Chapter 5 THE BOOK

THE BOOK

"Rowena!" Aiden called out twice, but I couldn't hear-my headphones were still plugged in.

"Rowena!" She tapped me from behind.

"Hey girl," I smiled, snapping out of my thoughts.

"Hey, I've been calling for decades! Are you okay?" she asked, her brows furrowed in concern.

"Yeah, I'm good. I'm fine," I replied, stretching out my arms for a brief hug.

"Come on, let's go home. We have some catching up to do," she grinned.

"Yes, we need to," I said, glad to escape the heavy weight of home for a while.

---

At her house, I settled onto the brown sofa near the door.

"Tell me about the humans. I bet you have a crush," Aiden teased, a sly smile playing on her lips.

"Stop it," I said, though I couldn't help smiling.

"Oh, don't pretend."

"Okay, fine. I do have a crush-but he isn't human," I admitted.

"How is that possible? A wolf amongst the humans?" she asked, confused.

"Soro. That's his name," I said, telling her everything-his tall build, handsome face, and most of all, how sincere he seemed.

"Wow, that's amazing. I also heard that back there you're not only Rowena but... 'The Devil's Daughter'? Is that true?"

"Well yeah, she caused it. She always gets on my last nerves. I feel guilty sometimes, but-who cares," I shrugged.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. A message from Dad: Where are you, Rowena?

I sighed. "I'll see you some other time. Bye!" I called, rushing out.

---

Dad stood by his car when I arrived.

"Hey Dad, how the-" I began, hugging him tight. I lowered my voice. "I'm scared, Dad."

"You'll be fine, darling. I promise," he said, then zoomed off into the distance.

"I'll miss Dad," I whispered.

"Peach! Papa calls for your presence," Mama Lupa's voice rang out.

"I'll be in there right away," I responded. I wiped away the tears that had trickled down my chin and stepped inside.

Papa sat quietly, watching golf-his usual.

I felt a sudden warmth behind me. Mama Lupa had appeared, holding something in her hands-a huge book. Its cover was black and stormy with etched wolves, and at the center sat a gleaming silver lock, waiting for a key. The book gave off a strange, ancient scent... like power that had slept for centuries.

"Take this," Mama Lupa said, handing me the book.

I stood frozen. What was this? Why was she giving me something that felt alive?

The TV shut off. Papa Damian now stood beside me, his face softened by a smile.

"Darling, I'm sure you have a lot of questions-about the book, why we're giving it to you, and more," Mama Lupa said, guiding me gently to sit. "This book belongs to our ancestors. It's passed down from Alpha to Alpha. And now, with everything going on, I believe it's time to tell you what you need to know-at least before you go to college."

I opened the book with a key Mama gave me. The moment my fingers touched the cover, I felt a pulse-like it was alive.

On the first page was the crowned head of a wolf-an Alpha. The pages were thick, their edges yellowed with age. In the corner, strange letters glowed faintly.

"Rahmiyamal..." I tried to pronounce it. It sounded like nonsense.

Mama and Papa chuckled lightly.

"Relax, Peach. I'll read it," Papa said, taking the book. "It's a Latin word-a secret code. Once you're able to read it, it means you've unlocked the book's knowledge. Speaking the code aloud is the key to understanding it."

"Okay..." I murmured, watching closely.

Papa's voice turned firmer as he read: "Only a true Alpha can read."

Suddenly, the book's pages flipped wildly on their own-wind tearing through the room though no window was open.

Then, silence.

Papa stopped at page 29. A picture filled the page-a female wolf with glowing white fur. Beside her, other wolves bowed. She radiated strength and calm. The others-likely Betas, Omegas-looked fierce, loyal, and deadly.

A strange feeling filled my chest. Something about her... felt familiar.

Like a reflection of who I might become-or who I was never meant to be.

Latin text coated the page.

"Don't you understand it?" Papa asked after a pause.

"No... I don't. I can't read the code. So how am I supposed to understand the rest of this... guala?" I muttered nonsense.

Papa sighed gently. "Then you're not ready yet. When it's time, you'll understand everything. Just a tip-when you get in trouble, the book holds your answers. Keep it. When you're ready, it will open for you."

"Why will I be in trouble?" I asked nervously.

"You'll know when the time is right."

---

I climbed upstairs, book pressed to my chest, and slipped it into my backpack. My mind raced. None of this made sense.

I moved toward the window-

Thunder cracked like war drums. A storm had rolled in-fast and violent.

Then...

Something landed on the rooftop.

The doors slammed open and shut like someone-or something-was forcing its way in.

The lights flickered.

Then, darkness.

Ding dong! The doorbell rang-once. Twice. Three times.

I rushed downstairs.

Mama Lupa and Papa Damian stood frozen, alarm in their eyes. They exchanged a silent debate.

Papa Damian stepped forward and began unlocking the locks.

A breathless silence followed. His hand hovered over the handle.

Then-BAM! The door exploded inward.

Papa Damian flew backward, hitting the floor hard.

My lips trembled. "Who are they?" I whispered.