The crowd pushes past me, rushing out of the hallway in which I'm standing, dazed and freaking out.
This can't be happening to me.This can't be real.I can't be in Lycan School.Did the Grand Mistress make a mistake? I've never heard of such a mistake being made in all of my history lessons on the portal. It takes you where the Goddess wills you to be.I...I can't be here right now. I need to be at the Academy with Aria, Trinity, and Thorne.I spin in a circle. The hallways are awfully lit with electronic devices from the human world. There are thin lockers lining the walls and I see a few people pulling out scrolls and books from them.I need to find the Grand Master of Lycan School. Surely, he can help me reach my father and mother, and procure a way back to the right school.Straightening, I follow the crowd to this assembly they speak of, looking around as I do. The vast white corridors seem to stretch on forever, with doors (too many doors) that possibly lead to classrooms and offices.Soon, a pair of double doors that are tall enough to reach the high ceilings come to view. It is written boldly at the top brick above the door, "The Lycan King's Hall."Someone shoves me forward and I stagger forward into the hall, nearly toppling over. I am suddenly being shoved left and right and the sound of shoes squeaking on marbled floors fills the air. By the end of the ruckus, I find myself standing in a long arranged line."...wonder how many will be expelled this year. They all look like a whole bunch of doofuses," a dark haired female chuckles in front of me."Heard Chancellor Vesper reduced the hours on combat classes for this set. I think it's unfair. We'll have a lot of weaklings dwindling around this year," the male is conversing with replies."Who is Chancellor Vesper?" I blurt, and the two of them turn to me, staring at me like I have grown another head.Forest green eyes observe me from head to toe. "You're new here?"I mirror her degrading look. "Yes. I am." Her lips part to reply me, but her nostrils suddenly flare, and her eyes are suddenly filled with alarm. "You reek of wolf."I growl. "I am a wolf."Her eyes widen, and her companion is about to speak when a bell suddenly rings, rendering the entire hall silent."Students."One word. It is only one word, but somehow, the sheer dominance in it has my knees buckling. Sweat breaks on my forehead and it takes all of my will not to fall to my knees in subservience.I struggle to raise my gaze to the stage, and atop it, there stands a man with a black cane. He is in a white tuxedo and a pair of glasses sit upon his arrogant nose as he observes the crowd below the podium. There is an air of authority about him that freaks the hell out of me and I can't tell if he is frowning or sneering. His stern appearance is made all the more stark with his shaved head.There are others on the podium, all dressed in official robes, but the spotlight is his."Greetings to all of our esteemed students of this, old and new. I must welcome you all to this new session. I am Chancellor Vesper, and I expect nothing but excellence from each and every one of you," he pauses, walking down the length of the stage, staring at each face with dark intense eyes. "This is not a place for the weak, the timid, or the foolish. This is a place for those who are strong, determined, and willing to work hard."Here at the Lycan School, you will learn to control your powers, hone your skills, and become the best versions of yourselves. But make no mistake, this will not be an easy journey. You will face challenges that will test your limits, and push you past them."But fear not, for we will be here to guide you every step of the way. You will have the best instructors and the finest facilities at your disposal."The rules remain the same, and your schedule will be communicated with you by the guide tutors assigned to you. Look up the board on your way out to find yours. You are not allowed out the school gates for the rest of the session. If you are found in the wilds beyond the gates, you will be expelled. "Communication outside the walls of these schools are prohibited, and as such, the network connections have been cut off from the outside. Should you attempt to reach the other realms by any means, you will be expelled."You may tarry on with each other in whatever relationships you wish, but should you take in with child, you will be expelled. If you are found outside past curfew, you will be expelled. If you are to be found cheating in any of your exercises, you will be expelled. Should your grades be subpar at the end of the session, you will be expelled."Every time he says expelled, I flinch. Too many rules. Way too many rules."May the moon goddess guide you on your path to discovery. If you have any questions, pass them across to your guide tutors. This concludes--""Excuse me!" I yell, tumbling out of the line.As one, the entire hall turns to me, staring at me with disbelief like I have done something despicable.I walk to the front of the line, ignoring the many eyes on me. Their stares feel like being pricked by the edge of daggers. As I reach closer to the podium, I suffer the realization that I'm the one who smells wrong in a room filled with Lycans. Not them.There are steps that lead up to the top of the stage, and I take them, stopping only when I am before the Chancellor.This close to him, he is way taller than me. Six foot four perhaps. Nearly as tall as the idiot prince, and the aura around his is something formidable. Lycans do not have Alphas, Betas or Omegas in their hierarchical systems.They are like a horde of lone Alphas (if that makes any sense), each of them possessing strength and auras that match an Alphas. Or exceed."You have a question?" His voice cracks like thunder and I resist the urge once again to bow or kneel before him.Instead, I stand my ground, staring into his dark eyes. "No. I have an order. I'm in the wrong school. Send me back to Wolvendom immediately."Waves of horrified whispers race through the rows of students below the podium. The Chancellor's dark gaze flicks over my form briefly before returning to my face. His eyes are an abyss, without depth and filled with nothing but cold darkness. The fine air on my skin rises and I realize I am in front of a lycan. All it takes is one snap of my neck and I am dead.Still, I am the princess of a realm. I cannot be treated as less. Or be killed for giving orders. It is within my rights. Plus, I am well acquainted with the Lycan King and Queen. I am just as powerful in this realm."An order?" He asks. "And who might you be?"I square my shoulders with pride and lift my chin in the way I have been taught. "I am Astrid Blackwood, daughter of Alpha King Ronan Blackwood, and I demand that I be sent back to the right place. I should not be here. Obviously. I am a wolf."He merely blinks and waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.Two male Lycans in black uniforms suddenly appear at either sides of me and grab my arm, pulling me off the large stage.What in the actual fuck?"Have you lost it?!" I scream, struggling and clawing at the huge arms that are carting me away. "Do you have any idea who -- get your filthy hands off me! How dare you touch me?! My father will have your heads for this!"They laugh.It begins as a choked sound, but soon the entire hall begins to laugh at me and soon there are camera flashes here and there.Enraged, I cuss out loud, swearing at the males, the Chancellor and the stupid students who have the audacity to laugh at me!I am dumped on my ass at the back of the hall and the Chancellor continues his speech. I can barely hear a word past my shallow rapid gasps for breath and my thundering heartbeats.I lunge forward for the stage but the men hold me in place. The bigger one whispers in my ear. "Hierarchy outside the school has no value within the gates of the school. It is the first rule. Do well to note this if you do not want to get sentenced to the student dungeons for a fortnight, wolf. You are merely Astrid Blackwood. You are no princess here."After the assembly, the men drag me across the hallways, stopping in front of an iron door that is at least ten foot tall.The door suddenly swings open, even if there is no one behind it.I am thrown in by the men, and the door shuts the moment I'm inside the office.I whirl around in the space that looks to be an office. I am immediately struck by the sheer size of the room. The high ceilings seem to stretch up into infinity, while the walls are lined with tall bookcases filled with ancient-looking tomes. The scent of old leather and paper fills my nose, and it reminds me of the library in the castle.In the center of the room, a large oak desk dominates the space, with a high-backed chair behind it. The desk is cluttered with papers and stacks of books, but everything seems to be in perfect order, as if each item has been placed with utmost care.Behind the desk, a tall window offers a view of the sprawling grounds outside. The sunlight streams through the glass, casting a warm glo
The Dining Hall is noisy and filled with people holding trays and speaking into their gadgets. My stomach growls as the smell of chicken teases my nostrils.I pass by a group of people and they laugh at me. I know. I look like crap.I skipped dinner last night, crying and punching the stupid mattress. Then I'd slept rather roughly.I couldn't find anything to comb my red hair with this morning and I have terrible bed hair. I lost my cosmetic bag at some point in the portal so my skin is dry like desert sand. My eyes are dark and haunted and my uniform doesn't fit.Worst first school day ever. Can it get any worse?I follow the crowd and get in the line where I see the chicken being served. More funny looks are tossed in my direction, but I'm in a piss poor mood, and I don't wish to speak to anyone. Not that they even want to speak to me either. Good.I soon reach the head of the line and I extend my food tray to the lunch lady. Her face, while undeniably beautiful, is twisted into a
I stare back at my reflection. Somehow, I have gone from being special to being scum. My icy blue eyes are red rimmed and tired. I clutch the sink and spit into the ceramic bowl before turning off the faucet. I'm gonna survive the shit hole and return where I am meant to be. Fuck Rune and the rest of the stupid students here. I am Astrid, and no one, absolutely no one can trample on me. I'll fight every one of them if I have to, and it doesn't matter if they are Lycans are naturally stronger than me. I'll win. Why? Because I am Astrid Blackwood, daughter of the Alpha King. I'll thrive in the godsdamned school. ******* I'm late. I know this because I can hear the sounds coming from the halls. It was hard locating my classroom. I have walked through three different halls, trying to figure out where Lycan History is holding. My fingers squeeze around the only note in my hands as I try to take in deep calming breaths. I'm ner
Master Kaelan has a couple of Star Students demonstrate what we ought to have learned by the end of this session before the hall. Picking weapons begin in the second year. By then, I'll be gone from here. It doesn't stop me from watching in pure fascination as Darian and Raven go at each other, swiping and slashing. They move like the wind and I have never seen anything like it in my entire life. Raven dodges Darian's powerful blow with such ease that it seems like she is dancing. Darian follows up with barrages of kicks and blows that are easily deflected-- from what I can see, because their movements are too fast fast to follow and it's like watching a blur of motion. They seem to move in perfect synchronization, each move countering the other in a never-ending dance. Their feet barely touch the ground as they glide around each other, exchanging blows that seem to come from nowhere. Not even the best sentinels in Wolvendom move like that. They don't eve
A body was found in school this morning.Mangled. Mishapen. Broken beyond recognition. But somehow, someone had placed a face to the body.Alaric Grimshaw. A first year student, and Rune's distant cousin.I didn't see the body when it was brought in, but a couple of students did and it's all they have been talking about since. They seem pretty shaken up. There is fear in their eyes as well.The schools are fortified and happen to be safest places in all realms, guarded by the Goddess's magic herself.How could this happen?Some say Alaric was seen in the cameras trying to escape the premises and he fell in the void beyond. Some say the darkness took him. Some say there was a man covered in the darkness. Regardless of what truth it is, none of them are great.The school has been in a tizzy since the body was brought in and unorthodox communications have been made to the realms beyond, reaching out to the King and Queen of the Realm of Lycans.Everyone's in a fix and agitated, and Run
"Just a couple of bruises. She's already healing. It might take a while since she's a wolf but she should be fine by tomorrow," the nurse says to Darian.She's nice, which is plenty weird for her race. She shifts her glasses up on the bridge of her nose and squints down at the bruise on my neck. "Does this hurt?" She asks and I wince when she prods the column of my throat."Yeah," I whisper. My throat still feels sore. Her warm brown eyes flick swiftly over my form and she pulls a note out of her white coat, turning away from me as she scribbles something on it. Darian shoots me an apologetic look, and I avoid his gaze, looking out the window instead. He is leaning lazily against the wall, watching my every move. He has been doing that for the past hour, scanning me as the nurse treated me, offering me water and speaking softly like...like I'm something to him.I'm not sure how lycans woo their women, but that isn't how it is done in Wolvendom.Admittedly, Darian is the hottest guy
Three years ago:I clocked eighteen today. Everyone's dancing. I am too, and Goddess knows I have never been this drunk in my life."Astrid, careful," Thorne says, hands circling my waist when I keel over, nearly falling into my huge birthday cake.I giggle, though nothing is particularly funny. I lean into him and lick his neck that is slick with sweat from dancing so hard. He groans and I giggle at the sound of it."I'll take you to your room," Thorne mutters, grip around me tightening."Don't wanna..." My voice trails off into an unintelligible slur and I inch out of his arms when I see another untouched glass of alcohol in the hands of a passing woman. "Give that here," I tell her.Thorne swivels, muttering an apology to the woman and he throws me over his shoulder, taking the stairwell that leads to my room.It is safe to do so. Father and mother have retired to their chambers and the people left in the hall are too drunk to notice Thorne Nightshade kidnapping their princess.I
The meeting with both our parents ends up making me feel sick. The Hekate has found a way to get his men through the veil, and the rot has begun. Rather than attack the people first like we anticipated, he comes for the schools. He should not even know the school's exist. They are hidden deeply, and the only way to get into them is through the portals, two of which exists in my realm and the other in the realm of lycans. The gates that lead to these portals are heavily guarded, not even leaving out the fact that the portals can only be opened by the Grand Mistress. It's impossible for the dark army to have gotten past the gates and through the portal. And the most aggravating question of them all. Why the schools? I blow out a breath, threading my fingers in my hair as the harsh smell of bland shampoo fills my nostrils. I really miss home. I had spoken to my father and mother alone after the meeting and it had gone nowhere. I can st
*Rune*Father holds up two bottles in front of me, stopping me in my pacing. "Come drink with me."I wish to refuse, but panicking and pacing frantically outside the room does nothing to reduce Astrid's screams.It is all I can do to not lose my mind."Make that three," Ronan Blackwood chimes in, snatching my bottle before my fingers can even grip it. "Four, perhaps."I let out a ragged sigh. "Astrid--""Will have your head for drinking while she delivers your child, but I assure you, you do not want to be in that room with her right now." Ronan pulls down the collar of his regal jacket, revealing an old scar across his neck. "This was her mother's gift to me when I thought to ease her of *the pain* by staying by her side."Father snickers, leading us to his receiving chambers. "Zephyr..." He shakes his head, voice trailing off into silent laughter.Minutes span out into hours, and the slow burn of the alcohol in my throat has become somewhat soothing, lulling me and hazing my thoughts
*Hekate*I had always pondered on the possibility of Astrid taking after Lorna in appearances. The Goddess must have a cruel sense of humour. I brush back the silky strands of hair that cover her profile and Astrid stirs, murmuring something in her sleep.It is one of the many things I enjoy--watching her sleep. The lack of tension in her body, the unguarded look about her, her slightly parted lips and the rare smile that graces her face when she dreams—perhaps of me.The bandage around her head starts to slip off and I reach for her, putting it back in place. Her brows furrow and her eyes flutter open.Her blue gaze meets mine, a little unfocused, and it takes a few moments for recognition to register. "Hekate.""Why, you don't seem pleased to see me, princess," I purr, a smirk forming on my lips as she blinks rapidly and licks her own lips, trying to hide her flush."I'm not. Considering you bailed on me and--" She suddenly groans, her head sinking into the pillows as she tries, un
Hekate"Going somewhere?" I ask, gaze dropping to the packed luggage.The woman jumps at my voice, turning immediately to find me leaning against the door. Her eyes widen with fear and surprise. "Prince Rune--""Atlas."One word. One name. Stories untold, secrets buried. A friend. A foe. I have never been able to decide which of them Atlas Moonburn was. The staff in her grasp clatters to the ground and her complexion turns blotchy. Pale. She looks much older now, her allure as a maiden nearly gone. Her grey eyes widen to the side of saucers and she stumbles a step back, reaching behind her for the candle stand.She hurls it at me, trembling with fear. "Oh, Goddess."Displeasure curls my lips and I catch the golden stand, squeezing it hard in my grasp. "That is no way to treat an old friend.""You are no friend of mine!" she scream, hurling a book at me next.My lips kick up as I cross the distance between us. "That isn't what you said when you begged me to kill your sisters.
*Rune*She jumped, if I am to believe what I have been told.I stand motionless outside the infirmary, listening to Priestess recall what lead to her jumping off the railing for what seems like the umpteenth time."For the past few days, I noticed the dark aura about her. Her sadness and growing anger. I tried to help her. I tried to make her comfortable enough to confide in me. She finally opened up today. She told me she hated being here. She hated him and couldn't stand being married to a monster and sharing his bed." The Priestess' voice breaks and sadness overwhelms her features. "She said she couldn't take anymore of it. I tried to stop her, but she was too fast for me."It doesn't sound like Astrid. I know that all of it has been weighing down on her. I could see the depression and helplessness, and often times than not, I had made sure to convince her otherwise.None of what the woman speaks sounds like my mate.But it was she who had spoken to her last and called for help whe
The next days were hectic. The news spread like wild fire and all of Lycanthia wanted to see the 'pregnant wife' of the prince.More than half of my day was spent in the throne room, listening to the people talk about how radiant I looked and how much better it might have been if I was fully Lycan now.Apparently, the reason I haven't shifted completely is because of the child. My body's defense mechanism to protect it. There will be complications from a shift at this stage.There are gifts, tons of them that I have absolutely no use for and end up giving out to the maids once the revelries are over. I see very little of Rune. He spends most of his time in the villages, helping in whatever way he can.At night, he returns covered in gore and soot. He heads straight to my room, jarring me from sleep as he slips in bed beside me, shaking and holding me tightly, like he fears he might lose me.Sometimes, he spends the night, other nights, I wake up alone.The latter hurts, but I understa
My lips are swollen and tingling when Rune pulls back, and I am left breathless and stunned. His hands rest on either sides of me, and he remains suspended above me, peering down at me with barely leashed desire. “You are unbelievable,” he tells me, laughter evident in his voice. “You’re welcome,” I reply, trying to shake off the lingering heat. "Are we going to address the issue or pretend it didn't happen?" His brows rise. “I never asked Gin to spend the night with me. These grounds are not suitable for women. I sent her home.” A weight I hadn't realized was there lifts from my chest, but I maintain a narrowed gaze. “She sure seemed to have a different idea.” I pout. “You have a thing for lingerie?” A mischievous smile plays on his lips. “Only if you’re wearing it.” I shrug, fighting the upward tugging of my lips. “I’ll consider it. Not for you, of course. Might take a stroll around your gardens in it, just because I can.” He leans f
The atmosphere is grim, and halfway through to the town, my anger dissipates. The captain of Rune’s guard—Queen Zephyr wouldn’t let me head out alone, since I am carrying the ‘royal baby’—leads us through the towns and we go from bedazzling buildings high enough to touch the skies to the ruins left behind by the Void. There is darkness, smoke and rot and I wheeze at the putrid stench of it all. A few onlookers notice my group as we pass by—myself, Boris and a maid who holds all of our supplies—and they watch with bleak, fatigued gazes. I have seen this before, and it takes me back to the plague. Shivers run down my spine as I see uniformed guards lifting the wailing children into carriages. There are burning piles and the stench of incinerated flesh greets me as we ride deeper into the village. The situation worsens, and I can't help but gag, hurriedly covering my mouth to stifle the urge to vomit. “We could turn around, Your Grace. You should not h
"I had no choice," I sigh, my voice filled with weariness and regret. "Tell me you believe me at least, Boris."Boris remains silent, his gaze fixed on something beyond the railing. Lost in his thoughts, he seems distant, oblivious to my presence. I follow his line of sight, drawn to the crowd of maids in the gardens, their chatter blending with the sound of flowing water. He looks positively lost, staring at one in particular. Brown hair, meek and pleasant faced."Like her?" He blinks, returning to the present, and a blush spreads across his face. "No," he stammers, his embarrassment evident.I give him a knowing look before releasing an exasperated sigh and turning my gaze back to the castle gates. Rune has been absent all day, and uncertainty gnaws at me. Guilt is eating me up from inside, even if I know I had every right to keep the truth from him.Today, for the first time, I attempted to reach out through our bond, seeking connection, but only silence greeted me. Not anger, jus
Rune loves me.I spent the better part of my night pacing my room and scolding myself. I shouldn't have reacted that way. But then...what was I supposed to do? Smile, tell him I love him too and move my things to his room?*Yes,* Sloan chides. She's mad at me, has been since last night. I scowl as I take the staircases down to the dinning hall. After my epic flop last night, I thought I'd honour Rune's invitation for breakfast with his family.I'm not ready to be all lovey dovey with them--though, I doubt they would be welcoming as well, but...this isn't for them.I feel the tug on the bond as I draw closer to the hall, and my insides twist in complicated knots. I suck in my bottom lip, biting lightly on it nervously.And when the guards let me through the door, heads turn in my direction. King Fenrir, Queen Zephyr, Rune, Gin...my heart slams into my chest when I see a familiar dark haired male, seated next to Gin. Darian's here.Why is Darian here?My steps falter and my palms go cl