The Ennead ✔︎

H E R E S Y

(A/N) Here's the prompt: After Wrath comes the 6th circle, Heresy, hell for those who've had their own philosophical opinions that contradicted what's common in their society. Write a short story (1000 - 1500 words) about someone who tries to prove their opinion to people around him/her.

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Hailey's POV

"Morning Gran!" I greeted while entering the warm bakery. "Morning dear!" She smiled, looking up from the blanket she was knitting. I dropped my bag on the table and took off my long coat before walking to the counter where mum was.

"What were you doing out so late last night?! You could've gotten attacked by one of those wolves!" She scolded with her hands on her hips.

"Oh please, they're just wolves! Throw some meet their way and you'll be fine!" I joked, earning a scowl. "I'm serious Hailey! you need to be more careful. We don't have very good medical care out here, one bite from an angry wolf and you'll be a goner!"

"Yeah, yeah" I replied, rolling my eyes. 

I had heard this about a thousand times.

Mum threw me an orange apron before returning back to counting money. I let out a sigh before tying the apron on and heading into the kitchen ready for today's work.

I live in a small town called Verna deep within the whispering woods. The only visitors the town receives are lost travellers who have strayed too far from their path. Money doesn't come by easily so most businesses are family-owned and run. I've been working in my parent's bakery ever since I was a little girl. I like to consider myself a 'pro baker'. 

When I'm not working I can be found wandering the woods with my best friend Kyren (Kai - rin). 

Lately, we haven't been able to stray too far from the town due to wolf attacks. Wolves have lived in the whispering woods for years but recently there has been an increase to their numbers and some have been spotted very close to the town.

"Hailey!" My mum called. "Can you please take out the trash!" 

I plopped down the dough I was holding and washed my hands in a nearby sink before walking over to the trash can. I stood on the lever that lifted the lid and pulled out the garbage bag. 

I cringed at the nasty smell while walking over to the back door. I swung it open and took a deep breath of the soft fresh air.

Snap.

"Hello?" I called out, "Is anyone there?" Silence filled the air. 

 I shrugged my shoulders before walking over to the big dumpster. I flipped up the iron bar and lifted up the big heavy lid before chucking in the garbage bag and slamming the dumpster shut.

I was about to flip the lock bar back down when I heard a rustle nearby. I turned around slowly only to be met by a big black wolf.

"Holy fuckballs!"

I slowly made my way towards the door, keeping my eyes locked on the wolf. I was almost there when the wolf began stalking towards me.

I was about to scream but the wolf stopped and let out a growl. It began shaking its head vigorously as its skin started to rip open. 

What the hell?

The wolfs bones began cracking and it started to take the form of a... human?

"I'm not trying to hurt you!" The man spoke. He had green eyes a muscular body and long blonde hair, not to mention he was also naked.

"AHHHHHHH!" I screamed. I ran back through the door, all the way through the bakery and out the front door. "THEY'RE WEREWOLVES!" I yelled, standing in the middle of the street.