Unexpected - The Enigma.

Chapter-6

"Mother, I don't like this, please... just wait, Anaya di will come and make me my favorite curry rice," pleaded the three-year-old boy, scrunching up his face in distaste at the bowl of soup.

Shali smiled patiently, accustomed to handling children, but this little ball of energy was a unique challenge. His hyperactivity was exhausting, especially when Anaya, his beloved caretaker, was away. And today, the added worry of his fever made Shali anxious.

As she coaxed him to eat, Shali couldn't help but think about the impending separation when Anaya left for further studies. How would she manage this little bundle of energy on her own?

"No arguments now, Boni. You're going to finish this bowl of soup and take your medicine. That's it."

Shali hated seeing sadness on the little munchkin's face, but she knew sometimes she had to be the strict one - the "haou" (ghost) - as the children affectionately called her.

"But...but..." Boni trailed off.

"No buts," Shali said firmly.

"Ok." Boni relented, beginning to eat, though a pout still lingered on his face.

"My lady , I think you need to see this..." her staff said, urgency etched on her face.

Shali's instincts kicked in, sensing the gravity of the situation. She swiftly kissed Boni's forehead, tucked him into bed, and exited the room.

"What's the matter?" she asked, closing the door behind.

Her staff's panicked expression answered her question. Shali's eyes locked onto what her staff held, and her expression turned resolute.

"We need to go. Hurry," she ordered.

She had anticipated this moment. It wouldn't be easy to take "Her" away. Not on her watch.

"Yes, my lady," her staff replied.

★★★★★

The hooded girl's grip on Anaya's hair tightened. "Oh, is our little wolf angry now?" she taunted.

Arthur's eyes blazed with fury, his gaze fixed on Anaya's terrified face. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and his fangs began to lengthen. The two werewolves holding him strained to restrain him.

"Stay away from her," Arthur growled, his voice low and menacing.

The hooded girl chuckled, her eyes glinting with malice. "Or what? You're still not capable enough to protect her." She traced the blade on her throat, her movement deliberate and provocative.

Arthur's body tensed, his muscles rippling beneath his skin as he fought against his captors. His eyes flashed red, signaling Xavier's rising dominance.

"Arthur..." Anaya called out desperately, her voice trembling as the cold blade touched her skin. She longed to wake up from this nightmare, to forget everything and return home.

But before she could utter another word, darkness claimed her. The spell took hold, and her body succumbed to its power. Her last glimpse was of Arthur breaking free from his captors.

The hooded girl's smile twisted. "Now, now, boys. Hold him tight. We just need her blood..." She pressed the knife deeper, drawing a trickle of blood as Anaya's consciousness slipped away.