Moonlit Awakening

inated the center of the room. Behind it sat a man whose appearance was just as contradictory-white hair styled in a modern cut, weathere

his voice surprisingly warm as he stood

s's presence behind her, his disdain p

sure of the proper protocol. Was

ured to a chair opposite his desk.

ghtly. "As you wish, Headmaster." He shot Maya a look that cl

His family has... traditional views about Bloodline purity. But he's one of o

d, finding her voice, "he doesn't see

u both have something to learn from each other." His expression grew serious. "N

moving to her side where the bite

transformation occurs during the full moon following infection. For it to hap

who it was?

The attack occurred near our territory, which is concerning. Ro

I was targeted specifical

er device that resembled a pocket watch. "This is a moon dial. It will help you track the lu

displayed not only the current phase of the moon but various measurements

lly important for the newly Turned, who haven't yet dev

s everything. "Sir, the handbook mentioned classes. Will

You'll continue your human studies alongside specialized courses in Lycanthropic H

will focus heavily on control training with Mr. Gray. The

indeed regular academic classes interspersed with the werewolf-spec

oming grave. "That pendant you're wearing-I'd

's crescent moon necklace. "Why? It

be... problematic during transformation. More importantly, some of our students from the ol

in the small zippered pocket of her backpack. It felt

n. Classes start tomorrow." He extended his hand, and Maya shook it, surprised by the strength of hi

-

his phone with obvious boredom. When Maya emerged, he straight

tered. "Let's get

dieval architecture and modern amenities. Ancient tapestries hung beside state-of-the-art digital displays showing anno

e staring?" she

ster. Triple threat of gossip potential." He glanced sideways at he

led. "I'm

head. His eyes flashed amber as he leaned in, inhaling deeply near her neck. "Your heart is racing. Your pulse are dilated. Your b

mething wild and defiant-pushed back. Before she could think, she found

ced it. "Interesting. Maybe there's hope for you yet." He stepped away casuall

rn three-story structure. Unlike the imposing stone of the main aca

ately?" Maya asked, trying to kee

nding bored again. "Newly Turned have less control. Putting you

ay from the precious Blo

odline families have spent centuries perfecting control and building th

curly red hair and freckles bounded out. Her smile was so genuine it t

Emma Rossi, your roommate!" She turned to Luc

roommate doesn't destroy the furniture during her nex

inked her arm through Maya's. "Come on, I'll sho

hours. Don't be late, Bennett." Without wait

eerful?" Maya asked a

ma explained. "His family goes back twelve generations of

common area featuring couches, study tables, and a kitchenette.

s they climbed the stairs. "There are twenty-four of us tota

is 'discouraged'?" Maya

ous offense. Most of us here either had medical reasons-turning to save ou

th two beds, desks, and wardrobes. Large windows overlooked a forested area behind the dormitory. One side of t

room is through there-we share with the room nex

tuation finally hitting her full force. "This

wreck when I first got here last spring. Car accident-would have died if a werewolf EMT h

sked. "Leaving everything behind?

ut after that, you start to gain control." She squeezed Maya's shoulder. "Plus, not everyone here is l

expected friendship. "I should u

's rough. But hey, at least you'll learn from the best. Arrogant

er grandmother's necklace. Despite Blackwood's warning, she felt a strange compulsio

g to distract herself from the anxiety building inside her. "The han

or exposure incident was in the 1600s, and it led to the European werewolf purges." She shuddered. "They teach us all

is for protect

, we're pretty terrifying when transformed." She glanced at the clock. "Speaking of which, you sh

-and followed her directions to the training field. As she walked, she tried to process everything that had happened in the past twent

ologically? Was it a virus? Genetic manipulation? What were the limits of healing and strength? And

on three sides. In the center stood Lucas Gray, arms crossed, waiting. And for

lt det

. She would observe, analyze, and adapt-just as she'd always done. Being Turne

r shoulders and walked onto