LOGINTHALIA Devon was toying with me. That much was obvious.He had been aching for a fight with 'Lucian' for years, and now he finally had his chance. It was no secret that Devon excelled at combat. He had been training with his father's personal guard since he was old enough to throw a punch."Come on, cousin," he taunted, circling me like a predator. "You are not as good as you think you are. All that Ashen arrogance, and you can't even land a single hit?"He lunged at me, and I barely managed to dodge.We were only ten minutes in and my brain had officially short-circuited.The headmaster shouted across to me."Ashen! Are you letting your cousin beat you out of familial bond? Come on. Chop chop!"Familial bond? Right. Because this is all about family honor and not about me literally trying not to die.Around us, other fights were progressing rapidly. About five students had already managed to knock out their opponents completely.Ragnar had been the third to finish. He had given Mont
THALIA First trials weren't supposed to start until a week after arrival. That was the standard protocol. It was due process to give students time to settle in, to learn the layout of the academy, maybe attend a few introductory classes before throwing them into combat situations. So the reason why we were about to have a first trial now on our literal first day, within hours of checking into our dormitories was beyond my understanding.When Ragnar told me that this trial was going to be close combat, I nearly died on the spot.Close combat?How was I even supposed to do that? I had never fought in my life. I had watched Lucian spar with trainers, sure. I had seen duels at territorial gatherings. But I had never actually thrown a punch at someone who was actively trying to hurt me.If I went out there I would disgrace myself completely. It was either one of the two scenarios.One, I would get punched into eternal rest, or I would get cut somewhere and wouldn't be able to heal proper
THALIAThe moment I had escaped from that limousine... thanks to the chauffeur's timely intervention, I had made a mental note to myself that I would avoid these two Alphas at any cost necessary.Especially Ragnar Norales. His hate for Lucian was a fiery thing that I didn't want to be at the receiving end of. But apparently, the goddess had other plans.After collecting my dormitory pass from the dorm-maaster, I was informed that I would be sharing accommodations with two other students. Standard protocol for first-years, he had said gruffly.I was comfortable with that. And so I took my dorm pass and found the door with the matching sigil and number. Boy was I cooked. Because standing in my room, having apparently already claimed their beds and unpacked some of their belongings, were the exact two people I had vowed to avoid. I immediately attempted to flee, but Ragnar was faster than I had anticipated. He crossed the space between us in two strides and grabbed me by the collar o
RAGNAR "We have arrived."The door swung open, and I heard the chauffeur's sharp intake of breath following his horrified gaze. I looked down at my unbuckled belt, my trousers pooled around my ankles in a bunched mess.Yeah. That probably looked bad.Before I could say anything, not that I owed anyone an explanation for my interrupted revenge, Lucian bolted. He practically threw himself out of the limousine like the vehicle was on fire, and took off running."What the actual hell was that?"The chauffeur cleared his throat awkwardly. His neck was flushed red with embarrassment. "Sir, I... should I...?"I yanked my trousers up and buckled my belt. "What are you waiting for? A memoir? Close the damn door and stop gawking."He practically scrambled to obey, shutting the door and scurrying back to the driver's seat like I might bite him. Which, honestly, wasn't entirely off the table at this point.Caleb shut his book and stepped out of the limousine with his usual effortless grace. "W
THALIAThe one on the left was easily six foot two. He looked fit, and lean—an athletic warrior’s build. He had platinum blonde hair, and a book in his hands, and… he looked like he wore his heart on his sleeve. Beautiful was the word to describe this porcelain skinned man. He reeked of Alpha, and his icy blue eyes of softness. “Lucian.” He gave me a half-nod, “Congratulations on being selected. I'm sure it didn't come as a surprise.” “I….” That sounded more like a whimper. The figure opposite him arched a brow at that, before I could fully slip my leg in, his face came into view. I had definitely seen him before too. Dark hair, piercings on his lips and brows, he seemed to have a subtle goth aesthetic going for him and those eyes…dark amber—almost whiskey coloured. "Master Lucian?" The chauffeur's voice came from behind me. "Please, sir. We are getting late, we need to reach the academy before sundown."Say something. Do something Thalia. You're Lucian Ashen, for goddess's sake.
THALIA [ONE WEEK LATER] The leather trunk sat by the door, packed with everything 'Lucian Ashen' would need for his first semester at The Howling Spire. Formal uniforms, training clothes, books on wolf history, combat theory, and some hidden necessities of my own. I stood in front of the mirror in what used to be Lucian's room and barely recognized myself."This is a terrible, terrible thing."I turned to find both my parents standing in the doorway, my father with his arms crossed and Mother pacing like a caged animal recently released. She had been like this for days. Ever since the night of the Selection, when I had returned from the ceremony and confessed what I had done. We buried him in secret. In the family crypt and in an unmarked section where no one would look. Father had used his influence to ensure that the servants who helped were... compensated for their silence. Then the narrative that I, the runt daughter of the Ashen family, had permanently relocated abroad to hum







