###>>>
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 fee 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.

###>>>
Chapter 8

  
Violet
“I wasn’t ignoring you, I was just…” I stopped explaining myself to Nate as he raised a brow. He wasn’t stupid. Of course he knew I was ignoring him.
“Why are you hiding over here?” he asked, eating a piece of vegetable from his plate.
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m not hiding.”
“When you sit at a table by yourself in a corner, behind a giant plant,” he said, pointing to the ridiculously large pot, “you’re definitely hiding.”
I laughed, staring into his curious, brown eyes. There was something about Nate that made him easy to talk to. He wasn’t scary, overconfident or judgmental like the other Lycans.
He was just…normal.
“So, how is your first day of school going?” Nate asked, popping another vegetable into his mouth. “Already thinking about running for the gates?”
“If only they would open them,” I cracked a smile.
Nate grinned. “Well, from what I’m hearing, you’re not doing too bad. First day, and you’re already scheduled for a trial day with the Elite Team?”
I looked at him, surprised he knew that.
“Are you not eating?” he asked, changing the subject as he eyed my untouched tray.
“How do you know about the Elite Team?” I questioned.
Nate leaned back in his chair with a chuckle.“When you’re part of the student council, word travels fast. Also, the Elite Team isn’t nothing.”
He leaned over, and grabbed my fork from my plate before stabbing it into a piece of pasta. 
“Hey!” I protested as he brought it toward me. Either way, my mouth opened instantly, and I let him feed me.
Nate watched me as I chewed while I was still trying to process everyone being in my business. So everyone in this school talked about everyone which was an even better reason as to why I should be careful around Kylan.
Nate gave me another bite, and I accepted without thinking too much about it.
“I’m also on the team,” Nate suddenly shared, grinning. “So we’ll be seeing each other a lot.”
A wave of relief washed over me. The idea of having Nate around already made everything less scary.
“What are the people on the team like?”
“Most of them are alright,” Nate spoke with a full mouth. “It’s me, Kylan—”
“The Lycan Prince is on the Elite Team?” I felt an uncomfortable chill spread through my body.
Nate gave me a strange look. “Of course he is. He’s one of the best.”
I bit my lip, trying to hide the fact that internally I was freaking out. Of course Kylan was on the team. Why wouldn’t he be?
All the girls could talk about was him being the school’s golden boy—and the golden boy belonged in such a team.
Nate shook his head, huffing, as he noticed my reaction. “If you’re afraid he’s going to bump into you again—don’t be. Kylan likes to provoke people, but you shouldn’t take it seriously. It’s just his way.”
That’s right, that’s how it all started.
He bumped into me on my first day, called me four-eyes on the spot.
I forced a smile. “Oh, I’m not worried about him.”
Nate looked at me for a second longer. By the look on his face, I could just tell that his best friend hadn’t told him about the mate bond we shared. He was completely oblivious.
Kylan didn’t tell him because he was embarrassed of me, just like I didn’t tell Trinity because I was embarrassed of him.
“You know,” Nate said, “the high teachers only need about ten seconds to determine whether someone is worthy or not. That means you must be a really good healer.”
That was the same thing Esther had told me when she saw the doubt on my face. “I hope so,” I said, softly.
“If you’re on the team, you must know my brother, Dylan?” I wondered.
Nate stopped eating, this time a vegetable dropping out of his mouth, right back onto the tray. “I didn’t know the two of you were related,” he commented. “No way you’re from the same pack as that thing.”
A small laugh escaped from between my lips. “That’s what I thought about your sister and your Lycan Prince.”
Nate shrugged, chuckling. “Fair point.”
Even though one might have found Nate’s words offensive, I didn’t. Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me—because it came from him.
“I hope my sister’s not giving you a hard time in that dorm. She can be too much at times.”
“Meh,” I rolled back my shoulders, dismissing the treatment she had given me this morning. “She’s barely even around.”
Because she stayed with Kylan…
Before either of us could say anything else, someone from across the cafeteria called out to Nate.
“I’ll see you later,” Nate got up and walked around the table, then her ruffled his hand through my hair.
“Stop it,” I laughed, smacking it away.
“I’ll see you around, beautiful,” Nate winked, then walked off, joining his friends as they headed out of the cafeteria.
Beautiful?
That was something else than four-eyes.
His presence was nice, but now that he had left, I could only think about Kylan. Hearing he was also on the Elite Team had only drained my spirits. Just the thought of being in the same room made me sick.
Why did it have to be him?
Of all the people in this academy, why did the Moon Goddess choose him as my mate?
At first I was terrified of joining the team for other reasons, but now it was all about Kylan.
I had yet to reject him, and I just knew he was going to make my life a living hell.
I really had to do something about that bond before even thinking about putting foot inside of that Elite Team.
~
The rest of the classes passed in a blur, and after studying for a while longer, I was back at the dorms.
“Hey!” Trinity called out, lying on the couch. She was on her phone, texting with a wide smile—possibly her mate. She gave me a look, then shifted her eyes to Chrystal’s closed room door—and I got the message.
Unfortunately, Chrystal and Amy were around for once.
“Hey,” I joined her. “How was your day?”
“Alright. How was yours?”
I dropped my bag on the table, then released a groan. “Long. Very long.”
Trinity chuckled, sitting up. “You look like you’ve been through a battlefield.”
“I feel like I have,” I rolled my eyes.
She had no idea.
“Don’t tell me you’re already thinking about dropping out?”
“Dropping out?” I sighed, rolling onto my back. “Never. It’s just been a long day.”
Trinity leaned over with raised brows. “You’ve got that look on your face. Something’s on your mind.”
I hesitated telling her the truth about everything, all of it. The festival, Kylan, our bond, the kiss, the mess on the Elite Team.
How could I even begin to explain any of it?
“Really, it’s nothing.”
I could tell Trinity wasn’t buying it, but she didn’t push further. “Well, if you ever need someone to vent, I’m here.”
“Thanks.”
It wasn’t that I didn’t trust her. I did, but something about this whole situation made me want to keep it to myself. It was not some romantic fairytale, compared to hers, my story was embarrassing.
“So,” Trinity spoke, “I heard some news…”
“What news?” I sat back up.
She raised an eyebrow, grinning. “You know… about the Elite Team?”
Nate really wasn’t kidding. Apparently everyone did talk about everyone. “How did you hear about that?”
She laughed, tossing her phone onto the table. “Are you kidding me? It’s all anyone’s talking about! First day of school, and you’re already in for a trial with the Elite Team. That’s huge, Violet!”
“It’s only been hours,” I exhaled. “Anyway, let’s not get our hopes up. I have a habit of screwing this up.”
“You’re not going to screw up,” Trinity stated firmly. “A few of the girls told me about what you did with those fish today. You’re talented, you’ll fit right in.”
The way she said it made it sound so easy. If only it was just the Elite Team I had to worry about.
My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced down and saw an email notification. As I opened it, a pit in my stomach appeared.
‘Elite Team Trial - Two Days from Now’
Two days…
My trial was in two days?
No, no, no!
I painted a schedule in my head. I had two days to reject Kylan, Chrystal was in her room—which meant I had to do it now. I had no choice.
Trinity laughed. “What’s up? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“It’s nothing…I need to head out for a bit,” I rushed off the couch.
“Now?” Trinity asked. “Where are you going?”
I tried to think of an excuse, but I didn’t want to lie to her again. “I have to talk to someone. Won’t be long.”
She nodded, looking a little curious, but didn’t question me further. “Alright. Don’t be out too late—we’ve got curfew.”
“I know. I’ll be quick!”
~
I walked from the Lunar Hall through the dark campus, all the way to the Combat, Strategy—and Leadership Hall where I knew Kylan would be.
How did I know?
Kylan was a big name around campus, and within a few days, I had already overheard where and in which room he stayed at.
I pulled my hood low over my face, glancing around the nearly empty hall to make sure no one was watching. Then I made my way up the stairs and saw it—the room at the end of the hall with the big door, with his name on it, just like the girls had described.
The door was large, dark, and intimidating—just like him.
The closer I got, the more I reconsidered this silly action—but I had no choice. It wasn’t like I wanted to be here, but I had to be here.
I had to reject him. It was as simple as that.
I stood in front of his door, taking a deep breath. 
What if he didn’t want to talk to me?
What if he would slam the door in my face?
It was too late to turn back now. Before I could rethink my decision for a second time, I balled my fist and knocked on the door.
Once, twice…it felt like an eternity.
Then the door swung open, and I quickly hid my guilty fist behind my back.
Kylan stood there, shirtless, his skin damp and slightly glowing, like he had just stepped out of the shower. His scent hit me instantly—clean, fresh, intoxicating. It made my head spin.
I realized my eyes had wandered somewhere they shouldn't have, so I forced them up to meet his. He stared at me with a cold, yet calm, gaze, like he had been expecting me for a while.
His eyes narrowed. “Four-eyes.”

###>>>
Chapter 9

  
Violet
“What do you want?” his voice was full of irritation.
I found myself struggling to maintain my focus. It was hard to do so when with his bare chest and the hard lines of his abs right in front of me, on display.
“I-ı need to talk to you,” I said, forcing myself to stand my ground. Deep down, I was freaking out. This guy had humiliated me a few times too many. Who said he wasn’t going to do it again?
Kylan stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest. He led me past, then kicked the door close with his legs.
Don’t look at his abs, don’t look at his abs.
“About?”
“About…”
I gave myself a tour of his room, anything to distract me from this mess. The room was dark, with red accents. Against the wall was a king sized bed. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve said he was a vampire.
“I don’t have all night, four-eyes,” Kylan clicked his tongue, impatiently.
My lips trembled as I tried to focus on his face—but it was too difficult. I hated myself for the thought, but all I wanted was to trace every inch of his biceps with my finger.
No, that wasn’t me talking. It was Lumia.
“I can’t focus, Kylan!” I snapped, immediately regretting it. I couldn’t believe I had just said that out loud.
A cocky smile flickered on Kylan’s lips.
“You can’t focus?” he tilted his head, stepping closer. With my breath held back, I walked backwards until he had cornered me against the wall. Just like that night in the woods.
“I-I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I have a trial on the Elite Team,” I turned my head so I wouldn’t have to look into his eyes.
Kylan chuckled. “So?”
“So?” I repeated. “So we need to do that thing we’ve both been avoiding and leave each other alone.”
Kylan’s eyes found mine, forcing me to look at him. His gaze which had been playful, had now darkened. “You think that’s possible, four-eyes?” he spat. “You think we can just pretend this doesn’t exist?”
“Yes!” I shot back, my voice trembling. He was playing games with me. He was the one who had told me he didn’t want me in the first place. “We don’t want this. Neither of us do. So let’s end it.”
“End it?” Kylan furrowed a brow. “You think you can just walk in here, say a few words, and make this all disappear?”
I swallowed hard, wondering when he would stop his game. “We have to. I can’t keep doing this with you.”
“We haven’t done anything yet?”
My cheeks flushed. “You know what I mean.”
Kylan sighed, studying my face for a moment. I looked at him with sharp eyes, refusing to back down. “Alright,” he nodded. “Then go ahead. End it for me.”
I felt a sharp pain in my heart, but I had no idea why. This was what I wanted.
“Fine,” I snarled in his face. “I, Violet Hastings of the Bloodrose Pack, reject you, Prince Kylan, heir to the Lupyrian throne as my mate.”
I closed my eyes, waiting for Kylan’s words as I anticipated that awful feeling people always described when the bond got released. Five seconds passed, then six…it was silent.
When I opened my eyes, Kylan’s jaw twitched before a dark chuckle escaped his lips. “I…” he began. “Prince Kylan, do not accept your rejection.”
My heart dropped, his words left me in disbelief.“What?” I breathed, taking my final step against the wall. “You can’t—”
“I can and I did,” Kylan’s eyes pierced through mine, his voice cold and cruel. “I won’t get rejected by a puppy, no, four-eyes. You are mine to torment, to control.”
I shook my head, breathing loudly.
No, no, no.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. We hated each other, he was supposed to accept my rejection so we could move on.
“You can’t force me into this,” I spoke. “You don’t even want me!”
“You’re right, I don’t. But you don’t get to decide how this ends,” his gaze hardened. He leaned in closer, so close he was only inches away from my lips. All I could think about was closing the distance between us. My heart pounded, and just for a second, I thought about giving in.
But then reality hit me.
No, not again.
I tried to brush past him, but before I could—Kylan pushed me back, grabbing my chin. His grip was firm, but not painful.
“I didn’t say we were finished,” Kylan tilted his head, then his lips crashed against mine.
My first instinct was to push him away, but I couldn’t. My body responded, and before I knew it, I deepened the kiss.
I pressed my hands to his chest, still warm from his shower. I hated how much my body craved him, how he made me feel.
“No,” I whispered against him, then roughly pushed him away. Kylan’s lips curled into a smug smirk, satisfied by the kiss. He loved control, loved knowing he could get under my skin. It was clear he thought he had me right where he wanted me.
“I suppose I’ll see you in two days, four-eyes,” he looked me up and down, not losing his smirk. “Now leave my room, and don’t show up here again.”
Startled and shaken, I did what I was told and fled from his room. I hadn’t come to his room so he could boss me around, and certainly not to kiss him—but I had failed miserably.
My head was all over the place, and I had to accept the awful truth than Kylan wasn’t going to accept me nor let me go.
Not now.
Not ever.
By the time I reached the dorm, tears rolled down my cheeks. They weren’t sad tears, but angry tears.
I couldn’t believe I let myself get used by him, made myself look weak.
I paced back and forth in my room, rethinking those horrific words which had left his mouth.
‘I, Prince Kylan, do not accept your rejection.’
The rejection I thought would free me had done the opposite. It had chained me to him even more, and now I knew he wouldn’t let me go until he had completely shattered me.
He had said it himself.
He would torment me.
“Everything okay?”
Through my blurred vision, I looked at the figure standing at my door. Trinity.
I was so busy processing my feelings, that I hadn’t even noticed her. Even though I knew it wouldn’t matter anymore, I plastered a small smile on my lips.
“No, don’t do that,” Trinity frowned, closing my door after letting herself in. “Where were you, what happened?”
“N-Nothing,” I shook my head, feeling a salty tear escape into my mouth. There was a lump in my throat I couldn’t swallow, and my words were stuck, unable to escape my lips.
Trinity walked over, placing her warm hand on my arm. Her look was apologetic. “You can talk to me,” she said. “About anything.”
I hesitated, looking into her deep brown eyes. She didn’t know about Kylan or the bond or any of it—but I did need to vent.
If not, it would only be a matter of seconds before I would start punching holes into the walls.
She wrapped her arm around my waist, guiding me to the bed as we sat down.
“I—“ my voice cracked, not knowing where to start. “It’s Kylan.”
“Kylan?” She lifted her brow. “You mean, ‘the’ Kylan, Lycan Prince Kylan?”
I nodded, my hands trembling. “He’s…he’s my mate.”
For a moment, Trinity just stared at me. I had expected her to get angry with me for not telling her the truth, and rightfully so. She had opened up to me about finding her mate, so why couldn’t I do the same?
“Wait…” Trinity’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”
“Yes?” It came out more like a question. Surprisingly enough, she did not appeared to be upset. “He hates me, doesn’t want me, but he won’t let me reject him either.”
Trinity blinked her eyes, still trying to take in the information. Then she grinned. “Violet!” she gushed, “if he didn’t want you, he would’ve rejected you on the spot.”
“Do you really think so?”  
“Yes!”
I stared at her, confused. “It’s not like that. He said he’s going to torment me—”
“Then let him torment you!” Trinity cut in. “There are so many girls who would kill to be in your position.”
“And I would kill to be out of it.”
Trinity rolled her eyes. “I’m not worried. Give it a few weeks. The mate bond is too powerful for him to just ignore. Whether he likes it or not, you two belong together.”
Wouldn’t that be easy?
A mate who would accept me, just like that?
Unfortunately I had to disagree with Trinity. 
Kylan wasn’t just anyone, and something told me this bond wouldn’t magically fix things.
I couldn’t forget the look in his eyes when he said he was going to torment me, and something told me he wasn’t kidding.

###>>>
Chapter 10

  
Kylan
If there was one thing I refused to lose, it had to be control—and at the moment I had none.
Fuck.
It was all because of her.
My head throbbed from the lack of sleep I managed to get last night. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was her. Four-eyes.
Her bold behavior, her piercing blue eyes, that stupid look on her face when she thought she could walk into my room and reject me. Me?
I panicked and did what I had to do—so I kissed her. Again.
It was all to show her I had the upper hand, and she did not.
Not even close.
But that small kiss turned into something unforgettable, and now I wanted more. Those soft lips had only strengthened my pull toward her, and I felt disgusted. I knew what that kiss in the woods had done to me, and still…
I wasn’t supposed to want her, and it wasn’t really me that wanted her—it was the beast.
I knew it was the beast because I couldn’t care for anything or anyone other than my people. Growing up, the king always told me a mate was supposed to make me stronger—but if that were true, why did I feel so weak?
As I walked through the campus, students created a path for me. Some nodded respectfully, while others avoided eye contact.
There was nothing to complain about because that was the way I liked it.
I longed for respect, and Four-eyes had lost mine when she tried to reject me for the second time.
If she had just waited, I would’ve come to her on my terms and freed her from the bond—but now, that wasn’t an option. I’d rather eat shit than let myself get rejected by some werewolf.
Some silly, stubborn, short girl who could barely reach my shoulders.
There was no way.
By the time I reached the main building, I caught Nate leaning against one of the columns. He was chatting with a few of the other Lycans, but when his eyes found mine, he ended the conversation and walked over instantly.
As usual, Nate carried his trademark smile on his face. It was one which he had been carrying since childhood, and had never once faded.
He was always in a good mood, always so positive, happy—I had no idea how he managed to do it. If Nate was like the sun, I would be the moon. We were polar opposites.
Despite that, the two of us were close, best friends that grew up like brothers. His Dad, the Beta, was always with the king—and Nate with me. It was just the way it had always been. He never left me alone for too long, and had always looked out for me. The one to stop me when I was about to make yet another reckless decision. He was one of the few people I could actually tolerate.
“Ky!” he bumped my shoulder with his fist before patting it. “You look like you didn’t get much sleep last night.”
I furrowed my brow, “I do?”
“Yeah, a little.”
“I’m fine.”
Nate narrowed his eyes. “Now that I think about it, you’ve been acting a little strange ever since the festival.”
“No,” I shook my head. “No, I haven’t.”
Nate had no idea about Violet, and I wasn’t about to tell him. No one could ever know I mated with a puppy. It would be an embarrassment to my family, the kingdom.
“Yes, you have,” Nate argued, “Chrystal noticed it too—“
“Chrystal doesn’t know shit!” I clenched my jaw, the words coming out louder than intended. She had always been good at spreading rumors, and now she had been feeding her brother lies.
Nate chuckled, raising his hands defensively.
“Fine,” he sighed. “Can I at least know if you think Rochwall is going to make you Elite Captain this year or do I just have to keep my mouth shut?”
“Captain…” I repeated, thinking about the position.
Rochwall was our commander on the Elite Team. He was a Lycan from another kingdom and a well-respected alumni who had excelled in everything from combat to strategy. Back when he attended Starlight, he had been on the Elite Team with the king, who had always spoken highly of him. 
Nate bobbed his head. “With Jessie graduating, someone’s got to take over, and let’s be honest, you’re the top pick.”
I gave a nonchalant shrug, trying to act like the thought hadn’t crossed my mind—although it definitely had.
“Rochwall hasn’t said anything yet. But I’m not going to beg for it.”
“Of course you're not,” Nate grinned. “But we all know you’re the best candidate.”
Becoming Elite Captain was something I expected as there was no one fit enough for that role, but as of now, I had other things to deal with.
“Speaking of the Elite Team,” Nate began. “One of the new recruits, Violet, is Dylan’s little sister.”
I hummed, pretending not to be interested. So she was Dylan’s little sister? Personally, I had nothing with that guy. He had the worst superiority complex, and that was coming from me. No wonder those two were related.
Even though that meant Violet came from a somewhat important family, it meant nothing to me. She was from a small pack, and still—a puppy.
“She’s great.” Nate smiled.
My jaw tightened. “Is that so?”
“Yes,” he spoke. “I mean, she’s quiet, but funny, I’ve heard she’s a good healer, she’s…beautiful—“
“Too bad she’s a puppy,” I clenched my fists at my sides although I kept my expression in control. Beautiful? Who was he calling beautiful?
Nate being Nate, he was probably just being friendly—and if he wasn’t, I had to protect him from danger.
Four-eyes was a plague.
If she was unworthy of me, she was also unworthy of my friend.
“It’s not like I want her,” Nate chuckled. “I just think she’s cool to hang out with.”
“Speaking of hanging out,” he continued. “What’s going on between you and my sister? Chrystal’s been telling everyone that the two of you might be getting back together?”
I let out a frustrated sigh. He went from one mess to another. “There’s nothing going between us. Your sister and I are done.”
“Well, someone should tell her that,” Nate snorted. “Because she’s been telling people something different.”
I let out a frustrated sound, running a hand through my hair. Chrystal had always been a problem, and ever since she received the blessing from the Lycan King—it had become even worse over the years. She thought she was untouchable.
“Have you seen your sister?” I asked, wanting to put the record straight.
She wasn’t the only girl I was with, and she wasn’t going to ruin my sophomore year with all that stalking.
“I think I saw her near the courtyard.”
“I’ll go deal with her,” I said to Nate. “I’ll catch you later.”
We parted ways, and I immediately made my way over to the courtyard.
Indeed, I spotted Chrystal, standing and laughing with her friends. Unless I was inside of her, the sight of her made my blood boil. I hated rumors, especially when they weren’t true.
I hated them because every little thing would reach Lupyria, which meant they would reach the king. She knew that.
“Chrystal!” I called out, causing all the girls to look at me.
“Oh, I’m sorry?” I spoke, sarcastically. “Since when did we have so many Chrystals?”
Luckily the girls got the memo and walked away with either a scoff or a smirk. Chrystal had her hands on her hips, a smug smile plastered across her face.
Just the fact that I had publicly acknowledged her meant a lot to her—but now I had to publicy embarrass her.
“Kylan,” she pronounced my name as I stepped closer. She licked her cherry lips which were just as red as her fiery hair. “What is it?”
“We need to talk,” I spoke, impatiently.
“About?”
I didn’t bother beating around the bush. “You need to stop spreading rumors about us. We’re not getting back together.”
“Rumors?” Her smirk vanished. “I haven’t said anything that isn’t true. You have been fucking me, haven’t you?”
I clenched my jaw, hating the way she twisted things to make me look like the bad guy. We had a mutual agreement. “That doesn’t mean we’re getting back together, and you know that.”
Chrystal rolled her eyes, then stepped closer until she was practically pressed against me.“What’s been going on with you lately?” she whispered, suspicious.
Was it really that obvious?
My entire body tensed at the suggestion, but I didn’t let it show. “Nothing,” I hissed. “Just getting tired of your bullshit.”
A single eye twitched. “Because you’ve got someone else, right?”
I stared down at her, wanting to end the conversation at once.
I knew how Chrystal could get when she became this possessive. She was fully aware she wasn't the only one keeping my bed warm, but she also knew she was the only one l'd ever fucked more than once.
The last time she found out l'd been with someone else twice, she made the girl's life a living hell, torturing her until she eventually withdrew from school. That stunt forced Chrystal to redo her freshman year, but now it had turned out it didn't teach her a damn thing.
I didn't even want to think about what would happen if she ever found out about the mate bond with Four-eyes.
It would end badly. For Chrystal. Because if she tried anything, the beast would make me kill her—and I knew l'd let him.
Fuck…
She was right about one thing—I wasn’t myself, and something was seriously wrong with me.
“Who’s the girl, Ky?”
“Drop it,” I said coldly. “Remember what happened the last time you pushed me?”
Chrystal gulped, though her eyes held no fear. “I won’t ever let you be with someone else, Ky,” she stated.
“If I can’t have you, no one can.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.
I felt my blood boil at her indirect threat. The beast inside me roared to attack, to make sure she never dared to challenge me again. My hands were shaking, my vision blurred and the thought of tearing her apart suddenly seemed very tempting.
Before I could think about fully losing control, someone caught my eye. I came back to my senses, seeing Four-eyes walk past the entrance with her friend.
She was completely unaware of my presence, laughing as if she didn’t have a single concern in the world.
As if she didn’t came knocking at my door last night to reject me. The sound of her laughter irked me. She had no right to feel at ease, no right to smile—and not even the right to a chuckle.
I inhaled her lingering scent and couldn’t help but wonder if she perhaps smelled mine. She either pretended not to notice my presence or was too weak to sense it. Either way, it was just another reminder that she was nothing but a helpless, weak puppy.
I hated everything about her.
I hated the fact that she was on my mind, her sweet scent, and that out of all the people in the entire universe, she had to be my mate.
I hated it.

###>>>
Chapter 11

Violet
I paced back and forth in front of the classroom, my heart pounding uncontrollably. Today was my first trial day on the Elite Team.
It was supposed to be a fun experience, but all I could think about was Kylan.
My sweaty hands clutched my bag as I took another peak through the window. Students were already sitting inside. They looked like a combination of sophomores, juniors, and seniors—around seven in total.
My eyes landed on my brother, Dylan, who was sitting with his friends, strangely enough with a smile plastered on his lips. So he did have another expression other than that cold, distant gaze. It was just not reserved for me.
It was still crazy that he had yet to acknowledge me even once.
Kylan wasn’t there yet, neither was Nate who was attached to his hip.
I still had no idea how I would survived my first day after everything that had happened between us.
Through the window, I caught a man heading to my direction, carrying a book in his hand. He was handsome, with thick dark curls, and dark eyes. His training gear fit him perfectly, showing off his toned body, and his smile was friendly.
I felt my cheeks glow as he gave me a small wave, gesturing for me to come inside.
After hesitating for a while, I pushed open the door.
“Violet,” he greeted me as soon as I stepped in. “Welcome.”
His voice was deep, but warm. “My name is Rochwall, and I’m the commander of the Elite Team,” he held my hands for a few seconds.
"Nice to meet you," I said softly, struggling to maintain eye-contact. He truly looked handsome. Maybe he should’ve been my mate instead.
"Take a seat," Rochwall said, still smiling. "There are sixteen in total. We’re just waiting on a few others, some of the veterans and three other recruits."
With one final pat on my back, he left to go to his desk again. Uncomfortably, I glanced around the class, trying to figure out where to sit. Unfortunately, my eyes flickered to Dylan, and this time he was looking right at me.
His previous smile had vanished, now replaced by the cold look I was so familiar with.
“Nope,” I muttered to myself, taking a seat at the front, as far away from Dylan as possible.
First I had to choose my seat based on Chrystal, now my brother. It just couldn’t get any crazier.
Moments later, the room started to fill up, and with five more minutes to go—Kylan still wasn’t present. I felt bad for feeling this way, but I had really hoped he fell down the stairs and took the first route back to his little kingdom.
With each minute passing by, I gripped the edge of my desk more tightly.
Why did it have to be him?
Out of all the people in the universe, why did he have to be my mate?
I would’ve even settled for a human if the Moon Goddess decided—but for the first time ever, I began doubting her. She had it all wrong.
My heart stopped for a second, hearing the sound of Nate’s warm laughter, and then the door opened.
Kylan entered the room, Nate trailing behind him.
It appeared he hadn’t fell down the stairs.
He walked past me, ignoring my existence, while Nate ruffled my hair with his hands, then kept walking.
As soon as Kylan stepped in, the energy had completely shifted. People looked at him for acknowledgment, and he greeted most of them with a handshake.
He treated them better than he had ever treated me.
I followed him with my eyes, noticing he took the table all the way in the back.
“Now that everyone is here,” Rochwall called out.
I shifted my gaze back to the front, hearing all the voices die down as everyone turned to him. 
Rochwall stood in front of the cless. “Welcome to the Elite Team,” he spoke. “Today, you will have to prove yourselves. Over the next twenty-four hours, both the old and new recruits will be tested.”
Tested?
Already?
“You will be divided into teams,” Rochwall continued, “and you’ll be tasked with delivering a package outside the gates tonight. No matter what happens, you are not to open that package or else you’ll get disqualified.”
“Why do we veterans need to get tested again?” Someone asked.
“You know why. We do this every year because you still need to prove you belong on this team,” Rochwall explained. “As for the recruits, your team leader will decide whether you are worthy of a spot on the Elite Team.”
My mind was elsewhere, still trying to process the situation. We would be going outside of the gates, at night?
“You’re not really sending us outside in the middle of the night, right?” A female voice asked the same thing I was thinking.
Someone else groaned loudly, “It’s better than last year when we were locked in a tiny room for hours!”
The class began laughing, but I didn’t join them. All I could think about where the thousandth scenarios where something could go seriously wrong. Not just outside of the gates, but in this Elite Team as general.
Was I even ready to protect this school?
Not to mention, I hated working in teams. Back home, I always got picked as last, and till this day, I still lived in fear of being nothing more than a leftover. I could only hope Rochwall would be the one choosing teams.
“All you have to do,” Rochwall said, clapping his hands together, “is deliver the package within twenty-four hours, and that’s it. The winning team will get extra credits, and their team leader will be named the new captain of the Elite Team.”
Now people began whispering, hearing about the new bit of information involving the captain of the Elite Team.  I knew there would be several leaders for the smaller groups, but there would always be one captain in charge of the entire squad.
I knew the previous captain, Jessie because he was one of Dylan’s close friends. Whenever he came to visit during the break, he would throw me a friendly smile. Now after being captain for three years he had graduated and went back to his pack to become the general.
I didn’t care about winning or getting my leader the captain position. I just didn’t want to fail or hold back the team.
“The first person I’ll be naming team leader for Group 1, who will be running for captain, is…” Rochwall looked around. “Kylan!”
My eyes widened as I turned my head. 
Of course, it had to be him. He was their golden boy who could do no wrong. If only they knew what they were dealing with.
People cheered him on as he got up from his chair with a stoned expression like he didn’t expect otherwise.
Now I was hoping Rochwall would let them pick their own teams after all, because I was certain he wouldn’t choose me.
Rochwall named three other team leaders—two guys and one girl—who joined Kylan at the front.
“Kylan,” Rochwall said, “you’re up first.”
Kylan’s eyes scanned the room. They landed on me for less than a split-second, but I quickly lowered my head. “Am I allowed to pick anyone, or does it have to be a specific role?”
“Your team, your decision,” Rochwall replied.
“Nate,” he spoke before Rochwall had even finished.
Everyone in the room let out a collective groan as not a single person had not been expecting it. 
“Just get married already!” someone called out, causing the room to erupt in giggles. Even I couldn’t hold back a chuckle.
Nate walked to the front with a lazy, slightly embarrassed smile and joined Kylan’s side.
As the other leaders chose their teammates, I sat in silence, noticing the seats around me were slowly emptying.
“Kylan, your turn again,” Rochwall called.
Kylan’s eyes scanned the room again before they landed on Dylan.
He hadn’t been picked yet, and he also hadn’t been named team leader which made an awful lot of sense to me.
Dylan was our future Alpha, smart, an incredible strategist, and strong—but no one liked working with him. He was an annoying know-it-all. Even Nate wasn’t fond of him, and Nate liked everyone.
“I guess I need someone with brains,” Kylan spoke calmly. “Dylan.”
Many frowned, not expecting Kylan to pick him. Dylan stood up with an unreadable expression and gave Kylan a weak handshake. Those two definitely didn’t like each other.
Now I was starting to feel self-conscious. Out of the four remaining people, I was the only new recruit left. All the others had been picked before me.
They seemed like strong warriors, skilled and powerful—while I was nothing more than a quiet healer. I had already accepted that I’d end up as a leftover on the last team, and honestly, I didn’t mind. Those three girls seemed kind enough.
At least I wouldn’t be stuck on a team with Kylan and Dylan. Between the two of them, I couldn’t begin to guess who hated me more.
I observed closely as the two exchanged a few words. I couldn’t hear what was said, but somehow their eyes snapped toward me. All three of them, Nate included.
I blinked in surprise.
No, please…
“Kylan, your turn,” Rochwall said again.
Kylan’s gaze settled on me, his unfriendly gaze piercing through mine.
“Four-eyes,” a sigh escaped from his lips.
My stomach dropped. 
Why me?
My legs were trembling as I stood up from my seat and walked toward them. Dylan’s expressions was blank, Kylan’s hard, only adding to my confusion about why I was even there.
“Violet,” Nate smiled with his eyes, giving me a friendlier welcome than the other two.
Why even pick me if it was going to be like this?
The others continued choosing their teams, and I stood back innocently until a hand was wrapped around my wrist. Shocked, I looked at Kylan, who moved in closer.
“You’re here because of your brother,” he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. “Don’t hold back my team, Four-eyes.”
Then he released me without another word, leaving me standing there, speechless.

###>>>
Chapter 12

  
Violet
I sat back, doing absolutely nothing while the others discussed their plan to get the box to the other side. At this point I couldn’t give two fucks. and would see what the deal was tonight.
Kylan said it himself.
‘You’re here because of your brother,’
He had made it clear he didn’t want me on his team, and since my fate was in his hands, I knew he wasn’t going to accept me into the Elite Team. So, I decided there was no point in breaking a sweat.
I had wondered why Dylan vouched for me, and now as we sat around the table, I knew exactly why.
There was one leader, Kylan, a combat specialist, Nate, a strategic specialist, Dylan—and me? I was the only healer left. They had no choice but to take me.
Apparently if I were to magically make the team, this would be our team for the entire year. Dylan knew what he wanted, and had probably convinced Kylan to take advantage of every role, even if that meant putting up with me.
“Violet—focus.” 
I blinked, startled by Dylan’s voice. It was the first time he’d said my name in months. His eyes looked intense, like he was trying to get through to me. He knew I was bad at paying attention. I had been dreaming in class for years.
All eyes turned to me, including Kylan’s.
“I am focused,” I mumbled.
Dylan shook his head, “Then what did I just say?”
My mouth felt dry. I hadn’t listened to a single word, but I knew Dylan well enough to guess what he might’ve said. When it came to me, he always used the same strategy.
“You said I should not interfere,” I replied slowly, “and keep nearby in case someone gets injured.”
Dylan nodded, his expression softening just a little. “Yes, and I also said that the box is most likely not just a box,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to have to fight or that there needs to be any healing.”
Great.
So as decided, I would just do nothing.
I glanced at Kylan out of the corner of my eye, noticing how much attention he was paying to Dylan. Despite whatever was going on between those two, Kylan seemed to trust his judgment.
It was clear that the captain’s position mattered to him—otherwise both Dylan and I wouldn’t have been sitting at that table.
I stayed quiet as they talked more. Every word, every strategy sounded so complicated that it made me think that perhaps I truly wasn’t cut out for this.
The healing part came so easy, but when it was time to actually use my brains—I panicked.
My thoughts got interrupted by the small blue card which Dylan had slid across the table toward me. I picked it up and read the words ‘Night Pass’. It was a card to get outside past curfew.
“We’ll meet at the gate at midnight,” Kylan decided. “Don’t be late.”
He wasn’t looking at the group when he said it. He was looking right at me. I gave him a nod, although I didn’t understand why he would think I would be late.
If I had to bet, I’d put a million on being the first one there.
“So, Dylan,” Nate spoke as the conversation died down, “I heard you found your mate?”
Surprised, I stared at my brother. I had no idea. He hadn’t said anything to me, but then again—not that we’d really spoken much since I got here.
Dylan chuckled, his eyes held a warmth I hadn’t seen in years. “I did,” he said, “but that’s not important now.”
That warm gaze was the same I had seen in others who found their mates. When I was younger, I used to dream about receiving that look, but now, as I glanced to the monster sitting next to me, all I wanted was to poke his eyes out.
That warmth…it didn’t exist with Kylan. It never would. 
Was I lusting over him?
Yes, sure. He was hot, and I wasn’t going to deny that.
If I could’ve jumped on top of him right now, I probably would’ve—Lumia or not. Well, I was still a virgin—but if I wasn’t, I definitely would’ve.
What was I even thinking?
I shook the thought away, trying to focus.
The chair screeched as Kylan pushed it back and stood up. “One small backpack,” he said. “Don’t make it too heavy, and don’t bring anything you can’t carry.”
Kylan walked away, and Nate got up right after him. As he passed me, he reached over and ruffled my hair again—it seemed to be his thing. “See you tonight, beautiful,” he grinned, before following him.
My lips curled into a smile. I wasn’t in the best mood, but there was something about Nate that just made my day.
The smile was short-lived as I looked ahead, straight into the eyes of Dylan.
He shot me one of his usual cold glares, leaving me to wonder what I had done this time.
“You shouldn’t get too close to them,” Dylan scolded. “They’re dangerous. From a different hierarchy.”
I laughed to myself, shaking my head. If only he knew.
“Oh, you’ve got nothing to worry about,” I replied, meaning every word of it. Nate was Nate, and Kylan…I wasn’t even going to start on that.
Dylan’s face didn’t soften. All I got was a sigh and an eye roll as he stood up from the table, preparing to leave. Instead of leaving, he just stood there, staring at me. Confused, I frowned, wondering what his deal was.
"I'm proud of you, kid," Dylan said quietly, so soft that if I had breathed the wrong way, I might have missed it. "Keep up the good work."
My mouth hung open, unsure of how to respond, and before I could say anything, he had already walked away.
What?
Dylan had never said anything like that to me before. Words like that didn’t exist at the Bloodrose pack and especially not in his vocabulary.
It just didn’t make any sense. Maybe he hadn’t vouched for me because I was a healer, but to keep himself close to me and laugh in my face when I’d fail.
Was he mocking me?
Yes, that had to be it. It sure sounded like the Dylan I knew.
I squeezed the night pass in my hand, slowly shifting my mindset. I was going to make the team, show them they were wrong about me, and I was going to perform so well that Kylan wouldn’t be able to reject me, even if he wanted to.
With no classes for the next two days, I had enough time to give it everything I had.
—
In the evening, I packed a small backpack. It was filled with some snacks, water, extra clothes and a few antidotes just in case.
Trinity, who had helped me pack, claimed to be jealous of me going outside the gates. I didn’t feel that excited though. Heading into the woods in the middle of the night wasn’t exactly my idea of fun.
We spent some time hanging out, watching a movie—but I couldn’t exactly focus. My mind kept going back to the Elite Team.
For some reason, she didn’t ask about Kylan, and I appreciated that.
At some point, I went to bed, hoping to get some rest. Ten minutes before midnight, I grabbed my bag and my pass, ready to head out.
The dorm was dark and quiet, and I did my best to sneak out without making too much noise. Just as I quietly closed my door behind me, I turned around—and nearly screamed at the sight of two familiar figures.
Chrystal and Amy stood there, like two bodyguards in the dark, arms crossed, staring directly at me.
Whatever stunt this was, it was clearly rehearsed.
My eyes were wide as I placed a hand over my heart. What were they doing here anyway? Those two were never here.
The two began walking toward me, their arms still crossed. I tried to slip away, but they had already trapped me against the wall.
What was it with these Lycans and trapping people?
“I really need to get downstairs, so if you don’t mind,” I whispered as friendly as possible.
Chrystal released a chuckle, playing with a strand of her hair. “It’s cute and all that you made the Elite Team,” she said. “And I know you’re the last person I should worry about, since you’re not even his type. But stay away from my man—got it?”
She patted my shoulder twice, a sick grin on her lips, and I glanced down at her hand. This was the part where I had to put her in her place. Maybe not too much, just enough to show I wasn’t someone she could push around—though with Chrystal, I wasn’t sure if that would even work.
I gently moved her hand off my shoulder. "First of all, I don’t want your man,” I stated. “Second, if he really was your man, you wouldn’t have to worry about all of this.”
The grin on her face was no more. Amy who hadn’t expected for me to defend myself looked back and forth between the two of us.
My heart raced. I did this to get her off my back, but the way her eyes turned dangerously cold made me realize it might’ve backfired.
I had only made things worse for myself.
What did I even think, going head to head with a Lycan?
“I-I really have to go now,” I lowered my head. Then I managed to step around them and left the room as quickly as possible.
As I walked through the halls, my hands were shaking. Her lack of reaction terrified me even more, but that was something I’d have to deal with when I got back.
I spotted a guard standing by the door downstairs, and showed him my night pass. With not much time left, I made a run for it.  By the time I reached the gate, I was out of breath, and my forehead glistened with sweat.
Of course, Kylan, Nate, and Dylan were already there, looking as calm and collected as ever—looking at me as if I was the crazy one. Placing my hands on my knees, I bent over, trying to catch my breath.
“Hi beautiful,” Nate laughed, ruffling my hair before rubbing my back. “Are you still breathing?”
I looked up and instantly noticed the small smirk on Dylan's lips. He loved seeing me struggle, so it was no surprise he was enjoying this. My eyes shifted to Kylan, who wasn’t amused by the situation either.
His expression wasn’t sympathetic—in fact, he looked irritated. My gaze landed on the golden box in his arms before meeting his eyes again.
“I told you to be here on time. You’re late,” he spoke, dryly.
“I’m not late!” I argued, looking at my watch. I was three minutes too late. “You’re just early.”
He didn’t say anything. He just glared at me with that judgmental look. Making the Elite Team wasn’t guaranteed for me, but Kylan had much more at stake. He was aiming for captain, and thanks to me, he now had a three-minute delay—which I was pretty sure had stretched to four by now.
“She’s here,” Nate defended me, eyeing Kylan.
Kylan grunted in response. “It’s a good thing you’re not a warrior. Healing suits you,” he spat.
"Your condition is tragic, and you’re breathing like a pig."
I called him all sorts of bad names in my head, wishing I could say something back—but I didn’t have the energy or the guts. Especially if I still wanted a shot at making the team.
Kylan used a key to unlock the gate, leaving me to wonder how on earth I was going to survive the night with him.
It was going to be a disaster.

###>>>
Chapter 13

  
Violet
We had been walking for what felt like forever, but truly it had only been about twenty minutes. 
No one was talking, the silence was killing me, my legs were numb—and I couldn’t see anything. The only thing I could hear was the sound of our footsteps touching the leaves.
The box needed to be delivered all the way across the river, and we weren’t allowed to shift unless we were in danger. There were no shortcuts, no tricks—it was just a long, boring path.
Kylan and Dylan walked ahead, not giving a damn about anyone but themselves while Nate was kind enough to stay beside me. Still, I struggled to keep up with his pace. Why did I have to do this with three men with ridiculously long legs while I was, well…short.
Kylan suddenly looked back at me, his eyes scanning me up and down—and I just knew some rubbish was about to leave his mouth.
“Cardio, Four-eyes,” he spoke. “You can’t always rely on your wolf.”
Pissed, I waited until he turned his head before mimicking his words. I had never relied on my wolf, not once. He didn’t know what he was talking about.
Nate released a soft laugh.
"Yes, sorry," I whispered to him, "he’s your prince and all, but he’s really getting on my nerves."
“Don’t apologize,” he smiled. Then, without any warning, he lifted my backpack from my shoulders and carried it in his hand.
The second the weight left my shoulders, I felt an instant relief. I glanced down at my legs, noticing I was moving much faster.
“You really didn’t have to do that.”
Nate shrugged. “I don’t mind. This is nothing for me,” he said. “You should see what Kylan makes me carry back home.”
“Yes, but your back—“
“I got it, beautiful,” he cut me off, winking.
I chuckled. “Thanks.”
Nate was one of those people who was just naturally a good person. He didn’t have to proof himself to anyone, yet he did.
We kept walking for a while longer until, out of nowhere, Kylan stopped and brought his hand to his head. “Ky, are you alright?” Nate asked, concerned.
Kylan turned to us with an annoyed expression. “In case you were wondering what this box does. It talks.”
That’s all he said before he began walking again as if nothing happened, leaving us with many questions.
“What do you mean it talks?” Dylan asked.
“It messes with your head, wants you to open the box,” Kylan explained, aggravated. “It doesn’t matter, just keep walking.”
I felt a shiver down my spine, wondering what the box might’ve said to him that triggered him that much. He seemed different, uneasy and stressed.
“Change of plans,” Dylan announced, snatching the box from Kylan’s hand. “We’ll take turns holding the box until we reach the river.”
I waited for Kylan's reaction, but he didn’t say a word. Why wasn’t he arguing? That’s what he was best at. One thing was clear—whatever that box had whispered to him to make him back down without a fight was something very serious.
My anxiety grew, realizing taking turns meant mine would be coming up soon.
I hated voices. I used to hear them in my nightmares all the time, and to this day, I was still traumatized.
“You’re going pale,” Nate teased, bumping my shoulder. “Do you know something we don’t?”
“No!” I blurted out, my eyes widening. “I-I’m just not a big fan of talking boxes.”
Nate laughed. “Relax, you’ll be fine.”
We walked in silence again, but it was quickly interrupted by Dylan, who held his head the same way Kylan did and placed the box on the ground. Whatever that thing was, it had affected him too.
His face was tense, almost terrified.
“I need a break,” Dylan suddenly announced. He dropped the box on the ground before walking off toward a nearby pond.
I hesitated, wondering if I should check on him, but decided not to. What would I tell him? We barely spoke.
Bloodrose men were known for their big brains, and their physical strength, but mentally? They weren’t exactly the most stable.
“I’ll go check on our strategist,” Nate said, dropping the backpacks to the ground. “I’ll be back later!” he said, then hurried after Dylan.
I was glad he was the one to do it, and not me—but there was only one problem.
I was alone, with Kylan.
I could feel his eyes burning into my skin. As I looked at him, he stared at me with an expression I couldn’t read.
Was he angry?
Annoyed? 
I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. All I knew was that I needed space from him.
Without saying another word, I slipped behind a nearby tree, trying to create some distance. When I heard footsteps approaching, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, knowing they belonged to him. Kylan.
“Why are you following me?” I threw back the same words he’d asked me the night we found out we were mates.
Kylan chuckled, stepping closer. It seemed like the effect of the box had disappeared, and he was back to his usual, annoying self.
His face was close—too close. I nervously held my breath, staring into those dark eyes, and this time I could see everything down to the dark swirl of his pupils.
Was he going to kiss me again?
Would I allow him?
“I’m the team leader, and you’re an immature and reckless mess,” my eyes moved to his lips as they moved. “It’s my job to follow you.”
I opened my mouth to say something, anything—but stopped when I felt his warm breath against my neck. Gently, his hands slid to my shoulders, and then he froze as if he was testing my reaction. I didn’t move a muscle.
This time he grabbed my shoulders more firmly, and inhaled deeply, his face still close to my neck. “That smell is driving me insane.”
Those words were whispered so quietly they were not supposed to reach my ears, yet they did.  I struggled to control every inch of my body, torn between the urge to push him away or pull him closer, just to feel his lips on mine.
His eyes locked onto mine again, but he didn’t say a word. Neither of us did.
I waited—hoping for the impact of his lips. As he leaned in, I thought it was finally going to happen, but instead, his lips just grazed my cheek for a small second.
Desperate, I leaned in, but this time he pulled back. He shook his head, caressing my face with a gentle touch.
“You’re making it difficult for me,” he murmured.
“What?”
“Difficult,” he repeated, pulling me by my waist, his eyes intense. “Stop flirting with Nate. I don’t like it.”
It finally clicked. That’s what his problem was. The whole time, I hadn’t even realized it. I wasn’t flirting with Nate, but Kylan had clearly decided otherwise.
“I’m not yours,” I stated. “I can do what I want, and for the record, I wasn’t flirting with Nate.”
Kylan scoffed, clearly not believing a word I’d just said. Why would it bother him anyway? It’s not like he wanted me.
“It’s called being polite,” I shot back. “Something I know you’re unfamiliar with.”
Kylan chuckled, turning his head slightly with a smirk. “Do you know what I’m familiar with?”
“What?”
His hand slid along my waist, a bit more possessively. A tingling sensation spread to my body, and I had myself for it. 
He stared into my eyes. “Should I just take you right here in these woods, against this tree, and show you?”
I swallowed hard, taking in his words.
“Do you think that will satisfy me? You? The both of us?”
It wasn’t a statement—it was a question. And I feared that if I answered truthfully, both of our clothes would be off within seconds.

###>>>
Chapter 14

  
Violet
“I don’t know about you, but the only thing that will satisfy me is you accepting my rejection.”
It was hard to decline his offer, but somehow I had managed to use every bit of dignity I had left to stand my ground.
All that crap about taking me in these woods?
It wasn’t Kylan speaking, it was the beast playing mind games—just like Lumia was doing with me.
Kylan was disgusted by me, just as much as I was by him. This moment, this tension, wasn’t real—it was forced.
A dark chuckle escaped Kylan’s lips as he let go of my body, and I finally released the breath I had been holding back.
“We need to get moving,” he said, his tone serious again. He walked away, leaving me standing there against the tree, completely confused and frustrated.
My body felt hot, heart almost beat out of my chest, yet here he was—pretending like nothing had happened.
Huffing, I kicked a nearby twig and made my way back to the others. How would I survive the rest of the mission if this was what he was going to be like?
When I arrived, Dylan and Nate were already back. The golden box was now in Nate’s hand, meaning my turn was slowly approaching. My stomach tightened at the thought of that box having the same effect on me as it did on Kylan and Dylan.
“Oh no, I can carry my bag,” I stepped in as soon as Nate wanted to pick it back up from the ground.
He moved faster, grabbed it, then took a step back. “Beautiful, I’m not weak.”
“And neither is she—“ Kylan growled, ripping the backpack out of Nate’s hand. “I understand you have the White Knight Syndrome, Nate—but this isn’t the ‘Four-eyes’ show. She has to put in some actual work if she wants a spot on the Elite Team.”
A spot on the Elite Team, my ass.
He knew damn well he would pull every string to keep me off that team because he couldn’t handle our mate bond.
Kylan threw the bag at me, and I barely managed to catch it in time. I scrunched my nose at him as he placed a hand on Nate’s back, guiding him to the front.
I didn’t mind carrying my own bag, but what I did mind was him thinking he had the right to boss others around because he was a prince. Team leader or not.
Throwing the backpack over my shoulders, I had expected it to be heavy, but surprisingly it didn’t feel as bad this time. I wasn’t actually feeling any weight at all.
As I walked, I glanced back in confusion and finally noticed what was going on as my eyes locked with Dylan. He supported the backpack for me, carrying all the weight so I didn’t have to.
A small, rare smile tugged at his lips. I smiled back awkwardly, not knowing how to respond because we never smiled at each other.
He kept supporting the bag for our entire walk, and I felt grateful for his help. Because of him, we were able to continue without me holding anyone back.
I wanted to say something—anything, to break the awkward silence between us, but didn’t know how to start. The two of us hadn’t had a real conversation in years.
“So…” I tried grabbing his attention. “You found your mate?”
“I did.”
It was short, but at least he answered. A sharp feeling went through my heart—maybe jealousy, perhaps sadness. It wasn’t that I didn’t want him to be happy. I was just slightly irritated because everything seemed to be working out for others, while I was stuck with Kylan.
“Is she from our pack?”
“No,” Dylan replied, his voice sounding kind and soft. “She’s from a pack in the south. Her dad’s an Alpha.”
I gasped, invested in his story. “And you’ll be an Alpha, which means she’ll make the perfect Luna. You’re lucky.”
See?
It all worked out for him.
A genuine laugh escaped from Dylan’s lips, one I hadn’t heard in ages.
We used to get along well, it was only that I could barely remember. It was before Mom and Dad died. The memories were vague, but back then when he was not forced to be my brother but just my cousin—he’d often hold me after my nightmare, telling me everything would be fine.
Somewhere in time it went wrong, he began resenting me—and our bond shattered.
“She’s amazing,” Dylan continued. “Beautiful, strong, smart…she doesn’t take crap from anyone. But she’s also kind, caring. I’m lucky to have found her,” I could sense his smile as he spoke. “I think the two if you would get along. She’s just as stubborn as you are.”
I smiled, listening to him. If he thought the two of us would get along, then maybe he didn’t hate me completely after all.
“This is the most we’ve spoken in years. It’s kind of embarrassing, isn’t it?”
Dylan sighed. “Violet—”
Before he could finish, Nate suddenly groaned, dropping the box to the ground. He hunched over and clutched his head, taking deep breaths.
Up until now, his reaction had been the worse.
Dylan let go of my backpack and joined Kylan, rushing to Nate’s side to check up on him, but my eyes were fixed on the box.
It was my turn.
I felt my palms grow sweaty as I stared at it. The box...
The same box that had already affected Kylan, Dylan, and now Nate.
I took small, hesitant steps forward, knowing there was no escaping this. Everyone had done their part, and now it was my turn.
In all honesty, I was shaking—and couldn’t even begin to imagine what would happen when I held that box. 
Would it really talk to me?
Would it break me just as it had broken Nate?
My hands trembled as I got closer, the golden box was in my reach, and just as I bent down to pick it up—I felt a firm hand on my shoulder.
I looked up and saw Dylan’s face, his eyes worried.
“You don’t have to do this,” he decided. “I’ll take it.”
Kylan, who had also appeared, pushed his hand off my shoulder. “It’s—“
“With all due respect,” Dylan interrupted, slightly raising his voice, “I know you’re the team leader, but that’s my sister, and I won’t let her suffer.”
Kylan exhaled, his expression irritated. “I was only going to say I should take it. It’s not your turn yet.”
I glanced between the two of them, utterly confused. Were they really going at it over who was going to take my turn? The two people who hated me the most?
Part of me wanted to let them fight over it, to let someone else deal with the burden. But another part of me, perhaps the stubborn part—knew I couldn’t let that happen.
“No!” I snarled, picking up the box. “I don’t want any special treatment because I’m a woman. I will carry my backpack, and I will carry this box. Now let’s go.”

###>>>
Chapter 15

  
Violet
I began walking, feeling three pair of eyes burning in my back—but I had already made my decision. Whatever was in that box, whatever it had to say, I would deal with it.
I was afraid, petrified—but it had to be done. It was only fair.
About one hour in, nothing had happened yet. So far so good.
I wasn’t completely fine, though. With the others, it took about an hour for the first signs to show, and now that I was past that mark, I felt a tight feeling in my chest. I was mortified of what might come next.
The others kept a close eye on me, as if all three of them were ready to jump in if I couldn’t handle it. I tried to stay relaxed, tried to breathe—but every muscle in my body was tensed, waiting for disaster.
"We're almost halfway," Dylan encouraged. "If we keep up this tempo, we’ll be there in no time."
I nodded, my lips feeling way too dry to even form a sentence. The walk reminded me of the beginning of a bad fever. You knew it was coming, you just didn’t know when.
Then, I heard it.
‘Violet.’
My name was getting whispered over and over. The voices sounded like several older women, all calling out to me but none of them were in synch. I tried to keep my cool, glancing around quickly, but no one else seemed to notice, so I kept walking—determined to ignore it.
It was useless because it didn’t make the whispers stop.
‘Tell them about your glasses.’
The voices grew louder, coming from everywhere at once. They came from the box, the woods, even inside my head—and it was starting to get to me.
I gulped, gripping the box in my hands even tighter, pretending like nothing was happening. I couldn’t let them see me freak out. Not yet.
‘Tell them the glasses are to control you, to hide you from what you really are.’
‘Open the box, and we won’t bother you anymore.’
The voices multiplied, first it were three, then six, and now I couldn’t keep count anymore.
‘He hates you. Your brother wants you dead. The fraud wants you gone.’
‘The beast craves you, but the man rejects you. He’ll never want you.’
‘I can see your future. Bound by fate, but torn by greed and desire.’
I focused on keeping my feet moving, trying to convince myself that none of it was real—but so far, everything the voices had said had been disturbingly spot on. These whispers knew my past, my present—and possible my future.
‘You need to tell them about the glasses.’
‘Open the box, Violet. Do it and we’ll leave you alone.’
‘Remove the glasses!’
‘Open it.’
‘Open the box.’
My throat tightened as I swallowed, trying to block out the voices.
‘Do you want to see us? Do you want to know what Claire was hiding from you? Remove the glasses.’
‘Open the box. The truth is waiting.’
Mom?
My fingers twitched around the box at the sound of her name. Mom had never kept anything from me—this had to be illusions, tricks to get in my head.
‘Take them off. They’re hiding you. Open the box.’
‘Don’t you know you’re one of us? You silly girl.’
‘She’s not one of us. She’s the devil’s child!’
The voices laughed inside my head, and kept on multiplying until it felt like there were over fifty of them. My heart pounded, I couldn’t focus. I was losing it, going crazy—but I couldn’t let anyone see. I couldn’t let them see me as weak. Not here, not now.
Just a bit longer, Violet.
‘Leave her alone!’ Another voice broke through the many. This one was different—gentler.
The other voices faded for a few seconds, leaving a moment of silence. Then I heard it again—yelling, screaming, the sound of pure panic.
‘It’s Adelaide, run!’ one voice shouted before vanishing into the background, and then, everything went quiet.
Adelaide? 
My head spun, hearing that name. I’d heard it before—it was the name Esther had accidentally called me.
It was the name of the girl in the picture with Mom, her best friend. 
Why would they call out her name?
‘Drop the box, Violet,’ the same kind voice urged.
Like I was in a trance, I moved without thinking and dropped the box. There was a loud thud on the ground, all heads turned to me.
The panic I had been holding back, slowly began to release itself, and before I could stop it, tears blurred my vision.
“Violet!” Dylan rushed to my side, then wrapped his arms around me. When he held me close, I realized I had been shaking. I tried so hard to keep it together, but it was all too much. The voices, the whispers, the temptation.
A sob escaped my throat, and I buried my head into Dylan’s chest.
“It’s okay,” he whispered, hugging me tightly. “You’re okay.”
I clung to him, forgetting every bit of tension or disagreement we’d ever had. None of that mattered anymore. I just wanted to disappear from the embarrassment. I couldn’t bear the thought of facing anyone, and I definitely wasn’t in the mood for Kylan’s mocking or cold words.
All I wanted to understand was why I’d heard Adelaide’s voice—and how she knew my name.
“This isn’t working,” Dylan said, rubbing my back. “We’re making camp.”
~
We gathered around the fire, our only source of light in the dark. I didn’t like the dark, I didn’t like voices—and now I had dealt with both of it.
I kept glancing around nervously, expecting for something or someone to jump from the shadows. The box carried so many voices—there surely had to be some kind of presence around.
Clearing my throat, I shifted uncomfortably as I tried to distract myself from their piercing gazes. Kylan and Nate hadn’t said much, but I could see the way they looked at me.
They pitied me.
Yes, Kylan pitied me.
Eager to break the silence, I reached into my bag and pulled out a pack of protein bars. “I got snacks!” I waved the bag around with an awkward smile. “Anyone wants some?”
No one reacted. They just kept staring at me, as if they were waiting for me to fall apart any second. “Your loss,” I shrugged, ripping open the wrapper.
“We should’ve never let her carry that thing,” Nate was the first to speak, his voice filled with regret.
I looked at him, then shifted my gaze to Kylan, who was staring directly into my eyes. His gaze was all over the place—confused, irritated and…concerned?
Was my reaction really that bad for Kylan to look concerned?
“I think the box is connected to the ancient dark witches,” Dylan spoke.
Kylan, still staring at me—finally looked away and focused on Dylan. “What do you mean?”
“These witches,” Dylan began, “they source their energy from gold—in this case, the box. They can’t physically harm us, but they play with your mind,” he glanced at me before looking back at the box in front of him. “They manipulate those who carry big secrets or show fear.”
So the box was fed by big secrets and fear?
As it went dead silent again, I knew the box had found its right candidates.
“Rochwall must’ve given us this box to see if we can work as a team, to test our ability to trust one another,” Dylan continued. “He wanted to make us think this would be some ridiculous challenge—like fighting a bear or some other creature—but we’re only fighting ourselves.”
Kylan scoffed, glancing down at the ground. Nate left out the scoff, but his reaction was pretty much the same.
These were people trained for every physical altercation, but now that it was something emotional, they didn’t know how to handle it.
“Is there a way to stop this?” Nate asked, his voice careful.
Dylan nodded. “Yes,” he said, squeezing his eyes shut, and I already didn’t like where it was going. “The way to break the spell is to share your fears and your biggest secret.”
Everyone let out a collective sigh, knowing what was awaiting us. A knot formed in my stomach at the thought of opening up. I’d always been a private person, and I wasn’t ready to share anything.
But it didn’t matter—the box demanded, and now we had to deliver.

###>>>
Chapter 16

  
Violet
I fumbled with my hands, thinking about my biggest secret.
What was my biggest secret?
For a second, my mind went to Kylan—but then I realized that he wasn’t it. He was definitely a fear, and a secret, but not my biggest.
The voices were talking about my glasses—the thing I had been forced to hide my entire life. They had been my biggest insecurity.
A loud laugh broke the tension.
It was Kylan.
“No, no,” he said, the laughter only growing louder. He buried his head between his head, sighing. “No, I’m not doing this.”
He held an uneasy look in his eyes, and so did Nate who shifted beside him. Although Nate had been kind, also he hadn’t opened up about anything. The only thing I knew about him were the basics. Beta dad, noble blood, bitch sister.
“If you want to become captain,” Dylan spoke up. “I’m afraid you’ll have to.”
Kylan chuckled. “No.”
“We can be back before sunrise—but not if that box keeps talking to us,” Dylan didn’t back down.
Dylan had always been a serious person. He didn’t always like doing things, but he’d do them if they needed to be done. He wasn’t one to take no for an answer, and everything had to go his way—which was why most people thought he was difficult to hang out with.
However, this time he was right. “Dylan has a point,” I spoke.
Kylan didn’t respond, didn’t growl, talk back, belittle me—and it was because he was wise enough to know that was the truth.
“Thank you, Violet,” Dylan spoke. “Your biggest secret. Unfiltered, nothing but the truth—and it stays between the four of us. We’ll never tell anyone about it, and we’ll never bring it up again.”
We all looked at each other, nodding in agreement—even Kylan, who suddenly didn’t seem all that tough anymore.
Dylan turned the box in his hand, showing no emotion. “I’ll go first.”
I braced myself, waiting to hear his biggest secret. He wasn’t just sharing it because he wanted to—no, we were all going to share something deep, something personal, because we had to.
Dylan’s eyes met mine. “I resent you, Violet,” he said without a single stutter. “I resent you, and sometimes I just wish you were dead.”
My heart sank at his cold confession, but I hadn’t expected anything less. “I know,” I chuckled, hiding behind my pain. “Everyone knows. That’s not really a secret.”
“But you don’t know why.”
Did I want to know why?
“Growing up, I always felt overlooked by Dad,”Dylan spoke. “You might not notice but he has always kept an eye on you, neglected me to do so even though I’m his son. It made me…jealous, angry.”
I blinked, his words hitting me like a punch to the gut. Jealous? Of me?
“That’s not true. Dad doesn’t care about me.”
That man didn’t even had the decency to check up on me.
Dylan shook his head, lowering his gaze. “You were always different. Better. You have healing abilities that outshine anyone in our pack, the elders love you—Dad loves you,” he stated. “It’s not fair to blame you, I know that, but I do.”
“Dylan—“
“And when I was younger…” he exhaled. “When I was twelve, I told Dad he had to put me first or else I would kill myself, and take you with me. I held a knife to your throat while you slept, and he had to stop me. That’s how much I hated you, Violet.”
No one spoke, no one breathed. I could only hear the sound of the fire. That’s the impact his words had left.
For the first time, it all made sense—why Uncle Fergus was so cold toward me. He had no choice. One was his son—the other his niece, and he chose his heir.
My chest tightened in sadness. I knew he hated me, but I could’ve never imagined him hating me that much.
I always thought Dylan was the one who had it all.  Our future Alpha. He was strong, confident, everything our pack respected. And here he was, telling me that I made him feel small.
A nobody.
“I…” I tried speaking, but my lips just wouldn’t move. What could I even say in this situation?
I forgive you?
I don’t forgive you?
Nate glanced between us with sympathy, while Kylan shifted uncomfortably, likely already worrying about his own turn.
Dylan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I put so many in the pack against you, told them you were a freak, took away the opportunity for you to have friends and I’m not proud of it, Violet,” he ranted. “I’m your brother, I was supposed to protect you—but I had somehow turned into your biggest bully. I felt embarrassed, I knew it was wrong—but I just kept going.”
I felt a tear forming at the corner of my eye, but I quickly blinked it away. My childhood after Mom and Dad died wasn’t something I liked thinking about, and then to learn that Dylan was the perpetrator.
“I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and if you don’t—I understand.”
“I forgive you,” I whispered, deciding to be the bigger person—even though he had supposedly held a knife to my throat. “I never knew.”
Dylan gave a weak, apologetic smile. “How could you have known? I never told anyone. Not even myself until now.” 
We stared at each other, neither of us blinking as we came to a mutual understanding. For the first time in years, I felt like I understood him.
Suddenly, the gold color of the box dulled slightly as Dylan finished his confession. A small, satisfied smile appeared on his face. “It’s working.”
He handed the box to Nate who sat beside him, and had somehow lost every little spark that made him Nate. He had always been present, but right now, he looked like he would rather be anywhere but here. 
“No rush,” Dylan tried, but Nate shook his head.
“It’s not like I can run from it.”
"Okay. So, uh...I guess the thing I’ve been hiding..." Nate stumbled over his words, pausing for a moment before drawing in a long, deep breath.
“Everyone sees me as Nate, the future Beta, always happy, always positive, the guy who’s supposed to follow in his dad’s footsteps and be perfect. But the truth is, I’m far from it—actually, I’m none of those things.”
I could feel the tension as I looked into his paled eyes. Nate always carried a warm smile on his face, he was friendly, approachable—and hearing that there was more to him came as a shock.
“When I was younger,” Nate began, “I felt this pressure to be someone. To live up to my dad’s name, to be the next Beta." He shifted his gaze, avoiding eye contact with anyone. "It was suffocating, you know? I just wanted to feel normal, I wanted it to stop—so, I started sneaking into the medical wing and taking Lunaris."
Kylan’s head snapped up, and his brows furrowed.
Lunaris.
It was an illegal drug we had studied back home. It was mostly used for anesthesia as it numbed the mind and body—but it was addictive. Overdosing on Lunaris was not something uncommon.
It was only prescribed to healers for painful surgeries, it was hard to come by—and was definitely not for personal use.
“One pill here, one pill there,” Nate explained, and I could hear the shame in his voice. “At first, it was just once a month, something to take the edge off. But then one pill a month became one pill a week. And before I knew it, I was taking several pills a day. I still am.”
“Nate…” my heart ached for him. Behind those smiles was a person who was hurting, a person who couldn’t function without those pills.
I wanted to tell him to stop at once because I knew what Lunaris could do to a person—but that wasn’t my job.
We had all agreed never to bring it up again after tonight.
He released a sad laugh. “So, yeah. The perfect Nate? Not so perfect after all. I’m an addict. There you have it.”
I stared at him, still trying to figure him out. It was probably an ignorant thing to say, but he didn’t look like an addict. If he hadn’t told us, I would’ve never guessed.
As the color of the box faded for a second time, Nate’s eyes flickered to mine, but his usual warm smile was now replaced with shame. He couldn’t look at me for too long, and I didn’t want to bother him either—so I looked at Kylan.
After all, it was his turn.

###>>>
Chapter 17

  
Violet
It was his turn.
However, the defeated look on his face showed that he was nowhere near ready. I could tell that speaking about whatever he was holding back was difficult for him.
His jaw clenched, fists tightened, eyes were narrowed. Judging by his reaction, it had to be something far worse than Dylan’s resentment or Nate’s addiction.
What could it be?
We were on a roll, and I didn’t want to lose it—so I leaned over the fire and grabbed the box from Nate.
“I’ll go.”
Surprisingly, Kylan’s lips curled into a small, grateful smile. It was so quick that if I hadn’t been looking closely, I might’ve missed it.
Compared to holding a knife to your sister’s throat, taking Lunaris multiple times a day, and whatever the hell Kylan had going on—mine didn’t seem as big.
I had buried it, pretended like it wasn’t there—but it wasn’t something scandalous.
"My glasses," I said, tapping on the frame. “They’re not for eyesight. They’re for something else. Dylan knows about it.”
“Since I was a child, I heard voices, had these visions, nightmares. Dark, terrifying visions. Sometimes they predict the future, sometimes they don’t. But whenever they come, they’re powerful,” I spoke casually. “When I was younger, they’d cause things to happen—windows would break, objects would fly, strange things would happen all around me.”
I was waiting for it to get more difficult, but I went through everything without a stutter. “The pack elders tried everything when I was little. They brought in exorcists because they thought I was possessed by some dark spirit, prayed to the Moon Goddess—all of that, but nothing worked. The visions never went away.”
Nate covered his mouth, chuckling. “Exorcists?”
“Yes,” I smiled back, touching the frames of my glasses. “These glasses were a gift from my mom. They shield me from the voices, and the nightmares. Without them, I’m afraid my powers could spiral out of control, and…I don’t even want to imagine what could happen.”
“I like your glasses,” Nate complimented. “They suit you.”
His words made my lips curl into a wide smile. No one had ever said they liked my glasses. “I thought these glasses would make me less of a freak,” I added. “But whenever people tease me, they somehow always bring up my glasses.”
I gave Kylan a side-eye, and his expression softened. He glanced away, as if he couldn’t bear to look at me.
I couldn’t help but wonder if the weight of his teasing was finally sinking in. I sure hoped so, because those last words were definitely a jab at him.
I didn’t want to wear those round glasses, I didn’t want to be called ‘Four-eyes,’ and I definitely didn’t want to get bullied because of it.
“I suppose I’ll have to come up with a different nickname,” Kylan spoke softly. His tone surprised me. There was no mocking, no coldness…
Kylan didn’t look like the annoying, arrogant, and unapproachable heir to the Lycan throne. He looked vulnerable, understanding—and I definitely liked him better this way.
The only question was for how long it would last.
We had to be realistic here—he had no choice but to be vulnerable.
Huffing, I stared down at the unchanged box in my hands. It still hadn’t changed colors.
“Is there something else?” Dylan asked. “Maybe a fear of yours or…”
“A fear?” I tilted my head, thinking deeply. “I guess I’m afraid of not being loved. I want someone to love me unconditionally, but I come with so much baggage that I doubt anyone could ever truly love me.”
“I’ll love you unconditionally, and I’ll carry ten of your backpacks if you need me to,” Nate jumped in.
His words had me confused for a second, and judging by the strange looks Dylan and Kylan shot him, they were just as puzzled.
“A-As a friend of course,” Nate quickly added, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Yes, I know!” I chuckled, giving Nate a fist bump. Just then, the box shifted colors again.
Kylan clenched his jaw. I remembered what he’d said before about me flirting with Nate. His reactions confused me—he hated me, mocked me, and yet acted like I was doing something wrong with every friendly gesture I made.
I just couldn’t understand him.
I rolled my eyes, handing him the box and watched as his face tightened. I bet that would humble him.
“Your turn,” I spat.
He nearly hissed, glaring at me as I placed the box in his hands. Still, I could see the determination in his eyes. I had challenged him to reveal his darkest secret, and he wasn’t going to back down.
“I had to battle for my claim to the throne,” Kylan began. “There are over twenty of us—my father has many mistresses. My mom is the queen, but I’m the only son she ever had. She’s the king’s mate, but not his favorite.”
We all stayed silent, not daring to interrupt as he continued.
“All my life, my biggest competition has been my brother, Kayden. His mom is the king’s first love. He’s always overshadowed me. We were born on the same day—but the day I was born, the king wasn’t there. He was with the woman he loved...and with Kayden."
All I could focus on was the fury in his eyes as he spoke. Kylan wasn’t born angry. It was the years of feeling unwanted, second best, and constantly being compared to his brother that had shaped him.
It turned out even a golden boy, a prince like Kylan, didn’t have a perfect life.
“He’s never cared for me,” Kylan let out a low, frustrated chuckle as his grip tightened around the box. I couldn’t help but wonder where this left Nate since the two of them were so close.
Since Nate’s dad was the king’s Beta, Kylan must’ve held on to the hope that the king would one day acknowledge him, give him the attention he craved—but he didn’t.
“I ended up winning the Heir Battle," Kylan said, "but it wasn’t a fair fight. I cheated.”
I listened, letting his words sink in. I never imagined Kylan admitting to something like this. It was hard to believe.
“Kayden was trained by the king. No matter how hard I worked, no matter how hard any of us worked—he was always just a bit better, stronger, faster, the king had prepared him for the battle all his life—and I knew I couldn’t beat him.”
Kylan’s expression hardened. “So, I poisoned him. Before the final battle.”

###>>>
Chapter 18

  
Violet
The mood changed instantly. The cheating part was somewhat acceptable, but poisoning your own brother? He might’ve taken the crown from Dylan with that one.
“I didn’t mean for it to…I didn’t mean to nearly kill him. The poison was supposed to weaken him, just enough for me to win,” Kylan tried explaining himself. “But…it left him damaged. He can’t walk. Can’t shift. He can’t do anything, he’s bound to a wheelchair.”
He closed his eyes after the last part, then looked down. “He was never the same after that.”
I could hear the regret in his voice, and I could understand his initial reaction about not wanting to say anything at first.
This confession was brutal.
“My Mom knows, and she hates me for it. The only parent who ever cared for me calls me a monster, a demon—doesn’t want anything to do with me,” Kylan said. “I did it for her too. I did it for both of us, but she’s so humiliated by the child she’s raised she told me to die soon, and take it to the grave with me.”
He kept looking at the box, but the color hadn’t changed. He still had to keep going, whether he liked it or not.
“My Dad knows. The Lycan King…he knows what I did. He’s never forgiven me for it. I harmed his favorite son. His strongest son.”
His eyes were still fixated on the box. “I don’t know if I would’ve won without the poison. I don’t know if deserve that throne. Every day I feel like I’m getting punished by the Moon Goddess for my sins, over and over.”
I swallowed my breath, fearing he might’ve been talking about our mate bond. Did he see me as one of his punishments?
“Kylan…” Nate’s voice was soft, careful. By the looks of it, even he didn’t know he carried this kind of secret with him. “Does Kayden know?”
Kylan didn’t answer right away, he grew an uncomfortable frown. “Yeah,” he finally admitted, his voice almost broken. “He knows.”
Nate’s expression tightened. He looked just as uncomfortable with the conversation as the rest of us. He practically worshipped the ground Kylan walked on, so I could only imagine how hard all of this had to be.
“You know what Kayden’s like,” Kylan exhaled. “He has always been too soft. He doesn’t treat me any differently, doesn’t hold it against me. He protects my image, pretends like it never happened. He’s kept it to himself this entire time.”
His anger grew with each word that left his mouth. “He makes me sick. He should hate me for what I did, but he doesn’t. He just accepts it. Accepts me.”
I failed to understand how something like that would make him angry. Despite everything, his brother still chose to stand by him. 
“I don’t want him to like me, I want him to hate me,” Kylan expressed his feelings. “I want him to hate me so I can properly beg for his forgiveness and repay my sins by knowing he’ll never accept my apology,” he spoke. “That’s how I need to punish myself—by living with the fact that he’ll never forgive me.”
In my eyes, Kylan had never been one for deep words, but this time his message was clear. There was so much more behind him, and it made me wonder just how much more of himself he had been hiding all this time.
“Maybe you need to find your mate,” Dylan tried. “It’ll give you something else to live for.”
My heart skipped a beat as those words left his mouth, and then it skipped another when Kylan shook his head.
“When I settle for someone, it won’t be because the Moon Goddess decided for me. The king forced me to be with Chrystal for years, and I don’t want that either,” Kylan stated. “I want to choose someone myself. I won’t trap someone I don’t respect or love, like the king did to my mom—just because of the Moon Goddess.”
He glanced at me for a moment, and his words stung, knowing I was his mate. They were directed at me. They had to be—he only had one mate.
But one thing bothered me. If we didn’t love or respect each other, then why wouldn’t he accept my rejection?
Why would he go crazy over me supposedly flirting with Nate?
Nate cracked a laugh. “So, you’ll just take a thousand mistresses?” He concluded. “I can’t even imagine you truly loving anyone.”
Kylan chuckled. “It’s not that I don’t want to love—but I just don’t think I’m capable of doing so. Those are two different things.”
The box in Kylan’s hand slowly began to change into a dull copper. He released a breath, probably relieved he could finally stop talking.
Everyone had confessed.
“It looks like we did it,” Dylan grabbed the box from Kylan, then inspected it. “Now we can finally deliver this damn thing and get back to the academy.”
He didn’t have to say it twice. We all started packing our belongings, and soon after, we were back on the path. Kylan and Dylan walked in the front again, while I walked in the back with Nate.
My thoughts kept drifting back to that one name, Adelaide. No matter how much I tried to push it aside, I just couldn’t find a reasonable explanation for why my mom’s former best friend had called out to me.
Those voices, those ancient witches—they knew her, and they were terrified of her.
Something told me there was far more to the story than her just being Mom’s friend, and that’s why I’d decided to dedicate my day off to uncovering the mystery of Adelaide. Who was she, really?
About an hour later, we reached our destination, where Kylan placed the box in a small boat in the river. Without wasting any time, we immediately began the long walk back to the academy, knowing it would be a long journey.
I felt grateful for Dylan’s brains, because without him, we would’ve been stuck listening to those voices for hours, and it would’ve easily turned into a twenty-four-hour mission.
By the time we arrived at the academy, it was seven in the morning. The sun was just beginning to rise.
Rochwall stood at the gate, waiting for us with his arms crossed.
“First group back,” he announced with a satisfied grin. He waved a small golden pin in his hand before tossing it at Kylan. “Congrats, captain.”
Kylan, who had not said a word the entire walk back—ran his thumb over the star-shaped pin. “Thanks,” he spoke with a forced smile as he slipped it into his pocket.
In everyone’s eyes he had won the battle, but I could tell that being forced to talk about his feelings, opening up to everyone made him feel like the loser.
Rochwall turned his attention to me. “And what about her?” He nodded in my direction. “Is she making your team?”
A lump formed in my throat. This was it—the moment where Kylan would cut me loose. I hadn’t done a damn thing to prove myself. Nothing.
Kylan’s gaze met mine, his eyes locking onto mine for what felt like forever. My heart raced, expecting the worst.
“Yes.”
What?
My eyes widened in surprise as Dylan and Nate pulled me into a hug.
Yes?
“Congrats, Violet!” Rochwall spoke, opening the gates. “You guys enjoy your free days off!”
As we walked through the gates, across the empty campus—Nate instantly slapped Kylan’s back. “Congrats.”
“You deserve it,” Dylan followed Nate’s gesture.
Kylan smirked. “You know what, Hastings—you’re not that bad.”
Dylan chuckled softly. “Neither are you.”
So both of them had been treating me like crap, and now, after just a few hours together, they were starting a bromance. It was annoying.
Nate groaned dramatically. “I’m starving. Who’s coming with me to look for some breakfast?”
“I’m in,” Dylan said, slamming his arm over Nate’s shoulders as they walked off together.
Now it was just me and Kylan. I turned to face him. He looked at me with a serious gaze, waiting for me to say something. Despite my opinion of him, he was the reason why I had made the team. The least I could do was show my gratitude.
“Thank you for—”
“Don’t thank me,” Kylan cut me off. “I’ve grown fond of your brother. Turns out we’ve bonded over useless parent figures, and he asked me to put you on the team—so, I did.”
“S-So you don’t think I deserve to be on the Elite Team?”
Kylan responded with a chuckle, then turned to walk away. “I’ll see you at training, Puppy,” he called over his shoulder with one last glance before striding off.
I sighed at my newest nickname.
It was definitely an upgrade from Four-eyes, but just as horrible.
Puppy.

###>>>
Chapter 19

  
Violet
I stood patiently, waiting for my turn at the same information desk where Nate had brought me on my first day at the academy.
Today was my first day off—and I was planning to make good use of it.
Adelaide was still a question I did not have all the answers to, and I had to know more about her.
Who was she, what was she doing with those witches—and what was her connection to Mom?
“Next!” The same woman from last time barked out, her face uninterested.
“Yes, hi,” I stepped forward, placing my hands on the desk. I offered her a polite smile, one she didn’t return.
“How can I help you?” she said, her voice flat.
“This question might come off as really nosy—”
“Keep it rolling,” the woman waved her hand impatiently. “I don’t have all day. There are people waiting.”
I scoffed, caught off guard by her rudeness. “My mom used to go to this school. Her name was Claire Hastings. She had this friend, Adelaide—and I was wondering if you have some information on her, or perhaps still have a file…maybe.”
The woman rolled her eyes. “I can’t give away private information. Next!”
“Please?” I leaned forward slightly, hoping to soften her up. “I promise I won’t tell— Or do you maybe know where I can find something—”
“Not here—next!”
I drew in a breath, looking at the long line of students with displeased faces—all waiting. This wasn’t going anywhere.
Defeated, I stepped aside. I knew I couldn’t just walk up to a desk and ask for private information. I wasn’t that stupid—but I thought I’d at least try.
There had to be another way to get this information. I was lost in thought when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I spun and came face to face with an older man who I recognized as one of the professors. He shot me a kind smile. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help but overhear the last part,” he spoke. “But—if you’re looking for information on alumni, you should try the library. They’re full of biographies and records about former students.”
The library?
Of course. How could I not have thought about that.
My face lit up with hope. “Thank you, Sir!” I beamed. He gave me a calm wave and walked away, leaving me with my new lead.
I immediately made my way to the library, tucked away beneath the main building. As I stepped in, I was met with the smell of musty, old books.
The library was massive, filled with shelves that reached the ceilings.
I hadn’t expected anything else from an academy which had been standing for over hundred years, but I knew it would make my task a lot more difficult.
Where would I even start?
I walked up to the desk, hoping this woman would be a lot friendlier than that thing they put in the main building. Luckily, she greeted me with a wide smile.
"Excuse me," I whispered, not wanting to disturb anyone. "Do you know where I can find any information on alumni?"
"Yes, sweetheart. Just find any yearbook with the major and graduation year of the person you want to find in Section 3A. " she said, pointing down the stairs. "To your left."
"Thank you.”
I followed her directions, and walked down the stairs. It was completely different from the first floor, for starters—it was much darker. The books on the shelves appeared to be much older as well.
The floors creaked with each step I took, and as I got closer to the shelves, I noticed another stairway leading down. It was completely dark, and the door had been covered by a wooden board.
“No Entry—Restricted Area,” I read out loud. That place gave me the serious creeps.
The chill that ran through my body was enough to make me turn away, and I focused on looking for section 3A.
Once I arrived, I went straight to Mom’s graduation year and searched for the healing majors.
The Moon Goddess must’ve been with me because it didn’t take long before I had found the book I had been looking for. It was a huge, heavy book that clearly hadn’t been touched in years.
I struggled to carry it to the nearest table, and when I finally set it down—I was surrounded by a cloud of dust. 
The combination of the dust and my bad condition made me cough loudly. Maybe Kylan was right, and I did had to work on my cardio.
Urgh, Kylan.
I pulled a disgusted face.
He was the last person I should be thinking about right now.
I opened the book and began flipping through the pages. Once again, it didn’t take long before I found what I had been looking for—but it wasn’t Adelaide.
No, my fingers immediately searched for Claire Hastings.
“Mom,” I whispered, smiling at her picture that stared right back at me. She looked just like I remembered her.
Beautiful, bright. Her blonde curls framed her face perfectly, and her blue eyes seemed to sparkle with life.
I ran my fingers over the picture, feeling bittersweet. She had lost her life way too soon, and so did Dad.
They said it was a rogue attack, and that’s all I was ever allowed to know.
I wished I could’ve seen Dad’s picture too, but he graduated as a Combat Strategy and Leadership major, and I wasn’t about to grab another heavy book—and join them in the afterlife. Maybe next time.
Underneath Mom’s name was a short biography.
~ Claire Hastings, a healer from the Bloodrose pack, daughter of alumni, Alpha Stewart. She is a top student of the Healer’s Division, and known for her dedication to her craft.
Claire is a proud member of the first elite team this school has ever put together with, James Rochwall (C), Claire Hastings, Greg Loren, Jane East, Elyx Lythoria———~
I squinted my eyes, trying to read the two remaining names—but they were crossed out. That was strange.
James Rochwall, my commander, had been in the same Elite Team with Mom, and I had no idea.
Below, I found a long list of Mom’s achievements—too many to count. She had been at the top of her class, and was everything I aspired to be.
There was another page with a poem, but the note grabbed my attention first.
‘This one is for the best captain and friend a girl could ever wish for. I love you, James!’
I paused. James? I let out a laugh, realizing it was Rochwall. I had no idea those two were that close.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at her picture one last time. It was nice reading all those things about her, but she wasn’t the one I came to find.
Desperately, I flipped back to the ‘A’ hoping to find something on Adelaide.
I flipped through the pages over and over, but there wasn’t a single mention of Adelaide. Even stranger, it looked like a few pages had been torn out.
I blinked in confusion. Why would someone remove a page from a graduation record?
An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. Something wasn’t right.
I grabbed my phone and typed Adelaide’s name and the school into the search bar, but nothing came up. No pictures, no history, no records, no mentions—it was like she had never existed.
All of this scared the crap out of me.
“Hey!”
I yelped at the voice startling me from behind, almost jumping out of my chair. My heart raced, and I held my chest seeing it was just Rochwall.
“Relax,” he chuckled, sitting on the table. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Of course not,” I planted a smile on my lips.
“So what are you doing at the library?” He raised a brow. "Is this how you spend your free day?"
No, what was he doing at the library?
“Yes,” I simply answered, watching how his eyes wandered to the book on the table.
“Alright, then I’ll leave you to it,” he spoke. “I only came to find you to confirm your attendance for tonight’s team dinner.”
"Team dinner?"
"Yes, the one I texted you about in the morning?”
“Seriously?” I grabbed my phone and checked for my messages, seeing he had indeed texted me. I was too busy with other stuff, I must’ve completely overlooked it.
‘Team dinner at eight at the Grand Hall. Reservation under James Rochwall. Please confirm and bring a plus one!’
“I’m so sorry, of course I’ll be there.”
Did I want to go? No.
Did I want to be that person that wouldn’t go? No.
“Great,” Rochwall got up to leave. “I’m counting on you, Violet.”
“Wait, Sir!” I blurted before he could go. He was on the Elite Team with my mom, which meant he might’ve known a bit more about the bond she shared with Adelaide.
He gave me a curious look.
“You were on the Elite Team with my mom, Claire?”
Rochwall closed his eyes for a second, then chuckled as he sat back down. “So, you’ve figured it out?” he said, bobbing his head. “Is that what you’ve been doing here?”
“Kind of?” I tilted my head, unsure of my own answer. I wanted to ask him about Mom, but I knew I had to take a careful approach.
“Were you close to my mom?”
My mind raced with questions. I knew the two were close, which meant maybe—just maybe—he knew something about Adelaide as well.
Rochwall hummed, going into deep thought. “We barely spoke. I wish I could tell you more about her, but all I can say is that she was a good healer.”
Liar.
Mom wrote a whole dedication to this man, there was no way those two weren’t close. He was lying to my face in broad daylight.
I was tempted between confronting him or playing along with his game. Sensing he didn’t want to talk about it for some reason, I went with the latter.
Something about this whole situation was off, including those names which had been crossed out.
What if one of them was…hers?
“And Adelaide?” I looked at him with a sharp gaze. “She was also on the Elite Team, wasn’t she? Did you know her?”

###>>>
Chapter 20

  
Violet
His face stiffened, something about the mention of Adelaide clearly bothering him.
“Adelaide?” he pursed his lips, thinking.
“Yes, Adelaide,” I confirmed. “Was she also on the Elite Team.”
“Yes, but I wasn’t close to her,” Rochwall replied.
I didn’t know whether to believe him. After the lie about not being close to my mom, I wasn’t sure whether he was telling the truth at all. Something felt off.
“I was looking for information about her, but I can’t find anything,” I continued, hoping he might open up. “I thought maybe if you knew something, I could stop my search—”
Rochwall’s eyes softened. “Adelaide was complicated...only a few knew how to keep her in check.”
The look in his eyes told me he either felt sorry for her or wasn’t her biggest fan. Perhaps he just didn’t want to talk about her.
“So, what was she like?”
“She was...different. Smart, powerful, maybe too much for her own good.”
Powerful?
“So, she was one of the best shifters, then?”
Rochwall chuckled, shaking his head.  
“What’s so funny?” I asked, confused.
“Adelaide wasn’t a shifter,” he said. “She was a witch.”
Shock ran through me. A witch? That word hit me hard. I had never imagined that witches had walked the halls of Starlight Academy, let alone been a part of the Elite Team.
Putting two and two together, it suddenly became obvious. Most witches weren’t afraid of werewolves or Lycans, but a witch could fear another witch—and those voices in the box had genuinely feared her.
"Witches attended Starlight Academy?"
No one had ever told me that, it wasn’t in any of the books—and there was not a single sign.
Rochwall exhaled, making a sound with his mouth. He seemed to regret bringing up the topic of witches, but I needed answers, and I wasn’t about to let it go.
Rochwall nodded. "They used to, yes. Adelaide was part of the last generation before the rules were changed, and the witches were separated from the rest of us. They all transferred to a different school.”
“Why?”
“Witches are powerful,” Rochwall stated, avoiding my eyes. “So they created laws to keep them away.”
“And you’re saying that Adelaide was powerful?”
Rochwall lifted his brows in response. “Her family…she was one of the more gifted ones.”
Something was off about him as he spoke. He looked worried, too worried as if he’d said more than what he was supposed to. There was so much more he wasn’t telling me.
I could tell the conversation made him uncomfortable, but I pushed further because I could sense he held the answers I needed.
The question was, how far could I push him before he shut down?
“Do the ripped pages in the books belong to the witches?”
Rochwall’s expression turned grim, confirming my suspicions.
“How did she pass away?” I asked, my voice softer. “I’m sorry if I’m being annoying, but on my first day here, Esther referred to me as Adelaide, and ever since, I’ve been so curious about her friendship with my mom.”
Rochwall’s head shot up, and his eyes were wide as he stared at me. He swallowed his breath as he stepped back. “I-I can’t help you,” he gulped.
“If you’re looking for answers about Adelaide, don’t bother, Violet. She was not a good person,” he said, his voice cold. He wasn’t the friendly guy from the Elite Team anymore—he had changed into a professor. “There’s a reason why some things are better left in the past.”
He forced a small smile before turning to leave. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
Puzzled, I watched as Rochwall made his way up the stairs and disappeared from my sight. First, he pretended not to know Mom, and now he was acting all strange about the witches. Something wasn’t adding up.
What was it with Adelaide, and why did that name make everyone so nervous?
If it truly was Adelaide who had spoken to me in the woods, I couldn’t see the harm. Her voice had been so gentle and soothing when she’d saved me from those ancient witches.
Those pages were ripped out for a reason, and all Esther and Rochwall weird behavior proved to me was that I wasn’t about to stop digging.
But for now, I was done. I needed a break—something to distract myself before I drove myself insane.
I grabbed my phone and read Rochwall’s invitation again. With a sigh, I forwarded the message to Trinity, sending her a question mark.
As I waited for her message, I closed the book—but not without snapping a few pictures, hoping it might be useful later. Just as I was on my way to leave, my phone buzzed.
Trinity had replied with a thumbs-up emoji. 
A smile grew on my lips. At least I didn’t have to show up to that dinner alone.
Making my way back to the Lunar hall, my mind randomly wandered to Kylan. Would he show up at the team dinner tonight, or was that kind of thing not his scene?
Honestly, I hoped he wouldn’t come. I wasn’t in the mood for his cold stares or confusing behavior. The Adelaide situation was already complicated enough, and I didn’t need more complications.
One minute, he acted like I didn’t exist, the next he was all controlling—telling me to stop ‘flirting’ with Nate. I hated myself for thinking about him when I shouldn’t. It wasn’t like I was on his mind.
I was too distracted to the point that I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, and suddenly bumped into someone.
“Sorry,” I apologized, looking up.
The face I saw made me instantly regret my words. It was Chrystal. Her gaze had never been kind, and now it was just as unfriendly. She shot me a dirty look, flipping her red hair over her shoulder. Beside her stood Amy, her sidekick, who rarely seemed to have a mind of her own.
“I don’t like you,” Chrystal said bluntly, completely ignoring my apology.
I frowned, not really caught off guard because I already knew what she could be like. “Why? Because I bumped into you?”
My heart started to race, not out of fear but frustration. I didn’t want this confrontation, especially after we’d just had one less than twenty-four hours ago. I wasn’t like her—I didn’t want to cause a scene.
“Some of the girls saw you with Kylan on campus this morning,” she spoke with a tense smile.
I gasped, surprised. Of course this was about him.
“Well, yeah—as you know, we were out on a mission and on the same team—"
“I already told you this once, and clearly it didn’t get through that big head of yours,” Chrystal interrupted, her voice low and threatening. “So I’m going to tell you again.”
Tell me what?