Going to Mooncrest Academy

Aria

"Princess, the car is ready outside for you two to leave. Don't forget that home is always a drive away." Mother said, holding my hands while Father stood nodding in agreement.

We embarked on the trip to Mooncrest Academy. I slipped in and out of consciousness till we got there. It didn't take long.

It was nothing like I imagined. The wide lawn grasses beneath my feet, and then the four buildings with ancient decor stood very tall, with a waterfall just by the center.

"Come on. Let's get you to your room," my brother said, and I followed in his steps.

"We're going towards which building, brother?" I couldn't help but ask.

Ryder chuckled. "Let me give you a mini tour. We've the female lodge by the right, which is where your room is."

"It looks attractive in pink," I mumbled, but he didn't say much before we got interrupted.

His phone rang, and he checked the caller ID before saying something like, "Let's get to the rink first. I won't take long."

"Sure. Is Kael the one calling?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied as he detoured. We passed by the white building beside the female lodge, and I could see the bold description, Academy Hall.

I stretched my knees when I began to feel some pull there as we crossed from the right to the left buildings.

"The females are not allowed in the male lodge," he said as we came to a black building. I'm beginning to question how much more I could last. I needed to sit.

"The same applies to the males. The full moon ceremony will be taking place this evening at the Academy Hall. Be there by 5 p.m.," he mentioned as we neared another sky-blue building, and he took a pause while I drew in a sharp breath to steady myself.

"Then I'll find my mate," I beamed, and we walked inside the building without delay to witness a live display of players skating the ice.

They seemed to notice us, after all, the benches were empty. They glided effortlessly to us, but I couldn't take my eyes off someone in particular. Kael Ashford.

His tall, athletic, and intimidating body came to a stop before us. His jersey stuck to his abs, and he blew his messy black hair that was getting in the way of his view. He hadn't stared at me as he paid more attention to my brother.

"Hey." His gruff voice called out to Ryder, who turned around to pick water and handed it to each of the players, and I joined him while they offered thanks in return.

Kael got off the rink after finishing the water. His golden eyes pierced at me, and then I noticed a scar above one of his right eyebrows where I stood with my brother, who just stood calmly like someone used to handling affairs his way.

"And who do we have here?" he asked, though his lips curled into a smirk.

I knew Kael wouldn't remember the little girl who loved to be around him whenever she saw him with her brother. He had no problem building me a kite to fly, though, and on my birthday, he bought me apples but only through Ryder. Whenever I stuck around, he simply ruffled my hair with how tiny I seemed beside his own built body. He has always been a handsome guy with lots of admirers.

Ryder smacked his head with his hands while Kael glared at him. "Take a guess, idiot!"

Kael moved very close to me, his nose dangerously towards my neck. I felt him inhale sharply. Then he raised his eyes to stare at me. I felt like he was staring at my soul.

He clicked his tongue, which made me swallow. He looked damn hot before he stepped back when Ryder shuffled him off.

"Ria." Kael's brows raised in realization.

Oh, the way he said my name… Heat rose to my cheek, and I know now is when I should speak up, but his eyes on me and his thin lips that just called my name are messing me up badly. I drew in a harsh breath, his pine and wood scent still lingering.

"Stop it, Kael! You're scaring her!" Ryder blurted.

My brother is so clueless. There's nothing as intimidating in the feelings Kael sparks in me. He can't find out what I feel deep inside, I'm afraid. I thought since it's been long, the butterflies in my tummy wouldn't be there, but they were dancing in joy instead.

"I won't, silly. She finally joined. Welcome," Kael said, extending a handshake.

I didn't say anything, but I moved my hands to hold his firmly in delight, but he broke it off fast afterward, and I looked up in time to see his eyes flicker some color, then his expression turned cold at once.

"The new members?" Ryder asked.

"They left early to prepare for the ceremony," Kael replied as he looked at the other players walk out.

"Are you attending the ceremony?" Ryder asked him.

My eyes initially lowered, then lifted to gaze at Kael. I think he felt it because he turned to stare at me, but I broke the contact first.

Kael's brows furrowed. "Yes, but it doesn't change anything. Wait here."

He moved to a section to pick his duffel bag and took another water to drink, but my gaze turned a bit blurry watching his Adam's apple bob.

"Is something wrong? You've been staring at Kael," Ryder said.

"Yes… I mean, no. I just need to rest," I replied, taking my eyes away as he finally joined us, and we moved outside.

"What do you mean it doesn't change anything? You might find your soulmate!" Ryder bickered as they followed me all the way back to the female lodge.

"It's a choice the Moon Goddess decides. I choose who I love," Kael replied.

"And that's Serena?" Ryder asked.

Kael's expression softened at the mention of her name. "Yeah, she's more than enough."

"So what would happen if you find…" He didn't finish because Kael's expression hardened.

"Serena didn't hesitate," came Kael's response.

Colour drained from my face, not just from feeling weak, but someone's words broke my heart. Serena rejected her mate when she found him at age eighteen, saying that she and Kael made a promise. 

We got to the female lodge, and my brother handed me my luggage and left with Kael. The guidebook he handed me showed room number 200. I took the elevator and got there.

I opened the door to behold a wide space containing two bed sections, one decorated with mostly sky blue, and the other looked plain, obviously mine. I settled in quickly and changed, then slept.

When I woke up, I felt better. My roommate was still not back, and it's just an hour left to the full moon ceremony. I got dressed and made my way down, so I could get there early.

Getting to the hall, my eyes scanned for any familiar face, but none. Ryder wasn't here yet, but the people here didn't care for their choice of clothes. Unlike my ball gown, they wore carefree clothes, jeans, off-shoulder tops, while dining with each other.

I clutched the side of my gown, feeling out of place. Adapting to a new place is never easy, I thought. No one seems ready to speak to me either, so I stood at a safe space.

Then the roof slid open, and the full moon came out.

My eyes stared in admiration, and the next thing I knew was touching someone to steady my feet before looking up to behold Kael.

The instant my palm brushed his shoulder, I felt a jolt of current run through me, igniting a spark beneath my skin. The tightness in my chest eased as his pine and wood scent flooded my senses. My body felt warm, and for the first time all day, a sense of wholeness engulfed me.

He growled, and his fang elongated as his eyes changed color. "Mate."

It felt like we're in an entirely separate world. But the next minute, he disentangled from me, creating a space, making me whimper.

Then I heard gasps and whispers follow.

A lady with short black hair and a charming smile walked to Kael, wrapped a hand around him while pressing herself to his chest.