CHAPTER 9.

I knew Moondew academy was going to be so much different from my former school, but I didn’t expect it to be full on bizarre.

For the first time since I walked away from Levi, I finally got the chance to check out my classes. At first, I saw normal subjects like history, biology, English, even advanced calculus. Then, it started to get weird. Everyday, I had to attend a training class twice. One before lunch, and the other right before the end of school.

The class was divided into many portions; Physical strength, skillset, special ability, endurance level and so on. We also had a special P.E class intended just for track and field.

As if that wasn’t enough, I found out the most popular sport was sparring.

I reached the textbook room, a small, windowless space lined with shelves packed tightly with books. The librarian barely acknowledged me as I approached the counter.

My initial thought was to ask about all the classes I didn’t quite understand, but I hesitated, tired of being the new girl that had no idea how this world worked.

The librarian handed me a stack of books so heavy I almost stumbled under the weight. She gave me a pitiful look, like she didn’t think I’d last here long, I had to walk out with my head hung low in embarrassment.

Once I’d located my locker and stuffed my books in, I headed to my first class. History. I found the class easily, pretending I was back at my former school, where I was popular and well liked.

I took a deep breath as I confidently stepped into the classroom, clutching my books tightly. The large, arched windows allowed the morning sunlight to pour in, illuminating the rows of wooden desks arranged in neat lines. The students were already seated, chatting amongst themselves, but as I walked in, a few eyes flickered toward me. Some with mild curiosity, others with open skepticism. I ignored them and made my way to an empty seat near the back.

It was history, one of my favorite subjects. I was thankful my first class was one I actually understood.

"Welcome, everyone," the history teacher said as she walked in. She was a young woman, probably in her mid-twenties, with auburn hair pinned into a loose bun and piercing green eyes that held an air of intelligence. "I see we have a new student joining us today. Astra Finnegan, I’m Miss Cora, welcome to History of the Supernaturals. I hope you’re ready to learn."

I nodded, unsure if I should respond aloud, but Miss Cora had already turned to the board, writing in elegant cursive: Wolf Legacies and the Great War.

I frowned. I had expected something more...mundane. Basic history, maybe some lessons on past rulers or battles. But as Miss Cora launched into the lesson, I quickly realized that history here was far from ordinary.

"Before the world became what it is today, the supernatural realm was thriving. We all lived in harmony, togetherness," Miss Cora began, pacing the front of the classroom. "Wolves, vampires, fae, witches, and dragons—each species ruled its own domain. But peace is a fragile thing, and the Great War changed everything."

I leaned forward, listening intently. I knew nothing of what she was talking about, not even a little bit.

"The war started when the vampire king, Alaric the Ruthless, attempted to enslave the lesser supernatural races. The werewolves, led by Alpha King Eldric Moonbane, fought back, igniting a war that lasted a century. It ended only when the supernatural council was formed, dividing the territories and enforcing strict laws to prevent another war."

I quickly jotted down notes, feeling overwhelmed. The other students seemed unbothered, some even bored. To them, this was common knowledge. To me, it was a revelation. A reminder that I was still an outsider.

“Before the war, all werewolves were one, living under the same roof, ruled by King Eldric. After his death, his five sons didn’t see eye to eye and decided to go their separate ways, each taking a portion of pack members with them to make their own tribe.” Miss Cora continued, smiling as she spoke. “This led to multiple packs being created over time, with their own sons leaving to make their own and so on. Nobody knows for sure how many packs exist in the entire world, but we do know some of the alphas were descendants of the great King Eldric Moonbane’s bloodline.”

“Miss Cora, if an Alpha’s son and daughter from different packs with King Eldric’s blood were to be mated to one another, would you call that incest?” A boy sitting at the corner of the classroom asked, snickering loudly.

Miss Cora gave him a soft, innocent smile. “Now Liam, instead of asking that question every time I revisit this topic, why don’t you focus on praying the moon goddess does indeed give you a mate?”

The rest of the class went wild, making mocking sounds at Liam, who rolled his eyes before slouching back into his chair.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, I packed my things quickly. My next lesson was happening on the training grounds and I did not want to be late.

“Remember guys, if you need help, you can always come see me in your free time.” Miss Cora called out to the class, her words directed at me.

I looked away, hurrying out of the classroom. The training session today was focused on special abilities. My stomach twisted with nerves.

The students gathered in an open field surrounded by trees. Instructor Callum, a towering man with a gruff voice and an even gruffer demeanor, stood at the center. "Today, we’ll be honing your gifts," he announced. "Each of you will step forward and demonstrate your goddess given ability."

One by one, students showcased their talents. A Red haired girl named Valerie closed her eyes, inhaling deeply before pinpointing someone’s exact emotions. Claire moved so fast she became a blur. Laura erased a scent trail in seconds. And then there was Ruby.

With a smug smile, Ruby stepped forward and extended her hands. Flames erupted from her palms, swirling like living entities, casting an orange glow across the training grounds. She smirked, looking directly at me, her eyes ablaze. "Let’s see what the new girl can do."

My heart pounded as all eyes turned to me. Swallowing hard, I stepped forward, inhaled deeply, and focused. Come on... Do something... But nothing happened.

A beat of silence.

A snicker from Ruby.

"Aww, poor half-blood doesn’t have any powers? That’s so sad," she mocked, flipping her golden hair over her shoulder. "Maybe you should go back to your human town where you belong."

I clenched my fists. I could feel something—or so I hoped—but it refused to come forward. Heat burned behind my eyes, but whether it was from frustration or embarrassment, I couldn’t tell.

"That’s enough," Instructor Callum said sharply. "Astra is still discovering her abilities. Training is about growth, not competition. Dismissed!"

The students slowly dispersed, but I stood at the spot, Ruby’s laughter lingering in my mind. I raised my hand again, trying to force myself to project something. Anything.

“Don’t force it.”

A voice said behind me, a voice I was growing to know all too well.

“Easy for you to say,” I replied, curling my fingers into a claw like position. Still nothing.

“All I’m trying to say is….it’ll come when you least expect it.” Levi explained. “None of the other wolves had to try this hard.”

I whipped my head around so fast, I almost gave myself a whiplash. “What are you trying to say? That I’m not like the rest of you? That maybe I have no ability?”

“No, I—”

“I don’t expect you to understand.” I hated the way my voice cracked as I spoke, tears bottling up at the edge of my eyes. “You’ve probably never had to work for anything in your entire life. This must all come easy and natural for you, being a descendant of the great werewolf king.”

“What are you talking about?”

I froze at the intensity of his voice.

“You think my life has been easy? I would trade places with you in a heartbeat, Astra.” He scoffed, looking away. “You don’t know anything about me, so don’t pretend to. There’s a reason I had to sit out of this class, there’s a reason everyone’s afraid of me. I have no control, and frankly, I don’t need this right now.”

He started to leave.

“Levi—”

“For the record….” He turned around all of a sudden, cutting me off. “I just meant werewolves get their abilities without trying to, it just comes. So wait for yours to come to you.” And with that, he walked away.

 I stood there feeling stupid and angry—not at him, but with myself. When everyone was so busy showcasing their talent, he had been sitting back. I’d noticed, no matter how hard I tried not to. At the moment, I thought it was because he was the alpha’s son—a spoilt brat who didn’t need to participate and get his hands dirty—but now, I didn’t know what to believe.

Was it possible that there was more to Levi Parrish than I thought? If that was the case, how could I get to know him better?