Chapter 4 CHAPTER FOUR

ASHLEY POV

“This one won't find it easy…..” that was all I heard before I was pulled into a deep slumber again.

“Why does she keep waking up mid way… does her fat body demand more dose of ….” I was pulled back into another sleep.

“She should be awake… it's three days already” I heard another distant murmur.

“Normal wolves would.” another voice said

“Then what is she?”

Silence. “She is just a fat omega nothing more” a thicker voice said.

“I don't know… but I heard her heartbeat stop three times.”

“That's impossible.” the thick voice said dismissively.

“Wake up Ash” Freda's cool voice jerks me awake, my eyes snap open.

Where am I? I whispered to Freda.

“You will figure it out soon,” she grumbled. I rolled my eyes.

“Thanks for the help, Fred,” I said with sarcasm dripping in my tone. I tried standing up from the floor. My body aches badly, my neck was specifically stiff, like there were several needle pricks.

“Ouch” my hand rubbed the sore area.

I tried to close my eyes to recall what had happened when I left home, several jumbled memories flooded my mind all at once.

That's strange. My mind usually shows me the memories when I need it, especially when I'm unconscious. That was one of my most useless talents and I don't bother discussing it with someone.

I turn my head, searching for those voices that I heard before I woke up.

No one was here. The room was cold and eerily quiet. Like no one has been here for a while.

I turned around again, turning to check the windows, there were movements outside.

Maybe they were the ones I was hearing.

I turned to stand, my body was getting heavier despite eating less. I raised my hand to see how chubby I have gotten.

I shook my head, memories of my father's words hitting me square in the face.

My jaw tightened with resolve, that can't define me. I will never allow those words to affect my life afterwards.

Speaking about life afterwards. I am supposed to be in the academy by now.

It is known that the academy transports its students in their slumber, and looking around the school sigil surrounds me.

Meaning I'm not lost, I am in the school.

I finally got up, walking cautiously towards the door. The people outside stopped talking.

They opened the door, “oh you are awake” two ladies entered, the older one spoke first.

“You must know where you are by now…” the other lady said, eyeing me all round.

I nodded slightly. Maintaining a perfect composure, I can smell a bitchy compliment but I kept my mouth shut.

“You have been asleep for days…. I wonder why the spell works differently on you” the first lady said gently.

The other lady scoffed, “isn't it obvious?” She eyed me again, obviously communicating her opinion about my weight.

I look down at myself, then back at her, keeping my facial expressions in check.

“Don't be rude Jules,” the older lady corrected. “Darling you will be taken to the principal's office as soon as you freshen up, clean clothes will be provided, just make sure you are presentable”

I nodded again.

“Can’t you speak?” The other lady asked.

I glanced at her, not bothering to reply, I followed the older lady.

A tiny room was provided. It barely held a narrow bed, a wooden dresser, and a small bathroom tucked into one corner.

"Fresh clothes are inside the wardrobe," Juliana said gently. "Take your time. The principal has been expecting you."

She closed the door behind her.

The room fell silent. I stared at the shut door. I moved quickly to clean up and get dressed. Then her words finally registered. You have been asleep for days.

Days.

My head snapped up.

"Wait…" I whispered.

I raised three fingers slowly, counting.

Three days?

My eyes widened.

"Oh my goodness."

I had slept for three days. Orientation could have started already. Students could have made friends. Classes could have begun.

I was late.

I had finally escaped my father's house only to arrive at the most prestigious academy in the supernatural world unconscious and probably behind everyone else.

I dragged both hands down my face.

"This can't be happening."

Freda yawned inside my head.

"You worry about strange things."

I nearly choked.

"Strange things? I just lost three days of my life!"

"You also nearly died apparently."

I froze.

Right.

The voices. I heard my heartbeat stopped three times. A chill ran through me. I rubbed my neck again. The soreness hadn't disappeared.

What exactly happened after I left home?

Why couldn't I remember?

Before I could think any further, my eyes landed on the wardrobe.

A black uniform hung neatly inside.

A silver crescent moon was stitched onto the breast pocket. Below it was a smaller symbol.

A wolf. My breath caught. Nocturne Academy. I was really here. A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. Then another. Soon I was laughing and crying at the same time.

I made it. I actually made it. No more sleeping hungry. No more walking on eggshells. No more father. A strange feeling settled inside my chest.

For the first time in years… I was free. A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Miss Sanders?" Juliana called from outside. "The principal doesn't like waiting."

I quickly wiped my eyes.

Right. I still had to meet the principal. And somehow, I had a feeling my life was about to become even stranger.

In a good way of course.

I walked out, feeling a little confident in my new uniform, my heart blossoming with so much hope, a smile etched on my face, anticipating my new life.

I walked into the principal's office. I stopped dead in my tracks the moment I stepped into the office.

The man behind the desk looked far too young to be a principal.

He was devastatingly handsome.

Dark hair, almost black, fell neatly over his forehead, contrasting sharply with striking russet eyes that seemed to glow under the soft light. His features were perfectly carved—high cheekbones, a sharp jaw, straight nose, and lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile.

He looked no older than thirty.

He wore a fitted black suit with silver embroidery running along the cuffs and collar, the fabric molding against broad shoulders and a powerful frame. A silver ring glinted on one of his fingers as he slowly closed the book in his hands.

Everything about him radiated wealth, authority, and something else…

Something dangerous.

The office suddenly felt smaller. His eyes settled on me. I forgot how to breathe.

For a second, those russet eyes seemed to search every inch of me, as though he could peel away my skin and read every secret hidden beneath it.

Then he smiled.

The gesture should have been reassuring.

Instead, a shiver crawled down my spine.

Predators smiled too.

"Miss Ashley Sanders," he said, his voice deep and smooth, like warm honey poured over broken glass.

He rose from his chair.

Goodness.

The man was tall.

Very tall.

At least six-foot-four, maybe taller.

He walked around the desk with a grace that reminded me of a large cat stalking through the dark.

And for reasons I couldn't explain, my wolf suddenly went silent.

Completely silent.

The smile on his face widened ever so slightly.

"Welcome to Nocturne Academy.”