Episode 5

...Amara Follen...

I can't figure out what's wrong with me; sleep evades my grasp each night. I find myself lethargic most of the time, but right now, as I lie in bed staring at the ceiling, I yearn for sleep that refuses to come. The clock strikes three in the morning, and a wrenching tightness begins to strangle my chest. Stealthily, I wander the castle's corridors to avoid being seen, my pace sluggish en route to the nearby fountain. A cold breeze cuts through my thin nightdress, sending shivers down my spine. The moon reigns majestically above, stars adorning the sky and enhancing its charm. Tears trickle down my cheeks; I feel like the most wretched creature in existence, fading away day by day. O Moon Goddess, have you forsaken me? Do you despise me that much? What is my transgression that warrants such punishment?

A noise from the bushes snaps me out of my reverie, and my father's reminder not to roam at night alone echoes in my head. A sudden fear seizes me, spurring my feet to race back toward the safety of the castle.

...Brandon Scott...

My wolf cries out within me, its distress palpable since my arrival in the Royal pack. The sudden shift in its demeanor has had a profound effect on me; I find myself adrift and distracted at times.

"Brandon, let me out."

Ayron's inner voice reverberates in my skull, compelling me to succumb to his wish. It's been days since I've shifted, and I suspect this is the root of my discomfort.

After a run through the woods near the castle, a sense of command fills me. I inhale deeply, the crisp night air and accompanying scent of lavender awakening my primal instincts. Reverting to human form, I trail that sweet fragrance as a wolf hunts its quarry. Before long, the silhouette of the woman who haunts my dreams emerges. I watch her from afar; her presence is captivating, and once again, I observe her dart away like a cornered doe.

"Ah, Moon Goddess, what schemes are you weaving for me?"

...Royal Academy...

"Amara, Amara!"

"What is it, Mia? Why are you shouting?"

"Girl, you won't believe what I just overheard!"

"Spill it; you know I'm terrible at guessing."

"Alright, alright, I'm just too excited. I heard that Alpha Brandon is going to teach the combat and hunting classes for the senior year, and guess what? We're seniors!"

"Alpha Brandon? Why would he do that? He's an Alpha; it makes no sense for him to come to teach."

"Ah, Amara, you live in the castle but it's me who keeps up with all the gossip. Word is that Alpha Brandon agreed to form an alliance with our Alpha and wants to spend time here, presumably to ensure our warriors match his pack's standard. And the best way is to train us right from the academy."

"So, we're to bear the brunt of this alliance."

"It appears so. Hey, where's Kyra?"

"She'll join us later, sent a message saying she had some things to handle."

After enduring the first two classes, combat and hunting were finally upon us, and Mia was giddy with excitement, almost comedic in her enthusiasm.

"Hey, Amara, let's get going, we can't be late to Alpha Brandon's class."

"I've never seen you so eager for a lesson." (Laughter) "Let's go."

"Hey Amara, aren't you changing into sneakers?"

"Oh, slipped my mind. You go ahead; I'll catch up on the field."

"..."

"As some of you may have heard, we're welcoming Alpha Brandon as our combat and hunting instructor starting today. Please extend your warm welcome and glean all you can from his tutelage."

"Thank you for those words, Principal Lendon, I'll take it from here. As mentioned, I'm your new instructor. Before we begin, let's set some ground rules: no lateness, no idle chatter, and absolutely no trickery for advantage. Clear?"

"Yes, Alpha Brandon."

"Great, now pair up."

"I apologize for my tardiness, Alpha."

"You?"

Seeing the girl I'd been stalking now directly before me sent my heart plummeting, and my wolf stirred at her scent of lavender. I had envisioned her being quite pretty, but her close presence was startling. Her fair, smooth skin, the long black hair tied in a ponytail revealing her delicate neck, her finely shaped brows, turquoise eyes piercing on her small face, her full, reddish lips, and her perfectly sized nose. She was the elusive doe in human form.

"Your name?"

"I am Amara, Alpha Brandon."

"Do you realize how late you are for my class?"

"I'm sorry, I..."

"No excuses. As punishment, thirty push-ups."

"But Alpha, I—"

"Make it forty. Question me again, and expect the count to rise."

"My apologies, Alpha. No more questions."

Great, heartless much? It's not like I was that late…

Having served my penance, I joined Mia to form our pair.

"You okay, friend?"

"Just a few push-ups."