Semua Bab Star-Crossed Wolves: Silver Moon Rising: Bab 51 - Bab 60

After dinner, Otto was walking back to Northwind Hall with a lightness in his step that he hadn't felt since arriving at Moonrise Academy. The successful pack coordination exercise, combined with Desi's public support and the genuine friendships he seemed to be developing, had given him hope that maybe he could find his place among the supernatural elite after all.He was so absorbed in reflecting on the day's positive developments that he almost didn't notice the figure stepping out of the shadows near the dormitory entrance."Otto Moorland?"The voice was cultured, warm, with the kind of natural charisma that made people instinctively trust the speaker. Otto turned to see Ian Greco approaching with a perfectly calibrated smile—friendly but not overwhelming, interested but not intrusive."Yes?" Otto adjusted his glasses nervously, recognizing Ian from orientation as the son of one of the most powerful supernatural political families in North America."Ian Greco. I don't think we've b

That evening, Desi found herself drawn to the academy's library—a massive Gothic structure that seemed to contain every book ever written about supernatural politics, pack management, and territorial law. She'd always found comfort in libraries, places where knowledge was valued above social status and intellectual curiosity was encouraged regardless of family background or pack designation.She was deep in research about historical approaches to pack hierarchy reform when she noticed a familiar figure hunched over a table in one of the library's quieter alcoves.Otto Moorland sat surrounded by stacks of books on conflict resolution and diplomatic theory, his wire-frame glasses reflecting the warm light from the reading lamps as he took careful notes in precise handwriting. He looked completely absorbed in his research, the kind of focused intellectual engagement that Desi had always found attractive in people regardless of their pack status or social connections."Mind if I join you?

That afternoon, Desi was studying alone in one of the library's quieter sections when a familiar voice interrupted her concentration."Miss Whitmore? I hope I'm not disturbing your research."She looked up to find Ian Greco approaching with the kind of polished charm that had probably been perfected through years of political family training. His smile was warm, engaging, and made her instinctively wary in ways she couldn't quite articulate."Not at all. What can I help you with?""Actually, I was hoping I might be able to help you." Ian settled into the chair across from her with fluid grace, his presence commanding attention without seeming demanding. "I couldn't help noticing the... spirited discussion you had with some of your Beta peers this morning."Desi felt her shoulders tense. "Were you eavesdropping on a private conversation?""Nothing so intentional. I was simply walking past when I overheard raised voices and recognized your distinctive advocacy style." Ian's laugh was pr

From her window perch, Miranda watched as the late-arriving student was processed through what was clearly a disciplinary intake rather than normal academy enrollment. Instead of being taken to dormitory buildings or administrative offices, the black sedan's passenger was escorted directly to the academy's disciplinary building—a stern Gothic structure that housed detention facilities and administrative punishment.Through the ancient glass of her cottage window, Miranda could see the young man's profile as he was led up the stone steps. His expression was controlled, dignified, but she could sense the emotional storm beneath his carefully maintained composure. Whatever had brought him to Moonrise Academy under security escort, it hadn't been his choice."Miranda?" Her father appeared behind her with the silent footsteps that had made him legendary during his political career. "What are you watching so intently?""The new student you mentioned. The one requiring special handling." She

 Ferdinand King was nothing like what Miranda had expected from a student requiring disciplinary custody and security escorts. Sitting on the fallen log that served as her favorite forest reading spot, he radiated the kind of natural nobility that spoke to genuine character rather than inherited privilege, despite his obvious aristocratic breeding."Your father was right to be concerned about students with complicated political situations," he said as they waited for the disciplinary officers to return with administrative clarification about groundskeeper jurisdictional authority. "My presence at Moonrise Academy represents exactly the kind of dangerous situation that puts innocent people at risk.""What kind of dangerous situation?""The kind that occurs when crown princes refuse to execute prisoners for their fathers' political entertainment." Ferdinand's voice was matter-of-fact, but Miranda could see the pain underlying his casual description of