Royal Wolf Academy

_Zephyr’s POV_

The academy gates were taller than I expected, made of black stone and filled with silver patterns. As the carriage rolled to a stop, I stared at them for a moment, my stomach twisting with nerves.

“Prince Zephyr,” my butler, Garrick, said as he opened the door for me. “We’ve arrived.”

I stepped out, adjusting my cloak and taking in the sprawling grounds. Garrick followed me to the entrance, even though I told him he didn’t need to. He had always been more like an uncle than a servant. I would miss him the most.

“You’re going to be just fine,” he said, his eyes soft. “Be careful. And remember, you’re Prince Zephyr, the bravest boy alive. Always.”

I gave him a small smile and nodded. “Thank you, Garrick. For everything.”

He looked like he wanted to say more, but instead, he just gave me a deep bow and returned to the carriage.

I stood at the doors alone, watching him disappear before turning to face the huge door behind me. The door finally creaked open, a tall woman with forest green eyes and a calm presence stepped out with what looked like a small smile.

“Zephyr, I assume?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am.” I nodded.

“I am Professor Virella. Head of House Administration and your personal supervisor.”

She didn’t smile, but there was something kind in her tone. She motioned for me to follow her and I followed her inside as she spoke.

“You’ll be in the east wing. A private room was prepared for you, under very specific instructions from your mother, Luna Isolde.”

I tensed, and she must’ve noticed.

“Your secret is safe,” she said simply. “Your mother made me swear an oath. I am bound by my life to protect your identity.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“You won’t have a roommate. No one will enter your room except me. Change, wash, rest, whatever you need. You’ll be introduced to the rest of the students during the welcome gathering tonight.”

The room was more than I expected. A small bed, a wardrobe, a chest, and a desk by the window. Nothing fancy, but it was private, and very safe.

As soon as the door closed behind me, I ripped off the heavy tunic I was wearing and slowly unwrapped the chest bandage binding my chest. My ribs ached slightly from the tightness, and I stretched my arms with a huge sigh. It always felt like I could breathe again when the cloth came off.

The bathroom was small but warm, and for a while, I let the hot water calm me as I sat inside the tub.

When I stepped out, I dried up quickly and changed into a formal black uniform laid out on the bed. It fit well and helped flatten my breasts a bit, though I knew I’d still have to bind myself again tomorrow.

When the bell rang to signal nightfall, I stood in front of the mirror and tried to steady myself. I’d grown up around guards and warriors, even my father, but this was different. These were young alphas in training. Boys raised to fight, lead, and conquer things.

And here I was, pretending to be one of them.

I dragged in deep breaths to steady my breathing before turning to leave my room.

I walked into the grand hall alone. It was massive, with arched ceilings and torches lighting the walls. Rows of students lined the hall, voices loud and full of energy. My steps echoed as I entered, and slowly, conversations began to quiet.

Professor Virella stood at the front and raised her hand. “Silence, please. I’d like to introduce our newest first-year student. This is Zephyr, Werewolf Prince of the Silver Wolf Pack.”

I stepped forward, keeping my chin up even though my palms were sweating.

A few boys muttered to each other as they watched me.

I caught one of them smirking and whispering, “Prettiest boy I’ve ever seen.”

Another snickered and added, “Let’s hope he can fight better than he looks.”

I bit my tongue and looked away.

Mockery was better than suspicion.

Professor Virella said a few more words and then stepped back, leaving me to find a spot among the crowd. I moved to the side and found a quiet place to stand, until someone nudged my shoulder.

“Hey,” the boy said, smiling. “I’m Elias. Second-year. Stormfang Pack.” he had spectacles on.

I nodded politely. “Zephyr. First-year. Silver Wolf.”

“Nice. You’ll like the academy, it’s strict but solid. But keep your head down, yeah? Not everyone’s friendly.”

I raised a brow at his words. “You mean the teachers?” I couldn't imagine the teachers being mean to students.

He chuckled. “No, not the teachers. It’s the students. Especially the final years. They’re in a league of their own.”

"Oh, I see.” I nodded, trying to end the conversation as fast as possible. This was like the first boy I ever spoke to in my life.

Others were just grown up guards and elders of our pack.

Elias then added, “You really want to avoid Prince Kael as well and his bunch.”

“Prince Kael?” I asked, my interest piqued.

“Kaelen of the Bloodfang Pack. Top of the class and the best final year student. His friends are just as intense, most of them act more like animals than boys.”

I snorted. “Sounds like the usual arrogant types.” Of course they were always in every school.

The few books I read about schools always had the school’s thug in them.

Elias didn’t laugh. His lips formed a thin one instead. “Don’t say that too loud.” he whispered.

“Why not?” I asked, looking around. “I don’t fear anyone. I grew up around warriors. If there’s anyone who won’t scare me, it’s Prince Kael.” I realized I was louder this time when I heard my voice echo in the hall.

The silence that followed was immediate. Elias stared at me, eyes slightly wide in horror.

“What?” I asked, confused… Why was everyone not saying a thing?

And then I felt it.

A presence behind me.

Like a storm waiting to break. The atmosphere shifted. Every other student in the room had gone as silent as a dead body.

Someone even gasped in shock.

I turned slowly, wanting to see who it was.

When I saw him, my jaw almost dropped to the ground. He stood just behind me, tall and composed. His black hair fell slightly over his brow, and his eyes, deep and icy gray eyes, locked onto mine like he already knew everything about me.

Goddess.

Muscles under his uniform flexed slightly as he crossed his arms.

Without being told, I could already guess who he was.

Prince Kael.