Aria stood stiffly in front of Kael's desk, her arms folded tightly across her chest. The brief lecture introduction had barely ended when he had signaled for her to remain behind. The reaction from the class had been immediate, whispers, nudges, curious glances thrown her way. "How does she already know him?" Aria ignored them all. She leaned toward Lili briefly. "Wait for me," she murmured before following Kael out of the lecture hall. Now she was here. Alone with him. Kael leaned back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, arms folded as he studied her openly. The moment she stepped into the room, the pull slammed into him harder than before, sharp, undeniable, almost suffocating. He hid his reaction well. Almost. Aria, on the other hand, looked unimpressed. If anything, she seemed irritated to be wasting her time here. Kael let out a low chuckle, more amused by her expression than he should have been. "Relax," he said calmly. "You're not in trouble." She didn't relax. "The last time we met," he continued, "you were... rude. But I'll ignore that." Aria scoffed. "I recognized you in class," Kael went on. "I thought it would be better to clear the air. Maybe we could start over. Be... friends." The word sounded ridiculous even to him. Friends? His subconscious laughed bitterly. Since when do teachers and students become friends? Aria blinked in surprise, then her expression hardened. "Let me guess," she said coldly. "You followed me all the way from that party. Pretended to be my lecturer because you want to sleep with me, right?" Kael stiffened. "What?" She didn't give him time to respond. "Well, let me make something very clear," Aria continued sharply. "You are not my type. Not even close. And you never will be. So stop following me." She turned to leave, then paused as if remembering something important. "Oh, and my dress," she added, turning back. "The one your clumsiness ruined? I had to pay extra for it." She stretched out her hand expectantly. "So give me back my money." Kael stared at her for a moment-caught somewhere between disbelief and something dangerously close to amusement. Then, without thinking, he stepped closer. The pull surged violently. "Wait," he said, reaching out instinctively, not to grab, but to stop her from leaving. Aria froze when she felt his presence too close, her heart stuttering for reasons she refused to understand. She tried to step back, but the air between them felt charged, heavy. Kael met her gaze, his eyes darkening. For a brief moment, he forgot where he was... who he was supposed to be. "Don't you feel it?" he asked quietly, his voice low. "This connection. Whatever this is between us, it's not normal. We're fated"...... That was when she snapped out of it. Aria shoved him away with both hands, her eyes blazing. "Fated to be together?" she scoffed. "What, do you think this is some kind of werewolf supernatural fantasy?" She pointed at him angrily. "Listen carefully. Leave me alone, or I will report you to the school authorities. I'm not interested in your delusions." Without waiting for a response, she stormed out of the office, the door slamming shut behind her. Kael stood there in silence. He dragged a hand down his face and exhaled slowly. "First day," he muttered, "and I already messed it up." Yet despite himself, a slow smile curved his lips. Annoying. Hot-headed. Sharp-tongued. ...Cute. Lunch Break The canteen buzzed with noise, laughter, clattering trays, overlapping conversations but Aria barely noticed any of it. She stabbed her fork into her food with unnecessary force. "Such a delusional man," she snapped. "I still can't believe he said he wanted us to be friends." Lili, seated across from her, raised a brow as she sipped her drink. "Well," she said slowly, "maybe he likes you." Aria scoffed. "Likes me? Please. Men like him don't like people. They chase." Lili leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "I mean... think about it. He went through all that effort to call you into his office. That's not normal." "Or it's creepy," Aria shot back, chewing angrily. "Either way, not my problem." Lili hesitated, then added, "I tried searching him online. Nothing. No social media, no articles, no background. It's like he doesn't exist." Aria paused for half a second, then shrugged. "Rich mogul or not, I don't care. Maybe he just found his way into elite circles and thinks he's special." She took another bite. "All I want is for him to stay far away from me." "Still," Lili muttered, "it's weird. A man like that teaching?" Before Aria could respond, a shadow fell across their table. "Well, well," a sharp voice drawled. "If it isn't the campus favorite." Aria didn't look up. She already knew who it was. Annabelle. Her classmate. Her long-time tormentor. Aria slowly lifted her gaze, unimpressed. "Hey," Annabelle continued with a mocking smile, arms crossed. "Couldn't believe my eyes when I heard you spent so much time alone with the new lecturer." Lili stiffened. "Watch your mouth." Annabelle ignored her. "Tell me, Aria, was it worth it? Or did you already sleep with him?" The words hit like a slap, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables. Aria set her fork down carefully. "Nothing gets past you, does it?" Annabelle smirked. Aria stood up slowly, meeting her eye-to-eye. Her voice was calm-but deadly. "Listen very carefully," she said. "I have no interest in you this afternoon. Get out of my way and don't spoil my meal." Annabelle's smile twitched. "Touched a nerve?" Aria stepped closer. "You've been obsessed with my life since forever. Jason chose to be my friend, not my lover and even after he left the country, you're still bitter." Annabelle's face darkened. "Pathetic," Aria finished. "Find a hobby." For a moment, it looked like Annabelle might say more but instead, she scoffed loudly. "This isn't over," she muttered as she turned away. "One day, you'll be caught." She walked off, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Aria sat back down, her appetite suddenly gone. Lili exhaled. "She really needs help." Aria stared at her untouched food, her jaw tight. "She can say whatever she wants. I don't care." But deep down, something uneasy stirred. Because this time... Annabelle's words felt like a warning. And somewhere else on campus, Kael Ravyn felt the mate bond pulse violently, reacting to Aria's anger, her distress, her defiance. Whether she believed in his world or not... She had already stepped into it.

"Friends?" Riven's voice echoed through the room, loud and incredulous. Kael didn't bother looking up. "Friends?" Riven repeated, pacing in front of him. "Which sane teacher calls a student into his office and suggests being friends? Do you hear yourself, Alpha?" Kael's jaw tightened. "I didn't ask for your opinion." "Oh, you're getting it anyway," Riven said with a grin. "Honestly, you need lessons. If there were an award for the worst approach in history, you'd win it effortlessly." Kael shot him a glare. "Enough." Riven chuckled but sobered slightly. "So she doesn't believe in the supernatural world at all?" "No," Kael replied. "She thinks I'm delusional." "That's rich," Riven muttered. "Considering she's your mate." Kael leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "And yet the bond is undeniable. Every time she's near, something stirs. Something I can't place." His voice lowered. "It's stronger than instinct. Stronger than desire." Riven stopped pacing. "Then she's not ordinary." "I know," Kael said quietly. "But I don't know what she is." Riven studied him for a moment. "Then the answer is simple. You need to get closer to her." Kael laughed humorously. "It's not that simple. She already threatened to report me." Riven winced. "Yeah... you really messed that up." Silence stretched between them. Finally, Riven spoke again, his tone more serious. "Still, proximity is the key. The mate bond reveals truths over time. Her reactions, her instincts, everything will tell you what you need to know." Kael stared ahead, eyes dark with determination. "Three months," he murmured. "That's all I have." "You'll succeed," Riven said confidently. "You didn't survive assassination attempts, suppression, and exile just to fail now." Kael exhaled slowly. "I hope you're right." Riven smirked. "Just try not to scare her off completely next time." Kael's lips curved faintly. "No promises." Aria's POV Aria slept restlessly that night. She turned from one side of the bed to the other, her brows drawn together as her mind drifted far from reality. Then the world around her shifted. She was no longer in her room. Aria stood in the middle of a vast forest, surrounded by towering trees whose branches stretched endlessly into the dark sky. The air felt alive, heavy with a presence she could not explain. Above her, a full moon glowed brightly, bathing everything in a soft silver light. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. Somewhere in the distance, a deep howl echoed through the forest. The sound sent a strange shiver through her body. She should have been afraid, yet fear never came. Instead, warmth spread through her chest, unfamiliar but comforting. She turned slowly. From between the trees emerged a large black wolf. His fur shimmered under the moonlight, and his eyes glowed an intense shade of blue. He did not bare his teeth or growl. He only watched her, calm and powerful. Their gazes locked. The world seemed to fall silent. The wolf stepped closer, his presence overwhelming yet oddly reassuring. Aria felt rooted to the spot, unable to move, unable to look away. Her chest tightened as an unfamiliar pull tugged at her, drawing her toward him. She took a step forward without realizing it. The wolf lowered his head, his eyes never leaving hers. As he moved closer, she felt a sudden rush of warmth flood through her body, like something inside her was awakening. Then his voice echoed in her mind, deep and clear. You are mine. Aria gasped sharply and sat upright in bed. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she clutched the sheets beneath her fingers. The room was dark and quiet, yet her heart continued to race as if she had been running. It was just a dream. Still, the feeling lingered. The next morning, Aria arrived at school with the dream replaying in her head. Every detail felt too real, too vivid to ignore. As she walked beside Lili through the hallway, she finally spoke. Do you think that somehow there could be a supernatural world somewhere. Lili stopped and stared at her, then reached out to touch her forehead. You have watched too many supernatural movies. Aren't you the one who said you don't believe in the supernatural world. Why are you suddenly thinking about it. Well it's just a question. No need to be all that serious. Lili narrowed her eyes, studying her face. You sure you are okay. Yeah I'm fine. I'm fine. The day finally ended without her having to see that annoying lecturer again. Aria should have felt relieved, but she didn't. Ever since she met him, something about her had been... off. It started at the party, the way her breath had caught when their eyes met. The way her body reacted before her mind could catch up. And now, every time she thought of him, something inside her twisted restlessly, like it was pressing against invisible walls, desperate to break free. She hated it. She hated not understanding what was happening to her. Questions crowded her mind, but there was no one she could ask. How do you explain a feeling you don't even believe should exist? By the time she got home, the sky had darkened. She dropped her bag and waited for her aunt to return from work, pacing her room until she heard the familiar sound of the front door opening. Aria found her aunt in the kitchen, standing over the stove, stirring dinner. "How was school today?" her aunt asked casually. "It was fine," Aria replied, leaning against the counter. Her aunt glanced at her briefly, then slowed her movements. She had raised Aria long enough to recognize that look. The hesitation. The restless shifting. "What is it?" she asked gently. Aria hesitated, biting her lower lip. "Umm... Dad never really talked about Mom like that," she began slowly. "Do you know where she was from? Or her family?" Her aunt paused. "No," she said after a moment. "I don't know anything about her family. Your mother died while giving birth to you. I never got the chance to meet her." Aria's chest tightened. "Not even a picture?" Her aunt shook her head. "No. Not even a picture." Silence stretched between them. "Why are you asking?" her aunt added, turning to face her fully. "Umm... nothing," Aria replied too quickly. "I just wanted to know more about my mom." Her aunt studied her face, concern creeping into her eyes. "Did something happen to you?" "No. No, nothing happened," Aria said, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine." She turned away before her aunt could ask more. "I'll be in my room." "Okay," her aunt replied softly. "Come down when dinner is ready." Aria nodded and headed upstairs, closing her bedroom door behind her. As she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, one thought refused to leave her mind. Why did it feel like the answers she was looking for were closer than she realized... yet buried so deep that uncovering them might change everything?

Kael arrived in the lecture hall earlier than usual. He stood near the podium, his eyes unconsciously scanning the entrance each time the door opened. He told himself he was only being observant, that it meant nothing. Yet a part of him waited, restless and alert, for a familiar presence he could not ignore. He wanted to see her. He wanted to speak to her before the lecture began, if only for a moment. To understand why being near her unsettled him the way it did. To confirm that what he felt was real. Students slowly filed in, filling the seats with casual chatter. Kael's gaze sharpened when Lili walked in, but the relief he expected never came. Aria was not with her. His jaw tightened slightly as he watched Lili take a seat, laughing with another student. Kael considered calling out to her, asking about Aria's absence, but quickly dismissed the thought. He was standing in front of dozens of students. Any personal question would raise suspicion, and that was the last thing he needed. He straightened and turned to the board. So she was avoiding him. The thought irritated him more than it should have. When it was time, Kael began the lecture, his voice calm and controlled, even as his mind wandered. He delivered the material smoothly, years of discipline keeping his expression unreadable. Still, every now and then, his gaze drifted to the empty seat where Aria usually sat. By the time the lecture came to an end, his patience had worn thin. He closed his book and addressed the class. "I will be giving you an assignment," he said evenly. "It is to be completed individually." Groans rippled through the room, but Kael ignored them. "You are to submit it in person," he continued. "No online submissions. I want to see each of you myself." A few students exchanged curious looks, but no one questioned him. "This assignment is compulsory," Kael added. "Failure to submit it personally will affect your grade." As the class slowly emptied, Kael remained where he was, his expression unreadable but his thoughts sharp. If she wanted to avoid him, fine. He would make sure she came to him instead. Aria's POV "Yeah, that's exactly what he said," Lili laughed. "I can't believe you skipped class just because of him. Has he really gotten to you that bad?" "Stop it, Lili. I'm not in the mood," Aria muttered. "Who in this modern age tells students to submit assignments personally? Except he's some kind of freak." "A handsome freak," Lili added with a grin. Aria shot her a look. "Missing classes will affect your results," Lili continued more seriously. "And that's the last thing you need. We need. Remember we promised to work together at Ravyn Global Enterprises after graduation." Aria paused, staring at her friend. "Lili, let me ask you something," she said slowly. "When you see someone and you instantly feel pulled to him, like it feels too real... and the worst part is that you barely even know the person. What does that mean?" Lili's eyes widened. "Oh. My. God." She gasped dramatically. "You're in love. Wow. So tell me, who's the guy? Wait, wait... Mr. Kael?" Aria groaned. "Ohhh," Lili continued teasingly. "Now I see why you avoided class today." "Lili, be serious," Aria snapped. "He's annoying, and I don't like him. But I feel like I'm drugged or hypnotized or something. I don't even know how to explain it." Lili studied her for a moment, then softened. "Maybe you just need to stop fighting it," she said gently. "Let yourself feel whatever it is. Maybe then you'll find your answer." "I knew better than to ask you for advice," Aria muttered. Lili laughed. "Hey, all I'm saying is he's handsome and cute." Aria rolled her eyes, but her heart betrayed her by racing just a little faster. Next Day At School Aria was standing in front of Mr. Kael with her assignment in her hands. She looked calm and composed, but her feelings betrayed her. Her heart thumped in a way she couldn't explain. Every time she glanced at him, she felt a strange pull in her chest, like something inside her was stirring. She simply wanted to submit the assignment and leave. Kael himself wasn't composed. Each day he saw her, he felt more drawn to her. She was exactly what he needed, though he couldn't fully understand why. The energy between them was undeniable. He asked quietly, almost deliberately, "You didn't come to my class yesterday, Miss Aria." "I wasn't feeling fine, sir," she replied evenly, holding out the assignment. "Here it is." "You didn't come to class. How were you able to write the assignment?" Kael's voice was calm, but his piercing gaze didn't let her look away. What a dumb question, she thought. Anything could be easily searched online, yet she kept her thoughts to herself. "My friend, Lili, helped me with it," she added, trying to sound casual. Kael's expression softened just slightly. "You shouldn't miss class. This is your final year, and your performance matters. I read your fill-in form, and you said you want to work at Aetherion Group. Why would you choose there?" "Is this an interview or something?" Aria asked, blinking in mild annoyance. She took a deep breath and explained herself. "Well... I've always wanted to work in a place that challenges me, where creativity and growth are valued. Aetherion Group is known for being innovative, for pushing people to think differently and take responsibility. I want to learn, contribute, and make a difference, not just go through the motions. It's ambitious, yes, but I like being challenged." Kael smiled to himself. Despite her stubbornness, she was smart, sharp, and intelligent. She had the fire of someone who didn't back down easily, typical of his mate. "Okay, I like the way you put it," he said finally. "Sir, my assignment," she reminded him again. "It's okay. You can submit it here." She handed it over and turned to leave. Then her bag caught on the edge of the desk. She stumbled, and her books spilled across the floor with a loud clatter. Kael immediately stepped forward, bending awkwardly to help her pick up the scattered books. Their hands brushed more than once, sending a jolt through both of them. Halfway through, Kael picked up a small, framed photograph. The man in it was Her father Evan.