Chapter 1

“You’re mine, little puppy,” Kylan growled against my neck.

“Soon enough, you’ll be begging for me. And when you do—I’ll use you as I see fit, and then I’ll reject you.”

—

When Violet Hastings begins her freshman year at Starlight Shifters Academy, she only wants two things—honor her mother’s legacy by becoming a skilled healer for her pack and get through the academy without anyone calling her a freak for her strange eye condition.

Things take a dramatic turn when she discovers that Kylan, the arrogant heir to the Lycan throne who has made her life miserable from the moment they met, is her mate.

Kylan, known for his cold personality and cruel ways, is far from thrilled. He refuses to accept Violet as his mate, yet he doesn’t want to reject her either. Instead, he sees her as his puppy, and is determined to make her life even more of a living hell.

As if dealing with Kylan’s torment isn’t enough, Violet begins to uncover secrets about her past that change everything she thought she knew. Where does she truly come from? What is the secret behind her eyes? And has her whole life been a lie?

Chapter 1

Violet

My heart pounded with excitement and nerves as I walked across the campus of Starlight Academy with my suitcases in my hands.

This had been my dream for as long as I could remember—to be among the best shifters. The academy was very hard to get into but somehow I had managed to do it.

Today would be the start of a new chapter in my life, and absolutely nothing could ruin it.

"Move it, four eyes!"

Almost nothing.

I released a yelp as someone shove me down to the ground, and I fell down with my suitcases.

My glasses slipped from my face and I panicked.

“No, no!” I whispered, closing my eyes as I desperately looked for them.

They needed to remain on my eyes at all times. I’d had them since I was eight years old, and all I knew was that it would be a cold and lonely night if I didn’t have them on at all times.

The nightmares, the visions…

“Yes!” I breathed, my fingers brushing against the familiar frame. Relieved, I quickly put them back on.

I caught a glimpse of the back of the guy who had pushed me over as he walked with his group of friends. “Asshole!” my wolf, Lumia and I muttered at the same time.

One of the guys, wearing a blue hoodie, looked back with what seemed like a look of sympathy.

Our eyes met, and then he made a turn, sprinting to my direction.

Flustered, I watched as he grabbed my suitcases from the ground before sticking out his hand to help me.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, thanks,” I accepted as I got up, now standing face to face with him.

My lips instantly curled at the handsome blonde in front of me, his eyes as brown as honey and his hair slightly lighter than mine.

"I'm sorry for the prince," he said. "He didn’t mean it, he’s a bit cranky today."

I frowned. "The prince?"

The guy eyed me strangely. "The Ly…never mind. First day?”

“Yes.”

“Do you need help with your suitcases?"

"Yes, sure.”

He grabbed my two suitcases and we began to walk, my short legs struggling to keep up as I was almost half his size. "Were you on your way to pick up your keys?"

“Yes.”

“Can you only say, yes?”

“Ye…I mean—no,” I shook my head, a bit embarrassed.

He chuckled. "I’m Nate, member of the student council.”

"Violet," I responded.

Nate glanced at me, and then his eyes studied me. His look was so intense I couldn’t help but blush. "So let me guess,” he spoke. “Seventeen, small and humble pack, Alpha’s daughter, healer’s acquaintance?"

I looked at him, shocked, and let out a surprised laugh. "You were almost right—eighteen."

And then there was this other thing.

The Alpha was my uncle who had raised me, but it wasn’t something I ever felt like discussing.

When I was eight, my parents had passed away in an attack, and my uncle had been taking care of me ever since. He was the Alpha of the Bloodrose pack, a small pack from the east.

"Studying to be the healer’s acquaintance? Your parents must be proud of you," Nate said.

"Yes, and they..." I replied, the words trailing off.

Alpha Fergus had tried to treat me like a daughter, but the man was just too awkward to raise one. He had never been around much, and our Luna, Sonya had tried her best, but we just didn’t have that mother-daughter click. Adding salt to the wound was Dylan, my cousin, who I grew up with. I called him my brother, everyone did. He had hated me all my life, never giving me a reason, and we had never gotten along.

He was a sophomore at Starlight Academy and had made it very clear that we were not family within these walls and to stay away from him.

His exact words had been, ‘Do not embarrass me, freak.’

“They’re proud,” I sighed.

As I followed Nate, I noticed a lot of girls fighting for his attention. Once in a while he would acknowledge one of them, and was met with squeals. With a face like that, it wasn’t hard to guess that he was popular. Above all, he seemed to have a good heart as well.

He caught me staring, and I lowered my gaze to the ground with a giggle.

"Here you are," Nate said.

I looked up and realized we had already arrived at the grand hall. “Come on,” he guided me inside, and it was just as incredible as I remembered from the orientation—a large, open space with high ceilings and luxe appearance.

It was quite busy, the area filled with students and suitcases. “Wow,” I gasped, looking around in awe.

Nate pointed. "That’s the front desk. You can go there for information and get your keys,” then he stuck out his hand. "It was nice to meet you. Welcome, and I hope you’ll have a good year—Violet."

I looked at his hand for a moment before accepting it. "Thank you.”

He winked at me, and I felt a flutter in my chest. I kept holding his hand for a second longer than necessary and when he stared at our intertwined hands with a soft smile, I released a cough and stepped back.

"Thank you," I repeated, not knowing what else to say. “And thank you for coming back to help me.”

“No problem,” Nate spoke. “Just doing my job.”

Right, cause he was a member of the student council.

“Nate—let’s go!” A loud voice called out.

I looked over Nate’s shoulder to see where the voice was coming from. It was a guy leaning against one of the pillars, surrounded by friends, his back turned to us. It was the same guy who had called me four-eyes. I recognized his voice immediately. Nate had referred to him as a prince, and I wondered if it was because he was actual royalty or because of his entitled behavior.

Yet, Nate didn’t hesitate for a second and immediately walked off to his friend.

"Next!" the woman behind the information desk shouted, snapping me back to reality. An unimpressed look was plastered on her face.

“Oh, yes—that would be me!” I said, sounding awkward even to myself as I struggled to push my suitcases to the desk.

“Name, class, and major,” she demanded, her tone flat.

"Violet Hastings, freshman from the healer department?”

The woman hummed and looked through a stack of papers or files. Meanwhile my thoughts went to my three new roommates, hoping they’d at least be more bearable than that dude who called me four-eyes.

"I-I have to say, I’m very honored to be one of the chosen 200 to learn from the best healers and my Mom was actually an alumna so I’m really excited to—"

The woman cut me off, throwing a set of keys at me, and I caught them just in time. "Lunar hall, second building on your left, second floor, room 102—Next!"

“Okay?” I blinked, shocked by her rudeness. Before I could react, someone shoved me aside, and I almost stumbled but could luckily regain my balance just in time.

Following the rude woman’s directions to the dorm building was thankfully not too much of a hassle. I managed to get to the second floor with a lot of struggle, completely out of breath and probably sweaty—but I was there and that was all that mattered.

The hallway was filled with students, chatting, moving in their belongings and so on. Overwhelmed by the noise and the people, I looked around, not knowing where to start.

"What room are you in?" a voice asked from behind.

As I turned my head, a woman gasped loudly in my face. “Adelaide?” she widened her striking green eyes.

I looked at the woman, trying to figure out whether I knew her, but I couldn’t recognize her. “W-Who?” I stuttered.

The woman had light grey hair pulled back into a bun, glasses on her nose, and striking green eyes. She stared at me with an intense, almost hopeful expression while I eyed her back strangely, thinking she must have mistaken me for someone else.

"I'm so sorry," she apologized, "you just look like someone I once knew."

I smiled warmly. "It's okay."

"My name is Esther, and I’m the RD of this department. And you are..." she began, her eyes moving to the name on my key tag. "Violet Hastings from room 102—the room just down the hall," she said.

"Thank you," I sighed, grateful for the help.

Shooting her one last smile, I walked further with my suitcases to go to my room. With each step I took, I grew more anxious about meeting my roommates.

What would they be like?

Would I like them?

Would they like me?

Even with the Bloodrose pack, I realized I’d never really had friends. Sure, there were people I was closer to than others, but friends?

I reached the door to room 102, and my heart pounded in my chest. Taking a deep breath, I turned the key in the lock and then I pushed the door open.

In the center of the room stood two girls who immediately stopped talking and looked at me.

One of the girls had dyed light pink hair, the other dark curls. Their clothes were stylish and expensive-looking, making me feel insecure and out of place. They probably came from high-status families, bigger packs, unlike me.

"Am I interrupting?" I asked, my voice hesitant.

The pink-haired girl rushed toward me. "No," she spoke in a hurry. "I’m Amy, that’s Trinity—and are you her? Kylan’s ex?"

I frowned in confusion. "Who?"

And who was Kylan?

"Our roommate, Chrystal? The Lycan Prince’s ex?" Amy explained. “I heard she has to redo her freshman year and is our roommate—are you her?”

Chapter 2

Violet

I blinked, processing the information.

Am I her? No, and I was certainly no ex of a Lycan Prince. I would rather take a swim in my own vomit than get myself involved with such a person.

“Stop bothering her, Amy,” the other girl with the braids, Trinity, spoke up. She gave me a welcoming smile, her eyes much softer and kinder than Amy’s sharp, piercing gaze.

“Chrystal has red hair, remember?”

I touched my blonde locks self-consciously, noticing the pink-haired girl's face soften. Then I closed the door behind me.

“I’m Violet, nice to meet you.”

“Hi, Violet,” Trinity stepped forward, helping me with my suitcases. “Chrystal is a Lycan of noble blood, her Dad is the beta of the Lycan King of the kingdom of Lupyria, and she’s our roommate. I’m in here, Chrystal there, Amy in there—and this is your room," she said, pointing and leading the way.

So our other roommate was of noble blood, living in the biggest of the three Lycan kingdoms, no big deal. Another blow to my confidence, just what I needed.

I scanned the room with my eyes as Trinity placed my stuff by the bed. “Here you go, and you’re welcome,” she said.

“Thanks.”

The room was mid-sized, and still empty besides a double bed, an empty window and a small walk-in closet.

"We have to share a public bathroom. It’s on the first floor,” Trinity explained.

Amy joined us, leaning against the door frame. "Don’t you think that’s disgusting though? I mean, I don’t want someone to give me, like… green toes?"

Trinity chuckled.

"Oh, you mean athlete’s foot?" I jumped in.

Trinity and Amy exchanged a look, then turned back to me.

"Tinea pedis? Fungal infection?" I elaborated, only to get even more confused looks in return.

"Never mind—anyway, it’s nice to meet you, and I hope we’ll get along," I switched up quickly, making a mental note to avoid saying anything too nerdy around anyone.

My brother, Dylan, would occasionally tell me to stop being such a smart ass and that it made me ten times more unlikeable. He was the biggest nerd in existence so coming from him, it must’ve meant something.

“Quick question, are we all going to the Starlight Festival tonight?” Trinity beamed, wiggling her brows playfully.

Nope.

I turned to unpack my stuff, pretending not to hear. The Starlight Festival was held in the woods just outside the school gates.

It always took place on a full moon to welcome new students, and was especially a hot event among unmated werewolves who were desperate to find their mate.

The thought of being connected to someone, only to lose them, terrified me. The feeling I felt after losing my parents was one I never wanted to feel ever again.

"We should go. Everyone is going to be there—and I heard tons of students find their mate there," Amy said.

My stomach twisted with anxiety. I really didn’t want to go, but I also didn’t want to be that one person who only came to the academy to study although that was the truth.

I wanted to fit in but also wanted to stay true to myself, but I guess the one thing I truly wanted was to be different from the Violet back home.

"Have you guys found your mates yet?" Amy asked.

"No—Violet?" Trinity answered, and I looked at her, slowly shaking my head.

"So, you’ll be coming with us then?"

"I’ll sit this one out. Besides, I don’t even have a dress for that," I said, hoping that would end the conversation.

"So? I’ll let you borrow something," Trinity offered immediately. I knew she didn’t have any bad intentions as she had been kind to me from the start. She just couldn’t take a hint.

I felt trapped, knowing if I would decline, it would set the tone for my relationship with my roommates for the entire four years. Besides, it was just one night. What's the worst that could happen?

"That’s nice of you—thanks!" I said, forcing a smile.

Trinity clapped her hands, smiling, then bumped Amy’s shoulder. "See? Problem solved."

Amy chuckled, folding her arms. It was silent for a moment before Trinity opened another topic. “So what do your parents do?”

I blinked, caught off guard by the question. Just as with Nate, this was supposed to be the moment where I would usually say my parents were dead—only I didn’t. Again.

Trinity answered her own question, "My dad is an Alpha, Amy’s dad is a Beta—"

“Mine is also an Alpha!” I announced before she could say anything else. Now that she got her answer, I desperately hoped she would shift the topic.

Amy slightly rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, same old—everyone here comes from status. Anyway, where is Chrystal?"

From the moment I had met her, she had almost seemed obsessed with Chrystal. All she could talk about was that Lycan girl.

"I’m sure we’ll meet her soon. She’s probably with Kylan and Nate,” Trinity said.

"Nate? From the student council?" I asked, surprised.

Amy’s eyes lit up. "Have you met him? He’s Chrystal’s twin brother and Kylan’s future Beta."

I nodded, remembering the handsome guy from earlier. So he was a Lycan, a future Beta of noble blood—and my roommate’s brother.

"Can you imagine? The Beta to the future Lycan King? Maybe he is my mate," Amy sang, and the two girls giggled. “I’m not counting on it to be the Lycan Prince, but I’ll take the second best.”

My face paled as I slowly put two and two together. The guy who had called me four-eyes was indeed royally. He was that Lycan Prince they were gushing over. That’s why Nate had called him ‘the Prince’.

I decided right then and there to stay away from him. If he could bully me after bumping into me, I didn’t even want to know what kind of damage he could do without facing any consequences.

He was a Lycan, after all—ten times stronger, ten times faster.

"We should go—the RD is expecting us in ten minutes," Trinity spoke, glancing on her phone.

"What for?"

"She’s giving us a tour," Amy replied.

“Then we should probably head out.”

~

As we reached the main hall in the healer’s building, a large group of freshmen were already waiting and talking among themselves. Esther, the woman who had introduced herself earlier, stood on a platform.

The second I entered the room, her gaze landed on mine and she gave me a friendly nod, which I returned. I was waiting for her to turn away, but she never did. For some reason, Esther kept staring at me. I squinted my eyes, cracking my brains over the reason.

"Look, that’s Chrystal!"

Amy nudged my shoulder, and I turned away, following her eyes. They landed on a gorgeous tan girl with long, straight red hair, standing with a group of girls. Chrystal was dressed in a short pink tennis skirt and a pink top, by the looks of it expensive.

Just by one look, it was clear she hadn’t been in the dorm to welcome us because she had her own crowd and standards. She had probably already decided her roommates were not good enough for her without getting the chance to get to know any of us.

Her energy was completely different from her brother, Nate, who looked so kind and approachable.

"I’ll go and say hi. I’ll see you guys later!" Amy said before walking off toward Chrystal.

Trinity chuckled as we watched her tap Chrystal’s back, attempting start a conversation. "And then there were two.”

"Don’t you want to meet her?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Trinity pulled a disgusted face, shaking her head. "She might be of noble blood, but that doesn’t mean she can treat us like trash. If she really wanted to meet us, she would’ve been at the dorms."

I smiled, agreeing with Trinity. "Yeah, you’re right. It’s nice to meet someone who sees things the same way."

"Attention!" Esther called out.

The voices in the hall slowly faded as everyone turned to look at her. "Welcome, everyone, to Starlight Academy. I’m Esther, your Resident Director, and one of the Grand Masters in healing. It’s my pleasure to welcome you to what I hope will be the best four years in your life."

Everyone around me clapped, so I awkwardly joined in.

"Starlight Academy is a place where you will learn, grow, and build life-long friendships—and I know many of you are nervous," Esther continued, making eye contact with me. I looked away.

"But I want you to know my office is always open, no matter what."

Trinity whispered, "They always say that but never keep their word."

I giggled, once again agreeing with her. It was always like that. They had everyone’s backs until someone’s family couldn’t pay the f*e anymore.

"Now if you’ll all follow me," Esther instructed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Amy walking with Chrystal. It looked like Chrystal had taken her under her wing, which made sense given Amy’s excitement about meeting her.

Esther led us on a full campus tour, explaining that this week would be about exploring and learning the basic rules. We weren’t allowed to spend the night in the male dorms, there was a strong curfew meaning no leaving the dorms after ten, no unauthorized shifting or any other kind of use of power, and especially no fighting unless it was on the training grounds with a teacher present.

Three strikes, and you’re out.

"I might as well have applied for prison," Trinity muttered, making me laugh as we walked with a few more freshman we had made along the way.

The tour ended in the academic hall. "Look around some more, enjoy your week—and I will leave you girls to it," Esther said.

Everyone thanked her in unison, but once again her eyes were on me. I still wondered what her deal was, why she seemed to be paying me so much attention.

After she was out of sight, I tried to join the conversation with the girls, but they were already in it too deep.

"He literally just walked past us. Apparently, he’s a sophomore CSL major," one of the girls said excitedly.

"CS-what?" I asked, feeling lost.

"Combat Strategy and Leadership? They’re talking about the Lycan Prince again," Trinity explained.

"Ah…”

The topic wasn’t all that interesting to me. All everyone seemed to be talking about was that damn Lycan Prince. The conversation continued without me, and it bored me so much, I felt a sudden urge to pee. "Does anyone know where the restroom is?" I asked.

Trinity pointed in a direction. "I think it’s that way—do you want me to go with you?"

"No, I’ll manage. Thanks!”

Following Trinity’s instructions, I eventually stood in front of two closed doors with unclear symbols.

“Sure, why not?” I mumbled, trying to make a decision. One looked vaguely like a dress, so I guessed that one was for women.

As I entered the restroom, I saw it was empty and headed for one of the stalls. After finishing my business, I went to sink, rubbing the soap between my palms before washing it off. But

as I turned off the tap, I heard a sound from around the corner.

My heart skipped a beat. How had I missed a whole part of the restroom?

Curious, but more so fearful because I knew I had screwed up—I peeked around the corner, seeing exactly what I had been expecting to see.

To my horror, I saw urinals, and a guy with his back turned against me, zipping up his jeans.

I swallowed my breath, panicking, and I knew I had to leave quietly before he noticed me.

Carefully, I took a step back, only for my foot to hit the bin, followed by the sound of a loud clatter.

Shit.

The guy turned around swiftly, his expression tense and his jaw clenched. My stomach dropped. Even though this was the first time I had seen his face, I recognized his build immediately.

It was the Lycan Prince, Kylan, and he was walking toward me with a gaze so cold, it could kill. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as he stepped closer, and closer—until he stood in front of me, leaving no more than a few inches between us. Nervously, I bit my bottom lip, dreading whatever would come out of this.

I was so embarrassed, the sound of my own heartbeat echoed in my eardrums. The prince’s eyes bore into mine, and he looked pissed.

I was frozen, my mind blank, unsure of what to do or say next.

Chapter 3

Violet

His face shifted from an angry gaze to a smirk, then back to furious as he stood in front of me, the Lycan Prince.

I felt as if I couldn’t breathe, unsure if it was from the complete embarrassment of walking into the male restroom or from his intimidating presence as he hovered over me.

He was tall, with jet-black hair that framed his chiseled face perfectly. His eyes were almost as dark as his hair, beautiful and terrifying. My eyes wandered to his lips which were tightly pressed together, almost as if he were holding back a comment or perhaps a laugh.

"Lost, four-eyes?" he said, calling me by that same nickname he had called me before. His voice was low and deep.

I was still frozen, staring up at him as no words were able to leave my mouth. This was humiliating.

I stammered. "I-I think I made a mistake.”

Kylan scoffed. "You think? Or you know? Because it seems pretty obvious to me.”

That’s it. I was not going to argue with this guy.

I rolled my eyes, trying to leave, but he blocked my path by slamming his hand to the wall behind me. I was trapped between his body, and he had no intention of letting me go. "This is clearly the men's room," he said, tilting his head. "Or did you just want an excuse to see me? Are you also one of my stalkers?"

Stalkers?

I knew my face was turning red. "No, of course not. I didn't realize—"

"Sure you didn’t," he cut me off. "For what do you even need those glasses if they’re not doing anything about that bad sight of yours?"

I clenched my fists, my embarrassment turning into frustration. The glasses were a sensitive topic to me, especially since I wasn’t wearing them for my eyesight. Now he had pushed it.

"I said it was a mistake, now move!”

I tried to go past him for a second time, but he pushed me back, stopping me in the process as his jaw slightly twitched with anger.

"Four-eyes—"

"I have a name.”

"Then what is it?" he demanded.

"Violet," I replied, loud and clear.

“Four-eyes,” a smirk appeared as he refused to roll my name off his tongue. “I’m sure you know who I am, and where I come from no one raises their voice at me.”

"Funny. Where I am from no one raises their voice at me either,” I shot back.

Hearing those words from a Lycan Prince’s mouth were supposed to scare me, and they did—but I wasn’t going to let him win this time.

Back home, no one dared to disrespect me because of my Uncle, even though they thought I was a bit odd. I had given the prince a pass when he pushed me to the ground, but that was as far as I would go.

Kylan looked surprised and speechless as if he hadn’t expected me to talk back.

"Now if you’ll excuse me," I said, brushing past him and succeeding this time. Then I quickly left the restroom without so much as a glance back.

As I hurried through the halls, I could finally release a breath, processing what had just happened. The Lycan Prince…Kylan tried bullying me again, but I had stood my ground.

I had managed to do it this time, but I knew all too well that he wasn’t one to play around with, so I would just let it be that time.

It would probably be better for everyone’s sake to avoid him for real.

I rejoined the group, and Trinity noticed my flustered state.

“Are you okay?” she asked, concerned.

I nodded. "I’m fine. Anything happen while I was away?"

Trinity locked our arms together. "No. I was just talking about how we should get ready for the party."

I furrowed. "But the party is hours away?"

"Exactly, and we need to look perfect just in case we do find our mates," Trinity’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

~

Trinity wasn’t joking. As soon as we got back to the dorm, she had pulled out a dress for me to wear.

I stood in front of the large mirror in her room as she held the dress in front of me. It was a short, strapless royal blue dress, stopping just beneath my thigh.

Imaging a scenario where I would suddenly have to bend over, I shook my head.

“No.”

“No?” Trinity gasped. “You mean, yes!”

“No.”

“Yes!”

“Trinity,” I gave her a look, playfully singing her name.

“Violet,” she sang back, making me laugh in response. I felt so comfortable around her, it was strange to imagine we had only met a few hours ago.

“You got nice boobs,” Trinity noted with a wide smile. “Show them off…because I know I will.”

It had only taken me ten minutes to find out there was no point in arguing with Trinity. She was the type of person to keep pushing until she would get her way.

“Alright, alright, I’ll wear it,” I said, finally giving in.

Trinity squealed before pulling me into a back hug, her head resting on my shoulder. She held the dress in front of my body. “And you’ll look great in it.”

Just at that moment, we heard the front door open. We shared a quick look, then walked to the front to see who it was.

It was the girl with the pink hair, Amy. I looked behind her, wondering if perhaps she had come with Chrystal, but she closed the door behind her.

“Hey guys,” she mumbled, walking straight to her room.

Once again, Trinity and I exchanged a confused glance.

“Amy,” Trinity called after her, “we were just getting ready for the party. Do you want to get ready with us in my room?”

“No,” Amy walked out again, carrying a few dresses and shoes, along with what seemed to be a vanity case. “I’m just here to grab my stuff. I’m going with Chrystal and some of the sophomore girls—but you guys have fun!”

“Then I guess we’ll see you at the pa—” Trinity words were cut off by the sound of our door, and Amy was gone.

“Okay,” Trinity pulled a weird face, and we burst out laughing. “Now what the help was that.”

“I don’t know,” I cackled. She slung her arm over my shoulder, leaning into me.

“Thank God you’re my roommate,” she said, grinning, probably referring to Amy’s odd behavior. I wasn’t one to judge people, but it would’ve been a lie to deny that Amy left a bad taste on my mouth from the moment I’d met her.

Another person to stay away from.

Trinity and I spent the next couple of hours doing our hair and makeup. When Trinity finished curling my hair, she turned her attention to my glasses.

"Okay, let's take these off," she said, reaching for them. “You can’t wear those with those cute heels.”

I quickly pulled back. "Oh no, not the glasses. You can’t!"

Trinity looked at me, puzzled. "Why not? You’ve got beautiful eyes, Violet. You shouldn’t be hiding them behind these."

I sighed, realizing I had to explain at least part of the reason otherwise she would never get off my back. After a while the ‘I can’t wear contacts’ excuse wasn’t cutting it anymore. "They’re special to me,” I put on my saddest voice. “My mom gave them to me before she passed away. I promised her I would always wear them."

Trinity opened her mouth to speak, then released a small gasp. “I’m so sorry,” she apologized. “I had no idea—“

“It’s okay, don’t worry about it,” I chuckled, looking into the mirror.

It wasn’t all a lie. The glasses were special to me and given to me by Mom. That part was true.

Many years ago, I used to have strange nightmares, sometimes even prophecies. I heard voices in my sleep, sensed people that weren’t there—would wake up screaming. It wasn’t unusual for healers to have some kind of abilities, but mine were too dark, too terrifying.

Only my parents, Uncle, and Dylan knew about it, and I had promised never to reveal it to anyone. Mom had always feared someone exploiting my powers for their own gain—and even when she had passed, I still honored her wishes.

I wasn’t that big on shifting either, mainly because that was also something that had to be done without my glasses.

That’s why I liked being a healer, and was proud of it. It was a way for me to avoid shifting, it kept me grounded—I got to keep my glasses on.

“You know what, the glasses aren’t even that bad,” Trinity looked at me through the mirror. She squinted her eyes as if she was trying to read my thoughts. I hated that. People staring at me, like they could see more than I wanted to share.

“I-I saw the Lycan Prince in the restroom,” I said the first bit of nonsense that occurred to me. “I accidentally entered the boys room? Very stupid.”

Trinity’s eyes widened. “You saw Kylan? What is he li—“

“Rude!” I stated. “He called me a stalker, and four-eyes.”

Trinity looked down, trying to hold back her laughter.

“Not funny, by the way!” I added. The nickname was stupid, corny, out-dated, and he could’ve done a lot better.

“You’re right, nothing to laugh about,” Trinity smiled, pursing her lips. “Although you should be flattered.”

“Why?”

“I heard he ignores everyone on purpose because he doesn’t think they’re worth his time,” she explained. “But he saw you, paid attention to you, so maybe…”

“No,” I pulled a disgusted face. “I’d rather spit on the Moon Goddess then getting involved with him.”

“Oh wow,” Trinity blinked. “Spitting on the Moon Goddess is like spitting on your mother. Is it that serious?”

“It is that serious,” I nodded. “He’s a bully, a Lycan, a prince, I hate him and I also don’t think Chrystal would appreciate me fighting for her ex-boyfriend’s attention.”

“Probably,” Trinity hummed. “I heard they got a long past. Something about their Dads wanting them together to strengthen the royal bloodline, and Kylan breaking her heart before it could get too serious because he has attachment issues.”

“He’s got issues, alright!” I agreed, thinking about the cold, but annoyingly handsome Lycan Prince who had humiliated me. Twice.

“Anyway,” Trinity chuckled, looking at her phone. “We should head to the party.”

“We should.”

“Catch!” Trinity tossed a pack of gum my way. I blinked, startled, and sniffed my own breath, suddenly self-conscious.

“Is there something wrong with my breath?”

“Of course not, silly,” Trinity grinned. “You’ll need it just in case you find your mate tonight.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Oh no, I’m not counting on any of that.”

Just the thought of finding my mate all while trying to finish school sounded like a drag.

“Yeah, but you never know,” she replied, winking.

“No, I know.”

“No, you don’t.”

Our banter continued all the way down the hall until Trinity had to go to the restroom. With nothing better to do, I wandered through the empty halls. My eyes were instantly drawn to the portraits of the healing majors from over the years. As I looked at them, I thought of Mom. A well-respected Alumna.

Would her picture also be there?

Determined, I went on a mission to find her year.

I scanned the faces in each frame, and after a few minutes of searching—I finally found her year. My heart raced as I looked at every row, trying to spot her among the sea of faces.

A smile appeared on my lips as my eyes landed on Mom. There was something so familiar about the glow on her face. She had her arms wrapped around another’s woman’s waist.

The two looked close to the point they were even wearing matching clothes. I took a better look, but failed to recognize the girl standing next to her.

I glanced at the names below the photo and read my mom’s name, Claire. The girl hugging her was called Adelaide.

Adelaide…

That was the same name Esther had called me. I leaned in closer, trying to get a better look at her face—but it was turned just enough that I couldn’t make out her features.

If only…

“Done!”

Out of nowhere, Trinity appeared and slammed her arm over my shoulder. “What are we looking at?”

I shook my head, brushing it off. “Nothing special. Just old pictures.”

We began walking. “Just imagine,” Trinity beamed. “In four years, our pictures will be there!”

We left the building and made our way to the woods. After a while of walking, we could already hear the sound music and chatters.

“Everyone is here,” Trinity said in awe as we approached. In the center of the woods, there was an open space where students were talking, laughing, dancing.

The trees were decorated with twinkling lights, the only source of light. Red cups were scattered on the grass, and the scent of a substance that definitely wasn’t allowed, lingered in the air.

All of it made me feel uncomfortable. We had just arrived, but I already wanted to leave.

There were so many people…drunk people…it just wasn’t not my scene.

Trinity nudged me playfully. “Remember, keep an open mind. You never know what might happen tonight.”

I scoffed. “I wouldn’t get your hopes up if I were you.”

Chapter 4

Violet

“Don’t just stand here. Let’s go!” Trinity grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the dance floor, where most of the students were.

I tugged at the hem of my dress, nearly falling over. “Are you sure I look okay?” I spoke over the loud music.

Trinity grabbed two drinks from a passing tray, handing me one. “Of course you do. You look hot,” she shouted.

I let out a sigh, disagreeing as my eyes scanned the crowd. I didn’t feel hot—I felt stupid and out of place. All these girls looked good because they had the confidence to go with it.

Trinity wrapped her arms around my neck and swayed from side to side, forcing me to move with her.

“There you go!” she said, and I gave her a small smirk in return.

A loud, exaggerated laugh pierced through the music. I looked to the side to see where it was coming from, and it was no one other than our roommate who was more so like a ghost—Chrystal.

She was standing with Kylan, Nate and Amy. A weird feeling went through my body as my gaze fell on the Lycan prince.

Chrystal said something, placing her hand on Kylan’s leather jacket—but he had no reaction.

His face was just as stony as it had been in the restroom. When I first met him, his shoulder-length hair had been loose, but tonight it was pulled back into a bun.

Cold, yet undeniably handsome. That would be a good way to describe him.

Chrystal looked gorgeous. She wore a pink mini dress that hugged her body, and her red hair fell beautifully over her shoulders.

They matched perfectly, and were both attractive. One could easily understand why they used to date.

Why was I even observing these people?

I tried to look away, but failed miserably. My eyes remained glued to them.

“If you’re not interested, stop staring at him,” Trinity sang, nudging me playfully.

I dragged my eyes away, annoyed at myself for exposing myself. I truly wasn’t interested, and I truly didn’t care. “I wasn’t staring.”

Trinity shot me a sarcastic look. “Don’t try to understand. I’ve heard this is what they do. They break up and get back together like every other week.”

“Good for them,” I said with a shrug. “But I barely know the guy, and he’s not exactly the nicest—so I really do not care.”

Trinity raised her eyebrows, unconvinced. “You know what? I can name ten guys hotter than him,” she spoke as she glanced around the crowd. “Take him for example!” her finger pointed to a guy walking past.

I followed her gaze and nearly choked when I saw who she was pointing at—my brother, Dylan. I gagged to myself, trying to shake the image from my head.

“You didn’t even see his face,” I argued. “You only saw the back.”

“Yes, and?” Trinity blinked. “He has broad shoulders, dark hair, a good fashion sense, and that’s all I need to know.”

I laughed at her conclusion, and focused on the music. After several more drinks, I finally let loose and was able to let go of everything.

My worries, insecurities, the pressure of trying to fit in.

For the first time in years, I actually felt like I was having fun.

All was good, until the music suddenly cut off. It was replaced by a loud uncomfortable sound, followed by several taps coming from a microphone. The crowd turned their attention to the source, and it was Nate, standing on a small platform.

“Test, test—can everyone hear me?”

People cheered in response.

“It’s going to happen!” Trinity squealed.

“Great! Welcome everyone to the annual Starlight Festival!” Nate pumped up the crowd, getting the same energy in return. After the cheer died down, he continued speaking.

“I could give you all a long, boring welcome speech…” he grinned, “but we all know what you really came for.”

The students let out a gasp as Nate pulled out something which appeared to be a small potion bottle from his pocket. He raised it high in the air, showing off the silver glow swirling inside the bottle.

“Violet—that’s the Moon Goddess’ breath,” Trinity whispered.

I frowned. “The Moon Goddess’ what?”

“As you all know, once I open this potion, it might just be that you find your mate at this very moment.”

The students reacted, everyone was pushing each other to get closer—but I was in no hurry. By chance, I caught Chrystal wrapping her arm around Kylan, leaning into him with a big smile. He rolled his eyes, and pushed her away.

“Whatever happens next,” Nate continued, and I turned my head again. “Please take it to the dorms, remember nobody wants to see your business—there are condoms in every building. Let’s not make any fur babies tonight!”

The crowd laughed while my stomach twisted with unease. This whole thing was becoming too much. Mates, magic potions, fur babies…

Could we not just skip this part and focus on the academy?

“Five—“ Nate started counting down, the crowd joining in. “Four, three, two, one!”

He opened the bottle, and seconds later a large cloud of smoke traveled to the dance floor.

The music kicked back in, but the fog grew thicker, even reaching my glasses. I could barely see anything, and my attempt to wipe them clean only made it worse.

“Trinity!”

No answer.

“Trinity!” I called out again, but she was gone. Due to the heavy fog, I had lost her in the crowd.

To make matters worse, my body suddenly felt like it was on fire. Heat spread from my cheeks, to my core, even down to my limbs. Lumia growled inside my head, her voice louder than usual.

Something was happening.

Was it my glasses?

I needed to get out of here.

I panicked as I pushed through the crowd, still unable to see anything. “Sorry!” I muttered as I bumped into people, only I couldn’t see who I was apologizing to.

Once I finally made it off the dance floor, I grabbed a napkin and wiped my glasses, careful not to take them off.

The glasses weren’t the issue. They couldn’t be.

My heart was still raising, body fuming, and the tip of my fingers tingling.

‘Follow!’ Lumia growled, growing urgent. She had never been like this.

“Follow what?” I whispered, confused.

I spotted a guy disappearing into the woods, moving away from the festival, and without thinking, I followed. My body moved on its own.

I had no idea what was happening to me, but honestly, I wasn’t even sure if it was really me anymore. I was losing control, and that was the one thing I feared most.

As I stumbled deeper into the woods, the music faded behind me. The guy in front of me moved faster. He knew I was following him, I wanted to stop—but I couldn’t. Lumia wouldn’t let me.

I began to realize what was happening to me. The potion, the smoke—Lumia.

That guy must be my…

After a while, the guy finally stopped. His back was still turned to me. I froze, catching my breath before a loud ringing sound filled my ears. At that moment, all I could see was him, standing there in the dark woods.

Slowly, the figure turned. My breath hitched.

It was Kylan.

His cold eyes stared right at me. His gaze was dark, dangerous—and my stomach twisted.

He took a step forward me, his eyes never leaving mine.

He didn’t get too close. He kept just enough distance between us as if he was repulsed by the sight of me.

“Why are you following me?” he growled in fury.

I didn’t move a muscle. My heart slammed against my ribs as I took in his anger. He knew why. He must have felt it too, that strange feeling that had dragged me into the woods.

“I—I don’t know,” I whispered.

Not getting the answer he suspected, Kylan roared in frustration. Before I could ever think clearly, he moved at an incredible speed and shoved me hard against a tree.

I released a soft yelp, my back slightly burning, but all I could focus on were those dark eyes. They were angry, confused…hungry. His face was inches away, so close I could feel his breath against my skin.

And there it was again. That burning sensation spreading through every part of my body, and this time it was ten times more intense.

I tried to fight it, I really did—but before I could stop myself, the horrible words I had hoped not to speak for at least a few more years, slipped past my lips.

“Mate.”

The moment the word left my mouth, Kylan’s released a sharp breath. His eyes were still full of anger, but his hand moved to my face. He traced two fingers from my cheek to my lips, and when I parted them, he moved them to my chin.

It was almost like a warning.

I lead, you follow.

How could someone I hated so much stir something so powerful inside me?

To my surprise, Kylan leaned closer until his lip where inches from mine. His gaze turned a bit softer, more confused, and for a moment—I really thought he’d kiss me.

The thought was supposed to terrify me. I was supposed to pull away—but I didn’t. I couldn’t, and neither could he.

I could only hear the sound of our heavy breaths filling the woods. Time stood still…and then his lips crashed into mine.

The kiss was rough, almost desperate, like he was trying to prove that this would be the first and the last time. His hands gripped my waist, pulling me closer, and I melted into him.

I gasped into his mouth as his hands began to roam my body, and his tongue found its way between my lips.

The kiss deepened, and without thinking, I grabbed the collar of his leather jacket. I grabbed it tightly, holding on as if I never intended to let go—and strangely enough, I didn’t want to.

Kylan released a low growl, pushing me harder against the tree. The way his lips felt on mine made everything else disappear.

I lost myself in him.

Lumia was calm again.

But then, Kylan pulled away. He kept his eyes close, his forehead resting against mine as we both gasped for air.

That was my first kiss…

What the hell just happened?

As if snapped back into reality, his cold eyes opened again. He gripped my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his.

I wanted to speak, to ask what this meant, what his intentions were—but before I could say anything, Kylan’s lips twitched in anger.

“You…” he spat out in disgust, “…are a pathetic, low-rank puppy.”

My heart shattered into pieces. The fire I had felt during our kiss had been fully extinguished. My mind cleared again. Our first meeting, when he had knocked me over, had already set the tone for our relationship—and nothing could change that. He hated me, and I hated him.

“You are no mate of mine,” Kylan tightened his grip on my chin, making me wince. “Never.”

Then he walked away…

Chapter 5

Kylan

“Ky,” Chrystal moaned into my ears as she reached her peak. Her body trembled beneath me, nails dug into my back, hard enough to leave marks.

I waited for a while before I rolled off her with a disappointed sigh. It didn’t feel satisfying, not in the way it should have—and it was all because of…her.

Chrystal had the audacity to place her hand on my chest and started tracing circles with her fingers. “That was amazing,” she whispered.

For you.

She leaned closer to kiss my cheek, but I could avoid it just in time. I rolled my eyes, pushing her away as I got out of bed. Our business was done here, and so was any desire to stay here with her.

"Why can’t you just stay with me for once?" Chrystal asked, her voice a little frustrated. “Like you used to.”

I ignored her, scanning my messy room. Only, it wasn’t my mess—it was Chrystal’s. Her clothes, her makeup were all scattered around the room and it made me think that perhaps I had made her too comfortable. We weren’t together anymore.

Luckily, I had a private room. One of the privileges that came with being heir to the Lycan throne. In my freshman year, I did share a room with Nate, who was Chrystal’s brother, and my future Beta who would follow into his Dad’s footsteps—but after a few months of complaining, I had managed to get us separate spaces.

Part of me just needed to breathe without him around all the time, and that small part of me wanted to respect my best friend by not fucking his twin within a ten-mile radius.

Now it had backfired.

“Make sure you take your shit with you this time. All of it,” I said coldly, heading for the bathroom before I could hear her response.

I jumped into the hot shower, trying to think of that one thing I had been trying to ignore—but couldn’t. I clenched my fist as I rested my head against the shower wall, my mind traveling back to the Starlight Festival.

Four-eyes….

That’s what I called her.

I didn’t know her name, and didn’t care for it.

All I knew was that she was my mate, and not the strong Lycan mate I wanted—no, a puppy.

That damn girl with those sharp blue eyes, hiding behind those glasses was my mate. The beast tried to show it to me when she had spied on me in the restroom, and I nearly prayed to the Moon Goddess for it not to be true.

The first thing I wanted to do when Nate opened that bottle was choke him to death for putting me in this position.

I had shoved her against that tree, and had been so close to ripping her apart for even speaking the word ‘mate,’ but then my body betrayed me. I had to get a taste of those plump lips, and once I did—I was unable to stop myself.

I hated myself for it. She was a stalker, a creep.

Why her?

I was heir to the throne, future king of the biggest Lycan kingdom, Lupyria. It didn’t make sense, nothing about this bond made sense—yet it did.

Perhaps this was my punishment from the Moon Goddess for that horrible thing I did many years ago.

That thing the king keptAnd reminding me of by showing me how little he cared for me.

With a throbbing head, I got out of the shower. A towel was wrapped around my waist as I walked back into the room, and unfortunately, Chrystal was still lying in bed, her eyes following me like she hadn’t gotten the message.

"You’re still here?"

"Well, yes," she replied. "Why wouldn’t I be?"

I ran a hand through my wet hair, trying to keep my temper in check. "Chrystal, you know the deal. What we had is over. I told you, if it isn’t for your body, I don’t want to see you. Now leave."

Chrystal’s face twisted in anger. I didn’t pity her because we were supposed to have this mutual understanding, one we had both agreed to.

After an on and off relationship that had been going on for years, we had broken up a few months ago, and this time it was for good.

Dad, the Lycan King, had pushed us to be together. He insisted that his Beta’s daughter and his heir to the throne were a perfect match, one that didn’t need the blessing of the Moon Goddess. No matter what the future held, we were destined to be together in his eyes.

I never liked disobeying him, so I endured—but at some point I just couldn’t stand it anymore. I had never been loyal to her, never loved her, and I wasn’t capable of loving anyone.

After what I had done to my brother, my very own flesh and blood, it didn’t take long to reach that conclusion.

“Leave,” I pointed to the door.

“But Kylan,” she whined, “my roommates are so lame. Except for Amy, I guess. She’s kind of alright, but a total try-hard. You should see the others, you’d laugh at them…”

I stopped listening and put on my clothes. The annoying tone of her voice was nothing more than an irrelevant background noise. She could complain all she wanted—but it’d end all the same, with her leaving my room.

Once I finished dressing, I yanked the covers off the bed, exposing her naked body. “Come on,” I encouraged, grabbing all her clothes from yesterday, then I tossed it at her. “Didn’t I make myself clear? Get dressed, take your shit—and leave.”

Chrystal grunted as she stood up and threw the dress over her head. “Who is the slut you’re with now?” she began accusing me. “Is that why you don’t want me around anymore?”

Slut?

My mind went blank.

“I’ll find her!” Chrystal shouted. “I’ll find her, and then I’ll ki—“

Refusing to let her finish that sentence, I had already pinned her against the wall. Agee took over as my hand gripped her throat, hard enough to send a clear message.

My claws appeared, teeth sharpened as the beast tried to take over, and a low growl came from deep in my chest.

“Careful, Chrystal,” I warned, my claws slightly grazing her skin.

Her eyes widened in shock, her expression filled with fear. In all the years we’d known each other, I had never lashed out at her like that. For the first time, she didn’t talk back, and I was sure it was because she had no idea what had taken over me.

I didn’t even know what was happening to me.

Startled, I managed to control the beast and stepped back. I felt disgusted, embarrassed at how easily I had lost control. This had never happened.

“Just…leave,” I muttered, turning my back on her so I wouldn’t have to see her fearful eyes.

There was a moment of silence, then she started gathering her belongings. “You could’ve killed me, you sick fuck!” she muttered under her breath, the words cutting deep.

The door slammed shut behind her, and I finally let out the long, frustrated breath I’d been holding back.

I glanced down at my hand, flexing my fingers that were claws just seconds ago, then I balled it into a fist. I didn’t want to hurt Chrystal. When she spoke about that ‘slut,’ the beast had instantly thought of four-eyes, and felt the need to protect her.

I was becoming possessive, losing control and it was not my choice. It was driving me insane.

Frustrated, I paced back and forth. How could I, the heir to the Lycan throne, get so possessive over that thing?

The king had drilled it into me time and time again, ‘If the Moon Goddess curses you with an unworthy mate, it means she hasn’t forgiven you for your sins, for what you’ve done to brother,’

For years I was forced to listen to his words, forced to think about what I had to do to secured my place as heir—and now I had received the ultimate punishment.

The mate bond.

I let out a loud growl, slamming everything from my desk in one go. She was driving me insane, and I couldn’t take it anymore. Pissed, I rushed to my walk-in closet. In a rage of anger, I threw all my jackets onto the floor, and searched for the one I knew would call me down.

My eyes landed on the leather jacket I had worn that night. I took the jacket, and then brought it to my face, inhaling her sweet scent that still lingered.

She smelled like candy—vanilla and sugar.

‘Mate!’ the beast growled from deep within.

“Shut up!”

‘Mate!’

“No!” I barked, clutching the jacket in my hand. So all that beast could think about was four-eyes? Okay, no problem.

All I had to do was reject her, something I already should’ve done in the woods—and then everything would go back to normal.

Determined, I stormed out of the room.

This pull, this bond, was suffocating me, and I needed something—anything—to make it stop.

As soon as I stepped into the hall, Nate slammed his arm over my shoulder. “Hey, Ky—“

“Not now, Nate,” I snapped, pushing him off and leaving him behind. I couldn’t deal with anyone right now. The only thing on my mind was four-eyes and rejecting her as my mate.

I sniffed the jacket in my hand one more time, then followed the clear trail, all the way to the building of the Lunar Hall building. It didn’t take long before I found the dorm where the smell was coming from. I waited around the corner.

So that’s where she stayed…four-eyes.

I took a step, but immediately retreated when I saw Chrystal step out.

“Shit,” I cursed under my breath.

Of all the people to walk out of that room, it had to be her. That could only mean one thing. Both of my stalkers were roommates.

The Moon Goddess truly had it out for me.

Chrystal walked in a different direction, and just as I was about to make another attempt, the door opened again. This time, it was her—Four-eyes.

She stepped out wearing tight jeans that hugged her curves and a simple tank top. Her blonde hair was in a messy bun, and my eyes moved to her lips. The same lips I had kissed not long ago—soft, warm, perfect…

I shook my head, snapping myself out of it. Those weren’t my thoughts—they belonged to the beast. I had only come here for one thing.

Four-eyes stood frozen in front of her door, her chest rising and falling as she scanned the area, searching for something—or someone.

Then she looked in my direction.

I couldn’t do anything but stare into those sad, blue eyes. It didn’t affect me, though. I knew the real pain was yet to come. She would be hurting far more when I would finally reject her.

Her sad gaze shifted to anger as she suddenly marched toward me, but I stood still, not moving a muscle.

‘Your fault,’ the beast growled.

Only then did it hit me. Those furious eyes? She was coming over to reject me.

Me?

Not liking where this was headed, I quickly turned and walked away, blending into the crowd of whispering female students who had now noticed my presence.

A smile appeared on my lips. So, Four-eyes thought she could reject me? Perhaps she was more amusing than I had given her credit for.

Chapter 6

Violet

“Somebody please kill me!” I groaned, burying my head in my pillow. Classes hadn’t even officially started yet—and I was already exhausted.

How was I even supposed to focus after everything that happened last week?

Many had said finding your mate would be magical, like something out of a fairytale. Your mate was supposed to be your soulmate—but mine? Mine was a mate from the lowest pit of hell.

He was disgusting, scum—cold-hearted.

First, he kissed me, then told me to stay away, and then he followed me back to my dorm. None of it made any sense.

Each time I closed my eyes, all I could see were flashes of Kylan’s lip on mine and I hated it.

As if things couldn’t get any worse, all the girls could talk about was how he had been sleeping with Chrystal, and that the two would be getting back together.

I didn’t mind. Couldn’t give two shits actually—but Lumia was heartbroken.

I hated him with every bone in my body, and when I saw him in the hall, I could see it in his eyes. He felt the same.

Being the good person I was, I wanted to reject him right then and there to make it easier for the both of us—but before I could even get the words out, he had vanished.

Kylan was going to reject me at some point. That was a well-known fact. I only wanted to do it before he had the chance.

I heard three knocks on my door before it opened. “Come on—grab your bag, and let’s go!” I recognized Trinity’s voice. “You don’t want to smudge your pillow with any makeup.”

I lifted my head to glare at her. “I’m not wearing any.”

“Oh?” she frowned. “Drool then. Come on, let’s go.”

With a groan, I pushed myself out of bed. I grabbed my bag and then followed behind her.

“What’s the point in sharing a dorm when it’s mostly just the two of us?” Trinity scoffed as we walked. She was referring to Chrystal and Amy, our roommates, who were rarely around.

I shrugged. “I don’t mind it.”

Over the week, it had become clear to me that I wouldn’t bond with the two Lycan girls anyway. Not like I did with Trinity. She was nice, funny, easygoing and it felt like we had been friends for ages. Our connection felt natural.

“Maybe we’ll bump into my mate, and I can finally introduce you to him!” Trinity’s eyes lit up.

I forced a smile. “Yes, maybe.”

Trinity had found her mate at the Starlight Festival, and hadn’t stopped talking about him ever since. This whole week I had to hear about how tall, handsome, and kind he was—yet she refused to back up these claims by showing me a picture. She said he was someone I’d have to meet in person.

I wad happy for her, really. She deserved the world and so much more, but thinking about how things had turned out so differently for her made me feel a bit bitter.

My experience had been so humiliating, I hadn’t even told her about finding mine.

Trinity bumped my shoulder. “Don’t feel bad about not finding your mate yet. Maybe he isn’t at this school.”

“Yeah,” I murmured, glancing away. “Maybe.”

A while later, we had reached the crowded academic hall. Trinity pulled me into a tight hug.

“I have to go that way,” she pointed to a different wing of the building. “But have a good first day! And if we’re fighting someone, text me!”

I cracked a laugh, watching her leave. “I will!”

Unfortunately, we didn’t have any classes together today. I knew I couldn’t rely on her for four years, and had to do things on my own—but it wouldn’t be too far stretched to say I was already missing her.

As I walked down the hall, I looked for my classroom. When I finally found it, I took a deep breath, forcing myself to push all thoughts of Kylan out of my mind. What’s done was done, and now it was time for me to focus.

My first class of the day was the basic of healing.

I stepped inside the classroom, already seeing Esther, our RD, standing at the front. She shot me a warm smile which I returned.

Scanning the room, I searched for an empty seat, but then I heard it.

That familiar, annoying laugh.

I glanced over to where the sound was coming from and saw Chrystal sitting on a table, surrounded by her minions, including Amy. They were laughing and whispering, but their eyes were on me.

Whether they were laughing at me or with me, I didn’t know—and honestly, I didn’t care.

All I knew was that I needed to find a seat as far away from them as possible, so I did. I didn’t want to get into it with Chrystal, not when I already had enough trouble with Kylan. One noble Lycan was more than enough.

“Good morning, everyone!” Esther greeted as soon as I sat down. “Before we start, I want to do a quick introduction round. Name, age, where you’re from—”

Everyone groaned, but Esther continued, clearly not taking no for an answer. Luckily I was first, but as everyone was forced to introduce themselves my mind drifted elsewhere.

“Today we’ll be doing a simple healing exercise. Don’t worry, this is just to see where everyone is at, so no pressure.”

She explained the task in detail, but my mind was drifting again.

“Each of you will have a tank with thirty small fish,” Esther spoke. “The goal is to strengthen at least one of the weakened fish using your healing abilities. Good luck!”

I missed half of her instructions, but I didn’t care. The fish exercise was a basic I had learned from a young age. It was a standard among the healers of the Bloodrose pack—and we were all trained under the strongest pack’s healer, an old respected woman who had also tutored my Mom.

I looked at the tank which was placed in front of me. Swirling my finger, I healed one fish as I wanted to keep a low profile. I didn’t want to stand out or get labeled as the nerd or the show-off in class.

It used to be like that back home, and I didn’t want a repeat of that.

When I heard people talking and clapping in admiration, I turned my head toward Chrystal’s table.

“Fifteen fish,” Esther nodded her head, fixing the glasses on her nose. “Good job, Chrystal. Since you’ve already taken this class last year, I’m sure you can lead the other girls.”

Chrystal smirked, brushing her red locks behind her ear.

She really thought she was something. I hated her with a passion, but it wasn’t because of her—it was because of him.

‘She’s can’t lead us. We’ve done this many times before.’ Lumia crawled inside my mind. ‘Show her!’

I clenched my fists, staring down at the fish in my tank as anger took over my body.

‘First she stole our mate, and now she’s stealing our spotlight. She is not the best healer in this class.’

It was hard not to focus on Lumia’s voice as she pushed me closer to the edge. There was no reason for Kylan to dislike me the way he did, not while he surrounded himself with that.

It wasn’t fair.

‘End that bitch, Violet.’

“No—“

Before I could stop it, Lumia had won. The water in the tank splashed wildly, all thirty fish swimming around.

Gasps followed the room as everyone stood up to gather around my tank. My cheeks felt hot, I could feel everyone’s eyes on me. I hated attention, and because of that jealous wolf, I now had a room full of it.

Chapter 7

Violet

“Amazing,” Esther said, making me look up to meet her eyes. “This is a junior-level skill. We don’t expect freshmen to heal more than ten.”

Unsure of how to answer, I managed to give her an appreciative smile. From the corner of my eye, I caught Chrystal’s eyes shooting daggers in my direction.

If it wasn’t for Esther urging everyone to take a seat again, I had no idea what she might’ve done to me.

“Violet,” the woman spoke as everyone sat back down. “Please come visit me after class. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

The rest of the class was mostly theory, and after an hour the bell rang. Students began to gather their things, but I waited, just as Esther had told me to.

Chrystal who had been glaring at me for well over an hour, now stood at my table with her minions. Knowing I wouldn’t be able to stop whatever she had planned for me, I looked up to meet her gaze.

“Yes?” I asked.

Chrystal chuckled, rolling her eyes. “I wasn’t even talking to her,” she said to the other girls. “But I guess some people just need to be the center of attention—don’t they?”

I knew better than to respond. Speaking back would only invite trouble, so I diverted my gaze, keeping my mouth shut, and waited patiently until she left the classroom.

Once everyone was gone, I made my way over to Esther’s desk.

“Sit,” she said warmly, gesturing to the chair, and I sat down.

Esther studied me for a moment, tucking her gray hair behind her ear. Her gaze was observing and sharp as if she was trying to read me.

“Your mom was…Claire Hastings from the Bloodrose Pack, correct?” she asked after a moment of silence.

I nodded, unsure where this was going.

“She was one of my best students,” Esther acknowledged. “I also knew your dad, Greg. He was such a strong fighter, they were always together, always eager to learn. Your Dad Fergus too, of course…or Uncle?”

“Dad is alright,” I corrected her, a smile tugging at my lips.

Back home people rarely spoke about my parents, they treated them like literal ghosts. It was nice to hear about them for once.

“She was so good,” Esther continued, “And I’m going to give you the same opportunity I gave to her.”

I blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Have you heard of the Elite Team?”

I furrowed my brow, the name familiar. “Yes, my cousin—” I hesitated, correcting myself, “my brother, Dylan, is on that team.”

Esther nodded. “Indeed, he is, and so were your parents.”

The Elite Team was a special group within the academy, made up of the best students from all years. They were the face of the school, the protectors of the school and followed a separate program.

“I want you to take trial classes with the Elite Team,” Esther said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

My heart skipped a beat. “W-Why?” I stuttered.

“Because,” she sighed, “a freshman who can heal thirty fish in one go has a bright future ahead of her.”

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I knew I had a talent, but no one ever told me I had a bright future. Not the teachers back home, not even the healer, no one.

I was used to being told what I needed to work on, or what I wasn’t doing good enough. Those were the things that made me push myself harder.

I wasn’t used to compliments, and hearing that I was good enough for something meant more to me than she could have ever imagined.

“The Elite Team is not something out of the ordinary for a Bloodrose,” Esther added, noticing my lack of reaction.

I hesitated, suddenly feeling the pressure that came with it. Protector of the school?

What I lacked in many other things, I made up for in healing—but I wasn’t some extraordinary student.

“I don’t know…”

Esther’s expression softened. “You’re strong, Violet—too strong. You need to challenge yourself before you get bored.”

I breathed, “This was only the first class—“

“And I only need a few seconds to see whether someone is good enough for the Elite Team,” Esther finished.

Her eyes were full of determination—she trusted me, believed in me—and I didn’t want to let her down. Maybe there really was something. Who knew?

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll do it.”

“Good,” Esther smiled, relieved. “I’ll send you an email with the details.”

As I got up to leave, it suddenly occurred to me that something was bothering me—something only she could help with. “By the way,” I said. “When we first met, you called me Adelaide?”

The smile faded from Esther’s face. “Did I?” she cleared her throat.

“Yes, you did,” I reminded her. “I saw a picture of Mom…with that girl, Adelaide, in the hall?”

“They were close friends,” Esther replied quickly.

“Close friends or best friends?” I wondered.

“Best friends. I meant to call you Claire. I got it all mixed up. My bad.”

“I see,” I chuckled, finally making sense of the situation. “Do you maybe have her number or anything, so I can get in contact with her and—”

“No, she passed away many years ago.”

“She passed away?” I raised a brow.

“Yes… the things depression can do to a person.”

“Was she depressed?”

Esther didn’t answer, and grabbed a pen and a piece of paper from her desk. “I’ll write you a note. You should head to your next class.”

Other students were already beginning to fill the room for the next period. Esther scribbled something onto a piece of paper and handed it to me. “Here you go.”

The same woman who had been so warm just seconds ago was now cold and distant. By her tone, I could tell the conversation was over, but there were so many questions I still wanted to ask.

About Adelaide, and the bond she shared with Mom. Maybe it wasn’t important, but there was something about the way they hugged in that picture that pulled me in. I felt drawn to Adelaide, and I wanted to know more about her.

I took the note, deciding to let it drop before heading to my next class.

~

After two more classes, history and emotional healing—it was time for my lunch break.

With my tray in my hand, I looked across the crowded cafeteria. It was an unorganized mess. Everywhere I looked, students were talking, laughing, eating…kissing. I felt out of place, as usual.

I spotted Nate, sitting with a group of his friends at a table near the center. Kylan wasn’t there. Nate caught my eye and waved at me to come over.

I quickly turned my head, pretending I hadn’t seen him. I knew he meant well, but I had no business sitting at a table full of Lycans.

We might go to school together, have classes together—but we were not the same.

They disliked us, and we disliked them. It had always been like that.

I settled for a table all the way in the corner, hoping nobody would bother me, then my thoughts drifted back to the Elite Team.

How was I going to be part of a team when I could barely count to ten in public? I was socially awkward, not good at making friends—and now Esther expected me to be part of a team?

Was I really ready for something like that?

I pulled out my phone, hesitating a moment before dialing Dad, thinking telling him the good news would cheer me up. Maybe he would be proud of me for once or at least acknowledge what I had accomplished on my first day.

As always, the call went straight to voicemail, but I decided not to let it get to me. He was the Alpha—perhaps he was just busy.

I left him a voicemail instead. “Hey Dad, it’s me, Violet. I haven’t heard from you in a while, but I just wanted to tell you that I’m still alive. I…I miss you, and I love you. Bye.”

The voicemail ended with a beep. The love I had for him was one-sided. That man had never been warm, affectionate or caring for a single day in his life—but I still loved him. He had taken me in, took care of me when he didn’t have to. Regardless of everything, I was still grateful.

I sighed, playing around with the food on my tray.

Dad didn’t care.

My mate didn’t care.

My brother didn’t care.

None of those students cared.

Final conclusion? My life sucked and so did Starlight Academy. The only one keeping me sane was Trinity who was not here at the moment.

Suddenly, a loud tray slammed onto the table, making me flinch. My eyes widened as I looked straight ahead, coming face to face with someone familiar.

"Since you were ignoring me, I figured I’d invite myself over."

It was Nate.