Theron's towering presence shadowed her as she stepped toward the entrance of Wolfe College. The building itself loomed large, tall stone walls etched with ancient markings, a reminder that this wasn't an ordinary school.
Before she could fully take it in, a tall man in a crisp suit rushed out to meet her. His hair was graying at the temples, and his spectacles glimmered as he bowed slightly.
"Luna Leora," he greeted with a warm but slightly nervous smile. "Welcome. My name is Principal Lycus , the head of Wolf College."
Leora gave a small nod. "Good morning, Principal."
"I hope the ride here was pleasant?" he asked, already gesturing for her to follow.
"It was… quiet," she replied, stealing a glance at Theron, who trailed behind them in silence.
Lycus cleared his throat. "Well then, if you'll allow me, I'd like to give you a brief tour of the academy before your first class. It is tradition, after all."
Leora followed as he guided her across the school hallway, filled with groups of students who whispered and stared at her as she passed.
"This," Lycus said, gesturing toward a grand hall with golden doors, "is the Assembly Hall, where major announcements, trials, and ceremonies are held. Only the bravest step forward here."
He led her further down the stone corridors, pointing to the library — its doors etched with silver runes — then to the sparring grounds outside, where students trained in wolf combat under the watchful eyes of instructors.
Finally, they stopped at a large double door. "And this," Lycus said with a bow, "is where your first class will be held. It is a course all wolves and future leaders must take: the traditions and rules of the Wolf Kingdom. It may not sound as thrilling as combat, but knowledge is power, especially for one in your position."
Leora smiled faintly. "Thank you, Principal. I'll manage."
He opened the door for her. Immediately, every head in the classroom turned.
"Everyone this is the Luna" Principal Lycus said.
The air shifted. Whispers, gasps. Some students rose half out of their seats just to get a better look.
"Welcome Luna" the class echoed, bowing.
"Good day Luna Leora,we are honoured to have you here. I hope you had a great night" the class teacher said bowing.
"Yes, of course" Leora managed to say, her lips forming a thin line.
"Wonderful, please have a seat" the teacher stretched her hand towards an empty seat at the middle of the classroom.
Leora swallowed and forced herself to walk calmly down the aisle. She slid into the empty seat beside a girl with sharp eyes and long braids. The girl gave her a small, encouraging smile.
"I'm Nyra," she whispered.
"Leora," she whispered back, returning the smile. Something about Nyra's expression told her she had just found the first genuine face in this sea of strangers.
The class began, the teacher launching into an explanation of the sacred Wolf Code and the works of each grads of Wolf. Leora kept her head down, scribbling notes diligently, determined to look like she belonged.
But the moment the teacher left, it all fell apart.
"Luna, may I touch your hair?"
"Wow, even your clothes look different."
"Do you already have your wolf? Can you show us?"
"What are your abilities? Is it true the Moon Goddess speaks to you?"
Leora's desk was instantly crowded. Dozens of hands reached toward her, faces filled with awe and curiosity. She forced a smile, answering vaguely, dodging their questions without actually lying. Her heart pounded, but she kept her mask on.
And then — silence fell.
The crowd parted as six students strode forward with undeniable authority — three boys and three girls, their confidence filling the room. Their uniforms were immaculate, their postures perfect. Everyone else stepped aside instinctively.
When the six stepped forward, Leora noticed they weren't just confident — they carried themselves like they already owned the room.
The girl at the center smirked, her dark eyes sharp as a blade. "Luna Leora, it's an honor." She tilted her head. "We are the Elite Wolf Group."
Leora blinked. "Elite Wolf Group?"
The girl in front — tall, sleek black hair flowing behind her — introduced herself first.
"I'm Akira," she said smoothly, her lips curved in a smirk. "Leader of the Elite Wolf Group. My pack is second only to the Alpha's, so I'm used to giving orders."
To her right, a boy with ash gray hair leaned casually against a desk, his grin mischievous.
"Call me Jarek. Fastest runner in the kingdom. Fastest talker too, if you ask anyone. Bet you've heard of me, Luna?"
Another girl, with fiery red curls and narrowed eyes, crossed her arms tightly.
"I'm Kaelen. I don't waste words, so I'll keep it simple — I'll be an elder someday, whether anyone likes it or not."
The tallest boy stepped forward then, his build broad like a warrior. His expression was calm, almost too calm.
"I'm Zev," he said quietly, but his deep voice carried authority. "My strength speaks for me."
Beside him, a girl with blue-streaked hair gave Leora a sweet smile, but her eyes gleamed with something sharper.
"Nyelle," she said, her tone honeyed. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Luna. I'm sure we'll get along beautifully… as long as you stay in your place."
Last was a boy with sandy blonde hair and cold, calculating eyes. He said nothing at first, letting the silence drag until it became uncomfortable. Then, finally, he spoke.
"Caius," he said flatly. "Remember the name. You'll be hearing it again."
The others chuckled as if his arrogance was expected.
"An association of future rulers. All six of us are betas of our packs. And, well, it wouldn't be bad to have the Luna as our leader." Kaelen said.
She said it like an invitation, but the weight behind his words pressed heavily on Leora's chest.
She straightened her back and gave them a polite smile. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline."
Akira's smirk only deepened. "Oh, we thought you might say that." She leaned closer, her voice dropping just enough for everyone nearby to hear. "You see, we're not just betas. We're the ones who will become the next elders. And if, for any reason, you don't successfully step into your role as Luna…"
Jarek finished for her, his grin sharp. "…then one of us will have to take your place. It's how the kingdom survives."
Leora's stomach dropped, but she forced her face into calm neutrality.
Zev smirk turned into a knowing grin. "No pressure, Luna. Just thought you should know."
Akira folded her arms. " And while it would be an honor to have you lead us, Luna, we won't be waiting forever."
They walked away, leaving the rest of the class buzzing with whispers.
Leora sat frozen in her seat, her hands trembling under the desk where no one could see. So there are people ready to replace me… if I fail.
Her throat tightened, but she hid it behind a cool smile.
And then the door swung open.
Theron entered. His presence silenced the entire room in an instant. His gaze swept across the students like a blade, cold and unyielding.
"Back to your seats," he commanded, his voice low but firm.
Every student scrambled back, not daring to meet his eyes. The classroom was restored to order in seconds.
But Leora's chest was still tight, her fear from the elites' words twisting inside her.
She turned to Theron, her voice sharper than she intended. "Get out. I don't need you in my classroom."
The class gasped softly.
Theron bowed slightly, his face unreadable. Without protest, he turned and stepped outside, closing the door behind him.
Leora let out a shaky breath, pretending her anger was real. But deep down, she knew the truth. She wasn't angry at Theron.
She was scared.
Scared that the wolves who had just threatened her might be right.