Chapter 2
Ember's POV
Two weeks.
I sat in the library, mindlessly scribbling on paper while my eyes stayed glued to that familiar figure across the room.
This place didn't care about bloodlines or family status. All werewolves were treated as equals. That's exactly why a lot of elite wolves chose to study here—to experience campus life without the weight of their identities.
But Aspen was still the exception.
Even in this so-called equal paradise, he remained a lone wolf, cold as ice.
"Need help with that?" I walked over to his table for what felt like the millionth time, clutching a textbook. "I actually know how to solve this problem."
Aspen looked up, those dark eyes meeting mine. My heart went into overdrive again.
"No thanks," he said, voice still flat, but I noticed he didn't immediately look away.
This was attempt number fifteen in two weeks.
From cafeteria "coincidences" to helpful classroom moments to library "study sessions"—I'd basically memorized his entire schedule and daily routine.
"Okay." I smiled and turned to leave, but caught something in my peripheral vision.
He was watching me.
Just as I turned around, I saw his gaze following me before quickly looking away. That little moment of stolen attention sent my heart soaring.
He wasn't completely ignoring me!
Lily said I'd lost my mind, but I didn't care.
The autumn dance music echoed through the main hall.
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at myself in the blue evening dress. I'd blown a month's allowance on this dress, all for tonight.
"Are you sure about this?" Lily asked, worry written all over her face.
"Absolutely." I took a deep breath, my palms sweaty as hell. "Two weeks of dropping hints and I got nowhere. Time to be direct."
Moonlight Academy's dances were always spectacular. Students from every grade showed up. Sparkling lights, beautiful music—like stepping into a fairy tale.
I scanned the crowd and quickly spotted my target.
Aspen stood in his usual corner, dressed in a black suit, still radiating that stay-away vibe. But tonight, he couldn't escape.
I walked toward him step by step, feeling like my heart might actually burst. People around me started noticing where I was headed, whispers trailing behind me.
"What's she doing?"
"Isn't that Aspen?"
"She's not going to..."
I stopped right in front of him, looking up into those deep eyes. The dance lights cast shadows across his face, making him look even more mysterious.
"Aspen." My voice was shaking, but every word came out clear. "I like you."
The room went dead silent.
The music kept playing, but it felt like the entire world held its breath. Aspen's eyes widened, shock flashing across his face.
"I just want a college romance," I continued, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Will you give me that chance?"
He stared at me, emotions swirling in his eyes that I couldn't begin to read. Surprise, hesitation, and something else entirely.
Those few seconds felt like centuries.
"I..." His voice came out rough. "Sorry, we're not compatible."
Those words hit me like ice water.
My cheeks burned—embarrassment or anger, I couldn't tell. The whispers around us got louder. I could feel countless eyes boring into me.
"Got it." I forced a smile and turned away.
Humiliating. Absolutely humiliating.
I pushed through the crowd and rushed out of the hall, tears threatening to spill.
The campus was quiet at midnight.
I sat on the steps outside my dorm, hugging my knees, staring at the dim streetlights in the distance. The autumn night air was chilly, but I couldn't face my roommates' concerned looks just yet.
Maybe Lily was right. Maybe I really had lost it.
What kind of person gets publicly rejected and still thinks there's hope? I was completely delusional.
"Why are you out here alone?"
A familiar voice came from behind me. I whipped around to see Aspen walking toward me.
What was he doing here?
"How did you..." I was too shocked to form a complete sentence.
He sat down beside me, keeping some distance but close enough that I could smell that distinctive mint and cedar scent.
"I've been thinking," his voice sounded gentler in the night breeze. "Maybe we could try."
What?!
I thought I'd misheard, spinning to face him. The yellow streetlight softened his sharp features.
"Really?" My voice came out tiny.
He nodded, but something complex flickered in his eyes.
"But there are conditions." He paused. "Only on campus. Only until graduation. No long-term plans."
I didn't care!
"One year is enough!" I was so excited I nearly jumped up. "I'm not asking for more! Really!"
He watched my reaction, and his mouth actually curved up slightly. First time I'd ever seen him smile, even just a little.
"Then..." He held out his hand. "Let's try dating, starting tomorrow."
I stared at his outstretched hand, my heart hammering even harder. The moment I placed my hand in his, this strange warmth flowed from his palm into mine.
What was this feeling?
Like electricity running through my body, warm and intense. My entire wolf soul trembled, but not from fear—from some kind of deep recognition.
"Good night, Ember." His voice was softer than I'd ever heard it.
"Good night..." I was blushing so hard I felt like I might combust. "My boyfriend."
He chuckled quietly and stood to leave.
I sat on those steps, watching his figure disappear into the darkness, looking down at my hand. That strange warmth was still there, like his touch had left a permanent mark.
Why did it feel like that?
In Moonlight Academy's equal environment, we were just regular students. But that connection, that soul-deep recognition—that wasn't normal.
Was this really just a simple college romance?
I hugged my arms tight, feeling confused and excited in ways I'd never experienced.
Whatever. I finally had a boyfriend!
