"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.

Darius stood rigid in the dimly lit room, his figure sharp against the flickering shadows that danced across the walls. His jaw was set, his dark eyes cold and unyielding, betraying no emotion except the faintest glimmer of impatience simmering beneath the surface. "Is he making progress?" Darius asked, his voice low and commanding, sliding across the room like ice over steel. Every word carried authority, a subtle threat, a promise of consequences for failure. The man standing opposite him hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "He has already found his mate, but nothing else," he admitted, eyes downcast, aware of the dangerous edge in Darius's tone. Darius's gaze narrowed, a shadow of fury flickering across his features. "Apart from the antidote, mating can also help him regain his powers," he said deliberately, his words measured yet chilling. "You must do everything in your power to stop the two of them from getting close. She's human, so she won't awaken anything herself, but he will. If he mates with her, his power could return faster than we anticipate." "Yes... she's human," the man confirmed, his voice careful, wary. Darius's lips curled into a cold, calculated smile, one that promised punishment for any misstep. "We cannot allow that. If he regains even a fraction of his alpha power before we are ready, everything we've meticulously planned will collapse. I will speed up the process and secure the council's backing before he returns. Make sure he doesn't find the antidote or mate with her. Understand? Failure will not be tolerated... or forgiven." The man nodded silently, the weight of the command settling on him like iron. He slipped quietly into the shadows, leaving Darius alone in the room. Darius's gaze lingered on the empty space where the man had been. Every move Kael made now, every second wasted, brought him closer to regaining what was rightfully his-and Darius would not allow that. He let out a low, barely audible growl, the sound more felt than heard. "We cannot fail. Not now. Not ever." Back at the Office Meanwhile, Kael remained in his office, the earlier tension still clinging to him. Aria had just handed him a small, framed photograph. "That's my father," she said, her voice soft as she placed it into his hands. Kael's eyes traced the lines of the man's face, then flicked back to Aria. "Oh... now I see the striking resemblance," he murmured, almost to himself. Aria finished packing her things and stood, straightening her posture. "Thank you, Kael," she said politely, before leaving the office. Kael remained standing for a moment, her scent lingering in the air like a pull he couldn't explain. Something stirred deep within him, an unfamiliar sensation that left him restless and unsteady. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus, and returned to his chair. He tried calling his friend Riven, but there was no answer. He called the office to check, and was told Riven wasn't in today. He tried again, a twinge of unease gnawing at him. Riven wasn't someone who ignored calls without reason. Unable to shake the concern, Kael left the office and headed straight to his apartment. When he arrived, Riven was just emerging from the bathroom, hair damp and expression vaguely surprised. "What are you doing here? Ain't you supposed to be chasing after your mate?" Riven asked, half-joking, half-curious. Kael's brow furrowed. "I called the company. You weren't at work, and you weren't picking up my calls. I drove down to check on you." "I'm fine, bro," Riven replied casually, though there was a distant quality to his tone. "Just... wasn't feeling up to going to work." Kael's gaze lingered on him for a moment. "Alright. I'll be going now. Need anything?" "Nah, I'm good. I'll just take a nap," Riven said, waving him off. Kael gave a brief nod. "Okay. Take care." As Kael left, Riven stood silently for a moment, thoughtful, his mind already calculating possibilities, weighing plans Kael had no idea he was forming. Later, at Aria's place "So, how did it go with him?" Lili asked, a teasing lilt in her voice. Aria rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. "Umm... nothing much happened. He asked me a few questions, and that's it." "A few questions, huh? What did he ask you?" Aria smirked, letting sarcasm creep into her tone. "Well... for example, he asked if my friend has three eyes." "Be serious!" Lili laughed, nearly choking on her drink. "Okay, okay," Aria admitted. "He actually asked why I want to work at Aetherion Group after school, and I told him my reason. Then... my bag fell, and he helped me pick up my books. That's all." "Ohh, so he didn't ask your name, age, or phone number?" Lili teased, raising an eyebrow. Aria shrugged. "Lili... he's a lecturer. Pretty sure he already has access to all that, plus he knows my name." Lili leaned back, a playful smirk on her lips. "Ohh... that explains it. Still, I expected him to ask more... intimate questions, not why you want to work at some company. Seems old-fashioned. I wouldn't date someone like that." "Date? You're going too far, girl. Mr. Kael is just Mr. Kael. This isn't some teacher-student affair. I'm not cut out for it," Aria said, waving her hand dismissively. Lili's voice softened, though the teasing lingered. "Are you really worried about what people would say right now? You're better than that. You're a young adult. You can make your own decisions." Aria finally let out a heavy sigh, relaxing into her chair. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just order already. I'm famished." Lili grinned, satisfied that her friend was at least partially distracted. The teasing had died down, but the tension between Aria and the thoughts of Kael lingered quietly, unspoken yet undeniable. Even as they placed their orders, Aria's mind wandered back to Kael, to the sharp pull she felt whenever he was near, and to the uneasy feeling she had yet to name. She shook her head, trying to dismiss it. Focus on exams. Work at Aetherion. Graduate. That's all that matters.