_____________♧ZIA POV♧____________

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Zia woke up feeling as happy as ever, she couldn't comprehend why?.... oh right!
Ace was supposed to help her. finally something new and maybe risky was going to happen. Was it worth getting excited for? For that, she didn't know.

She remembered vividly the memories of last night, Zia felt a smile creep over her face. She also wondered if Ace was fine...

Sighing, she stretched her arms and yawned loudly but then she remembered what her mom had told her.

××

Zia was very sleepy she couldn't even blink an eye open. Today, her mom was out getting supplies for them for the next weeks. Zia had been told to stay awake to help her mom picking these things up. But she couldn't help it, she felt herself drift into sleep further and further.....

"Zia!" Zia gasped at the sound of her mom, she blinked her eyes open indicating that she didn't sleep, but her mom knew better.

"Don't sleep on me! Come come, help me pick up those"

Even though Zia was just seven, she had the strength of a ten-year-old which was the reason her mom made her help.

Zia nodded, yawning loudly but was interrupted by the glare of her mom.

"Don't yawn loudly, it looks disgusting" Zia pouted at the accusation but nodded nonetheless.

"Promise?" Her mom suggested.

Her mom had the habit of promising many things, that way, Zia feels guilty whenever she was about to break one. So she nodded, showing her teeth in a soft smile.

"Promise!"

××

Zia felt her cheeks become wet, here we go again. She remembered promising her mom not to yawn loudly like many promises they've done. But her mom died and so all her promises did. So was she willing to keep them?

Zia's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the window. It must be Iris! She wondered happily.

Zia got off the bed, not caring about her morning appearance because why? This was her friend and she couldn't care less.

Opening the glass window, Zia felt a blush creep over her face at the person standing there. It wasn't her friend Iris but the one and only new friend she has gotten.

Flustered at her lack of preparation, Zia closed the window a little too loud and ran inside. "Im sorry, I'm sorry" She kept on apologising for purposely shutting him off.

"What....?" The poor boy wondered.

Zia tried to brush up her messy hair and wipe off her face in a hassle. It was the first guest she had in years after Iris of course and he couldn't see her messy morning face, it was shameful.

After some minutes of quick preparations, Zia finally opened the window looking for Ace.

Ah!

Zia gasped at the sound of Ace, he was hiding underneath the window waiting for the right moment to surprise her.

"What brought you here in the early morning?"

"It isn't that early" Ace shrugged off with a smile.

"Still, what if my aunt saw you?"

"Then she sees me, why are you overly worried?" He pushed.

"It's just....a little complicated" Zia said quietly trying to avoid the subject. She wasn't going to tell the reasons to a new friend. It would scare him off.

Ace seemed convinced as he nodded "hmm, fair enough"

Zia jumped off the window to talk to him properly. "Let's discuss whatever you came here early for here. I can't invite you in, I'm sorry but my Aunt might be awake already and it's....risky"

Ace rolled his eyes but cleared his throat "well, i promised i would help you right?"

"Yes"

Ace went over the pine tree beside her house and sat under it, beckoning at Zia to sit beside him. He then opened his palms making a book appear.

"This," He said to the book. "Is a collection of everything you might need" he finished off with a smile.

Zia examined the book carefully and felt a strange pull towards it.

How enchanting!

She proceeded to open the book page after page, carefully; in great determination. She felt a strange sensation once again.

"I couldn't....read them" she heard the boy say. "Since they aren't written in our tongue"

But

Zia could read them! "Oh my God" she exhaled, feeling a little overwhelmed at all the new letters in front of her eyes. They seemed strange yet she could comprehend what she was looking at. "I...CAN READ THEM!!!!" She voiced out in a surprised tone.

"Thought so....must be your magic or something"

She could read and swallow what's written but she couldn't grasp its meaning yet. "The book is about types of magic"

Ace raised an eyebrow at that "yeah? How about you read it for us?"

Zia turned to look at the boy who was currently laying on the snowy grass, balancing his whole body on his arms looking a little intimately at her which made her feel a blush rising up her neck. No no not the time.

Nonetheless, Zia nodded faintly and cleared her throat. "Only magicians will be able to read this. If you are reading this then you are one of us" and at that, Zia visibly gulped not believing what she was.
But she decided not to linger on the consequences now.

"You are one of the 3 types of magicians. The royals, the guards and the protectors.
Most purebred royalties had 'the ultimate' magic which allowed them to change into any magic at any time without any consequences. Guards, on the other hand, who usually were the defenders had both 'the attack' and 'the protection' so they could defend or protect themselves or someone close to them. Protectors had the simplest form of magic which was the 'protection' which was what they called 'useless' magic since it only allowed them to protect and if they used it more than the limited amount they had to pay for it somehow. And that's how the magic levels were set."

Zia didn't realise she had been holding her breath until she finished the first page. She felt speechless at the info. She glanced over at Ace who was in the same state as her; both of them shocked to say anything.

"Shall......I continue?" Zia looked at Ace again who nodded eagerly. She smiled at the determination and turned the page.

"To be born as a guard was a good blessing you could have. It not only served you a comfortable and peaceful life but also it secured a life mission/work for you. Guards were supposed to protect the royals. That was their job since the night they became who they are. It was in their blood to serve, protect and defend and that was the purpose of their powers. Their powers had red and yellow colours to it. Red for defence and Yellow for protection. Most guards that sought freedom and left their original jobs turned into useless protectors which was considered a severe punishment a guard could get."

"Seems,,,painful" Ace said in a sarcastic remark. "It sounds interesting...your family"

Zia wondered for a second "family?" It felt heavy on her tongue as well. She grew up believing to be a wolf. Her whole life was closed off. All she knew was that her 'family' were wolves. But what if her whole life was one true big fat lie? What if she didn't belong to her dead mom or aunt. What if her supposed 'real' family left her on purpose. She didn't want to think badly just yet. She'll ask her aunt; yes she will. And hopefully, she will get truthful answers that wouldn't wound her deeply. She wanted to hold onto that one hope that she did belong.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to" Ace suddenly said, cutting her train of unwanted thoughts.

She shrugged, dismissing the apology. He wasn't wrong. Those might be her true family. Because after all, she was abnormal.

"So I think, that I am not a guard"

At that, Ace snickered "that's obvious"

Zia glared at him, hitting his arms which made him fall on his back. "Oww" he screamed at her which made her chuckle.
But their little encounter halted when they heard a loud high-pitched gasp emit through the air.

They both turned their heads to the source and it was no one other than Zia's friend. Iris. Zia too gasped which made Ace gasp.

"Z-Zia...?"

"I-Iris!"

Ace couldn't help but roll his eyes at the dramatic exchange. Girls were weird, man.

"You!" Iris suddenly screamed at the poor boy.

Zia got up as fast as she can to mute her friend's loud voice that could easily uncover them.

"Shhh, I'll explain"

-

"So you are saying that you" she glanced at Ace "and him have been friends since what? a month already?" Iris halted in disbelief.

Zia clutched the book in one head "not...exactly...." she played with the book in nervousness.

When she had told her friend the story, she purposely left out some details, like her powers. She didn't want to surprise her with a big fact now. She just informed her about the reason they've been friends, and what happened after, not more and certainly not less.

Zia was so afraid of what her friend's reaction would be. She was also terrified of a possibility that her friend was going to snitch up on her and inform her aunt. But she had to trust her.

"Hmm" was the only reply her friend gave. Zia also noticed the weird looks Iris was giving to Ace, Albeit, she wasn't going to ask.

She had an inner turmoil going on inside her head, she was so worried about her reaction that she hadn't noticed her pout forming.

But then, she felt herself get nudged by the one and only Iris. Zia was surprised and could only look at her friend a little desperately.

"You look so funny!" And giggle could be heard.

Ha?

"You....are laughing?" Zia then shoot an apprehensive look to Ace, silently begging for help.

Iris only nodded at that, with tears in her eyes from their astonished looks. The pair looked awfully panicking that she had to step in. "Don't frown so much, relax, I'm not going to kill you"

Zia nodded still not trusting her. "I'm just afraid you will tell my aunt on me."

Iris shook her head, quivering from the sudden breeze of frost. "No, I'm better than that" and she winked.

Ace and Zia sighed, finally relaxing. "But-"

Iris suddenly glanced at Ace weirdly "you...look awfully familiar...i just can't place a name to your face it's frustrating"

Ace let out a laugh at that "you too, I think I've seen you...somewhere"

"Yeah" Zia was shocked at the weird exchange. They knew each other. Interesting.

-

After the encounter with both Ace and Iris, Zia excused herself as to head home to avoid the concern of her aunt. She was determined to talk with her and get as many answers as she can.

Sighing, she climbed back from the same open barred window that was slightly ajar
Waiting for her to open it back. She left it open not disturb her aunt knocking and to avoid blatant questions she might get.

Upon entering, Zia noticed the stillness in the house. She brushed it off as just a normal atmosphere. Her house didn't have a joyful soul within it. Only her and her old Aunt lived here; she was already a lady so it was common she felt this creepy silence in the house. But nonetheless, she is worried.

Going down the stairs, she called out for her Aunt, figuring out she was sleeping, Zia entered her room. It was probably the warmest room out of all the house. It held sentimental memories. Zia remembered going here to sleep beside her aunt when she had nightmares. She missed those times.

××

Young Zia had occasional nightmares of that night. That was one of the reasons she preferred to sleep with the moonlight shining. And today was no exception. She had dozed off like always but was woken up from her sleep because of a nightmare. She screamed for her mom. Calling for her desperately but it was of no use. Her mom was gone and that was forever.

So the only comfort she got was from her Aunt. Although her aunt wasn't an affectionate person by nature. She comforted her in distress and to that, she was forever thankful for.

So Zia ran up to her Aunt's room seeking comfort. She knocked lightly on the wooden door and when she heard a sigh she entered.

Luckily, her aunt was awake already, she was reading a book by the moonlight. So Zia let out a sob and, to that, Her aunt noticed the trouble she was in.

"Baby" she called for her. "Come come" she spread her arms waiting for Zia to come running.

And zia never hesitated.

Without even the need to speak, The aunt already knew the reason, having to witness it numerous times made it stuck to the brain. "It's ok, it's ok" she began soothing her by patting her hair.

And after a while, the frantic cries were reduced to quiet sniffles. "Can I sleep here tonight?" Little Zia asked reluctantly.

Her aunt smiled softly, nodding. "Of course, baby"

Zia beamed at that and snuggled up with her aunt. Feeling the type of warmth that she missed so bad. But nothing could replace her mom's embrace.

And all that could be heard was the sound of breaths and the sound of the night.

××

It had been a long time since she had slept on that bed since she was 12 winters. The dreams never stopped but as she grew up, she took care of them herself. She did miss the warmth of her embrace at night. But she had to grow up.

Zia looked over at her Aunt and noticed she was sleeping soundly. She decided to retreat back to leave her at peace but she was stopped by her aunt. "Zia...."

Zia looked quickly at her sleepy form, she then noticed her beady tired eyes that made her look sick. Was she sick?

"I...want to tell you something" her aunt started.

Zia nodded wordlessly, she never had the chance to look closer at her aunt. She used to sleep with her back towards her. Looking at her now, she noticed the tiredness of her eyes mixed the calloused skin that sported some wrinkles. She now noticed how old she looked. Zia remembered seeing her aunt for the first time, she was 3 and her mom decided to visit. Her aunt then had looked so vibrant with life, she had long black hair with the kindest eyes ever. She used to be ecstatic when they visited her. Zia often wondered why her aunt never had a mate. She had never seen a potential partner in her life. Was she always alone?  Is she ok with that? Considering how her aunt seemed content being alone, she figured that it didn't really matter. She wanted to ask her that.

"My life hadn't been the greatest but, I'm willing to pay off the debt I've been holding for years" her aunt beckoned at her to sit down.

"My health nowadays isn't that stable, so I want to bid the world goodbye without guilt" Zia was surprised at the claim, she never noticed the health problems, she felt betrayed and sad.

"I know I've been caging you here since forever, but, that is for your business. Zia, you must know that you aren't normal. You are special. And you need protection and that's what your mom wanted me to do."

All these years of falsely believing that her aunt was overprotective over her were wrong. Her aunt did what her mom asked of her. She had been a brat to complain when it wasn't her fault. Zia suddenly felt immense guiltless drip over her.

"I know you've been in the dark for so long, but I think it's time for you to know everything" her aunt held her frosty hands tightly as if she was preparing to reveal a tremendous secret.

"Your dad wasn't a wolf, Zia" she exhaled slowly. "You could say the meeting between your dad and mom was an accident but it happened nonetheless"

"They loved each other so tenderly despite their differences and circumstances. I witnessed that and i can assure you that they would've loved you too" Zia felt tears prickle at her eyes. She never doubted her parents even if they weren't always there for her.

"When your mom was pregnant, she was terrified of the outcome but she swore to protect you. Your dad too, he fought for your safety" They both were full-on crying.

"When they had you, your dad came all the way to see you. I was there, and i saw their last goodbyes too. He never wanted to leave but he had to, he had to sacrifice himself for his beloved ones. Yet before leaving, he sent you off to be safe. I also witnessed your mom scream in agony for her mate. He died trying, trying to safe you and her. He died for you Zia. But it was worth it."

Zia never imagined her dad to be this brave. She thought he left them for his own good. Oh, how mistaken she was.

"Albeit your mom was suffering from the loss of a mate, she continued to fight for your safety. She was always anxious and that was the reason she often sought me. And when i heard she died, i felt so weak, my only sister died trying. I was never the same from that day. As much as i tried to remain strong for you, her soul would hunt me, i should have helped her more, i should have kept her away from the potential harm but i let her chose, and that's what it cost of me"

Zia never saw her aunt crumble down in agony, she had witnessed how strong she was, so she was surprised to hear that it was all a facade, a facade that covered how hurt she had been feeling. "You did what you could Aunt, she chose what she went through, you just said so" she tried to comfort her. Her aunt was crying in grief after so many years of staying tough. Everyone had a breakpoint.

"Our parents were always protective of her, being the omega of the family and having that personality were the main reasons. She was too trusting and too loving. I remember the dreamy eyes she had after meeting your father. My parents made me vow to protect her. I'm a beta and her older sister. I feel so guilty for not completing my promise. After her mate died, she became another figure i was scared to know. She became reckless and awfully quiet. As you know, when a mate dies, their mate may die or change forever. She didn't die, i think part of it was because she wanted to be there for you but she changed, and i don't blame her."

"So why am i different?" Zia suddenly asked. She knew part of the truth that she was a magician, as the book said but she needed more proof.

"Hah?"

"You told me I'm not normal, and my father wasn't a wolf, that who was he? And who am i?"

Her aunt seemed desperate, she was looking at her with sad eyes "your father wasn't a vampire either,.....he was a magician"

That's why she knew magic, that's why she wasn't normal. Because being half magician and a half-wolf wasn't the norm.

"I figured that already because emitting green light and speaking differently isn't normal." Her aunt widened her eyes at that.

"You have already gotten your powers?" She seemed purely shocked.

"I-....yeah?" Zia thought that was normal....for wizards.

"That must be because of your heritage, normal wizards can't have their powers until they were at least 20 summers"

So even for being a wizard, she wasn't normal "so...who am i exactly?"

"What colour do you give out?"

"Green"

Her aunt nodded as if she was already expected the answer. "Thought so..."

"Zia, You are a purebred royalty"

××

Soo you may see this later bc I'm a dumbass but this was supposed to be before ch 12 bc this is ch 11 :(((( I'm sooo sorry:(