Alera’s POVI heard a voice calling my name, breaking through the night with a mix of desperate shouts and long, haunting howls. I glanced at the cheerleaders around me who were still fast asleep.“Aleraaaa...”The voice was unmistakably clear. Who was calling me at this hour? I grabbed my thick jacket and slipped it on for warmth before stepping out of the cabin. The camp was silent, every student seemed to have fallen into deep sleep.“Aleraaaa...”The call grew louder. I tried to follow the sound, my steps taking me toward the riverbank. It seemed to be coming from the other side of the stream. Could it be a Lycan in need of help?I walked along the river, scanning my surroundings. The world was drenched in darkness, lit only by the faint silver glow of the moon. The howling grew nearer, until my breath caught. Three grown men stood in front of me, their eyes glinting with something feral.“Finally, we found you, Rouge. Come with us. You don’t belong here. Alpha Damian is waiting f
Alera's POVThe howling grew louder, sharper, yet no one else in the hall seemed to notice. Was I the only one who heard it? Were there still packs living in Ravenshade? As far as I knew, they’d all moved to Moonvale.The scent of a Lycan was thick in the air. I knew some Lycans studied here, but their scent was never this overpowering. It didn’t make sense. Ever since my first shift, I’d become more sensitive to scents, sounds, anything related to Lycans. Sometimes I even had nightmares. I shook my head. I needed to focus on tonight.After briefly discussing why some students joined the winter camp, Professor Christian offered us words of encouragement—reminding us to be students with integrity, a thirst for knowledge, and the courage to innovate. He was well-known for being genuinely supportive of his students, always pushing us to grow and achieve something meaningful in life. He carried a warm, positive presence that made students feel at ease around him. No wonder Samantha admire
Alera’s POVWinter camp was the one holiday event everyone at college looked forward to. We weren’t camping in tents under the stars, but instead, we’d rented a set of wooden cabins nestled near the Ravenshade River.We brought quite a lot with us—thick jackets, wool socks, boots, flashlights, and survival gear like pocketknives and rope. There were meds, snacks, and ingredients for slow-cooked meals we’d prepare together.Each cabin could fit five people. Whether it was luck or some twisted joke, I ended up sharing a cabin with the cheer squad—Lilian, Clara, Samantha, and Lisa. I could only hope they'd tone down their usual bullying, even just a little.As I carried my bag toward the cabin, I spotted Rayvan and his friends unloading their gear. For a moment, his eyes met mine. My heart skipped. His scent still lingered, intoxicating as ever. I used to resist the pull of it, but now I didn’t even try. I let myself fall. He’s my mate.He smiled—a soft, beautiful smile that melted somet
Rayvan’s POVTonight, the air feels colder than usual. Winter in Moonvale always brings memories that never truly fade—and I know this one will follow me back to Ravenshade.My mother made beef steak, seasoned with the Bloodveil pack’s traditional herbs. She brewed me a cup of herbal tea as well. The kind of meal that warms the body and the soul.Whenever we gather like this, our dinners are filled with warmth. Not just from the food, but from lighthearted conversation and the comfort of family. But tonight, I feel tense. My heart is pounding. I want to tell them I’ve found my mate. I’m not sure how they’ll take it. But I can’t hide it anymore.“Ray, eat more. You probably won’t get beef steak like this over there. And the herbs—well, they’re our pack’s specialty.” My mother places a plate of beef steak in front of me.“Thanks, Mom. I could’ve gotten it myself.”She smiles, the kind of smile only a mother gives. “It’s alright. When you come home, you’re royalty.”I return a small smil
Rayvan’s POVThis winter break, I decided to spend a week in Moonvale with my family. The following week, I’ll be returning to Ravenshade for the winter camp. I have a feeling this year’s camp will be more exciting because Alera is joining too. I don’t want to miss a moment with her.Father sent John, our family’s driver, and Peter, his personal guard, to pick me up from the dorm. When the car arrived, I simply got in. My bags were already packed.As the car passed the girls’ dorm, I glanced toward the row of rooms. One of them might be Alera’s. She said she’d be staying in Moonvale during the break. An orphan with no home to return to, she chose to remain on campus and work part-time at the coffee shop before it closed for the season.I had to admit, Alera was strong and independent. She carried her burdens alone and never leaned on anyone, not even me. I had vowed never to let her walk alone again. Now that I had accepted her as my mate, I would always protect her, just as she had q
Rayvan's POVSomething felt off the moment I stepped into the campus courtyard. All eyes seemed to turn toward me. Some whispered, though I couldn’t catch the words, the way they looked at me… it felt accusing.“Whuaaa… Someone just lost his virginity,” one of the guys mocked with a laugh.“And the best part? It happened with the girl he used to bully,” another chimed in, laughing louder.Damn it, Zack. That bastard had clearly spread the rumor. Maybe things like this were normal in human society, maybe even acceptable here on campus, but not in my pack. We had strict rules.If my father ever heard this rumor, I wouldn’t just lose my right to inherit leadership… I’d be exiled.I had to clear up this misunderstanding.As I passed the restroom, I overheard voices—familiar ones. Girls I recognized.I paused, staying still as I listened.“Alera, I heard you gave your V-card to Rayvan. Is that true?” Samantha's tone was mocking, and she even let out a laugh, clearly one of ridicule.“Nothi