10 SWORDS

DIANA POV

Yesterday, I woke up a human. And this morning, I am a wolf. I don't really feel like it, but I trust Scott now more than myself.

The way he defined the imprint of a mate sounds so perfect. You get a mate, abide it, and live happily ever after.

It's a bit sad. It felt like he was bound to me because of the imprint and yet, he's willing to endure all the pain of his loss just to fulfill the destiny he didn't choose for himself. Wolves are complicated, but I guess the moon goddess just want all of her children to be loved and not live a lifetime alone.

But for me, I want everything to be right. I didn't lived a life as a wolf. I want us to choose each other, because we see each other as who we are. Scott may have a different view on that, for he's a wolf in mind and in heart, and that can't be changed.

His eyes were full of emotions, like he is speaking from the heart. I can't see any possibilities of him bending the truth. Despite knowing me only for a few days, he is already certain about his feelings towards me. Was that really him talking, or the imprint?

I like Scott. Should I trust my heart and take risks?

When I woke up, Scott already made breakfast, and even had my clothes dry cleaned. He lend me his coat, probably worried that the skies may scatter rainshowers on a cloudy Sunday.

As much as I wanted to stay to bombard him with more questions, I had to go given that reality hits me with my hospital duties.

"By the way, when I was attacked in the island, I was saved by a wolf.. yellow-eyed and much smaller than you. Is that one of your friends?", he opened the car door for me as I went in.

"No. That was a nagual.", he closed it gently and ran on the other side.

"A nag-what?", I fastened my seatbelt and looked at him in wonder.

"A Nagual. They are the highest forms of shapeshifters, who practices a certain kind of black magic. Our clan hates them, they are basically known as tricksters, very smart creatures who live in solitary, but not strong like us. They can turn to three forms - human, bird and wolf. ", Scott started the car and drove out of the basement parking.

"The one that saved you, seemed very protective of you. They don't usually help without something in return. They say, a nagual with a wolf does not bring good news, much with a vampire. I don't know much about it, but, we're all concerned why a Nagual is keeping an eye on my Luna", he continued.

"How do you spot a Nagual?", curious about the creature that I heard of the first time. Scott described them like someone I shouldn't mess with. But why would a nagual save me?

"That's easy. They are yellow eyed, for one. And they are afraid of mirrors, they have this ugly tonal wolf counterpart as their real physical nature. Maybe, it scares them with how they actually look", he said as he speed up to Villa Estates, passing by the spot where we got ambushed by vampires.

"Afraid of mirrors…" I uttered as I furrow my brows, making several speculations.

"Are you okay?", he asked as he hit the brakes in front of the Woodsworth Home.

"I'm fine", I awkwardly smiled. "Thanks Scott, I think I'm safe here now. Don't you think?", staring out from the car window.

He smiled and unfastened my seatbelt. He went down and looked around trying to 'sense' the area before he opened the car door for me.

"All clear, but somehow, I feel uneasy knowing the vamps know where you live. Obviously I can't protect you here. So I hope you can put into consideration about moving out", he said as he close the buttons of his coat on me.

I just smiled and nodded, then went in. Scott left as soon as I'm in the house.

Come to think of it, we have no mirrors in the house.

All windows are covered with thick curtains, there are no shiny trinkets nor decorations that can reflect your appearance.

I saw Hendrick passing by, and called him getting his attention.

"Good day, Dr. Diana. Did you just come in?", he asked gazing at me from head to foot.

"Yes.", I replied as I removed the coat on me. "Hendrick, how long have you been working for us?, as I place the coat on my arm.

"Ever since you were a child, I believe", he smiled sweetly as always. When my mother and I left our old town, we started to live lavishly in this city with maids and butlers.

"Would you know why we don't have mirrors? ", I asked waiting intently for his reply.

"Hmm.. let me see", Hendrick placed his index finger and thumb on his chin as he think thoroughly. "I think it's one of the specific preferences of Madam Alva during the time we settled in this home..", he continued.

I was about to fled when he suddenly spoke more of the past.

"Long ago, there was a new maid who was cleaning in one of the rooms. She was so young and fond of brushing her hair, fixing her face with vivid colors, checking it with her pocket mirror. I specifically told her not to bring out the mirror anywhere in the house, except in her quarters..", Hendrick said with too much longing in his eyes.

"One bright, sunny day turned into gloom when all of a sudden we heard a loud voice shouting in horror saying she saw a monster. I hurriedly went in the room and found her sitting on the floor with her face between he knees and a mirror on her hand, shaking tremendously", his face started to tremble as he try to hold back his tears.

"Ever since, Amelia never faced the mirror. She refused to talk, to eat.. she stopped living until her last breath. Madam Alva didn't say word after that incident. We just followed her specific orders since then", I held Hendrick's shoulder and comforted him.

"You're daughter is in a safe place now. Maybe mother has her reasons.", I said as he wipe his tears and forced a smile.

"Anyway, were there any visitors last night?", changing the topic so I won't further make Hendrick bluer.

"None that I know of, my lady", he furrowed his brows as he shook his head, holding to something on his hand.

"What's that, Hendrick?", I asked taking a peek on the card he's holding.

"Oh, Madam Alva went home last night and I happen to gather her belongings. I found this in one of her pockets. It looks like a picture", Hendrick handed the card over.

I gasped in shock seeing what it is. It's a tarot card similar to what Emilia had in the island, showing the 10 SWORDS.

'The person who is a wolf in sheep's clothing, they are fools who bring nothing but trickery', as I recalled.

I look at the hallway and found my mother in her long black laced robe staring back at me with the eyes of a hawk.