Freya

~

I looked at him again, this time more closely. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark curly hair and grey eyes that looked like they were about to unleash a storm. His eyes had been golden earlier, but now they had returned to their normal color. Why were they golden? I wondered. He wore a dark academy coat, unbuttoned to reveal a white long-sleeved shirt underneath.

He held himself like royalty.

“Freya,” Dean Eva said, “Kristen is the best fit for you right now. He was a top student at his university back in his pack before he transferred here.”

But Kristen’s mouth twisted in disdain. “Really, Dean? This is the one I was transferred to this school for?”

“Yes. You’ve known this all your life, so why complain now?”

“Why complain now?” he scoffed. “Miss Eva, look at her. She looks like she’s been hit by a bus.”

They were discussing me like I wasn’t even in the room. If this was how it was going to be, maybe I really should go back to my world.

“She’s not just any human,” Dean Eva said calmly. “She’s a human hybrid. A rare one—from your clan.”

Kristen frowned. “I refuse to believe this is Ryker’s daughter.”

“You know my father?My real father?” I asked.

Kristen scoffed. “You’re barely what he is. Human,” he said to me. “And I don’t need anyone leeching on me right now.”

My eyes narrowed. “You don’t have to be rude, you know.”

Kristen rolled his eyes but stepped closer, a slow smirk forming on his face.“If not for my father’s final verdict, I wouldn’t have considered mentoring you at all.”

“Then don’t,” I snapped. “I don’t need you anyway.”

He exhaled heavily, clearly annoyed. “If my father hadn’t made it his dying wish, I wouldn’t waste my time. I have better things to do than babysit someone who hasn’t even unlocked her powers.”

I felt heat rise to my face. The audacity of this guy.“You’ll be nothing but a distraction,” he added coldly.

“Excuse me?” My voice was aligned and sharp. “Let me make something clear. I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t beg for this. And I most certainly didn’t beg for some spoiled prince to be assigned to me like I’m some lost child. If this is how mentorship works here, then no thank you. Dean Eva, maybe this isn’t going to work.”

Kristen’s jaw tightened.

The Dean, however, simply smiled. “Freya, sit. Kristen, that attitude won’t get you anywhere. Your father chose you for a reason, so don’t fail him.”

Kristen gritted his teeth. “Not like I have a choice now,” he murmured.

I looked between them and scoffed before sitting down and crossing my arms.

“You’re dismissed,” Eva said.

As Kristen stormed out, he threw me a final look—one that promised war. I shivered, realizing I’d just made my first enemy in this strange new world.

***

Kristen

~

I stormed through the corridors of Moon claw, ignoring the nods and bows of lower-ranked students.

I reached my room and slammed the door, throwing myself into the dark leather armchair by the window.

My head was filled with a storm of confusion.

Freya.

That name shouldn’t mean anything to me. She was half-blood. A hybrid with dormant powers. Raised as a human. Weak, Inexperience and mortal.

And yet…when she looked at me, I felt something twist deep inside. Was it lust? My wolf had growled the moment she stood up to me. But it didn’t make sense.

The mate bond!

I had already felt it years ago with Chloe. Or so I thought. My mother had arranged the marriage. Chloe was strong, beautiful, and capable. We matched in lineage, power, and pack politics.

But I never really felt the bond.

Not until now.

That girl,Freya. Something about her scent, the way she challenged me… it woke something inside me that had been sleeping for years. But why didn’t she feel it too? I rubbed my temples.

Unless… unless she can’t feel it.

Not yet.

Not until her powers awaken. Her hybrid blood might still be dormant and sealed.That would explain it.

But what would happen when she unlocked them? Should I just reject her and get all this over with? Would she come running into my arms? Would she accept the truth or reject me?

God, I was so confused. I gritted my teeth. I didn’t love Chloe. I respected her. Liked her, maybe. But love? It was far from it. There was never any spark between us. We were allies, meant to be partners in a carefully curated future. But no matter how I tried, I couldn’t seem to be attracted to Chloe.

Not sexually, not with lust, not even as friends.

Freya… She was a burning match in a dark room.

And I hated her for making me feel like this. Still, I couldn’t shake her voice from my mind.

“Maybe this isn’t going to work out.”

That look in her eyes, brave and broken all at once, it undid me. I stood up, pacing. I needed to know. Needed to see if the bond was real.

Because if it was… everything was about to change. Chloe and her pack wouldn’t take betrayal lightly.

I crossed to the window, staring out at the towers of moonclaw.

Beyond the courtyard, I could see the training grounds where the elites mastered their powers.That was where she would be soon enough… if she survived the awakening process.

My fingers tightened against the window frame. What do I do?

The Human World...

The door creaked open slowly. Three men stepped inside. They were tall, draped in black cloaks and their eyes glowing red beneath their hoods. They moved silently.

They spread through the small, dusty house. The air reeked of alcohol and mold. An empty bottle rolled across the hallway as one of the intruders stepped in.

“She’s not here,” the first man said, his voice a low growl. “Search everywhere.”

In the corner of the living room, sprawled over a stained couch, was kelvin. A bottle still clutched in his hand, his eyes bloodshot, barely able to sit upright.When he saw the figures, he froze.

“No… no, no,” he muttered, trying to stand. “You—”

The leader turned toward him. “So you do recognize us.”

“You’re the ones that destroyed Ryker and his family… You killed Ryker, goddammit.”

The man smirked beneath his hood. “Ahh, so the memory hasn’t entirely rotted in your drunk skull.”

Kelvin backed up a step, knocking over a small wooden table. The bottle in his hand shattered. His hands shook.

“Where is she?” the man whispered.

“I-I don’t know,” he said, terrified. “I’m sure they must have taken her.” He let out a shaky laugh, his breath reeking of alcohol.

“Taken her where?”

“I told you—I don’t know. And even if I did, I’m not telling.”

The man sighed. “Then what use are you to me? If you can’t tell me her whereabouts, you’re better off dead—just like your friend.” He turned to the others. “Kill him.”

“Wait!” Kelvin shouted. “Don’t…please, I beg you…have mercy…”

But his pleas fell on deaf ears. One of the cloaked men lunged forward, his blade sliding across the room with deadly speed.

A sharp gasp.

Then silence.

Kelvin collapsed to the floor, blood pooling from his slit neck, eyes wide with the final terror of a man who had seen monsters twice.

“No!” Cherry shouted from the door steps, the shopping bag in her hand fell to the ground. Behind her was Loretta, wide-eyed in shock.

“Get them!” He ordered.

Loretta and Cherry quickly ran off.

“Prepare the Bloodstone. If she’s crossed over into the mystical world, we’ll find her. As for the rest of the family, find them and kill them.”

“But Slyker,” one of them asked, “what do we tell the king?”

“That’s why we have to find her quickly.”

~

The next day…

A girl around Freya's age stopped in front of her house in the human world, her hands gripping the steering wheel with excitement. The soft purr of her brand-new car—sleek and silver.

Her parents had gifted it to her after their vacation as an early birthday present, and she couldn’t wait to show it to her best friend.

She parked along the curb and stepped out, the cool morning breeze ruffling her dark curls. As she shut the door, she glanced around. It was too quiet.No clinking of empty beer bottles.No grumbled swears from kelvin and no abuses from Loretta.

Just… unbearable silence.

Tiffany walked up the porch steps, the wood creaking beneath her boots. The front door was slightly open.

Why is the door open? she thought.

She knocked once.

Then again.

No answer.

“Freya?” she called out, peeking through the narrow front window.The hallway looked the same, but something felt… off.

The energy in the house was dead.A small frown tugged at her lips as she gripped the doorknob to the living room. It turned easily.

She stepped inside cautiously. “I’m coming in, okay?” she called, forcing a small chuckle.

Then the scent hit her.

Sharp.

Metallic.

Like rust.

Tiffany wrinkled her nose.“What the hell…”

The strange smell grew stronger with each step. Her instincts screamed at her to leave—but curiosity pushed her forward.

“Mr. Kelvin? Freya?” She called out for Freya's foster father and her friend. “You alright?”

The scream never made it out.Her breath was stolen by the gruesome sight before her. Kelvin lay sprawled across the floor…lifeless. His chest soaked in blood. His hands dangled limply, fingertips grazing shattered glass and a bottle of liquor.

Blood had pooled beneath him, seeping into the carpet and staining it.

“Oh my God… Oh my God—Freya…”

She scrambled back, fumbling for her phone, fingers slipping as she dialed emergency services.

“There’s blood… he’s dead… I think he’s dead…please, please hurry—Mr. Kelvin —he’s—” Her voice cracked with sobs.

She ran to Freya’s room,but it was empty.“Freya? Where are you? Please…”

Her hands shook as she dialed her mother’s number.

“Moth-Mother,” she stammered, breath ragged. Fear gripped her chest. “I don’t think I can drive, Mum. Please… come to Freya’s place.”

“What are you saying, child? I can barely hear you. Why are you crying?”

“Mother, please… just come. I beg you,” she whispered, then ended the call. She texted Freya quickly.

Where are you? Are you okay?

Her mind spun in circles.

What if Freya had been hurt too? What if she had walked in on this? What if—

She dropped to her knees, sobbing as the worst possible scenarios consumed her. And the sirens couldn’t come fast enough.

**************

Meanwhile, in the mystical realm… in the white halls of the Crimson Pack mansion, Chloe paced furiously in front of the Pack Council Chamber.

Her heels clicked sharply against the polished stone, her lavender gown fluttering with every turn she took. Her long dark hair was unkempt from tugging at it in frustration, and her usual calm demeanor had shattered into furious pieces.

"They’ve lost their minds!" she shrieked, storming into the chamber without waiting to be invited.

Kristen’s mother, Mabel, Luna of Crimson pack, sat at the head of the long table with a few council members. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for Chloe’s tantrum to finish.

“Elders, please excuse us,” Chloe said, fury burning in her eyes.

They looked at their Luna, and she gave them a single nod.

As soon as the room cleared, Chloe rounded on her. “How dare you all make Kristen abandon his duties here—his coronation, school, and most importantly our mating ceremony—just to go babysit some human hybrid freak?"

“Watch your words,” Mabel said coldly, her eyes glinting with restrained rage.

“I had to learn about it from my source! None of you could’ve had the decency to speak to me about it first? What will my father say when I tell him? She’s a stain on everything we stand for!" Chloe barked. “Isn’t she the daughter of the previous Alpha who betrayed his own pack and this very pack to go to the human world and be with someone?”

“Why let your son play mentor to some abomination, Luna Mabel?”

"Enough, Chloe." Luna Mabel’s voice rang.

"No!" Chloe shouted, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "You’re his mother! How could you allow this? How could you let him disgrace us all by entertaining that thing? You promised my father that he would be ready! The ceremony is in three weeks!”

"If not for one thing, Chloe, I would’ve ended this alliance," Mabel said calmly. "You aren’t even Luna yet, and already you’re setting yourself high, trying to control everyone around you. Don’t forget your place—and who’s in charge here."

"You speak like a spoiled pup Luna Mabel added.

"Chloe’s nostrils flared. "I’ve spent my whole life preparing for this. I’ve trained beside Kristen for years. I’ve earned my place! He needs to come back here. He can’t leave me behind to go take care of some human. I’ve spent my whole life preparing for this!" she repeated, her voice cracking. "She just…he can’t just throw our plans away for her"

Mabel stood up slowly, her gaze sharp. "Are you speaking out because of the ceremony… or because you feel threatened by her presence?"

"Threatened? Seriously? By a human? Don’t flatter me, Luna Mabel. I can never feel threatened by her. Why would you even allow Kristen to transfer to that school?”

"You know, Chloe… I think you don’t love my son. You’re just after the power and the name the Blackwood family will give you."

Chloe opened her mouth to respond, but the words barely came.

"No need to be defensive, Chloe," Mabel said, her tone clipped. "The ceremony will happen in three weeks. Just don’t get in my son’s way.”

Freya’s POV continues~~~

“Miss Eva, or should I call you ma'am Eva?”

“Any that suits you, Miss Moore.”

I took a deep breath. “I still think you're wrong about me. Clearly you can see my mentor isn't even interested in tutoring me. I am human, I’m sure of it. I don't think I would be accepted in this school.”

“Nonsense,” she said, standing up from her chair and walking towards me. “I know how hard it is coming to a new environment and starting from scratch, but I assure you, Freya, this place is your place. Once you learn to manage your powers, you'll enjoy Moonclaw Academy.

“This place is just like any other school you grew up with in the human world. The difference is… we’re supernatural.”

A knock interrupted her little pep talk. She raised her voice. “Come in.”

A tall, slim girl with ginger curly hair walked in. She looked about eighteen or nineteen, her brown eyes soft but sharp at the same time.

Is this a school for supernaturals or for good-looking creatures? I thought inwardly.

“Good morning, Dean. You called for me?” the girl said politely.

The dean turned to her while I just stood there watching them intensely.

“Miss Brianna, this is the student I told you about. You're among the best uprising students in this school, so I deem it fit that you'll be able to be a tour guide for our new student here.”

“It's my pleasure to be of help, Dean Eva.”

“Well, Freya,” the dean said warmly, “since that's settled, you're officially a student of Moonclaw Academy. Welcome to the family.”

I didn’t even say a word. Still, I felt like I was in some sick dream.

“You can follow her, and she'll show you around and then to your dorm, where you'll sleep. Everything has already been arranged for you. All you need to do is follow the rules and regulations. Brianna will explain further. You can begin your lessons tomorrow.”

Finally, I was out of the dean's office, forgetting I had a tour guide until she spoke.

“Hi, Freya Moore. My name is Brianna Faire, and I will be your official tour buddy.” She smiled, bringing out her right hand for a handshake.

“I’m not interested in acting friendly with you, Goldilocks. Just show me around like you’re told to and take me to my room. After that, I’ll be able to find my own way. Besides, I don’t need a babysitter.”

That statement alone made Brianna smile, and she retracted her hand. “Well, that’s a first—and I expected it.”

She straightened herself and spoke, “Let’s go then.”

****

After walking down the hall, I felt the weird vibes and looks the students standing around and chatting were giving me.

Soon we reached the grand hall of the academy.

“This is where banquets take place, parties, conferences, or any other occasions. Sometimes students are gathered here for meetings, just in case the dean has a very important announcement to make.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Later on, we got to the dining hall.

“This is the cafeteria, Freya. It opens to all students by 10 a.m. sharp for breakfast, and then dinner is 7 p.m. We all must attend our eating times whether we like it or not.”

“Wait—so even if I don’t have an appetite, I must come? Is this a boarding school or something? No one can force me to eat or not.”

“I never said you’re going to be forced. You can come to the dining hall—it isn’t a must you eat if you don’t want to. Now let’s go.”

We walked past a large door which took us to a long hallway and into a big library.

“Woah,” the word left my lips. I was speechless at how large the library was.

“This is going to be my best place,” I muttered.

“I see you love books a lot,” she questioned.

I didn’t even reply. It was rude I know, but I didn't trust her yet. What was wrong with me today?

Leaving the library, she then took me to the combat arena.

“We supernaturals are taught to heighten our skills in combat, because you may never know—your powers may fail you, and self-defense may come in handy. What kind of power do you possess?”

“Hmm, I am human,” I said flatly.

“That wasn’t what Dean Eva said.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You were already notified about my predicaments, so why ask me further?”

“I… I just… you know what, never mind.”

“The places we’ve been to are the mains of this academy. We’ve sports places too, classrooms, and then regional rooms that differentiate our abilities. But I think you’ll be able to understand that better tomorrow.”

“Hmm, okay.”

As I walked behind her, she pointed out the rules of the school.

“You are not to fight anyone in this school or you’ll be expelled. Jot this down—not every student is your equal.

“You must attend all your lectures and classes unless there’s a valid reason for missing, and you’ll be asked to submit a report on why you were absent.

“Phones are allowed but cannot be used while in class.

“Most of our grades are usually assessed by our abilities and how well we perform in class.”

All Goldilocks’ speech was tiring me out, and I couldn’t help but yawn. “Too much talk,” I said to her.

“Really, Freya? I am trying my best here to explain the rules to you, and you aren’t even taking me seriously. Don’t you know it’s rude to make people feel like they’re boring you out? Here’s my advice, Freya—if you want to survive in this school, never act sarcastic to anyone, or you will be setting yourself up to be killed.

“So drop the arrogance, because these creatures can smell fear in place of arrogance. And I know you wouldn’t want anyone preying on your weakness.

“I understand how you feel, and maybe the only way for you is to keep your guard up. But please, I assure you, I am a friend. I was in your position too. This school was all new to me when my parents brought me here for enrollment.”

“Wait—you were once human?”

“No,” Brianna said bluntly. “But when I got admitted into this academy, it all felt completely crazy for me. You’re one lucky girl. At least you have me, your tour guide. I had to find out things on my own. Anyways, let’s go.”

****

As we walked down the hallway again, this time around we took another path at the left wing where castle statues of knights were placed.

It made me wonder how old this academy was.

Now, we were surrounded by students—not just any kind of students, but good-looking ones. The kind that would make your jaw drop.

They were all dressed in their school uniforms, just like Mr. Rude and Goldilocks.

Yeah, I call him Mr. Rude because that was the first impression I got from him when we first talked.

All of a sudden, my eyes wandered to a fragile-looking girl with pink hair, being taunted by one of the students. Especially the one with purple hair, like she used too much dye.

Didn’t Brianna say students aren’t bullied in this school?

I hate bullies because I had my fair share of it from my old school. I was done getting bullied. My mind warned me to stay out of their case, but my heart pushed me to step in and stop whatever they were doing.

Walking past Brianna, she put a hand in my way to stop me.

“Are you crazy? That’s Avery Holstein, one of the school’s top elite students and the main bully. She’ll destroy you. I don’t think you would want to get on her bad side on your first day here.”

“Then watch me,” I said, pushing her hand out of my way.

****

“I… I told you two to leave me alone,” the pink-haired girl stuttered.

“Why should we, April?” one of them mocked. “Done stuttering? Making a complete fool of yourself when you couldn’t even tell Lila about your feelings?”

Her eyes went wide. “How do you know about that?”

“Who doesn’t know about your little crush? In fact, maybe we should do it for you—and then wear you diapers.”

“Oh, would you look at that—are you going to cry?”

“Hey! Stop bothering the poor girl!” I barked.

Avery stiffened at my command and turned to face me. “And who the hell are you?”

“Someone that doesn’t take nonsense from bullies like you. Shouldn’t you be ashamed of yourself, bullying the poor girl just because she can’t talk about her feelings? People like you irritate me. Go get a life, bitch.”

Brianna rushed over, holding me close to her.

“Avery, I am so sorry. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”

“Do you even know who you’re talking to?” Avery yelled.

“No, she doesn’t.” Brianna laughed nervously. “She’s new and just arrived. Don’t worry, we’ll be on our way now.”

Avery looked at me intensely, then walked slowly, leaning toward my ear just enough for me to hear.

You've guts but… “I would watch my back if I were you, new girl. Next time, you wouldn’t jump into things that don’t concern you. Let’s go, girls.” And she left.

****

“What the hell, Freya, are you nuts?” Brianna snapped.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring her, and walked up to the shaken girl.

“Are you fine?”

All she did was nod. “Thank you,” she said softly, then whisked away.

“With all my warnings, you still chose to do what you like,” Brianna scolded.

“Relax, Goldilocks.”

“My name is Brianna.”

“I know, but I choose Goldilocks better.”

We were about leaving until My eyes landed on a group of students.

There was something utterly different about them. They didn’t look like the rest of the students—they were like gods. I could feel the aura around them. It was so unsettling and power-drawing.

Then my gaze locked onto a particular student in the group—his silver-white hair and his intense icy-blue eyes. They were so mesmerizing.

I felt like I was being pulled to look at him. There was this inexplicable and magnetic pull I couldn’t explain.

Brianna followed my gaze, and her expression changed to horror. “Oh no,” she muttered.

“Those are the Golden Mystics. They’re teachers’ pets and are clearly untouchable in this school. The ones with brown hair are Jaden and Willow— they’re shapeshifters. Then you have Judith— she has raven black hair. That’s River’s ex, though some say they didn’t really break up since they’re still seen together. And lastly… River— the white-haired one.

“He’s the oldest among them. More dangerous and unpredictable. You don’t want to cross paths with any of them. Try as much as possible to avoid them. Don’t look at them, don’t speak to them, don’t even try to cross their paths. Stay away from them, especially him—the white-haired one. They’re on a completely different level. No one can succumb to their level of power.”

I nodded, but my eyes were still glued to River. River. I let his name echo in my mind.

Although I was warned against him—him being the beast or some kind of death mane—it didn’t scare me. Instead, it only deepened my fascination and curiosity about him.