DUCHAS (The Drive Within, Book 2 in Baile series)

Chapter 7 Bloody Clues

Isla

I wandered through the dark halls of some animal pavilion. Enclosures in the form of glass boxes lit from within lined the walls, glaring against my eyes as I walked. Snakes sunned themselves below heat lamps and crocodiles lied on the base of fabricated pools. I stopped before an enclosure, peering through the glass. I couldn't see any animal within. I stared for a long time until I saw the slightest movement of an eye focusing on mine. Caught out, the creature revealed itself to be a chameleon. I watched as it moved in its own unique way, shaking back and forth as it carefully stepped across its branch...

I slowly opened my eyes. I immediately reached over to my bedside table for my dream journal. I lied on my back, recording my latest dream before sinking back into my previous position. It had been a long time since I had a dream that felt like it could have been real. I was too tired to look into its meaning anyway.

I rolled onto my side, looking over Charlotte's empty bed at April as she slept peacefully beneath the covers. I had nearly resorted to begging last night to sleep on Riley's couch, but he was adamant that I make up with April. When I had trudged back up to my room she was already asleep. I didn't want to wake her at the moment. I had learnt long ago to not wake a sleeping Byrne. The gates of hell opened themselves the last and only time I dared to wake her.

I crawled out of bed, padding over to the bathroom. I removed my clothing before running the shower incredibly hot. I submerged myself, leaning against the tiled wall as the water cascaded over me. I lost track of time as I attempted my failing technique of washing away my worries. I stepped out, realising I had lost time for a run this morning as I dried my hair and wrapped my body in a towel before exiting the bathroom.

"-I can't believe this!" I caught the remainder of April's rant as she screamed into her phone. Her sapphire eyes flicked to my own briefly as I crossed our room. "I swear, if you make me do anything like this-!" She suddenly stopped talking, clearly listening to whoever cut her off on the end of the line.

I kept my back to her as I changed into my school uniform, tying my hair back into a low ponytail. I heard April hiss through her teeth before she stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door as hard as she could behind her. Why did I get the feeling I would never get a chance to make amends with her?

Alick

"Sorry if I woke you." I finished zipping up my trousers by the side of the bed.

"It's okay." Ciara leaned against her elbow in bed. "Where did you tell your parents you were last night?" Her smile told me she already knew the answer.

"I told them I was studying with April and Isla." I began buttoning my shirt.

"Clever."

"I don't know how many times they would believe the excuse though." I chuckled to myself.

"I think you have plenty of times to use it." She reached out and I stepped forward, exchanging a lingering kiss before I finished throwing on my uniform.

"See you soon wolf boy." Ciara tossed me my forgotten tie and I caught it easily, wrapping it around my neck as I exited her room. I looked to my left and locked eyes with April. I turned away, breaking into a run once I left the girl's dorm building. I turned into the boarder's dining room, meeting up with Riley.

"Bit early for you isn't it?" He quirked an eyebrow.

I shrugged. "I guess that's what happens when you don't wear a watch." I gestured to my wrist as Riley offered me half of his breakfast at an empty table.