Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Edyth Hart POV

Did I take everything?

I checked my bag for the fifth time. Student ID, admission letter, laptop, medical notes, wallet. Everything was there. So why did it feel like I had forgotten something?

With a sigh, I zipped my bag shut and adjusted the strap on my shoulder. "Relax, Edyth," I muttered under my breath.

Maybe I was freaking out because this was a big day for me, a brand new chapter opening in my life.

I looked ahead nervously. Every student walking through the campus carried the scent of power. Alphas, Betas, future pack leaders. Their wolves prowled proudly beneath their skin.

But mine was silent. Because I was not a future Alpha or Luna like most of them, I wasn't the daughter of a powerful pack leader or a wealthy noble family. I was just an orphan who against all odds had earned the right to stand before the gates of Briarwood University somehow.

The most prestigious academy in the kingdom.

It was a centuries-old institution that had produced legendary healers, Alpha heirs, scholars, athletes and leaders whose names were known throughout the werewolf world.

And I got through here with a scholarship program. I tightened my grip on the acceptance letter in my hand when suddenly whispers followed me through the crowd.

"That's her…!"

"The infamous wolfless girl?"

"Why was she accepted?"

Heat crawled up my neck, but I kept walking. Yes I was that infamous wolfless werewolf healer who had spent eighteen years waiting for a wolf that never came.

In a world where one's wolf determined their worth, I was considered defective.

"Seriously a wolfless one? What was Briarwood even thinking when recruiting someone like her?"

"I bet she has some connections here, otherwise why would a werewolf like her be here?"

Great! I was the center of attention already. So much for being invisible.

I tightened my grip on my bag strap and kept walking.

"Miss Hart! Here!" A sound ripped through the hallway making me turn towards it.

And I found an academy attendant in a dark blue uniform was hurrying toward me. "Miss Hart, Principal Alden has requested your presence."

My eyes widened. "The Principal?"

"Yes."

My stomach instantly twisted into knots. Principal? Why would someone like him want to see me?

"Is... is there a problem?" I asked cautiously.

The attendant shook his head. "I'm not aware of the details, Miss Hart. I was simply instructed to escort you to his office as soon as you arrived."

Around us, nearby students had already started staring. Of course they had. Nothing attracted attention faster than a personal summons from the Principal on the very first day.

As soon as I entered the principal's office, the Principal let out a beam of smile, "Miss Edyth Hart! Please come in!"

A lump formed in my throat as I entered. "Sir, you called for me?"

"Miss Hart, it is an honor to welcome you to Briarwood University. Your thesis on regenerative moonflower compounds was exceptional. Several of our professors spent weeks discussing your findings. I'm so happy that I finally got to meet you in person!"

My cheeks burned, "I only wanted to improve healing potions, sir."

"And you did. At such young age, you've already produced research that many professional healers would be proud to publish. Which is why the academy has decided not to place you in the first year."

My eyes widened. "What?"

"Based on your examination scores, research achievements, and practical potion making abilities, you are too smart to join 1st year and start from basics, so you are going to be directly promoted to the 4th year internship program!"

For a moment, I thought I had misheard him.

"The 4th year?"

The Principal nodded. "Yes, you will be studying alongside our most advanced students."

The advanced student? The students had already spent years training at Briarwood…?

They were the academy's best healers, potion makers and researchers. And I was supposed to join them directly even being just 18 years old?

My mouth hung open and I was too stunned to speak.

The Principal raised an eyebrow. "Miss Hart? Do you not like the offer? You look concerned."

My cheeks immediately heated. "N-No, sir! I was just surprised. I-Im really honored that you think greatly about me," I said honestly. "Thank you for believing in me."

His expression softened. "You earned this position, Miss Hart. Never think otherwise."

Before I could respond, there was a knock on the door, taking me by surprise.

"Come in." The principal responded and the office door opened. I glanced toward it absentmindedly.

"Sir, you called for me." A deep, controlled male voice came after. A familiar in a way my body recognized before my mind dared to.

My fingers stopped moving. No way..!

"Yes, Nathan. Miss Edyth Hart has been accepted into the third year internship program. Since you are one of my top students, I'd like you to show her around the academy."

Shock flashed across his face as his dark eyes met mine.

"Edyth?"

The familiar voice sent a painful ache through my chest. It's Nathan Rowen. My ex boyfriend!!

Fuck my life. What is he doing here!?

The Principal glanced between us. "You two know each other?"

Panic immediately surged through me as Nathan's eyes trained on me dark and unreadable.

The answer came out far too quickly from my mouth. "No, sir, we don't." I do not want to associate with him in any fucking way.

A heavy silence settled over the room and I quickly avoided Nathan's eyes.

The last thing I wanted was for the Principal to know that the boy standing in front of me had once been the center of my world.

The Principal looked unconvinced but said nothing. "Very well."

He turned toward Nathan. "As I was saying, Miss Hart has been accepted directly into the 4th year internship program. I'd like you to show her around the academy and help her settle in."

My stomach dropped. What!? No!! I'm not going with him!

"S-Sir, that won't be necessary. I don't want to trouble anyone. I'm sure I can find my way around by myself."

The Principal opened his mouth to respond.

"I'll take her."Nathan's voice cut through the room. I froze.

Slowly, I turned toward him. His expression was unreadable. The same cold, composed face I remembered from years ago.

"It isn't a problem, sir," he continued. "I'll show her around."

My fingers curled into fists. Why?

Why is he showing interest in me now? After ignoring me for years, why would he care to volunteer?

The Principal oblivious to the tension brewing between us smiled in satisfaction."Excellent! Then please go ahead."

I glared at Nathan as I felt anything but satisfied.

The moment the meeting ended, I knew I would be forced to spend the next several hours alone with the last person I ever wanted to see again.

Nathan held the office door open for me.

His dark eyes met mine, cold and unreadable. "Shall we?"