Chapter 7

~ Marina's POV ~

I winced sharply as he applied the ointment to my wounded skin. A sharp sting shot through me, making my fingers curl into fists. It burned—far worse than I expected—but I forced myself to stay still, biting down on the urge to hiss in pain.

I couldn’t afford to look weak.

He had brought me to a quiet, hidden corner of the academy, away from prying eyes, and immediately began treating my wounds without hesitation.

“All done,” he said with a soft smile.

His voice was calm—almost comforting.

“Your wounds won’t sting that much anymore. But you would’ve had the advantage if you had your wolf.”

I nodded slowly, my gaze lingering on his face longer than necessary.

Why was he being so… nice?

“Don’t mind Conrad, okay?” he added gently, reaching out to pat my hair.

My heart skipped.

Before I could think, I slapped his hand away and shot up from the rock, ignoring the sharp pain that flared through my leg.

What was he doing?!

I limped a few steps away, putting distance between us, then turned back to face him, clearing my throat to steady myself.

“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

“What am I doing?” he echoed, brows lifting slightly. “I’m only trying to help you.”

“I know you’re trying to help…” I said, my voice tightening as unease crept in. “But do you realize that I’m a boy—just like you?”

I forced my posture to stiffen, standing akimbo, tucking my hands into my loose trousers in a poor attempt to appear more masculine.

“Why did you carry me like that earlier? And why… why are you touching my hair?”

The words came out awkwardly, tangled with my growing panic.

He stared at me for a second, then chuckled.

My irritation flared instantly.

“What’s funny?” I snapped.

“Because you’re cute,” he replied easily, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“…I’m cute?” I pointed at myself, disbelief flooding my voice. “You find me cute?”

“Yes, I do,” he said, still smiling like it was the most normal thing in the world. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“Yes! There’s something very wrong with that!” I snapped, my heart racing now—not from pain, but from fear. “Don’t call me cute. I’m a boy. I’m Louis!”

I don’t know why I was being paranoid, but I needed to. How can a fellow boy scoop his fellow boy from the ground, treat his wound, and pat his hair? It’s impossible, and it’s only possible if he knows I’m a girl.

I won’t let him think that way. He or Conrad can’t ruin my plans for getting revenge for my family.

“I’m a guy. I’m Louis.” I repeated again.

He studied me for a long, quiet moment—his gaze almost searching for mine.

Then—he smiled again.

Does he ever stop smiling?

“You think I don’t know you’re Louis?” he said lightly. “I don’t know what you look like, but rumors have been going around the academy that you’re here.”

“Then… why did you carry me like that?” I pressed, frowning. “Boys don’t carry themselves like that.”

He chuckled again, clearly amused by my frustration.

“Like I said, I found you cute,” he repeated, completely unfazed. “You’re really cute, Louis. I just wanted to help you. You’re the Supreme Alpha’s son, after all.”

I felt really uncomfortable by the way he was smiling at me. If he thinks that I’m Louis, then why is he smiling at me?

…Does he have a thing for his fellow boys?

I shook my head, trying hard not to read meaning into it. Maybe he was just being nice. He’s better than that giraffe.

I cleared my throat, blowing air from my mouth. I tickled my hands back into my trousers. “What’s your name?” I asked, forcing a more neutral tone.

“Just call me Jaxon,” he replied—with, of course, a smile.

“Jaxon.” I repeated, nodding. “What pack are you from?”

He stared at me then smiled. What with him and smiling? I bet he has nothing to worry about, unlike me, who has a mission to accomplish.

“I’m from outside Dravenmoor,” he replied.

My eyes widened slightly. “You came from outside Dravenmoor? I thought you were from this territory,” I asked, stunned.

“No,” he shook his head. “But I’m familiar with it. I used to come here often when I was little. My father is friends with one of the Alphas here.”

I nodded slowly, absorbing that.

“So where are you going to spend the night?” he asked after a pause. “It’s already late. Conrad doesn’t want you as his roommate. I wouldn’t be surprised if your bag is already outside his door.”

“I don’t want him to be my roommate either. I never wanted to be roommates with him in the first place. But since it already happened, I’m going to plead with Principal Ramos to change my roommate.” I replied.

“Do you want me to take you to him?” he asked, stepping closer.

Panic surged instantly.

I stumbled back too fast, and pain shot through my leg like lightning.

“I can walk!” I said quickly, almost defensively. “I don’t want you to carry me. I feel uncomfortable with it. I’m a boy… and I like girls. I like girls a lot.”

He blinked… then let out a small laugh.

“I didn’t say I was going to carry you,” he said, shaking his head with a smile, and began walking away. I joined him seconds later, and before long, we reached Principal Ramos’ office.

He was just about to leave.

“Louis,” he smiled at me. “I called your father earlier to inform him you’re here. He’s excited about it, and he paid for your tuition for the entire year.”

I faked a smile at him.

His eyes flicked to Jaxon. Jaxon bowed slightly with a smile.

“I’ll go ahead now, Louis.” Jaxon tapped my shoulder before leaving.

“Do you have something to say to me, Louis?” Principal Ramos asked.

“Yes… I…” I hesitated, then straightened. “I want to switch rooms. I don’t want to be Conrad’s roommate.”

“Why?” he asked, surprised. “I thought you were fine sharing a room.”

Is he being serious right now?

Didn’t he know about the hatred Conrad has for Louis?

Or perhaps, didn’t he hear the pack wolves whispering to one another about how Conrad kicked me out of the room as if I’m a criminal?

“He doesn’t want me as his roommate. He hates me, and I hate him triple times too. We’re not compatible to be roommates. As the son of the Supreme Alpha, I demand a new roommate.” I stated.

Principal Ramos sighed.

What’s the sigh for? Is he seriously not going to switch rooms for me?

“I’m sorry, Louis, but I can’t just change your roommate.”

“Why not?” I nearly yelled.

“Because here in Moonreign Academy, a student is always assigned to share a room with another student. And when that happens, it’s mandatory that they share the room until they graduate.”

“But Conrad doesn’t want me in that room. He kicked me out. How can I stay with someone like him?” I complained.

“Don’t worry. I’m going to talk to him,” he said.

I protested, but Principal Ramos still brought me back to the room. Just like Jaxon had assumed, my bag was outside the room.

“Conrad,” Principal Ramos knocked on the wooden door.

Conrad opened the door, and when he saw me, he became angry. “What’s this shrimp doing here?”

Shrimp?

He called me a shrimp?

He’s definitely going to die the second I become stronger.

“Who said you could kick him out of the room?” Principal Ramos asked.

“Because I don’t want him being my roommate. He should go somewhere else, or better yet, he should go back to his castle. I don’t want him sharing a room with me,” Conrad shot me a deadly glare while he spoke.

“You already know the rules of this academy, Conrad. I’m aware of your anger and arrogance, but you can’t do whatever you like. This isn’t your citadel. You either allow Louis in, or I will report you to your father,” Principal Ramos said.

Conrad stepped closer to me, caring less if Principal Ramos was an elder. He stared straight into his eyes. “Are you threatening me?”

“I wish I were, but unfortunately for you, I am not. Try to kick Louis out again, and I will inform your father about it.”

Conrad clenched his fists so tight. He looked toward my direction, but I quickly avoided his angry eyes.

He hit the wall loudly and stormed out.

“You should go in,” Principal Ramos nudged me to enter the room.

“Is he agreeing to it?” I whispered.

“Of course. He has no choice. It’s his father we’re talking about here. Go in. You have classes tomorrow.” Principal Ramos smiled.

“Thanks.” I smiled back.

“You’re welcome. Don’t be late for classes. There’s always a punishment attached to lateness.”

“I won’t,” I smiled at him again, before entering the room and taking my bag inside with me.

I settled back into the room, and just after I finished arranging my clothes back into the wardrobe, Conrad entered the room.

His eyes burned with so much hatred.

Well… at least the feeling is mutual.

He stepped closer, his gaze locked onto mine like a predator watching his prey.

“You made a mistake coming back to this room, Louis. I’m going to make your life so miserable that you’ll have no other choice but to return to your castle and hide there for the rest of your life.”

I swallowed, but forced myself to stand tall. “I’m not afraid of you.”

He stared at me…

Then smirked.

A dark, terrifying smirk.

“We’ll see about that, shrimp,” he said in a low, deadly voice. “Welcome to your doom.”

My throat went dry.

A cold wave of fear crept through me despite my bravado.

My heart pounded violently against my chest.

I’m in big trouble…

Really big trouble.