The Last Howl

If surviving Alpha Academy had a handbook, rule Number One would probably say this: Don't arrive carrying your adopted sister's entire wardrobe. Unfortunately... nobody had mailed me a copy.

I adjusted the two suitcases digging into my shoulders and shifted the garment bag threatening to slide off my arm for what had to be the hundredth time. A backpack hung from one shoulder, a shoebox rested awkwardly against my hip, and somewhere beneath the mountain of expensive luggage, I was fairly certain there was still a person named Bellona Ashford.

Vanessa, on the other hand, walked several steps ahead without carrying so much as a handbag.

She looked perfectly composed in a cream-colored dress that probably cost more than my entire closet. Her blonde hair danced gently in the morning breeze as if even the wind knew better than to upset Alpha Damien Ashford's precious daughter.

I, meanwhile, was one poorly balanced suitcase away from rolling down the mountain.

"Bellona," Vanessa called my name, and she didn't bother turning around.

"I think you're walking slower." She said, almost making me roll my eyes.

"I am," I answered honestly.

She sighed dramatically, as though my existence alone was exhausting. "Why?"

"Because gravity and I have a complicated relationship," I said, and she finally looked back. Her blue eyes narrowed. "Stop complaining and move faster."

"Don't worry," I said, flashing her a sweet, fake smile. "Right behind you." She seemed satisfied enough to turn around and continue walking.

"Hm." She seemed satisfied enough to continue walking.

I let out a quiet breath.

Excellent recovery, Bellona. I'd like to thank years of accidental self-preservation.

The massive black iron gates slowly came into view. For a moment, everything else disappeared, even Vanessa, the luggage, the ache in my shoulders.

Alpha Academy stood proudly beyond the gates like something pulled straight from an old legend. Ancient stone towers reached toward the bright blue sky while enormous silver and red banners bearing the crests of the Twelve Alpha Bloodlines swayed gracefully in the wind. Students crossed the sprawling courtyard in elegant black uniforms, their laughter echoing between buildings that looked older than history itself.

I had spent years imagining this place. During sleepless nights, while cleaning Vanessa's room, while polishing trophies that didn't belong to me, while wondering whether my life would always remain trapped inside the Ashford estate.

Yet no amount of imagination had prepared me for the real thing. It wasn't just beautiful. It felt...

Alive.

Power hummed through the air so naturally that every breath seemed heavier. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine, rain, and hundreds of wolves. Every wolf surrounding me carried confidence in the way they walked, laughed, and spoke. Future Alphas. Future generals. Future leaders.

For the first time in years, hope quietly slipped into my chest.

Maybe this place will be different.

Maybe no one would know me here. Maybe no one would care that my wolf had never answered.

Maybe...

I'd finally get to be just Bellona.

"Bellona." My train of thought got smashed by Vanessa's voice, which sliced through my poor eardrums for the hundredth time today.

I blinked, and reality returned immediately.

"Are you planning to stand there all day?" She asked, annoyed.

"No."

"Then move."

Yes, Your Majesty, I thought, keeping the phrase safely locked behind my teeth.

"What?" She hissed.

"I said yes."

She narrowed her eyes. Sometimes I wondered if she had developed a sixth sense specifically designed to detect sarcasm.

Sadly for both of us... Mine was usually smarter.

The academy grounds buzzed with excitement as new students arrived from every direction. Luxury cars lined the entrance while servants hurried behind wealthy Alpha families carrying bags, garment cases, and carefully wrapped gifts.

I glanced down at the mountain of luggage hanging from my shoulders.

Wonderful. I've accidentally blended in with the staff.

Before I could appreciate the irony any further, a familiar voice squealed from somewhere ahead.

"Vanessa!"

Oh no...

I recognized that voice. And unfortunately... So did my blood pressure.

A girl with glossy dark hair rushed across the courtyard wearing the same expensive academy uniform as everyone else, except somehow she managed to wear hers like it had been designed exclusively for her.

Susan.

Vanessa's best friend. Professional gossiper. Olympic-level bully. She practically threw herself into Vanessa's arms.

"I've missed you!"

"It's been two weeks," Vanessa laughed.

"I know. It was awful."

"Awww."

The two of them giggled while I quietly attempted to become invisible. It almost worked.

Almost.

Susain's eyes landed on me. "Oh." Her smile widened.

"You brought her." She said, looking at me as if I were some sort of dirt that would ruin her day by just existing.

I gave a small wave. "Hello to you too."

She ignored me completely before turning back to Vanessa.

"I thought Alpha Damien wouldn't have let her come here," Susan said. Vanessa sighed dramatically.

"So did I," Vanessa grumbled. I placed the shoe box on top of one suitcase before it could fall.

"I can still hear you," I said, coolly. Though their words had zero effect on me, they should know I could hear them.

Susan looked pleasantly surprised. "Good." She muttered, making me nod thoughtfully. Vanessa shot me a warning glance. The one that said 'Don't embarrass me.'

Personally, I thought Vanessa could do an excellent job without my help with her luggage. Susan slowly looked me up and down, taking in my plain clothes, messy ponytail, and arms full of luggage. Her smile became almost sympathetic.

"I didn't realize Alpha Academy accepted personal assistants now."

I frowned thoughtfully before looking over my shoulder. Then, behind the nearby tree. Then toward the registration tables. Susan folded her arms. "What are you doing?"

"I'm looking."

"For what?" She asked, annoyed.

"The personal assistant," I said.

A boy standing nearby failed to hide his laugh. Another student covered her mouth.

Susan blinked twice. Realization finally dawned. "You think you're funny?"

"I think I'm surviving."

Vanessa stepped between us before the conversation could continue. "Bellona."

Her voice remained calm. Too calm. "Go wait near registration."

Translation.... Disappear.

"With pleasure." I offered both girls a bright smile before lifting the suitcases again. "My fan club is getting overwhelming." As I walked away, I could practically feel Vanessa glaring holes into the back of my head.

I didn't look back. Some battles weren't worth fighting. Others...

Were much more fun if you smiled first.