LOGINA week later, the academy announced the results of the first month’s academic rankings. Although the rankings didn’t affect official grades, they determined privileges, club invitations, and most importantly reputation. Students crowded around the enormous notice board in the central courtyard before classes began, pushing and standing on their toes to see where they stood. Emma nervously pulled me toward the crowd, her hand tight around my sleeve. “Please let us have at least passed everything. I studied so hard for the history portion. If I ranked too low, the healing department might limit my practical hours.” “We’ll be fine,” I told her, though my own stomach was tight. “We both did the work.”Before we could get close enough to read the rankings ourselves, Isabella’s voice rang out across the courtyard, clear and deliberate. “My, what a surprise.”Students immediately turned toward her. She stood near the front of the crowd with several of her usual friends, smiling as t
The next afternoon, the academy canteen was packed with students. Emma and I arrived later than usual after spending extra time in the library finishing notes for the upcoming history assessment. By the time we stepped through the wide doors, almost every table was already full. Trays clattered, conversations overlapped, and the air smelled of warm bread and spiced stew.Whenever we approached an empty seat, students suddenly claimed it for someone else or deliberately spread their bags and books across the benches. “That seat’s taken,” one girl said without looking at us. “We’re saving these for friends,” another added, even though no one else was nearby. Emma shifted uncomfortably beside me. “Maybe we should just skip lunch today. It’s not worth the trouble.” I stopped walking and looked at the crowded hall. Exhaustion settled deep in my bones. “I’m tired of acting like I don’t belong,” I said quietly. “We’ve done nothing wrong. We’re allowed to eat.”After searching the
The morning after Alpha Magnus’s visit, I became the academy’s favourite topic once again. Everywhere I walked, students whispered about how even my own Alpha had publicly scolded me. Some were bold enough to imitate his words as I passed. “Know your place.” “Stop embarrassing the pack.” “Even her family doesn’t want her.”I kept my expression blank and my pace steady, pretending none of it reached me. Emma walked close beside me, her voice soft with worry. “You’re gripping your books so tightly your knuckles are white,” she whispered. “You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt.” I loosened my hold slightly. “I’m fine. They’re just repeating what they heard. It’ll die down eventually.”Emma didn’t look convinced, but she stayed silent as we entered Advanced Pack History. Professor Blackwood began the lesson by questioning students about the treaties between the three kingdoms. When no one volunteered an answer, I quietly raised my hand. Before I could speak, a student
The letter from Luna Vivienne lingered in my mind for days. No matter how hard I tried to push it aside, the cold words returned every time the world grew quiet. Shame to the pack. Stop seeking attention. Isabella has always represented the family with grace. I threw myself into classes with more intensity than usual, taking notes until my hand ached, volunteering answers even when I already knew them, hoping the work would drown out the memory of that letter. It never fully succeeded. Emma noticed. During breakfast on the third morning she leaned across the table, voice gentle. “You’ve been quieter than usual. Is it still the letter? You can talk to me about it, you know.” I forced a small smile and reached for my tea. “I’m fine, Just tired. How’s the healing department assignment going?” She hesitated, clearly seeing through the change of subject, but she didn’t push. “It’s… manageable. I’m just glad you’re still eating with me.” I was grateful she let it go. I refused
A few days after the incident at the fountain, I was called to the Headmaster’s office just after my morning lecture. The summons came without explanation, and the moment the messenger delivered it, a familiar knot of dread settled in my stomach. I assumed I was in trouble again another complaint, another public argument that had somehow reached the administration, another reminder that I didn’t belong. Emma walked with me as far as the administrative wing. “Do you want me to wait outside?” she asked quietly. “It’s probably nothing,” I said, though I didn’t believe it. “I’ll find you after.”The Headmaster’s office was large and formal, lined with heavy bookshelves and the crests of the three kingdoms. He sat behind a wide desk and looked at me over steepled fingers for a long moment before speaking. “Miss Ashwyn. A letter arrived for you early this morning.” He held out a sealed envelope bearing the unmistakable crest of the Mooncrest Pack. “I was instructed to deliver it pe
The next afternoon, Emma and I headed to the academy courtyard after classes, hoping to enjoy the fresh air before dinner. The space was packed with students talking in small groups, practicing light sparring near the edges, and relaxing around the large stone fountain that stood in the centre. Water sparkled in the sunlight, and for a brief moment I almost believed I might actually have one peaceful afternoon.That hope lasted less than a minute. A familiar voice called my name across the courtyard. “Seraphina.”Isabella stood near the fountain with Cassandra and several of the academy’s most popular girls. Her smile was sweet enough to look almost genuine. Emma immediately leaned closer, voice low and urgent. “We should leave please. Nothing good ever happens when she smiles like that.” I shook my head. “I’m done running away every time she decides to make a scene. If I keep avoiding her, she’ll only grow louder.” Emma bit her lip but stayed beside me as I walked over. I







