Chapter 6 - Astraia

Professor Kane's Environmental Science classroom was already half-full when we arrived. Odette, who had somehow managed to escape both her brother and the Council meeting, guided us to seats near the middle – "Not too eager in the front, not too hidden in the back," she explained with a wink.

The classroom design was clearly made with both wolves and humans in mind. The windows were positioned to allow natural light without creating harsh glares that might irritate sensitive wolf eyes, and the ventilation system kept the air fresh despite the mix of pack scents.

"Best spot for both acoustics and quick exits," she whispered as we settled in. "Plus, perfect view of—" She stopped abruptly, violet eyes widening as she looked toward the door.

The wave of Alpha power hit me before I turned to look. Carson Thorne stood in the doorway, his dark hair slightly dishevelled, golden eyes scanning the room with detached authority. The intensity of his presence made my wolf stir again, more alert than she'd been in weeks.

Text between Odette and Alex:

Odette: my dear brother, Carson is here and he NEVER comes to class in person, why is he here? Usually sends his Beta for university stuff

Royal Pain (Brother): He said he wanted to attend to review the class, Od, don’t try anything

Odette: I won’t! For now..

Carson took a seat at the back of the room, and I forced myself to face forward, even as my wolf's senses remained hyperaware of his presence. The whispers around us confirmed this was indeed unusual.

Professor Kane strode in, his presence commanding enough to even momentarily distract from the Alpha in our midst. He was younger than I expected, with sharp eyes that seemed to catalogue every student as he surveyed the room.

"Fair warning," Odette whispered as more students filed in, "Kane's a hardass, but he's brilliant. And he actually understands pack dynamics in relation to environmental conservation. Just... maybe don't mention you're from Rivermoon right away."

My questioning look was interrupted by the professor's arrival. Dr. Kane was a tall, lean man with sharp eyes and an air of contained energy. Human, my wolf noted, but one clearly used to dealing with our kind.

"Welcome to Environmental Science 301," he began without preamble. "For those of you just joining us, yes, the rumors are true. This class is brutal. It's meant to be. Environmental conservation isn't just about understanding ecosystems – it's about understanding the complex interactions between all species, including the unique challenges posed by wolf territories and pack lands."

My interest peaked. This was exactly what I'd hoped to study – a way to use my Beta training and knowledge of pack territories in a new context.

"Partner projects will be assigned next week," Kane continued. "And yes, I will be creating each pair. Any objections can be filed directly in the nearest trash bin."

A few chuckles rippled through the class. I noticed Odette already scribbling notes, her royal grace momentarily forgotten in scholarly focus.

My phone vibrated silently:

Freya: Kane's reputation = confirmed 😱

Odette: Wait till he starts on territory mapping 🗺️🐺

Me: Actually looking forward to that part 📚

Odette: Of course you are, little Beta 😏✨

Freya: Study group after class? 🤓

Before I could respond, Kane's voice cut through the quiet chatter. "Ms. Moonvale, since you seem so engaged in what I'm sure is vital academic discussion, perhaps you'd like to share your thoughts on the impact of pack territory boundaries on local ecosystems?"

Without missing a beat, Odette launched into a perfectly articulated response about the balance between wolf pack needs and environmental preservation. I found myself impressed – clearly, there was more to the bubbly royal princess than first appeared.

"Well reasoned," Kane nodded, looking mildly surprised. "Now, speaking of territory boundaries..."

He turned to the whiteboard, and I felt a spark of genuine excitement as he began sketching familiar mapping symbols. This was familiar territory – quite literally. My Beta training had covered extensive territory mapping, though never from quite this perspective.

"You” he pointed at me. “Ms..?” Kane's voice suddenly addressed me, making me start slightly. “Briarthorn," I replied.

"A Briarthorn, well perfect given your background, what would you say about natural boundary maintenance?"

The class turned to look at me, and I felt my wolf bristle slightly at the attention. But this – this I knew.

"In traditional pack territories, boundary maintenance isn't just about physical markers. It's about understanding the natural flow of resources and wildlife patterns. The best boundaries work with natural ecosystems rather than against them."

I felt Carson's attention shift to me, his golden eyes intense, but I kept my focus on Professor Kane.

"Excellent point," Kane nodded. "In fact, some of the most successful conservation projects have adapted traditional pack territory management techniques. what would you say is the primary challenge in maintaining ecosystem balance within traditional pack territories?”

Taking a steadying breath, I channelled years of Beta training into my response. "The primary challenge lies in balancing traditional pack running grounds with natural wildlife corridors," I began, my voice growing stronger as I spoke about familiar territory. "Pack lands require specific areas for ceremonies and training, but these same areas often intersect with crucial migration paths and breeding grounds."

Kane's eyebrows rose slightly. "And how would you propose managing such conflicts?"

"Through seasonal rotation," I continued, warming to the topic. "Many packs, including —" I caught myself before mentioning Rivermoon, " — traditional territories have begun implementing flexible boundaries. Training grounds can shift with migration patterns, and ceremonial sites can be chosen with consideration for local wildlife breeding seasons."

"Excellent analysis," Kane nodded approvingly. "Though I notice you stopped yourself from citing a specific example. Don't. Personal experience, when relevant, enhances academic discussion. Your pack background gives you unique insight – use it."

His matter-of-fact tone took me by surprise. No pity, no awkward avoidance of pack politics, just straightforward academic appreciation of relevant knowledge.

Odette turned to me and whispered  “ Wow, you are impressive!”

The rest of the class flew by, with Kane deftly weaving together environmental science and pack dynamics. He assigned our first readings – three chapters on ecosystem balance and a fascinating paper about wolf territory impact on forest regeneration.

As we packed up, Odette practically bounced in her seat. "Study group at Moon Brew? They have these amazing focus-enhancing teas with moonflower honey."

"Can't," Freya sighed. "Art history tutorial. But save me some of that tea?"

"Actually," I hesitated, checking the time. "I have to register at the pack administration office. All new wolf students have to file territory paperwork."

Odette's violet eyes sparkled with something that made me slightly nervous. "Oh, right! That's usually handled by Nicolas – Carson's human best friend and unofficial university liaison. Want me to show you where to go?"

“Sure” "Come on, the admin building's this way. And after, we're definitely getting that tea. You can tell me more about your territory management ideas – they're actually really similar to some proposals Carson's been working on..."

As we headed toward the admin building, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number:

Unknown: Ms. Briarthorn, your territory registration needs Alpha approval. Please see me in my office. - Carson Thorne

Odette, reading over my shoulder, let out a delighted gasp. "Oh, this is perfect! He never handles these personally!"

My wolf stirred uneasily, remembering the intensity of those golden eyes during class. "I'm sure it's just a formality," I said, more to convince myself than her.

Odette's phone chimed:

Royal Pain (Brother): Od, Carson just requested Astraia's paperwork personally

Odette: Oh i see 😈

Royal Pain (Brother): What did you do?

Odette: Nothing! Yet... 😇

"Well," Odette linked her arm through mine, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief, "looks like you'll be meeting the big bad Alpha after all. Don't worry – he only bites if you ask nicely."

I rolled my eyes at her teasing, but my wolf was already on edge, anticipating the meeting ahead. After all, the last time I'd been alone with an Alpha things didnt go so well..

✧ ✦ ✧

Author's Note:

Hi Moonlings! 🌙✨

Well, well, well... looks like someone caught a certain Alpha's attention! 👀 What did you think about Carson showing up to class? He never attends in person, so what made today different?

And how about our girl Astraia showing her Beta knowledge? Smart and strong!

Some questions to ponder:

~ Why did Carson really come to class today?

~ What's with the personal summons for territory registration?

~ Is Odette's matchmaking going to help or complicate things?

~ And most importantly - what's going to happen in that office meeting? 😈

Don't forget to vote and comment! Your theories and reactions absolutely make my day, and I love reading every single one!

Next time: An Alpha, an office, and some territory registration forms... what could possibly go wrong? 😏

Moon's blessings,

Odessa 🌙✨

P.S. I will be updating weekly starting from 3 - 4 chapters for this month and daily from March! Hope thats alright, thank you again for your patience!