The Wolf's Red

Chapter 3

There was silence in the room as the three of them stared at each other, each one unsure of who would speak first.

The stillness stretched on for a full minute before Kaite finally stepped out of her hiding spot, her eyes still fixed on Xielo. Perhaps she didn't know what to say, or maybe she was caught up in the same confusion as her.

"Redilyn," Kaite called softly, breaking the tension and pulling Redilyn back to reality. "I know it's shocking for you to learn that—"

"Are you okay, Xielo?" Redilyn suddenly interrupted, her concern evident. The words halted Kaite in her tracks.

Redilyn moved closer to Xielo, her eyes scanning him with worry. "Are you hurt?" she asked, the genuine concern in her voice surprising both Kaite and Xielo.

Xielo couldn't find the words to answer, still stunned by the unexpected turn of events.

"Do you want us to escort you to the infirmary?" Redilyn continued, her voice laced with kindness. "It might still be open—"

"Did you see everything?" Xielo's voice cut through, his tone sharper than before.

Redilyn didn't answer immediately, but instead, she nodded gently, her expression solemn. Her quiet acknowledgment left Xielo speechless.

"I'm sorry," Redilyn said suddenly, her words catching both of them off guard. "Kaite and I were watching from behind the door. We really wanted to help you with those werewolf bullies, but..." she hesitated, her eyes dropping to the floor. "...we couldn't, so we're sorry."

Xielo stood there for a moment, processing her apology. "No, it's... it's okay," he finally said, his voice uncertain. "You have nothing to apologize for."

"Oh, okay. Well, um..." Redilyn continued, trying to shift the focus. "We actually came here because we wanted to help you with your homework. Kaite has some notes that you can borrow. I know you turned down my offer to help, but at least accept Kaite's notes. They will really help you."

Xielo mumbled, still processing everything. "Uhm, okay—"

"And you can also take our cellphone numbers," Redilyn added quickly. "...so you can contact us if you have any questions."

Xielo started, unsure of how to respond. "Oh... uhm—"

"You know what, I'll just write it down for you," Redilyn said, pulling out a piece of paper and scribbling her number on it before handing it to him.

"Anyways, that's all," she continued. "I know you're still busy, so we will take our leave." Without another word, she bowed slightly in front of Xielo and hurried out of the room.

"Wait," Xielo called out, but by the time the word left his lips, Redilyn was already gone. He let out a defeated sigh. "What is up with that?" he muttered under his breath, glancing at the only other person left in the room.

Kaite was still standing there, her gaze fixed on him, full of suspicion.

"Uhm, do you have anything to say?" Xielo asked, his voice slightly strained.

Kaite didn't answer right away. She sighed instead, pulled out her notebook from her bag, and handed it to him.

"Here are my notes that Redilyn mentioned," she said, her voice flat. She then retrieved a pen from her bag, wrote something on a piece of paper, and handed it to him. "...and here's my number."

Without waiting for a response, Kaite turned around and left the room, leaving Xielo alone with his thoughts. He stared at the door where the two had exited, still baffled by the whole encounter.