VESPER POVClosing the door behind me, I laced up my running shoes and stepped out of the room. Exiting through the large gate that protected the entire building where I lived, I rounded the corner and breathed out slowly, listening to the rhythmic thud of my footsteps on the pavement.It was my second run of the day, the only interruption being a brief visit to the infirmary after Headmaster Kendrick emphasized the importance of everyone being present.I was reluctant to be in the infirmary, yet I couldn't defy his order, knowing he watched me closely. I was at the top of his watchlist, and any mistake might result in expulsion.If I left, I had nowhere else to go; returning to the packhouse was out of the question, and Mystic Academy had become my home. The only place I knew as a home.Clasping my chest as my heart thumped painfully, it felt different from its usual rhythm, and the intensified tingling sensation added to my discomfort.I yearned to clear my thoughts, trying everyth
VESPERI arrived home after a while, and the journey back was even longer than the one outside. Maybe it felt that way because I had used up all my strength, relying solely on my will to get home.Sighing, I pushed open the gate and stepped in. I hadn't locked it after leaving, but the surroundings were well-protected from intruders and wandering creatures.I wasn't staying in the dormitory like many of the students were. Even though it had been made compulsory for females as it was believed they were fragile and wouldn't be able to defend themselves when faced with danger, the male students had been given their freedom.However, not all male students enjoyed this privilege. It was reserved for those holding higher positions like team captains, co-captains, and even members of the founding family.This freedom was a matter of choice. Some eligible boys preferred dormitories for reasons unknown to me.Striding toward my apartment, situated beside two others, I breathed out, slid the ke
KELANI POVStill clutching the envelope tightly in my hand, I let out a breath, scanning my surroundings. I gazed back at the contents. I couldn't count how many times I had read it, but each time left me confused."I'm watching you," I muttered. What could it mean? Perhaps it explained the tingling sensation I often felt at the back of my neck—the feeling of being watched and followed—a sense that something terrible was about to disrupt the school's activities.Letting out a slow, deep breath, I couldn't tell who had sent it. Whoever did so had definitely run before I came out of the room.Or maybe it was a prank, I mused, stepping back inside. Riley must have left it to scare me since I refused to join the cheerleaders. But she hadn't looked upset, and she didn't seem like the type to do something like that. Riley was unpredictable most of the time."I need to find out who did this," I said to myself. If it was Riley, I needed to know. Dwelling on who might have done it wouldn't pro
KELANI POV"So, do you think Lia would actually be honest with the result? She might manipulate it to make it seem like I failed," I said.Despite telling Riley I wasn't keen on joining the cheer team, I couldn't help but be curious. I wanted to be sure Lia wouldn't resort to unfair tactics, but her mean demeanor made it challenging to trust her. I sensed she would choose anyone over me, a preference I shared because I wasn't eager to be on the same team as her.If anything, I would have preferred she picked Brittany. It seemed like she must have tried her best."Of course," Riley assured. "If there's one thing you should understand about Lia, she's competitive and all, but she's devoted to the team. She'll go to great lengths to help us win regionals, even if it means letting her rival join her cherished squad.""Rival," I mumbled."Yeah, that's the keyword," Riley emphasized.I didn't exactly understand why we were rivals. Was it because of Vesper? It seemed insane and foolish for h
VESPER POVI arrived home after some time. It wasn't my initial intention. I had hoped to stay a bit longer to assess the situation, but Kelani's presence made it challenging to remain there.Her presence, coupled with her captivating scent and the sensation of her soft body pressing against mine, made it difficult. It seemed as if she had emitted pheromones, seeking more attention from the boys around.Also, I sensed Miles. It had tugged at my chest and clawed, wanting to pull out of me. I knew it was all Mile's doing. It was the only one overjoyed by the thoughts of Kelani. Or maybe it was doing it on purpose to get back at me for not listening to let it go.Miles had strongly encouraged me to assert my claim on her, mark her, and make her mine. But it had taken all the willpower in me not to do so.Moreover, I wasn't repulsed by the idea of marking Kelani at that moment; despite not actively seeking a mate or ever thought of having one, I had desired her.At that instant, it became
VESPER POV"That's VESPER THORNE.""He's so heavenly.""He's an alpha material."Rolling my eyes, I passed by two blonde she-wolves, both squealing and gazing at me dreamily. It had become a routine for me. Every day when I arrived at school, all the girls, except for one, would fawn over me.I'd even caught a few boys doing the same, although some pretended not to be fanboying. I understood it all came with the territory of popularity and being a captain, but I loathed it. I didn't enjoy starting my day with squealing girls eagerly waiting for me at the school entrances.If only I could change things by skipping school, but that wasn't an option. I was struggling in class, and the last thing I needed was to miss more school. Plus, I was there earlier than usual. I hoped to catch Coach Jensen in his office before he left, as he was usually busy. His responsibilities extended beyond the ice rink; he also worked as a tutor.A groan escaped me as I caught her scent—citrusy lavender that
VESPER POVI loved Kelani?That was the most absurd thing I've heard today. Coach Jensen insisted I had feelings for her earlier, and now, Lance accused me of loving her.The urge to toss my head back and burst into a peal of laughter filled me, but the situation itself wasn't funny. If it had been, I would have done just that."Admit it, Thorne. Are those your feelings for her?""What the heck are you talking about?!" I scowled at him.Why would he think I was ever interested in Kelani? Had she told him that? I doubted it. I hadn't seen any real interactions between him and Kelani before. Don't get me wrong; I didn't stalk her and never will, but Kelani and Lance had never spoken before.At least, not that I had seen them having a conversation."You know what I'm talking about, bro," Lance yelled back. "I never thought you would stoop that low to lie to my face. I held you in high regard.""Are you on meth?" I asked. He definitely should be on one because there was no way in hell he
VESPER POVTapping gently on the headmaster's door, I stepped inside upon hearing a low voice. Inhaling, I frowned, scanning the room as my nose caught a different scent. She was present.Kelani was here.My eyes narrowed at Kelani, who sat casually in front of the headmaster as if he were her father and she had always done this. She glanced briefly at me before turning away.Goodness! I didn't want to run into her again today. I hoped for a smooth day after the altercation with Lance, all because of her.Now, she was here. What did she want? Why was she always getting in my face?"Come, Thorne, have a seat," Headmaster Kendrick said, briefly glancing away from the book in front of him. The only vacant seat available was next to Kelani, and I wasn't keen on being near her. However, I had no choice unless I wanted to sit on the floor while listening to the headmaster. Reluctantly, I stepped forward, pulled out the chair, and sat down. Kelani glanced at the other side of the room, ba