Chapter 3

Teya's POV 

"I disown you as my daughter......" I remembered mama's words as I stood in front of the grand but looming and foreboding gate of Lycan Dominion Academy. 

I had tried to explain to my father and mother, to tell them about how I wouldn't be able to live until I really found out what happened to Reya. Of course, father had understood everything, though he was against it at first but he later came around after careful thoughts. He understood my plight,  advised me to be careful and endeavour not to end up like Reya.

But.... Mother? She never understood. She never did, no matter how hard I tried to explain. No matter how much I had convinced her that I wasn't going there to die. She had flared up, wept, kicked against it and when she realised that I wasn't going to change my mind, she disowned me. 

She said the earlier she accepted she had no child anymore, the better. That way it would be easier to move on quickly if something happens to me.

I cried that night. Cried harder than when Reya died. But my father was there to comfort me. He had promised to keep talking to her until she came around. He even promised to pay the school fees which cost quite a fortune even though it wasn't convenient for him.

Our family wasn't exactly wealthy but we were comfortable and contented. I already had my first year fees figured out. For the past two years I had been working multiple part-time jobs and saving every penny I could. And I hoped to get a job once I settled in to cover up for the next two years.

"I will miss you, Teya," Cassian said, his voice low and filled with emotions. He had come along to drop me off. 

I turned to him, watching as he offloaded my bags from the car booth. I couldn't say anything. I would miss him too, but what good would emotions do?  Instead I teased him.

"You can come join me here." My voice was light and playful. "That way.... we'll be close to each other."

A small smile spread across his face as he shut the booth close. "Nooo, I will pass." His voice was sharp as if the mere sight of the Academy disgusted me. "I might attempt to kill those wolves if I spend a minute here."

I managed a small smile. Cassian wasn't lying. Even though he was weaker compared to them, I knew he was going to try fighting them. He was also Reya's friend and he equally had a hard time when she passed away. He didn't break down and cry like everyone else but I could see the pain in his eyes as he tried to comfort me. I could see the struggles of him trying to put himself together and stay strong for me, for us.

"I guess this is goodbye." I opened my arms and he stepped into it, his arms wrapping around me tightly. His masculine hair shampoo scent of avocado filled my nostrils. "I will see you when I see you," I muttered against his ear.

He pulled back. "Stay safe, Teya." Then with a wink he added, "I believe in you." He turned back heading towards the car.

I nodded, waving at me and watching as the car pulled away from the driveway.

Then realization dawned on me after he left. I really am alone now. 

Staring at the Academy, I felt a chill run down my spine. The place looked like a haunted house, a beautiful and grand one. It seems like demons and monsters were lurking around, watching and waiting for anyone to devour.

I shook my head trying to get rid of the fear coiling inside me. There was no time for this. And I wouldn't let it weigh down on me even before I started.

With my bags clutched tightly on both hands, I made my way towards the gate. I was checked in by the staff at the gate and then made my way towards the dormitory.  

I saw a few wolves in their human form who glared at me like I wasn't supposed to be here. Like they would want to throw me out if opportuned. A bitter laugh almost escaped from me when I remembered how the Dean had defended this same academy. 'Bully free' Indeed. I will find out soon.

Other new students were also checking in so it wasn't so hard blending in.

Moreover, no one would recognise me here. Reya and I were fraternal twins. We were very different in everything—features, personality, even down to our hair colour. Reya had black thick hair like mother while I had golden soft hair like father.

And I had made sure to change my last name to my mother's last name while applying. Here I wasn't Teya Wellington. No. I was Teya Moren. I had prepared for this, done everything that wouldn't connect me to Reya and draw suspicions.

"Room 51," I muttered to myself, my eyes darting around the plate names in front of the dormitories. And there it was. The room was just in the middle, flanked by other rooms.

Inside the neatly furnished room, I met two other ladies who were staring at me like I had just fallen from the sky. Their gaze wasn't condescending, it just seemed like they were shocked. Probably not just expecting me. And I could tell from their natural scents that they were humans too.

Was it just me? But it does feel like there was a different dormitory for the wolves and humans.

"Hi," I quickly said, dropping my bags. "I'm Teya."

"......Hi," the petite lady replied slowly, her gaze questioning. "Who are you?"

"I'm a new student," I introduced myself. "Second year art major, transfer from Prudent Academy and I was told this is my room."

"Ohhh," the taller lady warmed up to me. "You're welcome. I'm Tessa."

"Lena....." The petite lady introduced with a smile spreading across her face.

I heaved in relief. At least I was meeting sound people for the first time since I stepped into this Academy.

_______

Moments later after I had settled in, I realised I needed some essentials.

"I'll head to the store and grab some foodstuffs and essentials," I said to Tessa, who gave me a curt nod.

I found the store easily enough, and just as I was leaving with a bag of groceries, the door swung open hard from the outside, smacking me straight in the face. I fell backward, my groceries scattering across the floor.

"Are you crazy?" I yelled, rubbing my head. But when I looked up, I froze. 

Standing in front of me was a tall and commanding man. His sharp jawline, dark stubble, and piercing blue eyes caught my attention immediately. His tousled hair falling effortlessly over his forehead, his chiselled features framed by sun-kissed skin that made him look like he’d stepped off the cover of a magazine.

My breath caught in my throat. Is he even human? No, he wasn't. He was a werewolf. But even at that, how can God be so generous to him?

And..... What was that strange pull I felt towards him?