Chapter 9

Elara

“Is everything all right, sons?” asked Luna Kate.

That made the triplets stop looking at me with golden eyes and focus their attention on their mother. I got a good look at them and noticed more differences between them, ones that weren't so obvious.

Aiden would tense his frown when he paid attention to something.

Brayden would stare intently at the source of his attention.

Jayden was nibbling on his lip, as if ready for a quick response.

It wasn't too hard to figure out who each triplet was; after all, they were very different from each other.

“No, Mom,” Brayden said. “Everything's fine; Elara's just having breakfast.”

“That sounds great to me,” Luna said. “I want when she's done eating, one of you to take her to the velvet room; she'll be comfortable there.”

I saw joy in Jayden's eyes, surprise in Brayden's face, and bewilderment on Aiden's.

“The room that connects to ours?” asked Aiden with a frown.

That made me turn to look at Luna Kate, in disbelief, gave me a big smile.

“Yes, she'll be very comfortable there,” Luna said smoothly. "After all, Elara is the daughter of the Beta of this pack and deserves such respect. You must remember that."

I swallowed saliva at her words.

The blood test had been clear, and even I had been surprised myself, but the blood bond was very clear and strong. There was no doubt that I really was Beta David's biological daughter.

“Thank you for everything, Luna; you've been very kind to me,” I said sincerely.

The woman was kindness in person.

“You don't have to thank me; you're David's daughter. You're entitled to a place in this pack,” Luna said earnestly and then gave me a half smile before leaving.

Aiden looked at his watch and then looked at his brothers.

“I have to go to some practice; anything, let me know,” he said and watched me intently. “Have a good day, Elara.”

Aiden left in a hurry, and then Jayden sighed as his phone rang.

“I have to go; Carl texted me,” Jayden said and looked at me amused. “See you tonight, sweetness.”

He left, and I was left alone with the equable triplet.

I ate as fast as I could so as not to disturb him; something told me that Brayden was the hardest to read and manipulate of the triplets.

“If you're done, leave the table like this; someone will come and pick everything up,” Brayden indicated. “I'll take you to your room.”

I nodded and grabbed my suitcase, but he quickly got up, rounded the table, and carried it without difficulty, showing me the work he was doing with the muscles in his arms. I could tell he was working out, but not as much as Aiden.

“Thank you,” I said, and he nodded.

We walked down two hallways before climbing some stone stairs that led to a different area of the castle. He led me down another long hallway and opened a large wooden door, then went inside, and I followed.

I was amazed by the most spectacular room I had ever seen in my life.

The walls retained the echo of centuries of stories.

The lighting, subtly integrated into the ceiling moldings, cast a warm, enveloping light that highlighted every detail. Every surface, from the hand-carved reliefs on the marble fireplace to the oak parquet, gleamed with a careful glow.

In the center of the room was a wrought-iron canopied bed that rose majestically. The white sheets were of high-quality linen, and velvet cushions decorated it delicately. On either side of the bed were two modern nightstands. On a tribal rug cushioning every step, a gray velvet sofa and two matching armchairs formed a small reading nook, flanked by a built-in bookshelf displaying an eclectic collection of books about our race.

There was a gas fireplace, and to one side, a carefully restored mahogany desk. The furnishings were sparse but intentional; you could tell that each piece had been chosen for its beauty and functionality, creating a sumptuous and practical space.

“This is beautiful,” I said with a smile.

“I hope you feel comfortable,” Brayden said in a soft tone of voice. “My mother will probably come over later for a chat.”

I nodded, and he walked to the door.

“Thank you,” I said again, but this time with more emphasis.

Brayden gave me a very intense look before nodding and leaving.

He closed the door, and I slyly checked the room for cameras. I didn't see anything, so I looked a little deeper. I realized I had some privacy, which made me sigh.

I took the opportunity to open the only common door in the room.

I found a modern bathroom within a historic setting.

Polished marble tiles covered the walls and floor, and a freestanding bathtub of modern design invited a relaxing soak. The shower, separated by a frameless glass panel, was classic and large.

“This is amazing,” I said with a smile.

I knew luxury; I had seen it and tasted it before, but this was the first time on a mission that I had to fully adapt to this type of amenity. While my little girl was all I ever wanted, this place would be the ideal vacation spot.

I had to get things right.

I didn't know exactly what I would do next, but I would catch up on everything. I pulled out the clothes I had in my suitcase and sorted them in the closet that was in another doorway inside the bathroom. When I finished, someone knocked on the door, and I immediately went to see who it was.

The Luna Kate was outside with a guard; the man had a few boxes and two bags of clothes that he was carrying very carefully.

“I came to drop off the uniform you need to wear to the academy,” the Luna Kate said, and the guard hurried in to drop my things on the bed, then left. “I should have asked your size, but I took the items I thought might work for you.”

The woman looked at me amused, and I realized I was some kind of experiment on her.

I shook my head and frowned.

“Am I going to an academy?” I asked carefully.

“Yes, and not just any academy; you're going to the Royal Lycan Academy,” the Luna said simply, as if she wasn't giving me some of the most surprising news of my life. "Being the daughter of one of the founding families, you have a guaranteed place from birth. It's part of the agreement we have with the Academy."

I couldn't believe it.

I knew the history of the Royal Lycan Academy and how difficult it was to get in as a mere half-breed, so I was surprised by an opportunity like this.

“Aren't the classes advanced?” I asked in disbelief.

“No,” Luna Kate said excitedly. "They just started classes last week. You'll start in three days, after we do the relevant paperwork, but you're obviously assured of your admission. So take advantage of that opportunity; the Royal Lycan Academy doesn't just train leaders, it also trains warriors, advisors, and outstanding members of a pack."

I nodded.

It was a very valuable opportunity, so I smiled.

“Thank you for doing all this for me. I want to pay you back and—”

“You have nothing to pay; it's part of your legacy,” Luna Kate explained, and I frowned. "The Mikaelson family is one of the most important patron families of the academy; basically, they have certain benefits for that and for being a founding member. You don't have to pay anything because your father already does."

I nodded, in disbelief.

“Does the Royal Lycan Academy have many patron families?” I asked carefully.

“It's four founding families and six patron families,” Luna said as if I had asked her the time. "The directors will explain all that when you enter, but don't be nervous. Get some rest from the trip, and read the rules of the academy and the codes you must follow. It will be easy to adapt."

I doubted it.

“It is a valuable opportunity; thank you again for helping me,” I said, and Luna smiled.

“Take advantage of the opportunity; my sons and your brothers study there. They are outstanding students who know the value that the academy has,” she explained, and that did not surprise me. “Something tells me you will be successful too.”

The Luna left, and I looked at all the boxes in disbelief.

Too many things were happening to me at the same time, things I didn't think could happen. I knew it was a small possibility my joining the academy; it was something I wanted to do because it helped with research.

Several silenced people were part of the academy or related to it.

Researching within its walls was a necessary thing to do; I just hoped that my joining would not be more of a problem than a burden.

What I never imagined was that the Royal Lycan Academy would turn into a nightmare.