Chapter 2

Elara's POV

It was him. The man I had kissed in the hallway was now standing before me.

Professor Caius stood tall and imposing, his muscular frame barely glistening despite the intensity of the training session. His brown hair fell in controlled waves, framing severe, uncompromising features. His blue eyes turned cold and distant in the arena lighting. My gaze involuntarily traced the defined muscles of his abdomen before I forced myself to look away, heat rising to my cheeks.

"State your purpose." His voice cut through the air like a steel blade, devoid of any warmth that might have existed during our brief encounter.

"I just transferred to this class," I explained, extending my newly printed schedule with fingers I struggled to keep steady. "I'm Elara..."

Professor Caius took the paper, his jaw visibly tightening as his eyes scanned the document.

"Join the others," he commanded, his tone clipped and final as he thrust the schedule back at me and turned sharply on his heel.

I looked around at the students engaging in combat—all in wolf form. My throat tightened.

"I can't shift," I called out, the words leaving my mouth before I could reconsider.

He stopped abruptly. The growl that emanated from deep in his throat wasn't low—it was thunderous, causing several nearby students to pause their sparring and stare.

"What did you just say?" he questioned, each word precisely articulated as he turned back to face me, his blue eyes now glacial. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

"I haven't gained my wolf yet," I admitted, forcing myself to meet his gaze despite every instinct urging me to look away.

Professor Caius's expression hardened to granite. His eyes performed a clinical assessment.

"This is Shifting and Combat 101, not Remedial Human Defense," he stated, his voice carrying across the now-silent arena. "The administration has made an error. You'll need to return to the office and request proper placement."

"I'm good at combat," I countered, straightening my spine. "Just because I don't have my wolf doesn't mean I'm not capable. I've been training my entire life. Let me demonstrate my abilities."

"This isn't a negotiation," he replied, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave. "This class requires students to shift. That's non-negotiable."

"I can train with her." A female voice intervened. A petite wolf with blue-gray fur shifted back to human form. "I don't mind," she said, her voice soft but determined.

Professor Caius's gaze snapped to the girl, his displeasure radiating from him in palpable waves.

"Violet," he acknowledged coldly. "Are you volunteering because you believe she's qualified, or because you're both equally incapable of holding your own against real opponents?"

Violet flinched visibly but didn't back down. "I've seen her fight before, Professor. She's better than most wolves here."

The tension stretched between them until Professor Caius gave a curt nod. "Fine. You have one session to prove yourself worthy of remaining in this class," he directed at me, his tone making it clear he expected failure. "One mistake, and you're out."

He turned his back to us dismissively, his posture rigid as he strode away to observe other students.

"I'm Violet," the girl said, extending her hand with a tentative smile. She had short blue hair that complemented her large brown eyes framed by long lashes.

"Elara," I replied, grateful for her intervention.

"Oh, I definitely know who you are," she said, lowering her voice. "Daughter of Alpha Alaric, right? I've heard you're one of the best warriors around. Professor C would be foolish to dismiss you, but he's..." she glanced in his direction, "...not exactly known for his flexibility."

I smiled at her candid assessment. "Thank you for stepping in."

"Well, well. Look who decided to join us." Isolde's mocking voice sliced through our introduction as she approached, her golden hair perfectly styled despite the physical activity. "The little kiss-thief, coming to play with the big dogs?"

Her gaze flickered deliberately toward Professor Caius, who I noticed was watching our interaction with narrowed eyes, his arms crossed forbiddingly across his chest.

"Given your obvious fixation on Professor Caius, switching to his class seems desperate, even for you," she sneered.

"I'm here to train, nothing more," I responded evenly, meeting her gaze without wavering.

Isolde laughed, the sound sharp and calculated. "Please, the only training you're interested in involves your lips."

"She's actually exceptionally skilled," Violet interjected quietly.

"Was anyone speaking to you, Omega?" Isolde's voice dripped with contempt, making Violet shrink back slightly. "Your kind shouldn't even be permitted within these walls."

"Isolde, why bother acknowledging that Omega's existence?" another girl joined in, her voice equally disdainful.

The two girls laughed cruelly as Violet lowered her gaze, her shoulders hunching inward.

"Omegas are worthless," Isolde continued. "But somehow even more pathetic is someone who can't even shift. No wonder your boyfriend preferred my company."

I moved to stand directly between Isolde and Violet, my eyes flashing with barely contained anger. "The only worthless trait I see is judging others based on rank rather than merit. We're at this academy to learn and improve, not to perpetuate outdated prejudices." I held Isolde's gaze steadily. "As for Jaxon... he clearly wasn't worthy of my attention. Enjoy the leftovers."

I turned away, guiding Violet toward an open training area. As we passed Professor Caius, I caught his piercing assessment. His expression remained impassive, but something unreadable flickered momentarily in his eyes before he deliberately turned away.

"Thank you," Violet whispered once we were out of earshot. "Most people don't stand up for Omegas."

"Their loss," I replied firmly. "Some of the most loyal, resourceful wolves I know are Omegas. Don't let their ignorance diminish your worth."

Violet's smile lit up her entire face. "They clearly don't know who you are—Alpha Alaric's daughter. Let's show them what you can do!"

We began our training session. I deliberately controlled my movements, not wanting to overpower Violet. Using precise, acrobatic techniques and wielding a training spear with practiced expertise, I systematically dismantled her defenses in our practice matches. The arena gradually grew quiet as more students paused to watch our session.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Professor Caius observing intently. His expression remained severe, his posture rigid, but I caught the subtle shift in his attention.

Suddenly, the relative quiet was shattered by electronic chimes as phones across the entire arena began alerting simultaneously. Students reached for their devices, gasps and murmurs rippling through the space. Violet's eyes widened in shock as she stared at her screen.

"What's happening?" I asked, my attention drawn to the visible distress on her face.

My question was answered as I glimpsed her phone screen. Displayed clearly was a photograph of me kissing Professor Caius in the hallway, the image capturing our intimate moment with devastating clarity.

My heart stopped.