The morning unfolded with a series of sensations that danced through my senses. I awoke with a slight wave of nausea clinging to me, a reminder that my stomach was on a quest for sustenance. Simultaneously, hunger growled within, signaling the need for fuel. Today was the pivotal day that had long hovered on the horizon—a day that carried with it the promise of transformation. It marked my entrance into the renowned Elite High School, a place rumored to hold the power to redefine destinies for the better.
In the quiet of my room, a familiar melody pierced the stillness. The opening strains of "Save Me" by BTS spilled from my lips as if on impulse, the lyrics capturing the unspoken emotions that swirled within me. Music had always been my sanctuary, a faithful companion that offered solace when words failed.Drawn by the song's cadence, I embarked on the familiar ritual of awakening. My bathroom beckoned, offering a haven of purification and renewal. Shedding the constraints of clothing, I stepped into the sanctuary of the shower, the warm water cascading over me like a gentle embrace. I closed my eyes, allowing the sensation to wash away the lingering unease.Yet, amidst the soothing deluge, my thoughts persisted in wandering back to an enigmatic encounter from the day before. The memory of the guy who had offered to drop me home remained etched in my mind like an indelible ink stain. His lips, sensually parting, and that sly, self-assured smirk played on a loop in my thoughts, an enigmatic puzzle I couldn't help but unravel.An unexpected slap against my cheek snapped me from my reverie, my own hand meting out the punishment as if to chastise my wandering mind. "What's wrong with me?" I muttered, the sting of the self-inflicted blows a stark reminder that I needed to regain control over my thoughts.Though I was relieved that I wouldn't be encountering the enigmatic stranger again, a nagging question persisted: What were the odds of our paths crossing on this momentous day? "Zero," I declared with newfound determination, shoving aside the relentless stream of conjecture to concentrate on the practical task at hand—washing my hair.Minutes slid by, each drop of water a salve for the tumultuous thoughts that had plagued me. Eventually, I emerged from my personal sanctuary, my body feeling refreshed and renewed. Inspired by the significance of the day, I decided to break away from the mundane and embark on a mini beauty transformation. My hair, habitually tamed in a bun, underwent a metamorphosis. Armed with a straightener and a curling iron, I coaxed my locks into a new, captivating style.The allure of change held me captive. This was my opportunity for a fresh start, symbolized by the metamorphosis of my appearance. Today was about a new school and a new look to match.With preparations concluded, I descended the staircase, my anticipation mounting. What awaited me in the heart of the house was a delightful surprise. My father stood near the dining table, and a veritable feast encircled him, a bountiful spread that rivaled the offerings of a five-star breakfast buffet."Oh my goodness, Father!" I couldn't contain my excitement, dashing towards him with an effervescent smile illuminating my face."Good morning, my beautiful daughter," he greeted me, his eyes mirroring my infectious enthusiasm."Good morning, Father. I see you've outdone yourself with breakfast," I remarked, my gaze fixated on the tantalizing pancakes glistening with cascading maple syrup, a sight that summoned irresistible temptation.Unable to resist, I scooped a dollop of whipped cream onto my finger, savoring its sugary sweetness. "Delicious," I declared, nodding in approval."Shall we have breakfast?" My father suggested, taking his seat at the table. I joined him eagerly, the anticipation of this morning feast palpable.I seized a pancake, the sensation of each bite an exquisite delight. "This is truly amazing," I complimented my father's culinary prowess, earning a warm smile in response."Is it that good?" My father chuckled, finding amusement in my unbridled enthusiasm."Yes, it's absolutely divine," I mumbled, my words almost unintelligible with a mouthful of food. My father, ever the vigilant parent, gently admonished me to refrain from talking with my mouth full.Complying with a slow nod, I redirected my focus to the bacon on my plate. With deft precision, I skewered a strip and savored the smoky, savory flavor. Moments later, our breakfast was concluded, and I gathered the dishes, prepared to tackle the task of washing them.Yet, even in the midst of this ordinary chore, my father, attuned to every nuance of my being, intervened with an inquisitive glance. "Are you forgetting something?" he inquired, his gaze tinged with curiosity and mild amusement.My confusion deepened as I struggled to decipher his enigmatic remark. "What are you talking about, Father?" I questioned, bewildered by his cryptic statement.A subtle shift in his demeanor hinted at the underlying sentiment. "Today marks your inaugural day at your new school, and you're contemplating tardiness?" His voice, tinged with exasperation, conveyed the unmistakable undertone of a father's concern.It was then that the realization hit me like a lightning bolt. The prospect of attending a new school had momentarily slipped my mind in the whirlwind of morning rituals. A familiar unease gnawed at me—I had always detested new environments and the prospect of encountering unfamiliar faces."Do I really have to go?" I whimpered, clinging to the last vestiges of hope that I could somehow escape this intimidating transition.In response, my father, drawing upon his supernatural strength, seized the collar of my uniform and effortlessly lifted me off the ground. My legs flailed helplessly in mid-air as I dangled there, akin to a marionette in the grasp of its puppeteer."Father, what on earth are you doing? Put me down!" I implored, my legs kicking aimlessly.With a swift motion, my father flung the door wide open, and I found myself expelled into the world. By some stroke of luck, I managed to land gracefully on my feet, determined not to sully the pristine condition of my beautiful uniform."Father, you could have injured me!" I scolded him from outside the house.He responded with an unsettling nonchalance. "Well, I'm delighted you remain unscathed, and it appears you've learned how to land on your feet when subjected to the whims of the elite." His words elicited a frown, for how could he jest about tossing me into the air as he had?"Father…" I began, intending to convey my grievances, but he abruptly ended the conversation by tossing my school bag in my direction. Instinctively, I sprang into action, catching it with remarkable agility."Most impressive," he acknowledged, flashing me a proud smile before sealing the door shut, leaving me fuming on the doorstep.I trudged toward the bus stop, my footsteps heavy with frustration and reluctance. It was there, amidst a sea of fellow commuters, that a realization struck me with the force of a revelation. I had failed to acquire the essential knowledge I needed: the school's address. As minutes ticked away, my unease swelled like a looming storm. I was adrift in an unfamiliar sea, and the looming presence of Elite High School remained an enigmatic destination, tantalizing yet elusive.While I stood at the bus stop, waiting for a lifeline to my destination, I became acutely aware of the scrutiny surrounding me. Whispers and sidelong glances painted me as an unwitting focal point of curiosity. My appearance, perhaps a reflection of my newfound determination for change, had evidently drawn more attention than I anticipated. Though accustomed to second glances, this level of attention felt different—a mixture of fascination and surprise."What?" I sneered defiantly at a girl nearby, who had been unabashedly staring. Caught in the act, she lowered her gaze, her cheeks tinted with a hint of embarrassment, and offered a quick apology before retreating. The peculiar exchange left me perplexed, wondering what had prompted her to apologize.As I pondered the bizarre social dynamics unfolding around me, the need for immediate action became undeniable. It was clear that I couldn't rely on the bus to lead me to my destination without knowing where that destination was. I fumbled for my phone, intent on calling my father to request the crucial address.However, just as my fingers grazed the screen, fate intervened with startling swiftness. A car screeched to an abrupt halt in front of me, causing me to stumble back in alarm, fearing an imminent collision. "What the hell?" I exclaimed, my heart pounding with adrenaline as I grappled with the sheer audacity of the driver's reckless maneuver.The window of the car slid down with a hiss, revealing the identity of the driver—an enigma that had, until now, occupied my thoughts. It was him—the same enigmatic guy who had dropped me home the previous day. My mouth hung open in astonishment at this unexpected turn of events."You!" I exclaimed, the word escaping my lips as I was totally shocked.The face behind the wheel belonged to none other than the enigmatic guy who had dropped me off the previous day. Surprise and disbelief washed over me as I gawked at him.He flashed a mischievous grin, his lips curving in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. "Fancy meeting you here," he quipped, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made me uneasy.I managed to collect my wits, though my heart still raced. "What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice laced with a mix of irritation and curiosity.He shrugged casually, as if this encounter was entirely ordinary. "Just thought I'd give you a lift to school," he replied, his tone nonchalant.I crossed my arms, skeptical of his intentions. "Why would you do that? We barely know each other."He leaned closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Maybe I want to get to know you better," he suggested, his voice low and seductive.My heart fluttered despite my reservations. This guy was undeniably attractive, and his sudden interest
I turned around, and to my surprise, a girl was staring at me strangely, as though I were an intruder or something. Her gaze quickly shifted from my face to my uniform, and her weird stares were immediately replaced with a warm smile."You must be the new transfer student. Nice to meet you. I'm Alarina, the head girl of the school," she introduced herself, extending her hand for me to shake.I was about to shake her hand when I noticed her claws had sprung out, sharp and menacing. I instinctively withdrew my hand, causing her to look at her fingers."Oh, I'm sorry. Sometimes these claws have a mind of their own," she chuckled, wiggling her hands. Instantly, the claws retracted, and her fingers returned to normal.I couldn't help but let out a nervous cough; I felt incredibly uncomfortable. I didn't know what to say or do. Alarina noticed my unease and placed her hand on my shoulder, leading me along the hallway."By the way, what rank are you?" Alarina's sudden question made my heart
I desperately wanted to escape the chaotic scene unfolding before me, but a continuous stream of students passed by, some even bumping into me, further exacerbating my frustration.The students in the hallway had gathered into two distinct paths, leaving a narrow aisle in between."Hope you did her assignment," I overheard a girl beside me say, her voice trembling with fear."I didn't, Kira," the girl replied with a tone of distress. Kira, the one who had asked about the assignment, seemed deeply concerned."Oh my goodness, Sable, what were you thinking?" Kira exclaimed, trying to console her trembling friend.I couldn't help but think, "Are these girls even werewolves? They seem so fragile, crying over not completing someone else's assignment." I scoffed inwardly, mentally dismissing their behavior.The room buzzed with murmurs, but suddenly, a boy wearing the school's uniform rushed in from outside, catching everyone's attention."What's going on, Maxk? Are they coming?" a girl from
I was completely surprised when I noticed the guy standing behind Thalia. At that moment, I thought he was a stalker, but then I caught a glimpse of a uniform badge hidden beneath his big black jacket.Thalia, with a hint of anger in her voice, yanked her hand away from him and asked, "What do you think you're doing, Rolf?"Ignoring her question, he started walking towards me, which made me feel a bit nervous, especially since everyone's gaze was fixed on me."Oh my goodness, Rolf is so hot," I heard some girls whispering to each other while giggling. I couldn't help but agree with them because, indeed, he was incredibly attractive.Rolf stopped in front of me, his dark gaze locking onto mine, and I couldn't help but feel weak in the knees."What are you?" He suddenly asked, catching me off guard."Wh...at?" I stuttered, struggling to understand what he meant.Before Rolf could say anything else, the crowd erupted into screams of amazement, with some girls pointing towards the door as
The curious gazes of everyone in the room, including Rolf's, didn't bother me at all. What I had just uncovered left me in such a state of shock that I couldn't be bothered by their attention. The teacher, sensing my distraction, leaned in and asked, "Miss Ashley, is everything alright back there?" My lips were sealed, and I merely nodded in response.Rolf, a classmate who had recently become a friend, shifted his chair closer to mine and whispered with genuine concern, "Are you okay?" I appreciated his kindness, but at that moment, I wasn't ready to divulge my thoughts, so I fibbed, saying, "I'm good." Rolf noticed my unease and nodded understandingly before returning his chair to its original position.The revelation I had just stumbled upon was too incredible to ignore. The Thorian who had everyone in the school captivated by his presence was none other than the future king of our realm, the very person I had been reluctantly betrothed to. A sly smirk curled at the corner of my lip
I found myself at a crossroads in that room. My initial impulse was to leave, but my resolve crumbled as he tightened his grip on my hand, pulling me back towards him just as I was about to collide with his chest. I managed to halt myself, instinctively using my hand as a buffer."Ashley," Thorian's voice softly called out my name. The way he uttered it sent an unexpected shiver down my spine, a sensuous undertone making me weak at the knees. Part of me longed to hear him say it again, though I silently scolded myself for such thoughts."Oh my goodness, what's wrong with me?" I wondered inwardly, shaking my head as if to physically dispel the inappropriate thoughts I was having about Thorian."Do I know you?" I asked, feigning ignorance as I gently pushed him away. Deep down, I had always known he would be at this school, as he had been the underlying reason for my transfer. The excuse of being unable to transform into a wolf was merely a convenient cover.What truly caught me off gua
My heart raced as I caught sight of Thalia and her group of friends outside. Thalia, with her striking presence, was about to turn her gaze in my direction. Panic surged through me, and I instinctively slammed the door shut before hastily retreating to where Thorian was standing.His eyes bore into me, a mix of frustration and anger etched across his features. My main concern, however, was how loudly he had just yelled. I worried that Thalia might have heard our heated exchange."Will you please keep your voice down?" I whispered, attempting to calm him, but he wasn't having any of it."Didn't you hear me? I said get out!"In an attempt to silence him, I swiftly covered his mouth, causing his words to emerge muffled. With bated breath, I carefully peeked through the door's peephole, desperately scanning for any sign of Thalia.A sigh of relief escaped my lips when I couldn't spot her anywhere. I began to lower my guard when an inexplicable urge prompted me to glance to the left. My he
The icy smoothie that now drenched me sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. As I stood there, stunned and dripping, my gaze locked onto Fenrisa, who held the now-empty cup with an air of audacious triumph. Beside her, Thalia and Thalassa wore smug smiles, their mischievous glints echoing the audacity of the act.In that frozen moment, as cold liquid dripped from my hair and clothes, a whirlwind of emotions surged within me. Confusion, shock, and disbelief mingled with the deep chill that had seeped into my bones. Why had they done this? What had I done to deserve such an unwarranted, humiliating assault?The cafeteria had transformed from a haven of culinary delight into a scene of unexpected chaos. Students around us exchanged hushed whispers, their curious eyes darting between me, the culprits, and my now-vacant seat. Alarina, who had been taken aback by the sudden turn of events, finally broke her stunned silence."Ashley, are you okay?" she asked, genuine concern evident in he