The Human Among Wolves (Aurora) novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14

He hesitated again. That same flicker crossed his face–tension, conflict, something he wasn’t saying.

But then he said it anyway. Quietly. Almost reluctantly.

“I don’t want you to leave.”

The words hung between us like fog–thick, heavy, and impossible to ignore.

I blinked. “What?”

Zayn didn’t repeat himself. He just stood there, jaw tight, like he already regretted saying it.

My heart kicked hard in my chest. “You just said you thought I’d be gone by now.”

“I did.” His voice was low, steady. “But that was before.”

“Before what?”

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Zayn looked at me then–really looked. “Before I realized you weren’t just some clueless human who wandered in here. Before you stood your ground with Malric. Before you looked me in the eye and didn’t flinch.”

I swallowed, caught off guard by the heat rising in my face. “So what, now I’m a charity case?”

He frowned. “No. You’re not weak, Aurora. That’s the problem.”

I folded my arms across my chest, trying to keep myself from shaking. Whether it was nerves, anger, or something else entirely, I didn’t know. “What are you even saying, Zayn? That I

should stay? Risk getting ripped apart by someone less ‘patient‘ than the professor?”

“I’m saying…” He hesitated, struggling to find the words. “You came into a place that should’ve swallowed you whole, and somehow, it didn’t. You’re still standing. That means

something.”

I let out a shaky breath, my throat tight. “It doesn’t change the fact that I don’t belong here.”

Zayn stepped closer, his voice quieter now, more deliberate. “Maybe. But you’re already part of it. Whether you meant to be or not.”

That hit harder than I wanted it to.

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0:07 Thu, Jan 20

Chapter 14

He went on, softer still, like he was walking a l

e should cross. “You’ve been having dreams?”

I stiffened. “How do you–?”

“I’ve seen the way you look. Like you’re somewhere else.” He paused. “They’re not just dreams. Not here. Not for someone like you.”

Something cold unfurled in my chest. “What does that mean?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I think this place wants you here. And if that’s true, then maybe you’re not as human as you think.”

My breath caught.

I stared at him, unsure if I wanted to laugh, cry, or scream.

Because if he was right…everything I thought I knew about myself could be wrong.

I stared at him, the words echoing in my mind like they’d come from somewhere far away.

‘Maybe you’re not as human as you think.‘

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked, voice tight.

Zayn didn’t flinch. “It means you need to stop assuming you know everything about yourself.”

I took a step back, heart thudding. “No. No, you don’t get to stand there and say cryptic stuff like that and then act like it’s not completely insane.”

“I’m not trying to confuse you-”

“Oh, you’re doing a great job without trying,” I snapped, the panic building faster than I coul The weird dreams? The stares? Constantly feeling like I’m walking into a room that already deci

His mouth tightened. “You’re not the only one the academy watches.”

Something in the way he said it made my blood chill.

But before he could say anything else, a sharp knock echoed down the corridor.

We both turned.

think I want any of this?

belong?”

Down the hall, just barely visible through the shadows, stood a tall figure dressed in deep crimson robes–the kind no student wore. The kind that meant power. Authority. Danger.

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0:07 Thu, Jan 29

Chapter 14

The Head Warden.

Zayn immediately moved to stand in front of me, just slightly, like it was instinct.

The warden’s voice carried, smooth and cold. “Miss Wells. A word.”

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