Valeria returned to school, exhausted from the day's events. She sought refuge in a cold shower, indulging in the refreshing water's soothing embrace. Her porcelain skin glistened as she stood under the showerhead, letting out a sigh of relief. After a while, she retired to her dorm, her eyelids heavy with fatigue.
As she slept, her mind replayed the events in the forest, her encounter with the hooded man lingering in her thoughts.
She knew she had seen him before, but her memory refused to divulge any details. The mystery of her soul mate also plagued her mind, her imagination running wild with possibilities.
The next morning, Valeria woke up early, her restlessness getting the better of her. She headed out of the dormitory.
She arrived at the basketball court, her feet pounding the pavement with a rhythmic intensity. She began to jog, her legs a blur as she sprinted up and down the court.
Then, she started to practice her shots, her arms moving with a fluid grace as she launched the ball into the air. The sound of the ball bouncing and swishing through the net was like music to her ears.
As she practiced, her movements became more swift and agile, her senses heightened as she anticipated the ball's trajectory. She leapt into the air, her body arcing gracefully as she slam-dunked the ball into the hoop. The force of her landing shook the court, her eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity.
Max watched her from a distance, his eyes wide with awe. He had never seen anyone play basketball with such passion and skill.
Valeria was a force to be reckoned with, her movements a testament to her supernatural abilities. As she continued to practice, her speed and agility increasing with each passing moment, Max couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement.
He knew he had to talk to her, to find out more about this mysterious girl who had always captured his attention.
Valeria's eyes widened in surprise as Max approached her, a sly grin spreading across his face. She had tried to gather more information about him, but her searches had turned up nothing. And now, here he was, acting like they were old friends.
"Max," she said, her voice laced with annoyance. "What do you want?"
Max chuckled. "Oh, come on. Don't be like that. I'm just trying to make conversation."
Her eyes narrowed. "I'm not interested, Max. And I'm surprised you'd show your face around here after what you did."
Max's grin faltered for a moment before he recovered. "Oh, you mean the little trick I played on you? That was just a joke, Valeria. Don't be so serious."
Her shock turned to anger. "A joke? You tried to stir up my corruption, Max. That's not something to joke about."
Max's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh, Valeria. You're so serious all the time. I'm just trying to have a little fun."
Valeria's patience wore thin. "Max, stop teasing me. And tell me why you tried to stir up my corruption the other day."
Max's smile faltered, his eyes darting away. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Her eyes flashed with anger. "Don't lie to me, Max. I know it was you. You knew I was a vampire, didn't you?"
Max's eyes widened, his voice barely above a whisper. "How did you...? I mean, yes, I knew. But I didn't mean to hurt you, Valeria. I just wanted to see...to see if the rumors were true."
Valeria's grip on her backpack tightened. "The rumors? You mean about vampires? Max, you have no idea what you're dealing with. And I want it to stay that way. So, I'm warning you - keep your mouth shut about what you know. Or else."
Max's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with confidence. "You think you're intimidating, Valeria? You think you can scare me off? I'm not afraid of anything, especially not you."
Valeria raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "That's cute, Max. But I'm not interested in your empty threats."
Max's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "You'll come crawling back to me, Valeria. You'll be mine, and you'll beg for my mercy."
Valeria snorted, her eyes rolling in disinterest. "I doubt it."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Max seething with frustration.
"I'll make you eat your words, Valeria," Max muttered to himself, his eyes burning with determination. "I'll make you mine, no matter what it takes."
Meanwhile, Valeria walked back to the girls' yard, her mind already focused on her next class. She took a shower, changed into fresh clothes, and prepared herself for the day ahead. Max's threats were nothing but a distant memory, a mere blip on her radar. She had more important things to worry about, like her studies, her own secrets and her corruption.