SELENA
The moment I stepped onto Lycanwood Academy's grounds, I knew my life had just taken a dangerous turn. A shiver ran down my spine, not from the crisp mountain air but from the weight of the unknown pressing down on me. My suitcase dragged behind me, its wheels grating against the cobblestone path, mirroring the anxiety curling in my stomach.
The stares came first—piercing, judgmental, and laced with curiosity. Then came the whispers, hushed but unmistakable. I didn't belong here, and they knew it.
I kept my chin high, ignoring the dread clawing at my chest. I had begged Alpha Kingsley not to send me. I had pleaded. But his decision was final. Now, I was at the mercy of a brother I had never met. Did I expect Stephen to welcome me with open arms? Call me his sister? The thought was laughable.
A tap on my shoulder made me jolt.
"Ma'am, this way."
A young staff member stood before me, her face neutral, though something in her eyes flickered with sympathy.
I inhaled sharply, pushing aside my fears. What if Stephen had already poisoned their minds against me? What if they had orders to make my life miserable? My fingers tightened around my suitcase handle as I followed her through the towering double doors.
The principal's office smelled of parchment and lavender. Behind a grand oak desk sat a woman with silver-rimmed glasses, her gaze assessing.
"Selena, I presume?" Her voice was smooth, yet there was an edge to it.
"Yes, ma'am," I answered, my voice steady despite my unease.
She gestured to the chair opposite her. "Sit."
I obeyed, exhaling softly. Maybe she wouldn't be as bad as I feared.
"I'm Delilah, the principal here at Lycanwood Academy." Her lips curled into a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Alpha Kingsley informed me of your arrival. It's an honor to have you."
For a fleeting moment, relief eased the tightness in my chest. But then her expression darkened.
"Before you get too comfortable, there are rules you must understand."
She leaned forward, her gaze sharp. "We do not tolerate troublemakers. You may be the Alpha's daughter, but there will be no special treatment."
I nodded, my throat dry.
"Your brother, Stephen, is the academy's head," she continued. "He doesn't like visitors in his office. That includes you."
I flinched at the finality in her tone.
"And most importantly," she said, her voice lowering to a near whisper, "your identity must remain a secret. No one can know who you really are."
The weight of her words settled over me like a thick fog.
"Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," I murmured.
Just like that, the pleasant smile returned, as if she hadn't just threatened me. "Good. A staff member will show you around."
As I stepped out, my escort—whom I now realized had been waiting the whole time—gave me a sly look.
"Scared, huh?" she teased.
I forced a small smile. "A little."
She chuckled. "Don't be. Mrs. Delilah is all bark, no bite."
I wasn't convinced.
We walked through winding hallways, the scent of pine and old stone filling the air. The chandeliers above cast flickering light, making the shadows dance along the walls.
"First stop—the dining hall," my guide announced, pushing open heavy wooden doors.
I stepped inside and froze. The place was massive. Long tables stretched endlessly, polished floors reflecting the golden candlelight. The rich scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air.
"Impressive, right?" she said with a grin.
I nodded, still taking it all in. But my gaze snagged on a large portrait hanging on the far wall, and my breath caught in my throat.
Stephen.
Even though I had never met him, I knew it was him. His silver eyes were sharp and assessing, his jaw strong, dark hair slightly tousled. Cold. Untouchable. Dangerous.
"He's handsome, huh?" my guide whispered, smirking.
I snapped out of my daze. "W-what?"
"Stephen." She wiggled her brows. "Half the girls here are obsessed with him."
If only she knew the truth.
"Let's go before his girlfriend sees us," she added suddenly.
I stiffened. "His… girlfriend?"
She grimaced. "Yeah. Trust me, you don't want to get on her bad side."
"Dangerous?" I asked.
She let out a humorless laugh. "That's an understatement."
Great. As if I didn't have enough to worry about.
By the time we reached the training hall, my nerves were shot. The air buzzed with energy as students sparred, their movements precise. The sounds of punches and footwork filled the space.
"This is the training hall," my guide said.
Oddly, I felt more at ease here. I had trained my whole life, preparing for the day I might have to face Stephen.
Then I saw it. Another portrait.
Stephen. Again.
His gaze, even from a painting, seemed to pin me in place. My stomach churned.
"You okay?" my guide asked.
"Yeah," I lied.
I needed to stay invisible. No trouble. No attention. And definitely no run-ins with Stephen.
Because if he ever found out who I really was…
I wasn't sure I'd make it out alive.
"Can we leave now?" I asked, my voice unsteady.
She smirked. "Scared of training?"
"No," I said quickly. "I just… don't want to be here right now."
She studied me before nodding. "Alright, let's go to your room."
The dormitory was just as grand as the rest of the academy. My guide handed me a key, unlocking the door. The room was elegant—dark oak furniture, a four-poster bed draped in deep blue fabric, a large window overlooking the sprawling academy grounds.
I turned to her. "You mentioned Stephen's girlfriend earlier. How dangerous is she?"
Her face darkened. "Let's just say… if you cross her, you won't live to regret it."
I let out a slow breath.
Three years. I had to survive here for three years.
I had to stay in the shadows, invisible.
But as I stared out into the night, I couldn't shake the feeling that no matter how much I hid—
Stephen would find me. And when he did…
I had no idea what would happen next.