Hope
My favorite part of today's lecture is the history of werewolves.
Not just because it's fascinating, but because it gives me a break from the awkward stares and judgmental whispers that have been following me around since morning. For once, everyone's actually paying attention to something other than me.
Professor Aden's voice carries a sort of reverence as he talks about the first known packs, their alpha bonds, and the brutal wars that shape modern territories.
"The Moon's Blessing," he says, "was once a gift granted to only a chosen few—those deemed worthy by the ancient werewolf spirits. Now, it lies dormant in many, awakened only by pain, trauma… or fate."
I jot that down quickly. It's really interesting, satisfying my curiosity. It's the kind of thing that makes your skin tingle with wonder.
Kaleb's sleeping quietly. He spends the first half of the lecture watching me instead of the board. I pretend not to notice.
