Chapter 1

Freya walked into the hall with Raven by her side. They had met on her first day of lectures and instantly connected. It wasn't just chance-they had gone to the same middle school before everything changed: before her father died, before her mother married Billy, before she had to leave Blackwood behind.

As they moved forward, Freya's eyes landed on a familiar figure. Dominic. He walked down the corridor with his usual crowd, confident as always.

Dominic was a senior, and though they had barely interacted, Freya couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him. In the weeks she had been here, all that had passed between them was a single stare. Yet, when he looked up at her, she couldn't help but be drawn to his striking crimson eyes.

Their eyes met briefly once again. His crimson eyes-so intense, so unnatural-held her still. Her heart skipped a beat.

Red. How could she be drawn to red eyes? She had always loved blue, the color of her own-the shade she once thought was the most beautiful.

And yet, here she was, unable to look away.

"When will you stop staring at Dominic? He's way out of our league, Freya," Raven said, tugging her away.

"I don't know why I'm so drawn to him," Freya admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's just so handsome and... wow."

Raven sighed. "I never told you this, but he has a girlfriend. Elena. And trust me, everyone is terrified of her and her little squad. Plus, she's drop-dead gorgeous."

Freya lifted a brow. "I'm beautiful too."

"Of course you are," Raven said with a smirk. "But let's just say you're 'beautiful,' while Elena is 'hot.' And most guys? They go for the hot ones. Oh, and did I mention? Dominic and Elena live together."

Freya exhaled. "Alright, I get it. Can we just focus on something else? Why don't we head to the career planning lecture we signed up for?"

"Now that's what we should be thinking about-our future," Raven agreed as they started walking toward the hall. Then she suddenly halted. "Wait... please tell me you didn't sign up just because all years are attending and there's a chance Dominic might be there."

Freya blinked. "Wait... Dominic will be there?" A grin spread across her face.

"Ugh, forget I said anything," Raven groaned.

They continued walking, and as they reached the hall, they saw it was already packed with students.

They moved further inside and found a seat. Freya set down her bag, pulling out her stationery and hardcovers.

As she absentmindedly chewed on the end of her pencil, her gaze drifted to the entrance. That was when she saw him.

Dominic walked in with his usual squad. His hand was clasped around a blonde lady's-Elena. Raven had been right. She wasn't just beautiful; she was striking. From her flawless features to the way she carried herself in her stylish clothes, everything about her screamed confidence.

"I told you Elena is on another level," Raven murmured near Freya's ear, catching her staring. "And the guy on his right? That's Cameron, his best friend. Everyone knows them-they're like a perfect pack of werewolves."

Freya scoffed. "As if that's real."

"It's a metaphor," Raven said with a smirk. "But honestly, wouldn't it be amazing if werewolves and vampires actually existed? Imagine warlocks and witches too."

Freya shook her head, amused, but her attention flickered back to Dominic as he took his seat. Elena and Cameron settled beside him.

"The girls and I are going to the bar later," Elena said casually.

Dominic sighed. "You're not doing that, Elena. Last time you drank, you went hunting-and you don't even remember taking down an entire herd of antelope and deer in the woods."

Elena leaned closer, whispering, "I don't hunt humans anymore."

Dominic's jaw tightened. "That's not the point. Having live deer and antelope is disgusting."

Cameron chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Why don't we all go to the bar? We could use a little fun."

Dominic exhaled, rubbing his temples before finally nodding. "Fine. I'll come-just to keep an eye on you." He reached over, his fingers moved through Elena's golden hair, the silky strands sliding between them like threads of sunlight

Then It was as if something guided him, compelling him to turn back.

He did.

His eyes found her again-the girl who had been occupying his thoughts lately, drawing him in for reasons he couldn't explain. An invisible force seemed to bind them. Every time their gazes met, it felt like slipping into a trance, an irresistible pull.

But why? Why did he feel this way? His Luna was Elena. He loved her. He had chosen her. Yet this girl unsettled him in a way no one else ever had.

Then she turned, her piercing blue eyes meeting his. For a brief moment, something flickered between them recognition? Curiosity? He couldn't look away. She was breathtaking, almost otherworldly, but it was more than just her beauty. It was her presence, her very essence-something about her felt undeniably different.

She would make a fine werewolf, he thought absently. But she wasn't one. He could sense that much. Still, there was something about her that didn't feel entirely human either.

What was she? Who was she? And why did he feel like she was meant to shatter everything he thought he knew?

A firm shake on his arm snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Hey, Dom," Cameron said.

Dominic blinked, realizing the professors had already arrived. He forced himself to look away.

He was the strongest Alpha among all packs, feared and respected. But deep down, something told him-this girl, whoever she was, would be the death of him one day.

And he wasn't ready for that.