." muling tawag ko sa paos na tinig.

Sumimangot siya. Maybe to hide his shyness or something. "Don't call my name
repeatedly." Gusto kong matawa sa nakakatuwang reaksiyon niya. Hindi niya alam kung
ngingiti ba siya o sisimangot.

"Y-yuuul..." I was practicing. Ang pangalan lang niya ang madaling bigkasin sa oras
na ito. Kung may pagpipilian ako, hindi ko siya tatawagin sa pangalan. I would call
him 'prick' instead.

"Magluluto ako ng mainit na sabaw. To ease your hoarse throat," he said without
smiling. Agad siyang lumabas sa silid. Nagmamadali kaya nagtaka ako.
Ipinagpatuloy ko na lang ang paghanap sa tinig ko. "Aaaa... eeee... iiii... oooo...
uuuuuuu..." mahinang sabi ko pa. Mukha tuloy akong bata na nag-aaral pa lang
magsalita. Minsan napapangiwi ako dahil sa pagsakit ng tagiliran ko.

"Aaaaaaaa...."

"ooooo...."

And thinking that I'm alone now with Yul, fuck! Did he see everything? Probably! I
wish I did die! My face heats up. I can't face this shame! I played with words when
I slowly regained my voice.

"Gaaaaaa......"

"Gooooooo...."

"Siiiiiiii...."

"Yuuuuuuullllll...."
That made me feel a little better.

Natigilan ako nang biglang bumukas ang pinto. Akala ko masisira na ang pinto dahil
sa lakas.

"May sinasabi ka?" seryosong tanong ni Yul sa 'kin. Gusto kong mapangiti dahil
hindi maipinta ang mukha niya. I acted normal. Ayaw kong isipin ang kahihiyang
kinahaharap ko ngayon. Inulit ko ang pagpasasalita ko. But I mean it. A bit.

"Gaaaaaa...."

"Goooooooo..."

"Ituloy mo," nakasimangot na sabi niya. May hawak siyang tray sa isang kamay.
Ibinaba niya ito sa isang maliit na mesa.

"Kaaaa....."

Mahina niyang pinitik ang sugat ko sa tagiliran kaya napasigaw ako. "Ahhhhhh!" He
stared at me with amusement. He's a sadist.
Umupo siya sa gilid ng kama ko. Kinuha niya ang mainit na sabaw na niluto niya.
"Don't talk back," he said.

Sumimangot ako. I'm glad my facial expression is no longer stiff. Hinipan niya ang
sabaw sa kutsarang hawak niya bago inilapit sa labi ko. Nanatiling nakatikom ang
labi ko kahit halos nakadikit na ang kutsara rito. Ibubuka ko sana ang labi ko para
magsalita pero agad na niyang naisubo ang kutsara sa bunganga ko. I don't know if
he's doing that on purpose. Muntik na akong masamid.

This man is still the same. He's forcing everything to me. Mukhang walang sweet
bone sa katawan ang lalaking ito. Iginalaw ko ang kamay para kunin ang bowl sa
kanya pero inilayo niya ito mula sa 'kin.

"I'll do it," paos na sabi ko. Pinag-aralan niya ang mukha ko at tahimik ko ring
pinag-aralan ang mukha niya. Up close, there's no denying that he's really
handsome. Sometimes, his hazel eyes, turned green or orange, depending on the
light. Medyo makapal din ang kilay niya pero bumabagay ito sa mga mata niya. His
auburn short hair suits his masculine features too. His strong, chiseled jaws
compliment the Adam's apple. It seems his Adam's apple are moving tensely. I can't
help but stare on his neck. I noticed the small tattoo. I can't make out the design
because of the dim light.

"Lights, please," mahinang sabi ko. "I'll eat."

Namamalat ang tinig ko pero maayos na akong nakakapagsalita. Kinuha ko sa kanya ang
bowl kaya wala na siyang nagawa. He put the spoon on my hands. I can't let him feed
me like we're in good terms. I just remembered that his pack was the reason why
Nightfall fell.
He turned on the lights but he didn't move any closer again. Nakasandal lang siya
sa dingding habang pinagmamasdan ang tahimik kong pagkain. His hands are resting on
his pockets. I want to see the tattoo but I don't think I'll have another chance.
His gaze was a little awkward but I forced myself to eat. My stomach was kind of
celebrating because this was the first food that ever fill it.

The soup taste good. O baka wala lang talagang hindi masarap na pagkain sa taong
gutom?

Nang matapos akong kumain, kinuha na niya sa 'kin ang bowl at ipinatong sa isang
tabi. I have so many questions and so did he. I'm afraid to ask because he'll
surely ask in return.

I already blew my cover.

Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya. He was sitting on the stool while his arms are
crossed. Nagdadalawang-isip na magtanong. He didn't seem to recognize me even if I
looked like my mother. Maybe he wasn't there when his pack killed my parents. Did
his father kill my parents?

"I believe you have questions," he started. So did you.

I think but my mind is still a bit disoriented. Ano ba ang mga dapat kong itanong?
A lot. Fuck! "Did you see everything?" tanong ko sa kanya. Ito lang ang lumabas sa
bibig. The truth still give me creeps. Halos panlakihan ko siya ng mga mata nang
mahina siyang tumawa. His laugh sounded amused not insulting at all.

"Yes. But it's just... natural... for our kind?" he said with an amused grin. I
blushed. Marahan kong ipinilig ang ulo. Change topic.

"You're studying medicine?" tanong ko na lang.

Tumango siya. "And Eclipse too."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Both football players?"

"Yeah," he answered. His eyes are dancing with amusement. Siguro nagtataka siya
kung bakit ito ang mga naiisip kong itanong sa oras na ito. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko
rin maintindihan ang tumatakbo sa utak ko.

"Friendship goals?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko sa kanya.

Sumeryoso siya. "Maybe, Alpha goals?"

So they're not friends? Hmmmm...

"Alam ba ni Eclipse na nandito ako?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya.

"Hindi ko sinabi. Pero kung siya ang nakakita sa 'yo, tiyak na gagawin niya ang
lahat para mabuhay ka. I can't bring you in a hospital. That will raise suspicions
and questions with the claw marks and all."

Mas lalong nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko. "Bakit hindi mo sinabi kay Eclipse? Alpha
goals pa rin?"

Yul shrugged his shoulder. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong magalit sa kanya. "You
always favour him. You won't look at me." Jealous? "But he's thrashing the whole
forest to find you. Siguro iniisip niya na isang stray ang nakakuha sa 'yo. But I
still doubt it, he's smart. Siguro alam na niya na nasa 'kin ka. He just can't
cross the borders to get you."

"Borders?"

"Our territory. You're inside our territory, Eurus," he explained. "I just can't
bring you in the mansion, that's why you're here. My father might suspect you."
Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Nightfall's territory or Sanguis'? Which one? I can't
mention Nightfall. And suspect me about what? About being an alpha female?

"Eclipse will surely thrash and ruin your face. I'm looking forward to that," I
said with a light shrug. Tiyak na galit na galit si Eclipse kay Yul ngayon. Hindi
niya palalampasin ito kung makakita siya ng pagkakataon.

"Me too," he agreed with a grin. Napailing ako.

"I need to go home. My parents are waiting for me. Siguradong nag-aalala na sila,"
sabi ko na lang.

"Not yet. You're wounds are still fresh," he said. Kinuha niya ang cellphone sa
bulsa at ibinigay sa 'kin. "Call them," utos niya. Tiningnan ko siya nang masama.

"I'll take you home. I promise," he persuaded. His gaze is kind. Lumambot ang
ekspresiyon ng mukha ko. Sa totoo lang, natatakot akong umuwi at natatakot din ako
sa sasabihin nila pero kailangan ko. Kinuha ko ang cellphone at tinawagan si Mama.

"Hello?" agad na sagot ni Mama sa kabilang linya. Her voice is trembling as if she
was really expecting for a call. She was expecting for me to call. My heart ached.
I made them worry.
"Hello, Ma. Si Eurus to," paos na sabi ko.

"Nasaan ka? Ano'ng nangyari sa 'yo? Pupuntahan ka namin. Kasama mo ba si White?"

sunud-sunod na tanong niya. There is fear and urgency in her voice. Pakiramdam ko,
umiiyak din siya. Another voice came on the line.

"Where have you been this past weeks?" matigas na tanong ni Papa. Nakagat ko ang
labi ko. "Bakit hindi ka tumawag? Hindi mo ba naisip na mag-aalala kami sa 'yo? We
can't even sleep, Eurus!"

"Sorry po. There's just an emergency and I lost my phone," tanging nasabi ko na
lang. If I told them I met an accident, they will surely insist to go here. I'm not
even in the hospital. I can't think of any alibis. "Uuwi po ako next week."

Natahimik ang kabilang linya. Alam kong hindi ito ang gusto nilang marinig. I heard
the beep of the cut off line. They're angry. Mabigat akong bumuntong-hininga.
Tahimik lang akong pinagmamasdan ni Yul nang ibigay ko sa kanya ang cellphone niya.

"Thanks," nanghihinang sabi ko.

"You need to shift in your cat form," he said.

"That will open the wound," nakasimangot na sabi ko.

"But it will heal faster. The medicine is useless because of your fast metabolism.
It's almost three weeks but your wound is still fresh. It will take three months to
heal in human form," he said.

I checked the wounds on my arms and shoulder blades, it's already healing though.
Kumunot ang noo ko. There's something off.

"Did you do something in my wounds?"

He answered with a shrug. "I lick your wounds to heal faster. I won't infect you
since you're one of us. You're a werecat, Eurus." I hissed.

"But if you want that, I can lick your wounds until you're all healed," he said
with a meaningful grin. I just noticed the cute dimple on his left cheek. Saka lang
ito lumalabas kapag medyo ngumingiti siya. Hindi katulad ng kay Eclipse, malalim at
kahit galit siya, mapapansin pa rin ang dimples niya. Tiningnan ko siya nang
masama. Kahit cute ang dimple niya, hindi ko hahayaang gawin niya 'yon.

"How long will it take in cat form?" inis na tanong ko.

"Three to four days," he answered.

"Fine. I'll shift now," sabi ko.

"I'll remove the stitches," he said. Hindi ko na siya pinigilan nang itaas niya ang
damit sa tagiliran ko. Tama siya. The wound is still fresh. Without the stitches
and bandages it would bleed. He removed the stitches with care but I'm still
wincing in pain. Inalis din niya ang karayom na nakatusok sa ugat ko. He removed
all the bandages with a blank face while I'm blushing like hell.

When he's done, I said. "Get out." Seryoso ang tinig ko.

"Not even bothering to say 'thanks'?" he grinned.

Sumimangot ako. "Tha--"

He cut me off. "Never mind if you don't mean it." He even waved his hand as if he's
dismissing me. Lumabas na siya ng silid. Nagtataka ako kung bakit hindi man lang
siya nagtanong ng kahit ano tungkol sa 'kin.

I started to strip off. Sumasakit ang katawan ko pero pinilit kong magpalit-anyo.
Mahina akong napadaing nang magsimula akong magpalit-anyo. Bones crunching.
Cracking. Bumigat ang paghinga ko at dumugo ang mga sugat ko. Nakagat ko nang
mariin ang labi habang unti-unting lumalabas ang mga kuko ko at balahibo. Slowly, I
changed into a panther. I lay down on the floor, heavily panting. My side is aching
but I'm a bit comfortable. Wounds covered my legs and side.
Makalipas ang tatlumpong minuto, pumasok na si Yul.

"I'm right. It's you," he said. He moved closer. Hinaplos niya ang ulo ko at
makapal kong balahibo. He looks satisfied. Siguro, sinusubukan lang niya ako para
makumpirma ang hinala niya. I growled under my breath. I feel tricked.

He rubbed my chin and I closed my eyes voluntarily. He knows what a cat wants. He
lulled me to sleep. Naramdaman ko ang pagtigil niya sa ginagawa. His hands left me.
I didn't move or let out a single protest. But I'm kind of disappointed. Ilang
minuto ang nakalipas, pinili kong imulat ang mga mata. I saw the snow leopard
walking back and forth while looking at me.

He shifted!

His eyes are hesitant. He's in distress. Hindi niya alam kung lalapit siya sa 'kin
o hindi.

I'm entertained. Male cats can't force themselves to female cats unless they got
permissions.

We rule.

We're the queen of this game.

Unless the rules already changed.

Maybe the rules of the game had really changed a long time ago.

When they killed all the alpha females.

****

Nightfall 14: Woo [Nightfall]

"Fight to live..."

EURUS

Yul darts his gaze between my wounds and me. His hesitant eyes were pleading. He
wants to lick my wound but I hissed at him and told him to go away. I don't fully
trust him even if he saved my life. Trust isn't something I can give for the son of
my parent's murderers. The murderer's blood is still running in his veins.

Yul's ear flattened on his head and his eyes looked disappointed and quite sad.
Para siyang napagalitang pusa. I don't know what game he's playing. He should have
killed me right away. Alam kong naghihinala siya sa totoong pagkatao ko. I might
become an alpha female, only if I want to.

He walked and encircled me, calculating, still waiting for me to allow him,
growling a little that ends up as a plea. Kung hindi ko siya kilala baka maling
ideya ang pumasok sa isip ko. Tomcats only do this when they are wooing tabbies,
when they want to mate, when they are courting them. His movements made me a little
dizzy. I couldn't follow his movements but I'm still cautious.

My ears are all high with alertness.

"I want you to heal faster," he said.

"No," matigas na sagot ko. I licked the wounds on my forelegs instead of letting
him but he still waited. He still called for me and it's annoying. He looks like he
was courting someone to come to him. Ugh. Annoying. I want to bite him and hurt
him. My animal instincts are overtaking.

He lays far away from me but still looking at me with pleading eyes. His head was
resting on his paws. I find that position cute.

Unfortunately, I can't lick the wounds on my side without hurting myself or feeling
the pain. But I still tried to reach out for it, I end up panting and tired when I
laid my head on the floor, finding rest.
I looked at Yul. His ears suddenly pointed up with alertness. His eyes are eager,
expecting me to call for him. I frowned. This man didn't know when to quit. I
hissed at him letting out an annoyed growled. He lets out a disappointed moan. His
ears flattened against his head and he rested his head on his paws. He waited and
waited and waited, still staring at me with pleading eyes.

We had an staring competition for hours and I groaned. I gave up. He's using his
sad aqua eyes at me. For some reasons, it's annoying.

"Fine!" inis na sabi ko. His face brightens and his back straightens. He jumped on
his feet and his ears are already high. I thought his sadness is already annoying
but I never thought his happiness will also tick me off. "Just the wounds," I
warned him. Hindi niya pinansin ang sinabi ko. He head straight on the wound on my
side and my forelegs and hind legs. He licked all my wounds and I did my best not
to shiver or moan or anything. I stay put with a blank face.

But deep inside my heart is racing, blood pumping.

My wounds are tetchy.

He did that for an hour before he laid beside me. He tried to nip my neck but I
growled at him, he backed away with amusement. I could hear his low laugh and he
even stick out his tongue. Yeah. Cuteness overload. But I don't remember I agreed
to be this intimate. I didn't want to be marked. We're not even mates.

"Did you cry when they hurt you?" mahinang tanong ni Yul.
Nagtaka ako sa tanong niya pero umiling ako. "I didn't." Hindi ko nagawang umiyak
ng mga oras na 'yon. Wow! I'm abnormal.

"Do you even need a man? To protect you?" he asked.

I can perfectly protect myself. I didn't answer.

He rested his head on his paws. "Hindi ka ba nagugutom?" tanong niya sa 'kin. I
actually am.

"Bring me foods," sabi ko sa kanya.

"The queen sure is bossy," he said with a light shrug. Tiningnan ko siya nang
masama. There's no queen. The queens are long gone. Before the alpha females are
treated like a queen but that's a long time ago, long gone and forgotten. Hindi ko
alam kung bakit nagkukunwari siyang hindi niya alam.

Tabbies are really bossy because they think they could get all the love. Before
they were showered by affection.

"Human food? Are you going shift back?" he asked.

Nanliit ang mga mata ko sa kanya. "If I eat in human form and shift back to my cat
form, it will not sate my hunger. I'll eat in cat form. Give me something fresh,"
naiinis na sabi ko sa kanya.

"I'll hunt. Wait for me here," he said. Agad siyang tumayo. He stood before the
door and looked back. "Don't try to run. You're inside our territory."

"Thanks for the idea," I said with a knowing grin.

He growled under his breath and now hesitant to leave. His eyes are now serious.

Napailing ako. "I won't. I still can't run," sabi ko sa kanya. "Madali mo pa akong
mahahanap lalo na't nandito ako sa loob ng teritoryo ninyo. And I need to eat and
heal. I'm doing this for myself."

Nakahinga siya nang maluwag. Tumango siya at tuluyan ng umalis. Mahina akong
bumuntong-hininga. Naiisip ko talagang umalis sa lugar na ito at iwan si Yul pero
hindi pa talaga kaya ng katawan ko. Yul was unexpectedly kind. It's alarming.

~~~
Two days passed before I decided to shift back to human form. My wounds dried up.
Nagkakaroon na ng langib ang sugat ko. I wish this won't scar but I doubt it. I
took a hot shower. Damn! How I missed to bathe.

I wrap my naked body with a towel. Nang lumabas ako, naghihintay na si Yul sa loob
ng silid at nakaupo sa kama ko. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. His hazel eyes were
dancing with amusement. They twinkle like stars. His auburn hair was quite a mess.

"I brought some clothes. I think that will fit," turo niya sa damit na nakapatong
sa kama at nakatupi nang maayos. His hair is a mess because he brought me some
clothes. Inungusan ko siya at sinenyasan na lumabas na.

"Still no thanks?" he smirked. Pero tumayo na siya at dumiretso sa pinto.

Thank you is not enough. I actually owe him big time. If the time comes that he
needs my help, I will pay him well. Narinig ko na lang ang mahinang paglapat ng
pinto. He's gone and didn't wait for an answer.

Nagbihis na ako. Looks like he borrowed these clothes from someone else. I combed
my hair using my hands and stared at my reflection. Wala man lang siyang suklay.
Halos mag-iisang buwan na akong hindi nagsusuklay kaya sobrang ganit ng sabit. But
I'm glad he brought a toothbrush. Agad akong nagsipilyo.

Bumalik si Yul na may bitbit na pagkain.

"You heal faster than I expected," komento ni Yul habang pinagmamasdan ako. Shall I
remind him that he's been licking my wounds like forever? I sat on the bed.
Nakataas ang isang paa, samantalang ang isa ay nakalapat pa rin sa sahig.
"Sumasakit pa ba ang sugat mo?"

Umiling ako. My wounds ache a bit but it's already bearable. Hindi pa niya ako
tinatanong kung saan ako nagmula pero ngayon kinakabahan na ako.

"How old are you?" tanong ko sa kanya.

Kumunot-noo siya dahil hindi niya inaasahan ang bigla kong pagtatanong. "Twenty-
three," he answered.

"And Eclipse?"

Sumimangot siya. "Wala bang araw na hindi mo siya itatanong sa 'kin? Same. You?"

I shrugged on his side comment. "Twenty-one."

Wala na akong maisip itanong o sabihin. Pareho kaming natahimik. "Kumain ka na,"
sabi na lang niya. Tahimik ko siyang sinunod. I'm glad he's also eating. Hindi ko
matatagalan kung panonoorin lang niya ako.

Nang matapos, narinig ko na ang mga salitang ikinakatakot ko. "You unlinked with
your spirit cat." Seryoso niya akong pinagmamasdan at pinag-aaralan. He must be
really curious how I survived from that.

"She's White," sabi ko. I unlinked my connection with White and she suddenly
appears with a yawn. White looked at Yul. He had a terrified look on his face that
made me chuckle.

"You're going to die," hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Yul. His eyes are wide with
horror.

"Not now," White answered instead. She moved and rub her body against Yul's legs.
Ah! That's humiliating for me.

"I think she likes me." Yul was beaming. Sucks!

I scolded White inside my head. "She likes everyone."

"You know I don't," nakasimangot na sagot ni White. She jumps in the bed and move
too close to me. I ended up hugging her big body. What a baby! She wags her tail
while licking my face. She missed me so bad. I let out a low laugh.
When I looked at Yul, I'm sure I saw a glimpse of envy in his eyes. Pero bigla rin
siyang sumeryoso. "I think you're dying Eurus."

Kumunot ang noo ko. Natigil si White sa ginagawa. "She is. But she's stubborn as
hell," segunda ni White.

"When did you cut the link?" tanong niya.

"Nine years ago," I answered. Nakagat niya ang labi niya.

"When's your birthday?" tanong pa ni Yul. Magkasalubong na ang mga kilay niya.

"October 6," I answered. Namutla ang mukha niya.

Humugot nang malalim na hininga si Yul. "Your life is slowly fading away. Not
because of the cats who are after your life. You have a time limit now. Nine
months. July 6, next year, you'll die. Even if you managed to survive from those
cats, you can't still run away from death. You need to restore your link as soon as
possible," giit niya.
Ipinapaalala na naman niya ang bagay na kinatatakutan ko.

White disappeared. She's back inside me. "Why do you want me to restore the link?"
seryosong tanong ko kay Yul. "Bakit mo ako tinutulungan? There's a possibility that
you will kill me in the end," mabigat na sabi ko sa kanya.

His eyes became distant. "You're not an alpha female," he said. I could sense the
denial in his voice.

"I might be an alpha," mariing sabi ko sa kanya. "There's a possibility."

"You won't," giit niya. "You can't. You hide. Stay away."

"Bullshit!" naiinis na pagmumura ko. "I've been doing that all my life but it
sounds absurd after hearing that from you. You know what I am. You know what I'm
made of!" I could feel the rage piling up in my system.

"If you know what you're made of, why did you cut the link?" Nanunukat ang tingin
ni Yul sa 'kin. Hindi siya ngumingiti. His gaze was eating me alive. "You're in
denial. You're afraid of responsibilities. You won't accept who you are. That's far
from being an alpha. You're still too far from being an alpha, Eurus. Do you even
have a pack? None? Then stay away from this mess."
Mariin kong nakagat ang labi ko. This man did hurt my ego, my pride. I looked away.
My eyes became distant. I no longer have a pack. Maybe Yul is not different from
his father. I just noticed the windows covered by thick snow. It's already winter.
I hope the cold can make my hurt feelings numb.

"I'm sorry..." mahinang sabi ni Yul nang hindi ako magsalita. "This is for you.
Ayokong malagay sa panganib ang buhay mo."

</p>
<p data-p-id="a41201c1ab7b47ae685d501704777960">

I still didn't speak up.

"Where are you, nine years ago? In which pack do you belong?" he suddenly asked.

A taboo question but I choose to lie.

"I'm an orphan," mahinang sagot ko. "I don't belong to any packs. Just leave me
alone for now. I don't want to see you. Uuwi na ako bukas. Don't bring any foods
tonight," I said with a cold voice. It's colder than the snow outside.

"I'm sorry," mahinang ulit niya pero hindi na siya nagsalita pa. He followed my
orders. Lumabas siya sa silid. Naiinis na sinapo ko ang mukha ko at humiga. I want
to cry but I don't want to do it here.
I need air to breathe. Binuksan ko ang bintana sa tabi ng kama ko. The cold breeze
made me shiver. Nalaglag ang mga yelo na kaninang nakatambak sa harap ng bintana.
Inilabas ko ang ulo upang silipin kung nasaan ako. I'm in the middle of the forest.
This place is unknown to me. Hindi ko alam kung dating teritoryo ba 'to ng
Nightfall o talagang Sanguis ang nagmamay-ari nito. Pero napanganga ako nang
napansin na isang tree house pala ang kinaroroonan ko.

Sa baba, may hagdang pumapaikot sa katawan ng puno paakyat dito. The tree trunks
are twisted and the branches ended up holding the house like a dome and arches. I
noticed that this tree house consist of more than one tree. Wisteria grows in it
too! The Wisteria vines encircled the tree which is already huge and old. Because
the season is winter, the violet flowers of Wisteria no longer surrounded the tree
house, only those empty branches did, but I'm sure the sight will take my breath
away when Spring and Summer comes.

Natigilan ako nang may maalala. This plant is my mother's favorite. She used to
prune and grow this plant in the walls and she even made a garden out of this in
front of our mansion, desigining arches and pergolas. Nawala ang ngiti ko sa labi.
I had a feeling that she also designed this tree house. My heart ached.

I know where I am. I'm in Nightfall's territory. My territory. Napapagod na isinara

ko ang bintana at muling nahiga. I'm back home but it's no longer my home. Maybe
Yul accidentally found this tree house and owned it.

I closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep. I don't want to think of anything. I
forced myself not to run away. Gabi na ng magising ako sa isang mahinang katok.
Sumimangot ko dahil akala ko si Yul ang pumasok pero natigilan ako nang isang babae
na may dalang tray ang pumasok.

Who is she? Nagdadala ba ng babae rito si Yul.

Natigilan ang babae nang magtama ang mga mata namin. Saglit lang ang pagkagulat sa
mga mata niya pero unti-unting lumambot ang ekspresiyon ng mukha niya.

"Yul asked me to bring you food. Nag-away ba kayo?" she asked with a soft voice.
She was a blonde, pretty girl. Her gray eyes was studying me carefully. Nang hindi
ako nagsalita, nagpatuloy siya. "He's away. He asked me to take care of you and
make sure you eat. Paparusahan niya ako kapag hindi ka kumain."

Wala na akong nagawa kundi bumangon. Isinandal ko ang ulo sa headboard.

"I'm Raine," pakilala ng babae. Her full lips smiled at me. She has a cute,
endearing smile and that's comforting.

"Eurus," sabi ko sa kanya.

"When I first saw you, I was totally shocked," nag-aalinlangang sabi niya.

Kumunot-noo ako. "Kanina?"

Umiling siya. "I first saw you when you're soaked in blood and dying. Yul asked me
to bathe and clean you and dress you."
"I looked that horrifying?" nakangiting tanong ko sa kanya. I'm glad Yul didn't
touch my body.

Umiling si Raine. "You look like her. I thought I'm seeing a ghost. Eos is your
mother, right? The alpha female?" she asked. Dread flooded my system. Namutla ako
at napaawang ang mga labi. Paano niya nalaman?

"Don't worry. I'm part of Nightfall," mahinang sabi ni Raine. "Hindi ko alam na may
anak siyang babae. She'd been a mother for all the children of Nightfall. Everyone
knows her. She's precious for all of us."

Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng sasabihin ko. She smiled at me softly.

"You cut the link with your cat. Don't you plan to come back and save us?" she
asked. Her eyes are screaming a silent plea. Naumid ang dila ko. "I won't give you
away. Hindi mo kailangang mag-alala sa 'kin. Pero mas makabubuti kung lalayuan mo
si Yul. Huwag mong babanggitin sa kanya ang Nightfall. Huwag mong sasabihin kung
sino ka talaga."

"Hindi ko alam ang gagawin. Hindi ko alam kung paano kayo ililigtas," naguguluhang
sabi ko na lang.

She smiled with understanding. She looked out of the window as if she's trying to
look for the moon, or a single ray of light but even the stars didn't show up
tonight. She had no choice but to watch the snowfall, the storm. "All these
years, Nightfall is secretly waiting for another female alpha to be born. We are
waiting for a savior. We didn't lose hope. We never know that an alpha has already
been born a long time ago."

"Why an alpha female? Why not an alpha male?"

"When they killed all the alpha females, the balance disappeared. Chaos is now
powerful than peace. Tabbies are no longer born since then. If they see that the
female child is a threat, they kill the poor child before they can even walk. After
that, the mothers choose to not bear a child anymore. They did everything to not
bear a child. Escape is not an option. They will be included in the wanted list if
they do. Some females are killed because they refused to bear a child. We'll be
gone to extinction soon. We need someone to stand for us. Only female alphas can do
that now."

Nakagat ko nang mariin ang labi ko. My heart aches for them. My chest tightened.

"Most of the men are against the killing but they can't do anything too. Those who
fought get killed along with their whole family. Everyone's afraid but we're not
losing hope. We will wait silently until the gods answer our prayers. We will wait
and wait and wait until our very last breath. And I think you're our only hope. We
are willing to wait until you're ready. Until you accept who you are and the
responsibilities of an alpha."

"Did they know? Did you tell Nightfall?" mahinang tanong ko.

"Not yet. I want to tell them when you're already sure about yourself. Did Lexus
know you're alive?" tanong niya sa 'kin.
"He did," sagot ko na lang. I could feel the heavy weight of the responsibilities
on my shoulders.

"He wants you to be ready," she smiled. He didn't save me when the strays tried to
kill me. Pakiramdam ko sinusubukan niya ako kung handa na ba ako.

I hope I can ever be ready.

She puts the bowl in my hands. "Just eat for now." Kahit nahihirapan, pinilit kong
kumain. She'll be punished if I didn't eat. Raine silently watched me.

Nang matapos ako, kinuha na niya ang tray at tumayo na. "I hope you won't restore
the link when it's already too late. I'm not telling you to save us just because of
your responsibility as an alpha. It's hard to play hero when you don't actually
mean it. You save because you don't want to lose your life, your home and your
family. You fight for everything you don't want to crumble, for everything you
don't want to be taken away from you. You fight because you want to be free and
fly."

"You're afraid. We all do. But doesn't fear suffocate you?"

"Be free and fly. Spread your wings and soar in the sky. Everyone's waiting to fly
with you."
And then she left with an understanding smile without waiting for an answer.

***

Nightfall 15: Winter Break [Nightfall]

"When an eclipse darkens the world..."

EURUS

Hindi talaga nagpakita sa 'kin si Yul nang gabing iyon pero nagising ako dahil sa
mahinang katok sa pinto kinaumagahan. He entered my room while I was tucked under
the blanket. The night was so cold. Yesterday, I just realized that I also missed
Christmas. I made my parents worry in Christmas.

"I'll drive you home," hindi ngumingiting sabi ni Yul. He put down the tray of food
and a paperbag in the table. It seems he didn't get enough sleep due to his tired
face. Iniisip ko ngayon kung anong dahilan ng puyat niya. Dahan-dahan akong
bumangon at umupo sa kama.

His hazel eyes turned into a mysterious green when he stared at me. He's hesitant
but he was keeping his face blank and he's doing a great job. Those eyes annoyed me
even more. He told me to stay away from this mess. I'm quite tempted to do just
that but when I meet Raine yesterday, I suddenly feel ashamed of myself. Ashamed
that I'm hiding like a scaredy-cat. Ashamed that I'm throwing everything away
including who I really am.
"Galit ka pa rin ba?" tanong ni Yul sa 'kin. His voice was so soft and gentle like
he's afraid to hurt me again.

Umiling ako. Hindi ako galit sa kanya. Mas galit ako sa sarili ko ngayon.

Kinuha ko na ang pagkain at tahimik na kumain habang nag-iisip ng dapat gawin.

Gusto kong malaman kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari noon. Kung bakit nila pinatay
ang mga alpha females at kung saan nagsimula ang lahat ng kaguluhang ito. Gusto ko
munang malaman ang lahat bago ako gumawa ng kahit anong hakbang. Gusto kong
makausap si Kuya Lexus.

Nahulog ako sa malalim na pag-iisip at hindi ko namalayan na ubos na pala ang

kinakain ko. I drink water. That's when I noticed Yul as he silently watched me.
Nang magtama ang mga mata namin, nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

"I brought you some clothes." Itinuro niya ang paper bag na dala niya. Wala akong
sinabi pero agad ko itong kinuha at dumiretso sa banyo. Hindi ko alam kung bakit
ako biglang nailang.

Sinundan lang ako ng tingin ni Yul. Sa palagay ko, gusto rin niyang malaman kung
ano ang iniisip at binabalak ko. I know he will still persuade me to stay away.
Because if I didn't do just as he said, we will face each other as enemies. We will
end into a clash or maybe an explosion. One of us will be killed for the other to
survive.
We can't avoid death in this kind of war.

I wear a thick blue sweater, scarf and jeans. I saw a pair of hunter boots and
gloves on the top of the bed. He's unexpectedly caring. He knows everything I need.
Maybe he already had a girlfriend that's why he almost knows everything I need.

Nang lumabas ako sa silid ko, tumambad sa 'kin ang maliit na sala. Yul was sitting
near the window as he stared outside. Nang maramdaman niya ang presensiya ko, agad
siyang lumingon sa 'kin. His eyes are distant when he stood up. Hindi siya
nagsalita pero dumiretso na siya sa pinto at sumunod naman ako sa kanya.

Naramdaman ko ang panlalamig nang tumapak ako sa makapal na yelo. Everything is

pure white. The surrounding was covered with thick, freezing snow. Wala sa sariling
niyakap ko ang katawan ko. Isang buwan na akong hindi nakalabas ng bahay. If I'm in
cat form, I wouldn't mind the cold. It's easier to cope because I have thick fur
protecting me from the cold.

Yul didn't even tremble from the cold. He was wearing a black sweater but I don't
think that was thick enough to be immune of this cold weather. I noticed how his
firms muscles bulged against his clothes.

Nasa likod lang niya ako at hindi ko na piniling sumabay sa paglalakad niya. This
situation was a little awkward. He was giving me a cold shoulder once again. He's
back to his old self. The Yul I first knew.

Far ahead, I saw his black car, already covered with snow, parked on the side road.
Nang makapasok kaming dalawa sa loob ng kotse niya, agad niyang binuhay ang makina.
"I'm sure your parents will scold you," mahinang sabi niya. Akala ko hindi na
talaga siya magsasalita. Akala ko, mapapanis ang laway namin sa buong byahe. Pero
dahil sa sobrang lamig, halos nanuyo at naging manhid ang lalamunan ko. Ayaw ko
lang magreklamo dahil sobrang laki na ng utang na loob ko kay Yul.

I'm actually afraid of my parent's reaction. This is the first time I made them
worry too much. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba dapat ang paghandaan. "Maybe they will
even ground me as punishment." Tumingin ako sa labas ng bintana. Halos hindi ko na
makita ang labas dahil sa makapal na hamog na dumidikit sa salamin ng bintana.
Pinunasan ko ng palad ang bintana pero bumalik lang din ang hamog pagkalipas ng
ilang minuto.

Mabagal ang pagpapatakbo ni Yul dahil sa makapal na yelo sa daan pero nakuha niya
ang atensiyon ko nang muli siyang magsalita. "I shouldn't have said that." My eyes
darted at him. Yul gripped the steering wheel. "I shouldn't have told you something
cowardly." His eyes were fixed on the road but his voice sounded sincere and
apologetic.

"It's fine. No matter what you say, it's still my decision to make." I shrugged.
"Kung gagawin ko man ang sinabi mo, huwag mong isipin na dahil naimpluwensiyahan mo
ko. Gagawin ko 'yon dahil duwag at natatakot talaga ako. Gagawin ko 'yon dahil baka
tama ang sinabi mo na malayong-malayo ako sa pagiging isang alpha." Isinandal ko
ang ulo sa bintana ng kotse.

"Maybe it's really your decision to make but it will still affect your confidence
which I didn't want to demean."

"You're saying this but you still don't want me to stand up for it."
"I just don't want you to die." Matigas na ang tinig niya. "I don't want you to
suffer. You didn't deserve it."

"No one deserves to die," pagtatama ko sa kanya. "Bakit ninyo sila pinatay? Why did
they have to suffer?" mariing tanong ko pa.

Halos magsalubong na ang kilay ni Yul habang nagmamaneho. Bumuntong-hininga ako

nang malalim. I don't want to distract him but I want answers. I want answers now.

"Hindi mo maiintindihan," he said.

"Bullshit, Yul!" inis na sabi ko. Napasuklay ang kamay ko sa puting buhok ko. Hindi
siya nagsalita. Mas pinili niyang manahimik. Mukhang wala akong makukuhang
impormasyon mula sa kanya.

"If I choose to fight as an alpha female, what will you do? Will you kill me?"
naghahamong tanong ko sa kanya. I sighed with the absurdity of my question. Of
course, he will. Ako na rin ang sumagot sa sarili kong tanong. Walang dahilan para
buhayin pa niya ako. Hindi ako kasing-halaga ng iniisip ko.

"It depends. The council will decide. Not me," matigas na sagot niya. He didn't
answer me directly. I wonder why he's so hesitant. He can actually threaten me now
but he didn't.
I frowned with his playing safe answers.

"I'm just afraid because I'm different, Yul," pag-amin ko sa totoong nararamdaman
ko. I don't think I belong anywhere other than this body. I don't think they will
accept me. An albino like me only shows how weak I am.

"Different is not boring," he answered in a soft tone.

Marahan akong umiling sa sagot niya. Different is still different. "You don't know
how it feels because you're not me."

"You don't know how others see you because you're not them. If only you'll see
yourself in someone's perspective, in a different light, then you'll feel better
about yourself."

Kumunot-noo ako. "Why? How do you see me?" Nakarehistro ang pagtataka sa mukha ko.

Bumuntong-hininga si Yul. Napansin ko ang pag-aalinlangan niyang sumagot pero

nagdesisyon siyang sumagot. "You're different... but a beautiful kind of different.
You may look weak but you are actually strong. Your eyes are brighter than the
stars though your paleness made you look fragile. I must say you're the most badass
work of art. Your appearance is the contradiction of what you're truly made of.
Deceiving but beautiful."
I snorted. "You're exaggerating." I should feel better with his answer but he just
made me conscious. He just smiled a bit, displaying his cute dimple. He gave me a
quick sideway glance. My face heats up and I don't know why.

"You shouldn't worry about what people think about you especially the bad ones.
They don't define you. You define you." His voice was now light as if we hadn't
argued earlier. Everything has been forgotten that easily.

You define you. I like those words coming out from his lips.

Bahagyang kumunot ang noo ko nang may maisip na itanong. "Matagal mo na bang kilala
si Eclipse?"

Sumimangot siya. Oh! I just ruined the mood. I saw a sudden flicker of light
because of my questions. It hits something, maybe something nostalgic. "Eclipse na
naman. Why are you so curious about him? Gusto mo ba siya?"

Namula ang mukha ko dahil sa sinabi niya. I just can't ask direct questions about
him! "Huwag mo ng sagutin kung ayaw mo!"

Nagkibit-balikat siya sa sinabi ko. "We've known each other for so long."
"Kung ganu'n bakit ginagalit mo siya? Bakit mo ako nilalapitan kung alam mo namang
magagalit siya? Why did you hide me?"

"I'm curious. He's protecting you and I just want to know what's so special about
you. He never shows this kind of interest to anyone before."

"Or maybe you just want to get his attention?" nagdududang tanong ko sa kanya.

He stiffened in his position. Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ba ako dahil sa reaksiyon
niya. Tama ba ako?

"Fuck!" narinig ko na lang ang biglang pagmumura niya. Ngayon ko lang napansin na
iba na ang daang tinatahak namin. The woods is now familiar. We are now heading to
my parent's house but someone stopped the car. I almost jumped on my seat because
of the impact. He slammed his hands against the car's hood. Halos madurog ito. His
fangs are glinting on the cold snow storm. His rage is visible on his face and
sharp blue eyes. Eclipse glared at Yul. He didn't even dare to look at me.

He was in his partial shift. He's only wearing his trousers.

"Huwag kang lalabas," mariing sabi ni Yul. He get out of the car and slammed the
door. Natatakot ako sa maaaring mangyari. I could clearly see how Eclipse wants to
kill Yul badly. Isang malakas na suntok sa mukha ang tumama kay Yul. Hindi niya ito
nagawang iwasan dahil sa bilis ni Eclipse. I couldn't even follow his movements
through my human eyes. Yul hits his head against the car. I gasped.
I suddenly feel the need to get out. Wala akong balak na panoorin lang ang
pagpapatayan nila. Nagmamadaling lumabas ako nang makita na nagpapalitan na sila ng
suntok pero hindi pa rin nakakapagpalit ng anyo si Yul. He can't find his chance
because Eclipse was not letting him.

"Oh shit!" pagmumura ko dahil sa lamig at dahil na rin sa duguang mukha ni Yul.
Nagmamadaling tumakbo ako patungo kay Eclipse. Halos yakapin ko siya upang pigilan.
I held his wrist and stopped him from hitting Yul's face again. "Stop, please!"
nagmamakaawang sigaw ko kay Eclipse. Natigilan siya sa ginawa ko.

Napansin ko na magpapalit-anyo na rin si Yul dahil nakakita na siya ng pagkakataon

pero naiinis na sumigaw ako. "Just stop! Both of you!" galit na sigaw ko sa
kanilang dalawa. These guys are annoying and frustrating. Hind ko alam kung bakit
kailangan kong maipit sa gulo nilang dalawa. Naramdaman ko naman ang pagkalma ni
Eclipse. Hindi naman naituloy ni Yul ang pagpapalit-anyo. He spat blood on the
white snow. He looks enraged.

Slowly, Eclipse shifted back to his human form. He still glared at Yul as if he was
shooting daggers at him. "Hindi pa tayo tapos," mariing sabi ni Eclipse. Gusto kong
hampasin ang likod niya dahil naghahanap pa talaga siya ng away. Pero marahan
niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko na nakahawak sa pulsuhan niya. He turned to me. Tila
hinahanapan ako ng sugat sa katawan.

"Are you alright? Sinaktan ka ba niya?" puno ng pag-aalalang tanong niya sa 'kin.
His blue eyes are now warm and worried.

Umiling ako. "He saved me. I'm almost dying but he saved me," sagot ko sa kanya.
Sumeryoso ang mga mata niya. His jaws tightened.
"But he hid you. Don't trust him," mariing sabi niya. He looked back at Yul. "Be
thankful that I can't cross the borders. I'll take her back now. Huwag mo ng
tangkain na lapitan pa siya," pinal na sabi niya. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at
naglakad na palayo. Hindi na ako nakatutol pa. Kahit ayaw kong iwanan si Yul sa
ganitong sitwasyon, ayoko namang nakikitang nagagalit si Eclipse. Ayokong nag-aaway
sila.

I looked back at Yul while walking away. His eyes are distant but he nodded at me.
I hate that I remembered his words before.

You always favour him. You won't look at me. And I did. I favoured Eclipse. I
looked away from Yul.

Saka ko lang naramdaman ang panlalamig nang makalayo kami. Mabuti na lang malapit
na kami sa bahay. "Eclipse..." Paos ang tinig ko. Mas lalong namumutla ang dati ko
ng maputlang balat. He looked at me with confusion. Hindi ko alam kung paano niya
natatagalan ang lamig sa kabila ng halos hubad niyang katawan. Or maybe his body
was really that warm. Napansin niya ang bahagyang panginginig ng katawan ko.

He sighed heavily and pulled me into a hug. He buried his face on my neck. I
stiffened on my position as he hugged me so tight. "Akala ko wala ka na. Akala ko
may nangyari ng masama sa 'yo. Halos ikamatay ko ang araw-araw na pag-iisip sa
kalagayan mo," mahinang wika niya.

"Kung ganu'n bakit hindi mo ako tinangkang puntahan?" tanong ko. I'm right. His
body is warm. So warm. Medyo nawala na ang panginginig ng katawan ko.
"Crossing the border means waging war," sagot ni Eclipse. "As much as I want to
cross it, I can't sacrifice the whole pack. Somehow, I still believe that Yul will
keep you safe. Pero kung dalawang buwan na ang nakalipas at hindi ka pa bumalik,
hindi na talaga ako magdadalawang-isip na pasukin ang teritoryo nila."

"You believed in him but you still attacked him," nakasimangot na komento ko.

"I'm enraged. He keeps you for a month inside his territory. Your disappearance
almost drive me insane. Halo-halong emosyon ang nararamdaman ko. I need to let it
all out," he said. He pulled me even closer. He inhaled my scent and kissed my
hair. "I can smell him in you," he blurted out.

Mahina akong tumawa. "I need to heal faster."

Natahimik siya. He already had an idea what Yul did. Kinabahan ako dahil hindi siya
nagsasalita pero ilang segundo lang ay kumalas na siya sa pagyakap sa 'kin. Warmth
left me. I'm cold once again.

"Mas mabuti pang umuwi ka na. You'll catch cold," sabi niya. Hinawakan na niya ang
kamay ko at ipinagpatuloy na namin ang paglalakad. Sa 'di kalayuan, natanaw ko na
ang bahay namin.

Nang malapit na kami sa bahay, nagsalita na ako. "Hindi magandang ideya kung
makikita ka ng mga magulang ko." Naiiling ako habang nakatitig sa mukha niya. It's
awkward to look at his naked body.
"Why?" kunot-noong tanong niya sa 'kin.

"Naka-hubad ka. Baka kung ano'ng isipin nila," sabi ko. Pinilit kong hindi
magpakita ng kahit ano'ng emosyon. Ipinagdadasal ko na sana hindi namumula ang
mukha ko.

Unti-unti siyang ngumisi. "Sabihin mo nagtanan tayo."

"Loko! Huwag ka nga! Saka na lang tayo mag-usap," sabi ko. Hinila ko na ang kamay
ko mula sa kanya. Nagmamadali na akong pumunta sa bahay na halos takbuhin ko na. I
knocked at the door and my mom opened it for me.

At first, she's shocked but it seems she's half expecting the visitor to be me.
Relief flooded her face. Nangilid ang mga luha niya. "Saan ka ba nagpuntang bata
ka!" she exclaimed. She pulled me inside the house. Nang lumingon ako sa likod ko,
wala na si Eclipse. My Mom pulled me into a hug. She's crying badly.

"Kung saan-saan na kami nagpunta para lang hanapin ka. Nagreport na rin kami sa mga
pulis! Bakit hindi ka man lang tumawag? Gusto mo bang atakihin kami sa puso sa pag-
aalala sa 'yo?" Humahagulgol na si Mama kaya hindi ko na rin napigilan ang
mapaluha. Hindi ko naman gustong mag-alala siya. Hindi ko masabi na wala akong
malay ng halos tatlong linggo. Hindi ko masabi kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari sa
'kin.
"I'm sorry, Ma. Promise... hindi na mauulit," mahinang sabi ko habang inaalo siya.
She can't help but lightly hit my shoulder blades in frustration. Medyo masakit pa
ang sugat ko pero mabuti na lang natutuyo na ito.

Pumasok si Papa na nagpatigil sa 'ming dalawa. His face darkened when he saw me.

"Mabuti naman naisipan mo pang umuwi." Nakagat ko ang labi dahil sa galit niyang
tinig. Malakas niyang isinara ang pinto. His rage made me tremble.

Hindi ako makapagsalita dahil hindi ko alam kung paano ako magpapaliwanag.

"I'm sorry, Pa," naiiyak na sabi ko.

"Sorry? 'Yan lang ang sasabihin mo sa 'min ngayon? Hindi mo man lang kami naisip?
Halos hindi na makatulog kami makatulog sa pag-aalala at pag-iisip sa 'yo! Ito lang
ba ang isusukli mo sa 'min, matapos ang lahat ng ginawa namin para sa 'yo?" pasigaw
na sumbat niya.

"Please, Art!" Mom groaned in frustration. "Everything's fine now. She's back!"

"Hindi mo dapat kinukunsinti si Eurus, Leah!" he countered. "Hindi siya pumasok sa

University hanggang sa magWinter Break! Hindi natin alam kung saan siya nagpunta
pero ngayon, ang sasabihin lang niya sa 'tin, Sorry? Bakit hindi man lang siya
magpaliwanag? Hindi natin siya maiintindihan kung sorry lang ang sasabihin niya!"

Nakagat ko ang labi ko.

"Natitiyak kong sasabihin niya kapag handa na siya!" My mother sighed in

frustration. Tumingin siya sa 'kin. "Umakyat ka na sa silid mo Eurus. Mamaya na
tayo mag-usap."

"She's grounded until Winter Break is over!" galit na sabi ni Papa.

Hindi ko magawang maglakad palayo pero marahan na akong itinulak ni Mama para
umakyat sa silid ko. "Sige na, Eurus. Pumasok ka na sa silid mo." Mariin akong
napapikit pero sinunod ko na lang si Mama. Gusto ko mang aminin kung ano ba talaga
ako, ayoko namang matakot sila.

Napapagod na humiga ako sa kama at isinubsob ang ulo ko sa unan. Siguro mas mabuti
na sigurong aminin ko sa kanila kung ano ako? O siguro kailangan ko ng umalis dito
para hindi na rin sila madamay pa?

I unlinked White. One of the reasons why I chose to unlink her before was because I
don't want to be alone. When she's with me, I always have someone to share my grief
and sorrow. She jumped on the bed and I cuddled her.

I need to make up my mind soon. Should I accept my fate?

***

Nightfall 16: Kiss or Kill [Nightfall]

"Chaos begins that will bring destruction to your mortal soul..."

EURUS

It's already dinner when my Mom call for me. I already changed and took a bath.
White is already following me that made my parents look confused.

"Hindi ko napansin na bumalik na si White," sabi ni Mama. She stood up and prepared
some meat for my cat. Gusto ko ng sabihin sa kanila ang totoo. Nang tumingin ako
kay Papa, mapapansin ang magkasalubong niyang kilay sa kabila ng pananahimik niya.
His silence only meant anger.

My Mom put some soup on my bowl. "Namayat ka," komento niya. I put some rice and
meat on my plate.

"Hindi lang po ako masyadong nakakain," mahinang sagot ko.

"Saan ka nagpunta? Do you have a boyfriend?" kunot-noong tanong ni Papa.

Umiling ako. My mom bit her lower lip before she speaks. "Mamaya na natin 'yan pag-
usapan. Kumain na muna tayo."

Malalim na bumuntong-hininga si Papa at seryosong tumingin sa 'kin. "If there's

something we need to know, tell us. Para hindi kami mag-alala sa 'yo. But later,
you need to eat." Marahan akong tumango. Tiningnan ko si White. My mind is already
made up. I will tell them who I really am.

Ayaw ko man silang iwan pero kailangan kong gawin. Ayokong madamay pa sila sa gulo.
Baka may mangyari pa sa kanilang masama lalo na't may mga stray na gustong kunin
ang buhay ko. I will leave and find my brother Lexus. I won't expect that they will
accept me. They will always be in my heart no matter what. I will always be
grateful that I met them.

Halos hindi ko manguya ang kinakain ko kaya pilit ko itong nilunok. I did my best
not to cry. I will miss them like hell. White rubbed her body against my legs. She
could feel my sadness.

I bit back a cry.

Nang matapos kaming kumain, bumalik ang tensiyon. We looked back at each other. I
know they got a lot of questions. I hope they would understand.

"Tell us everything," seryosong wika ni Papa. The lines on his forehead are more
define now due to his age. They're already old and it breaks my heart to leave.
Humugot ako nang malalim na buntong-hininga. "Hindi ko po gustong mag-alala kayo.
Alam kong magugulat kayo sa sasabihin ko. Alam kong maaaring hindi kayo maniwala
pero ito po ang totoo. Something... came up. Someone's after my life and I lost
consciousness for three weeks," paliwanag ko sa kanila.

Napasinghap si Mama. Lumukob ang takot sa mukha niya. "Dapat ipaalam natin ito sa
mga pulis!" bulalas niya.

Umiling ako. Mahirap ipaliwanag sa isang normal na tao ang lahat.

"We can't. Naiiba ako, Mama. Hindi ako normal na tao. Hindi ako katulad ninyo at
ang mga humahabol sa 'kin ay naiiba rin," nahihirapang paliwanag ko.

"Paanong hindi ka normal?" kunot-noong tanong ni Papa.

Malungkot na tiningnan ko siya. "I'm a... werecat."

"Ano bang pinagsasabi mo, Eurus?" naguguluhang singit ni Mama.

"I can transform into a cat. A panther." I linked White back to me. She suddenly
disappeared that made my parents gasp. "I am White and White is me. We're one." I
noticed their pale face. I can see confusion and fear on their eyes. Slowly, I
transform in my partial shift. sharp claws and fangs grew. Nanigas sila sa
kinatatayuan kaya muli akong nagpalit-anyo bilang tao.

"Hindi ko kayo gustong madamay sa magulong buhay ko. I already found my family. I
need to come back for them. I... don't want to leave but... they need me." Namamasa
ang mga mata ko. "I love you both that's why it's harder to leave. I want to take
care of you as your daughter but it seems impossible right now."

Mariing ikinuyom ni Papa ang kanyang kamao. "Bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi sa 'min
ang totoo?" galit na tanong niya pero naramdaman ko pa rin ang takot sa bahagyang
panginginig ng tinig niya.

"Dahil noon, akala ko kaya kong mabuhay katulad ng isang normal na tao. Akala ko
walang magiging problema kung itatago ko ang totoo. Akala ko mabubuhay akong masaya
kasama ninyo. But the truth always finds its way out. It finds me. Hindi ko kayang
takbuhan ang katotohanan," mabigat na sagot ko. "Please. You didn't need to report
this to the police. Werecats have their own laws. I can't involve normal people in
this problem. They couldn't handle this with just their guns. And I don't think
they will believe you easily... if you tell them that werecats exist."

Hindi makapagsalita si Mama. She couldn't believe what she just saw. My father is
speechless too.

"I don't expect for you to accept me," mahinang sabi ko.

"We're shock," mahinang sabi ni Mama. Namamasa na rin sa luha ang mga mata niya at
bahagyang garalgal ang tinig. "Pakiramdam ko mababaliw ako dahil sa mga nakita at
narinig ko. Hindi ko rin lubos maisip na kailangan mo kaming iwan. Alam kong
darating ang panahon na makikita mo ang totoong pamilya mo pero pakiramdam ko para
akong namatayan." Umiiyak na siya kaya natuyo ang lalamunan ko. I held back a cry
that's why my throat is burning up.

"If you still want me despite the truth, I'll come back when it's over. Kapag
maayos na ang lahat," naiiyak na sabi ko.

"When are you going?" matigas na tanong ni Papa.

"Art!" gulat na bulalas ni Mama.

"She must go now," mariing sabi ni Papa. "She has something to do. If it's
important for her, then she shouldn't waste time. We can't keep her forever. She's
not ours."

Tuluyan ng napahagulgol si Mama. Wala ng nagawa si Papa kundi ang aluin siya.
Mariin akong napapikit. "I'm sorry," mahinang sabi ko. Pinilit kong tumayo. Pilit
ang ngiti ko nang tumingin ako kay Papa. Hilam sa luha ang mga mata at mukha ko.

"Salamat po sa lahat ng ginawa ninyo para sa 'kin. I really love you like my true
parents. I really do. I won't forget. I'll come back if there's a chance. You don't
have to worry about me," mahinang sabi ko. Nagmamadaling tumakbo ako palabas ng
bahay.
The cold welcomed me. It's already dark but I noticed some dark figures in the
woods. They'd been lingering around since dusk. They smelled like strays that's why
I decided to tell my parents the truth. I don't want to lose them.

I did my partial shift and run on the other side of the woods. The strays are all
alert. When they saw me running, they followed me. There are two strays. No. Three.

Lumulubog ang paa ko sa yelo kaya bumabagal ang takbo ko. Mariin kong ikinuyom ang
kamao habang mariing kinakagat ang mga labi at halos dumugo na ito. Hindi pa ako
masyadong gumagaling pero may bago ng humahabol sa 'kin.

We entered the dark woods. The three werecats following me jumped on the branches.
Mas naungusan na nila ako dahil sa bilis ng kanilang galaw. Their scents are
familiar.

Nang tumingala ako, nasilayan ko ang mukha nila. I gaped. They're from Sanguis
pack. Ito ang tatlong werecats na pinarusahan ni Yul noon. The three werecats he
clawed.

They already fell too far. Those who are already far from redemption, probably
should die. Ipinagpatuloy ko ang pagtakbo. I need to get away from my parent's
house as far as possible. I already reached the foot of a hill and the tree
branches are covered with snow instead of leaves. I already missed the burning
leaves of these trees. I hope it will be spring soon so I can move freely.

I ran around the hill until I reached the frozen lake. Nadulas ako kaya wala akong
nagawa kundi ang gamitin ang matatalas kong kuko upang pigilan ang pagtumba ko. I
clawed onto the ice, gripping onto it so tight and I ended up in all four. Wala ng
mga puno kaya napilitan na silang tumalon sa frozen lake. Hindi pa sila sumusugod
pero kitang-kita ko ang kagustuhan nilang tapusin na ako. Mukhang tumiwalag na sila
sa Sanguis.

Death is all over their scents.

Dahan-dahan akong tumayo nang palibutan nila ako.

"Akala namin patay ka na," nakangising sabi ng lalaking may tattoo sa leeg. It's
unfortunate that I don't even know their names.

My claws are all alert. It's actually itching for a kill. These three already fell
to their doom. They no longer care about their dignities. Darkness and vengeance
lingers in their eyes. Nang tumingala ako, maliwanag ang buwan. Even the frozen
lake is glinting under its light. "Akala ko magbabago na kayo," naiiling na sabi
ko.

"We can't turn back after what Yul did. His claw marks are permanent scars. He
turned us into low beings. We are here for revenge," galit na sigaw ng babae.

"It's your fault for disobeying your leader," mariing wika ko.

Malakas na tumawa ang isa pang kasama nilang lalaki. "YUl is greedy. He wants you
all for himself. Umalis na kami sa Sanguis. Hindi na niya kami maaaring utusan o
pagsabihan pa. Hindi na niya kami hawak sa leeg. Wala na siyang magagawa kung
anuman ang gawin namin sa 'yo."

"He can still hunt you down," mariing wika ko.

"He won't be able to trace us. Pagkatapos namin sa 'yo, isusunod naman namin ang
mga magulang mo. They're human right? We can kill them or turn them into strays,"
malademonyong sabi ng lalaking may tattoo sa leeg. "Cleo, simulan mo na ang
pagpapahirap sa kanya. I know you're already excited to break her bones."

"I want to break her whole being, Ray. I'll break her and she'll stay broken until
the time I kill her." She sounded like a real sadist. Ramdam ko ang pagtaas ng
balahibo sa batok ko. She really means every words. "Wayne, me first," she said to
the guy from my behind. I just noticed that he's already moving closer to me. Hindi
na rin siya makapaghintay na patayin ako. Napapailing na itinaas ni Wayne ang kamay
at bahagyang umurong. I secretly sighed in relief.

With every careful steps she takes towards me, her claws grow sharper and meaner.
She bared her fangs at me. She's ready to bite. Nakangisi siya nang nakakaloko. I
already had enough of death to even feel fear now. I'm no longer afraid. They don't
scare me anymore.

"There's a possibility that you're an alpha female," seryosong sabi ni Cleo. "Sa
tingin ko, hindi ka bubuhayin ni Yul kapag nalaman niya. They won't let an alpha
female live."

"Unfortunately, he lets me live," nakangising sabi ko. Natigilan si Cleo pero unti-
unting napangisi. "Then he'll die for letting you live. Everything is now easier
for us."

Kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi niya pero hindi na ako nakapagsalita pa. She
already ran to me. Her fist is curled in a ball. Isang malakas na suntok ang
tinangka niyang patamain sa mukha ko. Umilag ako at nagawa kong hawakan ang
pulsuhan niya. I lifted her weight and slammed her back against the icy lake.

Hindi niya ito ininda. In a swift move, she kicked my leg and I ended up stumbling
on my feet. Another kick landed on my stomach. I winced in pain. She grabbed my arm
and her claws dig in my flesh. She lifted me and slammed me against the ice. It
almost cracked. A punch landed on my back and I could hear the sound of my bones
breaking.

I gritted my teeth in pain. My lips and teeth are already bleeding. Desperadang
hinarap ko siya. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at malakas kong sinipa ang tiyan niya
dahilan upang mapasigaw siya. I moved as fast as I could. I slammed her once again
on the frozen lake. I sat on her stomach and consecutive punches hit her face.
Hinihingal na ako.

She was screaming in frustration. She bit my hand that made me growl. I punch her
face with a snarl. Someone grabbed my shoulder blades. Wayne punched me in the
stomach.

He tossed me away and I hit the icy lake once again. Cleo transformed into her cat
form. A lioness. Before I could even stand, Ray gave me a fast kick in the face. I
was knocked down again. My cuts are burning and I'm glad the surrounding is too
cold that made my wounds numb. My heart is already beating fast. My body aches in
pain.
Nang akmang sisipain akong muli ni Ray, mabilis ko itong napigilan gamit ang isa
pang sipa. I do a backhand flip to escape from him. My face and arms are bleeding.
Sucks.

Tumakbo patungo sa 'kin si Cleo. She was bigger than an ordinary lioness. I
somersaulted in the air and avoided her reach. I managed to reach Ray's head. I
gripped it tight and I lifted his weight. His body hits the cold ground with a thud
while I was standing in my feet.

I kicked his face. "Fuck!" he cursed with seething anger.

Muling tumakbo patungo sa 'kin si Cleo. I jumped on her back and with a swift move,
my claws dug on her neck before I snapped it. She fell on the icy floor as her body
turned cold. Wayne and Ray growled in sorrow and anger.

They howled to the moon and started to shift in their cat forms. They are both
lions and they growled at me with incomparable anger. I changed into my cat form
too. All my clothes shattered into pieces. They are cursing me under their breaths.
Curse after curse after curse. They are howling and growling.

Sabay silang umatake sa 'kin. Hindi ko alam kung saan tatakbo. Dehado ako sa
kanilang dalawa pero mas pinili kong tumalon patungo kay Ray. I bit his side. My
fangs dig in his stomach. He wailed and thrashed and clawed my side. He managed to
cut my neck but it was not deep. I'm glad.

Nataranta ako nang makita si Wayne na nasa likod ko na. He was ready to bite me.
Napaurong ako kaya nakawala si Ray sa kagat ko. Akmang tatakbo na ako pero nanigas
ako sa posisyon ko. Someone intervened. He attacked Wayne and bit his side. Malakas
na umungol si Wayne. Eclipse lets him go after a minute. I was relieved to see
Eclipse.

Napaurong sina Ray at Wayne. Fear engulfed their eyes. Nagkatinginan pa sila bago
nagdesisyong tumakbo palayo.

They retreat. Pero napansin ko na may ibang werecats na humabol sa kanila.

Eclipse looked at me with worried eyes.

Eurus, he growled softly.

Eclipse, I called to him. I'm a bit relieved. Mabuti na lang siya ang nakakita sa
'kin. He's in his cat form. Pero napansin ko rin ang kaseryosohan sa mga mata niya.
He was thinking. He sighed heavily. Sumenyas siya sa 'kin upang sumunod ako sa
kanya. Follow me, he commanded.

I was so tired to argue. I have nowhere to go too. I followed him silently. His
silence was scary and alarming. Pero hindi siya mukhang galit. O siguro hindi pa
niya hinahayaang mamayani ang emosyon niya sa sitwasyong ito.

Nagsimula na siyang tumakbo palayo. Saglit lang ang pag-aalangang naramdaman ko.
Sumunod ako sa kanya at mabilis na sinabayan ang pagtakbo niya. Hindi ko alam kung
saan kami patungo pero hindi na pamilyar ang daang tinatahak namin. Nilampasan
namin ang isang hanging bridge. Nagtungo kami sa malayong bahagi ng kagubatan. May
nakita rin akong dalawang malalaking bato na nakaharang sa daan pero may nakita
akong siwang kung saan magkakasya kami. Pumasok kami rito.

Sa kabilang bahagi nito, nakita ko ang isang hardin na nababalot ng yelo. We

entered a maze. Natanaw ko ang isang munting bahay na gawa sa kahoy at kawayan sa
gitna nito.

Nagulat ako nang nagpalit-anyo si Eclipse. Hindi man lang siya nag-alinlangan. He
stood up, naked. But I can only see his back and of course, I hate to say this, his
sexy butt too. Kung wala ako sa anyong pusa, tiyak namula na ang mukha ko. I'm not
ready for this sudden change of atmosphere.

Should I just go and run away? I think it's more dangerous here.

Kinuha niya ang susi ng bahay sa ilalim ng isang paso. He opened the door.

"Come in," he said. He was hiding his nakedness behind the door. He's afraid that I
might run away. I'm sure it's all written all over my face. I'm hesitant and he can
feel it. He looks away. I want to know if he's embarrassed. Namumula kaya ang mukha
niya? Ipinilig ko ang ulo. I entered despite the shame and nervousness.

He closed the door and I almost jumped. "Transform back to your human form," he
said. Nakatalikod siya sa 'kin. I wanted to shout at him. This is so sudden. I hope
the ground opens up to eat me whole.
I growled under my breath. "Don't look."

"I won't."

Minadali ko ang pagpapalit anyo. Napangiwi ako nang mapansin ko ang sugat sa braso
ko. I was naked too. Damn! I should have told him to dress first. I stood up and my
face turned red when I saw his muscled back and perfect sexy butt.

"Huwag kang lilingon kundi patay ka sa 'kin," banta ko sa kanya. Sobrang bilis ng
pintig ng puso ko. Oh, I feel like cheating though. Nagpipiyesta na ang mga mata ko
sa katawan niya.

"You can use the bathroom," he said.

Napansin ko ang aparador sa gilid. Walang sala sa maliit na bahay na ito. I only
see the bed, a small table and a stool. May isa pang pinto sa loob ng bahay. Ito na
siguro ang banyo. Agad akong lumapit sa aparador at binuksan ito.

"May pwede ba akong isuot dito?" tanong ko. Nakagat ko ang labi ko.

"That's all mine," he answered with a bored tone. "Just wear what you want."
I checked his clothes. Shirts, boxers, trousers, underwears. Namula ang mukha ko.
Hinawakan ko ang underwear niya at hinawakan gamit ang dalawang kamay. I even
stretched the garter for inspection. Hindi kaya malaglag to sa 'kin kapag isinuot
ko?

"Pwede ko bang isuot ang brief mo?" tanong ko.

Mahina siyang tumawa. "If you're comfortable with that."

Napagtanto ko na hindi ito malalaglag dahil sa garter pero pakiramdam ko, lawlaw
'to sa 'kin. Hindi yata fit.

"Eh, 'yong boxer?"

"Bahala ka na," inis na sabi niya.

I checked his boxer, mukhang hindi rin ako magiging kumportableng isuot 'yon kung
wala akong panty.

Nagpasya akong kunin ang puting t-shirt niya. Nagmamadaling tumakbo ako sa banyo.
Inilabas ko ang ulo ko upang silipin siya.

"Pwede ka ng humarap," I teased.

He hissed. "You wish." Wow! May hiya pa pala siya?

"Hey Eclipse, buy me clothes," nagmamakaawang sabi ko sa kanya. "Please... Medium

size will be fine. It's the safest size I think."

"Wala ng bukas na tindahan ngayon," reklamo niya.

"Oo nga pala. Bukas na lang," sabi ko.

"Maligo ka na," iritadong wika niya.

"Nice sexy butt, Eclipse," I said. I actually mean it. I actually want to pinch it.
I don't know. Bigla na lang pumasok sa isip ko.

"My front is better. Shall I join you in the bath?" seryosong tanong niya. Akmang
haharap siya kaya bigla akong napairit at napatakip sa dalawang mata.

"Huwag mong subukan," pagbabanta ko sa kanya.

"Then close the door and lock it now," mariing utos niya. Sinunod ko siya. Namumula
ang mukha ko at sinigurado kong nakalock ang pinto. The shirt smells just like him.
Hindi pa ako nagsuot ng damit ng ibang tao. This is my first. It's quite intimate.
Isinampay ko muna ito at napangiti ako nang mapansin ko ang bathtub.

I was covered with dirt and mud because we run on the some muddy place where snow
already melted. The bathtub is my only consolation. Agad kong ihinanda ang bathtub.
The liquid soap has a masculine and mint scent on it although I prefer a more girly
scent. At least, nakaka-relax. I took my time bathing.

I washed my wounds gently.

Sa totoo lang, ayokong lumabas. Ayokong makita si Eclipse. Ayokong malaman ang
iniisip at nararamdaman niya. Tiyak na galit siya dahil inilihim ko sa kanya ang
totoo. Maybe he'll kill me.

I was deep in my thoughts. Hindi ko na alam kung ilang oras na ba ako sa bathtub
pero kumukulubot na ang balat ng daliri ko. Nagpasya na akong magbanlaw at
magbihis. Hindi ko rin naman matatakasan si Eclipse. Haharapin ko na lang siya
dahil 'yon ang tamang gawin.
Nang lumabas ako sa banyo, bihis na si Eclipse pero nagtaka ako sa paperbag na
nakapatong sa kama. Napalingon naman sa 'kin si Eclipse. I was wearing his shirt,
nothing underneath. I was a little embarrassed. Kahit halos umabot na sa tuhod ko
ang damit niya parang naiiklian pa rin ako. Gusto ko itong pahabain hanggang sa paa
ko.

Namula nang bahagya ang mukha ko dahil kung tingnan ako ni Eclipse, parang
nakahubad ako sa paningin niya. He was staring at me intently, bahagyang napaawang
ang mga labi niya. Basa at medyo magulo pa ang buhok ko.

"Uhh, is that my clothes?" turo ko sa paperbag sa kama.

"Ah, no. It's nothing. Mukhang hindi mo na kailangan 'yan kaya itapon na lang
natin," agad na sagot niya. Kinuha niya ang paperbag at binuksan ang bintana.

"Hey!" gulat na sigaw ko. Nagmamadali akong naglakad patungo sa kanya. Napanganga
ako nang sineryoso niya ang sinabi niya. He threw it out of the window with all his
might.

Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o maiinis. I choose to laugh. "Don't be silly,
Eclipse. Don't do this." Nilingon niya ako. I could see mischief in his eyes.
Natigilan ako at napalunok.

"But you look perfect wearing my shirt. You don't need those things," paos na wika
niya. His Adam's apple are moving nervously, up and down.
Nakagat ko ang labi ko upang pigilan ang pagngiti. "Get it. I'm actually not
comfortable without anything underneath."

"That's where the thrill is," he commented.

"At least, let me wear an underwear," giit ko sa kanya.

He grinned. I hate it when his dimples are showing.

"Sure." He jumped out of the window and look for the paperbag. It is on the other
side of this maze. I chuckled. He's unbelievable. He came back and gave me just an
underwear, a bikini. Namula ang mukha ko dahil sineryoso niya ang sinabi ko.
Naiinis na kinuha ko ito mula sa kanya. How could he? Bumalik ako sa banyo at
isinuot ito. Man, he's really dope. But at least, I feel a lot comfortable now.

Lumabas akong muli. Nakahiga na siya sa kama. "Feeling better?" tanong niya.

Sumimangot ako pero tumango.

"Then let's sleep," he said and closed his eyes. There's a space alotted for me.
May kumot din sa tabi niya. He plans to share the bed with me. My heart suddenly
turned wild.

Gusto kong mapahilamos sa mukha. Gusto kong makipagtalo pero pagod na ako. Mas
pinili ko na lang na tumabi sa kanya. Binalot ko ang sarili ng kumot. Ramdam na
ramdam ko ang pagod nang humiga ako. Sumasakit ang katawan ko at ang braso ko.
Ilang minuto lang ay tiyak na hihilahin na ako ng antok ko.

"Wala ka bang sasabihin? Ano'ng iniisip mo? Nagsinungaling ako," mahinang sabi ko.

"I only have two options now." he answered.

"Ano naman 'yon?"

"Either I kill you or kiss you," seryosong sagot niya.

My heart skipped a bit.

"Both sound dangerous," komento ko dahil wala akong masabi.

"They are. If I kill you, I'll lose you forever. If I kiss you, I'll make sure...
you'll be mine forever," he answered.

"I think I will lose either way," mahinang sabi ko. Itinaas ko ang kumot hanggang
matakpan ang kalahating bahagi ng mukha ko.

I can't afford to lose my life or even my heart to him now. Not now.

***

Nightfall 17: Damaged [Nightfall]

"Your life is about to change..."

EURUS

Mahinang tumawa si Eclipse dahil sa sinabi ko. Magkasalubong ang kilay na nilingon
ko siya. His dimples deepened as he shook his head. Maybe he's already losing his
head, his sanity. "You can't lose, Eurus. Whatever I choose to do, I'm the one who
will lose first. Then... that will make you the... winner."

Sumimangot ako. "Kapag pinatay mo ako, wala na akong laban. Ako ang talo. Ano'ng
winner ang pinagsasabi mo?"
Tumingin siya sa 'kin at kumunot ang noo. "I won't kill you if you're worth it."

"Worth it? I think all the alpha females are worth it," seryosong sabi ko sa kanya.

Sumeryoso ang mukha ni Eclipse. "Not everyone, Eurus. Not everyone," makahulugang
sabi niya. "Do you want to be an alpha female? Are you claiming to be one?"

"I can be one," mariing sabi ko. Matigas ang boses ko pero nararamdaman ko ang
kakaibang kaba sa dibdib ko. I was lying in the bed, tired and I don't think I'm
ready for a fight.

"So be it. Be an alpha female," saad ni Eclipse. "Lycans are not after alpha
females, Eurus. Hindi mo pa naiintindihan ang buong sitwasyon na kinahaharap mo
ngayon. Marami ka pang kailangang malaman sa mundong papasukin mo."

Mas lalong nagsalubong ang dalawang kilay ko. I can't follow what he's referring
to. Napansin naman niya ang pagkalito sa mukha ko kaya bumuntong-hininga siya.
Bumangon siya at umupo sa kama habang nakasandal ang likod at ulo sa headboard.
Nakapatong ang isang kamay niya sa kanang tuhod niyang nakataas sa kama. One of his
legs rested still on the bed. Tumingala siya sa kisame na tila sobrang lalim ng
iniisip. Only the lampshade beside the bed are our only light.

"Hindi mo alam ang gulong pinapasok mo," ramdam ko ang bigat sa tinig niya.
"Ano ba talaga ang nangyayari? Ano ba ang hindi ko alam?" nalilitong tanong ko sa
kanya. Napagod na ako sa pagtingala sa kanya kaya umupo na rin ako habang nakaharap
sa kanya. I need answers. I can't wait any longer.

Nilingon niya ako. His face was a bit bored. His blue eyes rested on my face and I
could see worry on his gaze. "Marami, Eurus," sagot niya. "And I won't kill you
just because you're an alpha female. I'll kill you for not trusting me. For not
telling the truth and for throwing your life away. Soon, there's a possibility that
you'll become a stray. Strays can't control their blood lust. I only kill strays.
Lycans only kill strays."

"You're not killing alpha females?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko sa kanya.

Naningkit ang mga mata ko dahil sa pagdududa. Hindi ko siya maintindihan.

"We are no longer part of the council. But we have a pact. If an alpha female was
born in our pack, we will get rid of them or the council will do the job. If we
hide an alpha female or if we cross any borders of the council or intervene with
their affairs, war begins. I know they are waiting for us to break any rules so
they can get rid of us."

"You're hiding me!" I exclaimed.

Ngumisi siya pero unti-unti ring sumeryoso. "If worse comes to worst, I have no
choice but to kill you just to avoid war. Pero hindi pa naman nila alam ang tungkol
sa 'yo maliban na lang kung sabihin ni Yul sa kanila. At kung gusto mo talagang
panindigan ang pagiging alpha female, hindi kita pipigilan pero kailangang maging
handa ka sa anumang desisyon na gagawin ko. The least I can do is to cut ties with
you. Wala akong magiging pakialam sa gagawin ng council sa 'yo."
Napalunok ako. So he wouldn't fight for me. Of course. What do I expect? He's
protecting his pack. "Bakit kayo tumiwalag sa council?"

Eclipse's eyes became distant. I could see the pain and grief in his eyes. Mariin
niyang ikinuyom ang kamao bago piniling tumingala sa kisame. Akala ko hindi siya
magsasalita pero makalipas ang ilang minuto, inamin niya sa 'kin ang totoo. "My
mother is an alpha. She was killed nine years ago. We can't live among her killers.
Lycan is a huge pack but the council managed to slip through our defenses. Hindi
man nila kami tuluyang napatumba, nawala pa rin ang taong mahalaga para sa 'min.
Oo, mas marami sila. Pero kung lalabanan nila kami, marami rin ang mawawala sa
kanila. They can't afford it. Lycans can't afford to lose more lives too. So we
ended up to accept the pact. A truce. I'm still too young that time to even fight.
My father chose to protect us and use the pact to his advantage."

My heart tightened. I'm suddenly out of breath. His mother was a victim too!

"Why did they kill the alpha females? Para saan? Ano'ng mapapala nila?"
nahihirapang tanong ko.

Umiling si Eclipse. "I know this enraged you but don't just listen to one side of
the story or you'll miss the whole picture. You must know it as a whole but it's
kinda complicated. Alam kong gusto mong panigan ang mga alpha females pero may
parte rin na mali sila. Some of them manipulated the alpha males. Before they held
more power than males. Males are weak because of love. They loved too much so they
followed their mate's orders and alpha females are rare. It was a mess that time.
War began. Maraming packs ang nag-away-away dahil sa pagmamanipula ng sakim na
alpha females. Some alpha females are insecure. They want to be more powerful. Kaya
nagdesisyon ang council na lipulin sila. Ang problema, may mga inosenteng alpha
females na nadamay. But they turned out to be just the casualties of war. My mother
is a casualty. The council didn't care anymore who's bad or good. They didn't
differ, no exceptions until now. They were once the heroes but later on they turned
out to be the villains. What do you think? Who's better? Which side are you on?"
Bumaling ang mga mata niya sa 'kin. He was expecting something. Something that will
make sense. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. My mother is also a casualty. I don't know what
side to choose. Kitang-kita sa mukha ko ang pagkalito. I suddenly want to shiver
with the cold.

Nang hindi ako magsalita, nagpatuloy siya. "We're trying to be the hero of our own
story but sometimes, we also turn to be the villain of another," makahulugang sabi
niya. "If you finally decide to be an alpha female, I hope you'll do the right
thing for the Greater Good."

Napaisip ako sa sinabi niya. Do the right thing for the Greater Good. That means,
everything that is not part of the Greater Good will become casualties. Bumuntong-
hininga ako. In short, we can't avoid death for whatever we are fighting for.
"We've allowed it to be cause for so much turmoil. When in truth, no one has more
value than the other. Alpha males and alpha females are equals," giit ko.

"Interesting perspective," he commented with a grin.

I frowned. Pero hindi sapat 'to. These perspective needs action. I need to act to
make this happen and I don't know how. Eclipse is not yet on my side or will never
be.

"Did the Sanguis kill your mother?" tanong ko.

Umiling si Eclipse. "No. Sanguis and Lycans are good friends before." But Sanguis
killed my mother. Kung ganu'n maaaring hindi siya galit kay Yul.
"You said you're still too young back then. And Yul, did he partake on the
killings?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya.

Umiling siya. "No. That's why I believed that he won't kill you. He's not that
heartless and unreasonable. Not yet. He's also the idealist. I mean, he dreamt of a
perfect world to live in before. But some things really can change," he answered
truthfully. He sounded like he cares.

"But you punched him," paalala ko sa kanya.

"For hiding you and not telling me," nakasimangot na sagot niya. "Before we left
the council, he's my best friend." It fascinates me that he can reveal these
secrets so easily. I could feel the ache on his voice and my chest tightened. The
war, nine years ago, didn't just take lives but friendships too.

It seems, Yul still cares for Eclipse. Maybe he also wants to bring back the
friendship that is lost. He doesn't just know how that's why he approaches me to
get Eclipse's attention.

"You like the same things," komento ko.

Eclipse smiled, a genuine, sad smile. "It seems. And if I have the chance, I will
wish for that friendship to be back. I don't hold grudges against him. It's just
that we're on different sides now."
"I'm not familiar with friendships between guys. If I didn't know you, I will think
you're both gay," I chuckled. That's awkward. Thinking about Yul and Eclipse. Can't
be. They will break too many hearts.

Sumimangot si Eclipse. "Feelings are not related to gender, Eurus. Feelings and
friendships don't care about gender. I tell you, losing a dear friend is
heartbreaking," he said. His face was serious and weighing. He paused and stared at
me. Assessing my confused reaction while my throat went dry. "And when your heart
is breaking for someone, know that there's love in it but in a different kind of
level and that doesn't mean that someone's gay or what. Love is not always
intimate. sometimes, it's pure. When you value something or someone, there's always
love in it. Heartbreak is not just about romantic relationships but it can only be
caused by different levels of love. Losing friends, family or lover."

Eclipse is always direct. That's what I realized about him. He's not afraid to
speak up for his thoughts. And I like that about him.

"So why don't you talk to him?" takang tanong ko sa kanya.

"There's always a thin line that separates a friend and a stranger. Even the dear
ones are not an exception. We both have things to fight for. We don't fight for
revenge. We fight to save each other," he answered.

"Do you like Yul, Eurus?" seryosong tanong niya sa 'kin.

Namula ang mukha ko. But his voice doesn't sound accusing. "What if I do?"

He nodded. "It's alright to like him but you must learn to accept where he stands."

I nodded but he's suggesting something hard. I was lost in my own thoughts when
Eclipse talked.

"Ano'ng dahilan kung bakit nagdadalawang-isip ka na maging Alpha Female? Why did
you cut your link?" he asked. "I understand that you want an ordinary life. You may
have the life you seek. There's nothing wrong but there's nothing right either.
Because you're not you and you can never be you."

"I'm damaged," I answered with a shrug. I hate to admit that everything he said is
just right. Everything's right and the rightness was piercing my soul and heart to
pieces. I'm such a coward.

"Where? Maybe I can repair the damage?" His eyes are dancing with amusement and
wonder. I frowned. Ang sarap kalmutin ng dimples niya na parang nang-aasar sa
lalim.

"I'm an albino. And albinos are seen as weaklings," paliwanag ko sa kanya.

Napailing si Eclipse at mahinang tumawa. "You're really damaged, Eurus," pang-aasar

niya sa 'kin. "The damage is not in what you are, but in your brain. You should
change your way of thinking."

Sumimangot ako. "I'm scared. I'm scared of being an alpha female," pag-amin ko sa
kanya. "I'm afraid to be born a victim."

Natigilan siya sa pagtawa at matiim na tumitig sa 'kin. "Then don't be. If you
don't want to be a victim, be a warrior," he said. His voice was warm and serious
and deep. His eyes pierce through my soul as if he was removing all the inhibitions
and hesitations I'm feeling. "Being an alpha female? You can't be scared of it. You
have to become it. You already had everything you need within yourself."

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. Tiningnan ko siya nang seryoso at matiim. "You're
encouraging me but you won't stand by me."

He grinned. "Not everyone is going to stand alongside with you. That's the cruel
truth. Everyone has their own beliefs. Not everyone is a pro. Not everyone believes
in heroes because they can become it."

Muli na siyang humiga sa kama. Tiningnan ko lang siya habang nag-iisip. Nakatingala
lang siya sa 'kin at naghihintay ng sasabihin.

"Maybe I should make you mine, instead. Maybe I can kiss you now," wala sa sariling
sabi ko.
He chuckled. "You're being manipulative. Using me for your advantage. But I'm not
yet falling from grace, Eurus. I'm not yet in love with you."

"But you care, even a little," sabi ko. Matiim ko siyang tiningnan. His eyes are
wary and distant now. His lips are tight and unsmiling. My throat went dry.

"There's a reason," he answered.

I'm afraid to hear his reason. Mabigat akong bumuntong-hininga at tinunghayan siya.
The bed is wide but I don't think it's comfortable to sleep alone with him tonight.
I unlinked White and she occupied a huge part of the bed. Humiga siya sa pagitan
namin ni Eclipse. Nanlalaki naman ang mga mata ni Eclipse.

"What the hell, Eurus!" galit na sigaw niya. But he stopped talking when White
started to lick his face. He sighed heavily as if he's surrendering. I chuckled.
Humiga na ako sa kama at niyakap ang katawan ni White.

"You leave home, right?" tanong ni Eclipse sa 'kin.

"Yeah."

"Stay here until you figure everything out," he said. "This place is safe and
hidden. Tayong dalawa lang ang nakakaalam sa lugar na ito."
Natahimik ako. Winter break will be over soon. Pasukan na naman. At ito lang ang
paraang alam ko upang makausap muli si Kuya Lexus. Wala pa akong mapupuntahan kaya
si Eclipse lang ang maaasahan ko ngayon.

"Thanks." I said before I drifted to sleep.

***

Nightfall 18: Human [Nightfall]

"You already have everything you need within yourself."

EURUS

We're already resuming classes. Malakas pa rin ang pag-ulan ng yelo kaya balot na
balot ang katawan ko. Inikot ko ang makapal na puting scarf sa leeg ko. Eclipse
really allowed me to live on his sanctuary. Pero iginagalang niya ang gusto ko kaya
hindi siya natutulog doon, maliban sa unang gabi. He just visits me whenever he
needs to give me something or check me.

Kinakabahan ako habang nagmamaneho si Eclipse patungo sa Vaire University.

Kinakabahan din ako sa gagawin ko ngayong araw. Kailangan kong kausapin si Kuya
Lexus. Kailangan kong mas maintindihan ang buong sitwasyon. Sa ayaw at sa gusto ko,
kailangan kong mamili kung tatanggapin ko ba ang kapalaran ko o kung patuloy akong
magtatago at tatakbo.

Hindi ko pa rin ibinabalik ang link namin ni White. I'm still being hunted by other
werecats. Kanina ko pa minamasahe ang mga kamay ko dahil sa nerbyos. I'm also
squeezing my legs tightly together. This is going to change my life forever. It's
not just a small change. This will determine life and death.

"Eurus, you're making me anxious too," seryosong komento ni Eclipse habang matiim
na nakatingin sa kalsada na balot na balot ng makapal na yelo. "Pwede bang magrelax
ka? Nasa tabi mo lang ako. Hindi ko hahayaang saktan ka nila." Gusto kong matawa sa
sinasabi niya dahil hindi niya lubusang naiintindihan ang dahilan ng ikinikilos ko.

Hindi ko sinabi sa kanya ang balak ko. Hindi ko sinabi na maaaring lumaban ako at
iligtas ang Nightfall. Wala siyang kaalam-alam na may kapatid ako at may Nightfall
na naghihintay sa pagbabalik ko. Akala niya kinakabahan ako sa mga werecats at
strays na maaaring umatake sa 'kin habang nasa university. Akala niya natatakot pa
rin ako.

Pinilit kong kumalma para sa kanya, para hindi siya mag-alala. "Hindi ako natatakot
sa mga werecats, Eclipse. I've been away this December. Hindi rin ako nakasama sa
initial defense ng thesis namin. Tiyak na maraming katanungan ang mga kaibigan ko.
Hindi kaya ibagsak na ako ng mga professor ko dahil sa biglang pagkawala at pag-
absent ko? Hindi ko alam ang dapat kong asahan ngayon," sabi ko na lang. That's
also part of my worries. Hindi ako nagsinungaling pero hindi ko rin sinabi ang
buong katotohanan.

"Just repeat the subject if you fail," he said with a shrug.

Medyo napaawang ang labi ko dahil sa sinabi niya. "Wow! Very good advice! Nakaka-
motivate at nakaka-inspire. Based from experience ba 'yan?" sarkastikong sabi ko.
Napailing pa ako. Wala akong balak mahulog sa kahit anong subject. Gusto ko pa ring
tulungan sina Mama at Papa. Sino na lang ang mag-aalaga sa kanila kapag nawala ako?
Hindi ko masisikmura na iwanan sila nang tuluyan.

His lips lifted in a masculine smile. "Failure is not an option for me, Eurus. Not
even a choice."

His course is just longer than mine.

"Ikaw na matalino," nakasimangot na sabi ko. He parked the car and I got out
without his consent. Agad siyang humabol sa 'kin kasabay ng pag-iling. Napansin
namin ang ilang werecats na napapalingon sa direksyon namin. Hindi dahil sa
presensiya ni Eclipse kundi dahil na rin sa presensiya ko. I'm still a delectable
target. It will never change unless I restore the link.

"Mukhang sikat na sikat ka na," komento ni Eclipse. Magaan lang ang boses niya na
tila nagpapatawa pero hindi ako natawa. I head straight to my building. Sumusunod
pa rin si Eclipse kahit wala sa building na ito ang course niya. "You're still
stubborn after all that happened to you," hindi makapaniwalang saad niya. Mukhang
hindi na magbabago ang pagiging matigas ng ulo ko. Natigilan na lang ako nang bigla
akong dinumog nina Alys, Bess at Celine mula sa likuran.

"Hoy, babae!" sabay-sabay na panimula nila habang pinalilibutan ako. Hindi na nila
pinansin si Eclipse na napaurong na lang dahil sa biglaang pagsugod nila.

"Ano'ng nangyari sa 'yo?" tanong ni Celine.

"Bakit bigla ka na lang nawala?" agad na sabi rin ni Bess.

"Tinatawagan ka namin pero walang sumasagot ng phone mo. Hindi ka man lang sumulpot
sa thesis defense natin. Ano 'yon? Iwanan na lang? Ano na?" sunud-sunod na tanong
naman ni Alys.

Hindi ako makaisip nang matinong dahilan sa mga tanong nila.

"I lost my phone," sabi ko na lang. "I was sick for weeks. I can't attend school,"
sagot ko sa kanila.

Tumaas ang kilay nilang tatlo at nagkatinginan. Binitawan na nila ako. "You're
lying," sabi ni Celine. Masamang tingin ang ipinukol nila sa 'kin. "Tinanong ko
parents mo, sabi nila nawawala ka."

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin sa kanila. They knew.

"Gusto lang naming malaman ang totoong dahilan ng pagkawala mo," malungkot na sabi
ni Alys. "Bigla ka na lang nawala sa party. Hindi namin alam kung nakauwi ka na ba
o kung saan ka hahanapin. Inisip na lang namin na nakauwi ka na. We're so worried
when we learned that you're missing."
"Ano ba talaga ang nangyari, Eurus?" inis na tanong ni Bess.

"I..." mahinang sabi ko habang nag-iisip ng magandang alibi.

"She's drunk when she left the party. Nag-away kami. She met a car accident. She's
unconscious for weeks," sagot ni Eclipse para pagtakpan ako. "Hindi ko na nagawang
tawagan ang parents niya kaya akala nila nawawala si Eurus. It's my fault. I'm
sorry."

Bumaling ang tingin ng mga kaibigan ko kay Eclipse. Halata ang pagkalito sa mga
mukha nila. Hindi nila alam kung paniniwalaan ba nila ang sinabi ni Eclipse. I know
they are not that gullible but it's the most sane and believable answer right now.

Hindi nila masabing nagsisinungaling si Eclipse lalo na kung siya ang humihingi ng
paumanhin para sa 'kin. He doesn't need to do this but I'm thankful. I owe this one
to him.

"Nagka-amnesia ka ba?" tanong sa 'kin ni Alys nang matauhan siya. Mahina akong
tumawa at umiling.

"Nagkaroon lang ako ng mga sugat at galos at maraming dugo ang nawala sa 'kin pero
naaalala ko pa naman kayo. I did call my parents when I woke up," I said which is
partly true.
Mabigat na nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong-hininga ang tatlo. "Maayos na ba ang
pakiramdam mo? PWede ka na bang pumasok? Parang ang bilis mo naman yatang gumaling?
Dapat magpahinga ka na muna siguro?" kunot-noong sabi ni Bess.

Actually I'm already fully healed now. Natuyo na ang sugat at peklat na lang ang
natira. Hindi ko naman maaaring sabihin na dahil werecat ako kaya gumaling agad
ako. Ipinakita ko ang mga peklat sa braso ko para mas maniwala sila. Itinaas ko ang
sleeves ko hanggang sa braso. Napangiwi sila dahil sa nakita pero mas nangingibabaw
ang awa at pag-aalala nila para sa 'kin.

"Ayos na ako. Magaling ang gamot na ipinainom sa 'kin ng doctor," sabi ko na lang.
Napakamot sa ulo si Alys.

"Sige na nga. Kung maayos ka na talaga, maniniwala na kami. Sorry ha? Hindi ka man
lang namin nadalaw. Sana kasi tinawagan mo rin kami para naman napuntahan ka
namin," sabi ni Celine.

Lihim akong napangiwi dahil sa sinabi niya. Unfortunately, si Yul ang naging doctor
ko at hindi man lang ako na-admit sa kahit anong ospital. Mas mahirap kung
tatawagan ko pa sila. Masaya na ako na makita silang maayos at buhay.

"Dahil may kasama ka na, siguro pupunta na rin ako sa klase ko," sabi ni Eclipse na
napapakamot na lang sa ulo. Medyo kinabahan ako sa sinabi niya. Inilibot ko ang
paningin sa lugar. May ilang werecats pa rin akong naaamoy. Siguro naman, hindi
sila aatake sa loob ng campus? Maaga pa para gumawa ng gulo. Sa tingin ko naman,
hindi nila ibubulgar ang mga sarili nila sa ganitong pagkakataon. Napapalibutan pa
rin naman ako ng mga normal na tao.
Kahit nag-aalangan, tumango ako. I also don't have the right to hold him here. He's
not my bodyguard or even boyfriend. He doesn't need to protect me. Keeping him with
me is just so unfair.

"Kung may kailangan ka, sabihin mo lang sa 'kin. Nasa kabilang building lang ako,"
sabi niya at matipid na ngumiti sa 'kin. Wow. As if naman, mahahanap ko siya
kaagad. Naalala ko na wala nga pala akong cellphone. Walang paraan para makontak
siya agad. Tumango siya sa mga kaibigan ko bilang pamamaalam at naglakad na palayo.
Hindi na ako nakaangal pa.

"Ano'ng pinag-awayan ninyo? Sorry curious lang talaga ako. Pero kung may mati-
trigger na something sa 'yo, pwede namang hindi sagutin," sabi ng tsismosang si
Alys. Napailing ako at nagpatuloy na sa paglalakad. Mas ligtas kung nasa loob na
kami ng silid-aralan. Mas mapapayapa ang kalooban ko.

"Ikaw talaga, Alys. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang pagiging tsismosa mo! Naaksidente na
nga si Eurus, 'di ba?" naiiling na sabi ni Bess.

"Oo nga. Curious din ako, pero sa tingin ko babae ang pinag-awayan nilang dalawa.
Mukhang selosa 'tong si Eurus tapos habulin pa ng babae si Eclipse," sabi naman ni
Celine.

"Pwede ba pag-usapan na lang natin ang thesis natin?" naiiling at mataray na tanong
ko sa kanila.

"Wow! Ang taray na niya. Mukhang malakas talaga ang impact ng aksidente sa 'yo.
Umiinit na agad ang ulo mo," naiiling na sabi ni Alys. "Okay lang naman na wala ka
sa initial defense. Sabi ng prof, basta nasa final defense ka, pwede ka pang
makaligtas."

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag. "Paano sa ibang subjects? Madami na akong absents.
Hindi kaya ihulog na nila ako? Singko na agad?" nag-aalalang sabi ko.

"Naku, hindi 'yan. Ipakita mo lang ang medical certificate mo kapag nagtanong sila.
Siguro naman maiintindihan nila," sabi ni Bess. Umupo na kami sa kanya-kanyang
silya. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Wala akong medical certificate. Kay Yul ba ako
hihingi ng certificate? Ugh. Natampal ko nang mahina ang noo. "Pero dahil December
'yon, hindi na rin naman masyadong pumapasok ang ibang prof natin. Hindi na rin
sila masyadong nag-aattendance kaya hindi na nila mapapansin ang pagkawala mo."

Bumuntong-hininga ako. "Sana nga," sabi ko na lang. Tumigil kami sa pag-uusap nang
pumasok na ang professor namin.

Dahil wala akong cellphone, hindi ko makontak si Kuya Lexus. Inilagay pa naman niya
ang number niya sa dati kong cellphone. Mamaya, hahanapin ko siya sa cafeteria at
makikipag-usap ako sa kanya. Minasahe ko ang sentido ko habang malalim na nag-
iisip. Bahala na kung ano ang kahihinatnan ng pag-uusap namin.

~~~

Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip na pumunta sa cafeteria. Kasama ko pa rin ang mga

kaibigan ko na hindi na nangungulit sa 'kin. They are trying to be considerate.
Minsan, sila pa ang nagtatanong kung may iinumin ba akong gamot. Sinabi ko na wala
na dahil magaling na talaga ako.

Pagpasok namin sa malaking cafeteria, agad na hinanap ng mga mata ko si Kuya Lexus.
Marami ng tao sa loob at halos lahat ay may kanya-kanya ng puwesto. Nagtatawanan
sila pero kapag dumadaan ako, napapansin ko ang biglang pagtahimik ng ilan sa
kanila lalo na ang mga werecats. My smell became stronger and more tempting these
passed few days. Kung magtatagal pa ito, tiyak na mababaliw na sila sa amoy ko at
hindi na nila mapipigilan ang kanilang sarili na atakihin ako. That's the worst
case possible.

Sa halip na si Kuya Lexus ang makita ko, nakita ko si Yul at Eclipse sa

magkahiwalay na mesa. Bakit kung kailan kailangan ko si Kuya Lexus, saka naman siya
nawawala? Saan ko ba siya mahahanap? Saang building siya? Ano'ng course niya?

Hindi ko maaaring tanungin si Yul dahil maghihinala siya kaya wala sa sariling
napatitig ako sa kanya. Wala na ang sugat niya sa mukha. Wala na ang bakas ng pag-
aaway nila ni Eclipse. Hindi sinasadyang nagtama ang mga paningin namin ni Yul.
Napansin ko na bahagya siyang natigilan. Tumango lang siya sa 'kin pero hindi siya
ngumiti. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang iniisip niya, kung galit ba siya dahil mas
pinili kong panigan si Eclipse. Minabuti na muna ni Yul ang idistansiya ang sarili
lalo na't nasa paligid lang si Eclipse. Halatang wala siyang balak na gumawa ng
gulo sa loob ng cafeteria.

Minabuti ko na ring umiwas ng tingin sa kanya.

Nang may makita kaming bakanteng mesa, agad kaming naglakad patungo roon. Hindi pa
rin ako nawawalan ng pag-asa na makikita ang kapatid ko kaya patuloy ako sa
paghahanap. Please. Let me find him.

Tahimik na kaming bumili ng pagkain at kumain. Pinipilit nilang hindi ako pagudin
pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang pagpapantasya nila sa mga lalaki.
"Hindi ka yata nilalapitan ni Eclipse ngayon?" takang tanong ni Alys sa 'kin.
Kumunot ang noo ko at nilingon ang mesa nina Eclipse na ilang metro ang layo.
Nakakunot-noo siya habang nakikipag-usap sa mga kasama niya sa mesa. Sa palagay ko,
may problema silang kinakaharap kaya hindi niya napansin ang presensiya ko. O
siguro napansin at naamoy niya ako, pero mas mahalaga pa rin ang pinag-uusapan nila
kaya hindi siya makalapit sa 'kin. Ano naman kaya ang problema?

Nagkibit-balikat ako sa tanong ni Alys. "He's busy," sabi ko na lang.

Patuloy pa rin ang paghahanap ng mga mata ko sa kapatid ko. Napasinghap ako nang
makita siya. Gusto ko siyang kawayan agad kaso pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. Maraming
magtataka. Ipinagdasal ko na lang sa isip ko na sana lumingon siya sa 'kin, na sana
mapansin niya ako. Natuwa ako nang matupad ang hiling ko.

He looked at my direction. I saw relief in his eyes. He smiled at me. Hindi ko alam
kung paano sisenyas sa kanya nang hindi nahahalata ng mga kasama ko kaya ngumuso
ako na tila itinuturo ang labas. Sumenyas din ang kamay ko sa kanya na hindi
napansin ng mga kasama ko.

Napansin ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya pero mabuti na lang nakuha rin niya ang gusto
kong sabihin. Lumabas na lang siya ng cafeteria at hindi na tumuloy sa mesa nina
Yul. Agad akong napainom ng tubig at nagmamadaling tumayo.

"Punta lang akong library," sabi ko sa mga kasama ko. Hindi na sila nakaangal dahil
nagmadali na ako sa paglalakad.

"Ano'ng nangyari do'n?" Narinig ko pang tanong ni Celine.

My brother was already waiting for me outside the building. "We need to talk," agad
kong bungad sa kanya. "Where's your car?" Tumango siya at nagsimula ng maglakad.

Diretso kaming naglakad sa parking lot nang magkahiwalay. Nang masigurado na walang
nakatingin sa 'min, agad akong sumakay sa kotse niya.

"Kamusta ka? Sinabi sa 'kin ni Raine na inalagaan ka ni Yul," sabi ni Kuya Lexus.
His green eyes are sparkling with worry. "Did he hurt you? Nalaman ba niya kung
sino ka o kung ano ka?" sunud-sunod na tanong niya. Hindi niya inaalis ang tingin
sa 'kin upang suriin ako.

"Inalagaan niya ako pero hindi niya ako sinaktan. Tinulungan niya akong
magpagaling. May ideya siya kung ano ako pero hangga't hindi ko pinaninindigan ang
pagiging alpha female ko, hindi niya ako lalabanan o papatayin," sagot ko sa kanya.

Sumeryoso ang mukha ni Kuya Lexus at bahagyang dumilim ang paningin. "Don't trust
him, Eurus. Hindi mo siya kilala. Sunud-sunuran siya sa kanyang ama. Anumang oras,
maaari ka niyang ipagkanulo," seryosong babala niya. "Maging si Eclipse, kahit
hindi na sila kabilang sa council, hindi niya isasakripisyo ang mga kasama niya
para sa 'yo. Ang Nightfall lang ang totoong kakampi mo."

Napahugot ako ng malalim na buntong-hininga. Napapagod na ako, hindi pa man ako

pumapanig kahit kanino. Napansin naman ng kapatid ko ang ginawa ko.

"Bakit gusto mo akong makausap?" tanong na lang niya at hindi na ako pinagsabihan
pa.

Muli akong humugot nang malalim na hininga para magkaroon ng kaunting lakas ng
loob. Seryosong tiningnan ko siya. "Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa 'kin ang lahat? Alam
kong sinabi mo sa 'kin na pinatay ng mga magulang ni Yul si Mama pero hindi mo
sinabing ang buong council ang may pakana ng lahat. Hindi mo sinabing pumapatay
sila ng Alpha females!" inis na sabi ko. Pilit kong kinokontrol ang boses ko dahil
baka may makarinig sa sinasabi ko. I don't want to raise suspicion.

Unti-unting lumambot ang ekspresiyon ng mukha ni Kuya Lexus nang maintindihan na

nakipag-usap ako sa kanya upang humingi ng kasagutan sa mga gumugulo sa isip ko.

"Sa totoo lang, hindi ko inaasahan na buhay ka pa at makikita kita muli, not on
this university. Paano ko naman sasabihin sa 'yo ang totoo sa unang pagkikita pa
lang natin? Nang malaman ko kung paano mo itinatapon ang totoo mong pagkatao, alam
kong hindi ka pa handa. You don't deserve the truth yet. You don't deserve to be an
Alpha Female. You don't deserve Nightfall," malumanay na sabi niya. "Nainis ako sa
ginagawa mo sa buhay mo. Kung sasabihin ko sa 'yo ang totoo, ano naman ang gagawin
mo? Alam kong mas lalo kang tatakbo. Lalo kang matatakot, hindi ba?"

Seryosong pinag-aralan niya ako. Gusto kong maiyak dahil tama naman ang sinabi
niya. "Because that's what everyone would feel. When someone told you, you're the
chosen one and you need to save an entire pack but there's a possibility that
you'll die in the process, you will really feel fear and doubt and what the fuck!
The hell! That's crap!" sagot ko sa kanya. "Who in her right mind will accept that
kind of fate and play hero? No one. Hindi normal na tanggapin 'yon agad. Unless she
really dreamed to be everyone's hero but I'm not that kind of girl, Kuya Lexus. I
never wished for that, not even on my wildest dreams. I want a normal and happy
life."

"I may be a werecat but werecats are not immortals. I'm still human," sabi ko pa.
Sobrang bigat ng pakiramdam ko dahil kahit isa man akong alpha female, maaari pa
rin akong mamatay.
Wala sa sariling napahawak sa manibela si Kuya Lexus at nag-iwas ng tingin sa 'kin.
Wala sa sariling napahilamos siya sa mukha at isinubsob ang ulo sa manibela. "Alam
ko, Eurus. Naiintindihan kita. Alam ko. Hindi ko na lang talaga alam ang gagawin
ko. Everyone's suffering. Everyone's crying for freedom. Gusto nilang bumalik ang
dati. Gusto nilang lumaban para maibalik ang dati pero sinong mamumuno sa kanila?
Sinong may kakayahang magtaas sa moral nila? They need a miracle, Eurus. And
clearly, you're the miracle they're waiting for," sabi niya.

He looked at me with weary and tired eyes. He'd been standing for Nightfall all his
life. Pinipilit niyang magpakatatag para sa Nightfall. I could clearly see his
resolve to save his only family now. "Alam kong hindi mo sila kilala. Alam kong
wala kang nararamdaman para sa kanila pero sana pag-isipan mo. You may not know
them but they still deserve to live. They deserve freedom. You're not a lone
werecat. You still belong to a pack."

Hindi ako makahinga dahil sa sinabi niya. Tama naman kasi siya. May karapatan
silang mabuhay nang malaya.

"Right now, I can't say that the council is still human. They're using their animal
instincts to kill and destroy everyone's happiness. They're cruel, killing young
girls and innocents. You say that you're still human. But what makes you human,
Eurus? What makes you different from them?"

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. May bikig sa lalamunan ko at hindi ako makapagsalita
habang namamasa ang mga mata ko. What makes me human if I only consider my own
happiness? What makes me human if I'm this selfish? I'm no different than those
monsters. I'm just a self-centered and selfish cat who hides behind a human body.
I'm only pretending to be human but in truth, I'm also a monster.
Nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa kanya. Sobrang bigat ng pakiramdam ko. I just realized
something. "Maybe that's the reason why heroes are born. Because they want to prove
that they are still human or they can be human again," mahina at makahulugang saad
ko.

"Maybe. You can't be human without compassion," sabi ni Kuya Lexus na nakuha ang
sinabi ko. "Ano na ang plano mo ngayon?"

"I want to hear everything from the start. Everything, no secrets," seryosong sabi
ko kay Kuya Lexus. "I'm actually living now in the Gregory's territory, Lycan's
territory." Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kuya Lexus dahil sa gulat at napaawang ang
kanyang labi.

"I have no choice but it's the safest place right now. Huwag muna natin itong
problemahin ngayon. Kailangan kong maintindihan ang lahat kaya simulan mo na ang
pagpapaliwanag. My link depends on what you will say now," sabi ko.

He straightened his back at napapagod na napasandal sa upuan. Minasahe niya ang

kanyang sentido.

"Alpha females are really bossy," naiiling na sabi niya. "We need to get out of
here first," sabi niya at pinaandar ang makina ng sasakyan. I'm cutting classes.
Holy flying cat! "What?" hindi makapaniwalang sabi ko sa kanya.

"Mamaya lang hahanapin ka na ni Eclipse o baka pati rin si Yul. I can't risk being
caught. Hangga't maaari hindi nila pwedeng malaman ang koneksiyon natin sa isa't
isa. Mapapahamak ang buong Nightfall." Hindi na niya ako hinayaang magsalita.
Pinaharurot na niya ang kotse niya palayo. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Tiyak na
hahanapin ako ni Eclipse.
***

Nightfall 19: Iris [Nightfall]

"Don't be a victim..."

EURUS

My brother left his car on the road side and we hike on this hill, sit on the
bench, behind us is the maple tree that already lost its leaves and is shivering in
this cold winter. Nababalot ang bawat sanga nito ng puting-puting yelo.

Niyakap ko nang mahigpit ang sarili ko dahil sa panlalamig ng katawan. My white

trench coat at least kept me warm. Mabuti na lang may suot akong gloves.

Sa bawat salitang binibitawan ni Kuya Lexus, may lumalabas na usok sa kanyang

bibig. That just shows how worst this winter is. His silky black short hair was the
opposite of mine. My hair is white as this snow. I don't know if I still envy my
brother for being normal. I think I'm already loving what I have now.

Ipinapaliwanag na niya sa 'kin kung bakit pinatay ang mga alpha females. He said
that it was a secret order from the council to cut other alpha female's greed.
Since there are alpha females who are too greedy, manipulative and cruel, the
council started to doubt their ability to rule. Ang problema, may ibang inosenteng
alpha females na nadamay.

Now, the council who tried to be a hero became villains themselves. Mabigat akong
bumuntong-hininga. Actually there are only five alpha females. My mother, Eclipse's
mother and the other three are the cruel and greedy Alpha females.

"Since then, every young girl who possibly have an alpha female trait are killed.
Bumaba na rin ang tingin sa mga kababaihan. Now they are just used for pleasure and
breeding," mahinang sabi ni Kuya Lexus. Naikuyom ko nang mariin ang kamao. "They
are treated lesser than human. Kaya minsan, may iba talaga na nagpapakamatay na
lang. Mas magiging malaya sila kung mamamatay sila. Werecats are really near
extinction." Mabigat ang tinig ni Kuya Lexus samantalang naninikip naman ang dibdib
ko.

"Malaki na ang ipinagbago. Hindi na nakakapaglaro ang mga batang werecats. Lumalaki
na silang may takot, hindi na rin sila lumalaban. Sunud-sunuran na lang sila."
Nagkakaroon na ng bikig ang lalamunan ko at nanunuyo na ang lalamunan ko, hindi
lang dahil sa lamig kundi dahil na rin sa mga naririnig ko.

"Sanguis took Nightfall's territory. Nightfall is now forgotten. Ngayon, binubuo na

lang ang council ng apat na malalaking pack. Some packs lost there rights and are
defeated, twelve years ago. Wala silang nagawa kundi ang magpaalipin sa apat na
packs na ito kahit taliwas ang paniniwala nila sa ipinaglalaban ng council. Ang
tanging nakaligtas lang ay ang mga Lycans. They're lucky because they are one of
the biggest werecat packs. The council let them go under special circumstances and
arrangements. Hindi pa rin sila maaaring magtago ng Alpha female kaya hindi ka
ligtas sa kanila, Eurus."

Kitang-kita ko ang pag-igting ng kanyang mga panga dahil sa galit na nararamdaman.

Hindi pa rin niya matanggap ang mga nangyari noon. Wounds may heal but it will
still leave scars.

Hindi ko na lang pinansin ang huling sinabi niya. Oo. Hindi ako ligtas sa teritoryo
nina Eclipse pero hangga't hindi pa nalalaman ng council na itinatago niya ako,
hindi pa ako mapapahamak. Oo. Hindi ako papanigan ni Eclipse pero wala pa akong
maaaring puntahan ngayon kaya kailangan ko siyang pagkatiwalaan.

"What are these four packs?" namamalat na tanong ko sa kanya.

"Sanguis, Luna, Iris at Pride," sagot ni Kuya Lexus.

Kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa mga binanggit niya. "Hindi ako pamilyar sa tatlong
packs. Nasa Vaire University din ba sila? Did I miss them?" Binaha ng pagkalito ang
mukha ko habang pinagmamasdan ang seryosong mukha ni Kuya Lexus. Umiling siya.

"Ilang miyembro lang ang pumapasok sa Vaire University. Mahihinang miyembro lang na
hindi mo agad mapapansin. There's an academy exclusive for werecats only. Iris
Academy. Sa sunod na siyudad, sa Veolia, matatagpuan mo ang academy na sinasabi
ko," sagot niya.

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. Exclusive for werecats? Hindi ko lubos-maisip na

magsasama-sama ang halos lahat ng werecats sa isang academy lang. Hindi kaya
sumabog sila? Sumasakit ang ulo ko dahil puro gulo ang pumapasok sa isip ko,
magagarang damit, magagandang tindig at mga mukha at maiingay na kasiyahan gabi-
gabi. That place will drive me insane, especially for an asocial and introvert at
heart like me.
At siguradong pinagkaguluhan na nilang lahat ang kawawang siyam na buhay ko. They
will seek my blood without mercy. They will do anything to kill me. Damn! I can't
imagine all of that!

"Bakit hindi pumasok sina Eclipse at Yul sa lugar na 'yon?" Kung pumasok sana sila
roon, hindi ko sila makikilala at hindi magiging magulo ang buhay ko. Hindi sana
ako namomroblema ngayon at hindi ko sana - no, kung hindi sila pumasok sa Vaire
University, baka patay na rin ako ngayon. Kung wala sila, hindi ko na mararanasan
ang siyam na buhay ko.

"Nasa Vaire ang bahagi ng teritoryo nila. Mas madali para sa kanila ang pumasok sa
Vaire University. Pero madalas sa Veolia nagkakaroon ng pagpupulong ang lahat ng
kabilang sa council. Sobrang lawak ng Veolia na tatlong packs ang naghahati-hati sa
lugar na iyon. Kung malaki na ang Vaire, halos walong beses ang laki ng Veolia
kumpara rito," tiim-bagang na sabi ni Kuya.

Napaawang ang bibig ko. Ganu'n kalaki ang pack na lalabanan ko? Ng Nightfall? Ano
bang gulo itong pinapasok ko? This sounds so insane. Sino naman ang makakaligtas sa
ganitong labanan? Marami pa ring mamamatay at magsasakripisyo para lang sa kalayaan
at kapayapaang pinapangarap ng bawat isa.

"I don't think we have a chance to win this fight," naiiling na sabi ko. Hindi pa
man namin sinusubukan, gusto ko ng tumakbo at magtago. Gusto ko ng umurong.

Napangisi si Kuya Lexus na tila alam na alam niya ang pinapasok niya. "Sa tingin
ko, hindi lahat makakalaban natin, Eurus. Naalala mo ba ang sinabi ko? May ibang
packs na napilitang sumanib sa apat na malalaking packs na ito. Hindi lahat kakampi
ng council. We just need to start a revolution. We need a secret alliance. Doon ka
na papasok. We need an alpha female to lead us. Gusto kong bumalik ang tiwala nila
sa mga alpha females. Malay mo, hindi lang pala ikaw ang nagtatagong alpha female?"
My brother sounded so sure. I can't deny the hope in his voice.

"So we need to convince them to start a war against the council? Paano kung
ipagkanulo nila tayo? Paano kung maling tao pala ang nakausap natin? Paano kung
pumalpak tayo? Buong Nightfall ang nakasalalay rito," mariing sabi ko na hindi pa
rin kumbinsido sa mga sinasabi niya. Hindi madali ang lahat ng ito. Buhay namin ang
nakataya rito.

"Pag-aaralan muna natin ang lahat. Kung paano makakalapit sa council. Kung paano
makakalapit sa mga packs. Hindi tayo gagalaw nang walang kasiguraduhan. Sa ngayon,
buhayin muna natin ang Nightfall. Bigyan muna natin sila ng pag-asa," mabigat na
sabi niya. Matiim niya akong tinitingnan habang pinag-aaralan ang reaksiyon ko.
"Ano sa tingin mo? Kailangan mo muna silang makilala, Eurus. Kailangang may
panghawakan ka para gawin ito. You need a motivation not a burden. Don't think of
Nightfall as a burden, Eurus. They are your family. We can't play victim anymore,"
seryosong sabi niya. His voice was deep and a little husky. Magkasalikop ang
dalawang kamay niya sa pagitan ng mga mahahaba niyang hita. His elbows are resting
above his thighs. His suggestions sounds easy but it isn't.

Deep inside I really want to meet Nightfall. I want to know them. I want to know
the reason why I should do this and fight for them. Why should I sacrifice myself
for this war, for this freedom? Mabigat akong bumuntong-hininga. Hindi ko na
matagalan ang titig niya na tila ba naghihintay ng positibong sagot kaya nag-iwas
ako ng tingin. I looked away and stared at the bottom of the hill, the whole forest
is glittering in white snow.

I played with my hands covered with thick gloves, massaging it. I'm nervous.
Natatakot ako na baka mali ang desisyon ko. Na baka hindi ito ang tamang gawin.
Pero siguro, para maging tama ang isang desisyon, kailangan ko lang itong
panindigan hanggang sa huling hininga ko.

Nanunuyo ang labi ko dahil sa lamig. I pursed my lips. Wala sa sariling hinilot ko
ang sintido. Natigilan ako dahil mula sa malayo, natanaw ko ang ilang malalaking
pusa na umaaligid doon. Sa tingin ko, naamoy nila ako. Agad akong tumingin kay Kuya
Lexus.

"Fine. I'll meet them. Let's find a way to save them. Pero sa ngayon, may mga
werecats na nag-aabang sa 'tin sa loob ng kagubatan," seryosong sabi ko. "I don't
really want to fight but they aren't the type to let me go so easily. So, what
now?" Nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko kay Kuya.

"Naka-park ang kotse sa likod ng burol na ito. They won't notice that. Use my car
to escape. I'll take care of them. Bumalik ka na sa campus. Mas mabuti na rin na
magkahiwalay tayo," seryosong sabi ni Kuya Lexus. His green eyes shifted into a
cat's green eyes. He carefully scanned the forest below. "Three werecats. I can
handle them." Bumalot ang pag-aalala sa puso ko.

"Tutulungan kita. Lalaban ako," mariing sabi ko.

Umiling si Kuya Lexus. "Alam mo, tiyak na hinahanap ka na nina Yul at Eclipse. Wala
akong balak na matunton ka pa nila rito. Kapag nakita nila tayong magkasama,
mapapansin nila ang pagkakahawig nating dalawa. They will know who you are. Just go
back in Vaire University. Hindi ako mamamatay nang ganu'n kadali. This may not be
my first life, but I still have lots of life waiting for me," he said to reassure
me. Napalunok ako. Hindi ko magawang tumayo o gumalaw para iwan siya. Fear seeped
in my eyes. I don't want to lose another family.
Tumayo na siya. He moved and stretched his already stiff muscles, arms and legs. He
turned to me with a kind, gentle smile. "I will come back alive. We still have a
lot of works to do after this." Ihinagis niya sa 'kin ang susi ng kotse niya na
wala sa sariling sinalo ko naman. "Mag-ingat ka kay Eclipse. May posibilidad na
ginagamit ka lang niya," seryosong wika niya na ikinatigil ko. Hindi na ako
nakapagsalita pa. He walked away as my heart hammered against my chest. Mariin kong
nakagat ang labi dahil sa kakaibang kaba. Masakit talaga sa puso kapag nag-aalala.

Mariin akong napapikit at pinilit na tumayo. "Be sure to come back. Alive not half-
dead," paalala ko sa kanya. Sinunod ko ang gusto niya. Tinalikuran ko siya at
tinunton ang daan pabalik sa kotse niya. Hindi ko na dadagdagan pa ang problema.
Kailangan ko ng bumalik sa Vaire University para hindi ako magkaproblema kina
Eclipse at Yul.

~~~

I parked the car and immediately get out of it. It's already four in the afternoon.
Maaabutan ko pa ang pang-alas-singkong klase ko. Sinigurado kong walang nakapansin
sa kotseng binabaan ko at nagmamadaling pinuntahan ang building ng sunod na klase
ko.

Bago pa ako makatungtong sa hagdan ng building, may dalawang werecats na agad na

sumalubong sa 'kin at humarang sa daan ko. They are grinning at me from ear to ear.
Hindi maganda ang kutob ko sa kanila. Nang tumingin ako sa paligid, nasaktuhan pa
na hindi na ganu'n kadami ang tao. Some already left the University, some are stuck
in their classes, some are busy playing in the track field, some are too busy on
whatever hell they are doing.

"Ano'ng kailangan ninyo sa 'kin?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko sa kanila. Kambal
ang dalawang lalaking nakatayo sa harapan ko. I could see how interested they are
to me. Hindi sila pamilyar sa 'kin. Ngayon ko lang sila nakita at napansin. They
are wearing unfamiliar black uniforms. Sa tingin ko, galing sila sa ibang paaralan.
Paano sila nakapasok dito?

"Hi," nakangising bati ng isang lalaki sa 'kin. His hair was scarlet red while his
twin brother's hair color is raven blue. Magkamukhang-magkamukha sila at hindi ko
masabi kung ano ang pinagkaiba nila maliban sa kulay ng buhok. Hindi sila basta-
bastang werecats lang. Their auras are intimidating. They stood with pride, dignity
and power. Their confidence are overflowing and I can't tell if their grins are
friendly or just mocking.

Their faces are too angelic to be considered as bad guys and their complexion is
just fair. Matatangos ang mga ilong nila at mapupula ang mga labi. The one who
spoke to me has a gold earring on his left ear while the other one has his gold
earring on the right ear. Sa kabila ng kagwapuhan nila, nagsalubong pa rin ang mga
kilay ko. Hindi ko mawari kung gulo ba ang ipinunta nila rito.

"Sino kayo?" mariing tanong ko sa kanila. Hindi maipagkakaila ang pagkainis sa

tinig ko. They are delaying me.

"I'm Hell," pakilala ng lalaking may pulang buhok. "He's Heaven," turo naman niya
sa kapatid niya na sumimangot dahil sa sariling nitong pangalan. They have such
interesting names. Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ba ako o hindi. Their names sound
like warnings.

"Ano'ng kailangan ninyo sa 'kin?" mariing tanong ko na lang. "Pwede ba? May klase
pa akong dapat habulin. Nagmamadali ako."

The corner of Heaven's lips lifted into an amused smile. "Ngayon lang ako nakakita
ng taong mas mahalaga pa ang pag-aaral kaysa sa buhay niya," he commented. Magaan
ang boses niya at kahali-halina. Hindi katulad ng boses ni Hell na malalim at medyo
seryoso.

"Huwag mong sabihin na gusto mo na agad siya? Pwede bang tanungin muna natin ang
pangalan niya?" naiiling na tanong ni Hell na nakasimangot na.

"No. She's just fascinating. Hindi ko pa rin nakakalimutan ang dahilan kung bakit
nagpunta tayo rito. We already know her name, we don't have to pretend. There's no
time to play," sagot ni Heaven na sumeryoso niya. His gray eyes are now fixed
intently at me. Napakamot na lang sa ulo si Hell. Nakaramdam ako ng pagkailang
dahil sa matiim nilang pag-aaral sa anyo ko.

Napaawang ang labi ko sa mga sinasabi nila. They know me? I felt so dangerously
exposed.

"She's an albino who cut her link. She'll die soon," diretsong sabi ni Hell na tila
isa akong specimen na pinag-aaralan nila sa isang laboratoryo. "It's a miracle that
she survived the cutting of link. Do you think she's an alpha?" tanong pa niya na
tila wala akong naririnig sa pag-uusap nila. They are talking as if my presence
doesn't bother them and I'm invisible and harmless. My ego is a little bit hurt.
Pero naalarma ako dahil sa pag-uusap nila.

"Sino kayo? Saan kayo galing?" mariing tanong ko. Nauubos na ang pasensiya ko sa
kambal na ito. Isa lang ang alam ko, hindi sila nagpunta rito para makipagkaibigan.
"We're from the Iris pack," kibit-balikat na sagot ni Heaven habang hindi inaalis
ang tingin sa 'kin. "May mga underlings kami na pumapasok sa paaralang ito. They
just told us something interesting. We're bored and we're out here for something
fun," he said. Sa kabila ng gwapong mukha nila, nararamdaman ko ang kagustuhan
nilang makipaglaro kay Kamatayan. Hindi sila basta-basta. Hindi sila katulad ng mga
strays na nakalaban ko. Nararamdaman ko ang lakas nila sa magagandang tindig pa
lang nila.

"You don't have to worry. Hindi pa alam ng council ang tungkol sa 'yo. An order is
not yet issued to officially kill you. I don't care if you're really an alpha
female. We're more interested at your blood in this unlinked state. The blood that
will us even stronger," pag-amin ni Hell.

Hindi ko alam kung paano nila nagagawang makipag-usap sa 'kin nang napaka-kaswal.
Hindi talaga nila ako sineseryoso. Minamaliit nila ako. Nararamdaman ko. Mariin
kong naikuyom ang kamao. Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanila. Mariin ko ring
kinagat ang labi ko para pigilan ang pagpapalit-anyo. Gusto kong kalmutin ang mga
mukha nila pero hindi ko maaaring gawin ito sa university.

"Ano'ng ginagawa ninyo rito? Hell? Heaven?" galit na tanong ng malalim na tinig
mula sa likod ko. That's Eclipse's voice! Nang lumingon ako, nakita ko ang madilim
na mukha nina Eclipse at Yul habang nakikipaglaban ng tingin kina Hell at Heaven.
They are not pleased to see the two here.

"I think someone wants to join the fun," nakangising sabi ni Hell habang nakatitig
kay Eclipse. Lycans are not member of the council. He had a disadvantage. Hindi
mapapahamak si Yul dahil tiyak na kakampi nina Hell at Heaven si Yul.

Mariing naikuyom ni Eclipse ang kamao. Kapag ipinagtanggol niya ako, malalaman ng
council na pumapanig si Eclipse sa isang potensiyal na alpha female.

"Hindi kayo maaaring manggulo sa Vaire University," sabi na lang ni Yul na hindi
rin ako maaaring kampihan. "Kung anuman ang problema sa lugar na ito, ang Sanguis
na ang bahalang umayos nito. Bumalik na kayo sa Veolia."

"Wala kayong karapatan sa lugar na 'to Hell. I'm not someone who's joining the fun.
This is not your fun. Dayo lang kayo sa lugar na ito," mariing sabi ni Eclipse.
"Alam ninyong may mga normal na tao sa paaralang 'to. Kung gusto ninyong ipahamak
ang sarili ninyo, huwag na kayong mangdamay pa ng iba."
Umangat ang sulok ng labi ng kambal. Halatang naaaliw sila sa sinasabi nina Eclipse
at Yul at mas lalo tuloy silang nagiging interesado sa 'kin. Muli nila akong sinuri
ng tingin.

"She may be an alpha female," sabi ni Hell.

"She's never an alpha," mariing sabi ni Eclipse.

"She's an albino. She's weak, Hell," paalala naman ni Yul. Naiipit ako sa gulo
nila. Naiinis ako sa mga naririnig ko mula sa kanila. Mahinang tumawa si Heaven
dahil sa narinig.

"Yul, she's too strong to be weak. Huwag na tayong maglokohan dito," naiiling na
sabi ni Heaven. "Why? May gusto ba kayo sa kanya? Why are you so adamant to protect
her?"

"Her blood is mine. She's my kill, Heaven," halos pasigaw na sabi ni Eclipse.
Napasinghap ako sa narinig. Nanlalaki ang mga matang napatitig ako kay Eclipse.
Balak din niya akong patayin? O sinasabi lang niya ito para iligtas ako? Hindi ko
alam kung anong paniniwalaan ko dahil napakaseryoso at madilim ang mukha niya. He
was ready to kill Heaven just to have me. He'll do anything to have me, I can see
it on his blazing blue eyes.

"Not fair. Hindi ako papayag na mas maging malakas ka kaysa sa 'min," naiiling na
sabi ni Hell. "I don't think your ex-bestfriend will also let you have her."
Nakangisi si Heaven at Hell kay Yul. Mariin ng nakakuyom ang kamao ni Yul.

"I won't let him have her or anyone of you. She's my kill," Yul said in a strained
voice. Natulos ako sa kinatatayuan. These two idiots! Wala na ba silang magandang
sasabihin.

Tumingin sa 'kin si Heaven. "I think you should transfer in Iris Academy. Gusto
kong makita kung paano ka pagkaguluhan ng mga werecats sa lugar na 'yon. Tiyak na
mawawala na ang pagkainip namin. You're a hot commodity and everyone will be after
you. I can arrange everything for you, Eurus."

Napanganga ako sa sinabi niya. Sino namang tanga ang papayag sa inaalok niya? "No
way!" Nanginginig ang tinig ko dahil sa inis. Mas lalo namang naaliw sina Heaven at
Hell.
"Hindi siya papasok sa Iris Academy, Heaven," galit na sabi ni Yul. "Dito lang
siya. Umalis na kayo!"

"Kung ganu'n, unahan na lang tayo. Bantayan ninyo siyang mabuti. If she slipped in
your grip, she'll fall in our hands," sabi naman ni Heaven na halatang aliw na
aliw. He waved his hand and walked away. Hell flashed a meaningful grin at me. He
tilted his head as if acknowledging me before he walked away.

Mahigpit na hinawakan ni Eclipse ang braso ko at hinila ako papasok sa building.

"Saan ka nanggaling?" naiinis na tanong ni Eclipse. Dahil sa inis ko, ipiniksi ko
ang braso para kumawala sa pagkakahawak niya.

"Ano naman sa 'yo?" galit na tanong ko. "Wow Eclipse! I'm your kill?" hindi
makapaniwalang tanong ko sa kanya. Yul stormed inside the building and head
straight to us. Isa pa ito! "Shit naman, Eclipse! Gusto mo ring maging malakas?"

I could see amusement registered on Eclipse's face due to my sudden outburst. Hindi
ko alam kung matatawa ba siya dahil unti-unting nawala ang galit niya. "Eurus,
nanganganib na ang buhay mo pero ito ang sasabihin mo sa 'kin? This is your
concern? Hindi ka ba natatakot na alam na nina Heaven at Hell ang tungkol siya?
Anak sila ng isang miyembro ng Council," hindi makapaniwalang sabi niya.

Bumaling agad si Eclipse kay Yul. "Yul, hindi ka namin kailangan dito. Umalis ka
na. And don't you dare say that she's your kill, she's mine!"

Sumeryoso si Yul. "Eclipse, alam mong hindi na maganda ang nangyayari. Wala ng
patutunguhan ang pagtatalo natin tungkol sa bagay na ito. Kapag nagsalita sina Hell
at Heaven, tapos na ang maliligayang araw ni Eurus. She left home, right? Sumama
siya sa 'yo? Kapag nalaman ng council na itinatago mo siya, mapapahamak din ang
Lycan."

"Teka lang, Yul. Kanino ka ba talaga nag-aalala? Sa 'kin o kay Eclipse?" naiinis na
tanong ko dahil parang bigla akong nawala sa usapan. Ramdam ko na bigla akong
naging worthless. Natigilan si Yul at nagpalipat-lipat ng tingin sa 'min ni
Eclipse.

"Mas nag-aalala siya para sa sarili niya. You're odd, Eurus," naiiling na sabi ni
Eclipse. He laced my his hand on mine. "Ihahatid na kita sa klase mo. Mamaya natin
ito pag-usapan. Magpapaliwanag ka pa sa 'kin kung saan ka nanggaling kanina,"
seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. Hinila na niya ako upang maglakad.
Nilingon ni Eclipse si Yul. "Mag-usap din tayo pagbalik ko," mabigat na sabi niya
kay Yul.

"Bakit parang ako yata ang napag-iiwanan dito?" inis na tanong ko kay Eclipse.
"Bakit hindi mo na lang ako isama sa pag-uusap ninyo?"

"Eurus, kailangan naming timbangin ang nangyayari ngayon. Kapag nakarating ito sa
council, gagawin nila ang lahat para paslangin ka. Hindi ko alam ang binabalak ni
Yul pero hindi ako ang totoong kalaban mo. I need to tell them you're my kill to
intimidate them or maybe scare them. I'm doing my best to save you at least," he
said. "Please. Huwag ka munang lumayo sa 'kin. Huwag kang umalis nang hindi
nagpapaalam dahil mababaliw ako sa paghahanap sa 'yo," mabigat na sabi niya.

Natahimik ako. Hindi ko alam kung magagawa ko ba ang sinasabi niya. Siguro, hindi
na talaga ako dapat umasa kay Eclipse o maging kay Yul. Malinaw rin na magiging
kaaway ko sila kapag pinili kong panindigan ang pagiging alpha female ko. Masakit
umasa.

***

Author's Note

Hello! It's been so long since I have an author's note. So how are you guys? I'm
really happy for your support on this unusual and weird story. I know you're only
few but let me give you a hug.

With all the magic and love,

Missmaple

Nightfall 20: Paranoia [Nightfall]

"Be a warrior."

EURUS
Biyernes na pero hindi pa rin gustong pag-usapan ni Eclipse ang tungkol kina Heaven
at Hell. I kept asking him questions but he's ignoring me. Eventually I stopped and
ignored him too. Siya naman ngayon ang hindi kumportable sa pagbalewala ko sa
kanya.

"Bakit hindi ka matutulog sa bahay? Saan ka pupunta?" Salubong ang kilay niya at
hindi maipinta ang mukha. Ang nakatirintas na buhok niya na nahihimlay sa balikat
at dibdib niya ay hinawi niya patungo sa likod niya dahil sa inis. He still looks
manly with that manner. He's still gorgeous even though he's obviously pissed.

Hindi na niya hinayaang mawala ako sa paningin niya nang nakaraang araw. He also
asked Dean to watch over me whenever he's not around. I feel suffocated. Hindi ko
tuloy makausap si Kuya Lexus nang hindi niya malalaman.

I still don't have a fucking phone! Soon, I'll run out of money. I need a job.

"Thesis, Eclipse. Matutulog kami kina Alys ngayong gabi. I also need a job. I need
to money. I also need a fucking phone," inis na sagot ko sa kanya. Sinabi kong
hindi ako sasabay sa kanya pauwi kaya naiinis siya. "Pwede bang huwag mo na akong
pasundan kay Dean? Damn! Hindi na ako makahinga dahil sa ginagawa mo."

"That's for your safety. Sige, pwede kang matulog sa bahay ni Alys pero kailangan
ka pa ring bantayan," seryosong sagot niya.

I rolled my eyes and glared at him. We are standing at the end of the hallway where
students seldom pass.
"At paano mo naman ako babantayan o pababantayan? It's fucking snowing outside. Do
you want to freeze to death? Please. Hindi ako mapapahamak sa loob ng bahay ni
Alys. I don't think someone will attack me inside a human's house." I hissed under
my breath and shook my head. "Not now, Eclipse. Sunday, I'll try to find a part-
time job. Baka gabi na ako makauwi."

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ni Eclipse. "Part-time job?" He wears a black trench
coat and his both hands now rest inside his pockets. He was also wearing a white
high neck sweater inside and black pants and rubber shoes. He looks like the angel
of death to me.

Tumango ako. "Wala na akong pera. I can't support myself this way. Umalis na ako sa
poder ng mga magulang ko," sagot ko. "Unless you want to support me?" pang-aasar ko
sa kanya habang nakataas ang isang kilay at ang sulok ng labi.

He had this incredulous look on his face. Umangat pa ang kilay niya. "Support you?
Financially? If you're my wife, I will but you're not even my girlfriend."

"'Yon nga, Eclipse! Natumbok mo na ang punto ko. Huwag mo na akong pasundan o
pabantayan kasi hindi mo naman ako asawa o girlfriend. Wala kang mapapala. Aalis
din ako sa bahay mo kapag may pera na ako. Hayaan mo na lang ako sa buhay ko," inis
na sabi ko sa kanya.

Tumiim ang tingin niya sa 'kin. "Shall I make you my girlfriend then?"
Bagsak ang pangang napatitig ako sa kanya. Ramdam ko ang unti-unting pagbilis ng
tibok ng puso ko. His blue eyes are intently staring at me and I'm not sure if he's
just testing me or fucking serious. "It's a big no, Eclipse. Pwede ba? Hindi 'yon
ganu'n kadali. Huwag ka ngang magsalita nang hindi nag-iisip. Nakaka-gago," mariing
sabi ko.

"I'm just worried for your safety."

"Why? Bakit ba? Ano'ng mapapala mo? Wala naman 'di ba? I can die anytime and you
don't have a say to that. The council can hunt me forever and you don't have a say
to that. Wala akong pakialam kung ibinulgar na nina Hell at Heaven ang tungkol sa
'kin. Ano bang binabalak mo? Alam mo namang mapapahamak ang Lycans kapag nanatili
ako sa tabi mo," inis na sambit ko.

He's the most unreasonable person I know.

Bumuntong-hininga si Eclipse at gamit ang dalawang kamay, wala sa sariling sinuklay

niya ang sariling buhok. Kitang-kita sa mukha niya ang pagkalito. "They can't kill
you. Mas lalong bababa ang moral ng mga babaeng werecats."

"I don't know that you're a feminist," sarkastikong sabi ko.

"It's not about feminism, it's about their rights as a person. And also, your death
might either trigger overwhelming fear or worst, hate. Hate may end up as war. Kung
lalabanan namin ang isa't isa, maaaring maubos na nang tuluyan ang mga werecats,"
seryosong sagot niya.
"At problema ko pa 'yon ngayon?"

"Fuck!" inis na sabi niya. Naiinis na napahilamos siya sa mukha. It won't be wise
to tell me it's my problem. He still wants to be on my good side. He looks at me as
if he's pleading. Pleading for what? To drop the subject and just follow whatever
he wants? He's not a feminist, after all.

"What are you really fighting for, Eclipse?" Mabigat ang tinig ko. Mahirap
pagkatiwalaan ang taong walang balak na ipaalam sa 'yo ang lahat-lahat. Siguro,
kaya hindi rin niya ako pinagkakatiwalaan nang lubusan dahil alam niyang marami
akong itinatago. Maybe, everything's fair enough. For both of us, at the very
least.

"I don't know yet. I don't have an exact plan. I just want to save you and
everyone. I just want everyone to be happy," he answered with honesty but it
doesn't make sense to me.

Mapang-uyam na tumawa ako. "You don't have to play hero, Eclipse. Let them handle
their own problems by themselves. Your concern can't save everyone. You'll just
break your own heart. How can you be so naive?"

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol niya sa 'kin. "You're the one who's naive Eurus. Soon,
there will be a total lunar eclipse," makahulugang sabi niya na ikinakunot ng noo
ko. Ano naman ang pakialam ko sa Lunar Eclipse? "We still have three months before
the Blood Moon. It will be on April. Heaven and Hell plan to reveal your identity
on that day. It will signal the hunt. Don't think that they're being generous.
They're giving you time to decide if you want to be an alpha or not. Three months
to become an alpha, Eurus. They're testing you. Mas gusto nilang panindigan mo ang
pagiging Alpha para sa laro nila. We're still thinking of a way to save you. If you
can't stand still until this is over, you'll die. I need you to stay away from them
as much as possible. You know what this means, Eurus? Chaos."

Napanganga ako dahil sa sinabi niya. I can't allow Heaven and Hell to do that! Kung
kailan naman malapit na akong pumayag na maging Alpha, saka naman sila dumating.
Doubt started to engulp me once again. I lack the traits of a hero after all.

Napalunok ako. "Paano mo nalaman ang balak nila?"

He shrugged his shoulder and looked away. He watched the empty hallway. "Heaven and
Hell want to play with us. Alam na rin ni Yul. They want to mess up with our minds
so they revealed their plans. They are looking for thrills. They are quite bored
now. No. They're just sick in the head. Huwag mo na silang problemahin. Kami na ang
bahala sa kanila."

"With Yul's help?" takang tanong ko.

"No. I won't ask for his help," sagot niya.

I checked my wrist watch. Hinihintay na ako nina Alys sa parking lot. Kailangan ko
ng umalis. I can't cancel my plans just because of what I've learned. I'll think of
a way to deal with it. Mabigat akong bumuntong-hininga bago tiningnan si Eclipse na
nakatingin na ngayon sa 'kin. "I need to go now. Huwag mo na akong pasundan. Kapag
nalaman kong may Lycan na sumusunod sa 'kin, baka hindi na ako bumalik sa bahay
mo," pagbabanta ko sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung may karapatan ba talaga akong
pagbantaan siya. Ako ang mawawalan, hindi siya.
Pero siguro maaari akong matulungan ni Kuya Lexus, kahit pansamantala lang hanggang
sa magkapera ako.

He sighed in defeat. "Bahala ka na sa gusto mong gawin. Be home on Sunday," he

said. Hindi na niya ako hinintay at nauna na siyang naglakad palayo. Maybe, he's
angry?

Nagmadali na akong pumunta sa parking lot. Alys is already waiting for me. Bakas
ang pagkainip sa mukha niya pero nang makita ako, napangiti na siya.

"Nakausap mo na si Eclipse?" tanong niya sa 'kin.

Tumango ako.

"Ang overprotective ng boyfriend mo ha," naiiling na sabi ni Alys. Pumasok na

kaming dalawa sa loob ng kotse niya. Gusto kong sabihin na hindi ko boyfriend si
Eclipse pero kinagat ko na lang ang dila ko para hindi na humaba ang usapan namin.

"Saan kaya ako makakakita ng ganu'ng boyfriend? Swerte mo," dagdag pa niya. Lihim
akong napasimangot.

"Nasaan pala sina Bess at Celine?" tanong ko.

"Susunod na lang daw mamaya. Uuwi muna sila," sagot niya. "Nasaan pala ang kotse
mo? Saka bumili ka na ng cellphone. Nahihirapan kaming hanapin ka. Bigla ka na lang
nawawala."

"Nasa bahay ang kotse. Saka na lang ako bibili ng cellphone kapag may pera na,"
sagot ko habang nakatingin sa labas ng bintana. Nakagat ko ang labi ko nang maalala
si White. Hindi ko naihabilin kay Eclipse na dalhan ito ng pagkain. Siguro lalabas
naman si White kapag nagutom siya? She can manage but I'm sure she'll throw
tantrums when I get back.

Makapal pa rin ang yelo sa daan. I hope winter will be over soon.

"Gusto mo pautangin muna kita?" pagmamagandang-loob ni Alys.

Umiling ako. "Nah. I'll find a job soon."

"Ha? Bakit ka magtatrabaho?" takang tanong niya.

Hindi ko pa sinasabi ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ko pero siguro mas magandang

sabihin na lang sa kanya. "Umalis muna ako sa bahay."
"Ha? Saan ka na nakatira ngayon?" halos pasigaw na tanong niya dahil sa gulat.

"Nangungupahan lang," hindi siguradong sagot ko sa kanya.

"Ah. Akala ko ka-live in mo na si Eclipse. Palagi kayong magkasabay pumasok,"

sambit niya.

Muntik na akong masamid sa sinabi niya pero hindi ko na lang pinansin. Baka
mabuking pa ako kapag nagkomento ako.

"Ano'ng trabaho?"

"Cashier? Waitress? Kahit ano basta pwede ang part-time. Kahit three hours a day?"
kibit-balikat na sagot ko. Nagpasa na ako ng resume. Sa linggo, may interview ako.
Ang problema, isang kilalang bar ang interesado sa serbisyo ko. Paano kung may
maligaw na werecats o strays sa lugar na 'yon?

"Seryoso ka? Alam ba 'yan ni Eclipse?" hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Alys. "Alam mo
namang maraming bastos na customers pero ikaw, kung desidido ka na, goodluck."

"Kailangan ko ng pera. Walang magagawa ang pag-iinarte ko. Bahala na. Labas na si
Eclipse dito."

"I doubt that," nakangisi at makahulugang sabi ni Alys.

~~~~

Hanggang madaling araw namin ginawa ang thesis bago nagpasyang matulog. Dahil sa
pagod, humilata na sina Alys sa kama at ilang minuto lang ay nakatulog na.
Napailing ako at piniling bumaba muna sa kusina upang uminom ng tubig.

Pagdaan ko sa sala, natigilan ako nang mapansin ang anino sa may bintana na gawa sa
bubog. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa kabang lumukob sa sistema ko. Mas
matiim kong tiningnan ang bintana pero sa pagkakataong ito, wala na ang anino.
Fuck! Nagtataasan ang balahibo sa buong katawan ko. Gusto kong isipin na guni-guni
ko lang ito pero alam kong hindi.

Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong lumabas o hayaan na lang ito hanggang sa mag-
umaga. I can check tomorrow right? Pero minsan gumagana talaga ang katigasan ng ulo
ko. Dumiretso ako sa kusina at uminom ng tubig, pampalakas ng loob, at lumabas ako
sa pinto na nasa kusina.

Malakas na hangin ang sumalubong sa 'kin kaya wala sa sariling napayakap ako sa
sarili dahil sa hindi matatawarang lamig. Slowly, I partially shifted and I moved
around the house discreetly. Pinilit kong hindi makagawa ng ingay.
The house is inside a subdivision, secured by high walls and gates. Walang tao sa
gilid ng bahay pero sana hindi kami magkagulatan. Hindi ko mapigilan ang walang
patid na tibok ng puso ko. I already reached the front porch but I saw no one.

Napansin ko na nakapaling na sa ibang direksiyon ang CCTV camera. Someone's really

here. Someone's spying on us, or me.

Wala na ang bakas ng kahit na sino, maliban na lang sa yapak na nasa yelo na tila
tumakbo ito palayo. Hindi pa ito natatabunan ng umuulan na yelo. Nagpadala ba si
Eclipse ng magmamanman sa 'kin? I looked outside the gate and saw a man wearing a
cap and black coat. He walks away and disappeared in the darkness.

The erratic beating of my heart won't stop. Who's that?

Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang pumasok sa loob at siguraduhing naka-lock ang lahat
ng pinto at bintana. When I went back to the room, everyone's sleeping peacefully.
I lay in the bed and tried to sleep but the thought of that man won't leave me.

Paranoia hits me so bad. Saka lang ako nakatulog nang bumigay ang katawan ko sa
pagod at antok pero nang magising ako, kitang-kita ang mga malalaki at maiitim kong
eyebags. I feel like I have a hangover even though I didn't drink at all.

"Wow. You're a mess," komento ni Alys nang mapansin ang mukha ko pero makalipas ang
ilang minuto, kumunot-noo siya. "Hey. Pinakulayan mo ba 'yang kilay mo? Kulay puti
e. By the way, kain na tayo," sabi niya at mas lalong inilapit ang mukha para pag-
aralan ako nang mabuti.
I gasped. I need to put my makeup on. "Nah. Maligo muna ako sunod na lang ako,"
sabi ko. Kinuha ko ang gamit ko at agad pumasok sa banyo. I took a bath and applied
make up to cover up the white hairs on my eyebrows and eyelashes. Buong araw ko pa
sila makakasama sa paggawa ng thesis. Hindi pa nila alam na albino ako.

~~~

Sunday. I need to head straight to my interview now. Alys dropped me at the

Celestial Bar. It was still morning and the bar is so quite. May lumabas na staff
dala-dala ang garbage bag kaya agad ko itong nilapitan.

"Uhmmm. Excuse me? Nandiyan ba si Sir Harley? I have an interview with him today,"
nag-aalangang sabi ko sa kanya. He looked at me and studied me with sleepy eyes. He
nodded. "Pasok ka na lang diyan. Makikita mo na si Sir Harley sa counter."

Tumango ako. "Thank you." Pumasok na ako sa Celestial. This bar is located at the
border between Vaire and Veolia. One of the popular bars in town.

Natanaw ko ang isang lalaki na nagpupunas ng mga baso sa isang counter. He was
tall, dark and his face looks soft and kind. Medyo nawala ang kaba ko dahil mukhang
mabait ang lalaki. Siya ba si Sir Harley?

"H-Hi Sir," I stammered. I even bowed my head awkwardly. Hindi ko alam kung paano
magsisimula. Tumingin sa direksiyon ko ang lalaki. Pinag-aralan niya ang mukha ko.
"Uhmmm. I'm here for the interview."
"You're Eurus?" he asked. I nodded. Iminuwestra niya ang kamay na tila sinasabing
lumapit ako. He even pointed at the empty seat in front of him.

"Applying as cashier? Unfortunately, may nakita na kaming bagong cashier. But since
you're just looking for a part-time job, the waitress position is still open. You
can work anytime you want. The working hours depend on your availability. We're
actually short of employees right now so we accept part-timers like you," he said.

"Oh." Sa totoo lang, hindi na ako makapag-isip ng matino dahil sa dire-diretsong

pagsasalita niya. Waitress? Nakagat ko ang labi ko dahil wala akong karapatang
mamili.

"Sige po. Okay lang po sa 'kin ang Waitress," sagot ko.

"Good. Pwede ka ng magsimula sa Monday kung pwede ka," sabi niya. May kinuhang
papel si Sir Harley. "Wala ako sa bar tuwing gabi. Someone else is managing the bar
at night. Pirmahan mo na lang ang contract kung wala kang problema sa nakasulat
diyan. I'll inform them about you. Find Shane Harrington for your orientation."

"Wala na pong interview?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya.

"Interviews are just for formalities," kibit-balikat na sagot ni Sir Harley. His
brown eyes are now fixed on the glasses he's cleaning.
Hindi ako sanay sa mabilisan pero pinirmahan ko ang kontrata matapos ko itong
basahin. "Thank you po. Alis na po ako. Balik na lang po ako sa Lunes," I said.

Tumango siya at ngumiti sa 'kin. "Ingat."

~~~

Nang makauwi ako sa bahay, natigilan ako nang makita si Eclipse habang hinihimas
ang balahibo ni White na ganadong kumakain. Eclipse turned to me and stared at me
with bored eyes.

"Maaga ka yata?" tanong niya.

"May nakita na akong trabaho," sagot ko at napapagod na umupo sa kama. Hindi man
lang ako pinansin ni White. Siguro nagtatampo siya?

"Ang bilis naman?" takang tanong ni Eclipse.

"Kulang sila sa tao."

"Saan? Ano'ng trabaho?"

Nagkibit-balikat ako. "Teka. Pinabantayan mo ba ako noong pumunta ako kina Alys?"

"Hindi. Bakit naman? Edi sana hindi ka umuwi rito," salubong ang kilay na sagot
niya.

"Hindi nga?"

"Hindi nga."

Fuck! Sino 'yon? A stray? A werecat? Hindi ko napagtuunan ng pansin ang amoy niya.
Wala sa sariling hinilot ko ang sentido ko at ibinagsak ang katawan sa kama.

"May problema?"

"Wala," tipid na sagot ko.

"Aalis muna ako. Babalik ako mamaya. Mag-usap tayo," sabi niya. He gave me a final
look before he left. When I looked at White, she's staring at me, as if she's
frowning. She's not pleased.

"Sorry na, White."

Umirap lang siya sa 'kin at itinuloy na ang pagkain.

****

Nightfall 21: Celestial Bar [Nightfall]

"Try to accept yourself and see what will happen."

EURUS

Matapos makapagpahinga at maligo, nagluto na ako ng pagkain. Eclipse brought some

cooking utensils and gas stove before. He even provided a small personal fridge. Sa
totoo lang, sinusuportahan na rin niya ako na parang girlfriend o asawa niya. He
made this place livable for me. Kahit hindi ko aminin, nakakahiya na.
Napailing ako sa sinabi niya na hindi naman niya ako girlfriend o asawa kaya bakit
niya ako susuportahan? And yet he's doing all of this. I can't understand the real
score.

I started to steam rice and fry some porkchops. Ang alam ko lang gawin ay magprito
at maglaga. I don't know how to cook real dishes and meals.

Bumukas ang pinto nang maihanda ko na ang mesa. Pinapagpagan ni Eclipse ang coat
niya na nalaglagan ng yelo at salubong ang mga kilay. He was holding a paper bag on
his one hand.

Sinimulan kong papakin ang porkchop na ginayat ko habang nakakunot-noong

pinagmamasdan siya. Bumalik talaga siya pero ang lakas ng ulan ng yelo sa labas.

He looked at me and his gaze fell down on what I'm eating. Napailing siya. Sa totoo
lang, medyo sunog pa ang porkchop na kinakain ko. Buti na lang, hindi ako masyadong
pihikan sa pagkain.

"You're hopeless," komento niya at lumapit sa 'kin. "Mabubuhay ka ba sa kinakain

mo?" Sumimangot ako nang humila siya ng isang upuan at naglagay ng kanin sa kanyang
plato. Ininsulto niya ang luto ko pero may balak din naman siyang kumain? "Here,"
sabi niya at ibinigay sa 'kin ang paper bag na hawak niya.

"Ano'ng gagawin ko rito?" takang tanong ko sa kanya nang tanggapin ko ang paper
bag.
"Sa 'yo 'yan. Para hindi na ako mahirapang hanapin ka," sabi niya.

Salubong ang kilay na tiningnan ko ang laman ng paper bag. He bought a cellphone
for me. I turned to him with my jaw dropped.

"What?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko sa kanya. "Bakit binilhan mo ako ng

cellphone? Ayan ka na naman, Eclipse. 'kala ko ba hindi mo ako girlfriend para
gastusan?"

"Magtatrabaho ka hindi ba? Hindi ka palaging nandito. Ayokong mag-alala sa 'yo.

Gusto kong malaman kung ano'ng ginagawa mo kapag nasa bahay ka ng kaibigan mo. Kung
maayos ba ang lagay mo. Kung kailangan kitang sunduin sa trabaho. I want to know
where you are and what you're doing. It's easier when you have a phone," he said
and shrugged. He started to eat as if what he's doing is just normal.

Walang salitang lumabas sa bibig ko pero laglag pa rin ang panga ko.

"Kumain ka na nga," naiiling na sabi niya nang tingnan ako. "Baka pasukan ng langaw
ang bibig mo." Itinikom ko nang mariin ang bibig ko.

Napakamot ako sa ulo. "Sige. Bayaran ko na lang 'to kapag may sweldo na ako," sabi
ko.
Ngumisi siya sa 'kin. "Hindi ako tumatanggap ng pera," sabi niya.

"Ano'ng gusto mo?" nagdududang tanong ko sa kanya.

"Kapag kailangan ko ang tulong mo, tulungan mo 'ko. If I need you, don't hesitate,
come to me right away. Don't leave," sabi niya.

"Wow. Demanding! Paano kapag kailangan ko nang umalis?"

He had this boyish grin on his face. "That's the deal."

Nagkibit-balikat ako at ipinagpatuloy na ang pagkain. He's really odd. White

growled under her breath with boredom as she laid on the floor, near my feet.

~~~

"Kailan mo ibabalik ang link ninyo? Hindi ka pa rin ba nakakapagdesisyon?" tanong

ni Eclipse sa 'kin habang inaayos ko ang cellphone at nilalagyan ng sim na binili
rin niya.
Nakataas ang kilay na tiningnan ko siya. "Bakit? Mukhang nagkakasundo naman kayo ni
White ah," komento ko. Eclipse pets White's head and sometimes he's playing with
her. Mukhang ipinagpalit na ako ni White sa iba.

Sumimangot siya. "That's not the point. She'll die together with you," sabi niya.

"Ganu'n? So kung ako lang ang mamamatay, ayos lang sa 'yo?" Salubong ang kilay na
pinagmamasdan ko siya. Napasinghap ako nang bigla akong dambahin ni White kaya
natumba ako sa kama. Akmang kakagatin niya ang kamay ko kaya natatawang iniwasan ko
ito. Wala siyang nagawa kundi dilaan na lang ang mukha ko na mas lalo kong
ikinatawa.

I lovingly hugged her. "If you're not me, I'll rip your head off," White growled
helplessly and cuddled with me. I chuckled with her remarks.

"I wish you can hug me like that," komento ni Eclipse. "Looks warm."

Natatawang tiningnan ko siya. "If you'll shift. I will hug you like this. And also,
if you let me braid your hair." Ngumisi ako sa kanya. I really want to touch the
tail of his hair. "Are you the one braiding your hair? You're good at it,"
makahulugang sabi ko.

Sumimangot siya. "Natutunan ko sa kapatid kong babae."

"May kapatid ka?" Namimilog ang mga mata habang nakatitig sa kanya. "Nasaan siya?
Bakit parang hindi ko alam 'yon?"

"She's away. We sent her away," he said with a shrug.

Mas lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo ko habang pinagmamasdan siya. Siya na ang nag-
iwas ng tingin at pabagsak na humiga sa kama. I don't want to assume but there's
something I want to confirm. "She's a potential alpha?"

Natahimik si Eclipse pero tiningnan niya ang oras sa relo niya. "I need to go.
Susunduin na lang kita bukas."

Agad na siyang tumayo at sinigurado munang naka-lock ang bintana at mga pinto. He
opened the door. Malakas na hangin ang tumambad sa kanya. Pumasok din ang lamig sa
loob ng bahay kaya wala sa sariling niyakap ko lalo si White. The snow storm is
raging. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Sasabak talaga siya sa bagyo? Hindi ko na siya
napigilan nang nagmamadaling lumabas siya at ipininid ang pinto.

I'm kind of uncomfortable to ask him to sleep here but I feel a little guilty I let
him out in the raging storm. Napailing naman si White dahil sa inasal ko.

"You should have ask him to stay," she growled.

Umiling ako. "Hayaan mo siya. Conservative ako. Pero ano sa tingin mo? Alpha female
ang kapatid niya, hindi ba?"

"Possibly," she said. Mas lalo siyang sumiksik sa 'kin. I like her warmth. We fell
asleep on that position.

~~~

Alas sais na at mag-uuwian na. Eclipse is already waiting at the parking lot.
Nakasandal siya sa kotse niya habang nakakunot-noong nakatingin sa cellphone niya.
His white trench coat compliments his blue eyes.

Salubong ang kilay niya nang tumingin sa 'kin.

"I'll go to my part-time job," sabi ko sa kanya. "Hindi mo na ako kailangang

ihatid. Magbibiyahe na lang ako."

Bumuntong-hininga si Eclipse. "Something came up. Kailangan kong umuwi sa bahay,"

sabi niya. I could see worry in his eyes.

"May problema ba? Ayos lang, uwi ka na. Bye! Mag-bus na lang ako," sabi ko at
naglakad na palayo. He didn't say anything. Agad akong sumakay sa bus nang
makalabas sa University.
It's already seven when I arrived in Celestial. Agad kong hinanap si Shane na isa
ring waitress. Ibinigay niya ang isusuot ko at mabilisang itinuro ang mga dapat
kong gawin. Alas otso pa lang pero dumadagsa na ang mga customer.

Napabuntong-hininga ako sa suot ko uniform. The black skirt is above the knee and a
little sexy. Sleeveless din ang white blouse. Ipinusod ko ang buhok ko at tinalian
ng ribbon. Pinahiram din ako ni Shane ng high heels dahil sneakers lang ang suot ko
nang dumating ako.

Shane is a pretty girl. Morena siya. Her brown eyes gazed at me when she's done
applying make up. Agaw-pansin ang mapupulang mga labi niya.

"If someone asks you to sit with him, don't mind them. Hindi ka prostitute. Sabihin
mo na lang, maraming naghihintay na customer," paalala niya. Tumabi ako sa kanya at
inayos ang make up ko. My lipstick is a shade of light pink and glossy.

"Iwasan mo ang makipag-away hangga't maaari," sabi niya. "Halika na." I licked my
lower lip because I'm a little nervous. "Don't forget to smile." Her lips curved
into a professional smile when we left the room. I tried to smile but it ended as a
wince.

Malakas na tugtugan ang bumungad sa 'min. Marami ng customer ang pumapasok sa

Celestial at may mga taong nagsasayaw sa dance floor. There will be a live band
later and I started to courteously greet the customers and asked for their orders.
Bumabalik lang ako sa counter upang sabihin ang mga orders nila.
Sumasakit ang paa ko dahil sa pag-iikot sa may kalakihang bar. May mga lalaking
sumisipol at nagtatanong sa number ko pero nginingitian ko lang sila at nagpapaalam
nang maayos. Lihim akong naiiling. Kung hindi ako nagtatrabaho, baka nasapak ko na
sila.

Habang lumalalim ang gabi, padami nang padami ang labas-pasok sa Celestial. The
dance floor is already crowded and soon the clock will strike midnight. Sumasakit
na ang balikat ko at kamay ko pero iniinda ko ito.

Napangiwi ako nang may maamoy akong kakaiba sa hangin. There are werecats inside
the bar. There are many of them. Hindi ko lang masyadong matukoy kung sinu-sino
dahil sa amoy ng usok, sa mga lalaking amoy-alak at pawis, maging sa halo-halong
amoy ng mga tao. I hadn't noticed any familiar faces except for the new group who
was on the upper deck of the bar. Mabuti na lang hindi ako naka-assign sa bahaging
iyon.

I saw Heaven and Hell having a good time with their flings. Maraming babaeng
nakapalibot sa kanila. It seems they are VIPs on this bar. Shane is on the upper
deck to serve them.

I smell trouble. Ginawa ko ang makakaya ko upang hindi nila ako mapansin. Mabuti na
lang humahalo ang amoy ko sa mga taong nandito at sa ibang werecats. Hindi
tumitigil sa pagkabog ang puso ko dahil sa kaba. Parang aatakihin ako sa tuwing
mapapalingon sina Heaven at Hell sa ibabang bahagi ng bar. Agad akong tumatalikod
at nagtatago.

May ilang customers na nagbibigay ng tip sa 'kin na ipinagpapasalamat ko. Dagdag

din ito sa panggastos ko.
Natigilan ako nang makitang pumasok sa bar sina Yul at Kuya Lexus. Dalawa lang sila
at dumiretso sa VIP section kung nasaan sina Hell at Heaven.

Hell and Heaven grinned at him. Nagsimula silang mag-usap pero napansin ko na
magkasalubong ang mga kilay ni Yul. I was a little curious. Si Kuya Lexus naman ay
nasa likod lang ni Yul at tahimik na nakikinig. Hindi ko marinig ang pinag-uusapan
nila dahil sa malakas na musika. Fuck. I'm so damn curious.

Napasinghap ako nang may mabangga ako at tumapon sa damit niya ang drinks na
nakalagay sa tray na hawak ko. Nalaglag ang tray sa sahig na gumawa nang malakas na
ingay at nabasag ang mga baso. I'm so doomed. My heart's racing so fast.

"Shit! What the fuck!" halos sigaw ng lalaki. Namula ang mukha ko dahil sa
kahihiyan. I bowed my head apologetically. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry," agad na sabi ko.
Kumuha ako ng tissue para punasan ang nabasang coat niya pero tinabig niya ang
kamay ko. Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang pulsuhan ko kaya napatitig ako sa mukha
niya.

Matalim ang mga abong mata niyang nakatitig sa 'kin. Gwapo siya sa kabila ng
pagsasalubong ng mga kilay niya. Nakikita na ang litid niya sa leeg at ang mga labi
niya ay mariing nakatikom dahil sa inis at galit. His jaws are moving due to anger.
"Are you fucking stupid? Tumingin ka nga sa dinadaanan mo!"

His gray trench coat is already stained with beer and red wine. Maganda ang tindig
niya at malapad ang balikat pero hindi ito ang nagpakaba sa 'kin kundi ang amoy
niya. He smelled good but he's also a fucking werecat. Damn! I'm so fucked up.
He had this mean and serious aura surrounding him but his angry expression suddenly
changed. "You..." he said with confusion. Nilapitan na kami ng ibang waitress at
waiter na agad naglinis sa kalat ko. They're eyeing me with worry.

Si Shane ang lumapit sa lalaki. "Sir Hades, kayo pala 'yan. Sorry. First day kasi
ni Eurus. Pasensiya na," she said while bowing to apologize. Sir Hades?

"Who hired you?" inis na tanong niya pero napailing nang may maalala. "Harley?"
Wala sa sariling napatango ko. Maybe he's my boss?

"Hades!" sigaw ng lalaki sa taas na nabosesan ko. "Umakyat ka na rito. May problema
ba diyan? Bagong waitress?" That's Hell. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Hades turned to
him with a frown. He hissed under his breath. "We're not even friends," he murmured
to himself. "Shut up, Hell!" sigaw niya.

Malakas na tumawa si Hell. "The Pride of Hades."

Nalinis na ang mga nabasag na baso. Hinila ako ni Hades patungo sa kung saan at
hindi ko na siya napigilan pa. We entered a room that is a small office. Inis na
bumaling ang masamang tingin niya sa 'kin.

"What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to bring trouble in my bar?" inis na
tanong niya. He unbuttoned his gray trench coat. Maging ang damit niya sa loob ng
coat niya ay nabasa. Namula ang mukha ko nang maghubad siya sa harap ko at walang
pakialam kahit nanonood man ako o hindi. Naiinis na itinatapon niya sa sahig ang
mga damit niya. He have this firm muscles in the arms and abdomen. I looked away
because it's rude to stare. Is he the owner of this bar?
"I-Ikaw ang may-ari?" tanong ko sa nanginginig na tinig. I'm uncertain. Hell
mentioned Pride. Is he a Pride werecat?

"Yes. I'm the owner. And I don't want dumb and stupid employees. You'll ruin my
business," mariing wika niya sa malalim na tinig. He walked away from me and I
caught a glimpse of him as he head straight to his mini closet.

"From which pack do you belong?" tanong niya habang naghahanap ng damit at
nakatalikod sa 'kin. His muscles are bulging and moving. His body looks so strong.
Nakagat ko ang labi ko dahil sa tanong niya. Nagbihis na siya. He wears a thick
dark brown sweater. He irritatedly combed his golden brown straight shag hair using
his fingers and turned to me.

Nakataas na ang isang kilay niya. "Which pack?"

Tahimik na umiling ako.

"None?"

Hindi ako sumagot. Pinipigilan ko ang panginginig ng mga tuhod ko. Namamanhid na
ito.
"Seems reasonable," he said and nod. Umupo siya sa swivel chair. "You're dying,
anyway."

Napalunok ako.

"You cut your link," he continued. Matiim na nakatitig ang mga abong mata niya sa
'kin. "Magdadala ka ng gulo kapag nalaman ng ibang werecats. Lalo na nina Hell at
Heaven. They're troublesome." Mariin ng nakahawak sa gilid ng palda ko ang mga
kamay ko.

Bumuntong-hininga si Hades. Ipinatong niya ang dalawang kamay sa likod ng ulo niya.
Pinag-aaralan niya ako. "Hindi ka ba magsasalita? Maupo ka nga."

Sa simula, nagdalawang-isip ako pero mas magandang ideya kung uupo ako dahil
kailangan ko ng lakas. Kahit nahihirapan, ihinakbang ko ang mga paa patungo sa
upuan sa harap ng mesa niya.

"K-kailangan ko ng trabaho," I stuttered.

"Kailangan mo ng trabaho pero mamamatay ka rito," seryosong sabi niya. "At kung
hindi ka maayos magtrabaho, makukuha mo ang atensiyon ng mga werecats. Ano'ng
pangalan mo? Eurus?"
Tumango ako. He has a point but I really need money.

"Okay, Eurus. Kung gusto mo talagang magtrabaho rito, hindi ko responsibilidad ang
mga maaaring mangyari sa 'yo. You can't trust anyone or even me. I'm capable of
many things. I can kill too," paglilinaw niya. "Umuwi ka na muna ngayong gabi.
Dumaan ka sa back door. Bumalik ka na lang kung talagang desidido ka na magtrabaho
rito." He gets something in his drawer. May ipinatong siyang pera sa mesa.

"Tonight's pay. Hindi ko na ibinawas ang mga nabasag mo. Maybe it's my fault too.
But if you're still going to work for me, be sure to do it right next time. Focus,"
mariing sabi niya. "You're dismissed."

"I'm really sorry and thank you," I said and lowered my head. Sumasakit ang ulo ko
sa mga pinapasok ko. Kinuha ko ang perang ibinigay niya at nagmamadaling umalis
pero natigilan ako nang muli siyang magsalita.

"Ah, Eurus. Kung magtatrabaho ka pa rin, mas mabuting ibalik mo na ang link para
walang masyadong problema," he said in a low voice. "Well, that's just an advice.
Hindi mo kailangang sundin kung ayaw mo."

I turned to him and slightly smiled. I nodded and bid him goodbye. Dumiretso ako sa
dressing room at nagmamadaling nagpalit ng damit.

Dumaan ako sa back door at naglakad sa madilim na kalsada. I checked my phone it's
already midnight. Wala akong tawag na natanggap mula kay Eclipse. Maybe there's
really a problem.
Napasinghap ako nang may kotseng biglang tumigil sa harap ko.

Sumilip si Yul sa bintana. "Hop in!" sigaw niya sa 'kin. He even waved for me to
come in. Bago pa ako makapagsalita, isinara na niya ang bintana kaya wala na akong
nagawa kundi sumakay.

"Are you working here?" salubong ang kilay na tanong ni Yul. Hindi niya agad
pinaandar ang kotse. "I saw you with Hades. What are you doing here, Eurus?" I
noticed the frustration in his voice.

Namilog ang mga mata ko. "Napansin nina Hell at Heaven?"

Umiling si Yul. Ang tagal na rin mula nang makausap ko siya. "Hindi ko alam kung
napansin nila na ikaw 'yon. Maybe not. I just know because I'm already familiar of
your features but I still need to confirm it." I don't know why my face heats up.

"Alam ba ni Eclipse?" tanong pa niya.

"Alam niyang nagtatrabaho ako pero hindi niya alam kung saan," sagot ko.
Mariin niyang hinilot ang sintido niya. Pinaandar na niya ang sasakyan. "Alam na ni
Hades?"

"Yes," matipid na sagot ko.

"Ano'ng sabi niya?"

"He said I can decide whether to work for him or not. Hindi ko siya matantiya.
Hindi ko maintindihan ang ugali niya. Hindi ko alam ang binabalak niya. He didn't
mention the alpha thingy though. He just told me to restore the link to avoid
problems."

"Mahirap talaga siyang intindihin. Pero hindi siya dapat pagkatiwalaan," sabi niya.

"Katulad mo?" nang-aarok na tanong ko sa inyo. "Bababa na ba ako?"

He turned to me and smiled. "As if I'll let you. Ngayon na nga lang ako nagkaroon
ng pagkakataon na makausap ka." Bumalik ang atensiyon niya sa daan. Itinuon niya
ang kaliwang siko sa may bintana at ang likod ng kamay niya ay nasa labi niya.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Parang may palakang
tumatalon sa puso ko.

"Kamusta kayo ni Eclipse? Palagi kayong magkasama. I don't think you're still
living with your parents," he suddenly said. Napakamot ako sa ulo ko.

"I'm living somewhere else," sagot ko.

"Saan? Ihahatid na kita," he said.

Hindi ko maaaring sabihin kung saan dahil secret place 'yon ni Eclipse. Baka hindi
alam ni Yul ang tungkol sa lugar na 'yon.

"Ibaba mo na lang ako sa bahay ng kaibigan ko. Kina Alys," sabi ko.

Kumunot ang noo niya. He looked at me in the rearview mirror. Nakaangat ang isang
kilay niya. "Don't tell me you're living with Eclipse?"

"So?"

"So kayo na?" tanong niya habang nakatingin na sa daan. Both of his hands are now
on the wheel.
I shrugged. "Hindi. Pansamantala lang ito hangga't wala pa akong pera," sabi ko.

"Kung ganu'n babalik ka sa Celestial?" Salubong ang kilay niya.

"Oo. I think I'll also restore the link. At least, I can lessen these series of
problems."

Napaawang ang labi niya. Sumulyap siya sa rearview mirror at bumalik ang paningin
sa daan. Hindi siya nagkomento.

"What?" takang tanong ko sa kanya.

"Nothing. I don't think you need to hear this. That's just... never mind," he said
and chewed his lips.

"Ano nga?" iritadong tanong ko.

Saglit siyang tumingin sa labas ng bintana sa labi. "That's just a turn on,"
mahinang sabi niya pero narinig ko.
Napanganga ako at hindi makapaniwalang tumingin sa kanya. "Nababaliw ka na," sabi
ko.

"Maybe. White likes me."

I rolled my eyes. "She likes everyone."

"Kahit si Eclipse?"

"Minsan mas gusto niya si Eclipse kaysa sa 'kin."

He groaned and frowned.

Mahina akong tumawa. Pinunasan ko ang bintana para makita ko ang daan na nahamugan
na. "Bakit mukhang mas gusto ninyo si White kaysa sa 'kin." Napailing na lang ako
pero hindi siya nagsalita.

Napalingon ako sa kanya nang may maalala. "Bakit mo kinausap sina Hell at Heaven?
Saka nasaan ang kasama mo kanina?"
"Nakita mo 'ko?" Lumalim ang gatla sa noo niya.

"Bakit? Hindi ko ba dapat makita 'yon?" sarkastikong tanong ko sa kanya.

"May kailangan lang akong asikasuhin," kibit-balikat na sagot niya.

Maybe it has something to do with their deal when the blood moon occurs? O baka
iniipit nila si Yul dahil sa 'kin?

"Wait. Pahiram nga ng cellphone mo," sabi ko.

"Bakit?"

"Ise-save ko ang number ko. I have a new phone. I will also save your number,"
palusot ko. Gusto ko lang hanapin ang number ni Kuya Lexus para makausap ko na
siya. He silently hands me his phone. I immediately searched my brother's number.
Mabuti na lang nakita ko agad at nai-save ko sa phone ko nang pasimple.

I saved my number in his phone. Tinawagan ko na rin ito para makuha ang number
niya. Ipinatong ko ang cellphone niya sa ibabaw ng compartment nang matapos ako.
Agad kong tinext si Kuya Lexus para makausap at makita ko ang mga kasapi ng
Nightfall.
***

Nightfall 22: Restored [Nightfall]

"A new chapter of your life begins..."

EURUS

Dumaan kami sa baku-bakong daan sa kagubatan na nababalot ng yelo. May ilang yelong
pumapatak mula sa mga puno na yumayanig sa pagdaan ng sasakyan. The moon was hidden
behind the clouds which made the already dark road darker.

Isang malakas na kalabog ang sumira sa katahimikan namin. Wala sa sariling biglang
napapreno si Yul. Narinig ko pa ang pagmumura niya. Something slammed the hood of
Yul's car. Agad kaming napalingon sa likod at isang anino ng tao ang nakita namin
doon. Nakaawang ang labing tiningnan ko si Yul.

"Someone's after us?" hindi siguradong sabi ko. "Dahil sa 'kin? Ako ang habol niya,
'di ba?"

Salubong ang kilay niya dahil sa inis, hindi sa 'kin kundi sa walang takot na
tumalon sa hood ng kotse niya. "Ako na ang bahala. Huwag kang lalabas dito,"
mariing bilin niya sa 'kin.
Agad niyang binuksan ang pinto at lumabas. He slammed the door shut. Nagmamadali
ang mga hakbang na tinungo niya ang lalaking nasa likod ng sasakyan niya. Nakita ko
pa ang malakas na suntok na pinakawalan niya sa mukha nito. He was unforgiving but
the guy won't be satisfied without getting even.

Napatalon ako sa gulat nang may dalawang lalaki na biglang lumitaw sa unahan ng
kotse. Holy cat! Ang isa sa kanila ay may hawak na batuta. Napasigaw na lang ako
nang hampasin nila ang bintanang malapit sa kinauupuan ko. Some shattered glass cut
my skin. Yul was busy fighting away from the car. Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang
lumabas sa kabilang pinto ng kotse.

Mabilis akong tumakbo pero agad akong naabutan ng dalawang lalaki. I can't smell if
they're strays or not. Hindi ko na rin ininda ang napakalamig na kapaligiran. I
know there is something wrong with me. Hindi ko sila maamoy.

They are already in their partial shifts, sharp teeth and fangs and claws. Someone
managed to grab my arms and slammed me against the freezing ice. Pakiramdam ko,
nabalian ako ng buto at hindi agad ako nakatayo. I tried my best to do my partial
shift but I can't. I can't re-connect with White. Binalak akong kalmutin ng isang
lalaki sa mukha pero nagawa kong pagkrusin ang dalawang kamay ko sa harap ng mukha
ko upang salagin ito.

Napadaing ako sa kukong bumaon sa bisig ko. Blood drifted from my limbs and stained
my face. I still can't connect with White. She's gone from my grasp. Did I lose our
connections? Did our connection weakened. I kicked the man closer from me at the
knees.

Ibinuhos ko ang lakas sa pagtayo at hinarap sila. It seems I also lost my werecat
senses. I can't smell them anymore. Nang lingunin ko si Yul, dalawa na ang kalaban
niya. He's already in his partial shift and he's having a hard time fighting the
two werecats. Nag-aalalang napalingon rin siya sa 'kin.
Salubong ang kilay niya na tila sinasabing ano pa ang hinihintay ko? Bakit hindi pa
ako nagpapalit-anyo o tumatakbo. I can't. I can't fight in this state. I have this
troubled look in my face. Should I run?

The guy wearing the blue sweater who have black eyes tried to punch me. But I land
a high kick on his face. Hindi ito ganu'n kalakas. Pero napangiwi ako dahil ako
yata ang nabalian at hindi man lang nagasgasan ang mukha ng lalaking kaharap ko.

I'm in deep shit and panic. Kahit ano'ng pilit ko na tawagin si White, hindi niya
ako naririnig. Sometimes, timing is really a bitch. Kung kailan kailangang-
kailangan ko ng tulong, saka naman ako kinakarma.

Mula sa tagiliran ko, malakas na sipa ang pinakawalan ng isang lalaking nakasuot ng
abong coat pero nasalag ko ito gamit ang braso ko. Napadaing ako dahil sa lakas ng
sipa niya. I tried to kick him back but the other guy managed to stop my leg using
his strong two hands.

He lifted my whole weight effortlessly and he slammed my body on the icy ground,
head first. I gasped due to pain but the cold slowly numbed the pain. Akala ko
mawawalan na ako ng ulirat pero naramdaman ko pa ang kalmot na bumaon sa likod ko.
Malakas akong napahiyaw sa sakit. I'm not sure if their claws scraped my bones. Did
I even break a bone.

White, mahinang tawag ko sa kanya sa isip ko. Nauubusan na ako ng lakas. Narinig ko
ang galit na sigaw ni Yul sa pangalan ko. I don't have the strength to stand up.
Hawak pa rin ng lalaki ang isang paa ko. Naramdaman ko na naman ang pag-angat ng
katawan ko sa malamig na yelo. Muling humampas sa lupa ang katawan ko. I could
taste the blood on my tongue and lips. My pulse is weakening. My vision is already
blurry.
I'm losing my consciousness. Wala ng lakas ang mga bisig at binti ko pero
naramdaman ko na wala ng humahawak sa paa ko. Narinig ko rin ang malakas na
pagbagsak ng kung ano sa lupa. I heard the faint sounds of punches and kicks.
Nakapikit na ang mga mata ko at naninigas na sa lamig ang katawan ko. Nanginginig
na rin ang kamay ko at mas pinili ko na lang ipikit ang mga mata ko.

"Eurus! Eurus!" Naramdaman ko ang mainit na bisig na yumakap sa nanlalamig na

katawan ko. "Gumising ka! Don't you die on me!" Tinapik pa niya ang mukha ko kaya
napilitan akong imulat ang mata ko kahit nahihirapan. Duguan ang mukha at bisig
niya. He also had it bad.

Napasinghap pa ako nang may kamaong tumama sa mukha niya. Hindi pa tapos ang laban.
Hindi pa niya napapatumba nang tuluyan ang kalaban.

"Tama na 'yan." Mariing sabi ng isang malalim na tinig. "Sige na. Umalis na kayo
rito."

Galit na bumaling ang tingin ni Yul sa nagsalita. "Damn you Hell! Kapag may
nangyaring masama kay Eurus, babalikan kita! I'm going to rip your head off!"
nanginginig sa galit ang tinig niya. He hold me tighter and I moaned in pain.

"I didn't know she's that weak. Gusto ko sanang kumpirmahin kung malakas talaga
siya at kung may pag-asang maging alpha siya. But it seems she's having trouble
shifting. Her link already weakens. But I'll still see her on April. Let's see if
she'll survive or if she managed to restore her link," sabi ni Hell.
"Fuck you, Hell! Babalikan talaga kita. If I lose her, I will not fucking hesitate
to finally send you to hell!" Narinig ko pang sigaw ni Yul bago ako mawalan ng
ulirat.

~~~

I heard faint voices in the background.

"She's bleeding. She lost so much blood. We need a donor. Wala akong blood bank sa
maliit na clinic na ito. I'm not supposed to do this, Yul."

"Pwede naman ako, Doc."

"'Yon ay kung compatible ang dugo mo sa kanya. I still need to check. She's a
werecat who unlinked her spirit cat. Sinabi mong nahihirapan na siyang magpalit-
anyo. Mas mabuting hanapin mo ang spirit cat niya bago ito mamamatay. Kailangang
malapit sila sa isa't isa. She had some broken bones. She'll heal more faster in
her cat form."

So my second life is already over.

Hindi ko maigalaw ang katawan ko. Lumulutang din ang isip ko. Naririnig ko man ang
sinasabi nila, hindi ko maimulat ang mga mata ko. Lalong naging mahina ang mga
tinig niya hanggang sa wala na akong marinig. Hanggang sa tuluyan na akong lamunin
ng kadiliman.

~~~

Hindi ko alam kung gaano katagal akong nakatulog pero naramdaman ko ang pananakit
at panghihina ng buong katawan ko. My body felt sore and my throat is dry.

"Ano'ng nangyari? Sinong may gawa nito sa kanya? Tang-ina naman, Yul! Bakit ngayon
mo lang ako tinawagan? Dahil hindi mo mahanap si White? Dalawang araw ang sinayang
mo, Yul!" galit na sigaw ng isang lalaki na pamilyar sa 'kin. Si Eclipse. Nandito
si Eclipse.

"I know you're away. Tinanong ko si Dean. Nabalitaan ko ang pagkawala ni Amber! I
have no choice. Mabuti na lang pareho ang type ng dugo nila ni Lexus kaya medyo
naagapan namin. She had some broken bones and it will just heal faster with White.
Kailangan na niyang ibalik ang link. Nag-aalala na ako kaya naglakas-loob na akong
tawagan ka." I sensed the frustration and worry on his voice.

"I let her rest for two days. Hindi pa niya kayang ibalik ang link sa malubhang
kalagayan," dagdag pa ni Yul.

"Hindi kumain si White nang dalawang araw. She couldn't even stand when I saw her.
Hindi mo ba siya naisip? Nanghina rin siya nang mapalayo sa kanya si Eurus," giit
ni Eclipse.
"Pwede ba huwag kayong magsigawan sa clinic ko? I checked White. Magiging maayos
din siya. Medyo maayos na rin ang blood pressure ni Eurus. She'll wake up soon.
Sino ba sa inyo ang boyfriend niya? Kung mag-alala kayo daig pa ninyo ang kamag-
anak niya. Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa sigawan ninyo."

Bumalot ang katahimikan sa silid.

"Kung walang boyfriend o kamag-anak sa inyo, lumabas muna kayo rito." The guy's
voice is impatient. "Hindi kayo nakakatulong sa paggaling ng pasyente."

"Maiiwan ako. Walang karapatan si Yul kay Eurus."

"Wow! Bakit may karapatan ka ba? Ako ang nagdala sa kanya rito kaya may karapatan
akong manatili rito."

"Nakatira siya sa bahay ko, Yul. I'm her guardian. Mas may karapatan ako sa kanya
kaysa sa 'yo."

"Alam ninyo? Wala akong pakialam sa karapatan ninyong dalawa. Basta lumabas kayo sa
silid na 'to. Sa labas kayo magsigawan. Tang ina! Gusto ninyong hindi na kayo
makabalik sa clinic ko?"
Wala ng reklamo ang namutawi sa mga labi nila. Narinig ko na lang ang paglapat ng
pinto. May lumapit sa kama ko at pinulsuhan ako.

"I know you're already awake."

Bahagyang napaawang ang labi ko pero walang tinig na lumabas sa bibig ko kahit
subukan kong magsalita.

"Sa simula lang 'yan. Huwag mong puwersahin ang sarili mo na magsalita. Try to open
your eyes," he instructed. Slowly I opened my eyes. Nasilaw ako sa puting kisame
kaya napakurap-kurap pa ako. My vision is still blurry and I can't recognize the
face staring down at me.

He smiled kindly. Mukhang nasa thirties na ang lalaking nasa harap ko. "I'm
Terrence. Alam kong wala ka pa sa tamang huwisyo pero sasabihin ko na sa 'yo na
marami kang nabaling buto kaya hindi ka muna makakagalaw nang maayos. Unless you
can now handle to restore the link then you'll heal faster in cat form."

Nagsalin siya ng tubig sa baso. "And you're such an idiot for cutting your link.
Just tell me if you really want to die, pwede naman kitang turukan para hindi
masakit." Hindi ko maarok kung seryoso siya o nagbibiro lang.

"Pinalabas ko ang dalawang lalaking 'yon dahil tiyak na mai-stress ka lang kapag
nalaman nilang gising ka na. Tiyak na mag-uunahan sila sa paglapit sa 'yo at
paghawak sa kamay mo. They will argue like some annoying kids. I don't want the
sight of it." Napailing si Doc Terrence at napangisi. "Those two looks strong on
the outside but they're idiots when it comes to a girl."
Naramdaman kong may dumidila sa kamay ko. White looks so thin and weak but she's
glad to see me alive. A tear escaped my eyes.

"Inumin mo muna 'to," sabi ni Doc Terrence. Inalalayan niya ako upang makainom ng
tubig. Tumapon pa ang ilang tubig sa leeg ko at damit.

"K-kailan..." nahihirapang sabi ko.

"Kailan mo maaaring ibalik ang link?" pagdudugtong ni Doc Terrence.

Tumango na lang ako nang maayos niya akong maihiga muli.

"It will be painful, but you can do it tomorrow. If you can tolerate the pain, that
is. Wala kang masyadong lakas kaya mahihirapan ka at marami ka pang nabaling buto.
Pero isang paalala lang, hindi mo na maaaring putulin ang link ninyong dalawa sa
susunod. Kapag ginawa mo 'yon, matutuluyan ka na talaga. Wala ka ng oras. Mahina na
rin si White."

"S-Salamat," mahinang sabi ko.

"Matulog ka na ulit. Hayaan mo na ang dalawang unggoy sa labas. Kailangan mo ng
lakas," sabi niya.

My lips painfully curved into a small smile before I closed my eyes.

~~~

The doctor is right. Kinabukasan, nang malaman nina Eclipse at Yul na gising na
ako, agad silang nag-unahan patungo sa kama ko at muling nag-away. This is so
stressful.

"P-Please. Just get out," mahina pero bakas ang pagkainis sa tinig ko. "I-I need...
I need to restore the link and s-shift."

Natigilan silang dalawa. "Kaya mo na ba?" salubong ang kilay ni Eclipse. He looked
unsure and worried. Tumango ako.

"Hindi ba pwedeng dito na lang ako?" tanong ni Eclipse.

"Eclipse, maghuhubad ako. I need to shift. Panonoorin mo ko?" kunut-noong tanong

ko. Doctor Terrence started to remove the needles on on my veins. Sumimangot si
Eclipse.
"Hayaan na natin siya," sabi ni Yul. "Mas mabuti na rin sigurong ibalik na niya ang
link sa lalong madaling panahon."

"Fine. Nasa labas lang ako kung kailangan mo ng tulong," napilitang sabi ni
Eclipse. Lumabas na silang tatlo. Nakaupo ako sa kama at nahihirapang hinubad ang
hospital gown ko. Nasa paanan ko na si White habang ikinikiskis niya ang katawan sa
mga binti ko.

"Handa ka na ba?" mahinang tanong niya.

"Yes," sagot ko. Hinimas ko ang ulo ni White. Kahit nahihirapan yumuko ako at
hinalikan ang ulo niya. "I will miss you."

"I will always be a part of you. You don't have to miss me."

"You're my first friend. My best friend. You're always there when I need you. How
can I not miss you? Wala na akong pwedeng kausapin kapag may problema ako," sabi
ko.

"Nandiyan naman sina Yul at Eclipse. Hindi ka nila pababayaan," sabi niya.
Nalungkot ako.
"Alam mong hindi totoo 'yan," nagawa kong sabihin kahit nararamdaman ko na ang pag-
iinit ng lalamunan ko at ang bikig na unti-unting namumuo roon. Nabasa na rin ang
mga mata ko ng maiinit na luha na naglandas sa magkabilang pisngi ko.

"It's time. I love you," sabi ni White. Tumango ako. "I love you too." I closed my
eyes and called her back to me, to merge with me. She started to turn into smoke as
I do my partial shift. Napangiwi ako dahil sa pagbabago ng istraktura ng mga buto
ko. Naririnig ko ang paglagutok ng mga buto ko. Mariin kong nakagat ang labi ko
dahil sa sakit. Once the restoration is completed, I won't be able to talk to White
again. I won't be able to see her again.

She disappeared in my sight. She slowly became a permanent part of me. When I'm
already doing my full shift, I started to scream in pain. My soul started to burn.
Slowly I could feel how White filled the missing part of my existence.

"Aaahhhhh!" malakas na sigaw ko. Sumasakit ang buong katawan ko. May mga sugat
akong muling bumuka at nagdugo. Nang tuluyan akong makapagpalit-anyo, hinihingal
akong napahiga sa kama. My whole body aches. Namamaga ang bawat bahagi ng katawan
ko. I was in my cat form when the door slammed open.

Damn. These two men can't stay still. Agad nila akong dinaluhan sa kama nang may
pag-aalala. I weakly growled at them when they attempted to touch me. I hate being
touched on this weak state.

"Don't touch me or I'm gonna bite your hand off," I breathed. My cat instincts
started to take over. These male cats don't own me and they don't have to touch me.
I'm not just White anymore.
Their hands froze in mid-air as if they understand.

"She need to rest," sabi na lang ni Doc Terrence. "Bring her enough food. Pwede na
rin siyang iuwi. She'll heal on her own soon. Now, don't let her do something
stupid again. Kapag nalaman ng council ang tungkol sa kanya, mapapahamak kayo."

Bumuntong-hininga si Eclipse. "Then I'll bring her home," sabi niya.

"No. I'll bring her home. You still need to find Amber. Mas maaalagaan ko siya,"
giit ni Yul.

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ni Eclipse kay Yul. "Wala ka ng pakialam sa gagawin
ko."

"At ano? May uutusan ka para alagaan siya? Hindi ka maaaring mandamay ng ibang tao.
Gusto mo bang maparusahan din sila? Mas mabuti nang ako ang mag-alaga sa kanya
kaysa ibang tao. We can't trust anyone, especially when she already restored the
link," mariing sabi ni Yul.

"Mas mabuti pa, papiliin na lang ninyo si Eurus. Huwag kayong magdesisyon para sa
kanya," naiiling na sabi ni Doc Terrence.
Sabay na lumingon sa 'kin sina Eclipse at Yul.

"Sino'ng pipiliin mo?" sabay na tanong nila.

Natigilan ako. Sa totoo lang mahirap pumili, pero kung pagbabasehan ko ang
sitwasyon nilang dalawa, mas mabuti na kung sasama ako kay Yul. I don't want to be
a burden to Eclipse. Lalo na't may kailangang hanapin si Eclipse. Sino ba si Amber?

"Kay Yul na lang," mahinang sagot ko. Eclipse heaved a frustrated sigh. Hindi
makapaniwalang tumingin siya sa 'kin. "You can't do this, Eurus! Hindi ka pwedeng
sumama sa kanya!"

"I can do whatever I want. May kailangan ka pang gawin 'di ba? Tama naman si Yul.
Huwag na tayong mandamay ng ibang tao." Pinilit kong tumayo kahit nahihirapan. I
weakly jumped out of the bed and walked away. Agad na sumunod sa 'kin si Yul at
naiwang natitigilan naman si Eclipse. Hindi pa rin siya makapaniwalang mas pinili
ko si Yul.

***

Nightfall 23: Spring [Nightfall]

"A time will come when you have no choice left but to choose..."

EURUS
Yul brought me back to the treehouse. Gladly, he still had my phone in his car. He
offered meat for dinner. Marami rin akong nainom na tubig dahil sa uhaw. I'll be
staying on my cat form until I'm fully healed. I was a little guilty when I didn't
hear out Eclipse. Sinundan pa niya ako at tinawag ang pangalan ko bago ako pumasok
sa kotse ni Yul pero hindi ko siya pinakinggan. He's frustrated and upset.

I asked Yul if he can give my medical certificate to Alys. Para maibigay niya sa
professors ko at para na rin hindi sila magtaka sa biglaang pagkawala ko. Pero
nakasulat lang sa medical certificate ko na may trangkaso ako. I want to pass this
school year.

There's also a reason why I chose Yul. I have to check Nightfall. I need to go back
to where I belong. I want our territory. Bumalik na rin naman ako sa pagiging
werecat, lulubus-lubusin ko na. Si Yul lang ang daan upang makabalik ako rito nang
walang maghihinala sa 'kin.

Kahit nandito ako, hindi ko pa rin makalimutan ang pait sa mukha ni Eclipse nang
umalis ako sa clinic. It's bothering me. Gusto ko tuloy itanong sa sarili ko kung
tama ba ang naging desisyon ko. Gusto kong itanong sa kanya kung sino si Amber pero
itinikom ko na lang ang bibig ko at piniling manahimik. It's not that I'm
interested on Eclipse's life anyway.

"I'll ask Lexus to bring the certificate to Alys. Tinawagan ko na si Terrence.

He'll prepare it. Dadaanan na lang ni Lexus bukas," sabi ni Yul.

"Huwag mong sabihing hindi ka papasok? Pwede mo naman akong iwanang mag-isa. Kaya
ko naman ang sarili ko," sabi ko sa kanya. I lay on the bed but I'm still
uncomfortable because of my wounds and broken bones. "Malaking abala na ako sa 'yo.
Huwag mo na akong alalahanin pa."
"Hindi ka nakakaabala sa 'kin, Eurus. Masaya ako sa ginagawa ko. In fact, I can do
this forever. I can take care of you forever," sabi niya.

"It's a blessing that forever isn't real," sabi ko at gusto ko pang mailing dahil
sa sinasabi niya.

He frowned at my statement. I lay my head on the soft bed. Nakatingin sa 'kin si

Yul na tila nagdadalawang-isip kung lalapitan ba ako o hindi. Nakatayo siya malapit
sa pinto at halatang nag-aalala pa rin sa sugat ko sa katawan.

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi at malalim na bumuntong-hininga. Guilt was

visible on his face. Alam kong sinisisi niya ang sarili niya dahil sa nangyari sa
'kin. Ibinulsa niya ang dalawang kamay. His hazel gaze turned to me with regret.

"Seryoso ako, Eurus," giit niya. "Patawad kung hindi kita agad nailigtas. Kung alam
ko lang na marami sila, hindi sana ako umalis sa tabi mo. Hindi sana nangyari ito
sa 'yo. Hindi ka sana napahamak," mahina at nahihirapang sabi niya.

I groaned. I can't believe I'm hearing this now. It's wearing me down. Hindi niya
kasalanan ang nangyari sa 'kin. I bring this chaos upon myself. "Hindi ikaw ang
pakay nila. Ako. Even if you're there or not, the chance that this will happen
isn't diminished. Hindi mo dapat sisihin ang sarili mo sa mga nangyari. Kasalanan
ko ang nangyari sa 'kin. And I'm thankful. I'm thankful that you're there to save.
Thank you for being there. Kung wala ako, baka hindi ako nakaligtas," I whispered
with utmost sincerity.
Mas lalo niyang nakagat ang labi. Wala sa sariling napakamot siya sa batok niya.
There's a faint shade of pink on his cheeks. Hindi ko alam kung dahil sa matinding
lamig o dahil nahihiya lang siya. But he's adorable. The awkward gestures and how
he nervously licked his lips are adorable. Ilang segundo lang, mariin na niyang
kagat ang labi na tila pinipigilang ngumiti. "I'm glad you chose me. I'm happy
you're here with me. Akala ko si Eclipse pa rin ang pipiliin mo."

Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa pa ba siya kapag nalaman niya ang totoong dahilan ng
pagpili ko sa kanya. My phone suddenly rings. Yul placed it on the table. Si Yul na
ang lumapit sa mesa. Nag-aalangang tumingin siya sa 'kin.

"Si Eclipse," sabi ni Yul.

Tahimik akong umiling sa kanya. Hindi ito sinagot ni Yul hanggang sa matapos ang
pagtunog ng cellphone ko.

"Please turn it off," sabi ko na tahimik na sinunod ni Yul.

"Pumasok ka na bukas. Huwag mo na akong alalahanin. Kaya ko na ang sarili ko," sabi
ko na lang.

Umiling si Yul at tipid na ngumiti sa 'kin. "Aalagaan kita katulad ng sinabi ko

kanina," giit niya. "Magpahinga ka na. Kung may kailangan ka, nasa labas lang ako."
Bago siya lumabas sa silid, nilingon niya ako. "Do you want to join Sanguis? Join
our pack, Eurus. Now that you're already back, it's convenient to join a pack,"
suhestiyon niya.

Natahimik ako at pinag-aralan ang mukha niya. I could see hope and eagerness in his
hazel eyes. He was expecting too much from me. Kung sasali man ako sa pack nila,
alam kong hindi dahil sa alok niya kundi dahil may iba akong pakay.

Ayokong magmadali. Ayokong magpadalos-dalos sa desisyon ko kaya umiling ako. "Hindi

ko alam, Yul. Hindi kaya mas lalo akong mapahamak? Paano kung malaman ng ama mo ang
tungkol sa 'kin? He'll kill me and you can't protect me against him. Alam kong wala
kang balak suwayin ang ama mo."

Katulad ng nangyari sa ina ko, maaari rin akong mamatay. There's no guarantee that
I'll survive.

"Mas mapoprotektahan kita kung kabilang ka sa 'min. He won't kill you if you stay
quiet. Kung hindi mo pipiliing maging alpha," giit niya. Mabigat siyang bumuntong-
hininga at napailing sa sinabi. Halata ang paghihirap sa mga nangungusap niyang
mata nang muli siyang tumingin sa 'kin. "I know I shouldn't be telling you this but
I only want you to be safe. Wala akong karapatang sabihin sa 'yo na manatili ka sa
tabi ko at sumanib sa Sanguis. Wala akong karapatang diktahan ka sa dapat mong
gawin pero sana pag-isipan mo ang mga sinabi ko."

Mariin akong napapikit. "Paano kung gusto kong maging alpha?"

"Kung desidido ka na, hindi kita mapipigilan pero alam mo kung ano ang maaaring
mangyari. Hindi madali ang landas na tatahakin mo. The council will be after you.
There's no room for hiding if you want to be an alpha. That means, you're against
the coucil. You're challeging them head on. And there's no way for me to stop the
hunt, Hell badly wants."

"You'll also join the hunt?" Nanunuri ang tingin na sinulyapan ko siya.

Mariing napapikit si Yul. "Hindi ko alam, Eurus. Hindi ko alam. Maybe, I'll join.
And if I get a hold of you, I'll hide you with me forever. I won't let them kill
you. When I saw you half-dying in my arms, I know I never want to see that sight
again. I don't want you dead," sagot niya.

Gusto kong tumawa dahil sa sinabi niya. Napailing ako at muling umayos ng
pagkakahiga sa kama. "I'm too precious to be kept hidden," I teased. "Pag-iisipan
ko ang sinabi mo. Matulog ka na. Goodnight." Kung sasanib ako sa kanila, maaari
akong makakuha ng impormasyon. Maaari ko na ring lapitan ang Nightfall at hindi
sila maghihinala na may binabalak ako. Maaari akong magpanggap na wala akong balak
maging alpha hanggang sa masigurado kong handa na ang Nightfall, hanggang sa maging
handa na akong lumaban.

"Sweetdreams Eurus," he said warmly. I hid my face between my paws. I don't know
why my pulse raced in his thick voice. I'm thrilled. Is it because I'm around the
enemy's territory? By the way, is it reasonable to consider Yul as an enemy?

Narinig ko ang mahinang paglapat ng pinto. A new chapter begins. I never dreamed to
be a hero. I don't have the guts of a hero but everyone's waiting for me. I need to
act. I need to do something to change our fates and lives. I don't plan to fail. I
don't want to be weak anymore.
~~~

It's already Sunday and my wounds and broken bones are already healed. I already
took a bath and changed into new clothes. Isang linggo na rin akong absent sa
school. Bukas, maaari na akong pumasok. I turned my cellphone on. Pagkabukas ko pa
lang, sunud-sunod na mensahe na ang pumasok dito.

Some messages came from my classmates, Alys, Celine and Bess. Pero ang mas nakaagaw
sa pansin ko ay ang mga mensahe ni Eclipse.

Bakit hindi ka sumasagot?

Why did you turn off your phone? Shit!

Bakit si Yul ang pinili mo? Damn, Eurus! Mapapahamak ka sa teritoryo nila!

Bumalik ka na sa 'kin. I can't risk my pack and cross the borders. Damn it! Why are
you making this hard for me?

Marami pa siyang mensahe pero nakagat ko ang labi sa pinakahuling mensaheng

natanggap ko mula sa kanya.
Fine. From now on, I won't ask anything from you. Wala na akong pakialam kung ano
man ang mangyari sa 'yo.

A vile started to form in my burning throat. Malalim akong humugot ng hininga.

Maybe this is for the better. Kung wala na siyang pakialam sa 'kin, hindi na niya
ako pasusundan sa mga kasamahan niya. Hindi na niya ako babantayan. Wala na siyang
pakialam sa 'kin pero bumibigat ang pakiramdam ko at naninikip ang dibdib ko.
Mariin akong napapikit. I throw the phone on my bed.

Ipinilig ko ang ulo ko para alisin sa isip si Eclipse. I need to focus on the real
reason why I'm here. I won't let Eclipse affect me. Nakapagdesisyon na ako sa gusto
kong gawin.

Tumingin ako sa bumukas na pinto. Sumilip si Yul sa may pinto at ngumiti siya sa
'kin. "Handa na ang agahan," sabi niya. Tumango ako sa kanya at lumabas na ng
silid. He prepared bacon, egg and fried rice. Ipinaglagay pa niya ako ng pagkain sa
plato.

"Kumain ka nang madami para lumakas ka agad," sabi niya.

Sumimangot ako. "Hindi ko na kailangang kumain nang madami para lang lumakas. I'm
perfectly healed," sabi ko at marahan pang napailing. Nagsimula na akong kumain.
Ngumisi lang siya sa 'kin. He was really happy to see me again in human form.

"Maswerte ka na nag-match ang dugo ninyo ni Lexus," Yul said out of nowhere. Matiim
siyang nakatitig sa 'kin na tila pinag-aaralan ang reaksiyon ko. Muntik na akong
masamid sa sinabi niya. Blood drained from my face but I continue to play innocent.

"Talaga? Wow. He saved me?" sabi ko na may kaunting bakas ng gulat. "Maybe I should
thank him personally."

Nagkibit-balikat lang siya at ipinagpatuloy na ang pagkain. Hindi na rin ako

nagsalita pa.

Nang matapos kumain, hindi niya ako hinayaang maghugas ng pinggan. He just prepared
hot chocolate for me while I'm watching him do the dishes.

"So... I'm thinking to join Sanguis..." panimula ko. Napangiwi ako nang bigla
niyang mabitawan ang platong hinuhugasan. Nakaawang ang mga labing napalingon siya
sa 'kin. I was sitting in the table. My two hands are wrapped around the cup of hot
chocolate.

"Seryoso ka?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Yul pero halata sa boses ang sayang
nararamdaman.

Tumango ako. "Pero may kondisyon," sambit ko.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "Ano 'yon?"

"I don't have to meet your father or any of your family members," sabi ko. Tiyak na
hindi makakalimutan ng ama niya ang mukha ng ina ko. Sa kasamaang-palad, kamukhang-
kamukha ko si Mama kaya hindi ako maaaring magpakita sa kahit na sino sa pamilya
niya. Maghihinala sila. Alam kong isinusugal ko ang buhay ko sa gagawin ko.

"But you need to meet my father. We don't accept new members without his consent.
And new members must undergo an initiation," sabi ni Yul.

"If I really need to see your father, I'm out. Kalimutan mo na lang ang sinabi ko,"
kibit-balikat na sabi ko. Hindi ko hahayaang mabulilyaso ang plano ko.

Napakamot sa batok si Yul. "Maybe I can do something about that. 'Yon lang ba ang
kondisyon mo?"

"Lahat ba ng mga kabilang sa Sanguis, dito nakatira sa teritoryo mo? I need a place
where I can stay. I'll rent a house if you know a place, far away from your
family's mansion. Don't worry. I'll keep silent. Wala akong balak maging alpha,"
sabi ko na lang. "Gusto ko lang ng tahimik na buhay. Ayoko na ng gulo."

"Okay. I'll ask Lexus to find you a place," nakangiting sabi niya. "Mas mabuti na
kung dito ka sa teritoryo ko nakatira."

Bakit? Para hindi na makapunta si Eclipse? I'm sure my brother will find a house
where Nightfall is.
"Cool," sabi ko. "But I will still work in Celestial Bar to support myself. I don't
want to be a burden to you."

"Sige. Basta huwag kang magtataka kung makita mo ako sa lugar na 'yon. I want to
keep you safe. Hindi mo ako mapipigilang bantayan ka," sabi niya.

"Sige. Pwede kang pumunta sa Celestial pero ayokong palaging binabantayan ang kilos
ko. Ayaw ko ng pinasusundan ako. That's suffocating. Hindi na ako hahabulin ng mga
strays ngayon dahil wala na silang mapapala sa 'kin," sabi ko sa kanya. "Hindi mo
na ako kailangang bantayan."

"Pero hindi ka ligtas kina Hell," giit niya.

"Mapapagod din si Hell. Kung hindi ko gustong maging alpha, siguradong hindi na
niya ako guguluhin," sabi ko.

"He might provoke you to be an alpha, just to get what he wants," sabi ni Yul.
Ipinagpatuloy na niya ang paghuhugas. Mabuti na lang, plastic lang ang plato at
hindi ito nabasag.

"Hayaan mo na siya. Mapapagod din siya sa 'kin."

"Sana nga."

~~~

Winter is already over. It's been almost two months since I chose to bring back the
link. Marso na at tagsibol na. Natunaw na ang yelo sa daan. I'm missing White but
she's already a part of me. Hindi ko rin nakita si Eclipse sa loob ng halos
dalawang buwan.

Wala rin akong balita sa nangyari sa kanya. Ang alam ko lang hinahanap niya si
Amber noon. I was worried about him but I also have some pressing matters to worry
about. I didn't try to contact him and he did the same too. Siguro nga, wala na
talaga siyang pakialam sa 'kin.

I already met Nightfall. Hindi ko makalimutan ang gulat sa mga mukha nila noong una
nila akong nakita. Raine is right. They will be happy to see me. I could see how
hope still lingers in their eyes. As if I'm someone heaven sent.

In a span of two months, we already planned a lot of things. We secretly trained

each other. Sa susunod na lingggo, iisa-isahin ko ng kilalanin ang mga miyembro ng
council. Si Kuya Lexus naman ay abala sa pakikipag-usap sa ibang packs para sumanib
sa 'min.

"A bucket of beer for table 21," I gracefully said. Dalawang buwan na rin akong
nagtatrabaho sa Celestial. Sanay na sanay na akong makipag-usap sa mga customers at
hindi na ako nahihirapang gumalaw sa maikling skirt ko.

Dumiretso ako kay Shane nang matapos ang shift ko. "Aalis na ako. Ikaw na ang
bahala rito," sabi ko sa kanya.

"Naku, Eurus! Alam mo ba? Nagrequest sina Hell at Heaven na sa VIP ka naman
magserve. Hindi ko alam kung pumayag si Sir Hades," agad na balita niya sa 'kin.

Sumimangot ako. Dalawang buwan din akong hindi ginulo nina Hell at Heaven, mukhang
magsisimula na naman sila.

"Ganu'n ba? Malaki ba ang tip na binibigay nila?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Oo. Pero barya lang sa kanila 'yon. Alam mo na. Mga anak-mayaman," sabi ni Shane.
"O siya. Mag-ingat ka sa pag-uwi. Nandiyan ba ang sundo mo? Hindi ko alam na close
pala kayo ni Sir Yul ah. Boyfriend mo na ba siya? Kung makadikit sa 'yo, parang iba
na eh."

Mahina akong tumawa. "Baliw. Hindi 'no," naiiling na sabi ko. Dumiretso na ako sa
dressing room pero narinig ko pa ang hirit niya. "Sus! Hindi raw! Sagutin mo na
kasi!"

Lalo akong napailing at napangiti sa sinabi niya. Yul is really courting me but it
just... it doesn't feel right. I don't want to entertain his feelings. I don't want
any distractions.

At siguradong masasaktan ko siya kapag nalaman niya ang totoo, kapag nalaman niya
ang plano ko. Napahilamos ako sa mukha nang pumasok ako sa silid at mabigat na
bumuntong-hininga. Sobrang buti ni Yul sa 'kin. Muli kong ipinilig ang ulo. Hindi
ko dapat iniisip ito ngayon. I don't want my resolve to falter. Hindi ako maaaring
tumigil sa balak ko dahil lang kay Yul.

Nang makapagbihis, dumaan ako sa back door. Yul is already waiting for me under the
flickering street lights. He turned at my direction. Nagliwanag ang mukha niya nang
makita ako.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hey." I smiled at him. I'm sure my heart jumped at the sight of him. Day by day, I
have to admit that I'm growing fond of him. Damn. It seems spring is already here
for real.

***

Nightfall 24: On [Nightfall]

"You're an alpha..."

EURUS
Hapon na ng Sabado at tambay kami sa bahay ni Alys. We're almost done with our
thesis. Now we're settled in the couch with our coffee, resting. I like the smell
of this newly brewed coffee. I can't help but close my eyes as my senses relaxed.

"Eurus," mahinang tawag sa 'kin ni Alys. Nagtatanong ang mga matang tiningnan ko
siya. Lumalim ang gatla sa noo ko nang mapansin ko ang pagkagat niya sa labi niya.
"May tanong lang ako. Well, I've been curious for a while now," nag-aalangang sabi
niya. Maging ang atensiyon nina Bess at Celine ay nakatuon na sa 'min. Pero mukhang
may ideya na sila sa tanong ni Alys kaya kinabahan ako. Ano naman kaya ang
itatanong niya?

"Huwag mo sanang masamain. Akala ko kasi kayo na ni Eclipse, pero bakit si Yul na
palagi ang kasama mo? Siya na ang sumusundo sa 'yo? Nasaan si Eclipse?" she asked
with uncertainty.

"Oo nga, Eurus. Ano'ng nangyari kay Eclipse? Hindi na namin siya nakikita sa
University. May nangyari ba na dapat naming malaman? Nagkatampuhan ba kayo? Nag-
away?" tanong agad ni Celine.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Akala ko kung ano'ng mahalagang tanong na ang ibabato nila
sa 'kin. "Ano ba? Walang kami. Hindi ko alam kung nasaan siya ngayon. Siguro may
inaasikaso lang. O baka naman hindi lang ninyo nakikita talaga kasi sa magkaibang
building naman tayo nag-aaral," sagot ko.

Nakakalokong ngumiti ang tatlo. "Walang kami? Parang may hinanakit ka yata,"
nakangising pang-aasar ni Bess. Sumimangot ako.
"So mas gusto mo si Yul? Wow, Eurus! Ganda mo ha! Napapaligiran ka ng mga
papabols!" sabi ni Alys. "Sinagot mo na ba si Yul? Kayo na ba? Pasalamat ka, busy
tayo sa thesis kaya hindi ka namin ma-corner agad."

I rolled my eyes. Seriously? Mas gusto kong gawin ang thesis namin kaysa
pagkwentuhan ang lovelife ko. "Well, I like Yul but we're not yet together," pag-
amin ko kaya napatili na lang silang tatlo. Nakaririndi ang tili nila na para
yatang nabasag ang mga eardrums ko.

"Gusto mo pala, edi sagutin mo na!" exicted na sabi ni Alys. "Kapag bumalik si
Eclipse, sa 'min na lang siya! Ang yummy kaya niya! Yum yum!" She even kissed her
fingers.

"Ang baliw mo talaga Alys!" Natawa at nailing na lang ako nang mapansing sobrang
lapit na nilang tatlo sa 'kin.

"Oo nga! Sagutin mo na si Yul. Grabe na ang effort niya ha! Mukhang mahal na mahal
ka talaga," sulsol pa ni Bess.

"Pero teka mga Sis. Paano pag biglang bumalik si Eclipse tapos taken na si Eurus?
Tapos gusto pala ni Eclipse si Eurus? What if he chased after her? Hindi ba parang
ang hirap nu'n?" tanong ni Celine at magkasalubong ang kilay na tila pinoproblema
talaga ang pagbabalik ni Eclipse. But I don't think Eclipse like me. He won't fall
for me. "Paano kung mali pala ang desisyon ni Eurus? Paano kung magsisi siya?
Kawawa naman si Yul."

Magsasalita sana ako pero sumingit naman si Alys. "Ganu'n talaga sa pag-ibig
Celine. Kung magmamahal ka, dapat handa kang sumugal at masaktan. Minsan may mga
tao talagang akala mo para sa 'yo pero hindi pala."

"Ano ba 'yang usapan ninyo. Hindi ako gusto ni Eclipse. Walang masasaktan,"
naiiling na sabi ko at uminom ng kape. Actually, I'm more worried about Yul. Hindi
dahil sa usapang pag-ibig, kundi dahil sa binabalak kong gawin. It's like I'm
betraying him. Minsan natatakot akong mas lumalim ang nararamdaman ko para sa
kanya. Kahit gusto ko siya, hindi pa rin maikakaila na ginagamit ko siya. Sigurado
akong masasaktan ko siya kapag nalaman niya ang itinatago ko.

"Bakit sinabi ba niya sa 'yong hindi ka niya gusto?" kunot-noong tanong ni Celine.

"He said he's not yet falling for me. He's not yet falling from grace," sagot ko.

"Naku Eurus! Hindi diretso ang sagot niya. Ibig sabihin, gusto ka niya at posibleng
mahulog siya sa 'yo," singit ni Bess.

"Hindi pa nga lang nangyayari pero malapit na," nakangising segunda ni Alys. Their
smiles are teasing me. "Mukhang masama talaga ang loob mo ha," she added.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at nagkibit-balikat. "I don't think Eclipse will fall for me.
Huwag na nga natin itong pag-usapan pa."

"Hindi ka ba nagkagusto sa kanya? He's overprotective of you. Parang ayaw ka nga

niyang mawala sa paningin niya kahit isang saglit. Parang gagawin niya ang lahat
para protektahan ka na. Ang obvious kaya," komento ni Celine. "Hindi ka nagkagusto
kahit slight lang?"

"May mga tao talagang manhid Celine. They can be difficult sometimes," nakangising
pahaging ni Alys. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin dahil mukhang ako ang tinutukoy niya.
Mahina siyang tumawa at tumayo na. "Pero abangan na lang natin kung sino ang 'The
One' niya."

May narinig kaming ugong ng sasakyan sa harap ng bahay ni Alys na sinilip naman
niya. "O! Nandito na pala ang sundo mo Eurus. Speaking of the gorgeous devil,"
nakangising sabi niya.

"Sino? Si Eclipse?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya, Medyo kinabahan ako. I don't

expect him to come. I don't expect to see him again.

"Hindi. Si Yul," natatawang sabi ni Alys. "Ikaw ha! Mukhang may lihim kang
pagnanasa kay Eclipse!" pang-aasar niya at mahinang tumawa. Sinamaan ko siya ng
tingin at hindi napigilan ang irapan siya. Ipinatong ko sa mesa ang tasang hawak ko
at kinuha ang bag ko sa tabi ni Celine. Hindi ko inaasahang susunduin ako ni Yul
ngayon.

"Alis na ako. See you on Monday," paalam ko sa kanila. I even waved and kissed
their cheeks before I leave.

Nakasandal si Yul sa kotse niya at nakapamulsa. His auburn hair was quite a mess
due to the blowing wind. Agad siyang ngumiti nang makita ako.
"Bakit nandito ka?" kunot-noong tanong ko nang lapitan ko siya.

"Sabi mo, baka maaga kayong matapos kaya pumunta na ako rito. I want to show you
something," nakangiting sabi ni Yul.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Saan?"

"It's a secret," he grinned and shrugged his shoulder. Binuksan na niya ang pinto
ng kotse para sa 'kin. "Tara na."

Nagkibit-balikat ako at pumasok na sa loob. Tahimik siyang nagmaneho habang

nakitingin ako sa labas ng bintana. The trees are slowly growing their leaves and
the some flower buds are already showing. Nakabukas din ang bintana kaya naririnig
ko ang ingay ng mga palaka. The sky is already blue and clear.

We're already inside the Sanguis territory but I noticed he's taking a different
route. We will not head home. Malayo na rin kami sa dating teritoryo ng Nightfall.
Alam ko na ang pasikot-sikot dahil sa itinuro ni Kuya Lexus.

Itinigil niya ang sasakyan. Napansin kong hindi na maaaring makapasok ang kotse
dahil sa makipot na daan sa kagubatan. It's just a small trail for human. "This is
Sanguis' original territory," sabi ni Yul.
May kinuha siya sa backseat. It was a small picnic box and a camping tent. "Stay
out all night with me, will you?" he asked me with expectant hazel gaze.

I chuckled softly. "You're saying this now? Nandito na kaya tayo. May magagawa pa
ba ako?" Napailing ako. "Siguraduhin mong matutuwa ako," banta ko sa kanya. Nauna
na akong bumaba at hindi na hinintay ang sagot niya. Mabuti na lang, bukas pa ng
hapon ang pagpupulong na ng council. May oras pa ako.

Binaybay namin ang daan patungo sa loob ng kagubatan. The pine trees are all over
the place. Madamo na rin sa dinadaanan namin at hindi na ako magtataka kung may
makita man kaming mga ahas. But I like the smell of fresh leaves and tree bark.
These also help to mask our werecat scents. Even the animals are now freely moving
around in the forest. The interesting thing is that they are avoiding us. Sinundan
ko lang Yul hanggang sa makarating kami sa mataas na bahagi ng bundok.

Nang makalabas kami sa kagubatan, bumungad samin ang napakaraming bluebells at

buttercups na nagpaawang ng mga labi ko. I was stunned in awe. Isang malawak na
parang ang bumungad sa 'min kung saan natatanaw pa namin ang buong siyudad ng
Vaire. Papalubog na ang araw nang makarating kami roon at nagsimula ng maglatag ng
picnic blanket si Yul. "Upo ka muna. Itatayo ko lang ang tent natin." He smiles
like a child.

"Nice view," nakangiting sabi ko. "This kind of beauty is exceptional."

The sky is now painted with array of yello, pink, purple and orange. When I look on
the other side, opposite to the sun's direction, I spotted the pale glow of the
gibbous moon. Medyo nanliit ang mata ko dahil base sa posisyon ng araw at buwan,
hindi na nalalayo ang paglabas ng Bloody Moon kaya unti-unting nawala ang ngiti sa
labi ko. I remember that it will be in April. When in April? I need to check.
I looked straight ahead. I could see the houses and some tall buildings, even the
vast forest surrounding the towns. I mild breeze touched my skin that me shiver a
little. I'm just wearing a white loose shirt, ripped jeans and white sneakers.

I tilted my head when Yul offered me a thin blanket. Umupo siya sa tabi ko.
Ipinatong niya ang isang kamay sa nakaangat na tuhod niya. He was staring and
smiling at me. That made everything uncomfortable.

Mabigat akong bumuntong-hininga at hindi ngumingiting tiningnan siya. Tinaasan ko

siya ng kilay. "So, magtititigan tayo rito magdamag?" mataray na tanong ko sa
kanya.

He charmingly smiled at me showing his small and cute dimple. "You've been busy
lately. You deserve a break. And I want to spend time with you."

Matipid na ngumiti ako sa kanya at tumango. "Sa tingin mo, titigilan ba ako nina
Hell at Heaven kung mananahimik ako?" mahinang tanong ko sa kanya.

Sumeryoso ang mukha niya at pinagmasdan ako nang maigi. "Are they bothering you?"

Umiling ako. Hindi pa ulit sila nanggugulo pero hiniling nila kay Hades na ma-
assign ako sa VIP. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ko ba itong banggitin kay Yul.
"Mas kinakabahan ako kapag hindi sila nanggugulo. Sometimes, silence is deadly.
What if they're planning something?" nag-aalangang sabi ko.

"Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng iniisip nina Hell at Heaven," sabi ni Yul. He looked
away and looked straight the setting sun. "They're unreasonable when they're
getting bored. They won't listen to anyone. Ipagpadasal na lang natin na sana sa
iba na lang mabaling ang atensiyon nila. I hope they'll be bombarded with problems
that they won't have time to even look at you."

He turned to me grinning. "You don't have to worry about those jerks. Wala lang
silang magawa sa buhay nila. I don't think they really want to kill you. They are
just thrilled knowing you're a potential alpha. You'll be the first. It seems they
want to know if you will succeed or not."

Sumimangot ako. "They're sick in the head."

"I second the motion," nakangising sabi niya.

Yul opened the picnic box and gave me a sandwich.

"Did you prepare this?" kunot-noong tanong ko.

Tumango si Yul at kumindat pa sa 'kin. Mahina akong tumawa. "Marami pang pagkain
dito. May bottled water din kung nauuhaw ka."

We watched as the color of the sky deepened until the sun was no longer in view and
the stars start to show in the sky. Ang ibang ibon ay dumapo na sa mga sanga ng
puno upang magpahinga.

"Eurus..." mahinang tawag ni Yul sa pangalan ko matapos kaming kumain ng tuna

sandwich. Nagtatanong ang mga mata na tiningnan ko siya. Napakamot siya sa ulo na
tila nahihiya. "I was just wondering... if you're able to think about it..."

I know what he's talking about. "Yul.. Just how much do you like me?" mahinang
tanong ko sa kanya.

Umiling si Yul at seryoso ang mga matang tumingin siya sa 'kin kaya hindi ko
maiwasan ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso ko. I don't want to but I'm waiting for
his answer. "It's not just like. It's love, Eurus." Nahigit ko ang paghinga. "And
if you're asking how much I love you, I don't know if there's a limit."

"If I choose to be an alpha, you'll kill me," sabi ko upang subukan siya.

"If you choose that path, I'll protect you." His hazel gaze is so sincere and deep.
I can't say if he's lying or not. "But I just hope you'll choose a different path-"
"You can't support me," mahinang sabi ko.

"I don't support your death," mariing sabi niya. "I won't support anything that
will cause you to die. I can't take that." Mabigat siyang bumuntong-hininga. "Kung
hindi ka pa rin sigurado sa 'kin, maghihintay ako. I can wait no matter how long."

Nakagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko at napatungo. I turned to him when he gently

tuck my loose hair behind my ear.

"Paano kung masaktan lang kita?" nag-aalangang tanong ko sa kanya. "Paano kung
masaktan lang natin ang isa't isa?"

"Dahil lang masasaktan tayo kaya hindi na natin pwedeng subukan?" nakaangat ang
kilay na tanong niya sa 'kin. He had this look on his face that he was suppressing
a laugh.

"I'm not sure if the pain is worth it," naiinis na sabi ko sa kanya.

"You will never be sure if you never try," he said. "Sometimes, the pain is worth
it more than anything. We will learn. We will become stronger because of the pain.
why are you focusing on the pain? You must focus on something good, something
positive."
He learned closer. "You know what? Your negativity is really beyond me. People love
not just for the pretty parts," he teased and chuckled. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin
at mahinang tinampal ang noo para mapilitan siyang lumayo. He's too close. I hate
it when he's teasing me. I hate it when he always has a point.

I slowly smiled at him meaningfully. "Then shall we try?" pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

My lips are curved in a wicked grin.

"Ah! Eurus! Ayoko ng ganyan," natatawa at naiiling na sabi niya. Humiga siya at
tumingin sa kalangitan. "I don't like it when you're experimenting. I only want
you to say yes if you really like or maybe love me."

I stared down at him.

"What if I like you? But I'm not yet ready?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Until you're ready then." He gently smiled at me.

I smiled back. I still want to tease him. I want to test his patience. I leaned
closer. Itinukod ko ang kanang kamay malapit sa mukha niya. Nahigit niya ang
paghinga nang magpantay ang mga mukha namin. My hair touches her face. His hazel
eyes widened with confusion and shock. I like that. My grin widened.

Sumimangot siya nang makahuma. "What are you doing? Still teasing me? Don't do this
or else you'll regret it," mahinang sabi niya. I could sense the warning in his
tone. I unconsciously stared at his red lips. He swallowed hard.

"I'm just curious," pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

"If you kiss me, we're on," banta niya sa 'kin. Slowly, his lips curve into an
arrogant smile. "Kiss me and we're on and you're mine." Natigilan ako sa sinabi
niya. Ramdam ko ang paghahamon sa tinig niya. I stared at his hazel eyes which was
dancing under the moonlight. Our faces are just one breath away.

"I can hear your heartbeat," nakangising sabi niya. Napalunok ako. Yes. It was
racing back and forth now. I can hear his heartbeat too.

"Yours is louder," pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

"Really?" Simpatikong ngiti ang gumuhit sa labi niya. "Maybe because I love you
more than you love me." Bumanat pa ang mokong.

Napailing ako. I shouldn't do this. Lalayo na sana ako pero tinabig niya ang kamay
kong nakatuon sa gilid ng ulo niya kaya dire-diretso akong natumba at hindi
inaasahang nahalikan ang labi niya. Nanlalaki ang mga mata kong napatitig sa mga
mata niya. Agad akong lumayo. I even managed a gasp.

He couldn't help his mischievous smile. Mariin pa niyang kinagat ang pang-ibabang
labi pero hindi pa rin matawaran ang ngiti sa labi niya. Nanlalaki pa rin ang mata
ko at hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan siya dahil sa ginawa niya.

"So?" he asked, thrilled. His eyes glimmer.

"You kiss me," giit ko.

"Correction, you kissed me," he said and chuckled.

"Tinabig mo ang kamay ko. Nawalan ako ng balanse. You do it in purpose," akusa ko
sa kanya.

"That doesn't change the fact that you kissed me," he said, enjoying our little
argument. "You should have avoided the fall. Or at least, you should have avoided
my lips."

Napanganga na lang ako. He's driving me nuts. We fucking kissed! Kahit gaano
kabilis 'yon, wala akong pakialam. My heart slams against my chest. I think I'm
going insane.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. Tatayo na sana ako pero pinigilan niya ang kamay ko.
"Okay-okay. Sorry. It doesn't count. I tricked you." It doesn't count but we still
shared that kiss. He looked at me apologetically. Inirapan ko siya. I turned my
back at him. My face is fucking hot. Ipinilig ko ang ulo ko. Ako naman ang
nagsimula nito kaya kasalanan ko. Kakalimutan ko na lang. Kakalimutan ko na lang.

"Galit ka ba?" mahinang tanong ni Yul. Tahimik akong umiling at hindi nagsalita.
Narinig ko ang pagbuntong-hininga niya. "I'm sorry."

I didn't say a word.

"Sige na. Sampalin mo na lang ako para gumaan ang loob mo," sabi niya nang hindi
ako magsalita.

Sa totoo lang hindi sampal ang gusto kong gawin sa kanya. Gusto ko siyang sabunutan
para mawala ang frustration ko sa sarili ko. Tahimik na lang akong umiling. Niyakap
ko ang dalawa kong tuhod at tumingala sa langit na puno ng bituin.

"Let's not talk for a while," mahinang bulong ko. "Mawawala rin ang inis ko." He
didn't dare say another word.

~~~

Sunday night. I'm already in Veolia. Sa gitna ng lugar na ito may isang mansion na
matatagpuan sa gitna ng kagubatan. That's where the council will meet. Magkikita na
lang kami ni Kuya Lexus doon. I was already in my partial shift, wearing black suit
while silently running in the dark woods.
Inakyat ko ang isang mataas na puno at mula roon ay tumalon-talon patungo sa iba
pang puno. Tumigil ako sa pinakamataas na puno kung saan maaari ko ng matanaw ang
mansion. I maintain a safe distance away from it. Napansin ko kasing sobrang daming
nagbabantay sa paligid nito. May malaking gate din at napapalibutan ang mansion ng
bakod na gawa sa bato. The mansion looked elegant with all the lights turned on
from the inside and outside. Tanaw ko rin ang daan ng mga sasakyan ng mga miyembro
ng council. I still hid my presence because they assigned someone for the night
watch.

Nasilaw ako sa liwanag na biglang tumama sa mata ko mula sa kabilang direksiyon,

ilang kilometro ang layo sa 'kin. I saw my brother holding a small mirror in his
right hand while sitting on a branch of tree. He's letting me know that he safely
reached the place. I nodded.

Tahimik naming pinanood ang pagbaba ng mga miyembro ng council sa kanilang

magagarang sasakyan. Nakatalikod sila sa 'kin kaya hindi ko makilala ang mga mukha
nila. It's alright. Tonight, we will just check this place and think of a better
plan next time. Hindi rin naman namin alam kung ano ba talaga ang binabalak nila at
kung paano sila kakalabanin.

Nakita ko pa ang pakikipagkamay nila sa isa't isa. They look civil to each other.

I checked the vicinity. May ilang nakatayo sa gate. Ang iba naman ay nasa rooftop
ng mansion. Ang ilan ay nagmamanman sa loob at paligid nito. The members of the
council already headed inside. Another light hit my eyes and my brother told me to
leave now. Hindi kami maaaring magtagal sa lugar na ito dahil tiyak na mahuhuli
kami. Tumango ako at nagsimula ng tumakbo palayo.

Swoosh!
I heard footsteps. Someone's following me. When I looked back. I couldn't make out
of his face in the dark but he's probably in his partial shift too. He's moving in
a fast speed with the intention to catch up. Nakita ba nila ako? Holy cat!

Mas lalo kong binilisan ang pagtakbo ko pero dahil mas malalaki ang bawat hakbang
niya. Naabutan din niya ako. I was jumping from tree to tree but the one chasing me
was already running in the land.

He caught me by foot and I fell down on the ground, we're hidden behind the bushes.

I was ready to claw him but he spoke to me. "It's me," he said in a raspy voice.
"Eclipse," paglilinaw niya. Mas lalo niyang inilapit ang mukha sa 'kin para mas
makilala ko siya. He was on top of me. I couldn't move because his knees are
pinning my legs down.

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag. Mabuti na lang, hindi siya kalaban. Pero naiinis ako sa
ginawa niya kaya sisigawan ko sana siya pero tinakpan niya ang bibig ko. He put his
index finger on his lips. "Shhhh..." We both went back to our human form.

"Fuck!" sigaw ng isang babae mula sa malayo pero biglang nawala ang tinig niya.
Nakarinig din ako ng sunud-sunod na yabag. Marami sila. Seryoso ang mukha ni
Eclipse nang sumilip siya sa siwang ng halaman. Inalis na niya ang takip sa bibig
ko at ikinuyom ang kamao. Nawala na ang ingay. Mariing kagat ni Eclipse ang labi
pero agad na lumingon sa 'kin nang maalalang kasama niya ako.
"Wala na sila," sabi ko. Nakangiwi ako dahil sa tuhod niyang nakatuon sa hita ko.

"Bakit ka nandito?" salubong ang kilay at galit ang tono niya. He was whispering.
He's still not moving away from me. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Pwede ba---" naputol ang sasabihin ko nang bigla niya akong halikan sa labi.
Eclipse invaded my mouth, deepening the kiss. My moan of protest was silenced
because of his sudden move. Nagawa kong gumalaw upang manlaban pero natigilan ako
nang marinig ko ang hindi kilalang boses. But Eclipse was a bit demanding, as if he
just wants me to focus on his kiss. I was forced to kiss back.

"Pare, saan ka pupunta?" sigaw ng isang lalaki.

"Parang may narinig akong boses," hindi siguradong sabi ng isang lalaki na sa
tingin ko ay malapit na sa kinaroroonan ko.

"Wala naman ah! Bumalik na tayo! Magsisimula na ang pagpupulong. Patay tayo kapag
hindi natin nadala 'tong babae. Papagalitan pa tayo kasi hinayaan nating makatakas!
Masasabon tayo nito," nagmamadaling sigaw ng lalaki. Nakarinig ako ng nagmamadaling
yabag palayo hanggang sa tuluyan na itong mawala. I don't know for how long we
kissed but Eclipse pulled away when he's sure they're really gone. We're both out
of breath.

Napatitig na lang ako kay Eclipse habang nakaawang ang namamagang labi. Inalis niya
ang tuhod na nakatuon sa hita ko. Saka ko lang naalala ang sakit. Namanhid ang hita
ko dahil sa ginawa niya at hindi ako makagalaw. Napaupo na lang si Eclipse sa tabi
ko. Hindi man lang ako makaupo dahil pakiramdam ko may naipit na ugat sa hita ko.
"Can you stand? We need to get away from here," sabi niya. Sumimangot ako at
pinilit na umupo. My legs fucking hurt. Damn! Minasahe ko ang hita ko para maibsan
ang sakit. "Does it hurt?" nag-aalalang tanong niya. "Sorry but talk later," he
said. Muntik na akong mapasigaw nang bigla niya akong buhatin. Bigla akong
napahawak sa magkabilang balikat niya.

"Nagmamadali ako kaya bubuhatin na lang muna kita," sabi niya. "Huwag kang maingay
baka bumalik pa sila." Kinagat ko ang labi ko at hindi na gumawa pa ng ingay pero
salubong ang dalawang kilay ko dahil iniisip ko kung sino ang babaeng nahuli nila
at kung bakit nandito si Eclipse.

Wait. Another thing that sinks in my head. He kissed me. He fucking kissed me. And
he's acting like it's nothing.

***

Nightfall 25: Amber [Nightfall]

"You can use your claws when you need it..."

EURUS

I could have protested. Pero bago pa ako makapagsalita, nakapagpalit-anyo na agad

siya at mabilis na tumakbo palayo sa lugar na iyon. Napasinghap na lang ako at
napayakap dahil sa bilis ng pagtakbo niya. I should have just undergone a partial
shift too but I'm too stunned to even think.
We stopped in front of his black car before he gently put me down. He already
shifted back to his human form and his hair was a quite mess. Binuksan niya ang
pinto para sa 'kin. Naguguluhang tiningnan ko siya pero hindi ako nagsalita upang
umangal. His blue eyes are a bit impatient. Tinaasan na rin niya ako ng kilay kaya
pumasok na ako sa loob.

When he got to the driver's seat he turned to me. "Ano'ng ginagawa mo sa lugar na
'to? Gusto mo bang ipahamak ang sarili mo, Eurus?" inis na tanong niya sa 'kin.
Since he's not making the kiss a big deal, I'm trying my best to calm down and
ignore it as much as possible. He knitted his eyebrows and his jaws are clenched.

Mas pinili kong magsinungaling. Iniwasan ko ang nang-aarok na tingin niya at

tumingin sa daan. "I'm just... passing by."

He leaned closer and held my chin using my his thumb and index finger. Slowly, he
turned my gaze to him. Hindi siya ngumingiti at alam kong hindi siya naniniwala sa
sinasabi ko. "Sa tingin ko, hindi ka maaaring maligaw o mapadaan sa lugar na ito
kung hindi mo talaga balak puntahan. This place is too far from the city and
secluded. May mga werecats na nagbabantay sa lugar na ito. Sabihin mo sa 'kin ang
totoo, Eurus," seryosong sabi niya. Napalunok ako habang nakatitig sa seryosong
asul na mata niya. Mariing nakatikom ang bibig niya na tila nauubusan na ng
pasensiya.

Ilang minuto akong nanahimik habang nakatitig kami sa isa't isa. Bumuntong-hininga
si Eclipse na tila siya na ang sumusuko. "Gusto mo silang kalabanin." It's not a
question. It's a statement as if he's sure of it. Ibubuka ko na sana ang bibig ko
para pabulaanan ang sinabi niya pero napasimangot ako nang magsimula siyang
siyasatin ang mukha ko. He turned my face left and right as if he's inspecting
everything about my physical appearance.

"Mukhang inalagaan ka naman niya," komento niya.

Natigilan ako. Naiinis na inalis ko ang kamay niya sa baba ko. Mariin kong
hinawakan ang kamay niya at salubong ang kilay na pinagmasdan ang mukha niya.
Matipid siyang ngumiti at bahagyang lumambot ang ekspresiyon ng mukha. His deep
blue eyes are covered by thick eyelashes. I can't decide if he's amused or just
happy.

"I'm taking you back now," he said, grinning.

Napaawang ang labi ko. I was stupefied. No. He can't do that. May kailangan pa
akong gawin. Sunud-sunod akong umiling.

"No..." mariing sabi ko. "You can't. Marami ng nagbago Eclipse."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Katulad ng?"

Napalunok ako at mabilis na nag-isip ng palusot sa kanya. Hindi ako makakagalaw

nang maayos kapag nasa tabi ko si Eclipse. "Boyfriend ko na si Yul," kagat-labing
sagot ko na nagpaangat ng kilay niya. He looked a little shock but he quickly
composed himself.

Humalukipkip siya at bahagyang lumayo sa 'kin pero seryoso ang ekspresiyon ng mukha
na tila inaarok kung totoo ba ang sinabi ko.
"Kailan pa?" Lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo niya.

Sunud-sunod akong napalunok. "Kahapon."

Umaangat ang sulok ng labi niya na tila may naalala. "But I kissed you," paalala
niya sa 'kin. "Makikipaghiwalay siya sa 'yo kapag nalaman niya ang nangyari sa
'tin."

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mga mata. "Jerk! Don't dare! I didn't want that kiss!" I
exclaimed, almost engraged. Mas lumawak ang ngiti niya na tila may iniisip na
kalokohan.

"You kissed back," nakangising paalala niya.

"I'm stunned," inis na sabi ko. He chuckled knowingly and shook his head.

He started the car's engine. Bago niya paandarin ang sasakyan, muli niya akong
tiningnan. "Fine. I can be your secret in those dark woods, Eurus. Keep me as your
secret and I'll keep you the same." Kumindat pa siya sa 'kin at hindi mapatid ang
ngiti sa labi bago pinaandar ang kotse. "For the time being," he added softly that
sent shivers down my spine. Unti-unti siyang sumeryoso at mas lalong pinabilis ang
pagpapatakbo ng sasakyan. Hindi ko alam kung galit ba siya o nagmamadali lang.
Pabalik na kami sa Vaire pero napakunot-noo ako nang tumigil ang kotse ni Eclipse
sa harap ng isang babae na walang sabi-sabing binuksan ang pinto sa tabi ko. Akmang
uupo ito sa puwesto ko pero umangat ang kilay nito nang makita ako. "What's this,
Eclipse?" Natigilan ang babaeng may mapupulang labi. She's wearing white tops and
black leather pants and boots.

"Sinundo na kita. Sa likod ka na umupo, Ariza. I'll drop her somewhere soon,"
seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. Medyo nanikip ang dibdib ko sa sinabi ni Eclipse. The
girl was knitting her eyebrows at me as if she's telling me to move away. She's
beautiful and I can't deny that. Porcelain skin. Big curls. Gold bangles and
earrings. Maliit at maganda ang hubog ng mukha niya na binagayan ng kulay lilang
mata at mahahabang pilik-mata. Her perfect collarbones are exposed in her get up.

"No. I'll sit here, babe. Sino siya para umupo sa tabi mo? She's also a werecat. I
don't like that," mataray na sabi ni Ariza. "Shall I consider her a rival?"
Pinanlakihan pa niya ako ng mata para masigurado niyang nakukuha ko ang sinasabi
niya. Sino ba siya? Mabigat na bumuntong-hininga si Eclipse.

"Eurus... sa likod ka na muna," napapagod na sabi ni Eclipse. I felt rejected. It's

a bad feeling I don't even want to entertain but I can't help it.

"No. Dito na lang ako. Magpapasundo na lang ako kay Yul." Pinilit kong pagaanin ang
boses ko kahit mabigat ang pakiramdam ko. Lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo ni Ariza
nang marinig ang pangalan ni Yul. Eclipse hissed. He turned to Ariza with an
annoyed look. Hindi ko na hinayaang pigilan niya ako. Lumabas na agad ako ng kotse
at hindi sinasadyang nabangga ko pa ang balikat ni Ariza na masamang tumingin sa
'kin.

Mariin niyang hinawakan ang pulsuhan ko. She's quite aggressive. Umangat ang sulok
ng labi niya at nanliit ang mga mata sa 'kin. "Eclipse is mine," mariing sabi niya.
Maging ang mga mata ko ay nanliit habang nakikipaglaban sa kanya ng tingin.
"Ariza, tama na 'yan. I'm not yours. Bitiwan mo na siya at pumasok dito," mariing
sabi ni Eclipse na tila nagbabanta pa.

Hindi siya pinansin ni Ariza. "He's my fiance," dagdag pa ni Ariza na nagpatigil sa

mundo ko at naumid ang dila ko. Ngumisi siya nang nakakaloko sa 'kin. Mabilis na
pumasok si Ariza sa loob ng kotse at malakas na isinara ang pinto. Hindi ko na
narinig pa ang pagtatalo nilang dalawa ni Eclipse.

Naiwan akong tigagal nang pahururutin niya palayo ang kotse. "Ah!" naiinis na
napahilamos ako sa mukha nang matauhan. Sumasakit ang ulo ko. Sana hindi na magkrus
pa ang landas naming dalawa ni Eclipse pero mukhang imposible ito. Ano'ng ginagawa
niya sa Veolia? Bakit nasa kagubatan siya malapit sa council? I should have asked.
This is shit!

Naglakad na lang muna ako para makapag-isip nang maayos pero may tumigil na kotse
sa harapan ko. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makita si Kuya Lexus. Agad akong
sumakay sa kotse niya.

"Si Eclipse ba 'yon?" kunot-noong tanong ni Kuya Lexus. Marahan akong tumango.

"Nahuli ka ba niya?"

Nagkibit-balikat ako. "Kind of," mahinang sagot ko.

"It's fine. Sa tingin ko, hindi ka na niya pipigilan ngayon," sabi ni Kuya Lexus na
ikinalingon ko sa kanya. Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. "I saw Amber in the woods. She's
captured. Mukhang dadalhin siya sa council. Kaya natitiyak kong kailangan ni
Eclipse ng tulong ngayon," sabi niya.

"Sino si Amber?" I asked but I already had an idea. "Kapatid niya?"

Tumango si Kuya Lexus. I gasped. Kung ganu'n, maaaring patayin ng council si Amber.
Kung hindi ako nakita ni Eclipse, si Amber sana ang ililigtas niya. Bakit ako ang
pinili niya? Bakit hindi na lang si Amber ang iniligtas niya? Hindi ko
maintindihan.

"Sino naman si Ariza?" tanong ko sa kanya. "Potential alpha?"

"I don't think so. Pero ang pamilya ni Ariza ay matalik na kaibigan ng pamilya ni
Eclipse. Ang alam ko ipinagkasundo na silang dalawa. Siya ba ang babae kanina?"
tanong niya. Kung ganu'n, fiancee talaga ni Eclipse si Ariza. Lalong bumigat ang
pakiramdam ko.

"Yeah. Kanina mo pa kami sinusundan?" tanong ko.

Tumango siya. "Well, she's not an alpha. I don't think she has it in her. But she's
aggressive and competitive. Ang alam ko, magkasama si Amber at Ariza, same school,
pero dahil siguro nahuli si Amber, bumalik na siya."

"Amber is a potential alpha?" I confirmed.

Tumango si Kuya Lexus. "Matagal na itinago nina Eclipse at ng ama niya si Amber
kaya nagdududa na ang council. May ginawa si Amber kaya nahuli siya, ayon sa
nakalap kong impormasyon."

"Ano'ng ginawa niya?" salubong ang kilay na tanong ko.

His green eyes looked at me through the rearview mirror. "She tried to kill Hades'
father, Julian, one of the council's member. Si Julian ang pumatay sa ina nina
Eclipse at Amber. Malubha ang lagay ni Julian kaya mukhang si Hades muna ang
papalit sa puwesto ng ama niya. Dahil dito nahuli si Amber. Sa tingin ko, balak
iligtas ni Eclipse si Amber kahit labag ito sa utos ng ama niya na si Bry. Bry is
neutral. Hangga't maaari, hindi siya papayag na mapahamak ang Lycans sa pamumuno
niya kaya pikit-mata niyang isasakripisyo ang sariling anak para sa kapayapaan."

"Si Hades? Nasa council? Kung ganu'n..."

"Maaari tayong makakuha sa kanya ng impormasyon pero kailangan nating mag-ingat.

Pero kapag kumalat na ang balita tungkol sa ginawa ni Amber, tiyak na magkakaroon
ng rebolusyon mula sa mga werecats na gustong makalaya. Sa oras na ito, wala pang
alam ang lahat. I just saw Amber and Hades earlier. Alam ko ring malubha ang
kalagayan ni Julian. I was able to connect the pieces."
"Sa tingin mo, galit si Hades? Hindi kaya idamay niya ako? He knows I'm a potential
alpha," nag-aalalang sabi ko.

"He'll be busy soon. Hindi na kayo magkikita nang madalas. Si Hades ang
pinakamahirap intindihin sa lahat. He's angry at his father for some reasons.
Siguro galit din siya kay Amber pero hindi ko matukoy kung ano ang mas matimbang
para sa kanya. Ang galit niya para kay Julian o ang galit niya para kay Amber?"
Mariing hawak ni Kuya Lexus ang manibela.

"Knowing Eclipse, I think, he will secretly meet with Hades to ensure his sister's
safety," seryosong sabi ko. "I'll keep a close watch on him."

"How about Yul's father, Lhourd? Ano'ng binabalak mo sa kanya? Do you plan to kill
him?" tanong ni Kuya Lexus na ikinatigil ko.

Tumingin ako sa labas ng sasakyan at tumanaw sa malayo. Hindi matitigil ang gulo
kung gaganti ako sa pamamagitan ng pagbawi ng isa pang buhay. This war will become
an endless loop. "If there's another way, I won't," mahinang sagot ko. Hangga't
maaari, hindi ko gustong saktan si Yul. Hangga't maaari.

"Kung may ibang paraan, pero paano kung wala na?" seryosong tanong ni Kuya Lexus.

Napalingon ako sa kanya. "Can't we just runaway with Nightfall?"

"Then we will be hunted forever. We won't be able to live freely," sagot ni Kuya
Lexus.

Napapagod na isinandal ko ang ulo sa upuan at napatingala. Kung si Yul kaya ang
pinuno ng Sanguis, palalayain ba niya ang Nightfall?

"If you can't do it, I'll do it for you."

Natigilan ako at nanlalaki ang mga matang nilingon si Kuya Lexus. "NO! Don't do
anything yet! I'll do whatever I can!" inis na sabi ko sa kanya. Nagkibit-balikat
lang siya pero hindi na nagsalita.

"Don't do anything. I'll take care of it," mariing paalala ko na lang.

~~~

Monday night and I was serving the customers in Celestial Bar. Nasa opisina si
Hades pero hindi pa siya lumalabas simula kaninang alas otso. Alas onse na ng gabi
at mamaya lang ay uuwi na ako. Natigilan ako nang nakita kong pumasok si Eclipse sa
loob. Sa pagkakatanda ko, hindi niya alam na nagtatrabaho ako rito. Lumapit agad
siya sa counter at nakipag-usap sa bartender. Hindi niya ako napansin.
Siguro si Hades ang pakay niya?

Napasimangot ako nang may tumapik sa likod ni Eclipse. Si Hell na nakangisi nang
nakakaloko. Halatang balak niyang asarin si Eclipse ngayong gabi. Blanko ang
ekspresiyon ng mukha ni Eclipse nang tingnan niya si Hell. Halatang wala siyang
oras para makipagbiruan dito. Tinalikuran niya si Hell at dumiretso sa opisina ni
Hades.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Nagdalawang-isip ako kung susundan ba siya o hindi. Nang
akmang maglalakad na ako patungo kay Eclipse, may humawak sa braso. Nakangiti si
Heaven sa 'kin nang lingunin ko kung sino ang pangahas na pumigil sa 'kin.

"Serve us. We need more drinks," sabi niya. Itinuro niya ang mesa sa VIP section.
Sinabi niya kung ano ang order niya na hindi ko agad naintindihan.

"Ask Shane," nakasimangot na sabi ko.

"That's rude. We want you up there," nakangising sabi ni Heaven. Muli niyang inulit
ang order niya bago ako binitawan. "Umakyat ka na roon at huwag mo ng dagdagan pa
ang problema ni Hades. Or do you plan to eavesdrop?" nang-aarok na tanong niya.
"That's shady." Mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti niya bago ako tinalikuran.

Naiwan akong natitigilan nang umalis si Heaven sa harap ko at bumalik sa VIP

section. Wala sa sariling napatingala ako sa kinaroroonan niya. Nakangising kumaway
pa siya sa 'kin. He was testing me.

***
 Nightfall 26: Warning [Nightfall]

"Your secret is no longer safe..."

EURUS

Nag-aalangang umakyat ako sa VIP section kung nasaan sina Heaven at Hell. Damn
these siblings! Akala ko patatahimikin na nila ako pero nagkamali ako. Simula nang
ibalik ko ang link namin ni White, hindi na sila nanggugulo. They seem to
understand what that means. It's either I live being an alpha or keep a low profile
until I die. I'm trying to keep a low profile as long as possible.

Heaven, the guy with raven blue hair and gold earring in the right ear, and Hell,
the guy with scarlet hair and gold earring in the left ear, are seriously drinking
brandy in the black couch, as if they haven't noticed me yet. Although I'm already
standing in front of them. Tumikhim ako para makuha ang atensiyon. Nakakunot-noong
tiningala nila ako.

"Do you need anything?" I asked. I can't hide the rude tone.

Ngumisi si Heaven samantalang umangat naman ang sulok ng labi ni Hell. Their gray
eyes are a bit clouded with coldness though.

"Well, you just need to stay here where we can see you," kibit-balikat na sabi ni
Heaven.
"Oh, we need some ice," sabi ni Hell.

Lumalim ang gatla sa noo ko pero kinuha ko ang ice bucket sa mesang nasa harap
nila. Tahimik na tinalikuran ko sila. Walang mangyayari kung papatulan ko pa sila.

"Bumalik ka agad," seryosong sabi ni Hell.

Mariin kong ikinuyom ang kamao at nagmamadaling kumuha ng yelo. I want to talk to
Eclipse. Gusto kong malaman ang pakay niya kay Hades. Siguro pumunta siya rito para
sa kapatid niya. Miyembro na ng council si Hades kaya siguradong tungkol sa kapatid
niya ang pag-uusapan nila. If Amber is a potential alpha female then she might be
killed.

I didn't do anything rash. Bumalik agad ako sa VIP section at ipinatong sa mesa ang
ice bucket na punong-puno ng yelo. "Serve some of our friends too," utos ni Heaven
at itinuro ang ibang mesa sa VIP section. Malalim akong humugot ng hininga upang
pigilan ang pagkainis. Sinunod ko ang gusto niya kaya lumapit ako sa ibang mesa at
itinanong kung ano pa ang kailangan nila.

Lumapit sa 'kin si Shane nang pupunta na ako sa bar counter upang kunin ang mga
inumin nila. "What's up? Hindi ba sa baba ka naka-assign?" salubong ang kilay na
tanong ni Shane.

"Heaven and Hell asked me," kibit-balikat na sagot ko. "They are so spoiled and
self-centered. So full of themselves," inis na sabi ko. "Buti natitiis mo sila."
Shane giggled. She leaned closer and whispered in my ear. "Pampalubag-loob na lang
itsura nila." She grinned and tapped my shoulder. "Just be patient. Mas mabuti ng
sundin sila kaysa mawalan ka pa ng trabaho. Alas dose ang out mo, hindi ba? Isang
oras na lang."

Wala sa sariling tumango ako. She smiled at me before she went back to the
customers. Ano'ng oras kaya matatapos ang pag-uusap nina Eclipse at Hades?
Matatagalan ba sila? I was serving the customers with these thoughts in mind.
Although I don't know what to say to Eclipse when I actually face him. Hindi ko
alam kung nag-aalala ba ako sa kanya o kung gusto ko lang kumalap ng impormasyon.

Papansinin kaya niya ako? Sinabi ko na boyfriend ko na si Yul pero hindi naman iyon
totoo. I'm a little guilty but he can't just take me away again. I'm so conflicted.
Hindi ko pa nagagawa ang binabalak ko.

"Are you still here with us? Did you hear me?" kunot-noong tanong ni Hell. Bumalik
na naman ako sa table nila at hindi ko narinig kung ano ang unang sinabi niya.

Napamaang ako sa kanya. "Sorry. Can you repeat your order, Sir?" It was really
against me to call him Sir. It just hurts my ego. Damn!

Heaven chuckled. "He told you to sit. You're an eyesore standing here."
Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko kay Heaven. "Why did you even ask me here? Pwede na
akong bumalik sa baba kung ganu'n," I hissed. Tumingin ako sa relo ko. "It's
already time for me to go."

Umangat ang kilay ni Hell. "Uuwi ka ba talaga o pupuntahan mo si Eclipse?"

Nag-init ang pisngi ko. Hindi ko inaasahan ang pagiging pranka niya. Hindi ko pa
rin alam kung paano kakausapin si Eclipse. "I can do everything I want outside
working hours. It's none of your business," sagot ko.

Umangat ang sulok ng labi ni Hell. "You have one month left, Eurus," paalala ni
Hell na ikinakunot ng noo ko. "One month and it's already April."

He's talking about the blood moon?

"Alam mo na siguro ang nangyari sa kapatid ni Eclipse," seryosong sabi ni Heaven.

"If you choose to follow her steps, you'll end up like her. You'll be hunted."

Mariin kong ikinuyom ang kamao ko. "Bakit kayo nagbibigay ng palugit? Ano ba ang
inaasahan ninyo mula sa 'kin? I might choose to be an alpha so why spare me now?"
may diing tanong ko sa kanila. I stared intently at Hell's gray eyes. Gusto kong
arukin kung bakit wala pa silang ginagawa hanggang ngayon.

"Gusto lang naming ipaalala sa 'yo kung gaano kabigat ang magiging desisyon mo.
Hindi madaling makuha ang gusto mo. Hindi madaling maabot ang kalayaang gusto mo,"
seryosong sabi ni Hell. "Freedom may cost death. If we come after your life, you
can't blame us. We warned you enough."

"You're being soft, aren't you, Hell?" nakangising sabi ni Heaven.

"I have nothing against alpha females but I will make a stand for the council,"
seryosong sagot ni Hell.

"Because you don't want to disappoint our father?" Heaven asked. "You're the eldest
after all."

Sumeryoso ang mukha ni Hell at muling lumagok ng alak. Maybe he's not that bad like
I thought. He has his circumstances. But we are still standing on different
grounds. We're still enemies no matter where I look at it.

"This is just a warning Eurus," mahinang wika ni Hell. "I heard you joined the
Sanguis but I doubt that you will really settle in that pack. You're using Yul like
how Amber used Hades."

Napanganga at namutla ako dahil sa narinig. Alam na ba niya ang tungkol sa 'kin?
Seryoso ang mukha niya at nakakunot ang noo habang pinagmamasdan ako. Gusto kong
pabulaanan ang sinabi niya pero alam kong hindi na sila maniniwala pa.
"We did some research," Hell said.

Napailing naman si Heaven at hindi makapaniwalang nagtanong. "How can you drop the
bomb right away, dude?"

Napalunok ako at naglakas-loob na magsalita. "You knew?"

Tumango si Heaven. "Nightfall," makahulugang sabi niya na tila sapat na ito para
maiparating sa 'kin ang mensahe. "You resembled your mother a lot. We saw some
pictures."

"Do you want revenge?" seryosong tanong ni Hell.

Umiling ako. "No. I want freedom," I answered truthfully.

"But you're using Yul nonetheless," he commented.

I can't argue. I can just bit my lower lip in frustration. We're inside a bar but I
can't hear the loud sound. It can't even distract me.
"We won't tell Yul," sabad ni Heaven. "I want to see how these things will turn
out. I want to see how he'll handle the truth. Observing from the shadows has been
our favorite hobby." Heaven even winked at me but that's not reassuring.

"Kahit hindi namin sabihin sa kanya, malalaman pa rin niya ang totoo," sabi ni
Hell. "But I wish you luck. If you manage to turn everything around, I hope it's
for the best."

"You can go now," he added.

I can't move even if he said that. I don't want to just leave it like this. Hindi
ako mapapalagay lalo na't alam nila ang katotohanan tungkol sa 'kin. Hindi ko alam
kung ilang minuto ako nanatiling nakatayo sa harap nila. I was so confused.

Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan nang may umakbay sa 'kin. "It's you, right?"

"Eurus?" Eclipse leaned to check my face. A small smile curved on his lips as his
eyes stared at my face. My heart was beating like mad.

"Namumutla ka," komento niya at hinawakan ang pisngi ko. Unti-unting nawala ang
ngiti niya sa labi. Inalis na niya ang pagkakaakbay sa 'kin. Nagsalubong ang kilay
niya. "Nagtatrabaho ka rito?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya habang sinusuri ang
uniporme ko. Bumaling ang paningin niya kina Heaven at Hell. "Ano'ng ginawa ninyo
sa kanya?" nag-aakusang tanong niya na tila makakapatay anumang oras.
"Wala naman," kibit-balikat na sagot ni Heaven. Nagsalin pa siya ng alak sa baso
niya. "Want a drink?" he asked as he offered a glass to Eclipse, as if they are
good old friends. But Eclipse ignored it.

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ni Eclipse sa dalawa bago muling tumingin sa 'kin.
"Tell me. What happened?" he demanded.

Unti-unti akong nakahuma. Lumingon ako kina Heaven at Hell. Itinaas lang nila ang
mga baso nila at ngumisi sa 'kin. Tahimik na umiling ako. "Wala. My shift has
ended. Magpapalit lang ako ng damit," wala sa sariling sabi ko.

Kahit hindi kumbinsido si Eclipse, hinayaan na niya akong maglakad palayo. I was a
bit disoriented. My secret is no longer safe. Paano kung isiwalat nila ang totoo? I
can no longer stay in Sanguis. Nightfall is also in danger. Kailangan kong makausap
si Kuya Lexus! We need a plan now!

Nagmamadaling nagbihis ako. I almost run towards the exit but Eclipse is already
waiting for me there. Kumunot ang noo ko. Paano niya nalaman na lalabas ako rito?
Seryoso ang mukha niya nang lingunin ako.

"How about a ride?" seryosong tanong niya.

Umiling ako. "I'm in a hurry. Baka magselos na naman ang fiance mo," seryosong sabi
ko. Nagmamadaling nilampasan ko siya. I need to talk to my brother as soon as
possible. Kailangan ding malaman ng buong Nightfall ang nangyayari.
Natigilan ako nang mariing hawakan ni Eclipse ang braso ko. "Heaven gave me this,"
mariin pero mahinang sabi niya. Namutla ang mukha ko dahil ang hawak niya ngayon ay
isang litrato ng aking ina pero hindi siya nag-iisa. Hindi ko mamukhaan ang mga
kasama niya sa litrato. Nagtatanong ang mga matang tiningnan ko siya.

"A picture of the former council members. Nine years ago," paglilinaw ni Eclipse.
My heart slammed against my chest. Humugot nang malalim na hininga si Eclipse at
binitawan na ako. "Sumunod ka sa 'kin."

Dumiretso siya sa parking lot habang ako ay hindi pa rin makahuma sa mga
nangyayari. Naguguluhang sinundan ko siya ng tingin. I'm sure Heaven is enjoying
the slow torture he caused me. Kahit labag sa loob ko, sumunod ako kay Eclipse. I
can't run anymore.

Nang pumasok ako sa kotse, mahigpit na nakahawak sa manibela ang dalawang kamay ni
Eclipse. His gaze was seriously staring straight ahead. Hindi man lang niya ako
nilingon nang simulan niyang paandarin ang sasakyan. Kinakabahan ako sa inaasal
niya. His pack may be on neutral side but he's not happy of what he discovered
about me.

Pumasok ang sasakyan niya sa kakahuyan. Mas lalo akong kinakabahan sa nakabibinging
katahimikan. Tanging ingay ng mga kuliglig lang ang maririnig sa paligid. He was
making me nervous. Tumigil kami sa madilim na bahagi ng kakahuyan. He turned off
the headlights. Tanging ang malamlam na ilaw lang sa loob ng kotse niya ang
hinayaan niyang bukas.

He looked at me with blank eyes. I can't tell if he's mad. Pero naramdaman ko ang
galit niya nang magsalita siya. "Gusto mo bang matulad kay Amber?" His voice was
sharp and full of frustration.
"We're different," mahinang sagot ko. "I'm not fighting for revenge."

"But you're also using someone to get what you want. You're using Yul. Kaya ba
pumayag kang maging girlfriend niya? Kaya ba sumama ka sa kanya? Amber used Hades
to get to his father," mariing wika ni Eclipse. "Gusto mo ba talagang ipahamak ang
sarili mo?"

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. Gusto kong ipagtanggol ang sarili ko sa mga
isinusumbat niya sa 'kin. "Wala akong balak na patayin ang ama ni Yul kahit pinatay
niya ang mga mahal ko sa buhay! At hindi ko siya boyfriend! Hindi pa! Sinabi ko
lang 'yon para hindi ka na makialam sa buhay ko! Sumama ako sa kanya para iligtas
ang Nightfall dahil ito lang ang tanging paraan para makalapit sa kanila," pag-amin
ko. Wala ng dahilan para magsinungaling. Hindi ko na napigilan ang luhang naglandas
sa pisngi ko.

Eclipse looked conflicted as he stared at me. Hindi niya alam kung magagalit o
hahawakan ba ako. He bit his lower lip helplessly.

I looked hopelessly at him. "I just want freedom," mabigat na sabi ko. "I want to
save my remaining family and you can't stop me. Kahit ano pa ang sabihin mo, hindi
mo ako mapipigilan. Hindi mo mababago ang isip ko."

Mariing ikinuyom ni Eclipse ang kamao at napapagod na napasandal sa upuan. "What

are you planning to do? Kung kakalabanin mo ang council, hindi ka makakatagal kahit
tulungan ka pa ng Nightfall, walang mangyayari. Kahit ang Sanguis, hindi mo
mapapatumba."
He's right. I can't win against them. Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan ko
ng ibang packs na maaaring tumulong sa 'kin. I hate to admit it but I'm taking
advantage of this situation.

"Amber is in danger. You can't defy the council as well. Join us. Help me. We'll
help you too. Let's save her," seryosong sabi ko. I don't care if I'm being
overconfident about him but I'm already desperate. Pinahid ko ang luha sa
magkabilang pisngi.

Hindi makapaniwalang tumingin sa 'kin si Eclipse. Hindi siya makapaniwala sa

narinig. "What?" sarkastikong tumawa siya. "You're asking me to join you? Are you
for real? Eurus, naririnig mo ba ang sinasabi mo?" He laughed while holding his
stomach. He really can't believe everything I just said. Naiinis na hinampas ko ang
balikat niya.

Sumeryoso si Eclipse. "I can save her on my own," mariing sabi niya habang
nakatitig nang matiim sa 'kin.

Ngumisi ako sa kanya. "If you do that, it will only mean one thing - war. You're
declaring war against the council. If you start a war, it's time for Nightfall to
fight for freedom too. At tiyak na hindi mananatiling tahimik ang ibang packs na
gusto ring makalaya. It's chaos or nothing at all."

Nawala ang ngiti ni Eclipse. "Damn, you're wicked," he commented.

"Sure, I am. Maybe Amber's situation is a blessing in disguise," kibit-balikat na

sabi ko. Napangiwi ako nang mariing pisilin ni Eclipse ang magkabilang-pisngi ko na
tila nanggigigil.

"How can you think of someone else's misfortune as a blessing in disguise? How can
you be that wicked? At hindi pa ako pumapayag sa sinabi mo," inis na sabi niya.
Pinigilan ko ang kamay niya sa pagpisil sa pisngi ko at mahinang tumawa.

"Kahit hindi ka pumayag, ganu'n pa rin ang mangyayari," nakangising sabi ko.

He hissed. "Damn! I feel defeated! What a wicked manipulator." Wala sa sariling

ginulo niya ang buhok niya.

"So are you going to save Amber?" I asked.

Umiling si Eclipse. "Hindi pa ako makapagdesisyon. It still depends on Hades,"

seryosong sagot niya.

Tumitig siya sa 'kin. "Let's not talk about this anymore. And promise me you won't
do anything rash either."

"Pero gusto kong malaman kung ano ang balak mo," I insisted.
"Sa ngayon, ang tanging balak ko ay ang ilayo ka kay Yul," seryosong sabi niya na
halos magpatigil sa tibok ng puso ko. "Kapag nalaman niya ang totoo mong pagkatao,
tiyak na iisipin lang niya na ginagamit mo siya. You can't stay in their territory.
It's dangerous, too dangerous."

"No," mariing tutol ko. I can't leave yet.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Eclipse. "Why? Do you have any feelings for him? If you
don't have feelings for him, just stop or you'll break him badly. Unless hurting
him is what you are after." Nang-aarok ang tinging ipinukol niya sa 'kin. He was
trying to read my real intentions. I was taken aback.

***

Nightfall 27: Invitation [Nightfall]

"Keep your eyes on the unexpected..."

EURUS

I'm a little confused. I can't explain how I feel about Yul. Napalunok ako nang
inilapit ni Eclipse ang mukha niya upang matiim akong pag-aralan. He held my chin
and forced me to look at him, straight in the eyes.

"So?" he asked intently.

Tama siya na kapag nalaman ni Yul ang totoo kong pagkatao, iisipin lang niya na
ginagamit ko siya. Sinabi nina Hell at Heaven na hindi nila sasabihin ang totoo kay
Yul pero maaaring may ibang makaalam. Maaaring iba ang magsabi sa kanya. Yul seems
sincere on courting me. He's being patient too. Kung lalayo ako sa kanya nang hindi
niya naiintindihan ang buong sitwasyon, masasaktan ko pa rin siya at hindi siya
titigil hangga't hindi nalalaman ang totoong dahilan ng paglayo ko.

"Sa tingin mo, kailangan ko na bang aminin kay Yul ang totoo?" nag-aalangang tanong
ko sa kanya. "Kung mahal niya talaga ako, tutulungan niya ako, hindi ba?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Eclipse at mas matiim akong pinag-aralan. "Kung balak mong
sabihin sa kanya ang totoo, ibig sabihin ba nito gusto mo na talaga siya? Mahal mo
na siya? O gusto mo lang gamitin ang pagmamahal niya sa 'yo para tulungan ka niya?"

Inalis ko ang kamay niya sa baba ko at malalim na bumuntong-hininga. "Manggagamit

ba talaga ang tingin mo sa 'kin?" inis na tanong ko sa kanya. Ngumisi lang si
Eclipse at nagkibit-balikat. "Alam kong kumplikado ang sitwasyon naming dalawa pero
gusto ko pa ring aminin sa kanya ang totoo. I don't want to hurt him. I've also
learn to like him. Hindi ko lang alam kung gaano kalalim." Yul is just too kind to
me.

Napailing si Eclipse habang matiim pa ring nakatitig sa 'kin. "Kung ako ang
tatanungin mo, hindi malalim ang pagmamahal mo sa kanya Eurus," mahinang sabi ni
Eclipse. "You just can't hate him because he's too kind for you. Siguro nasanay ka
lang na palagi siyang kasama kaya sinasabi mo 'to ngayon. Paano kung hindi ka niya
tulungan? Paano kung mas piliin niya ang utos ng ama niya kaysa sa 'yo? Magagalit
ka ba sa kanya? You'll hate him for sure and you'll forget that you ever like him.
Your feelings are too shallow, Eurus," wika niya.

Sumimangot ako. "Are you a love expert or what?" inis na tanong ko sa kanya.
Naiinis ako dahil wala siyang karapatan na husgahan ang lalim ng pagmamahal ko kay
Yul. Paano naman niya malalaman? Hindi naman niya nararamdaman ang nararamdaman ko.

"I just know. Because I'm confident that I can steal you away from him,"
nakangising sabi niya na tila siguradong-sigurado siya sa mga sinasabi niya. Hindi
ko maiwasan ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso ko na parang tinatraydor ako nito.

"Haha! Funny," sarkastikong wika ko. I fiddled on my phone quickly. He didn't stop
me. Nang matapos ay ibinalik ko na ito sa bag ko.

"Alright. Just tell him the truth. You can come back to me when he throws you
away," nakangising sabi niya.

Naiinis na tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya. "Ito ba talaga ang dapat nating pag-
usapan ngayon? Marami akong gustong malaman tungkol sa plano ng council. Gusto kong
malaman kung paano makakalaya ang Nightfall. Kung kailangan ko silang kalabanin,
gagawin ko. Nakipag-usap ka kay Hades tungkol sa sitwasyon ni Amber, hindi ba?
Paano kung hindi siya pumayag sa gusto mong mangyari? Bakit hindi ka na lang
makipagtulungan sa 'min? Kung magtatagumpay tayo, hindi mapapahamak si Amber at ang
ibang alpha females."

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol sa 'kin ni Eclipse. "Hindi na natin pag-uusapan 'to
Eurus. Just live a normal life. Gusto mo ba talagang ipahamak ang sarili mo?"

Humalukipkip ako at nakipaglaban ng tingin kay Eclipse. "Kung hindi ka

makikipagtulungan, kikilos ako nang mag-isa. I'm planning to enter the council's
headquarters. I'll check what's going on inside. Wala na kaming oras, Eclipse. Alam
na ni Hell at Heaven ang totoo kong pagkatao. Mahirap ng itago ang totoo. Kailangan
ko ng kumilos," mariing wika ko.

Napahilot si Eclipse sa sintido at mariing napapikit na tila namomroblema. He

turned to me with a hopeless look. "Why don't you just listen to me?" Nahihirapan
ang tinig niya na tila hindi na alam ang gagawin. "Hawak na nila si Amber. Paano
kung mahuli ka pa nila?"

Malungkot akong ngumiti sa kanya at umiling. "I can't hide anymore, Eclipse,"
mababa ang tinig ko. Pilit ko ipinapaintindi sa kanya na buo na ang desisyon ko.
"I've been hiding for so long. I've been a coward. I"m not even worthy to be an
alpha. But now it's time to be strong. I want to be brave. Every inch of me screams
freedom. I want to be free, Eclipse. I want a life without the need to hide. I can
only achieve it through a fight, through victory."

I looked outside the window. "I've already waste too much time. I don't to regret
not doing anything in the end." Determinadong tingin ang ibinaling ko sa kanya.
"Will you help us or not? Gagawin ko pa rin ang plano ko kahit ano'ng piliin mo."
Hindi ko inaalis ang tingin sa kanya. Wala na akong balak takasan ang tadhana ko.

He sighed in defeat. "Better not be captured. Better not die. I'll help you but
don't do anything rash."

I smiled with relief. "That makes everything a bit easier. I need your help.
Kailangan kong malaman ang mga packs na gusto ng kalayaan. I want to meet their
leaders."

"Hindi lahat mapagkakatiwalaan Eurus. Maaari ka nilang isumbong sa council tungkol

sa pag-aaklas na binabalak mo. Hindi lahat ng werecats na gustong lumaya ay
lalaban."

"Kung ganun, kailangan ko lang ang mga werecats na mapagkakatiwalaan. Tiyak na kung
ikaw ang kakausap sa kanila, magkakaroon sila ng pag-asa. Magkakaroon sila ng lakas
na lumaban," giit ko sa kanila. "I can hide my identity in the meantime."

Napakamot sa ulo si Eclipse. "You're making me do all the job," inis na sabi niya.

I grinned. "Huwag kang mag-alala. Magtatrabaho rin ako. Introduce me as your right
hand or something. But before that, on the day of the council meeting, next month,
I'll sneak in. Sa ngayon, mamanmanan ko muna sila."

"I have a bad feeling. Next month is the blood moon," paalala ni Eclipse. He's
right. It's the blood moon. "Don't do it, Eurus," giit niya.

"I told you, I'm not running away anymore," sabi ko naman sa kanya. "Bukas na tayo
mag-usap. Nandiyan na ang sundo ko." Nakita ko na ang paparating na sasakyan ni
Kuya Lexus.
"What about Yul? Sasabihin mo ba sa kanya?"

"Kapag nakakita ako ng pagkakataon," sagot ko.

Sumeryoso siya. "Naalala mo ba ang sinabi ko sa 'yo noon? Don't die. If you can't
live for yourself, live for me. Let me protect you." Malalim ang tinig niya at
kapansin-pansin ang pag-aalala roon.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. "I can't live for you, Eclipse. I will live for Nightfall.
I don't need protection. I need freedom." Lumabas na ako sa kanyang sasakyan at
pinuntahan si Kuya Lexus na naghihintay na sa 'kin. My brother didn't say anything
but I know he's curious. Hindi ako nagsalita pero alam kong naghihintay siya.

"Let's sneak in the council next month. Pero ngayon, manmanan muna natin sila. I
want to see everything with my own eyes. I want to see this through to the very
end. Maybe I'll get some clues to stop this mess," mahinang sabi ko. We drive in
silence.

~~~

Nasa isang puno ako habang tinatanaw ang mansion kung nasaan ang bawat miyembro ng
council. I was on my partial shift to enhance my sight. Nakita ko si Hades. He's
one of them now. Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng pinag-usapan nina Hades at Eclipse pero
siguradong tungkol 'yon kay Amber. If Hades loves Amber, will he have the heart to
kill her? Maybe he has it hard too.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko nang may makita akong babae sa grupong pumasok sa loob ng
mansiyon. Kasama niya ang ama ni Yul na si Lhourd.

Nang mawala na sila sa paningin ko, agad akong umalis. Nagkita kami ni Kuya Lexus.
"Who's that woman?" kunot-noong tanong ko. "The woman with Lhourd?"

"She's Klariza, Lhourd's wife," sagot niya.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. "Bakit kasama siya sa pagpupulong?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Kuya Lexus. "Maybe she's just curious? Hindi siya matanggihan
ng asawa niya."

"Hindi siya alpha female?" nagdududang tanong ko.

"She doesn't have what it takes to be one."

"Kilala niya si Mama?"

"Yes. It seems?" Pinaandar na niya ang sasakyan. "Bakit pala natuon ang atensiyon
mo sa kanya?"

"Because it's just odd to see a girl in the council," sabi ko. "I think that's
suspicious."

Nang makauwi ako sa bahay, naghihintay sa 'kin si Yul. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay
ko. "What's up?" He has this uncomfortable look on his face.

"Nalaman nina Mama at Papa na may nililigawan ako. They want to meet you," he said
in a low voice. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Ito pa naman ang iniiwasan ko, ang makita
ako ng pamilya nila. Siguradong magugulat sila lalo na't kamukha ko ang aking ina.

"There will be a party in the mansion on March 30. They are looking forward to meet
you. It's a masquerade party," nag-aalangang sabi niya.

"Masquerade? Bakit masquerade?" tanong ko.

"They will introduce me as their heir, the pack's possible heir. And it's my
birthday." Mas lalong humina ang boses niya. He has a hopeful look on his face.
He's waiting for my response. I can't say no because of those puppy eyes. He's
silently begging for me to come. But I can't reveal my face.

"I'm not sure," mahinang sabi ko. He looks sad and forced a smile. "But maybe you
can give me an invitation letter? Para magamit ko kung sakaling pumunta ako?" I
still need to tell him the truth. Pero malapit na ang birthday niya. Tiyak na
masasaktan ko siya kung sasabihin ko ngayon.

I also want to go to the masquerade ball. Makikita ko sa malapitan ang miyembro ng

council. Ang problema, paano kung makita nila ang mukha ko? Should I just sneak in?
Hindi ko na lang ipapaalam kay Yul na nasa party ako? I might get something from
it.

Yul smiled even more. He handed the invitation letter. "Sana makapunta ka," he said
with a hopeful look on his face. His hazel eyes are silently smiling that it's too
painful to look at him. Tumango ako at pilit na ngumiti sa kanya.

"Wait? Did you invite the Lycans?" umaasang tanong ko.

Nagsalubong ang kilay. "Are you asking for Eclipse?"

Agad akong umiling. "Hindi. I just thought it's necessary for them to know the
heir, right? O para sa Sanguis lang ba ang pagtitipon?"
"All packs are invited. Especially the big ones," sagot ni Yul. "Baka makita mo rin
sina Hell at Heaven. Kung pupunta ka, sabihin mo sa 'kin agad para hindi sila
makalapit sa 'yo."

Tumango ako. "I see." Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Salamat."

Tumayo na siya at naglakad patungo sa pinto. Bago siya lumabas, humarap siya sa
'kin. "Bumalik na si Eclipse," nag-aalangang sabi niya. Alam ko pero hindi ko
masabi sa kanya. "Sasama ka na ba sa kanya?" My heart swells.

Hindi ko siya masagot. Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya.

He forced a smile. "But I hope you'll still choose me." I wasn't able to say
anything. He left without hearing my answer.

Nightfall 28: The Packs [Nightfall]

"Break every chains that hold you down..."

EURUS

March 30. Yul's Birthday. Ang araw na ipapakilala siya bilang tagapagmana ng
Sanguis. The next Alpha male of their clan. I nervously tugged on my black ball
gown wearing a black mask lined with silver. Lahat ng mga packs ay imbitado at
mahahalagang tao.

Tahimik lang ako sa isang tabi habang hawak ang baso ng wine sa kanang kamay ko.
Nagmamasid ako sa paligid. Dahil naibalik ko na ang link ko kay White, hindi na
nila ako hahabulin. Hindi na nila ako papatayin. Hindi na nila ako maaamoy. Ang
tanging pangamba ko na lang sa oras na ito ay ang malaman nila na isa akong alpha
female. Na anak ako ni Eos na dating alpha female ng Nightfall. Sa kasamaang palad,
hindi ako maaaring magkaila dahil magkamukha kami ng aking ina.

Magarbo ang handaan. Ang ilang packs kahit hindi magkakasundo ay napilitang mag-
usap-usap. Natigilan ako sa isang lalaki na tumabi sa 'kin, si Eclipse.
"Ano'ng iniisip mo?" tanong niya.

Tumingin ako sa kanya. Nakasuot siya ng puting tuxedo suit at puting maskara.
Bahagya siyang nakangisi sa 'kin habang pinag-aaralan ang itsura ko. "Mabuti at
nandito ka. I want to know the packs here. Gusto kong malaman kung sino-sino ang
mga pinuno at kung sino ang maaari nating maging kakampi," mahinang sabi ko. Dahil
matatalas ang mga pandinig namin, iniiwasan ko na may ibang makarinig sa 'min.

Napailing si Eclipse at sumeryoso. "Mukhang desidido ka na talaga," mahinang wika

niya. "I'll introduce the packs then. But I told you not to do anything rash. Hindi
maaaring mahuli tayo nang wala pa tayong ginagawa."

"Salamat Eclipse," matipid ang ngiting sabi ko.

Marahang tumango siya. Inilibot ni Eclipse ang paningin. "Simulan natin sa

Sanguis." Pasimpleng itinuro ni Eclipse ang isang lalaki at isang babae na nasa
gitna ng okasyon kaya sinundan ko ito ng tingin. "That's Lhourd Wave, the alpha
male and Klariza Wave his wife. Sila ang pumatay sa mga magulang at kapatid mo.
Nasa ilalim ng pamamahala nila ang Nightfall." Mahina ang tinig ni Eclipse. He's
leaning closer to me so that we can talk as quiet as possible.

Lhourd looks like he's already in late forties or early fifties. May pagkakahawig
sila ni Yul. Mapapansin pa rin ang matatalas na mata ni Lhourd at maganda ang
tindig na nagpapakita na siya ay isang alpha male. Samantala, si Klariza ay maganda
at mukhang hindi tumatanda. Hindi ko matukoy ang edad niya. Sopistikada ang tindig
niya at mukhang may katarayan. Her caramel eyes are seductive and full of wisdom.

Nanliit ang mga mata ko pero natigilan ako ng mahinang pitikin ni Eclipse ang noo
ko.

"Huwag kang maghiganti," sabi niya.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. "Hindi ako nagpunta rito upang maghiganti."

Bumaling si Eclipse sa ibang direksiyon. "Lycan. That's my father, Bry Gregory.

He's the alpha. I'm the beta." Itinuro niya ang ama niya na seryosong nakikipag-
usap sa ibang werecats. Hindi sila magkamukha ni Eclipse pero pareho sila ng asul
na mga mata. His brown hair is cut short. Sa kabila ng kaseryosohan, tila wala ng
buhay ang mga mata niya. May itsura ang ama niya pero mas nakalalamang si Eclipse.
Kamukha siguro ni Eclipse ang kanyang ina.

"Gusto kitang ipakilala sa 'king ama pero tiyak mamumukhaan ka niya dahil
kamukhang-kamukha mo ang iyong ina. Ayaw kong mapahamak ka," dagdag niya.

Natigilan ako. Balak nga pala akong ipakilala ni Yul sa mga magulang niya. Tumambol
ang kaba sa puso ko. Bigla akong pinagpawisan ng malamig. Maaaring makilala rin
nila ako, hindi ba?
"Yul... he's planning to introduce me to his parents," nanginginig ang boses na
sabi ko.

"Malaking problema kung ganun," seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. "But you have your mask
on. Siguro naman hindi nila maaalala?"

"It's rude to not take off my mask, right?" Nakagat ko ang labi ko.

"Yeah," kalmadong sabi niya. Naiinis ako dahil tila hindi siya kinakabahan.

"Why are you so calm?" inis na tanong ko.

"Uhmm... You have make up on too. I don't think they'll easily remember someone
from nine years ago. They already buried the dead together with their past,"
seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag dahil sa sinabi ni Eclipse.
"Just act natural." Tumango ako.

"Alright. Let's move on to Pride pack," pagpapatuloy ni Eclipse. Ngumuso si Eclipse

sa isang direksiyon at nakita ko si Hades. "Hades West is now temporarily leading
the Pride. Julian West, his father, is in critical condition because of Amber.
Julian killed our mother," walang emosyong saad ni Eclipse. Hindi ko matukoy kung
may galit ba sa tinig niya. His voice is just so flat and plain. I can't sense any
emotions from it. Magaling ba talaga siyang magtago ng nararamdaman?

Hades wears blue tuxedo and mask. Hindi ko pa nakikitang ngumiti si Hades kahit sa
Celestial bar. He's the mysterious type. His golden brown shag hair is combed
neatly to the back. His gray eyes are so deep and I'm not even sure if his thoughts
are still present here. Tila malalim ang kanyang iniisip.

"Galit ka ba sa kanila?" tanong ko.

"I'm not living for revenge. I'm only living for my pack," sabi ni Eclipse. "Hindi
ko lang akalain na iba pala ang nararamdaman ni Amber. Gusto niyang maghiganti.
Gusto niyang maging alpha female. Gusto niyang bawiin ang karapatan niya.
Therefore, I realize I can never be neutral. I must take my side."

"Which side?" tanong ko.

"Hers? Yours? The alpha female's side? I just hope that I'm right this time," he
said with a shrug.

I gently smiled at him. He's so clear about his goals and wants. He can decide on
his own. I envy him for that. There's a little part of me that grows fonder of him.

"Don't smile at me like that. I might get the wrong impression," he teased. "And
you're still with Yul so I don't want to interfere with your affairs."

Sumimangot ako. "Duh! You have Ariza, your fiancee, remember?" Ngumisi lang siya sa
'kin at napailing.

"May isang pack na nasa ilalim ng Pride na dating pinamumunuan ng alpha female. Ang
Azalea," pagpapatuloy ni Eclipse. "Maybe we can get their trust. If you want to
start a revolution that is." Naiinis ako dahil sa pagbalewala niya sa tanong ko.

Nakinig na lang ako sa sinasabi niya. I can't focus on Ariza. Pero dahil naalala ko
siya, hindi ko na maiwasang hindi hanapin ang anino niya.

"And the Iris Pack, you know Hell and Heaven Lewis," ngumuso si Eclipse sa
direksiyon nila. The two are in dark maroon tuxedo and dark blue tuxedo with black
linings. Pareho silang napapalibutan ng mga babae. "Their father is in that
direction, Holden Lewis, " turo ni Eclipse. Isang lalaki na nakasuot ng itim na
tuxedo ang itinuro niya. I can sense authority from the way he stands. His short
black hair and gray eyes just suits his powerful presence. He looks strict. "And
Hell is doing his best to gain his father's approval. Holden is really strict and
he doesn't like alpha females. That's why Hell is after you."

"Under Iris Pack, they have a sub-pack called Blue Moon. Isa sa mga napabagsak na
pack dahil sa pagkamatay ng kanilang pinunong Alpha female," paliwanag niya.

"And lastly, we have Luna," seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. "Hindi mo pa nakikita ang
mga miyembro ng pack na ito. Sa Iris Academy sila pumapasok. Medyo mahirap silang
pakisamahan. Hindi sila galit sa mga alpha females pero tumulong sila sa pagpatay.
Hindi ko alam kung anong kasunduan ang meron sila sa ibang packs. Ang Luna ay
pinamumunuan dati ng isang Alpha female. Siguro naman may ideya ka na sa nangyari?
Kaya hindi ako sigurado kung magiging kakampi natin sila. Ito ang mga packs na
pinamumunuan noon ng alpha females. Nightfall, Lycan, Luna, Azalea at Blue Moon."

Itinuro ni Eclipse ang isang grupo. "Nakikita mo ang lalaking nakasuot ng gray na
tuxedo? Siya ang Beta, si Ryder Clarke. And her fraternal twin sister, Ryshia
Clarke, the one in white ball gown." Nakikipag-usap si Ryder sa grupo ng mga
lalaki. Napansin ko ang misteryosong paraan ng pagngiti niya. His amber eyes are
shimmering under the ball lights. Samantala, hindi man kamukha ni Ryshia si Ryder,
iisa lang ang kulay ng mga mata nila. Mahiyain si Ryshia at tipid lang kung ngumiti
sa mga taong bumabati sa kanya. She was a beauty and by the looks of it, she's an
untouchable one.

"Their father, Rye Clarke, the alpha male who killed his own wife," turo naman ni
Eclipse. Seryoso si Rye habang umiinom ng brandy at nakikinig lang sa pag-uusap ng
mga nakapaligid sa kanya. He looks distant. As if he's not here in this place. His
eyes are caramel. Mukhang sa ina namana ng kambal ang mga mata nila.

"Do you think Ryshia is an alpha female?" tanong ko.

Eclipse shrugged. "I'm not sure. Gusto mo rin bang kunin ang tiwala niya? Luna is a
complicated pack. They killed their own alpha female."

"Paano kung gusto lang nilang iligtas ang nasasakupan nila?" tanong ko.

"Maaari pero mahihirapan ka pa ring kumbinsihin sila. Hindi ko alam kung sino ang
dapat kausapin sa bawat pack pero magmamanman ako sa darating na araw," sabi ni
Eclipse.

"Sasama ako," mariing sabi ko.

Napaisip saglit si Eclipse at matiim na tumitig sa 'kin. "Sige. Pero huwag mo akong
bigyan ng problema." I eagerly nodded.

Natigil ang lahat ng magsimula na ang programa ng okasyon. They introduced Yul and
he entered the stage. Hinanap agad ni Yul ang presensiya ko habang nasa gitna ng
stage. Nang magtama ang mga mata namin, ngumiti siya pero napawi ang ngiti niya
nang mapansin si Eclipse sa tabi ko. Eclipse raises his glass to Yul as if he's
teasing him. Yul just stares at him with blank hazel eyes.

Narinig ko na lang ang palakpakan ng mga tao nang sabihin ni Lhourd na si Yul na
ang papalit sa puwesto niya sa susunod na taon. Yul is 24 now and he will turn 25
next year. Mahina akong pumalakpak. Lhourd is just too proud of his son. Nagsimula
na ang sayawan at ang iba naman ay pumunta na sa kanya-kanyang table upang kumain.

"Eurus, will you dance with me?" tanong ni Eclipse. Inilahad niya ang kamay niya.
His blue eyes are smiling down at me. And his lips curve into a coy smile. Gusto ko
sanang tumanggi pero natigilan ako sa sunod na sinabi niya. "Please? I won't be
here for the rest of the night. And Yul will introduce you to his parents so..."
His blue eyes are silently pleading and my heart could not help but skip a beat.

Napailing ako at napabuntong-hininga. I look kindly at him and accept his hand. Mas
lalong lumawak ang ngiti niya. Hinila niya ako sa dancefloor at mabagal kaming
sumayaw. "Hindi mo talaga ako matiis," he teased.

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya. "Mukha kang pusang iniwan sa kalye kaya
naawa ako sa 'yo," pang-aasar ko.

Mahina at masaya siyang tumawa. He pulled me closer. Nasa pagitan na ng dibdib

namin ang mga kamay ko. Biglang nag-init ang magkabilang pisngi ko. Gusto kong
itulak siya palayo pero natigilan ako nang bumulong siya sa tainga ko.

"Eurus... I'm not against Yul. I will play fair. Kung siya na ang pipiliin mo,
hindi na ako makikialam pa sa inyo. But I will still help you and you don't have to
worry. Yul is still my bestfriend even though we're standing in different sides. I
want the best for both of you. So please try to be honest with your feelings. Kung
mahal mo talaga siya, huwag mo siyang lokohin. Huwag mong gayahin ang ginawa ni
Amber kay Hades. I care for both of you," bulong niya. May bikig na namuo sa
lalamunan ko. It hurts me to hear the sincerity on his voice.
"Pero kung hindi siya ang mahal mo, doon na ako papasok. Pero sa ngayon, wala muna
akong gagawin. Hindi ko gustong guluhin ang nararamdaman mo. Wala rin akong balak
saktan si Yul. I'll watch and wait," dagdag pa niya.

"Paano si Ariza? He's your fiancee," paalala ko sa kanya.

"Ariza? Ah. It's an arrange marriage. But it doesn't mean that I must marry her. My
feelings are my own. Pero kung may pakakasalan man ako, mas pipiliin na kita kaysa
sa kanya," he joked.

Naiinis na kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran. Malutong na tumawa siya. "Parang wala ka

ng pagpipilian ha!" inis na sabi ko.

Hindi na siya nagsalita kaya natahimik kami pareho. Mabagal pa rin kaming
sumasayaw. "May tanong ako. Why do you care so much about Yul? He's on the other
side," mahinang tanong ko.

"Yul is not his father," diretsong sagot ni Eclipse. "I still have faith on him."

"Bakit hindi mo sabihin sa kanya para magkabati na kayo?" tanong ko.

"Hmmm. I don't have to. We're standing on different sides now. This is the first
time that we choose different paths. Remember? We both love football. We're into
medicine. I don't want to influence his beliefs. I want him to stand on his own.
Huwag mo na itong sabihin sa kanya," saad niya. May pagkakaiba pa sila. Sa tingin
ko hindi kumportable si Yul kapag binabanggit ko ang pangalan ni Eclipse. Siguro
dahil nahihiya siya na pinili niyang kampihan ang ama niya sa pagpatay ng mga alpha
females? Samantalang si Eclipse, siya pa ang madalas bumabanggit sa pangalan ni
Yul. And there's no hatred, just compassion.

Mahina niyang pinitik ang noo ko kaya napasimangot ako. "Halika na," sabi niya at
hinila na ako paalis sa dance floor.

We walk straight to where Yul is. Nagmamakaawang tingin ang ipinukol ko kay
Eclipse. Hindi pa ako handa! Ngumisi lang siya sa 'kin. "Aalis na ako. Mas magiging
panatag ako kung iiwan kita kay Yul kaysa iwan kitang mag-isa. Lahat pa naman ng
packs nandito."

Napabuntong-hininga ako. Yul immediately smiled at me. Pinilit kong ngumiti sa

kanya.

"I'll leave her to you," seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. Eclipse lightly tapped Yul's
shoulder. "Pero huwag kang maging kampante," he warned and left. Hindi na
nakapagsalita pa si Yul. Ah Eclipse surely is double-faced! Kung hindi ko lang alam
na kaibigan pa rin ang turing niya kay Yul, iisipin ko na kontrabida siya. Wala sa
sariling pinanood ko ang pag-alis niya.
***

Nightfall 29: Honest Feelings [Nightfall]

"Be fearless..."

EURUS

"Eurus..." tawag ni Yul upang maagaw ang pansin ko. Wala sa sariling nilingon ko
siya. I stare at him with a puzzled look. Disappointment is written in his face and
I just realized the reason. I've been staring at the door where Eclipse left for a
while now.

"Do you want to go after him?" he asked with hesitation. But I admire him for being
brave at the same time. Alam niyang masasaktan siya sa maaari kong isagot pero
nagtanong pa rin siya.

Marahang umiling ako. "I don't," siguradong sagot ko. Habang nakatingin ako sa
kanya, iniisip ko kung paano ko sasabihin ang totoo kong pagkatao. Napakabuti niya.
Pero natatakot akong magbago ang tingin niya sa 'kin lalo na't pinatay ng ama niya
ang pamilya ko. Wala akong lakas ng loob na sabihin sa kanya ang totoo na hindi
magmumukhang nanunumbat o naghihiganti. And I don't want the guilt to overcome him
especially that my family's death is not even his fault.

Pero tama si Eclipse. I have to be honest with my feelings. Tama siya na dapat
aminin ko kay Yul ang totoo kahit isa sa 'min ang masasaktan. O kahit pareho kaming
masaktan. Hindi ako dapat magsinungaling dahil mas palalalain ko lang ang
sitwasyon.

"Sigurado ka ba? Ano'ng sinabi niya sa 'yo kanina?" nag-aalangang tanong ni Yul. He
looked down as if he's dejected. "You danced with him and you're just too close
with each other."

"Ah..." Hindi ko gustong sabihin ang mga sinabi ni Eclipse. Maybe I can share a
little bit of it. "He's just telling me to be honest of my feelings. Kung ano man
ang iniisip mo, mali ka. Parang hindi mo naman kilala si Eclipse."

"Sorry. Natatakot lang ako na baka pinili mo na siya," mahinang wika niya. He can't
directly look at me. Napansin ko ang sakit na nakasulat sa mga mata niya.

Mahina akong tumawa. I patted his shoulder and gave him sincere advice. "Have
confidence in yourself, Yul. Kung hindi man kita piliin, hindi ito sapat na dahilan
upang magduda ka sa sarili mo. It should not weaken you. Dapat mas maging malakas
ka."

"Mukhang dapat na akong magamba sa mga sinasabi mo. Mukhang mababasted ako?" he
asked with a grin but it didn't reach his eyes. It's a grin but a sad one.

Nakapangiti at napailing ako. "That's not it. Kung mababasted man kita, tiyak na
may ibang dahilan. Hindi dahil hindi kita mahal, kundi may mga bagay ka pang hindi
alam tungkol sa 'kin. Pero ano'ng tingin mo kay Eclipse? Kung siya man ang piliin
ko, ano'ng gagawin mo?" Gusto kong malaman kung gaano niya ako kamahal. Kung handa
rin ba siyang magsakripisyo katulad ni Eclipse. Kung ano ang pinagkaiba nila sa
isa't isa.

Natigilan si Yul at saglit na nag-isip nang malalim. "I have to be honest, right?"

Tumango ako. I want an honest answer. Kahit hindi nanliligaw sa 'kin si Eclipse,
gusto kong malaman kung ano'ng iniisip ni Yul. Kung kaibigan pa rin ang turing niya
kay Eclipse. I want to know where to stand. I want to know their reasons. I want to
understand them. I want to know why they can't stay as friends. I want to know why
they can't fight side by side anymore.

"Then let's talk somewhere else," sabi ni Yul. Hinila na niya ako palabas. Nagtungo
kami sa isang gazebo sa gitna ng harding punong-puno ng bulaklak na peony na may
iba't ibang kulay. Nababalot ng napakabangong amoy ang buong paligid na ikinamangha
ko.

"Hindi ka ba hahanapin?" takang tanong ko nang umupo kami. Inalis ko na ang suot
kong maskara. I want to breathe for a while.

"It's alright. I just want to breathe some fresh air. Pagod na akong makipag-usap
at makisalamuha sa kanila. And I just realized how hard it is to be an alpha,"
aniya at napapagod na ngumiti. Hinubad ni Yul ang maskarang suot.

Ngayon ko lang napagmasdan ang anyo niya. His hazel eyes are already tired and his
serious facial expression is captivating under the small lights coming from the
mansion. He's wearing a midnight blue tuxedo and it's my first time seeing him in a
formal suit. And it suits him very well.

Mabigat na bumuntong-hininga si Yul. "About Eclipse... It's not that I hate him or
anything. I think he's great." Matiim niya akong tiningnan. "You think he's great
too, right?" tanong niya.

Tumango ako. "Yes. He is." Denying the obvious won't get me anywhere. "Kung gano'n
bakit hindi kayo nanatiling magkaibigan? I think he also respects you."

He gives me a sad smile. Tumingin siya sa malayo at mabigat na nagsalita. "We

can't. We have to choose sides. And we choose our packs. We're both Betas. We are
both alpha candidates. When you're an alpha, you must be sure of where you stand
even if you're really not. You must act for the pack not for your self-interest
alone. He's my bestfriend and we understand each other very well. There is a silent
understanding. We don't have to discuss it. That's why we don't question the
decisions each of us made."

"Pero bakit ayaw mong nababanggit ang pangalan niya?" tanong ko.

His back is hunch and he's looking down the floor, fidgeting and pressing his left
hand on his right palm. He's uncomfortable. "It's hard when you're haunted by your
past, Eurus. It's hard when you're blaming yourself for the faults you've never
done. I feel responsible for his mother's death. The side I chose is the cause of
his mother's death."

Ramdam ko ang sakit sa bawat salitang binibitawan niya. Kung sasabihin ko sa kanya
ang tungkol sa pamilya ko, tiyak na sisisihin din niya ang sarili niya. He's
fighting a battle with himself alone. It must be hard.

"Eclipse never blames you," sabi ko.

"And that's also why I feel guiltier. He should have said something right? I'm his
bestfriend but he never vented on me. He's frustrated but he never opened up. He
should have at least yelled at me. He lost his mother, for cat's sake!" galit na
wika niya.

Hindi ako nakapagsalita. He's also frustrated that he wasn't able to help his
bestfriend on his dark days.

"Then what will you do if I choose him?" tanong ko. I know I'm being cruel. But I
want to know everything now.

Natigilan si Yul at mariing ikinuyom ang kamao. After a few minutes, he loosened
up. "It's still acceptable. Mas gusto kong mapunta ka sa kanya kaysa sa iba," he
answered truthfully. "He's a great man and I will give both of you the blessing.
Hindi ko kailangang mag-alala dahil siguradong aalagaan at mamahalin ka niya.
Mapoprotektahan ka rin niya. If you're really an alpha, he will not hesitate to
protect you. If you stay by my side, it will be more dangerous."

I rolled my eyes. Damn these men. Gusto ba nila akong pahirapan sa pagpili? Kahit
hindi nanliligaw si Eclipse, nahihirapan ako sa mga sinasabi nila. Why should these
men be both caring? It's just unfair.

"Nagdududa na ako sa inyong dalawa," naiiling na sabi ko sabay buntong-hininga.

"Are you really both straight or what?"

"Of course we are! Bakit mo naman naisipan na hindi kami straight?" he jerked up
and stared at me with a funny look. Paano kasi, pareho silang mag-isip. Bakit hindi
na lang sila mag-usap para mas maintindihan nila ang isa't isa? Nakakainis! Dahil
din sa mga nalaman ko, nahihirapan na akong aminin ang totoo kong pagkatao kay Yul.
Mabigat akong bumuntong-hininga. "Will you listen to me, Yul?" mahinang sabi ko.

"Sure." Sumang-ayon siya sa kabila ng pagtataka.

"Don't beat up yourself for the things you never did. Self-blame is destructive.
You're destroying yourself without a proper fight," makahulugang sabi ko. "Eclipse
surely understands you. If you're really friends, you have to trust him
unconditionally."

Nakatitig ako sa mga mata niya. Lumambot ang ekspresiyon ng mukha niya. Nakagat
niya ang labi. Tiyak na nakuha niya ang gusto kong sabihin.

"Kahit magkaiba kayo ng piniling landas, tiyak na susuportahan ka pa rin niya sa

paraang kaya niya. Kung hindi ka niya sinisisi, wala kang karapatang sisihin ang
sarili mo. Just live as you are without unnecessary guilt. That's the least you can
do for him," sabi ko.

"And also, you must remember these words. You must also trust me. If no one blames
you, you must not blame yourself as well," mahinang dagdag ko. Sasabihin ko kay Yul
ang lahat kapag sa tingin ko ay handa na siya.

Kumunot ang noo ni Yul. Hindi niya maintindihan ang mga huli kong sinabi. "Kung may
mga bagay kang hindi maintindihan, ako lang ang paniwalaan mo, Yul," malumanay na
sabi ko.

"Why are you saying these?" tanong ni Yul.

"Because there are people who will try to ruin us. Siguradong pagsapit ng Blood
Moon, kung paninindigan ko ang pagiging alpha, marami na ang magbabago. Hindi na
magiging katulad ng dati ang lahat, Yul. Mag-iiba na ang tingin mo sa 'kin," sagot
ko. Magiging kaaway na ang turing mo sa 'kin.

"Mahal kita Eurus," diretsong sabi niya. "I don't think this feeling will change."

Namula ang mukha ko sa pagiging prangka niya. He just told me he loves me in a

single breath! Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Napaawang ang labi ko habang nakatitig
sa seryosong mukha niya.

Natigilan kami nang may marinig kaming papalapit na yabag. Kunot-noong nilingon ni
Yul ang paparating. Wala sa sariling tumayo siya. Natanaw ko si Kuya Lexus.

"Why?" seryosong tanong ni Yul.

"Hinahanap ka na ng mga magulang mo," sagot ni Kuya Lexus.

Tiningnan ako ni Yul. "Oo nga pala. Ipapakilala nga pala kita sa kanila. Ayos lang
ba?" tanong niya.

Matipid akong ngumiti at tumango. Inilahad niya ang kamay at inalalayan akong
tumayo. Muling isinuot namin ang aming maskara. Sabay na kaming naglakad pabalik sa
mansiyon.

Nagtama ang mga mata namin ni Kuya Lexus. Noong mga nakaraang araw, kinakabahan ako
sa mga ginagawa niya. He said that if I can't do something about the pack, he'll do
it himself. If I can't take revenge, he'll carry that burden for me. Ayaw kong
magkamali siya. Ayaw kong mapahamak siya. Siguro makikipag-usap na lang ako bukas
sa kanya. Tumango kami sa isa't isa.

Nang makarating kami ni Yul sa loob ng mansiyon, naglakad kami patungo sa mga
magulang ni Yul.

Nakapulupot ang kanang kamay ko sa bisig niya at hindi ko napansin na mahigpit na

ang pagkapit ko sa kanya dahil sa kaba. Sana hindi nila ako mamukhaan. Sana hindi
nila makita ang aking ina sa mukha ko. Hinawakan ni Yul ang kamay ko. His warmth
calmed me down. Wala sa sariling tiningnan ko siya. Nakangiti siya sa 'kin.

"Huwag kang kabahan. Just act natural. Hindi sila nangangagat," pagbibiro ni Yul.

I pouted. "There's something wrong with that statement. We're werecats remember?
Nangangagat tayo," paalala ko. Yul chuckled with amusement.

"Then just be normal. Siguro naman hindi ka nila-" Naputol ang sasabihin ni Yul
nang may tumawag sa kanya. Nakalapit na sina Lhourd at Klariza sa kinatatayuan
namin. Tinawag si Yul ng kanyang ina. Malamyos ang tinig ni Klariza pero mababakas
ang awtoridad doon.

"Ma," sagot ni Yul.

"Siya na ba ang ipapakilala mo?" Klariza's voice was just too sweet and caring.
Napansin ko naman ang pagsasalubong ng kilay ni Lhourd habang matiim akong pinag-
aaralan.

"Yes, Ma. Si Eurus po pala. Siya ang tinutukoy ko na nililigawan ko," sagot ni Yul.
"Eurus, sila ang parents ko. Lhourd and Klariza."

Lihim na umiikot ang sikmura ko. Siguro dahil nasa harapan ko ang pumatay sa mga
magulang ko? Hindi mapalagay ang sistema ko. I tried to give them my perfect smile.
But deep inside, I'm already sweating to death. Pinigilan ko ang panginginig ng mga
kamay ko. Nanlalamig ako. Siguro tinakasan na rin ng kulay ang mukha ko kung hindi
ako naka-make up. Pinipigilan kong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko.
"Magandang araw po, Tito Lhourd and Tita Klariza." I did my best to keep my voice
light and cheerful. Ayaw kong ipahalata na kinakabahan ko. I check myself if I feel
something like anger and loathe. There's nothing. I just feel numb and dizzy.

"Darling, can you please remove your mask so that we have a better look of your
face? And we will do the same. I'm afraid we won't be able to greet you when our
paths crossed if we don't know your exact face," nakangiting wika ni Klariza. The
way she talks is just as smooth and sweet as honey. I can't see any problem with
that but I feel that I should still keep myself on guard.

Hinubad nina Lhourd at Klariza ang kanilang mga maskara kaya wala na akong nagawa
kundi alisin ang maskara ko. Hindi pa rin nagsasalita si Lhourd kaya hindi ko alam
kung anong iniisip niya. Gladly my hair isn't black like my mother, it is white and
lilac and I have my make up on. My green eyes stared at them and I smiled.

Napansin ko na medyo natigilan si Klariza at Lhourd pero naunang makahuma si

Klariza. "Holy cat! You're so beautiful, Eurus!" she complimented me. I'm not sure
if they recognized me with that sudden pause or not. O baka nagandahan lang talaga
sila sa 'kin? Agad na kinuha ni Klariza ang kamay ko at tumabi sa 'kin na tila
matagal na kaming magkakilala.

"Iha, pagpasensiyahan mo na ako kung ngayon ko lang narinig ang pangalan mo. Saang
pack ka pala nagmula? Sino'ng mga magulang mo? Nandito ba sila?" excited na tanong
ni Klariza.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Nangangambang tumingin ako kay Yul.

"Ah, Mom, I recruited her to our pack Sanguis," sagot ni Yul. "Hindi ko na nasabi
sa inyo dahil busy kayo."

"Oh, no worries," Klariza said. She's still smiling down at me. And I ease up a
bit. "Nasaan ang mga magulang niya? Kasama rin ba sila?"

Umiling ako. "Hindi po. Wala na po akong mga magulang. May umampon sa 'kin pero
hindi na po ako nakatira sa kanila ngayon," sagot ko.

"Ah, I'm sorry to hear that," malungkot na saad ni Klariza. Hindi ko alam kung
talaga bang mabait lang ang ina ni Yul. Natural ba 'to sa kanya?

"Klariza, huwag mo ng guluhin ang dalawa. Hayaan mo na silang mapag-isa ni Yul.

Marami pa tayong kakausapin," seryosong sabi ni Lhourd. Klariza pouted but she
nodded.

"Sa susunod na lang tayo magkwentuhan Eurus. Yul, minsan isama mo si Eurus sa
dinner natin," sabi ni Klariza.

"Sige, Ma. Pero mukhang pagod na si Eurus. Ihahatid ko na siya, Ma," sabi ni Yul.
"Sige. Mag-iingat kayo," nakangiting sabi ni Klariza. Binitawan na niya ako at
tumabi na sa seryosong asawa niya.

"Bumalik ka rin agad, Yul," seryosong sabi ni Lhourd.

Marahang tumango si Yul at iginiya na ako palabas ng mansiyon. Nakahinga ako nang
maluwag. Sumakay kami sa kotse niya at pinaandar niya agad ito palayo.

"Sorry. My father is not that approachable," he said. Sinulyapan niya ako at

ngumiti. "By the way, thanks for all your advices. Medyo gumaan ang pakiramdam ko
sa mga sinabi mo. Maybe I just need to look at this in a new perspective."

Pilit na ngumiti ako sa kanya. Nagpapasalamat ako na inilayo niya ako sa

pagtitipon. Mariin kong hinawakan ang braso ko at napayakap sa sarili upang pigilan
ang panginginig. It's really hard to let go of all the painful memories. It's hard
to pretend that I'm unaffected.

***

Nightfall 30: Azalea [Nightfall]

"Don't be a deserter..."

EURUS

My phone rang. Eclipse's name is registered on my incoming call. I answered it

immediately. "Hello."

"Where are you?" tanong niya.

"Nasa bahay pa. Pupuntahan ko saglit si Kuya Lexus. He's my brother. Gusto kong
malaman kung ano'ng binabalak niya," sagot ko.

"Bakit? Oh! Lexus is your brother? That explains why you have the same blood type."

"I'm just worried. I hope he's not planning something impulsive. I hope he's not
doing anything out of revenge," nag-aalangang sagot ko.

"May sinabi ba siya?"

"He said that if I can't kill, he can do it for me," sagot ko.

"Oh that will be a problem. Okay. Talk to him for now," sabi niya.

"Bakit ka pala tumawag?" tanong ko.

"I will check Azalea today. Gusto kong malaman kung sino ang pwede nating lapitan
na maaari nating pagkatiwalaan. Azalea's alpha female was killed because of her
greed. I want to hear Azalea's side on that. I will investigate," sagot niya.

"I'll come with you. Meet me later," agad na sabi ko.

"Okay. Puntahan mo 'ko sa kagubatan kung saan tayo unang nagkita bago mag-alas
diyes ng umaga. Pero kausapin mo muna ang kapatid mo. Ayaw kong masira lahat ang
plano natin," seryosong sabi niya.

"Alright. I'll take care of this. Bye."

"Bye."

Nagmamadaling tinahak ko ang daan patungo sa isang malaking bahay kung saan
nagsasanay ang mga werecats ng Nightfall. Tiyak na nandoon si Kuya Lexus upang
sanayin ang pack namin. We're actually doing some secret trainings to improve our
combat skills. Naghahanda kami sa maaring mangyari. If we want to revolt against
other packs, we must be strong and able.

Noong magsimula akong manirahan sa lugar kung saan nakatira ang mga werecats ng
Nightfall, agad akong nakilala ng mga matatandang werecats. Agad nilang nakita ang
mukha ng ina ko. Nang ipakilala ako ni Kuya Lexus sa kanila, nagbigay-galang sila
sa 'kin at bukas-palad na tinanggap ako.

Noong una, hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit tanggap nila ako at naniniwala sila na
mayroon pang kahit kaunting pag-asa para sa Nightfall. They are hoping that I am an
alpha female. They want me to rule over them and fight beside them. I can't
understand why they are so optimistic about me.

Pero siguro dahil hindi sila nawawalan ng pag-asa na darating ang araw na
maibabalik ang karapatan ng mga alpha females. At hindi na magiging malupit ang
ibang werecats sa mga kagaya ko. Babalik ang lahat sa dati at maitatama ang lahat
ng mali at mga hindi pagkakaintindihan.

Pumasok ako sa loob ng malawak na bahay. Nang mapansin ako ng mga werecats, bahagya
silang yumukod sa 'kin upang magbigay-galang. They all decided that I will be the
leader of Nightfall. Tumango ako sa kanila at muli silang bumalik sa pag-eensayo.
They are fighting one-on-one with each other. They are practicing all their skills
as werecats. Brandishing their claws and stealth. Hinahasa nila ang kanilang mga
paningin, bawat kilos at galaw.

Maging si Raine ay nagsasanay na rin upang maging malakas. Noong wala pa ako, wala
na silang pakialam sa paraan ng pamumuhay nila. Pinili na nilang manahimik na lang.
Wala silang lakas upang lumaban. Pero noong ipinahayag ko na gusto kong makalaya
ang Nightfall, nabuhayan sila ng loob at nagsimulang magsanay muli. Maging ako ay
nagsasanay kasama nila. Hindi ako papayag na manatiling mahina.

Agad akong lumapit kay Kuya Lexus na striktong sinasanay ang mga kasamahan namin. I
tapped his shoulder. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya at nagtatanong ang mga matang
nakatingin sa 'kin.

Agad kong sinabi ang pakay ko. "I will see Eclipse later. We will check Azalea and
find some allies. Don't do anything rush for now. Huwag mong ipahamak ang sarili mo
kahit ano'ng mangyari. You can't kill Yul's father impulsively," diretsong paalala
ko.

Hindi pa siya nakakahuma sa dire-diretso kong pagsasalita kaya napatitig siya sa

'kin habang nakaawang ang mga labi.

"Tutulong si Eclipse?" gulat na tanong niya. "Sigurado ka ba diyan?"

Tumango ako. "Mapagkakatiwalaan natin siya. Gusto rin niyang iligtas si Amber."

Saglit siyang napaisip. "Alam ba ito ng ama niya?"

Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Hindi ito alam ng ama niya. Tahimik akong umiling.

Malalim na bumuntong-hininga si Kuya Lexus. "Kahit napapayag mo si Eclipse, hindi

ibig sabihin noon ay papayag ang buong pack niya. Pero kung hahanap kayo ng ibang
pack na maaari nating maging kakampi, hindi kita pipigilan. Huwag kang mag-alala.
Wala pa akong lakas upang patayin si Lhourd. I won't do anything impulsive," sagot
niya. "Pero mag-iingat ka sa pagpunta sa teritoryo ng Azalea. I'm a little at
ease that you have Eclipse by your side. Tawagan mo ako kapag nagkaproblema."

Ngumiti ako at tumango. I'm just glad that my brother is not yet muddleheaded.
"Ikaw na muna ang bahala rito. Alis na ako."

Tumango siya at nagmadali na akong bumalik sa bahay. Agad akong nagbihis suot ang
itim na hunter suit ko at tinungo ang tagpuan namin ni Eclipse. He is sitting near
the river while throwing little rocks on the water. He looks like a child as I
stare on his back. Hindi niya naramdaman ang paglapit ko dahil ginamit ko ang
kakayahan ko bilang isang werecat. I tried to move with stealth. My footsteps are
light as feathers and I control my breathing to conceal my presence.

Hindi niya napansin na nakalapit na pala ako sa likod niya. Nang hawakan ko ang ulo
niya saka pa lang niya naramdaman ang presensiya ko. Pero ang hindi ko inaasahan ay
ang mabilis niyang reaksiyon. He immediately grabbed my wrist and pulled me down to
him. I gasped as my wide eyes stared at his cold, sharp eyes.

Hawak niya ang magkabilang kamay ko at natumba ako sa kandungan niya. His reflexes
are too flexible that it's frightening. Kahit hindi niya naramdaman ang paglapit
ko, mabilis ang naging reaksiyon niya nang hawakan ko siya.

"Oh it's you, sly cat," he said in surprised and his gaze finally softened. Lumuwag
ang pagkakahawak niya sa pulsuhan ko. He lifted me up like I'm so light as a
feather and let me sit properly on his lap. Napanganga na lang ako sa ginawa niya
at unti-unting namula ang mukha.

"What's with that reaction?" naguguluhang tanong ko.

"What do you mean?" nakakunot-noong tanong niya.

"Naramdaman mo ba ang presensiya ko habang lumalapit sa 'yo?" nakasimangot na

tanong ko.

Umiling si Eclipse. "Naramdaman ko lang ang kamay mo sa ulo ko. Hindi na ako
nakapag-isip kung sino ka at agad na kumilos. It will be bad if it's an enemy. Wala
pa akong balak mamatay," nakangising sabi niya. Looking at the way he lightly
smiles, I can't help but stare on his face. Looking at him in such a short
distance, I can clearly see how handsome he is. I'm lost and captivated for a
while.

Mariin kong ipinikit ang mga mata ko. Am I out of my mind? At dahil naalala ko ang
posisyon namin, muling namula ang mukha ko. Natigilan ako nang lumapat ang daliri
niya sa sulok ng labi ko. Tumaas ang mga balahibo ko sa katawan. Hindi dahil
nandidiri ako kundi dahil sa kakaiba kong nararamdaman. Naiinis ako sa pagbilis ng
tibok ng puso ko. Am I being so sensitive?

"I want to kiss you but I can't accidentally mark you, right? Malalaman ni Yul. And
I promised that I won't confuse you now," mahina at paos na sabi niya.

You're actually confusing me now. Nanlalaki ang mga mata na nagmulat ako at agad
tumayo. Eclipse just chuckled and stood up. Hindi na siya nagkomento sa kakaibang
reaksiyon ko.

"Pumunta na tayo sa Azalea," I said but I'm secretly flustered.

"Okay. But I have to warn you. We can only sneak inside the Pride's territory and
go straight Azalea's location. Pero kapag nahuli tayo, tiyak mahihirapan tayong
makalabas. Hindi palalagpasin ni Hades ang panghihimasok natin sa teritoryo niya.
Lalo na't sinaktan ng kapatid ko ang ama niya."
"Hindi ba kinausap mo siya?"

"Kinausap ko siya na huwag pahirapan si Amber," sagot niya. "Pero hindi natin siya
kakampi. His feelings for Amber is very complicated."

"Mag-iingat ako," I said firmly.

"Do you want to persuade Azalea yourself? Or do you need my help?" tanong niya.

"Tingnan muna natin ang sitwasyon ng Azalea bago tayo gumalaw. Sa ngayon, ako muna
ang makikipag-usap sa kanila," sagot ko. Tumango si Eclipse. Sumakay kami sa kotse
niya at pumunta sa Veolia kung nasaan ang teritoryo ng Pride. Pride occupies the
northeast part of Veolia.

Itinigil ni Eclipse ang kotse niya sa boundary ng Veolia at Vaire, sa isang makahoy
at tagong lugar na hindi madadaanan ng kahit na sino. We partially shifted and make
a run to Pride's territory.

Isang malawak na kakahuyan ang tumambad sa 'min. Nakatayo kami sa sanga ng isang
mataas na puno at tinanaw ang teritoryo ng Pride. Sa pinakagitna nito, makikita ang
malaki at engrandeng mansiyon. Mapapansin ang mahigpit na seguridad ng mga werecat
sa paligid at sa malaking gate sa harapan. Mataas at engrande rin ang bakod na
nakapaligid sa lupain.

May mga bahay rin na nakatayo malayo sa lupain nina Hades. Siguradong mga kasamahan
nila sa pack ang mga ito.

"Bahay 'yan nina Hades," seryosong sabi ni Eclipse. "Nasa dulo ng teritoryo nila
ang werecats mula sa Azalea. Let's go there." Mabilis na kumilos si Eclipse at
lumipat sa ibang puno. Walang maririnig na ingay sa bawat galaw namin. We're like
shadows passing by in a flash. Inikot namin ang lupain nina Hades at nagtungo sa
kinaroroonan ng Azalea.

Tumalon kami sa bakod at agad na pinasok ang teritoryo ng Pride. Mula sa mataas na
puno, pinagmasdan namin ang mga taong naglalakad sa isang baryo. Maraming bahay sa
dulong bahagi ng teritoryo ng Pride. Ang ilan sa kanila ay nag-iigib ng tubig sa
isang balon. Ang ilan naman ay nagwawalis ng tuyong dahon sa kani-kanilang bakuran.
Halos mga matatanda ang nasa labas. Mukhang nasa paaralan ang mga kabataan.

"Sino ang pinakamalapit na kamag-anak ng Alpha female nila?" tanong ko.

May ibinigay na papel at larawan si Eclipse sa 'kin kung saan nakasulat ang
impormasyong nakalap niya tungkol sa Azalea. "I found some information about them
in my father's office. Yan ang pamilya ni Lani."

Sa isang kamay ko, hawak ko ang larawan ng isang masayang pamilya. Nakatayo si Lani
habang karga ang isang sanggol. Nakaakbay sa kanya ang asawa habang hawak sa isang
kamay ang isang batang lalaki. They are all smiling. Lani was genuinely smiling.
Hindi ko mapapansin ang bakas ng kahit anong kasakiman sa mukha niya. Her facial
expression was so soft and innocent.

"Talaga bang naging sakim sa kapangyarihan ang babaeng ito?" wala sa sariling
tanong ko na narinig ni Eclipse.

"Do you want to investigate their history?" tanong ni Eclipse.

"I have to. Mas maiintindihan natin ang panig nila kung aalamin natin ang
nakaraan," sagot ko. "May buhay pa ba sa kanila?"

"Buhay pa ang sanggol at ang kapatid niyang lalaki. Inaalagan sila ng lola nila.
That man is probably 22 years old now. The baby should be around 11 years old?"
sagot niya.

"That baby... Girl or boy?" tanong ko.

"Girl," he answered.

I can't possibly drag that 11-year-old girl in this mess so I have to talk to her
brother. "Where's the brother?" tanong ko.

"Iris Academy?" hindi siguradong sagot ni Eclipse.

"Kung ganoon mamayang gabi pa siya uuwi?" tanong ko.

Nagkibit-balikat si Eclipse. "Want to visit Iris Academy?" nakangising tanong ni

Eclipse. Iris Academy is a school for werecats. Walang kahit na sinong tao ang
pwedeng makapasok sa lugar na iyon.

"Are you looking for trouble or what?" nagdududang tanong ko.

"Halos lahat ng hinahanap mong werecats ay nasa Iris Academy," sagot ni Eclipse.

"We're going to trespass?" tanong ko.

Tumango si Eclipse. "Follow me." Naglakad kami sa lugar na walang tao. May ilang
damit na nakasampay sa likod ng bahay. Eclipse immediately steal some midnight blue
uniforms. And we ran away from the village. We changed our clothes and headed to
Iris Academy.

"Unfortunately we don't have IDs or name pins," he said while holding his chin.
"Over the bakod?" tanong ko. Natanaw namin ang mataas na gate ng Iris Academy.
Nababalot na rin ng mga halaman ang bakod ng buong academy. Nasa gitnang bahagi ito
ng Veolia at nasa gitna ng malawak na kakahuyan na sakop ng Iris pack. Sa labas ng
gate, matatanaw ang mga nagbabantay na werecats sa paligid. Hindi sila basta-basta
nagpapapasok ng kahit sino sa academy. Nakaupo ako sa isang sanga ng puno habang
nakasandal naman si Eclipse sa katawan nito at nag-iisip.

"Pwede. Pero hindi tayo maaaring mahuli. And I only got the names of the people we
will look for. Hindi ko alam ang kurso nila maliban sa pangalan. Pero lahat ng
hinahanap natin ay nasa lugar na ito. There's a dormitory here. Kaya maaaring hindi
sila umuuwi sa bahay nila," paliwanag ni Eclipse.

"Magtatagal tayo rito?" gulat na tanong ko.

"Nope. Uuwi rin tayo mamaya. Hanapin muna natin ang mga taong dapat nating
kausapin. Alamin muna natin kung sino sila. Saka tayo mag-iisip ng paraan kung
pa'no sila kukumbinsihin," sabi niya. Tumango ako. May ibinigay siya sa 'king isa
pang papel. Listahan ito ng mga tao at packs nila na dapat naming hanapin.

Nagtungo kami sa likod na bahagi ng Iris Academy kung saan walang nagbabantay.
Tumalon kami sa bakod.

"Ah, Eurus... huwag kang magpapahuli kina Hell at Heaven," paalala ni Eclipse.
Bumaba kami sa man-made forest ng academy. Ngumiti ako sa kanya at tumango.

"By the way. My fiancee is studying here," dagdag ni Eclipse.

Napasinghap ako at napahilot sa noo. Naningkit ang mga matang pinag-aralan ko si

Eclipse.

"This is trouble," mariing sabi ko.

Ngumisi siya sa 'kin. "Just keep a low profile. Huwag kang gagawa ng gulo para
hindi mo maagaw ang atensiyon nila." Mas lalong naningkit ang mga mata ko.

"Eclipse, sa itsura mong 'yan, gusto mong magpakalow-profile? Hindi mo ba alam na

agaw-pansin ang itsura mo?" sabi ko. He's definitely gorgeous. At tiyak na hindi
makakalampas ang itsura niya sa paningin ng mga babae. Magtataka pa sila dahil
ngayon lang nila nakita si Eclipse.

"Ibig sabihin gwapo ako?" nakangising pang-aasar niya. I rolled my eyes.

"Gusto mo sirain ko ang mukha mo para maging lowkey ka?" matamis na tanong ko.

Eclipse chuckled heartily. "No need. Basta iwasan lang natin ang mga nakakakilala
sa 'tin. Malawak ang academy na ito. From elementary to college level." Naglakad na
siya at wala na akong nagawa kundi ang sundan siya. Sigurado ba siyang hindi kami
mapapahamak sa itsura niya?

***

Nightfall 31: Iris Academy [Nightfall]

"The ferocious wolf can hide beneath a sheep's clothing..."

EURUS

Walking inside the academy, I can't help but sigh. Eclipse attracts the attention
of most ladies here. Hindi namin kilala ang mga hinahanap naming tao at hindi namin
alam ang mga kurso nila.

Nakangiting lumapit si Eclipse sa isang babaeng nakatulalang nakatingin sa kanya.

Eclipse even checked her name pin. "Excuse me, Wena? May hinahanap kaming
estudyante pero hindi namin alam ang kurso nila... may paraan ba para madali namin
silang mahanap? Is there an accessible student database here? Sorry, we just
transferred here so..." he said with a charming smile.

This man really knows his game. Hindi siya matatanggihan ng kahit na sinong babae
dahil sa itsura niya.

Umiling si Wena. "Mga teachers lang ang may access sa database. Sino ba ang
hinahanap ninyo? Baka kilala ko..." she answered softly and coyly. I secretly
smirked.

"I have three people here. Night August, Neferti Miles and Ryshia Clarke..." tila
nahihiyang sabi ni Eclipse habang napapakamot sa ulo. He looked apologetically at
the girl in front of us. Gusto ko siyang panlakihan ng mga mata. Nagpapacute ba
siya? I can feel Wena's silent screams from here. Tila gustong tumindig ng mga
balahibo ko sa katawan.

"I know Ryshia Clarke, she's popular here. She's an Interior Design student. I'm
from Luna pack as well," she answered with a shy look. I secretly rolled my eyes.

Napatango si Eclipse. "Saan ang building ng Interior Design students?"

Itinuro ni Wena sa 'min ang building. "Pwede rin kayong kumuha ng pamphlet ng map
ng academy sa Administration Office."
Itinuro rin niya kung nasaan ang Administration Office.

Nagpasalamat si Eclipse at nginitian ng matamis si Wena. Naiinis na hinila ko si

Eclipse palayo dahil baka mahimatay na si Wena sa kilig.

Nagmamadaling naglakad ako patungo sa Administration Office habang kinakaladkad

siya. Mahinang tumawa naman si Eclipse. "Selos ka?" pang-aasar niya.

Siniringan ko siya. "Mapapahamak tayo sa simpleng paglandi mo," mariing sabi ko.

"It's fine. Hindi niya nakuha ang pangalan natin," kibit-balikat na saad ni
Eclipse. Sinabayan na niya ako sa paglalakad kaya binitawan ko na siya.

Dumiretso kami sa Administration Office at humingi ng pamphlet. Pinag-aralan ko ang

mapa. We stayed on the backside of the academy.

"Hindi mahirap hanapin si Ryshia pero hindi natin siya maaaring kausapin agad.
She's not with the alpha female's side. Her father killed her mother and it seems
they don't care about that," sabi ko.

Tumango si Eclipse.

"How about we sneak inside the Headmaster's office? Siguro naman may access siya sa
student database?" sabi ko.

"We need his username and password," saad ni Eclipse.

Malalim akong nag-isip. "Hmmm... sa tingin ko hindi na natin kailangan. What if he

set his account in automatic log in? We only need to check his computer, right? We
can check his browser history."

"Are you a hacker or what?" Eclipse asked with an amused smile.

I winked and smiled at him. Muli kong tiningnan ang mapa ng academy. "The
headmaster's office is here," turo ko sa isang bahagi ng mapa. The building is in
the mid part of the Academy. Maging ang student council, teacher's office at ang
guidance office ay nasa isang building lang.

"Can we sneak inside the office at this hour or should we do this at night?" nag-
aalangang tanong ko.

"How about lunch break?" he suggested.

Matiim na tiningnan ko siya. Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng binabalak niya. Hindi ba mas
madali kaming mahuhuli kapag lunch break?

Napansin naman niya ang pangamba sa mga mata ko. Ngumiti siya. "It's all right.
Hindi naman tayo basta-basta papasok sa opisina ng headmaster. We'll check the
situation first," he said.

I pouted. "Alright."

Pumasok kami sa fire exit at inakyat ang hagdan patungo sa ikalimang palapag kung
nasaan ang opisina ng headmaster. We stayed in the fire exit and sat on the stairs,
waiting for lunch break to come. Natigilan ako nang makatanggap ako ng text message
mula kay Yul. He asked where I was.

Napasulyap naman si Eclipse sa mensaheng dumating sa 'kin. Hindi ako pumasok sa

university ngayon kaya tiyak na nag-aalala si Yul. Nagdadalawang-isip ako kung
sasagutin ko ba siya o hindi.

"Why not tell him?" mahinang tanong ni Eclipse.

Mahigpit kong hinawakan ang cellphone ko. "Alam mo kung bakit," mahinang sagot ko.

"Do you really think he will not side with you? He loves you," makahulugang saad
niya.

"Love is not enough to fight for me. He can't abandon his pack. He won't run to my
side. We have our responsibilities," sagot ko.

"What about you? Kung ikaw ang nasa posisyon niya at siya ang nasa posisyon mo. At
mahal mo siya... will you run to his side?" tanong niya.

Natigilan ako. Would I abandon my pack for him? Umiling ako. "I won't abandon my
pack."

Tipid na ngumiti si Eclipse. "If that's your answer then maybe you're right... Love
is really not enough. Maybe he will really do just that." Malungkot akong tumango.
Our worlds would never meet.

"But you should have faith in him. He knows what's right and what's wrong. If you
love him... have faith," makahulugang dagdag ni Eclipse. Seryosong nakatingin siya
sa 'kin at pinagmamasdan ang reaksiyon ko.

Bahagyang namula ang mukha ko.

If I love him...
"I'm not helping you figure out your feelings for him though," he smirked.
Naguguluhang tiningnan ko siya. Kung ganoon, ano ang ginagawa niya? Hindi ko siya
maintindihan.

"Let's go. It's already lunch break." Tumayo na siya at inilahad ang kamay sa 'kin
na tinanggap ko naman. Lumabas kami sa fire exit habang pinagmamasdan ang buong
pasilyo. The whole corridor is quiet, without anyone in sight. May pintuan sa dulo
ng pasilyo kung saan nakalagay ang mga katagang "Headmaster's Office".

"Do you think he's in there?" tanong ko.

"Let's check," he said. He nonchalantly walked to the headmaster's office to my

surprise.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo?" mahina pero mariing tanong ko.

"We're students here," kibit-balikat niyang saad.

Oh. Alright. We should act like students, I guess. Walang takot na idinikit niya
ang kanang tainga sa pinto at nakinig. Ginaya ko ang ginagawa niya. Pinakinggan ko
ang loob ng silid. Walang ingay. Kahit tunog ng paghinga ay hindi maririnig. We
stared at each other.

"There's no one inside," I whispered. He nodded. Kinuha ko ang hairpin na nasa

buhok ko. I picked the lock immediately and the door clicked open.

"You're good at it," he whispered with amusement. I just smiled at him and entered
the room. He followed. Agad akong umupo sa harap ng computer at binuksan ito. I
searched for Iris Academy's website. Maybe I can look for the students in that
site. Good thing the account was really set to automatic login. I immediately
searched for the names.

Iginala ni Eclipse ang paningin sa loob ng silid at pinag-aralan ang bawat sulok.
He lifted the name engraved in a wood on the desk. "A headmistress," mahinang saad
ni Eclipse.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko habang nakatutok sa computer. "Ha?"

"The head of this academy is a girl," paglilinaw ni Eclipse. He checked the

photograph in the desk. A family photograph. Kumuha ako ng papel at ballpen habang
isinusulat ang impormasyong nakuha ko sa mga estudyanteng hinahanap namin. I didn't
really get what he was pointing out but I waited for his next words.

Nagtatakang tiningnan ko siya nang hindi niya ipinagpatuloy ang pagsasalita.

"What's wrong?"
"Iris academy was owned by Hell and Heaven's family but the head is a girl," saad
niya.

"Who? Do you know her?" tanong ko.

"Their mother. Irish. Well, she's not an alpha female that's why she wasn't killed
but it surprises me that she's the headmistress." Salubong ang mga kilay niya na
tila hindi maintindihan ang nangyayari. "Holden hates alpha females but why did he
let her wife be the head of Iris Academy?"

"He loves her, maybe. It's not like she's leading a pack. I don't see any problem
with that," kibit-balikat na saad ko. Nag-ikot-ikot si Eclipse at hindi na
nagsalita. He grabbed an old photo album placed in a bookshelf and checked it out.
"Nakuha ko na ang mga impormasyong kailangan na–"

Pareho kaming natigilan nang biglang bumukas ang pinto. I crumpled the paper I
wrote on and pocketed it. I closed the site in the computer and quickly stood up.
Isang magandang babae ang pumasok sa loob at natigilan nang makita kami.

"E-Eos?" gulat na tanong sa 'kin ng babae. My heart was beating wildly inside my
chest. She knew my mother. Her nude-tinted lips were parted and her curly wine red
hair was tied in a low ponytail and she was wearing eyeglasses. Some wrinkles were
already visible in her face.

"Ah sorry, we entered without your permission," saad ni Eclipse at ibinalik ang
photo album sa bookshelf na tila walang kakaibang nangyayari. Nagsalubong ang kilay
ni Irish nang bumaling ang atensiyon kay Eclipse.

"Eclipse? Why are you here?" mariing tanong ni Irish. "You're not a student here."
Bumaling ang atensiyon niya sa 'kin. "You resemble Eos. Who are you?" Hindi ko alam
kung ano ang isasagot ko. Medyo alam ko na kung bakit nakita nina Hell at Heaven
ang larawan ng aking ina. Irish knows my mother.

"Hi there, Tita Irish," nakangiting bati ni Eclipse. "I didn't know you're the
headmistress. We're looking for students and we ended up here." He spoke
nonchalantly. Gusto ko siyang panlakihan ng mga mata at batukan. I was amazed that
he can say that with a straight face.

"Seriously? What are you up to?" naiiling na saad ni Irish. At naglakad patungo sa
'min. Lumapit ako kay Eclipse. "You're up to something dangerous, right?"

"Kind of," nakangiting sabi ni Eclipse. "By the way, how do you know Eos?"

"An old friend," walang pag-aatubiling sagot niya. "So, are you her daughter?"
baling niya sa 'kin. Nagdalawang-isip ako kung sasagutin ko ba siya. "I know she
has a daughter," she added.
Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang tumango. "I'm Eurus."

Bumuntong-hininga si Irish. "I'm glad you're alive but why are you here?" naiiling
na saad niya. Nagdududang tiningnan niya si Eclipse. "Eclipse. You're old enough
and should be a level-headed adult now. And yet you're bringing Eurus here... which
you know is unsafe. Hindi ka pa ba nadadala sa nangyari kay Amber?"

"It's me. Ako ang dahilan kung bakit siya nandito. Pinilit ko siya," giit ko.

Ngumiti si Eclipse at umiling. "Hindi mo ako pinilit. It's my choice. I can't bear
you to get through this alone."

Napaawang ang labi ko sa sinabi niya. Is that his way of telling me he cares?

"Why are you doing this? Are you planning to rebel?" seryosong tanong ni Irish.
Naningkit ang mga mata niya sa 'kin. "Gusto mo bang mapagaya kay Amber? She'll
die."

"She won't," giit ni Eclipse.

"She'll be executed soon. We have our rules, Eclipse. You know that," mariing wika
ni Irish.

Natigilan ako. Nakaawang ang mga labi na tiningnan ko si Eclipse. "She'll be

executed? When? Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa 'kin?"

"It's not final yet," mariin at nahihirapang saad ni Eclipse. "We still have time.
I still have time." Ikinuyom niya ang nanginginig na kamao. Mariin kong pinisil ang
balikat niya. I want to tell him that it will be alright. We will save Amber
together.

"There's already a date," malungkot na saad ni Irish.

Natulos si Eclipse sa kinatatayuan. "W-When?" nanginginig ang boses na tanong niya.

"Blood moon," she answered. "April 30."

Nakagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko. That blood moon really brings chaos. There's a
possibility Heaven and Hell will reveal my identity on that day. I might be hunted.
Pero hindi ko akalaing isasabay pa ang execution ni Amber. It seems that day would
be bloody as hell.

Mabigat na humugot ng hininga si Eclipse. "I still have time."

"You will really go against them," seryosong puna ni Irish.

"Are you going to stop us?" seryosong tanong ni Eclipse. Nawala na ang ngiting
nakapaskil sa labi niya.

"Hindi ko lang gustong maulit ang mga nangyari noon," malungkot na sagot niya.

"But it won't do us any good if we remain silent. Hindi na namin kayang manahimik.
This kind of discrimination is already too much!" giit ni Eclipse. "We want
freedom. We want fairness. We can't remain silent and do nothing."

Natahimik si Irish. Her gray eyes are sad and distant. "You can go now. I'll
pretend that you've never been here. Umalis na kayo sa Iris Academy."

"Wait. I have questions. What happened nine years ago?" tanong ko. "Is it really
because the alpha females became greedy? Is that really the whole story?"

Natigilan si Irish. Tiningnan niya ako nang matiim. "Sa tingin mo ba may iba pang
kwento?"

"I looked at those alpha female's family photos. It seems they're not greedy to me.
Mukhang kuntento na sila sa kung ano'ng meron sila at sa pamilya nila. Who said
they're being greedy? Any proofs?" I stared back at her intently. I need to know
what really happened 9 years ago. Why are we in this mess? I want to know the root
of this evil.

"Eurus... Why are you so eager to know? Is this for revenge? Eos will not be happy
about this," saad niya.

"How close are you with my mother?" tanong ko.

"Very close," she answered.

"Then answer me because you know if she's alive she'll also do this," mariing saad
ko. "This is not for revenge. This is for freedom. The freedom alpha females
deserve."

Malalim na bumuntong-hininga si Irish. Malungkot na napangiti siya habang

napapailing. "You're just like her. You resemble her a lot. Even in your resolve."
Mahina siyang tumawa. "She'll be proud of you."

She'll be proud once I achieve my goals, I guess. Once this mess is finished.

"I'm afraid I don't know the whole story, though. I know fragments but not the
exact story. I'm not part of the council. I'm not an alpha female," she warned
while looking at me straight in my emerald green eyes. She's willing to tell me
what she knows.

I nodded. "Let me hear it."

She sighed heavily before starting. "It happened when Zarah's husband was murdered.
Zarah is an alpha female of the Blue Moon pack. Pinaghinalaan ni Zarah si Lani ang
may kasalanan. Dahil iginigiit din ni Lani, alpha female ng Azalea, na kabit ng
asawa niya si Zarah. Pero itinatanggi ito ni Zarah. Itinatanggi rin ni Lani na
ipinapatay niya ang asawa ni Zarah. It's complicated. The next thing we knew...
they were already on each other's throat. There was jealousy and insecurities
between the alpha females. Eos knew there was something odd with the situation.

"But all the evidences of the murder were really pointing to Lani. Eos couldn't do
anything to stop it and prove otherwise. Hanggang sa magtalo-talo ang packs nila at
magkanya-kanya. No one wants to take the blame. The alpha females turned this event
into a competition. Trying to gain more power. Trying to prove their innocence.
Trying to make their points. Seducing men to follow them. They control and
manipulated men. Zarah and Lani treated men as trash actually. They even tried to
seduce Rye from Luna's pack so Krystal, his wife and an alpha female of Luna, was
suddenly involved. It was a mess. The packs can't come to any agreements. They are
fighting. And the council, without the alpha female's knowledge, suddenly decided
to remove them all from their position. When the alpha females received the news,
some of them rejected the council's decision. So the council decided to kill them
to avoid more conflicts," she explained.

"It seemed Krystal was trying to kill Rye due to her anger and so Rye killed her
himself. And he became Luna's alpha. He became the leader. Eos, your mother, and
Eve, Eclipse's mother, were just casualties. They never did anything wrong," she
finished.

"You said, my mother thought there was something odd, right?" I asked. Salubong ang
mga kilay ko. I also had my doubts. "What if it was a set up?"

"That's what she told me too," she answered. "It was a set up but she couldn't find
any evidence. Namatay na siya at hindi niya napatunayan ito."

Why would my mother be killed if she's innocent? Kung pwede naman siyang bumaba na
lang sa puwesto niya? Siguradong hindi siya makikipagtalo. Maliban na lang kung
alam ng totoong may kasalanan na naghahanap siya ng ebidensiya upang linisin ang
pangalan ng mga alpha females.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Eclipse. We both knew we have to find it. The evidence. We
need to clear the alpha female's names. If my mother's looking for evidences, I
need to go back to our old house and look for clues. Maybe she found something
before she died.

"Thank you for telling us this," saad ko.

"Will you fight?" nag-aalangang tanong ni Irish.

Tumango ako. "We will clear our names."

"I can't stop you, right?" malungkot na tanong ni Irish.

"Yes. And please do me a favor. Don't tell anyone," I said. "We'll look around the
academy before we leave."

Tumango si Irish at nanghihinang umupo. "I owe your mother." And I know she'll keep
this a secret.

***

Nightfall 32: Possible Allies [Nightfall]

"Stop the war caused by deceptions and misunderstandings..."

EURUS

"It's getting complicated," mahinang saad ko habang naglalakad kami patungo sa

Criminology building kung nasaan si Night August, ang anak ni Lani, mula sa Azalea.
"Do you think it's a setup? It should be, right?" Tiningnan ko si Eclipse na
malalim ring nag-iisip. He had a serious look on his handsome face.

He turned to me with a small smile. "Well, looks like you already made up your mind
that it's really a setup, right?"

Napabuntong-hininga ako at napailing. "We have to check our old mansion. Maybe
we'll get some useful clues," saad ko. "But it's occupied by Yul. At hindi ako
sigurado kung nandoon pa ang mga gamit ni Mama." Nag-aalangan ako. How could I
sneak inside without someone noticing? At ang masaklap pa, baka si Yul ang makahuli
sa 'min.

"Well, I can't come with you. I can't trespass in Yul's territory," mahinang saad
ni Eclipse.

"Hahayaan mo 'kong mag-isa?" salubong ang kilay na tanong ko sa kanya.

"He won't kill you if you get caught," paalala ni Eclipse. "But he will kill me if
I am caught. See the difference?"

Sumimangot ako. May punto naman siya pero wala akong kumpiyansa para magpuntang
mag-isa sa dati naming mansion. I would be at ease if Eclipse is with me. I'm not
really sure why but I want to depend on Eclipse in this fight.

"Alright. I'll go and check. Alone," saad ko. Eclipse just smiled at me helplessly
without saying anything. Hinanap namin ang classroom ni Night. Kinuha ko rin ang
class schedule niya sa database at maging ang contact number niya. I even checked
their student photos and took photographs. Ipinakita ko ito kay Eclipse para mas
mapabilis ang paghahanap.

There are students wearing their criminology uniform as we passed by the corridors.
All students here were werecats and were surely dangerous. I looked around. I
noticed that most students here have serious expressions on their faces. Although
some students were fooling around too, toying with their friends and pals.

Soon lunchbreak will be over.

May mga estudyanteng bumabalik na sa kani-kanilang silid-aralan. Sumandal kami sa

pader habang inaabangan ang pagbabalik ni Night sa kanyang classroom.

"Hindi ka ba nagugutom?" tanong sa 'kin ni Eclipse.

"Later," wala sa sariling sagot ko. Nag-iisip na ako ng mga sasabihin kay Night
kaya ayaw kong maputol ang mga iniisip ko. Saglit na tumahimik si Eclipse pero agad
na nagsalita nang matanaw si Night na papasok na sa silid-aralan.

"Night!" he called out immediately. Nagtatakang tingin ang ipinukol sa 'min ng

lalaking tinawag niya. Salubong ang makakapal nitong kilay at puno ng pagtataka na
kinikilala kami. He is tall, with a height of 5'11 and fair skin. He walked towards
us with confusion in his brown eyes. He was a good looking one. Someone you'll
never get tired staring at.

"Did you just call me?" tanong niya sa baritonong tinig.

Tumango ako. "Pwede ba tayong mag-usap?" tanong ko.

"Well, my class is about to start..." nag-aalangang sagot niya.

"It's important. About Azalea," seryosong saad ko.

Sumeryoso ang mukha niya nang marinig ang pangalan ng pack niya. Naglakad ako
patungo sa likod ng building nila. Kahit nagdadalawang-isip ay sumunod pa rin siya.

"Don't mention that long gone pack," mariing saad niya nang makarating kami sa
likod ng building at nang masiguradong walang tao sa paligid. "Ano'ng kailangan
ninyo sa 'kin?" He was a bit impatient. Halata sa mga mata niya at sa pagkunot ng
noo niya ang pagkairita.

"We're looking for evidence that your mother, Lani, is innocent," diretsong saad
ko. Hindi na ako maaaring magpaligoy-ligoy pa. Seryosong tiningnan ko siya sa mga
mata. My heart hammered on my chest. I'm not sure if he'll be on our side but I
hope so.

"What are you talking about?" mariing tanong niya.

"Ang tinutukoy ko ay noong nagpasya ang council na patayin ang mga alpha females.
Gusto kong ibalik ang karapatan ng mga alpha females. Gusto kong matigil na ang
diskriminasyon at ang pagpatay sa mga alpha females," seryosong sagot ko.

"At bakit kayo lumalapit sa 'kin? Wala akong maitutulong sa inyo," naguguluhang
saad ni Night. "Sino ba kayo?"

"Because I believe your mother is falsely accused and setup with murder. I want the
alpha females to rightfully regain their rights. I want to clear our names," giit
ko. "You can ask Azalea pack to fight with us."

"Are you gathering everyone, even the Blue Moon pack?" salubong ang kilay na tanong
ni Night. Oo nga pala. Magkaaway ang Blue Moon at ang Azalea. Siguradong
mahihirapan akong kumbinsihin sila.

"Oo. Dahil sa tingin ko biktima rin sila. Everyone was deceived and I just have to
find an evidence," I answered helplessly. Nangungusap ang mga mata ko nang tingnan
ko siya. "Gusto kong makipagtulungan kayo sa 'kin."

"You will go against the council?"

"Because they go against us," mariing sagot ko.

"Bakit kayo makikipaglaban? Bakit hindi na lang kayo manahimik? Bakit kailangang
itaya pa ninyo ang buhay ninyo kung maaari naman kayong mabuhay nang normal?"
Nalilito si Night sa nangyayari. Alam kong wala siyang alam sa totoong nangyayari.
Alpha females are bound to die and we can't let that happen.

"Do you know Amber? You probably heard something about her, right? And right here
is Eclipse, his brother." Itinuro ko si Eclipse na tahimik lang sa tabi ko. Tumango
si Eclipse kay Night. Gusto kong ipaintindi kay Night kung bakit kami lalaban.
Natigilan siya nang maalala kung sino si Amber. "The girl who attacked Julian?"

Tumango ako. "She's an alpha female and she already has a death sentence. And we
can't keep quiet because of that."

"Ano naman ang kinalaman ng Azalea rito?" salubong ang kilay ni Night. Tila hindi
pa rin siya kumbinsido sa gusto naming gawin.

"Siguro ngayon wala kayong kinalaman dito pero hindi ba may kapatid kang babae?
What if she's an alpha female too? Paano kung patayin din siya sa hinaharap? Gusto
mo pa rin bang manahimik kung may magagawa ka upang pigilan ito ngayon?" I don't
want to use her sister but I want to make a point.

"My sister can't be an alpha female," mariing wika niya. He gritted his teeth with
the idea and even clenched his jaws. I noticed that he was trying to convince
himself that her sister will never be an alpha female. Lihim akong napangiti. I'll
get him soon.

"But it surely runs in her blood," paalala ko sa kanya. "You can't deny her blood."

Ikinuyom ni Night ang kamao. "She can just suppress it."

"So you're denying her rights," I countered.

Nanghihinang tumungo si Night. I hit the mark. Hindi niya masalubong ang tingin ko.

"By the way, I'm Eurus Bane. From Nightfall pack. I'm also an alpha female. And in
April 30, I might also meet a tragic end. We will try to save Amber and I'm not
sure what will happen after that. I don't know but we will fight. Mas mabuti na ang
lumaban kaysa manahimik. We've been suppressed for more than nine years. Hindi ba
nakakapagod na ang manahimik?" I said in a persuading voice.

Kapansin-pansin ang pagkalito ni Night. Alam kong hindi siya makapagdesisyon agad.

Nagsalita si Eclipse. "Alam kong mahirap magdesisyon. We won't ask you to answer
now. Just save our contact numbers and contact us if you make up your mind," he
said. "But please be mindful that we don't have much time." Walang nagawa si Night
kundi ang pumayag. We save our contact numbers in his phone and gave ourselves a
missed call.

"Pumasok ka na sa klase mo. Salamat sa oras," pamamaalam ko kay Night. Umalis na

kami ni Eclipse at iniwan siyang natitigilan.

"Kailangan nating makausap si Neferti pero kumain na muna tayo," sabi ko kay
Eclipse.
"You know what? You sound like you're blackmailing him," he commented with an
amused smile.

"I'm not. Sinabi ko lang ang totoo," seryosong saad ko. "Paano kung ang kapatid
naman niya ang maghiganti? Their scars never fade. Tiyak na sasagi sa isip ng
kapatid niya ang malupit na sinapit nila. And no one wants to be caged and be
haunted by their past." Bumili kami ng pagkain sa cafeteria at umupo sa isang
bakanteng mesa.

"Do you think we can talk to Ryshia?" tanong ko kay Eclipse.

"It depends on the approach," he answered. "Hindi mo siya pwedeng hikayating

lumaban. I don't think she's interested."

Bumuntong-hininga ako. Wala akong maisip na paraan upang mahikayat siya. Siguro
kung alpha female siya, baka may pag-asang makipaglaban siya para sa karapatan
niya. Pero napatay nga ng ama niya ang kanyang ina. I can't think of any cards to
use to convince her. Ipinagpatuloy ko na ang pagkain sa lasagna na binili ko. I
even ordered a pizza that Eclipse was digging into.

"Seriously, if you like it, you should have ordered another for yourself," reklamo
ko sa kanya.

"Eight slices? Mauubos mo ba 'yan?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong niya habang
patuloy sa pagkain.

"Of course. Ano ka ba? Ano'ng tingin mo sa 'kin? Ordinaryong tao?" naiiling na
sagot ko. Kumuha na ako ng pizza sa takot na maubusan pa niya. Binilisan ko rin ang
pagkain na tila nakikipagpaligsahan kay Eclipse.

He chuckled. Pero natigilan kami sa pagkain dahil sa dalawang tao na ayaw naming
makita. Sina Hell at Heaven.

"O? Dito na kayo pumapasok?" pang-asar na tanong ni Hell at umupo pa sa tabi ni

Eclipse. Ngumiti naman sa 'kin nang nakaloloko si Heaven at umupo sa tabi ko.

"Dumayo lang kami ng pagkain dito, masama ba?" sarkastikong tanong ko kay Hell. I
want to ignore them but I know that's not even possible.

"O? Talaga? Nag-abala pa kayong magsuot ng uniform namin. Masarap ba?" interesadong
tanong naman ni Heaven.

"Oo. Lasang patay na daga," I said while rolling my eyes. Muntik ng maduwal si
Eclipse dahil sa sinabi ko.
Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ni Eclipse sa 'kin. "Kung magkukumpara ka, sa patay na
daga pa talaga?"

"Wala e. Amoy daga kasi 'yong mga tumabi sa 'tin," kibit-balikat na sagot ko.

"Mukhang malakas na ang loob mong lumaban," nakangising saad ni Hell na hindi
binigyang pansin ang pagkumpara ko sa kanila sa daga. "Nasa loob ka ng aming
teritoryo," paalala niya.

"Ano'ng binabalak ninyong dalawa? Bakit kailangan ninyong pumunta rito? Baka
matulungan namin kayo," seryosong saad naman ni Heaven.

"As if naman tutulungan ninyo kami," I said while rolling my eyes.

"We heard about Amber's death sentence. Is this related to her?" Heaven still
insisted.

Sumimangot si Eclipse nang marinig ang sinabi ni Heaven. "Huwag na kayong magtanong
at magpanggap na tutulong kayo. Kung ano man ang nangyayari sa kapatid ko, labas na
kayo roon. And you'll surely join the fun in that Blood Moon, right? Hindi ko kayo
uurungan." Seryosong nakatingin ang asul na mga mata ni Eclipse kay Heaven. May
pagbabanta sa tinig niya.

"Chill. Wala pa kaming natatanggap na utos. Wala pa kaming balak gawin," natatawang
singit ni Hell. But I noticed the silent threatening vibe in these twins that made
me a little wary. Hindi ko maarok kung paano tumatakbo ang utak ng dalawang ito
pero sigurado akong hindi namin sila magiging kakampi.

Natahimik kaming apat. Sitting together with these two is a little awkward.

"Pwede ba umalis na lang kayo? Naaabala kami sa pagkain," I requested helplessly. I

don't want to be rude but I have to.

"Alright. But if you want information, we're willing to trade," makahulugang sabi
ni Hell bago siya tumayo. What kind of information is he talking about? I'm a
little curious.

"Information?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Something about the alpha female's past," he whispered with a meaningful grin.
Tumayo na rin si Heaven at sumunod kay Hell. They knew something about it?

Hinabol ko ng tingin si Hell. "Hell! Your contact number?" wala sa sariling tanong
ko. I couldn't hide my interest. Ngumisi siya at lumapit sa 'kin.
"Your phone?" he asked. I obediently offered my phone and he quietly typed his
number. Ibinalik niya ang phone sa 'kin at umalis nang tahimik. I quickly saved it
with a name "Asshole".

"Trading information with them is dangerous," paalala sa 'kin ni Eclipse.

"Well, right now, I don't plan to ask them for any information. But just in case,"
kibit-balikat na saad ko. Ipinagpatuloy ko na ang pagkain pero napapaisip ako sa
sinabi ni Hell. Maybe I'll investigate first.

"But do you think there's truth in what he'll say?" tanong ko kay Eclipse.

Nagkibit-balikat si Eclipse. "Wala akong makitang dahilan para magsinungaling

siya." Pero hindi kami sigurado sa kapalit na hihingiin niya.

Nang matapos kaming kumain, dumiretso kami sa accountancy building kung nasaan si
Neferti Miles. I checked her schedule and went to her assigned classroom. According
to my notes, her class will end in thirty minutes. We waited outside until she
finished her class.

"Kailan ka maghahanap ng ebidensiya sa dati ninyong mansion?" tanong ni Eclipse

habang naghihintay kami.

"Tonight?" I answered with uncertainty.

Natahimik saglit si Eclipse na tila may malalim na iniisip.

"Balak mo bang bawiin ang teritoryo ninyo?" mahinang tanong niya sa 'kin. Ngayon
lang sumagi sa isip ko ang posibilidad na maaari kong mabawi ang teritoryo namin.

"Siguro," sagot ko. Nightfall belongs to us and I don't see any reasons why we
should let Sanguis take our territory now. Unfortunately, I will go against Yul
this time. We will be enemies.

Natigil ang pag-uusap namin nang lumabas na ang mga estudyante sa kanilang silid.
Hinanap agad ng mga mata ko si Neferti na may dalang libro na kalong sa braso. She
radiates a kind of strong and dignified glamour that everyone would look upon. I
can smell the scent of an alpha from her. I'm not sure if she noticed that she's
giving off that kind of vibe. Maybe she's just a natural.

Sinundan namin siya ni Eclipse. She's heading to her next class. Tumigil siya nang
mapansing sinusundan namin siya. Maging kami ay tumigil ni Eclipse na nasa likod
lang niya.

"Do you need something from me?" seryosong tanong niya nang lingunin kami at hawiin
ang kulot niyang buhok na tumabing sa kanyang singkit na mga mata.
I smiled at her. "Can we talk?"

"I don't have much time," she answered briefly.

"15 minutes? Your next class will start in 45 minutes," saad ko.

Mas lalong nanliit ang mga mata niya. "You know my schedule?"

"I did some research," nakangiting sagot ko.

"O sige. Ano'ng gusto ninyong pag-usapan?" she asked impatiently.

"Come," saad ko at pumasok sa malapit na fire exit. Kahit nagtataka ay sumunod siya
sa 'min ni Eclipse.

"What's this about?" tanong muli ni Neferti. She impatiently tucked the loose
strands of her curly hair behind her ears.

"This is a bit direct, but you're an alpha female right?" diretsong tanong ko na
ikinatigil niya. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya at mas lalong humigpit ang paghawak
niya sa mga libro.

"Why are you bringing this up?" kunot-noong tanong niya.

"We plan to go against the council and clear our names," seryosong sagot ko.
"Another alpha female, Amber, already had a death sentence. We will stop it. And
we're hoping that Blue Moon can help."

"Hindi madali ang hinihiling mo. Hindi ko na hawak ang Blue Moon," seryosong saad
niya. "Nasa ilalim na kami ng Iris. At mahirap silang kalabanin. Kay Hell pa nga
lang, sumasakit na ang ulo ko. Paano pa kaya kung kakalabanin namin sila?" I can
clearly feel that she's totally against the idea.

"Hmmm... Hell knows you're an alpha female?" tanong ko.

Nag-aalangang tumango si Neferti. "Matalas ang pakiramdam niya."

"He's giving you a hard time?" nakaangat ang kilay na tanong ko. Knowing Hell, he's
capable of doing that.

"It's none of your business," seryosong sagot ni Neferti. "He's being impossible
sometimes but not that bad."
"Alright. One last thing. We discovered that Zarah and Lani aren't bad. Your father
has been murdered. It looks like Lani had nothing to do with it. She was falsely
accused and I believe someone else was behind this. Huwag mo ng patagalin ang
hidwaan sa pagitan ng Blue Moon at Azalea," paliwanag ko sa kanya. "We're looking
for evidences to clear our names. I want to redeem my pack, Nightfall. I want to
redeem what I lost."

Seryosong nakatingin ako sa mukha niya. Kapansin-pansin ang pagkagulat sa mga mata
niya nang banggitin ko ang tungkol sa kanyang ina. She was uncertain with her
feelings. But I could see the longing in her eyes for her family.

"Naipit ang pack namin dahil sa hindi pagkakaintindihan ng Blue Moon at Azalea.
Kung gusto mong tumulong, pwede mo akong tawagan. Sa tingin ko may mga impormasyon
ding alam si Hell tungkol sa nangyari siyam na taon ang nakalilipas. Maybe you can
extract information from him and verify the truth of what I'd said," I suggested
slyly. I have a feeling that Hell is fond of Neferti. I hope I'm right.

Ibinigay ko sa kanya ang contact number ko. Napansin ko ang pagdadalawang-isip sa

maamong mukha niya. She pursed her full red lips as she stared intently at my
contact number. Lumabas kami ni Eclipse sa fire exit at nagpasyang umalis na ng
Iris Academy. Kahit gusto kong kausapin si Ryshia, wala naman akong maisip na
paraan upang hikayatin siyang lumaban.

Tonight I have to sneak in our old mansion and look for anything my mother had
probably left. Mga ebidensiyang maaaring maglinis sa pangalan ng mga alpha female.
Sana lang hindi ako mahuli ni Yul.

Tiningnan ko si Eclipse. Wala siyang sinasabi at hinahayaan lang niya akong gawin
ang gusto ko.

"Are you worried about Amber?" nag-aalangang tanong ko nang mapansin ang
pagkabahala sa gwapo niyang mukha.

"Kind of. But I'm worried about you too. Hindi na tayo pwedeng umatras sa papasukin
natin." Seryoso ang mukha niya at puno ng pag-aalalang tumingin sa 'kin.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Walang aatras." Ngumiti siya at napailing sa sinabi ko.

Nagpalit kami ng damit at bumalik sa lugar kung saan namin iniwan ang sasakyan ni
Eclipse.

"Kailangan kong kausapin si Dad tungkol kay Amber," saad ni Eclipse. "I don't think
he'll stay silent anymore. It's about her daughter's life."

"Sige. Sana makinig siya," malambot na wika ko.

Seryosong tiningnan ako ni Eclipse sa mga mata. "Huwag kang magpapahuli kay Yul.
Dahil kapag nahuli ka niya, malalaman na niya ang sikreto mo," mariing babala niya.

Napalunok ako. Marahan akong tumango. "I'll be careful."

But I'm worried deep inside.

***

Nightfall 33: Secret Room [Nightfall]

"Death and blood start it all..."

EURUS

Eksaktong ala una ng madaling araw, nagtungo ako sa dati naming mansiyon. Nakatayo
ako sa isang sanga ng pine tree habang pinagmamasdan ang maliwanag na mansiyon,
suot ang black leather suit ko.

I partially shifted to check the surroundings using my bright gold cat eyes. My
night vision was clear and I can see some guards wandering around the mansion. But
they seem so relax and they don't expect anyone to sneak inside the mansion. Mas
madali kong mapapasok ang lugar dahil hindi sila masyadong nagsisiyasat sa paligid.

Wala sa hinagap ko na babalik pa ako sa lugar na ito. Ni hindi ko naisip na bumalik

dito noon dahil sa takot. Dahil sa pagiging duwag na harapin kung ano ang nakatakda
para sa 'kin. Duwag akong harapin ang pagiging alpha female ko noon.

Pero ngayon, nagbago na ang pananaw ko. Simula nang sumanib ako nang tuluyan kay
White, nadagdagan na ang lakas ng loob ko upang lumaban. At mas lalo pa itong
nadagdagan nang madagdagan ang mga taong sumusuporta sa 'kin, nang makita kong muli
si Kuya Lexus at makilala ko ang mga werecats na kasapi ng Nightfall.

Mas lumakas din ang loob ko dahil makakasama kong lumaban si Eclipse. Hindi na ako
nag-iisa. I feel like I can do anything now. I can win this fight through their
help. They are the one who build my hope up. Sila ang nagpapalakas sa 'kin ngayon.

My memory about this house is still fresh in my mind. The laughter of my brothers
while they play outside the house. My mother secretly training me in my room and
her familiar and homey scent. My father who would visit me from time to time and
read stories until I fall asleep. My eldest brother mocking my unusual form, my
albino skin, treating me as a weak one. This house is nostalgic.
And my chest hurts a little with these rushing memories. My bitter-sweet past must
be confronted now. I must say goodbye properly to the painful memories by
reclaiming this property. I was a bit sorry for Yul that I must stand up for this
mansion, for Nightfall's territory. I must stand up against him.

I jumped silently from one branch to another. Inikot ko ang mansion habang matiim
na nagmamasid sa paligid hanggang sa marating ko ang likod na bahagi. Nang mapansin
ko na walang tao, tinalon ko ang pader at magaan ang mga paang naglakad patungo sa
isang pinto.

Dahan-dahan kong pinihit ang seradura pero naka-lock ito. Kinuha ko ang hairpin na
nakasingit sa buhok ko. I always have it in my hair in case of emergency. I picked
the lock effortlessly and sneak inside the mansion without anyone noticing. Tahimik
kong inilapat at inilock ang pinto. Nagtago ako sa madilim na bahagi ng kusina.

Malalim akong huminga. I tried to calm my breathing. Nararamdaman ko ang malakas na

kalabog ng dibdib ko. I'm finally home and the excitement and anxiety rushes
through me. Tahimik na bumilang ako hanggang sampu upang mawala ang kakaibang kaba
na nararamdaman ko.

I wonder if they discovered the secret room I used to occupy when I was a kid.
Madilim sa loob ng mansiyon at wala akong napapansing nag-iikot dito. I could
clearly see the carpeted stairs and I carefully walked on it. I passed on the
stairs like a shadow, quickly disappearing in the night. Mabilis kong narating ang
ikalawang palapag.

Kung wala silang masyadong binago sa mansiyon, madali kong mahahanap ang dating
silid ng mga magulang ko, ang library at ang dati kong silid.

I took a deep breath and directly walked to the supposedly location of the library.
Nasa dulo ito ng hallway. The door was not locked so I immediately entered and
locked it. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang mapansing hindi nabago ang lokasyon nito
sa bahay. Hindi na ako nag-abala pang buksan ang ilaw.

Naglakad ako sa loob ng silid at nagmasid. Wala na ang larawan ng pamilya ko.
Siguradong bago lumipat dito si Yul, inalis na nila lahat ng mga bagay na may
koneksiyon sa pamilya namin. Mukhang hindi ko na rin kailangang puntahan ang silid
ng mga magulang ko dahil wala na akong makikitang kahit ano na may kinalaman sa
kanila. May nakikita akong pamilyar na libro pero may mga bago rin sa paningin ko.
I scanned the medical books in the towering bookshelves that reached the ceiling.
Sigurado akong pagmamay-ari ito ni Yul.

Nasa likod na bahagi ng bookshelves ang secret switch patungo sa silid ko. I racked
my brain to remember where it was. Inilibot ko ang paningin sa mga bookshelves. May
ilang shelf ang nabago ang lokasyon. Nagtungo ako sa gitnang bahagi ng bookshelf. I
removed the books.

May ilang libro na sigurado akong pagmamay-ari namin. I skim the pages swiftly.
Nagbabakasakaling may mga nakasingit na sulat sa libro pero wala akong nakita. At
hindi ko rin alam kung ano ang eksaktong hinahanap ko.

My lips touched my closed fist while thinking. If I'm my mother, what will I do?
Where should I leave the evidence? There's also a possibility that she knows she'll
die soon, right? Maybe someone warned her. She's a good person after all. Looks
like she's getting along with Irish. And Irish said she owes my mother. Maybe my
mother did some preparations. I can only hope for that.

Nang makita ko ang pader sa likod ng bookshelf, agad kong hinaplos at itinulak ang
mga parte ng pader. Isang maliit na bloke ang lumubog nang itulak ko ito.

I hope they didn't discover this secret room yet. Hindi alam ng ibang packs na may
anak na babae ang aking ina.

Gumalaw ang mga bookshelves at unti-unti itong nahati sa gitna. Napakagat labi ako
dahil sa langitngit at ingay na ginawa nito. The iron bars and bearings are rusty
now. I hope this doesn't wake anyone up or catch the guard's attention. Good thing
the door and windows are locked. But still, I'm a little nervous.

Nang bumukas ang pinto sa silid ko, tumambad ang isang madilim at puno ng agiw na
silid. Dahan-dahan akong naglakad papasok sa silid ko. Sa tingin ko, wala pang
nakakaalam na may sikretong silid dito.

The whole room was nostalgic. Walang nabago sa silid ko simula nang umalis ako.
Tanging makapal na agiw at alikabok lang ang bumalot sa silid ko. My heart feels a
little heavy. Hinawi ko ang makakapal na agiw na nadadaanan ko.

I pressed a switch inside my room. The bookshelves move once again. I need to close
the door and return everything back to normal. Mas mabuti ng maging maingat kaysa
mahuli ni Yul.

Nang sumara ang pinto, binuksan ko ang ilaw. My room is located on the back side of
the mansion. I don't think someone will notice that the lights are on. Lumapit ako
sa bintana na natatabingan ng itim na kurtinang puno ng alikabok.

The small window is open. I remembered jumping here to escape when my parents are
murdered. I hid in my room when I accidentally saw them being killed and assaulted.
I saw Yul's father's huge claws and his subordinates as they tear my family apart.
I was trembling in fear and I couldn't move that time. When the whole mansion
quieted down, I decided to escape in tears under the heavy storm.

I stared outside the dark forest with nostalgia. My heart longs for this home.
Marahan akong umiling. Wala na akong oras. I must finish my task quickly. I clear
my head and proceed with the search. No time to be sentimental.

My mother used to come here often. If she wanted to hide something, this room will
be perfect. If she knew she will die, she would surely do something, right?
Napansin ko ang mga photo albums na nakapatong sa study table ko. I browsed the
dusty pages. My mother loved to take photos and I helped her compile it. Wala sa
sariling hinaplos ko ang larawan ng mukha ng mga magulang at kapatid ko. I hope
they're already happy on where they are now.

I opened another photo album. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko nang mapansin ang mga
larawan. My mother's friends and the members of the council. May isang larawan ang
aking ina kasama sina Klariza, Irish, Eve, Lani, Krystal at Zarah. They looked
happy in the photos and it seemed they really get along.

Or maybe not? I can't tell what they're actually thinking when they took these
photos. People can hide their own darkness behind picture-perfect smiles. Wala
akong masyadong napansing kakaiba sa mga larawan kaya ibinaba ko na ang photoalbum.
Ano kaya ang totoong nangyari sa kanila?

I was hoping my mother left a letter or a note. I checked the drawers, the study
table, cabinet and the closets. But something unusual caught my attention. Sa
ilalim na bahagi ng closet ko, may napansin akong maliit na vault. Agad ko itong
kinuha at umupo ako sa kama.

Habang nakapatong sa hita ko ang maliit na vault, pinag-aralan ko itong mabuti

habang pinapagpagan ang alikabok. It wasn't locked by a password. Kailangan ko lang
itong pihitin upang bumukas.

It must be my mother's safe.

Nang buksan ko ito, napansin ko ang mga passbook ng mga bank accounts niya at ni
papa. May ilang debit cards din na nakatabi rito. May ilang importanteng dokumento
rin sa loob. Some are our property documents and birth certificates. Mabuti na lang
hindi nila nakita ang silid ko. I can keep this vault now.

Habang naghahalungkat sa loob ng vault, may napansin akong mga larawan na

nagpatigil sa 'kin. My mother left a note on each photographs. May napansin din
akong ilang sulat. I decided to check this at home. I look at my wrist watch. It's
already two in the morning. I must go now.

I locked the vault and I prepared to leave. Natigilan ako nang may marinig akong
mga yabag sa loob ng library. Lumapit ako sa pinto at nakinig sa usapan nila.

"I heard something screeching here. And the door is even locked. Walang nagla-lock
ng library, Boss Yul," seryosong saad ng isang lalaki. "Medyo natagalan kami sa
paghahanap ng susi. Wala akong nakitang tao nang pumasok ako pero may mga librong
nakapatong sa mesa. This is suspicious. Sino'ng magtatanggal ng mga libro sa
bookshelves? May hinahanap ba siya?"

Nakagat ko ang labi ko at kumalabog ang dibdib ko. I left the hidden switch in
their open view. Kahit hindi ito masyadong halata, tiyak na maghihinala pa rin
sila. Sana hindi nila mapansin. Sana hindi mapansin ni Yul.
Mas lalong lumapit ang mga yabag sa kinaroroonan ko. Siguradong pinag-aaralan
nilang mabuti ang mga bookshelves.

"Nakalock din ang mga bintana. Imposibleng nakalabas na ang taong pumasok dito,"
wika ng isa pa.

"Kung ganoon, nasa loob pa rin siya ng library." Hindi ako maaaring magkamali.
Tinig ito ni Yul. "Start the search."

Nagmamadaling yabag ang naglibot sa buong library. Siguradong hinahanap na nila ako
sa bawat sulok ng library. Sana hindi nila malaman ang tungkol sa silid ko.

I heard the creaking sound of the library's windows. Ilang minuto ang nakalipas
nang muling magsalita si Yul na lalong nagpakaba sa 'kin. "I think I have an idea.
He's not here in the library." Tumigil ang mundo ko. I bet he noticed the odd
structure of the library and the large space it occupied. Kung may nagbukas ng
bintana at tumingin sa labas, mapapansin nila ang malaking espasyo na hindi okupado
ng library. A hidden, unoccupied space. Maybe he checked it.

"He's probably somewhere behind these walls. And these books and the empty shelf
are our lead," he said in a serious tone. I slowly backed away from the door. He
really figured it out. How can I forget about those books?

Damn! Reckless.

Nagmamadaling umakyat ako sa bintana bitbit ang vault. Kailangan ko nang umalis
bago pa mabuksan ni Yul ang pinto. I jumped without hesitation but then I
remembered the photo albums I left behind. Nakagat ko ang labi ko nang tahimik na
lumapat ang mga paa ko sa lupa. He'll discover my secret soon and there's no
escaping it.

Mabilis na tinalon ko ang bakod at tumakbo patungo sa madilim na kagubatan. I can't

hesitate now. We must confront our cruel past.

Binalikan ko ang sasakyan kong naka-park sa gitnang bahagi ng kagubatan at agad na

umalis.

I'm sure Yul will contact me soon. I must prepare my heart.

I texted my brother immediately. Sinabi ko ang ginawa kong pagpasok sa dating bahay
namin at ang posibilidad na maaaring alam na ni Yul ang totoo. He must prepare too.

Hindi muna ako dumiretso sa bahay na tinutuluyan ko. Dumiretso ako sa bahay ni
Eclipse kung saan ako nanirahan noon. Siguradong hindi mag-aaksaya ng oras si Yul
at pupuntahan agad ako. I don't want him to confront me now, at this hour. I need
some sleep and rest.

~~~

I stood in front of Eclipse's house and picked the lock. I can't bother to find the
duplicate key now. I'm in a hurry. I want to check the vault's contents
immediately. Natigilan ako nang makita si Eclipse na walang damit pang-itaas na
natutulog sa kama.

Natigilan din siya nang imulat niya ang pupungas-pungas na mga mata.

"Eurus?" he asked in a hoarse voice. I sighed heavily. I didn't expect him to be

here.

"I thought you talked with your father," kunot-noong tanong ko at ini-lock ang
pinto. Tahimik na ipinatong ko ang vault sa ibabaw ng mesa.

"Uh-uh. You sleeping here? Nahuli ka ba niya?" he asked lazily and closed his eyes.
He moved on the edge of the bed and instinctively gave me space to sleep.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. Why does he have to look this
hot? My heart beats so fast and I can't control it. So I have no choice but to
sleep next to him, huh?

Nawala sa isip ko ang vault na dala ko.

"Hindi niya ako nahuli sa akto pero siguradong alam na niya ang totoo kong pagkatao
ngayon," seryosong sagot ko sa tanong niya.

"Okay." He answered as if everything's normal and fine. "Seems like you found
something good. Huwag ka ng magpuyat. Matulog ka na. You can check on that later.
You won't be able to think properly now, right?"

I silently agreed.

I checked on the closet. May mga naiwan akong damit dito kaya wala akong problema
sa pantulog na isusuot ko. Dumiretso ako sa banyo upang maglinis ng katawan at
magpalit ng damit. Tahimik na tumabi ako sa kanya sa kama. I hate to admit it but I
feel safe with him here. And it's been a while. I just realized that I missed him
on the days he was gone.

I closed my eyes. I'm already half-asleep when I felt his warm palm softly
caressing my face.

This guy really confuses me. I can't figure how he truly feels.
I slowly open my eyes and meet his soft and lonely gaze.

"What's up? It didn't go well with your father?" I asked lazily.

He smiled softly but it was a little forced. "Yeah. Kind of." His voice broke a
little. And my heart sympathizes with him. He looks like a broken child.

Mahina akong tumawa. I instinctively pull him closer and hug him to comfort him.
But is it really just to comfort him? I'm no longer sure now. "What? Are you giving
up now? Subukan mo na lang ulit. He'll surely soften a bit. Sleep now."

He quietly hugs me back, his hot breath on my neck. "Yeah. Goodnight. And it's nice
that you're here. I'm actually silently wishing for you to be here and you really
came. Maybe I'm just dreaming."

Mahina akong tumawa. "It's not a dream."

Tahimik na hinaplos ko ang buhok niya bago ko ipinikit ang mga mata.

Yes. It's nice to be here.

***

Nightfall 34: Culprit [Nightfall]

"And death and blood will end it all..."

EURUS

Nagising ako sa mabangong amoy ng niluluto ni Eclipse. Pupungas-pungas na bumangon

ako.

"Did I wake you?" he asked with concern. Nasa niluluto niya ang atensiyon niya at
hindi nag-abalang sumulyap sa 'kin.

"Doesn't matter," I answered briefly. Kumuha ako ng damit sa closet at dumiretso sa

banyo upang maligo. I have things to do today. Mukhang hindi na naman ako papasok
ngayong araw.

Lumabas ako sa banyo habang pinupusan ng towel ang basang buhok na medyo namumuti
na ang tuktok, suot ang puting tshirt at maong shorts. Nakapatong pa rin sa mesa
ang vault at cellphone ko. Tumayo ako sa gilid ng mesa at binasa ang mga natanggap
kong mensahe.

My brother informed me that Yul is looking for me and he finally knows that we're
related. Yul didn't do anything to him but he is frustrated and he wants to
confront me with the truth as soon as possible. He wants to hear everything from my
lips.

Mabigat ang pakiramdam na binuksan ko ang natanggap na mensahe mula kay Yul. I also
received some missed calls from him but my cellphone is set to silent so I didn't
hear anything.

You're the one who sneak in the mansion, right? Let's talk. I want to hear
everything from you. Call me. Please.

Mabigat akong napabuntong-hininga sa mensaheng ipinadala niya. Nagtatalo ang isip

ko kung tatawagan ko ba siya. Maybe I should clear everything with him. It's not
like he's the one who murdered my family. He doesn't know anything and I don't want
him to suffer because of his parent's mistakes.

I dialed his number and gave him a call. Kagat ko ang labi habang naghihintay na
sagutin niya ang tawag ko. Pero hindi ko inaasahang sa unang ring pa lang,
sasagutin niya agad ito.

"Eurus?" I could sense the heaviness in his voice. I could also sense the awkward
position he's in. And there's a hint of hesitation and discomfort.

"Let's meet tonight. Let's talk. I'll send you the address and time," seryosong
wika ko. I ended the call immediately before he can even speak. We can't talk
properly on the phone. Napapagod na ipinatong ko sa mesa ang cellphone ko. I wonder
if we will have a change of heart after tonight's confrontation.

"Ayos ka lang?" tanong ni Eclipse habang ipinapatong sa mesa ang mga pagkain.

Bumuntong-hininga ako at muling kinuha ang cellphone ko. I typed the address and
time and send it to Yul.

"Sa tingin mo, tama itong ginagawa ko?" mahinang tanong ko kay Eclipse.

"What's at stake?" tanong niya sa 'kin.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko sa tanong niya. Nagtatakang tiningnan ko siya. "Our
friendship?" hindi siguradong sagot ko.

"Friendship lang? 'Yon lang ba ang tanging mawawala sa inyo?" nakataas ang kilay na
tanong ni Eclipse. Naibaba na niya lahat ng pagkain sa mesa at seryoso ng
nakatingin sa 'kin habang nakapamulsa. He's wearing white sando and khaki shorts.

"May iba pa ba?" nakasimangot na tanong ko. Ipinatong ko ang cellphone sa mesa.
Tumalikod ako at sumandal sa gilid ng mesa habang nakatuon ang kanang kamay ko sa
gilid nito. Napatungo ako at malalim na nag-isip.

Will I lose another thing? Love? Do I love him? Or is it just because he loves me?
I can't sort my feelings in the middle of all this mess.

Eclipse moved closer to me and I am forced to meet his gaze. He was so close that I
think there's no longer space to even breathe between us. Matiim na nakatingin siya
sa 'kin. "Natatandaan mo pa ba ang pinag-usapan natin dati? I meant what I said
before. But I haven't made myself clear if I'll kiss you or kill you. If I kiss
you, I'll make you mine," he said.

"You already kissed me before. At the forest. When you saved me," I teased lightly.
I tried to lighten the mood. What does he plan to do? I don't think he will kill me
though. There's only one possibility and my heart hammered against my chest, my
face heats up.

He smiled. "Not counted. That's to silence you."

"Ah. Okay. May napili ka na bang gawin?" Nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko. I try to
keep my composure. I calm my breathing.

Marahan siyang tumango. "Yes." Inilapit niya ang mukha niya sa 'kin na halos
maglapat na ang mga labi namin. "I want to kiss you. I want to make you mine." I
could feel his hot breath on my lips.

I need air. In the back of my mind, I feel so out of air. I can't breathe.

"Why? Do you love me? Have you fallen from grace?" Nakangiting tanong ko na may
halong pang-aasar.

He gave me a small smile. "Yes. I have fallen from grace. I want your mercy."

He was about to kiss me when I speak. "You said you won't confuse me." Seryosong
tiningnan ko ang mga mata niya. He stopped a centimeter away from my lips. He
stared back at me as if he's weighing what I just said.

"I can't?" he whispered with a hint of disappointment.

Napalunok ako. I need to focus on this fight. I can't have someone who I wouldn't
want to lose. Death and blood start this all. And death and blood will surely end
this all.

In this fight, death is inevitable. Someone will fall. It may be me or someone

close to me. I don't want any more attachments until this fight is over.

"You must keep it for now. Let's not make things complicated. Kailangan ko pang
kausapin si Yul tungkol sa totoong pagkatao ko. I will meet him tonight," I
answered decisively. "And you also have a fiancée. Seriously, how can you be such a
playboy?" Nakataas ang kilay ko habang nakatingin sa kanya.

Mahinang tumawa si Eclipse. "Do you love Yul?"

"I'm still sorting out my feelings for him," I answered honestly.

"Do you love me?" Matiim ang tinging ipinukol niya sa 'kin.

I stare back at him but I can't push myself to answer.

"Do you miss me when I was gone?" he asked again.

I do.

"Do you love your fiance?" tanong ko pabalik sa kanya. I can't answer the questions
honestly.

"No. And there's nothing to sort out," he answered without pause. "Why aren't you
calling her by name? I introduced her before. Are you jealous?" he teased with a
smile. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. He is so sure about his answer and I hate the way
he's teasing me now.

"So, you aren't jealous just because you're calling Yul's name?" nakaangat ang
kilay na tanong ko.

"I'm jealous. But it's rude not to call him by name," he said.

So I'm being rude, huh.

Huminga ako nang malalim. "Do you love me?" balik tanong ko pa. Ibinato ko lang sa
kanya ang mga tanong niya. Maybe he'll just let these questions go.
Eclipse gazes at me softly. "Hindi mo sinagot ang tanong ko. It will be unfair if I
answer that. I understand. You can't answer because there's nothing to sort out,
right? You don't need to sort out your feelings for me and I don't need it as well.
We both know how we feel. Why are you afraid?" Napailing na lang siya. "Alright.
I'll wait 'til this mess is over. I won't confuse you."

I was caught off guard when he kissed the tip of my nose before he moved away.
Kumuha siya ng pitsel at naglagay ng tubig doon. Lihim akong nakahinga nang
maluwag. Nanlalambot ang tuhod ko at wala sa sariling napaupo ako sa isang upuan.

I know if I kiss Eclipse, there will be nothing left for Yul.

"Let's eat first before you check that vault," saad ni Eclipse. "I'll talk to my
father again. If you found something about the alpha females, let me know. Let's
plan things out." Ipinatong niya ang pitsel at dalawang baso sa mesa. Nagsalin siya
ng tubig para sa 'kin.

"I initially checked the vault. I found some pictures and notes. And it seems I
have to read through it to understand what happened," sagot ko. Tiningnan ko siya
nang may pag-aalala. "Ang kailangan lang nating gawin ay kung paano natin
maipapaliwanag ito sa council at kung paniniwalaan nila tayo. Pero si Amber, dahil
sinaktan niya si Julian, medyo mahihirapan tayo sa kaso niya. Si Hades ang pag-asa
natin."

"I'll handle that," seryosong sagot niya.

"By the way, let's sneak inside the council's headquarters. I need to check
something. Tomorrow," dagdag ko pa. Nag-aalalang tingin ang ipinukol niya sa 'kin.

"You should attend your class," he reminded me.

I chuckled and rolled my eyes. "If you know you're going to die, will you still
attend class? If you have a time limit?"

"You will not die," matigas na saad ni Eclipse habang seryosong nakatitig sa mga
mata ko.

"Alright then don't die as well," kibit-balikat na tugon ko. "Then I'll attend
class tomorrow morning. And we'll sneak tomorrow night? Is that fair now?"
Nakangiting tanong ko habang nakataas ang kilay. He smiled helplessly and shook his
head.

"Alright. Sabay na tayong pumasok. Matagal na akong hindi nakakapunta sa

university." Nagsimula na kaming kumain.

"Buti hindi ka pa nila idina-drop," pang-aasar ko.

"Ganu'n talaga 'pag gwapo," nakangising sagot niya at kumindat pa sa 'kin.

I rolled my eyes. Whatever.

~~~

Matapos kumain at maghugas ng pinggan, inilabas ko ang mga bagay na nasa loob ng
vault. Eclipse is inside the bathroom, taking a bath. Babalik siya sa bahay nila
upang muling kausapin ang kanyang ama. Maging si Hades ay kailangan niyang hanapin.

Itinabi ko ang mga passbooks, debit cards at importanteng dokumento. Naiwan sa mesa
ang mga larawan, sulat at maliit na notebook na tila planner at diary entries ng
aking ina.

Una kong binasa ang nasa notebook niya. May mga entries kung ano ang pinag-usapan
sa meeting ng council, kung kailan sila magkikita at mga importanteng nangyari sa
araw na iyon. I scanned through it.

Napahinto ako sa ilang pahina.

March 1, 2009

Lani and Zarah became enemies. I don't know who murdered Zarah's husband but I
think Lani was falsely accused. She will never kill. Azalea and Blue Moon pack are
now officially enemies. Zarah was accused of having an affair with Lani's husband.
I don't think Anthony will ruin her family. Something fishy is going on here.

April 26, 2009

I saved Irish from falling on a cliff. I saw the culprit but there's no concrete
evidence. I didn't tell Irish. The one who pushed her was Klariza. I'm not sure of
her motives though. What was she hiding?

April 29, 2009

As per Irish, the council decided to kill the alpha females. She told me to escape
but I will fight.

Natapos na sa April 29 ang entry sa notebook. And I remembered that my family was
killed on April 30, 2009. Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Mukhang hindi siya nakapaghanda
nang maayos sa biglang pagsalakay ng Sanguis. Bakit ang Sanguis pack ang sumalakay
sa Nightfall?

Binuksan ko ang sulat na nakapangalan sa 'kin.

Eurus,

If you're reading this message, I'm probably already dead. I'm sorry I am not able
to raise and train you well. Hindi ko alam kung ano na ang nangyari sa 'yo. Hindi
ako sigurado kung maayos ba ang pamumuhay mo at ng mga kapatid mo. Pero hinihiling
ko na lumaki kayo nang maayos at masaya. I leave all the passbooks and bank
accounts here, also the properties and important documents in your care. I know
you'll know what to do. And if ever you'll investigate on what happened with the
alpha females in the past, I want to pass on all the information I know.

Alpha females are rare, considered queens and are powerful in both mind and
physical strength. But someone tried to ruin our reputation due to envy and greed.
She's Klariza. She's born from an alpha female but she didn't become one. She's
considered as a failure and she's frustrated on becoming an alpha female. It's like
she developed an inferiority complex so she plotted against us.

I took some photos of her transactions and put some notes on it. I hope this can
help you figure things out.

Take care of yourself and your brothers. Lead and take care of Nightfall. Even
though you're an albino, I know you're not weak. I'm sorry I wasn't able to
introduce you properly to our pack. I'm sorry I hide you. But at least the enemy's
not aware of your existence. It kept you safe.

I want you to fight for what's right and correct the past but don't dwell too much
on revenge.

Be happy.

I love you, sweetie.

Sincerely,

Mom

Pinahid ko ang namasang mga mata ko. Napatakip din ako sa bibig upang pigilan ang
paghagulgol. I didn't notice that Eclipse is already out of the bathroom and is
already dressed. Ipinatong niya ang isang basong tubig sa mesa. Mukhang napansin
niya ang tahimik na paghihinagpis ko.

Ngayon mukhang alam ko na kung bakit ang Sanguis ang sumalakay sa 'min noong gabing
'yon. Siguradong may kinalaman dito si Klariza. She planned it out.

Ipinatong ko sa mesa ang sulat at napahilamos sa mukha ko. Nahihirapan akong

bumuntong-hininga. I saw a lady in the council's headquarters before and that lady
is Yul's mother, Klariza.

Napapagod na tumingin ako kay Eclipse.

"You found something?" tanong niya. Tahimik na iniabot ko sa kanya ang sulat.
Salubong ang kilay na binasa ito ni Eclipse. Wala sa sariling napahaplos siya nang
mariin sa panga. He also couldn't believe that Klariza was the root of this mess.

"I want to tail her and investigate," seryosong saad ko.

Agad kong tiningnan ang mga larawang nakuha ng aking ina. Klariza bribed some
werecats to create trouble for Blue Moon and Azalea. She even tried to ruin
Nightfall and Lycan but she didn't succeed. Some werecats are too loyal to my
mother to do that.

Pero ang mga larawan na nakuha ng aking ina ay hindi sapat. Lalo na't nangyari ang
mga ito siyam na taon na ang nakalilipas. These photos are no longer valid.

Pano ako makalalapit kay Klariza? Getting close to Yul is the only way but now that
he already found out about my true identity, I doubt that he'll still trust me.

Ibinaba ni Eclipse ang sulat at nangangambang tumingin sa 'kin. "Huwag ngayon.

Siguradong may mga bodyguards siya. Baka mahuli ka. Asikasuhin mo muna ang problema
mo kay Yul. Do things one at a time."

"Sige," wala sa sariling sagot ko. Pero nag-iisip pa rin ako ng paraan upang
makalapit kay Klariza.

"Aalis muna ako. These photos might help me convince my father and maybe Hades.
I'll bring these."

Pumayag ako sa balak niya. Nagsalita siya kaya napalingon ako bago siya lumabas ng
pinto. Nakasandal na siya sa hamba ng pintuan. Halata sa mga mata niya ang
pagtatagis ng kalooban at pag-aalala.

"Eurus..." mahinang wika niya. Nangungusap ang mga mata niya at puno ito ng pag-
aalala. "I'm worried about you and Yul. Now that you know that his mother is the
culprit, I hope you won't go so far to deceive him. Just... just be honest with
him. Tiyak na masasaktan siya kapag nalaman niyang ang ina niya ang may kasalanan
ng lahat. Pero mas masasaktan siya kung lolokohin mo siya. Don't do something
you'll regret in the end. He's still my friend. I don't want any of you to break."

Nahihirapang nagpakawala ako nang malalim na buntong-hininga. He's right. Yul will
suffer the most here. I can't use him. I don't want to use him. I will be honest.
Marahan akong tumango kay Eclipse at malungkot na ngumiti. "I'll tell him
everything."
"Good. Then take care." Matipid na ngiti ang gumuhit sa kanyang mga labi bago
isinara ang pinto.

He brought the photos and I will bring the letter and the little notebook with me.
I immediately contacted Night and Neferti to meet with them. I will meet them
somewhere in Iris Academy. I have to make some real allies before the battle.

Suot ang itim na hoodie, ripped jeans at puting rubber shoes, sumakay ako sa kotse
ko at dumiretso sa Iris Academy. Hindi na ako nag-abalang magsuot ng uniform nila.
I just told that guard that I'm planning to transfer here and will take a tour.
Hindi naman siya naghinala dahil isa akong werecat.

I parked my car in front of the accountancy building. I will meet them behind the
building. Dumiretso na agad ako roon at lihim akong napangiti nang makitang
naghihintay na sila sa tagpuan. Nakasandal si Night sa mataas na bakod at
nakapamulsa, samantalang nagbabasa naman si Neferti. They are far from each other
as if they are strangers.

Nang maramdaman nila ang presensiya ko, agad nila akong pinukol nang matalim na
tingin. "Bakit kailangang nandito siya?" reklamo agad ni Neferti.

"Dahil kailangang maayos ang gusot sa pagitan ng packs ninyo. You can't stay
enemies forever. It's not worth it," seryosong saad ko. "Here," iniabot ko kay
Neferti ang notebook ng aking ina. Nakakunot-noong lumapit si Night nang sumenyas
ako sa kanya. I let him read the letter for me. Pareho kong ipinabasa sa kanila ang
notebook at sulat.

"It was a set up. Someone framed your mothers. Don't fight. Ceasefire between your
packs. I'm telling you this because I want your support in this fight," diretsong
saad ko. "We need justice for those alpha females who have fallen in vain."

Natahimik silang dalawa. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang iniisip nila pero sana
magkaayos na ang packs nila. "Hindi ko kayo pinipilit. Gusto ko ring malaman ninyo
ang totoong nangyayari." Kinuha ko sa kanila ang notebook at sulat. "It's up to you
now. Contact me if you're in. We have a lot of things to prepare," makahulugang
saad ko bago sila iniwan.

Tinakpan ko ang ulo ko ng hood. Dumiretso ako sa headmaster's office. Kumatok ako
sa pinto. I have to tell Irish that Klariza tried to kill her. Gusto ko ring makuha
ang tulong ng Iris pack para hindi na ako mamroblema pa kina Hell at Heaven.

I heard a female voice asking me to come in. Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip pa at

walang takot na pumasok sa loob. Ibinaba ko ang hood ko at hinarap siya.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Irish nang makilala ako. "What's up? Bakit ka bumalik?"

Lumapit ako sa table niya. "Here," saad ko at iniabot sa kanya ang notebook ng
aking ina. Nakabukas ito sa pahinang kailangan niyang mabasa. "My mother saved you,
right?"

Natigilan siya nang marinig ang sinabi ko at wala sa sariling binasa ang nakasulat
sa pahina. Napaawang ang labi niya at napatakip ang nanginginig na kamay sa bibig.

"I'm not sure about this but your sons... they might join the hunt on April 30. I
don't really want to confront them. I don't want to nonsensically fight with them.
I hope I won't cross paths with them," seryosong saad ko. "Dahil kapag nangyari
'yon, hindi ko masisigurado ang kaligtasan nila."

This is not blackmail. I'm just collecting the payments for some due debts.

Isinarado ko ang notebook. Mapapansin pa rin ang gulat sa mga mata ni Irish pero
hindi siya nagkomento. Siguro hindi niya akalaing papatayin siya ni Klariza.

Tahimik akong lumabas sa opisina niya. I hope she can do something about her sons.

Bumalik ako sa bahay ni Eclipse. I still have to face Yul. Medyo nahihirapan ako.
Sumasakit ang loob ko sa mga sasabihin at ibubunyag ko sa kanya. I hope he'll stay
strong. I hope he won't lose his self in this fight. Tahimik na naghintay ako sa
paglipas ng oras hanggang sa tahimik kong kunin ang susi ng sasakyan ko at umalis.

***

Nightfall 35: Confrontation [Nightfall]

"The wolf will pay a heavy price..."

EURUS

Nakatayo ako sa tuktok ng burol kung saan ko unang nakita si Yul noong nasa anyong
pusa siya. May isang bench sa gilid at isang maple tree na may kulay berde pa ring
mga dahon na nahahaluan ng konting dilaw at pulang kulay. It was still the
beginning of spring, after all.

I choose this place because I just want a quiet place for us to talk properly. I
fiddle on my fingers. I'm anxious. Parang ang tagal na rin naming hindi nagkita.
Hindi ko alam kung paano kikilos sa harapan niya. Alam kong magiging masakit para
sa kanya ang lahat pero kailangan na naming harapin ang katotohanan.

Should I be heartless? Should I be soft? How should I face him? What's the right
thing to do?

I solemnly watch the bright crescent moon and the stars in the sky. It's been a
while since I went here. This is White's favorite place. My favorite place but I'm
uncomfortable to be here now. I'm uncomfortable to confront the truth and my past.

Malamig na hangin ang humampas sa katawan ko. Wala sa sariling nayakap ko ang
sarili dahil sa lamig. I'm still wearing my hoodie but I'm still shivering in the
cold and the thought of Yul's hard face. Siguro nag-aapoy na siya sa galit ngayon?
O magagalit ba talaga siya? Ito ba talaga ang magiging reaksiyon niya?

I'm overthinking.

Natigilan ako sa pag-iisip nang marinig ko ang mga papalapit na yabag. Wala sa
sariling nilingon ko ang pinanggalingan ng ingay. I see Yul with a disoriented and
lost look on his face. There is sadness and hesitation as he looked back at me with
bloodshot hazel eyes. He lacks sleep. His hair is a little messy too. Nakagat niya
nang mariin ang pang-ibabang labi habang mabigat ang loob na lumalapit sa 'kin.

He looks pitiful and that's pulling my heartstrings. I don't want to be heartless

now.

He stood in front of me, half a meter away from me. His eyes silently questioned
me. He looks like he wants to confirm the truth but he's also afraid that it will
hurt. I gaze softly at him. This man is just too precious that I can't afford to
hurt him. He's been good to me.

"You came last night?" nahihirapang tanong ni Yul. "You're the daughter of Eos?
From Nightfall pack?"

Marahan akong tumango. "I'm sorry. I have to do that," mahinang saad ko. "May
kailangan lang ako sa gamit ng aking ina. May kailangan din akong kumpirmahin. Para
sa 'kin at para sa Nightfall."

"My father... killed... your f-family. Are you angry? Do you loathe me? Are you
here for revenge? Did you just get close to me because of revenge? Just like how
Amber did to Hades?" he asked with heaviness and frustration. He even choked on his
words. I hate to see him like this. I want to touch him and comfort him but I hold
myself back. Sobrang daming tanong sa isip niya. He's overthinking things.

Malalim akong bumuntong-hininga at puno ng sinseridad na tumingin sa kanyang mga

mata. "It's different. I don't loathe you. I never did. It never crossed my mind.
Whatever we shared is real. Hindi ko lang masabi sa 'yo ang totoo. At siguradong
alam mo kung bakit. It will be awkward between us if you know, right? At ayaw kong
sisihin mo ang sarili mo dahil sa mga bagay na hindi mo ginawa."

Mariing nakagat ni Yul ang labi at mariing naikuyom ang kamao. Nahihirapang nag-
iwas siya ng tingin. "You should have told me before. You should have been honest,"
nahihirapang giit niya. "It would have been easier! Bakit kung kailan hulog na
hulog na ako saka mo sasabihin sa 'kin 'to? You don't want it to be awkward between
us? Pero hindi mo ba alam na mas masakit itong ginawa mo? Bakit hindi mo pa sinabi
noon? Noong malayo pa ang loob ko sa 'yo. Bakit ngayon lang?"

I blinked the tears away. Ano ba dapat ang ginawa ko? Mas makabubuti ba talaga para
sa 'min kung sinabi ko nang mas maaga? May bikig na namuo sa lalamunan ko.
Naninikip ang dibdib ko. Siguro kung sinabi ko nang mas maaga, hindi siya
magdadalawang-isip na maging kaaway ko. Mas magiging madali ang lahat para sa kanya
ang labanan ako. Hindi siya malilito kung sino ang papanigan niya.

"S-siguro nga mali ako. I'm sorry. I'm selfish," mahina at nahihirapang saad ko.

Nagpakawala nang pagod at nahihirapang buntong-hininga si Yul. "But I don't have

the right to tell you that this is all your fault. Now that I know what my family
has done to you, I can no longer face you. I'm ashamed to even look at you, to
breathe the same air as you. I'm so frustrated. Depressed even. I don't even know
what to say when I came here. Hindi ko alam kung paano ka haharapin. Hindi ko alam
kung paano ko mababago ang nakaraan, Eurus. Gustong-gusto kong baguhin ang nakaraan
pero wala akong magawa kundi ang tanggapin na lang ito at magsisi para sa mga
kasalanan ng pamilya ko sa 'yo."

He tried his best to say every word even if he's choking on it. Mas lalong sumikip
ang dibdib ko nang mapansin ang luhang naglandas sa mga pisngi niya. I don't want
to see him suffer. I don't want to see his hopeless and helpless face. Nag-iwas ako
ng tingin sa kanya. Nangingilid na ang luha ko. Nag-iinit na rin ang lalamunan ko
dahil sa pagpipigil na umiyak.

"I never think of revenge, Yul. At kahit gustuhin ko mang maghiganti, wala rin
namang maitutulong sa 'kin 'yon. Mas lalo lang lalala ang sitwasyon. Mas lalo lang
lalala ang away. Ang gusto ko lang gawin ngayon ay ang maitama ang lahat. Ang
maibalik ang karapatan ng mga alpha females. Ayaw ko ng magtago, Yul. It's not
about you or your family. It's about me not worrying about my true identity and
living without fear," nahihirapang paliwanag ko. "I will treat you the same as
before. You don't have to worry about it. You're still a... friend." Halos ibulong
ko na lang ang huling katagang binitawan ko.

A friend. We can't cross the line because of our past.

Naramdaman ko ang paglapit niya. Natigilan ako nang lumapat ang noo niya sa
kaliwang balikat ko at tahimik na umiyak. "But it will never be the same for me,
Eurus. Maiisip ko pa rin ang lahat. I can never make up for what you lost. Masakit.
Sobrang sakit. Lalo na't mahal na kita. I don't want to be your friend."

I blinked the tears away but they still fall beyond my control.

"Seriously? Paano ko sasabihin sa 'yo ang buong katotohanan kung iiyak ka nang
ganito?" I tried to speak lightly. But what I will reveal can even break him more.
"May kailangan pa ba akong malaman? Is it something bad?" he asked with hesitation.

"Yes. Very bad," I answered.

"Spill it," he said.

"Your mother plotted against the alpha females nine years ago. She did some
horrible things to defame the alpha females," paliwanag ko. I could feel his
muscles tensed up. "Pero hindi ko sinasabi ito para dagdagan ang sakit na
nararamdaman mo. I'm telling you this because I will be against your mother now.
Not because of revenge but to set everything right. You must know. Ipaglalaban ko
ang karapatan ng mga alpha females. Ipaglalaban ko ang nakaraan at ang mga nasayang
na buhay."

He didn't lift his head up. Pero ramdam ko ang pagtatagis ng bagang niya sa
nalaman. He couldn't say anything. He's also ashamed that his mother started all
this mess.

"Am I too cruel?" mahinang tanong ko.

"Yes, you are."

Now, I just realized that there was something stopping me to love him fully. That's
why I can't sort my feelings for him yet. It's our past. I know we aren't fit for
each other because of it. Although I'm not angry at him, I can never forget the
past. And I can't give my heart to him full and whole. Our past will always get in
our way. Our past already carved a way into our hearts and it can never be erased.

Love isn't enough. It isn't enough to be happy.

"I will fight. It's up to you on which side you'll take," mahinang saad ko. I put
my right hand on his head. Marahan kong ginulo ang buhok niya. "Don't cry now. You
have to face this bravely."

"I have a question," he asked between silent sobs.

"Shoot," I said.

"If I'm not their son, will you not hesitate to love me?" mahinang tanong niya.
Tila piniga ang puso ko sa tanong niya.

"Yes. Maybe if you aren't the child of the man who killed my family, we would have
a perfect ending," sagot ko.

"We can't really make it now, right?" May panghihinayang na tanong niya.
Nanginginig ang mga balikat niya.

"I guess yes. But you know, when I was a baby, I killed my twin sister. Well, she
tried to kill me first, draining my life force away. I just fought back and become
stronger," mahinang saad ko. "I think, maybe, she's your soulmate now, if she's
still alive. Or maybe if my family is still alive, you might be my soulmate. We
would have ended up differently."

He chuckled a bit. "That's not comforting."

I smiled with regret. Marahan kong hinaplos ang malambot niyang buhok. Natigilan
siya sa ginawa ko. I want to comfort him. I'm not sure if it's also okay to stay
friends with him. "Is this comforting now?"

"I'm sorry, Eurus," mahinang saad niya pero hindi ito sagot sa tanong ko. "I'm
sorry." I could feel how he's resisting to cry and how he's trying to keep it in.
Masakit sa dibdib ko na nakikita siyang ganito.

I move closer and hug him with utmost care and sincerity. Magaang hinaplos ko ang
kanyang buhok. "Patawadin mo rin ako dahil hindi ko sinabi agad sa 'yo ang lahat."
Hindi na niya napigil ang pinipigil na iyak.

Nahihirapang niyakap niya ako pabalik. "I hate goodbyes," he said while choking on
it.

"Me too." I hate goodbyes too.

Tahimik na humahampas sa 'min ang malamig na hangin. The scent of spring lingers in
my nose. It is naturally calming but it's not enough to calm us.

I hope we won't be enemies when we meet again.

~~~

Hindi umuwi si Eclipse kagabi. Hindi ko alam kung maayos ba ang naging pag-uusap
nila ng ama niya at ni Hades. Maaga akong naligo. I dyed my hair black. Nang
tumingin ako sa salamin, tila nakita ko ang aking ina. Magkamukha talaga kami.

Kahit sinabi ko kay Eclipse na hindi ko muna iimbestigahan si Klariza, hindi ko

naman maiwasang isipin ang mga ginawa niya. I think she'll be surprise if she sees
my face. It's like a dead has come back to life. I want to see her reaction.
Sinuklay at pinatuyo ko ang itim na buhok. I wear a pair of jeans and navy blue
polo-shirt and midnight blue rubber shoes.

I still have to attend the class today and then we will sneak inside the council's
headquarters tonight. Narinig ko na ang ugong ng sasakyan sa labas ng bahay.
Siguradong si Eclipse na ang paparating.

Inalagay ko sa bag ang mga bagay na kailangan ko. I put on a light makeup and
lipstick. Siguradong madaming itatanong sina Alys kapag nakita nila ako.

Nang lumabas ako sa bahay, nakatayo na si Eclipse at nakasandal sa kotse niya.

Ipinagbukas niya ako ng pinto at nagdrive na siya patungo sa Vaire University.

"Nakausap mo ba si Hades? Nakumbinsi mo ba ang Dad mo?" tanong ko habang

pinagmamasdan ang matataas na punong nadadaanan namin.

"My father was shocked. But
siya papayag na masayang pa
ina," seryosong sagot niya.
Amber assaulted his father.
felt betrayed."
I think he's thinking about it now. Mukhang hindi na
ang buhay ng kapatid ko, katulad ng nangyari sa 'king
"Si Hades naman, medyo hindi ko pa siya makumbinsi.
Medyo mahirap i-justify ang sitwasyon ni Amber. He also

Marahan akong tumango. "Siguro mapapapayag natin ang council. We can save Amber in
exchange for the lives they took nine years ago. They contributed and participated
on such hideous crimes. Dapat nga bumaba na sila sa puwesto dahil sa maling
desisyon nila," malamig na saad ko.

Eclipse smirked. "That's a good point. I like how your mind works. Mukhang maraming
matatanggalan ng posisyon."

"I know right," matipid na saad ko habang nakangisi nang nakakaloko. I'm looking
forward for them to step down on their positions. I'm looking forward for peaceful
days after the blood moon.

Napansin ko ang nag-aalangang pagsulyap sa 'kin ni Eclipse. Tila may gusto siyang
sabihin pero hindi niya masabi. Sa palagay ko, gusto niyang itanong kung ano ang
nangyari sa pag-uusap na 'min ni Yul kagabi.

"What? May gusto ka bang itanong?" nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko.

Malalim na humugot siya ng hininga at nagbuga ng hangin. Marahan siyang umiling.

"Alam mo kung ano ang gusto kong itanong. But I realized that you should just keep
it. I won't ask or meddle," mahinang sagot niya.

I choose to keep it to myself as well. Natahimik na ako pero muli siyang nagsalita
na ikinatigil ko.

"Yul he contacted me last night... for a drink," mahinang saad niya. "Hindi niya
nabanggit kung ano ang pinag-usapan ninyo. Tinanong lang niya kung alam ko ang
totoo mong pagkatao. Kung alam ko ang lahat. I feel bad for him. Pinanood ko siya
habang nilulunod ang sarili sa alak," malungkot na saad ni Eclipse. "Inamin kong
alam ko pero mas lalo siyang nasaktan. I also betrayed him."
Mariing nakahawak si Eclipse sa manibela. I could sense the regret and sympathy in
his voice.

"He drank until he couldn't take the whiskey and vodka anymore. He was so wasted.
Almost losing his sanity. Crying his heart out. He couldn't understand why he have
to be the last to know," dagdag niya.

Muling namuo ang bikig sa lalamunan ko. Pinigilan ko ang mapaluha at tumingin na
lang ako sa labas ng bintana ng sasakyan. Pinili na rin ni Eclipse na manahimik. We
know. We understand each other's silence. We're both guilty.

Nang dumating kami sa Vaire University, dumiretso na ako sa Accountancy at

dumiretso siya sa Medical building. We decided to meet after school and head
straight to the headquarters. According to my brother, the members will have a
brief meeting tonight.

~~~

Nakatayo kami ni Eclipse sa isang sanga ng puno. We wear our black leather suit. I
tied my long black hair into a high ponytail. We blended into the darkness of the
night. Tanging ang malilinaw lang naming mga mata ang makikita sa gitna ng
kadiliman. We silently surveyed the surroundings.

Madaming guwardiyang nagbabantay sa headquarters. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makitang

bumaba si Klariza sa isang kotse kasama ang kanyang asawa. Hindi ko alam kung bakit
pinapayagan siya rito.

Nang dumating ang lahat ng miyembro ay pumasok na sila sa loob. There was a tensed
atmosphere between them that's hard to break. Umikot kami ni Eclipse hanggang sa
makarating kami sa likod na bahagi ng mala-mansiyong headquarters ng council.

Matagal ko ng pinag-aaralan ang istraktura ng lugar na ito kaya may alam na akong
paraan upang mas madali itong mapasok.

We crouched behind the well-trimmed and groomed plants. Sinigurado naming walang
taong makakapansin sa 'min. Inilabas ko ang dalawang matalas na patalim. We need to
climb the open window on the second floor. That room is an unoccupied guest room.
We can sneak inside it.

We're on our partial shift and we can move and crawl lightly as a cat. Ibinabaon ko
ito sa pader habang umaakyat ako pataas, patungo sa bukas na bintana. Mabilis at
magaan ang bawat galaw ko at hindi ako gumagawa ng kahit anong ingay.

Sumunod naman sa 'kin si Eclipse at agad kaming nakapasok sa loob ng isang madilim
na silid. Tumuntong si Eclipse sa isang drawer at maingat na inalis ang isang
bahagi ng kisame. He pushed the plywood on the side. Inilahad niya ang kamay sa
'kin at inalalayan na tumayo sa drawer.

He smoothly lifted me up while delicately holding my waist that almost caught my

breath. Walang kahirap-hirap na nakapasok ako sa loob ng kisame. Inilahad ko ang
dalawang kamay sa kanya para makaakyat siya sa kisame. He made himself as light as
a feather when I pulled him up.

Ibinalik namin ang kisameng tinanggal namin sa dati nang makapasok siya.

We have memorized the blueprint and we are heading to the conference room where the
meeting is being held.

"Will you meet Amber?" bulong ko sa kanya habang maingat na gumagapang kami sa
kisame. Iniiwasan naming makagawa ng kahit anong ingay.

"I don't think it's that easy," pabulong na sagot niya.

Nang makarating kami sa lokasyon ng conference room na pakay namin, narinig na

namin ang pinag-uusapan nila. We didn't dare to move and make any noise. I breathe
in calmly and listen with attentiveness.

***

Nightfall 36: Ghost of the Past [Nightfall]

"And regrets can't bring the dead back to life..."

EURUS

I can't see them and I'm not familiar with some voices from the conference room. I
can only rely on my hearing ability to understand the flow of their conversation. I
took out my phone and started recording. Maybe they'll reveal something valuable
that I can use against them.

The members of the council are Lhourd Wave from Sanguis, Hades West from Pride,
Holden Lewis from Iris and Rye Clarke from Luna. The head of all the major werecat
packs. Si Klariza lang ang nakapagtatakang nandito ngayon.

"Bry pleaded for his daughter, Amber. He wants us to release Amber. Mukhang lalaban
siya kung hindi natin siya susundin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nagbago ang isip
niya. Noong isang araw, wala siyang reaksiyon nang mabalitaan na hahatulan ng
kamatayan ang anak niya. Ang sa 'kin naman, hindi ko rin naman gustong mamatay si
Amber. She didn't manage to kill Julian. Pwede natin siyang ikulong pero masyadong
mabigat ang parusang kamatayan."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Eclipse. Mukhang nagbunga na ang pagkumbinsi niya sa ama

niya.

"Rye, mas makabubuti ng hatulan siya ng kamatayan kaysa ulitin niya ang ginawa
niya. Ano'ng masasabi mo Hades? Pamilya mo ang naapektuhan dito." I assume that's
Holden's voice. I'm familiar with Lhourd's voice so the only one left that I'm
unfamiliar with is Holden.

So Rye is not bad after all.

"Medyo gumagaling na ang aking ama. Sa tingin ko, hindi kamatayan ni Amber ang
solusyon sa problemang ito," seryosong sagot ni Hades. Wala akong maramdamang
emosyon sa mga salita niya. Hindi ko alam kung ginagawa ba niya ito para iligtas si
Amber o kung wala lang siyang pakialam. Hindi ko rin matukoy kung galit ba siya kay
Amber o hindi. Maybe he's just hiding his feelings. Or maybe he's afraid that he'll
lose Amber forever.

"Isang alpha female si Amber." Mula ito sa tinig ng isang babae. Klariza speaks up.
Why would the council listen to her?

"What's the matter with that? Bakit ka galit sa mga alpha females?" mariing tanong
ni Hades. Dahil nakausap na niya si Eclipse, gustong malaman ni Hades ang totoo
mula kay Klariza.

"Hindi ako galit sa kanila. Bago ka lang sa council. Hindi mo alam ang mga nangyari
noong nagkagulo ang mga packs dahil sa mga alpha females. We don't need the alpha
females," mataray na sagot ni Klariza.

"Then why are you allowed here?" prangkang tanong ni Hades.

Natahimik ang lahat sa tanong ni Hades. Maybe this was the first time someone asked
them about it.

"I'm... I'm not an alpha female," giit ni Klariza.

"Oh, yeah?" sarkastikong tanong ni Hades. I could imagine him smirking, silently
mocking Klariza. I don't think he will buy it. "I'm not questioning why you're
allowed here before but I don't like it when you're trying to pry with our
decisions. I don't like your influence here. Kahit alpha female si Amber, hindi ito
dahilan upang patayin siya. Hindi niya pinatay ang ama ko. And she's just angry
because her mother died due to my father. Everyone will feel that way."
"Hades, sinaktan na niya ang ama mo. Kung hahayaan natin siyang makatakas, kung
pakakawalan natin siya, tiyak na maghihiganti pa rin siya. She's capable of doing
something worse than this. She can kill," giit ni Klariza.

"I said I don't want to hear your opinion," seryosong saad ni Hades. "You're not
part of the council."

"Alright. Pero may punto si Klariza," giit ni Lhourd. I heard his baritone voice
before. I'm familiar with it. "Kung pakakawalan natin si Amber, maaaring balikan
niya ang pamilya ninyo. Ngayon hindi siya nagtagumpay baka sa susunod, mapatay na
niya ang ama mo."

"I heard you had a relationship with Amber before? Mahal mo pa rin ba siya kaya ka
naguguluhan? You shouldn't be. Ang Pride ang nakataya rito. Hindi matutuwa si
Julian kapag nalaman niya ito," singit ni Klariza. Her voice is mild and
sympathetic.

"Whether I still love her or not, it's none of your business. I'm wondering why the
members of the council are letting you have your opinions here," inis na saad ni
Hades.

"Hades, we can't let Amber out. Paano kung may iba pang alpha females na gumaya sa
kanya? Paano kung lumakas ang loob nilang magrebelde kung pakakawalan natin si
Amber?" tanong ni Holden.

"Bakit kayo natatakot sa alpha females?" pabalik na tanong ni Hades. "May itinatago
ba kayo?"

Natigilan ang lahat sa tanong ni Hades. Yes. It feels like they are hiding
something.

"Or is it related to what happened nine years ago?" Hades scrutinizes them.

"Don't jump into conclusions. Ano naman ang kinalaman nito sa nakaraan? Amber's
death sentence is final. Every alpha female is sentenced to death. It's our rule,"
seryosong saad ni Holden.

"Really? So let's talk about what happened in the past. Why did you kill the alpha
females? Since I'm new here, I need to understand the ways of the council,"
seryosong sambit ni Hades. "Is there anything I need to know?"

"Wala kang dapat malaman," seryosong saad ni Lhourd. "The alpha females just caused
trouble and rebel. We need to suppress them or else they will harm the packs."

"Hmmm... I wonder. Pakiramdam ko may mas malalim pang dahilan. At dahil pinapayagan
ninyo si Klariza dito, mas nagdududa na ako. I hope you didn't kill the alpha
females just to expand your territories. I hope that's not the case," Hades said
slyly. "Dahil kung ito ang dahilan, hindi ako magdadalawang-isip na panigan si
Amber ngayon at kalabanin kayo."

Tila tumigil ang mundo ko sa hinala niya. What if they really want to expand their
territories? And that's why they agreed to kill the alpha females. Tila gusto kong
masuka sa iniisip ko.

"Hades! Stop your nonsense!" giit ni Holden. "Mukhang hindi ka pa handang maging
miyembro ng council. Kapag gumaling si Julian, siya na muli ang uupo sa pwesto mo.
I repeat... Amber's death sentence is final."

"Alright. I hope you won't regret this decision. Sa tingin ba ninyo tatahimik lang
ang mga Lycans? Bry already asked for Amber's release. Kung itutuloy ninyo ito,
mukhang malaking laban ang kahaharapin natin. I hope you're prepared," Hades
warned. Narinig ko ang paggalaw ng upuan at ang malakas na pagsara ng pinto.

Hades walked out of the room?

Natahimik ang lahat pero may narinig akong tumayo. "Hindi ko alam kung may
kinalaman ba talaga ito sa mga nangyari noon. Pero sa palagay ko, mas makabubuting
ibalik na ninyo si Amber kay Bry. Let Bry discipline Amber. Hindi sagot ang
kamatayan sa problemang ito. Mas lalo lang ninyong palalakihin ang problema. If
you're not hiding something, you shouldn't be afraid of the alpha females,"
seryosong saad ni Rye. "Kung wala na tayong pag-uusapan, aalis na rin ako."

Walang pumigil kay Rye at narinig kong muli ang pagsara ng pinto.

"What shall we do? Mukhang hindi mananahimik si Bry," seryosong tanong ni Holden.

"Kung lalaban siya, kailangan nating maghanda ng mga tao upang magbantay kay Amber
sa April 30. I think we can't have a public execution. We can just do it in
private," seryosong sagot ni Lhourd.

"Paano si Hades? Mukhang mahal pa rin niya si Amber. Sa tingin ko hindi siya
mananahimik," singit ni Klariza. "We can't let him know the reason why we killed
the alpha females."

"Hades is smart. We can't hide anything from him. Lalo na't miyembro na siya ng
council. We can only hope for Julian's recovery. Kailangang ibaon na natin sa limot
ang nangyari noon," seryosong saad ni Holden. "Well, whose fault is this? Kung
hindi tayo nakinig kay Klariza noon, hindi sana tayo magkakaproblema ngayon."

"Bakit ako? I just suggested that killing the alpha females is a lot easier. Sinabi
ko rin na maaari ninyong palawakin ang teritoryo ninyo kapag nagawa ninyong makuha
ang mga packs nila. Kayo ang nagdesisyon sa bagay na ito, hindi ako," giit ni
Klariza. "Lahat tayo damay-damay rito kaya mas makabubuting kalimutan na natin
lahat."
Nagkatinginan kami ni Eclipse.

"Huwag ka ng umattend sa susunod na council meeting para hindi na maghinala si

Hades," seryosong saad ni Lhourd.

"Ano'ng balak ninyo kay Amber?" tanong ni Klariza.

"We have to kill her. It will serve as a lesson for the other alpha females. Kaysa
magrebelde pa sila. Mahirap na rin kapag nadiskubre nila ang katotohanan. We can't
let anyone know what we did in the past. Mawawala lahat ng mga bagay na
pinagpagudan natin. Hindi ko maaaring sirain ang reputasyon ng Iris," mariing saad
ni Holden.

"Mahirap na rin kung maghinala si Rye. We can't entangle him in this mess. He
killed his wife because she tried to kill him first but he's not aware of our plans
and he didn't expand Luna's territories. Kapag nalaman nila ang totoo, tiyak na
marami tayong magiging kalaban. Let's just finish Amber and move on with our
lives," seryosong saad ni Klariza.

I want to vomit because of their heartlessness. How can they say such things? How
can they kill the innocent for their own greed?

Narinig ko ang paggalaw ng mga upuan at ang paglabas nila ng silid. I stop the
recording. Nanatili kaming tahimik ni Eclipse makalipas ang ilang minuto. Eclipse's
face darkened. I can feel he is seething with uncontrollable anger. Wala sa
sariling hinawakan ko ang nakakuyom niyang kamao at maharang pinisil ito. Saka lang
siya natauhan nang bumaling ang tingin niya sa 'kin.

His eyes are decisive and firm. "I need to visit Amber. I need to warn her,"
seryosong saad ni Eclipse. Tumango ako. We crawled silently towards Amber's
location. Dahan-dahang inalis ni Eclipse ang isang bahagi ng kisame upang silipin
si Amber. Amber was chained in the bed. Wala siyang kasama pero napansin ko ang
pagkaing hindi nagalaw sa table na katabi ng kama niya.

"Amber..." tawag ni Eclipse sa kapatid niya. Amber's blue eyes went wide in shock.
Her beautiful but exhausted face turned to the ceiling. Pero agad ding nag-iwas ng
tingin si Amber. She hides her face and turns her gaze to the headboard.

"Huwag kayong bababa. There are surveillance cameras here," mariing saad ni Amber.
Natigilan kami. "But I don't think they can hear our voices through those cameras.
Why are you here?"

"On April 30, wait for us. We will save you," mariing sambit ni Eclipse habang
nakakuyom ang kamao. Halata sa mukha niya ang galit dahil sa pinagdadaanan ni
Amber. He hates seeing her chained in the bed. "We can't save you now. We still
need to prepare our packs. Siguradong hindi papayag si Dad na mamatay ka. He will
surely mobilize Lycans to fight. Just hang in there. We will definitely save you.
Babalikan kita."

"Alright, I will wait," mahinang saad ni Amber. She nearly choked with her words.
Naaawa ako sa kalagayan niya pero wala akong magawa sa ngayon.

"Kumain ka at magpalakas ka," puno ng pag-aalalang paalala ni Eclipse.

"Okay." I sense her helpless tone.

"Aalis na kami," pamamaalam ni Eclipse pero ramdam ko ang pagtatagis ng bagang

niya. Hindi niya maatim na iwan si Amber sa ganitong kalagayan.

"Okay."

Isinara namin ang kisame at nagmamadaling umalis sa headquarters.

"I need to visit Klariza one of these nights," seryosong saad ko kay Eclipse. "She
orchestrated the idea of killing the alpha females. Pero malaki rin ang parte ng
ibang packs. They wanted to expand territories. They killed the alpha females
because of greed. Mabuti na lang hindi nadamay ang Lycan sa mga packs na nakuha
nila."

"Be careful. Sa tingin ko, mas mabuting huwag mo munang ipaalam kay Klariza kung
sino ka. You can visit her the day before the blood moon. To instill fear in her
heart. For now, prepare your pack to fight. Send me their recorded conversation.
Kailangang malaman ito ni Dad at Hades," tiim-bagang na saad ni Eclipse. We're
already driving back home. Mariing hawak niya ang manibela. He's trying to control
his anger. He's trying not to bare fangs in front of me.

Tahimik na kinuha ko ang cellphone niya at ipinasa ang recorded conversation ng

council.

"We need to secretly prepare our packs. We can only fight. Malalaking packs din ang
makakalaban natin," pahayag ni Eclipse.

"I'll let Nightfall know. I'll also take care of Blue Moon and Azalea. I'll send
the recordings to them. How about Luna? May balak ka bang sabihin kay Rye?"

"Iniisip ko pa ang mas mabuting gawin. I'll talk to him. Kailangan din niyang
malaman ang totoo. We need more allies. We must overpower them. We must expose them
and kick them out of the council," sagot ni Eclipse. I can clearly see the blazing
war in his eyes.

Tahimik akong tumango. I sent the recording to Neferti and Night. Natigilan ako
nang makita ko ang contact number ni Yul. Should I send the recording to him too?
Nagdadalawang-isip ko. I'm silently wishing that he will take our side, that he
will fight alongside with us. I'm silently wishing that he's not really Klariza's
son. But of course, I can only wish but it will never come true.

But I can't keep him in the dark.

I closed my eyes and silently pressed the send button.

~~~

Days passed. Our packs trained hard, preparing for the battle on the day of the
blood moon. I also got the confirmation from Blue Moon and Azalea. After hearing
the recording, they don't have any doubts anymore. Ang gusto na lang nila ay
makawala mula sa packs na sumakop sa kanila. They feel deceived. Pakiramdam nila
nanakawan sila ng tahanan.

Maging ang mga Lycans ay naghahanda na sa darating na laban. Ang problema lang
ngayon ay ang pack ng Pride. Gusto mang kampihan ni Hades si Amber, unti-unti ng
gumagaling ang kanyang ama at wala rin kay Hades ang buong awtoridad upang utusan
ang Pride. Na kay Julian pa rin ang huling salita. Pero sinasanay pa rin niya ang
Pride para sa nalalapit na laban.

Nakausap na rin ni Eclipse si Rye. Maging siya ay naghahanda na rin. He also

couldn't contain his anger but he can still wait.

Everyone is silently preparing for this revolution. Walang kahit ano'ng maririnig
na balita mula sa mga packs. This is just the calm before the storm. Wala kaming
ginagawang aksiyon laban sa council. We want them to feel lax until the blood moon.

It's already April 29. I sneaked inside the Sanguis' old mansion. I just want to
meet Klariza. I want to know her reaction and instill fear in her heart. Will she
see my mother's face in me? With my black silky long hair and green eyes, I think
she'll probably think of my mother. A ghost of her past. I just want to collect
some overdue debts.

Mas maraming guards ang nagbabantay sa mansion na ito kaysa sa tinitirhan ni Yul
pero maingat ko silang naiwasan hanggang sa makapasok ako sa mansion. I moved
lightly and unnoticed. Alas onse pa lang ng gabi. Wala si Lhourd dahil inaasikaso
niya ang execution ni Amber na magaganap bukas.

I sneak inside the master's bedroom. Tahimik na binuksan ko ang pinto. Madilim sa
loob at tanging sa lampshade lang nagmumula ang munting liwanag. I silently locked
the door. Klariza is already comfortably sleeping wearing her gold silk nightgown.
If I'm here to kill her, I might be able to kill her quickly without her realizing
her tragic end. But I can't spill more blood. I want justice but I won't let my
hands get stained.

I don't want her dirty, disgusting blood in my hands.

I start the recorder on my phone before I put it back on my pocket. I stared
intently at her until she feels uncomfortable, as if I'm burning her down through
my gaze while I'm standing beside her bed. She uncomfortably moved in bed and
slowly opened her eyes. When her gaze fell on me, she let out a loud shriek of
fear. Agad siyang napabalikwas ng bangon habang may takot sa mga matang nakatingin
sa 'kin.

What a scaredy-cat!

"E-Eos?" impit na sigaw niya. Nanginginig ang tinig niya at hindi malaman ang
gagawin habang nakatingin sa 'kin.

I smiled down at her mockingly.

"You still remember, huh?" There's no gentleness in my voice. It's harsh and
condemning.

"Hindi! Patay ka na! Wala ka na!" she screamed like crazy. "Hind ka totoo!" She
even throws a pillow at me but I block it with ease.

Tumaas ang kilay ko sa nakitang reaksiyon niya. As if she's afraid of my mother.

Why does she react like this? I asked a possible answer to my own question. "Why?
Am I haunting your dreams? Are you afraid of the dead? Ah! I understand now! I'm
the ghost of your past. I know what you did back then."

"Walang maniniwala sa 'yo! Patay ka na! Alpha females are no longer powerful! They
no longer have the authority to lead! I already ruined the alpha female's
reputation! You can't do anything about it now!" sigaw niya. Naniningkit ang mga
mata niya pero halata pa rin ang bahagyang panginginig ng katawan niya sa takot.

I smiled deviously. "Do I look like a ghost to you?" Nakataas ang kilay ko habang
nakakalokong tumingin sa kanya. I rush to grab her wrist. "Am I still a ghost?"
Malakas siyang napasigaw. My voice and closeness frightened her. Napaawang ang labi
niya habang nanginginig na nakatitig sa 'kin. Her heart's probably racing to death.

"Noooo! This is just a dream. I need to wake up! I need to wake up! You're already
dead! You're not real! Not real!" she screams like crazy. Malakas kong sinampal ang
mukha niya kaya natigilan siya sa pagsigaw at napapaling ang mukha sa gilid. I
can see the red trace of my palm on her face. I must go now. Her screams certainly
alarm the guards.

"I'm real. And I'm here to collect the debt of what you've done. You have to pay
for what you did nine years ago," mariing wika ko.

"E-Eos..." nanginginig ang tinig na tawag niya. Hindi siya makapaniwala sa nakikita
niya sa harapan niya. There's fear in her eyes. I smirked.
"Not Eos... but Eurus..." I corrected her.

"Eurus?" nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya na tila may naalala sa pangalan ko. Of
course. Ipinakilala ako ni Yul sa kanila noong kaarawan niya. Siguradong natandaan
niya ang pangalan ko. I laughed at her dumbfounded look. I immediately moved and
left the room through the main door.

Hindi nga ako nagkamali, may mga bodyguards ng tumatakbo patungo sa silid ni
Klariza. Narinig ko rin ang malakas na sigaw ni Klariza at ang utos niya na hanapin
at hulihin ako. She'll definitely hunt me. Lumiko ako sa isang madilim na pasilyo
pero napasinghap ako nang may humila sa 'kin patungo sa loob ng isang silid. I am
ready to punch and kick him to escape but I am startled to see Yul's face. I
immediately calmed down when he closed the door.

"Why are you here?" mariing tanong niya. His face is dark and I can sense his
anger. I am trapped in his tight embrace, his one hand hugging my waist. Pigil niya
ang isang kamay ko na susuntok sana sa mukha niya. My heart uncontrollably started
to race.

Hindi ko inaasahang nandito si Yul. "Bakit ka rin nandito?" maang na tanong ko.

I stare at him with confusion. I just noticed the heat coming from his half-naked
body. His hair was messy and his hazel eyes are still dark. But it slowly softened
when he answered my question truthfully. "I moved here after I confronted you about
the truth. Hindi ko kayang tumira sa dating teritoryo mo lalo na't ang pamilya ko
ang may kasalanan kung bakit namatay ang mga magulang at mga kapatid mo. I just
can't live there anymore."

I could sense his helplessness. And the barrier I put inside my heart slowly
melted.

"You also sent that recording. I want to know the truth on my own. That's why I
came back," he said choking on his own words.

"I-I'm sorry." Even I choked on my own words.

He chuckled but there's a hint of loneliness in there. "You don't have to be sorry.
Instead, I'm sorry. It's my family's fault."

Nag-iinit ang lalamunan ko. I can't breathe. Why do we have to see each other now?

Natigilan kami nang marinig ang sunud-sunod na katok.

"Boss Yul, may pumasok ba sa silid mo na kahina-hinalang tao? May napansin ka ba?"
sigaw ng isang lalaki. Kinakabahang napatingin ako kay Yul. He's also looking down
at me. Seryoso ang mga mata niya na ikinahina ng mga tuhod ko. Wala sa sariling
mahigpit akong napahawak sa balikat niiya.

"None. Don't disturb me," seryosong sagot ni Yul habang matiim na nakatitig sa
'kin. Wala sa sariling nag-iwas ako ng tingin. Tumahimik na sa labas ng silid niya
nang marinig ang utos ni Yul.

"I have to go," mahinang wika ko.

"Hindi mo pa sinasagot ang tanong ko," saad niya.

Nahihirapang napabuntong-hininga ako. "I just came to see your mother but don't
worry, she's alive. I didn't come here to kill her. I just want to let her know
that Eos' daughter is alive. I can't hide anymore. Bukas na ang execution ni Amber,
hindi kami mananahimik na lang."

Nanatiling tahimik si Yul. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang iniisip niya habang
nakatingin sa 'kin. "Do you believe me?" mahinang tanong ko. Siguro nagdududa siya
sa sagot ko. I can't blame him. I trespassed on their territory.

He sighed heavily. "I believe you," he answered with certainty. "Hindi ko lang alam
ang gagawin ko sa 'yo... sa 'tin."

I blushed due to what he said and I blushed even more when I realized our awkward
position. Mariing napapikit si Yul. I could feel his restraint. He slowly let go of
my waist.

"Go. Be careful on your way back home," mahinang saad niya. Nahihirapang tumingin
siya sa mga mata ko at binitawan na rin ang isang kamay ko. I helplessly nodded. I
want to know whose side he'll take. But I bite my tongue. I slowly back away from
him. "I'll just go through out your window."

Tumango si Yul. Tatalikudan ko na sana siya pero natigilan ako nang marahan niyang
hinawakan ang dulo ng buhok ko at halikan iyon nang matagal. Nang bumaling ang
tingin niya sa 'kin, nagsalita siya.

"Take care. And I'm sorry... I still love you."

Mariin akong napapikit. Nang bitawan niya ang buhok ko, hindi na ako nagdalawang-
isip na umalis. Bago ako tumalon mula sa bintana niya, bahagyang nilingon ko siya.
Nakatingin lang siya sa 'kin. His eyes are silently pleading for me not to go. May
isang butil ng luha na pumatak sa pisngi ko.

I know. I can't stay with him so I jumped off.

I stopped the recording when I hop inside the car. I played it but I could only
tightly close my eyes when I heard Yul's familiar deep voice there.
***

Nightfall 37: Blood Moon [Nightfall]

"Let go of the painful memories..."

EURUS

April 30. Seven in the evening. The day of Amber's execution.

According to Hades, they will transport Amber to the west coast of Vaire wherein
there are multiple steep cliffs that go straight down the deep blue green sea.
Walang taong maliligaw sa lugar na ito dahil sa delikado rito at pribadong pag-aari
ito ng council. Those cliffs are named Reaper Cliffs.

The full bright moon is kissing the sea. I can't sense chaos on its serene and
soothing atmosphere. The total lunar eclipse will happen soon.

Malakas na alon ang humahampas sa gilid ng matataas na bangin. Patag ang malawak na
lupa at nababalot ito ng damong bermuda. The scenery is just too beautiful to be
tainted by death.

We're doing this on our own because we can't let ordinary people handle our race's
business. We're different from them. We are technically considered as beast hiding
in human form. We need to hide our existence from them or else we will be hunted by
those humans.

Our Nightfall pack already stationed themselves somewhere near the Reaper Cliffs to
hide. Tahimik na hinihintay nila ang pagdating ng council mula sa malayo at
hinihintay rin nila ang utos na magmumula sa 'kin. Our priority is to save Amber
and expose the council's evil doing. As much as possible we don't want death or
fight unnecessary battles.

I wear a pair of Bluetooth ear pods and connected the line to my brother and
Eclipse while I'm standing on one of the branches of the tallest pine tree, wearing
a black suit hugging my body tightly. I used cat night vision and check the arrival
of the convoy. Nasa kabilang dako si Eclipse at naghihintay rin sa pagdating nila.

Nang matanaw ko ang convoy para kay Amber, agad kong sinabi kay Eclipse ang
lokasyon nila. "They're approaching the intersection. Be ready in 5 minutes. But be
careful. Hindi lang ang convoy ang makakalaban natin, may mga napansin akong
werecats na sumusunod sa kanila. They're in cat forms. Sa tingin ko napaghandaan na
nila ang posibleng ambush."

"Copy. Mag-iingat ka rin," saad ni Eclipse. I heard him giving orders to his pack.
Binigyan na ni Bry si Eclipse ng kapangyarihan upang magbigay ng utos sa mga
Lycans.

May apat na itim na kotseng dumaan sa makipot at lubak-lubak na daan patungo sa

Reaper Cliff. I watched them pass the intersection in the middle of the forest. One
road is leading to the beach while the other way leads to Reaper Cliffs.

Some Lycans started to move. They transformed into their cat form. I can see
tigers, ligers and lions lurking in the darkness, silently waiting for their
targets.

Naghihintay naman sa ibang bahagi ng Reaper Cliffs sina Neferti at Night kung
sakaling magkaaberya ang mga plano namin.

When the convoy arrived on the intersection, multiple werecats suddenly blocked
their way, slamming against the cars and stopping them on their tracks. Nayupi ang
ilang bahagi ng kanilang sasakyan. Napilitang lumabas ang mga miyembro ng council
at ang kanilang mga bodyguards. I can see anger plastered in their faces as they
urgently released orders.

May ilang werecats mula sa Sanguis, Pride, Luna at Iris na biglang sumulpot at
pumigil sa kanila. They bared their fangs and cruelly bit and attacked their
enemies. Bodies slammed against the car hoods, car trunks and doors. Some werecats
are just too fierce, trying to tear some of their enemy's limbs. Some tore open
fleshes. The fight was chaotic. I noticed Eclipse's silhouette as he sneaks inside
one of the cars.

I can hear cracking bones from my Bluetooth ear pods. I hear loud thuds and punches
and screaming inside it. He probably killed those werecats who are assigned to
guard Amber. Mabilis niyang nailabas si Amber sa sasakyan. They ran but some
werecats followed suit. I can see the council yelling but I can't clearly hear
them. Eclipse and Amber transformed in their cat form. Eclipse and Amber are both a
hybrid of panther and Royal White Bengal Tiger. Amber is just much smaller than
Eclipse and her fur is not as thick as Eclipse's but her feline beauty is very
distinctive. I lost my connection with Eclipse.

Dahil hindi nila malampasan ang malaking grupo ng werecats na humarang sa bawat
daan palayo sa Reaper Cliff, wala silang nagawa kundi ang tumakbo paakyat, patungo
sa cliffs. I alerted Neferti and Night. It seems the council are prepared for this
ambush.

I noticed that the whole place slowly darkens. I looked at the direction of the
moon. The total lunar eclipse is happening. The earth's umbra slowly covers the
moon and the moon slowly turned red. Chaos has started and the moon seems to notice
it. The Blood Moon is here.
Nakagat ko ang labi ko. Mas maraming werecats and dumadating sa Reaper Cliffs. It
seems they received a special order from the council. I jumped down the tree
branches. We can't really escape this battle. We can only fight to survive.

"Kuya Lexus, send Nightfall to protect Amber and Eclipse. Stop those who are
chasing them. I'll be there in a while," seryosong utos ko. When my brother agreed,
I cut the line and removed the Bluetooth ear pods on my ears.

I am ready to remove my clothes, planning to shift in my cat form when a silhouette

came into view. Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko nang makita ang maliliwanag na mata ni Yul.
Lumabas siya mula sa likod ng isang puno. He was half-naked exposing his muscular
physique, wearing his ripped jeans. He returned back to his human form from his
partial shift. Naglakad siya patungo sa kinaroroonan ko. I also relaxed and
transformed back to my human form.

"Yul?" nag-aalangang tawag ko sa pangalan niya. I hope he's not here to stop me.

"Eurus," he called my name with hesitation. "I saw you earlier and I just want to
say something... so I come here." He stopped a foot away in front of me.

"Ano 'yon?" kabadong tanong ko.

"I have decided. I'm on your side..." he said. "I'm willing to let go of everything
for you. I just want to express my sincerity. I want you to know how I really
feel."

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. My heart raced against my chest. "W-What about your
pack?" My voice trembled. I don't want him to lose his pack. Ayaw ko namang itakwil
siya ng mga magulang niya.

"Hindi ko alam. Kapag nalaman ng lahat ang totoo. Kapag nabunyag sa lahat ang
kasalanang ginawa ng mga magulang ko, maraming magbabago. Those werecats under
Sanguis may have a change of heart. Wala akong kinalaman sa ginawa ng mga magulang
ko kaya maaaring sumunod pa rin sila sa 'kin o maaaring lumipat sila sa ibang
packs. Siguradong mahahati ang opinyon nila. I can only face it when I get there.
For now, I'll fight with you," seryosong saad niya. I could feel the heaviness in
his voice.

"You can't openly betray your pack," seryosong paalala ko sa kanya.

"They will understand. Maiintindihan din nila sa huli. I only fight for what's
right," sagot niya. "I can't let Sanguis fall any further. Kailangan kong itama ang
mga maling ginawa ng magulang ko."

I can see the resolve in his deep hazel eyes. Marahan akong tumango. Naiintindihan
ko. He needs to save his pack from ruin as well. Hindi niya hahayaang magkawatak-
watak ang Sanguis.
Tipid akong ngumiti kay Yul. I gaze softly at him. "Then be careful," I sincerely
reminded him. "And thank you for helping us. We must go now. Siguradong marami ng
humahabol kina Amber at Eclipse. We need to save them. I'm planning to expose the
truth as soon as possible. Maybe we can still prevent the bloodshed."

Maglalakad na sana ako patungo sa likod ng isang puno para magpalit sa anyong pusa
pero pinigilan niya ang isang kamay ko. Nagtatakang tumingin ako sa kanya.
Napaurong ako nang mas lalo siyang lumapit sa 'kin hanggang mapasandal ako sa
katawan ng puno.

"What's the problem?" salubong ang kilay na tanong ko. He is staring at me intently
before letting out a heavy sigh.

"I don't know how this battle will end," panimula niya. "Hindi ko rin alam kung may
pag-asang tanggapin mo pa ako pagkatapos nito. Hindi ko alam kung may pag-asa pa
ako sa 'yo. I just want my heart to be a little at ease." He was clearly staring
down at my red lips. Tahimik akong napalunok. I'm not sure if he's asking for
permission or what. "I am so distracted. I can't think straight while worrying if
you'll still accept me or not."

He lowered his head, his lips just an inch away from mine. I stared back at him. I
have never seen him this insecure before. He looks so fragile like he's about to
break anytime. He is so uncertain about himself. I don't think I have the heart to
break him now.

I didn't answer him but I let him do what he wants. When he realized I'm not
stopping him nor answering, he just moves closer until his lips softly touched
mine. Dahan-dahang gumalaw ang mga labi niya, tila tinatantiya kung pipigilan ko ba
siya o kung tutugon ba ako sa halik niya.

This part of him is just too cute. Hindi ko napigilan ang pagngiti. Pinigilan ko
ang mahinang pagtawa.

He froze for a while when he felt my lips curved into a small smile. He smiled a
little and continue to tease and nibble on my lips.

I slowly closed my eyes and cling unto him. I know this man occupied a part of my
heart. And I'm happy that he's on our side now. My heart just can't contain it. I
accepted his kisses and softly responded. When he realized the sudden improvement,
he boldly slips his tongue inside my mouth and hungrily kissed me roughly, as if he
missed me so bad.

My knees turned jelly. My body trembled a little from excitement and nervousness. I
love his taste on my mouth. My mind is a little dizzy. Mahigpit akong napahawak sa
mga balikat niya. He supported my waist with his strong arms.

I just realized that I'm actually ready to choose him after this fight. I realized
that I'm brave enough now to choose him.
He only stopped kissing when we're already out of air. We're both breathing
heavily. My lips swell from the intense kiss and my face is flushed and hot. My
heart is racing like crazy. I can't look at him straight in the eyes but I can feel
how his eyes dances with happiness.

He whispered in my ears. "I'm sorry. I'm really insecure now. Just a little
security from you will be enough. I know I'm not playing this fair. I'm sorry. I'm
sorry, Eurus," He planted a small kiss on my neck before letting me go. "Ayaw ko
lang sumuko agad."

Mas lalong namula ang mukha ko. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin. Paano ko siya
sasagutin?

Pero nang hindi niya narinig ang sagot ko, matipid siyang ngumiti. "Just shift
here. I'll just go over there to shift," he said lightly. Naglakad siya sa madilim
na bahagi ng kakahuyan. Nasapo ko naman ang dibdib. Marahan ko ring kinurot ang
pisngi ko. Why would this happen before the fight? I'm the one who's distracted
now.

Kinalma ko ang sarili bago ko hinubad ang mga saplot ko. I transform into an albino
panther. A snow leopard joined me after a few minutes. We didn't want to delay any
further so we immediately run to the Reaper Cliffs.

I can hear screams and roars all over the place. Some werepanthers and werelions
are extremely fighting, clawing and cutting each other's skins and flesh. I could
see the blood dripping from their open and wounded flesh.

The rotten and metallic smell of blood lingers in my nose. Inalala ko ang dinaanan
nina Eclipse at Amber. Wala silang pagpipilian kundi ang umakyat sa Reaper Cliff
kaya doon kami nagtungo agad ni Yul.

The moon is already the color of blood, an omen of chaos.

I saw the Azalea pack and Blue Moon pack fighting with some werecats from Sanguis
and Iris. We were suddenly ambushed by two identical werejaguars with tan
coloration and black spots arranged in rosettes. I rolled on the ground and avoided
their sharp claws aiming at my face. Naiwasan din ni Yul ang atake ng isa sa
kanila.

"Heaven... Hell..." Yul snarled at them. He deeply and hoarsely grunts under his
breath.

Naningkit ang mga mata ko sa kambal. I growled at them and stood up with pride and
confidence. I can't let them intimidate me.

"It's an order. They discovered you're an alpha female before we can even tell
them. They gave us permission to kill you, Eurus," seryosong saad ni Hell. "Hindi
lang si Amber ang nakatakdang mamatay sa araw na ito. The council is also hunting
you."

I growled at him. "The Council is not always right."

"This is not about the council. I can't disobey my father's order," seryosong saad
ni Hell.

Mas lalong tumalim ang tingin ko kay Hell. "Come and try. Tingnan natin kung sino
ang unang mamamatay." Hindi nagawang pigilan ni Irish ang mga anak niya. Mukhang
mas matimbang ang utos ni Holden kaysa sa kanya. Wala na akong magagawa kundi ang
lumaban.

"Kahit alam mong may ginawang masama si Tito Holden? Susundin mo pa rin siya?" giit
ni Yul.

"We can't betray our pack, Yul. Hindi kami kagaya mo," seryosong singit ni Heaven.

"Kung ganoon, sana huwag ninyong pagsisihan ang daang pinili ninyo," mariing saad
ni Yul.

I slowly moved around Hell. Si Yul naman ang humarap kay Heaven. My fangs slowly
showed. Ipinakita ko kay Hell na wala akong balak umatras sa labang ito. Hell
slowly walked towards me without making a sound. Walking like a king with elegance
and dignity.

He swiftly lunged at me with sharp fangs aiming at my neck. I swiftly blocked his
attack by clawing his face. Agad siyang napaurong para umilag. We snarled at each
other.

Heaven and Yul are now fighting roughly and aggressively without reservation. They
clawed each other, bit each other's necks and legs. There were already scratches
and bruises on their bodies. They are just both savage fighters, ready to fight to
death.

Several werecats rushed to the Reaper Cliff. I wonder what's happening there now.

Hell leaped at me that brought back my attention. He clawed my side, scratching my

flesh. I clawed his side as well to get even. My sharp claws deeply dig his flesh.
I secretly snarled in pain from his attacks and bit his neck aggressively pulling
some of his bloody flesh out. I could taste the metallic taste of blood and his
fresh meat.

He's much bigger than me, so he immediately tackled me down the ground that caused
me to loosen my bite. He powerfully pressed his one foot on my stomach and bit my
front leg. I growled at him. I immediately tried my best to get up, jumped at him,
pushing him down on the ground.

I clawed his face fiercely that he managed to dodge. My right front leg hurts
because of what he'd done. I bit his front leg and tore open some of his flesh. He
angrily growled in pain, his eyes full of anger and tried to reach out for my neck
to bite. I am so aggressive but I actually don't want Hell to die. Because it's not
worth it. What he's fighting for is not really worth it.

"Just let us go. I don't want to shed more blood. Death leads to more revenge and
more death. I don't want that," giit ko. "I don't want you to die for the wrong
reasons! Wake up! I'm here to set things right!"

He forced himself to get up. I was pushed to the side and I had no choice but to
let him go. Hindi niya pinansin ang sinabi ko. Muli lang siyang tumakbo patungo sa
'kin upang umatake. Hindi siya makikinig kahit ano'ng sabihin ko kaya mas pinili ko
na lang na hindi lumaban sa kanya. Nag-aalala lang ako para kina Amber at Eclipse.
Kailangan kong makawala agad kay Hell. Tumakbo ako palayo kay Hell. Maging si Yul
ay sumunod sa 'kin.

We ran away from the twins and headed straight to the Reaper Cliffs. But they were
agile and swift. Naabutan nila kami pero mabuti na lang humarang sa daan nila sina
Neferti at Night.

"You have to pass through my corpse before you can kill Eurus, Hell," Neferti
grunted with warning.

Natigilan naman si Hell sa paghabol sa 'kin. "Stay out of this, Neferti," mariing
utos ni Hell.

"Then you have to kill me," tugon ni Neferti.

Nabawasan ang tinik sa dibdib ko dahil sa biglaang pagsulpot nila. Hindi na kami
nag-aksaya pa ng oras ni Yul. Hindi na namin sila pinagtuunan pa ng pansin at agad
na tumakbo paakyat sa Reaper Cliffs.

Nang makarating kami sa tuktok, natanaw namin sina Amber at Eclipse na

napapalibutan ng mga miyembro council, kasama ang ama ni Hades na si Julian.
Kitang-kita sa madidilim nilang mga mata na handa silang pumatay anumang oras. May
ilang mga werecats na naghihintay sa utos nila.

Tumingin ako kina Rye at Hades. They should be clear on which side they will take
soon.

***

Nightfall 38: Exposed [Nightfall]

"Don't self-destruct..."

EURUS

Napansin ko na duguan ang mga katawan nina Amber at Eclipse. May mga malalalim at
mabababaw na sugat sa kanilang mga katawan, paa at leeg. I could feel their silent
pain and agony that they could never voice out. Napapaligidan sila ng sampung
werecats na matalim na nakatingin sa kanila. Hindi pa gumagalaw ang sampung ito
dahil naghihintay pa sila sa opisyal na utos ng council.

They've been trapped and cornered and escaping this situation is completely hard.

We're still outnumbered now but if only Rye and Hades will step out, maybe we can
turn the tide. Ramdam ko ang malakas na hangin na humahampas sa katawan ko. I
wanted to shiver from the cold but unfortunately, my body warmth and fur can handle
it. I squinted from the wild cold wind while organizing my thoughts and made a
decision. I run towards Eclipse and Amber's location and leaped inside the
encirclement of the werecats. Yul followed my lead.

Everyone was shock and startled with our sudden move. Everyone from our packs are
waiting for orders. Some of the member of our packs are completely suppressed by
our enemies.

But I can still see their willingness to continue the fight. I could feel their
blazing resolve to win over the council. They are willing to fight to death. I
can't bring them down. We must finish this. We can't let our efforts be in vain.

"Sorry, we're late," mahinang saad ko kay Eclipse. I could see the blood stains
from his bluish white fur. I just want to lick those wound to at least lessen the
pain. I was kind of guilty for being late and that's because of the kiss I shared
with Yul and yes, it is Hell's fault too. I unconsciously averted my gaze away from
him. I'm glad I'm in my cat form and it's impossible for me to blush.

"Not really. Just right on time," he answered. "I'm just glad you're safe. Akala ko
may nangyari na."

I looked at him, ashamed and let out a low sound telling him that I'm alright. He
stared at me in relief. Tiningnan din niya si Yul. Siguradong may ideya na siya
kung bakit nandito si Yul. Siguradong alam na niya kung ano'ng desisyon ang pinili
ng kaibigan niya. Hindi na siya nagtanong pa at tumango lang kay Yul. Yul nodded
back at him. It's like a tacit understanding between them.
I snarled at the werecats surrounding us but they suddenly made way for the members
of the council. They walked forward and look intently at the four of us. Holden,
Julian, Klariza, Lhourd, Hades and Rye came into view.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo, Yul?" mariing tanong ni Klariza kay Yul. She's in her clouded
leopard form, smaller than Lhourd's build who was also a snow leopard and looks
like Yul inherited his cat form from his father. Madilim ang mga mata ni Klariza
habang nakatitig kay Yul. "Huwag mong sabihing kinakampihan mo sila? Come here!
Since Eurus is also an alpha female, she must be executed with Amber!"

"Walang kasalanan ang mga alpha females!" sigaw ni Yul. He bared his sharp fangs in
the rush of anger. "You... Mom... It's you, Mom," nahihirapang saad niya. It's hard
for him to continue so I stepped forward to face the council. I just nodded quietly
at Yul. He doesn't need to speak. I'll do it. He helplessly looked at me but can
only let me speak.

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko kay Klariza. Napansin ko ang kakaibang takot na
bumalot mga mata niya. Tila gusto niyang mapaurong. She's afraid of what I have to
say. Ang ilang miyembro ng council, sina Holden, Lhourd at Julian, ay matiim na
nakatitig sa 'kin na tila kinikilala ako, na tila inaarok kung may karapatan ba
talaga akong magsalita sa sitwasyong ito. "I'm here to speak out. For those who
don't know me. I'm Eurus Bane. I'm Eos Bane's daughter," seryosong pagpapakilala
ko.

"An alpha female," matapang na dagdag ko.

Halos lahat ng mga werecats na nakikinig sa 'kin ay namilog ang mga mata. They
didn't expect that I will be bold enough to declare that I'm an alpha female. I
could sense that they think of me as an idiot. Someone stupid enough to openly
embrace death.

But I'm not embracing death. I'm embracing responsibility.

"Eos had a daughter?" gulat na tanong ni Holden.

"Yes. She has a daughter. Itinago lang niya ako dahil sa pagiging iba ko. If you'll
notice I'm an albino and albinos are considered weak. She protected me from getting
hurt and from being discriminated. But I never thought that her protectiveness will
save me from the massacre that happened nine years ago," seryosong sagot ko.

"Massacre? You call that a massacre? The alpha females were killed because of their
evil doings. They brought that upon themselves," sarkastikong saad ni Julian.

"Really? I don't remember my mother committing a crime. Oh, but can you name one?"
giit ko. I matched his sarcastic tone. Natahimik ang mga miyembro ng council.
Siguradong wala silang maisip na krimen na maaari nilang idugtong sa pangalan ng
aking ina. My mother has always been the sun. She's always the cheerful and smiling
one. She would never do anything against the rules.
Maging ang mga werecats na nakikinig ay nagkaroon din ng munting pagdududa sa
council. Lihim akong nainis dahil sa pananahimik ng council. How could they kill
someone innocent? I looked harshly at them.

"She was innocent but you killed her and her whole family? Isn't that a kind of
injustice? Sigurado ba kayong nag-iisip talaga kayo nang tama noong nagdesisyon
kayong patayin ang mga alpha females? Or are you aiming for something else? Is
there a hidden agenda?" Naghahamon ang tinig ko. Naumid ang dila ng mga miyembro ng
council. Because they are guilty and they can't find any hole on my arguments.

"T-That's – because the alpha females are ruining the peace between the packs!"
singit naman ni Klariza. She growled under her breath. I could sense her
frustration. Alam kong hindi na niya ako hahayaang magsalita pa. Hindi niya
hahayaang ibunyag ko ang sikreto niya. She was surely scared out of her mind.

"It's you who ruined the peace between the packs! Do you think killing the alpha
females will let you have a peaceful life? No. The affected families will seek
revenge. They will never let you live a happy life. You should have known that they
will come after you," I snarled at her through gritted teeth. "I'm here to set
things right. Hindi na ako mananahimik habang tinatanggalan ninyo ng karapatan ang
mga alpha females na wala namang naging kasalanan."

"We can't let you speak more nonsense!" sigaw ni Klariza. I noticed that even the
other members will not let me speak any further. I have to finish my speech.

"I know what you did nine years ago. K-Klariza..." I'm not sure if it's rude to
call Yul's mother by her name but I can't help it. I'm not related to her or
something. We're not even close. And she's the reason why my parents are killed.
"Klariza, you plotted against the alpha females, setting them up for the things
they'd never done. And the council members, Lhourd, Holden and Julian helped you
with the agenda of expanding their territories. You unlawfully killed the alpha
females for your own greed. I'm requesting you all to step down as a Council member
and give the alpha females the freedom and authority they deserve."

"I'm also requesting for the release of Nightfall, Blue Moon and Azalea packs and
give them the right to return to the Council. The Lycan pack must return to the
council too. Let's return the balance."

I noticed the doubts from some of the werecats' faces but they waited for the
council to confirm my allegations. They can't fully trust me. Hindi ko naman sila
masisisi. Hindi nila ako kilala.

Malakas na tumawa ang mga miyembro ng council. I could sense mockery from their
laughter. Napatiim-bagang ako. They won't easily admit to their wrong doings,
right?

"Are you accusing us without any proofs?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Holden. "O
gusto mo lang kaming siraan? We decided according to the werecat's rules. We don't
have any hidden agenda."

"Is that so?" naghahamong tanong ko. "Should I show you some proofs?"

Holden's eyes are clouded with sudden fear. I can see that he's hesitating. It's
because he is guilty and he knows he did something wrong. Siguradong iniisip na
niya ngayon kung ano'ng katibayan ang tinutukoy ko.

"Catch her! She's only distracting us! Tarnishing the reputation of the council!"
mariing utos naman ni Julian.

Akmang gagalaw na ang mga werecats upang hulihin ako pero may malakas na tinig ng
isang babae na biglang umagaw ng atensiyon namin. "Wait!" Rhysia jumped in front of
us all. She's in her partial shift, her hair tied in a high ponytail, wearing a
black leather suit. "I have the proof!" Ipinakita niya ang cellphone niya. She
immediately played the recorded conversation of the council when Eclipse and I
sneaked inside the headquarters.

Nanlaki ang mga mata nina Holden nang makilala nila ang kanilang sariling boses.
They're spilling all their wrong doings in that recording and they couldn't even
deny it. Pero kahit hindi nila mai-deny ang mga ito, makapangyarihan pa rin sila.
Maaaring sila pa rin ang sundin ng mga packs nila.

They are frozen, their faces distorted with shame and anger. They couldn't even
make a single move or step. They can't stop the recording even if they wanted to.
Ryshia is from the Luna's pack and they will be going against Rye now if they make
a move against her.

On the recording it's clear that Klariza, Lhourd, Julian and Holden killed the
alpha females for their own greed. Laylay ang mga balikat ng ilang werecats na
nagmula sa Sanguis, Iris at Pride. Hindi nila akalaing totoo ang akusasyon ko.
They've been loyal to their own packs but they never thought that their alpha
leaders will do something hideous.

Nang matapos ang recording, nagsalitang muli si Ryshia. "And for the conflict
between the Blue Moon and Azalea, they've been deceived. Walang kasalanan sina Tita
Lani at Tita Zarah. Someone set them up and the one who killed Lani's husband was
hired by Tita Klariza," seryosong saad niya. I could clearly see the coldness in
her eyes as she throws the photos towards the council – photos free-falling on the
ground.

"And Tita Klariza is also responsible for the misunderstanding between my Mom and
Dad," she said through gritted teeth. "I hate to break it to you but our pack,
Luna, is also requesting you to step down from your positions."

"My daughter already said what I want to say," mariing saad ni Rye. He moved away
from the council.
Even Hades moved away from them. "I'm sorry Dad. You did something that tarnished
our pack's reputation. I can't follow you now."

Nanggagalaiti sa galit sina Holden, Julian, Lhourd at Klariza. They were already at
the disadvantage. Maging ang ama ni Eclipse na si Bry ay dumating din. I could feel
the anger welling inside each one of them.

"No! I won't step down! Iris will protect that position! We will fight!" sigaw ni
Holden. He started to yell, giving orders. Maging sina Lhourd at Julian ay
nagkalakas ng loob. They also commanded their packs to attack and fight. They won't
let go of their positions without a fight. They will only stop if we're able to
suppress them. They already hardened their hearts and they would no longer listen.

I silently gritted my teeth. Why do they even want to shed even more blood? Wala
kaming nagawa nina Eclipse, Yul at Amber kundi ang makipaglaban. The ten werecats
surrounding us already moved after a minute of hesitation. They still choose to be
loyal with their packs and I can't do anything about that - loyalty is blind.

Even Klariza was already out of her mind. She even shot glares at me like daggers.
I know she wouldn't let me go that easily. She was humiliated by me.

I lashed against the wereleopard who attacked me. I clawed and pushed him down on
the ground. I even bit his neck and snapped it. The lifeless body of the leopard
will be a fertilizer on this cold ground. I'm silently grieving for his family. I
don't want to kill but I can't survive with kindness alone.

With a heavy spirit, I can only move and fight my next opponent. Everyone was busy
with their own fights. We no longer care anymore. There are several werecats
swarming near the cliff sides. Some of them helplessly fall from the cliff,
screaming, roaring until the vastness of the deep blue sea swallow them whole.

Dying in this cat form is the saddest. No one will recognize you as human. No one
will give you a proper burial. My heart silently breaks for all our fallen
comrades.

I clawed and thrashed at the werejaguar who attacked me with sharp, bloody claws.
He already killed a lot. I could just sense the bloodlust from his cold eyes,
glowing in the darkness. He tackled me on the ground, trying to bite a part of my
neck. Nagawa kong ilagan ang ilang kagat niya. I used all my strength to push him
and managed to get up.

My whole body is already covered with scratches, bruises and open wounds with torn
flesh. I'm already bathing on my own blood and also with the stinking blood from
those I killed. I bit the neck of the werejaguar and my jaws are already aching
from snapping several necks today.

I'm silently and secretly grunting in pain.

The vigorous fighting and unworthy battles made me exhausted.

Natigilan ako sa leopard na biglang dumagan sa 'kin. I was pushed down, my face
facing the ground. The weight of the leopard overpowered me. I can't even see the
face of my assailant. I grunted and growled lowly in pain as the leopard bit my
back and tear open my flesh. I am panting, breathing heavily from exhaustion and
pain.

"You have to pay for what you've done. Humiliating me in front of everyone. I won't
let you go that easily," she hissed harshly in my ear. She pressed the back of my
neck harder, blocking the airways from my diaphragm. I gasped for air. I recognized
her voice.

Klariza.

It seems fighting her is inevitable.

***

Nightfall 39: Heavy Price [Nightfall]

Author's Note:

It's been a while since I put an author's note on my update. Lol. Hope you're all
doing well.

Please don't post spoilers on your social media accounts, starting from the events
of this chapter and the next ones. You can comment your thoughts and feels here
instead if you really can't contain it.

I love you guys.

~Missmaple

~~~

"Reclaim the identity of who you really are..."

EURUS

My throat is burning as I gasped for air. Tears are welling in my eyes. I feel like
I'm going to die soon. I'm so desperately clinging to the thin air I can only
breathe in. I thrashed around frantically to escape Klariza's hold. I just want to
be able to breathe.

I just realize how it hurts to die. Dying in this battle never crossed my mind but
now I can only struggle to save this little life of mine. I'm not prepared yet.

Halatang gusto akong pahirapan ni Klariza. Maaari naman niya akong patayin sa
mabilis na paraan pero mas pinili niya akong pahirapan sa paghinga. She's a savage.
It seems that she's finding pleasure in other's pain. Or maybe she just hates me so
much that she wants me to die slowly, while I'm begging for mercy to live.

My head is already spinning. I can't die now. Not now. I roared in anger, gathering
all my strength as I forcefully get up. I am able to push her away after I clawed
her face and struggled to bite her left paw. I was so agitated that my fangs sink
deeply on her paw. I released her when I realized that she will retaliate. I rush
to move away from her.

Habol ko ang hininga nang makatayo ako nang maayos at makaalis sa pagkakadagan
niya. Yul and Eclipse are both busy with their own opponents. Medyo malayo na rin
ang kinaroroonan nila mula sa 'kin. I can't bother them. I must handle Klariza on
my own. Maybe this way, I can give justice to my family's death. I didn't plan on
killing her at first but she's giving me no other choice.

Sisiguraduhin kong hindi ako ang mamatay sa labang ito.

I don't want Yul to lose his family because I know how painful it is. Their death
will become a scar that will never fade in his heart. I don't want him to
experience that despair. Death is just too sad and empty.

Klariza violently attacked me with her sharp claws. Napaurong ako at mas pinili ko
munang tumakbo palayo. I need to breathe and rest for a while. Wala pang sampung
metro ay natigilan na ako sa pagtakbo dahil natanaw ko na ang isang malalim na
bangin at ang malakas na alon na humahampas sa gilid ng bangin. I can't go any
further.

Buong tapang na hinarap ko si Klariza. Wala pa siyang masyadong galos sa katawan at

siguradong mas mataas pa ang enerhiya niya upang lumaban kumpara sa 'kin. My
stamina is already running out and I'm at a disadvantage. I am so exhausted and my
jaws are already hurting.

But she's much older so I hope she doesn't have that much stamina and strength in
her body. But I know that's only wishful thinking. We're werecats. We are beasts. I
don't think she will weaken just because she's old.
She growled harshly at me. Walang pag-aalinlangan na tinalon niya ang kinaroroonan
ko na tila hindi siya makapaghintay na patumbahin ako.

Sa kabila ng panghihina ko, nagawa kong iwasan ang mga matatalim na kuko niya. I
leaped to the side, aggressively piercing her side and pushed her to the cliffside.
Unfortunately, she was swift enough to avoid the edge of the cliff. She shot some
death glares that sting like daggers at me.

"Gusto kitang intindihin, Klariza. Pero hindi ko talaga maintindihan kung bakit
ginagawa mo 'to. Maybe you're not an alpha female but you should have lived with
dignity and pride. I don't think people will look down on you just because you're
not an alpha," may kaunting simpatiya sa tinig ko. Gusto ko na lang siyang kausapin
nang masinsinan para ipaintindi sa kanya na mali ang kanyang ginagawa. I looked at
her like she's some lost kitten and she must be brought back home.

Mas lalong dumilim ang tingin niya sa 'kin. She hates the kind of gaze I gave her.

"You don't know what I've been through! Hindi mo alam ang mga bagay na tiniis ko.
I've been trained to be an alpha female. I accepted all the wounds and bruises but
being hard-working is never enough. I am not meant to be an alpha and I'm a
disappointment to my family. I can't meet the standards. I was abused emotionally
for the things I can never become," she said through gritted teeth. I can feel her
blazing anger and the emotional scar she endured for so long.

"You can be an alpha if only you are wise enough to make good decisions. If only
you didn't succumb to hatred and envy. Everyone will surely respect you if you
lived without doing those hideous things! They will realize that they are wrong!
They will appreciate your good side and efforts if only you are patient. You-"

"I'm not here to listen to you preach!" she abruptly interrupted. "Wala kang alam
sa buhay ko! Wala kang karapatang magsalita at pagsabihan ako!"

She moved, bending her body down as if she's ready to hunt down her prey. I'm the
prey that she will have for meal. This time I can see how sharp her eyes are. She's
no longer playing. She is ready to strike and give me a death blow. An immediate
and inescapable death.

I don't plan to back down either. I bend my body down and waited for her to lunge.
She immediately attacked, leaping and fiercely tearing my side and my face. I meet
her with my sharps claws too, matching her speed and strength.

I tried to impair one of her hind legs, causing some deep cuts on her skin as I
received some wounds and scratches from her. She pushed me down on the ground with
her strength and heavy weight, stepping down on my stomach. I'm struggling to get
up but she received some deep claw marks on her stomach, her disgusting blood
drenching my body.

She growled at me with irritation. She's suffering from pain as she softly
whimpers. She bit my neck and I bit her neck back as well. We're both stubborn to
attack and cause damage to each other. The taste of blood and fresh flesh on my
mouth disgusted me.

My body stings of pain and agony. My whole body is drenched with blood and
exhaustion slowly overtakes me. But my desire for survival wins over my exhausted
body. I struggled and thrashed underneath her heavy weight.

I didn't let go of her neck. Mas lalong bumaon ang mga pangil ko sa duguang leeg
niya. Her fangs also sink deeper in my flesh. I roared in exasperation and anguish.

I'm just glad that someone comes to rescue me from the extreme pain. Someone pushed
and tackled Klariza away from my exhausted and wasted body.

Eclipse came into view. He angrily bit Klariza and tore some fresh meat on her
belly. I slowly get up with my knees still trembling.

Before Eclipse can harm Klariza any further, Lhourd came to the rescue. Lhourd
leaped and pushed Eclipse away.

Halos tumigil ang mundo ko nang madulas si Eclipse sa gilid ng bangin. I gasped for
air but I let out a sigh of relief when he managed to leap back to the ground. My
heart slams against my chest and Eclipse's name is stuck in my burning throat. I
can't even let out a single sound. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko kung sakaling
mahulog si Eclipse sa bangin.

"Focus," seryosong saad ni Eclipse nang humarang siya sa pagitan namin ni Klariza.
Nakabawi ako sa pagkatulala nang marinig ko ang malalim na boses niya.

Lhourd attacks Eclipse. Walang nagawa si Eclipse kundi ang harapin si Lhourd at
iwan si Klariza sa 'kin. They fight a chaotic brawl.

Klariza tried to tackle me again but this time she was stopped by Yul who rushed
between us and angrily growled at his mother.

"Stay away from her, Mom," he snarled. He was baring his fangs at his own mother.
His fur glistened with thick dripping blood.

"Yul! I can't believe you're siding with them! We're your family! What kind of
brainwashing is this? Kahit piliin mo siya, hindi namin siya tatanggapin sa
pamilya. Find another one, a better one," mariing saad ni Klariza. "Come back to
our side!"

"No one's better than her for me," he angrily said. Natiigilan ako sa sinabi niya.
There was a sudden warmth engulfing my heart. He gazed at his mother softly. He
doesn't want to hurt her. He was silently pleading to his mother to stop. "Please
stop this. Sumuko na kayo. We can start again. I can lead the pack. Maybe they will
give our pack another chance. Let's prove to them that we can change for the
better. Maybe we can earn their trust back and they will allow us to join the
council in the future. I can get a position in the council. I'll work hard for it,"
Yul pleaded. "Sa ngayon, gawin muna natin ang tama. Let's accept our punishment.
Order the pack to stop. Let's surrender."

"I can't back down now, Yul. She's better be dead than marry you or have you. I
can't accept her. Inilalayo ka niya sa 'min. She just ruined my reputation, our
pack's reputation!" sigaw ni Klariza. Hindi siya natitinag sa paliwanag ni Yul.
She's blinded by hatred that she no longer wants to listen. She's no longer
thinking logically.

Bago pa makapagsalitang muli si Yul, inatake na niya ako sa kabila ng pagharang ni

Yul sa kanya. She even clawed her way to me, pushing Yul away. Yul's shoulder fell.
He knows he can no longer stop her mother. I can feel his sadness and
disappointment and hesitation.

I bite Klariza's right front thigh but she was able to roughly sink her fangs on my
neck. I felt her bones cracking against my sharp blood-drenched fangs. I'm slowly
breaking her bones but she became even more violent, clawing harshly against my
skin. Halos lahat na ng parte ng katawan ko ay nagtamo ng malalalim na kalmot.

Yul bite Klariza's flesh even though it's against his will. There was hesitation at
first but he hardened his resolve when he noticed that his mother doesn't plan to
stop. Killing a family member is the hardest decision he can ever make and I'm
silently sympathizing and grieving with him.

Klariza becomes uncontrollable even clawing Yul's chest, earning some deep cuts and
scratches from her. She loosened her fangs on my chest and angrily faced Yul
tackling her son to the ground and biting his chest, tearing his flesh apart. I
watched in horror as Klariza made a hole out of Yul's chest. She is insane!

I noticed Yul's shock and pained gaze on his mother. He was hurt to see his mother
acting like this.

I pushed Klariza away out of desperation. I tackled her down but I received a
fierce scratch on my forehead causing the blood to drip down my eyes. My sight
slightly become blurry. I tried to bite her neck but she managed to get away from
me. She lunged at me again but I'm still blinking my eyes wishing for the blood to
disappear.

Mas pinili kong umurong upang iwasang ang nagbabadyang atake niya pero sumingit si
Yul sa pagitan namin. Tinanggap niya ang pag-atake ni Klariza sa kabila ng dugong
dumadaloy sa dibdib niya. I removed the blood using the back of my paw.

When I am able to see clearer, I noticed that both Klariza and Yul are biting each
other. It seems Yul is hesitating to snap his mother's neck and kill her.

When he loosened his bite, he pleadingly said. "Please stop, Mom. I love you. I
can't lose you." He was panting heavily.
"No! I have to kill her! Don't go against me, Yul!" Klariza roared at him.

I rushed to them. When Klariza saw me approaching she readied her sharp claws and
she targeted my chest with all her might. I could only swiftly change direction but
to my surprise, her claws went through Yul's chest. Her claws sink deeply that I
can only gasped. I could only wish her claws didn't reach his heart. But Yul's
pupil dilated and I had a bad premonition about this.

We were completely frozen watching Yul's silent whimpers of pain and agony. Klariza
was completely shock and could only retreat and remove her claws from her son's
chest. But I could see his heart and broken ribs peeking out from his chest. His
heart was damaged with claw marks on it.

"Yul! NO!" I cried.

Agad akong tumakbo sa kanya. I was so uneasy and horrified. Paano? Ano'ng gagawin
ko? Yul's knees trembled and he can only fall helplessly on the ground. Maging si
Klariza ay nanginginig sa nagawa niya.

"Yul... don't die on me," I said between sobs. I desperately lick his chest,
wishing to stop the bleeding, wishing for his heart to heal but it never happened.
There's no magic that can save him now.

Yul faintly looked at me with exhausted, solitary eyes. He forced a small smile.

"I-I don't - think I'll make it," he softly whispered. Blood started to drip out
his mouth. He's actually vomiting blood. I can only roar in sadness and
desperation. I noticed that he was about to close his eyes. He can't die in cat
form. I can't accept this but he has no energy left to transform back to his human
form. He'll be dead before he can even complete the shift.

I desperately licked his wounds. "Please hold on. Don't close your eyes. Don't
close your eyes, Yul. It will be alright soon. Don't give up now. I love you. Stay
awake, alright?" My eyes swell and my tears slowly mixed with my dripping blood.

I looked around to find help. I saw Eclipse fighting fiercely with Yul's father. I
shouted at him. "Eclipse!" sigaw ko na umagaw sa atensiyon niya. Lhourd and Eclipse
turned to my direction. Nagulat sila nang makita ang kalagayan ni Yul at agad
silang tumakbo sa direksiyon ko.

"Let's save him, Eclipse. You're studying medicine, right? Do something. Fix his
wound. Stitch him up," I desperately pleaded when Eclipse reached us.

Eclipse looked at Yul, horrified. Tila naumid ang dila ni Eclipse. Nanghihinang
tiningnan niya ang malalim na sugat ni Yul.
"It's alright. I-I really-can't make it-Eurus," Yul whispered. "And I love you
too." His voice croaked. "E-Eclipse, keep her... s-safe. And you're still my
bestfriend." His voice broke as he slowly closed his eyes.

"No! You can't leave us. You can't leave me like this!" I growled desperately.
Nagmamakaawang tiningnan ko si Eclipse pero nanghihinang napailing si Eclipse sa
'kin. He was silently crying too. "You can't let him die! Not in this form! Please
Eclipse! He's your friend! He deserves something better than this! He doesn't
deserve to die!"

"I'm sorry, Eurus. I-I can't save him now. It's already too late. I can't save my
bestfriend," Eclipse whispered as his voice broke.

"Yul!" sigaw ni Lhourd nang tuluyang ipinikit ni Yul ang mga mata.

"No! My son! My precious son! Yul!" nanginginig na saad ni Klariza at nagmamadaling

nilapitan ang kanyang walang buhay na anak.

Mariin akong napapikit nang marinig ang garalgal na tinig ni Klariza. She disgusts
me! Wala sa sariling ibinaling ko ang paningin sa maalon at malawak na dagat.
Napansin ko ang unti-unting pagbabago sa pulang buwan.

The blood moon slowly fades away, returning to its original glow. It becomes bright
and worry-free, as if no souls have been sacrificed tonight. As if the death of
several werecats never happened, as if it never existed. I can only let out a loud
roar. My mortal soul and heart are in chaos.

"It's your fault! You killed my son!" sigaw ni Klariza sa 'kin. Buong lakas niya
akong itinulak. I gasped when I slip on the edge of the cliff. But Eclipse managed
to bite the back of my neck. He kept me from falling, trying to lift me up. I tried
my best to climb up. I desperately want to avenge Yul and my family.

I can't just die in vain.

***

Nightfall 40: Cruel Waves [Nightfall]

"This is where you belong..."

EURUS
I thought cats have nine lives but maybe we're wrong. It's just a myth. Or maybe
Yul already used up all his eight lives before and that's why he couldn't escape
death this time.

And I thought when you die everyone will start to listen, but I think that's not
the case for Klariza. Her heart was so corrupted that she won't listen anymore and
she even blamed me for the things she'd done. Maybe she already had a problem in
that little brain of hers.

But for all the evil things she'd done, she paid a heavy price this time. She lost
her one and only precious son. Maybe she no longer cares of what might happen to
her now because of that lost. She already sets her goal to kill me and no one can
change her mind.

There is madness in her eyes as she stares intensely at me. I had goosebumps all
over my skin as I cling to this little life of mine.

I silently grieve that Yul lost his precious life and it angers me that no one's
even here to properly give him a moment of silence and respect. Even his death
can't stop this fight. I hate it that no one's even paying attention, as if dying
here is a normal thing. As if dying here is already set in stone and no one is
allowed to change it.

I remembered Yul's warm smile, his mischievous grins and the softness of his
personality even when he's trying to be cold upfront. He's strong but also
delicate. I hate to say this but he doesn't deserve a mother like Klariza. Tears
flowed from my eyes but I can only bite my tongue and move forward. May mga bagay
pa akong dapat gawin ngayon bago magluksa.

Nagawa kong makaakyat at makatungtong muli sa lupa. Eclipse let go the back of my
neck. Pansin ko ang takot na bumalot sa mga mata niya dahil sa nangyari kanina. He
stood in front of me, determined to defend me from Klariza and Lhourd. He wouldn't
allow me to get hurt. He looks like he will do everything to keep me safe.

Lhourd's eyes are dark. Dahil hindi niya alam ang nangyari, kita ko sa mga mata
niya ang galit sa 'kin. I know he's cursing me deep inside.

"I didn't kill him. You should ask your wife about it," mariing saad ko. "She
killed her own son!" I was so angry that I blurted my thoughts out without
thinking.

I noticed that Lhourd's eyes wavered. He stared at Klariza with confusion. "No! She
did it! It's her fault! She was the reason why my precious son died!" She was
roaring with madness. Agad siyang sumugod sa 'kin. Halos talunin niya ako pero agad
siyang napigilan ni Eclipse. Her body slammed against the ground when Eclipse hits
her. Maging si Eclipse ay galit sa kanya.

Due to Lhourd's instinctive reflexes, he rushed to Eclipse to save his wife. He

fought with Eclipse once again and this time he's no longer careful. He's clawing
and scratching with all his might. Ibinubunton niya ang galit kay Eclipse dahil sa
pagkamatay ng nag-iisang anak niya.

Agad na tumayo si Klariza nang makita na ipinagtanggol siya ng asawa. Muli niya
akong dinamba at kinagat sa leeg. Kinagat ko rin pabalik ang leeg niya hanggang sa
lumubog ang matatalim kong pangil sa laman niya. Gigil na gigil ako na hindi na ako
makapag-isip ng tama.

But while she was biting my neck, she slowly and forcefully pushed me to the edge
of the cliff. Napasinghap ako nang madulas ang mga paa ko pababa sa bangin. Pinilit
kong hindi bitawan ang pagkakakagat ko sa kanyang leeg. Dahil kapag bumitaw ako,
mahuhulog na ako sa bangin. My paws are trying its best to hold onto the ground and
climb up.

I gasped when I heard that someone fell from the cliff just beside me. I could hear
his loud roar and I can immediately figure that the one who fell is Lhourd. I could
hear the loud splashes from his fall. He was certainly eaten by the unforgiving
waves. And I can't focus on his death because my death is also near.

I'm grateful when Eclipse came into view.

"Get off her!" Eclipse growled. He pushed Klariza away and he tried to pull me up.
Nauubusan na rin ako ng lakas upang lumaban. I was so exhausted. Too tired with all
the scratches, wounds and deaths. Nang makaakyat ako, napasinghap ako dahil
itinulak naman ni Klariza si Eclipse sa bangin. She couldn't kill me and that's why
she turned to punish Eclipse.

Eclipse hanged on the edge of the cliff, trying to climb up. Due my welling anger,
I pushed Klariza down the cliff but when she's about to fall, she was able to pull
Eclipse together with her. I watched in horror as the two of them free-fall in the
raging sea. Their bodies were swallowed by the cruel, crashing waves. I was so
shock that I reacted late.

"No! Eclipse!" agad na sigaw ko. Dahil tila tinakasan na ako ng katinuan, akmang
tatalon na ako upang sundan sila pero may malalakas na bisig na pumigil sa pagtalon
ko. I saw my brother in his partial shift. He held me tightly, stopping me to jump.

"You can't jump, Eurus!" he shouted, a little scared.

"Pero nahulog si Eclipse! I have to save him. I have to follow him! I can't let him
die in that cold sea! I can't let the cruel crashing waves kill him! Kuya Lexus,
nawala na si Yul! Pati ba naman si Eclipse! I need to bring him back!" I growled at
him.

"Wala ka ng lakas. We will look for him. I promise. Hindi mo na kaya. Marami ng
dugo ang nawala sa 'yo. Hindi ka na makalalangoy kahit bumalik ka pa sa anyong tao.
You'll certainly drown and die. Magpahinga ka na muna," he pleaded.
Ramdam ko na ang pagod pero pilit akong nagpumiglas sa yakap ng kapatid ko. Gusto
kong iligtas si Eclipse. Gusto kong masiguradong buhay siya. Hindi gagaan ang
kalooban ko hangga't hindi ko siya nakikita.

"Sanguis, Pride and Iris are now suppressed. You can rest now. Let me handle this
now," he insisted. Pero mas lalo akong nagwala. Wala akong pakialam sa ibang bagay.
Gusto ko lang iligtas si Eclipse. Hindi ako papayag na mamatay siya nang ganito na
lang. I already lose Yul. I can't lose Eclipse too. Naramdaman ko na may itinurok
ang kapatid ko sa 'kin. Natigilan ako. I feel betrayed. Kahit alam kong mabuti ang
intensiyon niya para sa 'kin.

Nanlalabo na ang mga mata ko dahil sa mga luha at dugong humalo sa mga mata ko.
Sigurado akong may pampatulog sa gamot na itinurok niya. Unti-unti akong kumalma at
nanghina. I'm already dizzy. I am broken and I feel lifeless like I'm better off
dead. Deep inside I feel so numb and dead.

I hate my brother for doing this and for not letting me go to find Eclipse. I
slowly closed my eyes. This nightmare will definitely haunt my dreams forever.

~~~

I woke up inside a white room. I could smell the strong scent of medicine. I
noticed that I'm still in my cat form, covered with bandages and stitches. Hindi ko
na alam kung ilang araw akong natutulog pero ramdam ko ang pananakit ng ulo ko.

I feel seriously ill and weak. Maybe because I didn't have any food intake for the
past days. My body ached when I gently moved. Even a small movement can cause pain
to my fragile body.

Pumasok si Dr. Terrence sa loob ng silid at bahagyang ngumiti nang mapansing gising
na ako. He quietly checked my vitals.

"Magpapadala ako rito ng pagkain mamaya. You need to eat. You've been sleeping for
two weeks now," magaang sambit niya. "Kailangan mong magpalakas. I still need to
treat some of your dry wounds to avoid scars."

I'm not worrying about the scars now. I'm only worrying about other things. "What
happened to Eclipse? And how about Yul's body? What about the fight?"

He gently looked at me. Pain suddenly flashed in his eyes. I know Yul and Eclipse
are his close friends. "Well, I can't answer that in full details. Dahil hindi ko
alam ang lahat ng nangyari. You better ask your brother. I'll contact him in a
while," marahang sagot niya.

Kinabahan ako sa sagot niya. Doubts started to cloud my head. Kung walang
nangyaring masama, siguro naman hindi na siya maglilihim pa, hindi ba? He can just
tell it right away. But now he's hesitating to speak.
My heart slams against my chest. Lumabas siya sa silid at nagpadala ng pagkaing
madaling kainin. I silently eat even though I don't have much appetite. Hindi ko
gustong bigyan pa ng problema si Dr. Terrence.

Nakatingin lang ako sa labas ng bintana. My white furs are already cleaned. The
events on that night continuously and repeatedly played in my head like a broken
movie disc. May mga pagkakataong hindi ko na napipigilan ang pag-agos ng mga luha.
It was a sad and painful event for me.

Bumukas ang pinto at napalingon ako sa taong pumasok. Lumapit sa 'kin si Kuya
Lexus. His wounds are now healed and some remain as scars on his arms. Bigla akong
napagalaw sa higaan upang maayos na harapin siya.

"Si Eclipse?" tanong ko agad sa kanya. "Ano'ng nangyari sa katawan ni Yul? Ano'ng
nangyari sa ibang packs?"

He smiled helplessly at me. "Hello there too. I'm glad you're awake now. It seems
you're okay now. You're so energetic."

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya. "Answer my questions," I demanded. I know

I'm being rude but I can't keep calm.

Bumuntong-hininga si Kuya Lexus at sumeryoso. "Iris, Pride and Sanguis already

surrendered. They are still under surveillance and monitoring. Blue Moon, Azalea
and Nightfall are already released from the packs that governed them. Nakuha na
nila ang mga teritoryo nila. Inaayos na ni Rye ang council sa ngayon. He's waiting
for the other alpha leaders to heal before he announces the changes. It seems that
Pride, Iris and Sanguis will temporarily lose their positions in the council. Pero
pwede naman silang bumalik kapag naging maayos na ulit ang pamamalakad nila sa
packs nila. They have to prove their worth and earn our trust," seryosong saad
niya.

Tahimik akong nakinig sa kanya. I want to hear the whole details without
interrupting him.

"Pero dahil wala ng mamumuno sa Sanguis,
na lang sa ibang packs. Rye didn't allow
let them become strays or else they will
if they go around killing people. Hinati
upang mapunta sa ibang packs. Pero pwede
Sanguis," paliwanag niya.
nagpasya ang mga miyembro nito na lumipat
them to leave without any packs. We can't
become aggressive. We can't risk our race
na ni Rye ang mga miyembro ng Sanguis
pa rin silang manirahan sa teritoryo ng

"About Yul's body, we gave him a proper burial. You can visit his grave in the old
cemetery designated for our race. And we also found Klariza and Lhourd's dead body.
We buried them next to Yul's grave."

"And for Eclipse... I'm sorry but we couldn't find him anywhere. He's still
missing," he said with sadness and exhaustion.

Natigilan ako. "He couldn't have sink in the depths of the sea, right?" I asked,
hopeful. I just want to believe that he's still alive.

"If he's able to shift back to his human form, there's a possibility that he's
still alive. But I doubt that he can swim a little farther with his wounded body.
Dapat nakita na namin ang katawan niya. Or it's also possible that his body was
washed away somewhere. Pumunta na kami sa malapit na beach pero wala kaming
nakitang katawan," he said.

"Maybe he's still alive. Maybe he survived," mariing saad ko. A seed of hope slowly
sprouts in my heart.

"Ayaw kong umasa ka at masaktan, Eurus. It's impossible to survive the raging sea
with his critical condition. Matutulis din ang mga bato sa gilid ng cliff. Kung
sakaling nadala siya ng alon at humampas ang katawan niya roon, imposibleng mabuhay
pa siya," mabigat na saad niya. "Hindi lang namin masigurado kung lumubog ba talaga
ang katawan niya. We can't reach the bottom of the sea because of the sea
pressure."

Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa naririnig mula sa kanya. "Then I'll search!" sigaw ko.

His expression darkens. "It's already too late to search. Two weeks already passed!
Hindi mo na siya maaabutang buhay kung sakaling makita mo man siya!"

Natigilan ako. Tama siya pero hindi ko matanggap na patay na si Eclipse. Hindi pa.
Hangga't hindi ko nakikita ang bangkay niya, hindi ako maniniwala. I can't lose
another precious person in my life.

Pero hindi ko pa rin napigilan ang pagpatak ng mga luha ko. My brother could only
look at me with worry and pity. I turned my head away and rested my head on the
soft bed.

"I want to be alone," nanginginig ang boses na pakiusap ko.

Narinig ko ang malalim na buntong-hininga niya bago niya pinagbigyan ang hiling ko.
Narinig ko ang pagsara ng pinto.

Hindi pa patay si Eclipse, hindi ba? Wala na ba talagang pag-asa? I can't contain
the helplessness and emptiness I feel inside my heart. There's a hollow space that
nobody can fill. With all the deaths and loses we had, I can't even think of how to
smile again.

I remembered how Eclipse teases me before. I hate to admit it but I miss his
presence. He's the only one who can understand me, especially now that I lose Yul.
I want him to make fun of me so that I can smile and let go of all the painful
memories stuck in my head. I just miss his comfort and warmth.

~~~

One month passed. I was fully healed and I can finally go back home. I can finally
shift back to my human form. Dr. Terrence really took care of my scars and they're
no longer visible on my skin. My brother and I occupied our old mansion once again,
bringing nostalgic memories from our childhood. We are finally back to our
territory. We finally redeem our Nightfall pack's reputation. We finally got
everything back that are rightfully ours.

I visited Yul's grave and bid my final goodbye to him. I can only silently grieve
and regret things that he never achieved in this life in his stead. I can only
think of the what ifs and what nots. I can only miss the love that was not given a
chance to blossom.

Ngayong wala na siya, alam kong hindi niya magugustuhan kung kakapit pa ako sa
alaala niya. I'm sure he would want me to start all over again. I need a fresh
start. I need to live for him as well. Ibinaba ko ang mga puting na rosas na dala
ko sa kanyang puntod. I cried for a while, letting go of the things that I have
kept for a long time. The pain. The regrets. The hope. The wishful thinking. I let
go of all these things but the love I had for him remains. He will always occupy a
part in the depths of my heart and it will not be taken away from him.

I went to the sea to have a final search for Eclipse. Pinayagan na ako ni Kuya
Lexus para lang kahit papaano ay gumaan ang loob ko at maniwala sa kanya na wala na
talaga ang katawan ni Eclipse sa lugar na 'yon. I desperately searched but I really
failed to find him. He's gone. It's been more than a month and we didn't receive
any news about him. He disappeared like he has never been part of this place. He
disappeared without a trace. He disappeared without even saying goodbye.

But I can't accept it. I was so in denial that I suddenly thought of that little
house only Eclipse knew. I immediately turned the car around and drove to his
house. I'm silently praying that he's there. Waiting for me. Waiting for me to
come.

When I arrived, I rushed to the front door. The door is lock. My heart slammed
against my chest. Please let him be here. I want the illusion of him waiting for me
here. At the same time, I want it to be real. I picked up the lock and slowly
opened the door. But only the darkness and silence greeted me. The room is empty.
There's no one here. No one around. I can only smell the scent of longing in this
room.

Nanghihinang pumasok ako sa loob at napaupo sa malamig na kama.

He's not here.

I hate to say this but maybe... maybe he's really dead. Siguro nga hindi na siya
babalik.
Nanghihinang humiga ako sa kama. There's no longer a trace of his scent in this
room, in the bedsheets. I can only grab the pillow and hug it.

There's emptiness in my solitary heart like this empty, dark little house.

***

Epilogue [Nightfall]

"And you are now home..."

EURUS

Hindi ko na namalayan na nakatulog pala ako sa kama ni Eclipse. I cried myself to

sleep, wishing that he's here with me, wishing that he's still alive, wishing I can
still hold him and feel his warmth. At halos hindi ko na maimulat ang mga
namamagang mata ko nang magising ako. I just couldn't accept that Eclipse is
already dead. That he's already gone.

With all these losses, I just realized that our future is never set in stone. That
life has a different plan for us and life don't always go the way we planned. Life
is treacherous and deceiving sometimes.

Muling tumulo ang masaganang luha sa mga mata ko habang nakapikit. Napapitlag ako
sa maiinit na kamay na marahang humaplos sa pisngi ko upang pahidin ang luha ko.
Bumundol ang kaba sa puso ko. This warmth is familiar. I sniffed his scent and I
realize that the scent is from someone I knew very well. My heart ached a little.

Agad akong nagmulat ng mga mata at sumalubong sa 'kin ang blankong tingin ni
Eclipse. My mouth hanged open. I can't tell if I'm just dreaming or if he's really
here, alive. Is this for real? O niloloko lang ako ng isip ko? Niloloko ko lang ba
ang sarili ko? Imahinasiyon ko lang ba ito?

Despite my questions, I immediately sit up on the bed and cup his face with
trembling hands. "E-Eclipse?" His deep blue eyes are still the same and his strong
jaws are still.

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya at tila naguguluhan siya sa inaasal ko. "Who are
you?" malalim ang tinig na tanong niya.
Napanganga ako sa tanong niya. He doesn't remember me?

"E-Eclipse, don't joke like this. I-It's me-Eurus," nanginginig ang tinig ko habang
nagpapakilala sa kanya. I'm silently praying that he's just playing me.

"I don't know you," he insisted with confusion.

Pinagmasdan ko siyang mabuti, seryoso siyang nakatingin sa 'kin, walang halo ng

pagbibiro ang tinig niya. Amnesia? He has an amnesia? Is that right?

Masaganang luha ang muling naglandas sa mga mata ko. It pained me that he can no
longer remember me. Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng sasabihin ko sa kanya. Kung paano ako
magpapakilala sa kanya. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko para maalala niya kung sino
ako. Pero sa kabila ng pagkawala ng alaala niya, natutuwa ako na buhay siya at
nandito.

"Why are you crying? What's our relationship? Kapatid ba kita?" he asked with
confusion.

I almost choked because of his question. "No. You're my friend. I'm your friend,"
agad na sagot ko sa kanya.Well, I don't want to be his sister.

Unti-unting nagbago ang ekspresiyon ng mukha niya. Sumimangot siya. He seems

disappointed with my answer. "Just friends?" Nakataas na ang kilay niya sa 'kin
pero hindi ngumingiti.

Medyo natigilan ako sa tanong niya. Why do I have this feeling that he doesn't
really have an amnesia and he's just playing around. Nanlalaki ang mga matang
tiningnan ko siya. "You don't have an amnesia, right? You're just teasing me!"
Naiinis na pinaghahampas ko nang malakas ang balikat niya.

Unti-unti siyang napangiti habang hinuhuli ang dalawang kamay ko. Hilam sa luha na
tiningnan ko siya. He looked at me apologetically with guilty eyes.

"I'm sorry," natatawang saad niya. "I can't help it. I just want to tease you a
little."

Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya. Pinilit kong kumala sa hawak niya. "I'm
here crying, thinking that you're already dead and you still want to tease me?
Looks like I'm just worried for nothing. Buhay ka naman pala!" bulyaw ko.

Tumayo ako sa kama at nagdadabog na naglakad pero napasinghap ako nang pumalibot
ang dalawang malalakas niyang bisig sa baywang ko at hinila ako paupo sa kandungan
niya.
He hugged me tightly from behind. He planted a small kiss on my nape and neck that
made me shiver. Wala sa sariling napahagulgol ako. I'm really scared earlier and
it's his fault.

"I'm sorry. I'm so insensitive. Hindi ko akalaing matindi ang pag-aalala mo sa

'kin. Hindi ko na uulitin. I won't tease you like this anymore," he said softly,
almost whispering. His voice is a little hoarse and tired.

"Bakit ngayon ka lang? Saan ka pumunta?" umiiyak na tanong ko.

Bumuntong-hininga siya nang malalim. "When I fall in the sea, I shifted back to my
human form but unfortunately, I can't swim that far because of my wounds. But
someone saved me. Ariza saved me," seryosong sagot niya.

"Ariza? Your fiancée?" Tanong ko habang magkasalubong ang mga kilay ko. Medyo
nakaramdam ako ng kaunting selos. So he's in the arms of his lover while I'm here
worrying to death. Gusto ko na naman siyang hampasin.

"Uh-uh," he answered.

"Why didn't she tell us? Na buhay ka? Edi sana hindi na kami nag-alala," inis na
sambit ko.

Bahagyang natigilan si Eclipse. He's hesitating if he should answer my question or

not. Pero bumuga siya ng hangin at nagsalita. "Well, she has her own reasons."

"What reasons? Hindi ba niya naiisip na mag-aalala kami para sa 'yo? We've been
braving the raging sea just to find you!" giit ko.

Mas humigpit ang pagkakayakap niya sa 'kin. I just realized that I missed his
warmth and comfort. My back rested on his broad chest and suddenly relaxed.

"Because everyone is selfish, Eurus. Everyone has their own selfishness. Nobody's
perfect. Everyone has their own reasons. She wants to keep me. Maybe she's hoping
that I will fall in love with her. She's hoping that I will look at her differently
while she's taking care of me. Maybe I will have a change of heart."

"Did she succeed?" nag-aalangang tanong ko.

"No. I lost my heart to you. How can she succeed? Medyo matagal lang akong nakaalis
dahil kailangan ko pa siyang kausapin at paliwanagan. Hinintay ko ring gumaling ang
mga sugat ko," he said as he nibbled on my neck. Namula ang mukha ko.

"But I can't blame Ariza for feeling that way. I'm also selfish like her. Alam ko
ang pinanggagalingan niya. I'm insecure as well. When I heard Yul saying 'I love
you too' to you before he died, I have the slightest idea that you said 'I love
you' to him. I'm kind of jealous that time. I become unsure of myself and suddenly
I had this thought that maybe it's really better for him to die," malalim na saad
niya. Nanigas ang katawan ko dahil sa sinabi niya pero pinili kong kagatin ang dila
ko at makinig sa sasabihin pa niya.

"I'm not perfect, Eurus. I am secretly possessive. But I think that's just an
excuse for me. I really can't save him that time. I wish I could save him but I
can't create miracles for him. I can only watch him slowly die. I am so helpless.
He's my best friend but I couldn't save him. That day, I hate my helplessness and
selfishness at the same time. I hate my weakness," he confessed with trembling
voice. Looks like Yul's death leave an emotional scar in his heart.

"But don't worry. I won't force myself to you now. I will patiently wait until you
are completely healed from your own heartbreak. Until you're over him. Because I
don't want to replace him in your heart. I want a part of your heart but I can't
take his part. We can't just go in a whirlwind romance that can go out of hand just
because we both lose someone important and because we're both sad. I want us to
last longer, forever," he said softly.

"I want you to properly move on so you can only think of me. And that's why I will
wait until I can kiss you. Until I can make you mine. And I promise that I will
forever stay," he said with sincerity.

My eyes swell as tears fall down in my eyes. My throat is caught in flames. "But
won't you get tired of waiting?"

"I won't. If it is you," he answered with certainty. "And also we still need to
achieve our individual goals for now. We're still young. I also want to achieve the
dreams Yul can't achieve now. You know, we both like the same things."

I chuckled while crying. "Right."

It's been five years since that conversation. I suddenly remembered it while
sitting on a bench in front of the hospital. Nakita ko kasing lumabas na magkasama
sina Ariza at Eclipse kaya napasimangot ako. I'm waiting for him here because he
asked me to. Although he's not yet officially my boyfriend, I still get a pang of
pain in my chest. I'm jealous.

He's not my boyfriend but it's a mutual understanding. Mahirap talaga 'pag walang
karapatang pinanghahawakan. Wala kang karapatang magalit. And I'm wondering why
he's not even asking about our relationship. He didn't dare to kiss me within that
five years that we're together. Siguro hindi na niya ako gusto? But what about
those stolen glances, the secret touches and the heart fluttering moments we
shared? Well, they're all wholesome but still they're precious.

I'm already running my own business while Eclipse is already a doctor. Nakangiting
nagpaalam siya kay Ariza na nakangiting umalis. Bumaling siya sa direksiyon ko. I
rolled my eyes at him when he walked to my direction. He immediately noticed my
sour expression.
Tumayo siya sa harap ko na may halong pagtataka. "What's up? Galit ka ba?"

"Bakit nandito si Ariza?" I can't hide my jealousy.

Napangiti si Eclipse at marahang hinawakan ang kamay ko at hinila ako patayo. Wala
akong nagawa kundi ang tumayo at harapin siya. He's so tall and my height only
reached his nose. He lovingly hugged me.

My body fits perfectly in his strong arms.

"She's here for a check-up," sagot niya.

"Ikaw ang doctor niya?" nagdududang tanong ko.

He chuckled. "No. I just meet her in the corridor. At hindi mo na siya kailangang
pagselosan. Matagal na siyang sumuko sa 'kin. And also she saved my life. I can't
be that rude to her," paliwanag niya.

Mas lalo akong napasimangot. I am jealous that I'm not the one who saved him. But
I'm grateful that she saved Eclipse. Mabuti na lang sumuko na siya kay Eclipse.

"Bakit mo pala ako pinapunta rito?" kunot-noong tanong ko. Nagtatakang tumingala
ako sa mukha niya. His blue eyes are dancing with emotions I couldn't name. But I
can tell that he's thrilled and happy.

"Marry me, Eurus," he said without a warning.

Nablanko ang mukha ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. "Wait. Hindi pa kita boyfriend,
bakit may marry me kaagad? At parang inuutusan mo pa ako? Hindi ba dapat will you
marry me 'yon?" Nakaangat ang kilay ko? Gusto kong matawa sa biglaang proposal
niya.

He chuckled heartily. "Alright. Will you be my girlfriend, Eurus?"

Namula ang mukha ko sa tanong niya pero marahan akong tumango. "Yes."

"Now that you're my girlfriend, will you marry me?" he asked with a smile.

"Bakit nangbibigla ka? Seryoso ba? Bakit ganito ang proposal mo? Parang ang cheap,"
reklamo ko sa kanya. Pero malakas lang siyang tumawa. But I know in my heart that
I'm willing to marry him anytime. I want to be with him from now on.
"Seryoso," sagot niya. May inilabas siyang singsing mula sa bulsa ng coat niya. It
was a silver ring with a small diamond in the middle.

Napalunok ako. Naiiyak din ako sa tuwa. I looked at him dreamily. "Yes. I'm ready
to marry you." His smile widened that reach his blue eyes. Dahan-dahan niyang
isinuot sa daliri ko ang singsing. Napansin ko rin ang medyo nanginginig niyang
kamay. When he turned to me, his face leaned down, I closed my eyes. I feel like
he's about to kiss my lips and I've been anticipating that kiss for so long that
I'm kind of nervous. Pero natigilan ako nang sa halip na halikan niya ang labi ko,
hinalikan niya ang magkabilang pisngi ko, ang noo ko at ang tungki ng ilong ko.

I stared at him with dissatisfaction when he pulled away and held my hand for a
walk. Natatawang tiningnan niya ang ekspresiyon ng mukha ko. "What?" he chuckled.

"Why won't you kiss me? On my lips!" inis na tanong ko.

"You naughty kitten, why are you more impatient than me?" he asked with amusement.

"Hindi ba ako kahalik-halik? Nawawalan na ako ng self-confidence dito Eclipse! Five

years na!" nakangusong sabi ko. I'm like a child who's throwing tantrums. He gently
cupped my face and chuckled heartily.

"Of course I want to kiss you too. But I want our first real kiss in front of the
altar because that's the only moment I can call you mine. And that's also why I'll
be marrying you next month," he said gently.

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. Nakakainis pero inaamin ko na kinilig ako sa linyahan
niya. "Oh. Alright," tanging nasabi ko. Why would he say something so cute? Biglang
napawi ang pagkainis ko sa kanya.

"And now, let's go and meet Yul. He must be the first one to know," he said with a
smile. I nodded with a smile too. We are both able to move forward without any
regrets left in our hearts. We are able to smile again and make a fresh start after
the chaos. I just realized that life doesn't always go the way we planned but it is
worth the ride.

~~~

"You may kiss the bride," the priest said.

I slowly turn to Eclipse. I'm kind of nervous. This is our first real kiss and this
moment is just too precious for me, for him, for both of us.

I gazed at him with love as he lifted the white veil covering my face. He is
smiling down at me as he leaned closer. He held my waist with his strong right arm.
He softly touched my chin with another hand as his soft lips pressed against mine.
He sweetly teased my lips, his tongue tasting my closed lips as if asking for
entrance. I'm not sure if this one is an appropriate kiss on a wedding but I'm so
weak against this temptation. Mahigpit akong napahawak sa mga balikat niya.

I let him explore inside my mouth, our tongues entwined. Our kiss took longer than
a usual wedding kiss. I can only blush when I heard the priest as he cleared his
throat. Eclipse's lips curved into a small teasing smile. He let me go after giving
a fast peck on my swelling lips. He turned to the priest apologetically. "Sorry,
Father. That's just our first real kiss so I'm a bit excited."

I blushed. He mischievously turned to me and whispered. "Five years, Eurus. You owe
me five years' worth of kisses."

Naiinis na kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran na ikinatawa niya bago namin hinarap ang
mga dumalo sa kasal. Siguradong kasing pula na ng kamatis ang aking mukha. Pinilit
ko pa ring ngumiti dahil wala akong balak maging pangit sa wedding photos namin.

After the wedding celebration in our reception and bidding farewell to my friends
and brother, we drive back to our newly constructed home. Eclipse prepared this for
a long time and I was really surprised. It's already nightfall when we're driving
inside the woods. Nagtaka ako nang mapansin na hindi siya pupunta sa bago naming
bahay.

But I recognized this way. It was the way to that little house Eclipse owned. It
seems he wants to spend our wedding night there. I don't really mind. That little
house is really precious to us.

Nang makarating kami sa bahay, pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto ng kotse. I was still
wearing my wedding dress. He didn't allow me to change. And he's still wearing his
white Americana suit. When he closed the car's door, he immediately pulled me
closer and claimed my lips for a kiss. He only lets me go when we're already out of
breath.

Napatili ako nang bigla niya akong buhatin na tila isang prinsesa. Muling namula
ang mukha ko at medyo nahihiya sa ginagawa niya. Nang makarating kami sa harap ng
pintuan, hindi niya magawang buksan ang pinto dahil naka-lock ito at buhat-buhat pa
niya ako.

"Hey, wifey, open the door," he said with an apologetic smile. I heartily laughed.
Inalis ko ang isang hairpin sa buhok ko. I opened the door and he entered. I gasped
when I saw the rose petals on the floor and bed. The room was redesigned and turned
into a small honeymoon chamber.

Ibinaba niya ako sa kama. He hungrily kissed me and I can only cling to him
tightly. When our lips parted, I speak shyly. "I want to take a bath first,"
nahihiyang saad ko. My face was flushed and hot. Nahihiya rin akong tingnan siya sa
mga mata.

Ngumiti siya. "Alright. But I'll help you remove this gown," he insisted. Kumakabog
ang dibdib ko sa kaba. Tinulungan niya akong tumayo nang maayos. He stood behind
me. Napalunok ako nang unti-unti niyang buksan ang zipper sa likod ng gown ko.

"Sigurado ka bang makakaligo ako?" nagdududang tanong ko.

"Uh-uh," he answered. "I won't do anything in the meantime. I'll patiently wait."

My gown slowly dropped on the floor. I covered my full-grown breast unconsciously.

I'm only wearing my black sexy lace panty. I was stunned when Eclipse softly traced
the garter of the remaining piece of cloth I'm wearing. Damn, why is this so hot?

"Shall I remove this too?" he asked hoarsely.

"NO!" I immediately moved away and walked towards the bathroom without looking at
his face. My face is already red as a tomato. I am so nervous and the wild beating
of my heart won't stop.

Pero natigilan ako nang bigla siyang yumakap mula sa likod ko.

"You said you won't do anything yet!" I said in panicked. But I like his warm
embrace against my cold skin.

He chuckled. "Here! Wear this," he said. May iniabot siya sa 'kin white polo na
agad ko namang nakilala.

"This is yours!" reklamo ko.

"Yes. And please don't wear your undies," he pleaded sexily.

Naumid ang dila ko. Why? Wala sa sariling tinanggap ko ang polo niya. "Why should I
do that?"

"Remember when you first came here? In this house? You wear one of my shirts
without anything underneath. I think my shirt fits you perfectly. You're not aware
of it but I really had a hard on that time. You have to make up for it now," he
said with a teasing grin.

"Oh," tanging nasambit ko. I was a little embarrassed as well. Why is he so direct?
Hindi naman siya ganito dati?

"And you said I have a nice butt. You'll see now that I have a nice front too," he
chuckled as he reminisces about what happened in the past. I was so embarrassed and
shy now. He finally lets me go when I didn't say anything. Maybe he can feel my
embarrassment too.
Agad akong pumasok sa banyo. Napabuga ako ng hangin at napapaypay sa sarili. Why is
this so hot? Ipinatong ko sa isang tabi ang damit niya. Agad akong tumapat sa
shower. I cleaned myself but I feel that it's not really enough. My heart is
secretly panicking that I'm suddenly losing my confidence.

"Hey, wifey, you're taking too long? Do you need my help?" Eclipse teased outside
the door.

Mariin akong napapikit. "Naah! I'm coming out," sigaw ko. He really loves to tease
me. I dried myself with a towel and wear the white polo he gave me. Namumula ang
mukha ko habang isa-isang isinasara ng butones nito. I didn't wear anything
underneath just like he requested. The white polo is a little too short, just above
my knees.

Nahihiyang lumabas ako ng banyo. He was sitting on the edge of the bed when he
looked at me with sparkling eyes.

"Uhmmm. I need to dry my hair," nahihiyang saad ko. Sumenyas siya sa 'kin na
lumapit ako sa kanya. Kahit nag-aalangan at kinakabahan, umupo ako sa tabi niya.
Tumayo siya para kunin ang blower. Hawak ko ang laylayan ng polong suot ko dahil
pakiramdam ko, aangat ito anumang oras.

He quietly dried my hair gently. When it was almost dried up, he handed the blower
to me saying that he'll just have a quick bath.

He keeps on delaying things and that makes me more nervous and conscious. Sasabog
na ata ang puso ko sa kaba.

He went out of the bath wearing only his boxer shorts. I suddenly want to close my
eyes from shame. He's six pack abs and strong biceps and triceps are exposed. And
that thing on his boxer shorts are kind of big too. Halos mabitawan ko ang blower
habang pinupunasan niya ng tuwalya ang basang buhok niya. He sits next to me and
asked me to dry his hair. He also asked me to braid the tail of his hair and I
avoid quietly and anxiously.

Ibinalik niya ang blower sa loob ng drawer nang matapos ako. And I'm also done
braiding his hair. Gusto ko na lang mapayakap sa sarili ko dahil wala na kaming
maaaring gawin para maudlot ang dapat mangyari ngayong gabi.

He sits next to me and gently kissed my lips. He intensely looked me in the eyes
after a short pause. "Eurus, I'm not a saint. I'm actually a beast. I might hurt
you a little tonight. You see, I've been controlling this beast for years now and
tonight he'll finally be let loose. But I'll still try my best to be gentle. Since
I'm your first," he confessed softly.

Maharan akong tumango. "It's alright. I'm yours now, right?"

He smiled. He traced the outline of my face with love. "You're beautiful." He

kissed me again as he gently pushed me down, hugged me and settled me comfortably
in the middle part of the bed. He pressed against me, letting me feel his hardness
that made me unconsciously blush as he deepened the kiss until our tongues entwined
and dance, tasting and savoring the love we had.

When we're out of breath, he kissed the tip of my nose, my nervous jaws, leaving
kisses down to my neck. I'm actually gasping for breaths. I feel so hot that I feel
like I will burn myself down.

He started to unbutton my polo until my full-grown breast are exposed. He showered

them with love, sucking and gently biting. He continued to unbutton my polo and
he's following it with kisses down my stomach. I panicked. Don't tell me he's still
going there? I stopped him when he already unbuttons all of the remaining buttons
and his kisses are slowing moving down. His hot gaze turned to me with a
questioning gaze.

I swallowed. "Not there," nahihiyang saad ko. He teasingly smiled at me. But he
didn't listen and continued. I could only moan and close my eyes. I'm a little
embarrass but he's sending too much electricity to my body that I can no longer
contain myself. His hot lips send chills down that sensitive spot.

Halos maubos ang lakas ko nang matapos siya sa ginagawa at bumalik ang mga labi
niya sa labi ko. I gaze at him with unexplainable desire. I mindlessly traced his
shoulder blades and touched the hardness of his chest. I could see fire in his eyes
as he positions himself between my legs. He opened my legs widely and he slowly
entered me. I could only cry and let out a soft scream.

My toes curled. I can feel his hardness inside me and I think he will drive me
insane as he slowly moved to that unknown rhythm that only us can hear. He planted
small kisses on my neck and whispered sweet nothings in my ears just to make me
feel better. His movements are so slow that I craved for more. I instinctively meet
his thrust and that made him smile widely. Because he knew that's a signal that my
body already adjusted and he can move freely. He pushed a little harder and deeper
and faster. I gasped from unexplainable pleasure and sweet pain.

He was moving so fast that I moaned so load and called his name. "Eclipse..." I
already reached my peak but he pulled out immediately as if he remembered
something.

"Damn, I forget to bring condoms," he exclaimed. He still has his hard on and he
sat down the edge of the bed while touching himself.

"What the heck?" I asked. Wala sa sariling bumangon ako. "What's with the condoms?"

"I can't come inside, Eurus. I don't want to get you pregnant yet," he
apologetically looked at me that irritates me. Even though my body is in pain, I
moved to him and stop him from touching himself. I'm still wearing his white
unbuttoned polo.
"You're pissing me off," inis na saad ko. I boldly put him back inside me and I
almost gasped from sudden pleasure.

"Ah f*ck Eurus, you're killing me," he moaned but let out a low laugh.

Medyo kinabahan ako. "Why? Does it hurt?" nag-aalalang tanong ko.

"No... Ah... Damn... I think I'm going to explode. That's what I meant. Why are you
asking me with such innocence?" he said while biting his lips.

"Anyway, I don't like protections," mataray na saad ko sabay irap sa kanya.

"I still want to savor this marriage with you. I don't want kids yet," he
protested.

"Why would you touch yourself like that? And in front of me? Damn, you have a wife,
alright?" inis na saad ko.

"Oh..." he exclaimed with a teasing grin. "Then next time, I'll let my wife touch
it."

Hinampas ko ang balikat niya habang namumula ang mukha. Mahina lang siyang tumawa.

"Should we do the natural method then?" he asked. I can only tell that he's really
serious of not getting me pregnant.

"Wow, I'm really impressed by your self-control. And why are we even discussing
this in our wedding night?" nakataas ang kilay na saad ko.

"When was your last period?" he asked.

"I can't remember," I answered impatiently. "Just let it out inside me."

Napansin ko ang pamumula ng mukha niya dahil sa sinabi ko. "Why are you so direct?"
tanong niya.

"Because I'm your wife," pang-aasar ko. And I want to get even. He's so direct too.

"Oh... Alright," he said without protesting. "Maybe I won't get you pregnant in
just one night. You have to move, baby or you're going to kill me."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. "Move?"

"Yes, my naughty kitten. Move. Like this, baby," he said with a mischievous grin.
He held my waist tightly and slowly guided me to move. Napahawak ako nang mariin sa
balikat niya. I could only moan as he thrusts in and out me. I moved my hips that
made him moan in pleasure.

"Do you like this position? Because I like it," he said between moans.

Nakagat ko ang mga labi ko nang may mainit na likidong pumasok sa sistema ko.
Nanghihina ako. He hugged me tightly and put me back in bed.

"Should I get some condoms?" tanong niya.

"Ngayong gabi? Baliw ka ba? Bakit wala kang condom dito?" kunot-noong tanong ko.

"Kung nagtago ako ng condom dito, matagal ko na sanang ginawa 'to. I didn't keep
any to control myself," he answered honestly. He smiled and kissed my swelling lips
lightly.

Napangiti ako. I'm just happy that he's respecting me this much. He controlled
himself for five years. I'm kind of impressed.

"Wear my clothes for the next days," he said.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. "How long are we going to stay here?"

"Not sure. I'm not yet sated. We won't leave here until I calm down, baby," he said
mischievously. Namula ang mukha ko. "Maybe I should really get the condoms. I'm not
allowing you to sleep tonight." Naiinis na kinurot ko ang tagiliran niya na
ikinatawa lang niya. Really, this man!

"I love you, Eurus," malambing na saad niya habang matiim na nakatingin sa mga mata
ko.

Matamis akong ngumiti. "I love you worth of lifetime-forever-and-always kisses,

Eclipse. Even though your cycle is just too irregular."

He chuckled with bright eyes. He once again claimed my lips in a hot kiss.

I'm kind of contented of how my life turns out. I realize all the things I
experienced are worth it. Fighting for my own identity and freedom. Fighting for
Nightfall. Fighting for the things I couldn't have. Fighting for the things that
hurt. Fighting for the love that belongs to me in the end.

Finally, I can freely live in the open and turns out I also unexpectedly find my
home.

I am home now.

***

Author's Note [Nightfall]

Hello guys!

OMG! Haha! Thanks for staying patient with me on this story. Sobrang tagal na rin.
2017 pa tong story ko. Sorry that I suddenly disappear for a while. Chos! Almost
two years tapos for a while lang hahah! Sino bang niloloko ko? Haha!

I'm glad that you're still here with me, waiting patiently. I really appreciate it
and I love you all.

Haha! Thanks guys! Pahinga muna ako saglit sa pagsusulat. Tinapos ko lang talaga
mga ongoing ko kaya ako bumalik. At dahil wala pa akong on going story na nakapost
dito sa wattpad, pag-isipan ko muna kung magsusulat pa ako o hindi na. Haha! Pero
irereview ko rin ang mga drafts ko rito. Para maituloy ko rin if ever.

Thanks guys!

I love you and hope you're still here when I write another story.

~Missmaple

P.S.

By the way, at first, I thought of cutting their bed scene. Eclipse is just too hot
to handle. And I don't want to influence your mind, in a bad way. Lol. Naisulat ko
na kasi 'yon noong isang araw. But while editing, I just realized that their
conversation is just too precious to cut. At saka hindi siya sakto kapag nag-cut
ako ng scene kasi balak ko lang siyang i-cut sa kissing scene na part. Haha! Kaya
sige na nga! Go na lang! Pwede ko namang alisin or iedit in the future.

And Oh please, don't tag me of any screenshots of their bed scene. Myghad lol.
Hindi ko kayo papansinin hahaha!