TURMOIL AT THE BONFIRE

The bonfire illuminated the darkness, casting a mesmerizing orange hue on everyone's faces. As I sat on a log, lost in my thoughts, my mind couldn't help but drift to Dr. Volkov. My heart quickened at the memory of the way he held the bow and arrow, His strength and skill were a sight to behold, and I couldn't help but imagine tracing my fingers along the curves of his muscular arms. The way that his eyes darkened and his piercing eyes stared into mine did things to me that I couldn't fully explain.

Footsteps approached me, interrupting my thoughts. I quickly shook my head, trying to dispel the memory of Dr. Volkov. Looking up, I saw Jess standing in front of me, holding two cups in her hand. Her mischievous eyes sparkled in the light of the bonfire as she extended one of the cups towards me.

"Alivia, drink up. Let's celebrate the night!" she said, handing me a cup and taking a seat next to me on the log. I raised the cup to her, offering a smile as I took a sip of the warm drink. The liquid spread through my body, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts.

Despite my internal warnings to keep my feelings for Dr. Volkov in check, my eyes kept flickering over to him. He was in deep conversation with the council members, his intense focus and commanding presence drawing my attention. I quickly turned away, forcing myself to focus on the celebration at hand.

Adrienne approached us, his eyes lingering on Jess. His usual stern expression softened into a charming smile as he spoke, "You look beautiful." He extended his hand towards her, a hopeful look in his eyes. "May I have this dance?"

Jess hesitated, unsure of what to do. I nudged her with a smile, "Go ahead, Jess. Have some fun," I said, encouraging her to take the leap.

Jess looked at me with a grateful smile before turning back to Adrienne and nodding her head. With a grin on his face, Adrienne extended his hand to her, and Jess took it, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor in front of the bonfire.

As they twirled around in perfect sync, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. The way they moved together was effortless and natural. I longed for that kind of connection with someone, but my feelings for Dr. Volkov were far too complicated. So, I took another sip of my drink, trying to push the thoughts aside and enjoy the night.
I closed my eyes for a moment, and suddenly a bright flash of light appeared behind my eyelids, causing me to wince a silhouette of a wolf in the distance, but I quickly opened my eyes dismissing it as my imagination playing tricks on me. I shook my head, trying to clear the strange image from my mind.

The night dragged on, and I took one drink after another, my self-control slipping with each passing minute. My eyes darted around, searching for Dr. Volkov, and finally, I spotted him a few feet away with his back turned to me. The female witch from earlier approached him with a seductive smile on her lips, and my heart sank as I watched her wrap her arms around his arm and whisper something in his ear. A surge of jealousy and anger rushed through me, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from the scene. I knew I had no right to feel this way about him, but I couldn't help it.

As I watched the witch's fingers trailing down Dr. Volkov's arm, I felt a knot form in my stomach. The jealousy and anger I felt towards her were overpowering, and I struggled to control my emotions. A part of me wanted to confront her, to tell her to stay away from him, but another part of me knew it was futile. Dr. Volkov was his own person, and he had every right to be with whomever he chose. But the pain of seeing him with someone else was almost too much to bear, and I couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal that enveloped my heart. I knew he is my doctor, and I can't feel this way about him, and the rejection of Adam is still a fresh wound in my heart.

I took another swig of my drink, trying to numb the ache in my chest. But the alcohol only made my emotions more intense, and I felt like I was drowning in my own feelings. The fear of rejection, the pain of loss, and the overwhelming desire for love and acceptance all battled inside me, tearing me apart from the inside out. I knew I had to get a grip on myself, to put aside my own selfish desires.

But the thought of him with someone else, laughing and smiling without me, made me feel like I was suffocating. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, but it was no use. The emotional turmoil was too much to handle, and I felt like I was on the brink of a breakdown.

I rose to my feet, the warmth from the bonfire still lingering on my skin. I need to clear my head. As I started walking away from the party, a soft whisper caught my attention. It sounded like my name, but distant and eerie. Goosebumps prickled my skin as I scanned the surrounding area searching for the source of the voice, but everyone was emersed in their own conversations enjoying the night.

I tried to brush it off as my imagination, but the whisper came again, this time louder and more urgent. "Alivia danger, beware," it called out, sending shivers down my spine. I spun around, my heart pounding in my chest, and my eyes darted around, searching for any signs of danger. But the partygoers were oblivious, their laughter and music drowning out any other sounds.

The crackling of the bonfire was drowned out by a sudden roar of wind, causing the flames to whip and sway erratically. Despite the heat radiating from the fire, a sudden coldness washed over me, sending shivers down my spine. The flames flickered and danced wildly, casting eerie shadows that seemed to move on their own. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as sweat broke out on my forehead, and a sense of unease crept up my spine.

The crackling of twigs echoed through the forest as I strained to see through the darkness. I could feel my blood pumping rapidly through my veins, my chest heaved with each quick breath as I caught a glimpse of two glowing orbs staring back at me. I squinted, trying to make out what it was its fierce snarl shook me to my core. It was a wolf, its eyes locked onto mine as it bared its sharp teeth. I stumbled back, my legs refusing to move as the predator charged towards me with a thunderous growl.