CHAPTER TWO:

Saphielle's POV: 

'I'm breaking up with you.' 

My smile fell right off my face. My heart pounded. 

Maybe I hadn't heard him right. Maybe it was a prank?

"Yeah, I'm not falling for your silly prank," I let out an awkward laugh but his expression remained cold.

He was dead serious. 

Sweat broke out across my skin. 

"Babe..." I tried to reach for him but he flinched.  

"Don't touch me!" His voice was a low growl. His expression was cold.

Kasper never looked at me like he was doing now-disgusted and furious.  

The knots in my stomach tightened. "I... I don't understand?" 

My heart was beating so loud, I could barely hear anything else. "Did something happen? Was it me? Did I do something wrong? If I did, babe, I'm really sorry. We... we can talk things out."

What was this about?

Until yesterday, we were okay. Or so I thought.

Kasper combed his fingers through his light brown hair, frustration rolling off him in waves.  "Didn't you hear me?" His voice was higher now, attracting a little crowd. "I'm done. Fucking done. It's over between us!" 

My heart sank to my stomach. Blood rushed to my ears as panic crept in.

"Geez calm down, people are watching!" Leanne hissed but Kasper ignored her. 

"Why?" The question slipped from my mouth as the first drop of tears rolled to my chin. 

"I... I didn't do anything wrong. I've been a good girlfriend. I've loved you wholly, so why -"

"Why?" Kasper laughed bitterly, his dark eyes flashed with anger. "You know what they've been saying about you? About my own fucking girlfriend?" 

Of course I did. 

But he'd never bothered with them before... Why now? 

"Surely you don't believe what they are saying, babe," I pleaded. "I'm only being framed because Master Gavril asked me out and I turned him down..." 

He scoffed, shaking his head. "The same lies and stories over and over. Saphielle, everyone knows you're a slut." 

His words hit like a punch to the gut.

I gasped. "That's not true!" My eyes burned with tears, my nails dug into my palm. "You know that. You of all people should know that." 

"No..I thought I knew you but clearly I didn't," he muttered. "Do you know how hard this past year has been? Do you know how hard it was dating someone like you?" 

I felt anger and shame in equal measures. "Kasper-"

"Everyone thinks I'm pathetic for being with a cheap whore!" He barked and I flinched. "My friends mock me. Seniors beat me up for it. They called me weak!" 

My heart tore into a million pieces.

"B-but I'm... I'm innocent," my voice was small. So small even to my own ears.

"I've only kissed one boy. Only made out with one boy all my life." My lips trembled as tears wet it. "And that boy was you, Kasper. No one else. Why wouldn't you believe me?" 

His face shifted from pained expression to a disgusted sneer as he inched closer to me. "Believe you?" His angry eyes burned a hole right through me. "My friends overheard those seniors brag about how good it felt to fuck you and you expect me to believe you?"

Lies. All lies. 

The same lies they've been spreading about me for months.

My eyes fell shut as a shuddering breath left me. "I'm a virgin, Kasper." I was going to finally take things further today. Finally let him take my virginity. 

"Yeah right, a virgin," he mocked and the crowd that had gathered laughed.

This hurt too much. 

"...You may have fooled me for months. But that ends today. You let those bastards touch, no one wants a used and damaged product!" 

My chest split open and my heart bled.

The crowd cheered, laughing loudly.

It was humiliating.

Tears flowed freely, my whole body trembled as it took everything in me to not crumble to the ground.

Leanne grabbed my arm. "Babes, let's leave here." 

I snatched my arm away. And broke into a run.

The wind whipped my face, drying the tears on my cheek as I ran.

"Saphielle!" I heard Leanne call after me. "Stop!" 

But I didn't. I couldn't.

The hate. The humiliation. Kasper...

It was all too much.

Why was I being punished when I was the one who had been wronged?

For the past year since I arrived here, I'd become a shell of the girl that I used to be back home.

All this started with Master Gavril. Annika's boyfriend. Last year when I'd been a freshman, I ran into Gavril on my first week here.

I was naive and foolish to have thought he was just a kind guy who wanted to help me navigate this weird academy. When he started showing interest in me, I turned him down politely.

Of course that didn't end well.

Suddenly, it was rumored that I'd seduced Gavril into having sex with me. And that was how Annika and Rosita began bullying me.

They said I whore myself out so much and that was why my boobs were as big as they were. 

Sure, at nine years old, I'd started developing rapidly. And right now, at eighteen, they looked significantly larger. 

They swore I'd been whoring myself  out which was why my hips were wider than an average teen's hips.

It was believed in our world that a teenage girl with a voluptuous body as mine was wayward.

And because of that, I hated my body. I was ashamed of it. 

I couldn't wear fitted uniforms or clothes anymore. I couldn't be as loud as the other girls. I couldn't make friends. 

I avoided spotlight like a plague, missed out on debates or activities I liked for fear of attracting more attention to myself than I already had. 

I couldn't have fun like other students. I constantly lived in fear and was always sad save for when I was distracted from the chaos inside my head.

Now, I've lost my boyfriend, Kasper. Maybe next will be Leanne. And then, I will be completely alone. 

I just-

 "Oomph!" 

Air whooshed out of me forcefully as I ran to a hard wall.

Everything happened so fast and soon I was falling but strong arms grabbed me. 

The air shifted. I felt a suffocating presence as a waft of expensive cologne hit my nostrils.

I looked up.

Intense green eyes stared back at me and I forgot how to breathe.

I forgot everything that had happened moments ago as I got lost in those eyes. 

My pulse quickened and my tongue suddenly felt dry.

What was wrong with me?

I should step away from him and thank him for catching me but my brain and my body seemed to be at war with each other.

My eyes fell to his lips.

Then he smiled, slow and cruel. When he spoke, his voice was a deep, sultry drawl that twisted something in my stomach. "When do you plan on letting me go?"

"I'm sorry!" I jerked away from him like I'd be burned.

My face flamed as embarrassment washed over me and I fixed my gaze at my shoes.

And it was only then I noticed the little crowd of students around us. Their gasps and murmurs filled the air but my heart beat was louder.

Who was this guy? A popular senior? 

"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you coming," I said quickly. Because the last thing I wanted was to get into another senior's bad books.

When he scoffed, my eyes snapped up to his. 

"I must admit..." He leaned in until I could feel his breath on my face. 

"This is the most desperate way a girl has tried to gain my attention." 

I gaped. Anger flaring inside me.

But before I could snap at him and tell him that I had no intention of getting his attention, he brushed past me.

In the same breath, students screamed happily, waving wildly as the guy and his friend walked away.

And just then, Leanna grabbed me, panting wildly like she'd be running. 

I stared blankly. "Why are you running?"

"Girl, what did you do to make him speak to you?" She shook me excitedly. 

My brows furrowed. "And who the fuck is he?"

"That was the Alpha Prince!" She squealed.  "That's Prince Azrael!" 

My eyes widened as they darted to his retreating figure.

That was the Alpha Prince?!

CHAPTER THREE: 

Saphielle's POV:

Monday classes were always boring but I'd sell my soul to the devil if my professor could drag this class till night.

I'm not kidding. I'd do it.

I would do basically anything to hide away from people and keep their attention off me.

Not that my appearance was helping matters right now. My eyes were swollen and red from hours of crying. My hair looked like I rolled out of bed and just forced it into a bun-that's literally what I did since I was trying to avoid people, especially Annika and Rosita.

The rest of the weekend was an endless torture. After the humiliating public break up, I'd returned to my dorm room with Annika and Rosita waiting to give me the punishment they'd promised.

I had to clean their room, reorganize every shelf, and wash their toilets. 

When they were satisfied, I was asked to crawl until I couldn't feel my knees and my back ached. At one point, I forgot about my recent heartbreak.

They even made me stand outside in the cold for hours until they got bored.

When I'd gotten back to my room, I'd stuffed my face in my pillows and bawled my eyes out.

On every inhale, the pain in my heart intensified. I cried until there were no tears left. I cried until my throat felt too dry like I'd been eating sand.

It wasn't fair how I was always in some trouble or drama.

I just wanted it to be over.

But I knew it was far from being over with how Kasper had handled the break up.

And because of that, I didn't leave my room the whole of Sunday but the rumors definitely got to me through my annoying roommate. Rumors of how I got dumped because of my 'promiscuous' activities.

I'm beginning to think my reasons for enduring this suffering weren't enough. 

Surely, I wouldn't be the first person forfeiting a fully funded scholarship, right?

I could look for very cheap colleges and work shifts to help out?

Did I have to further my education? I could just learn a skill instead.

I could-

"Miss Caelwyn?" Professor Oakwood's stern voice broke my thoughts.

Oh shit. 

All eyes were on me now. I wanted nothing more than to disappear.

"I can see my class is meaningless to you," he said, adjusting his glasses. "I'm hoping you have something more interesting to share with the class," 

Anxiety flared, my cheeks burned. "N-no sir." 

His lips thinned, a disapproving look etched on his face. "Tell the class what I was saying before I called your attention." 

I blinked. Wait, what?

He didn't mean that, right? 

But the stern look on his face as he waited impatiently for response proved otherwise.

But I had no reply for him.

I'd been so deep in thoughts I hadn't heard a word he said.

He huffed, folding his arms. "Do you at least know what today's topic is?" 

Of course I did. Just not what he was talking about.

"Ask her about dicks!" A boy hollered just before I could reply. 

"Yes! She's an expert in that area!" Another added much to my horror. 

"She might suck yours, Professor!"

"Saphielle takes it like a good little slut!"

"She–"

"ENOUGH!!" Professor Oakwood barked. "Not another word from any of you!"

The class fell deathly quiet.

I hung my head low, staring at my clenched fists until they blurred by the tears gathered in my eyes.

"Miss Caelwyn."

I did not look up. 

I swallowed thickly, fighting back tears.  "Yes, professor."

"Please pay attention in class next time."

I nodded. Scared if I opened my mouth to say one more word, the dam would break free.

The rest of the class went smoothly and soon, it was over.

I was the first to rise, my bag already packed and I was out the door in seconds.

It was better this way. I couldn't face anyone after that humiliating scene. 

My next class wasn't until noon. It was either to go back to my dorm room and risk running into my bullies or finding an empty class to hide in until it was time.

I chose the latter.    

Letting out a sigh, I clutched my bag strap and kept my head low.

I could feel some student's eyes on me as I moved past them.

Judging. Disgusted. 

When I finally found an empty classroom, my shoulders sagged in relief.

I'd just slipped inside when a voice reached my ears. I felt my spine stiffened as goosebumps scattered across my skin.

"Look who the cat dragged in." 

I spun around so fast, I almost got a whiplash. 

My pulse roared in my ears as Gavril's smile widened. 

Nerves lined the walls of my stomach as I took a few steps backwards. 

He stepped inside the classroom. And what's worse was he wasn't alone. He had his three best friends with him. 

Panic crashed into me, wrapping its claws around my heart.

I knew it.

Nothing ever worked the way I wanted it to. 

"You've been avoiding me," he said as he took slow, measured steps towards me and I took several back. 

I felt like a caged prey and Gavril was the predator. I could feel his lustful eyes on my body and I shivered in disgust.

"I... I don't want any trouble, please," I begged.

"Trouble?" He laughed. "I'm not here for trouble, baby. All I asked was a question and I expect an answer." 

A lump formed in my throat. "I... I'm not a-avoiding you."

 "Liar," he scoffed, crowding me. 

And when my back hit the wall, my stomach sank.

Gods. Please let this bastard get away from me, please.

"...If you weren't avoiding me, why the fuck do you skip the class we share?" He arched a brow as he placed one hand on the wall above my head and I felt myself shrink further. "Why, Saphielle?"

I gulped, my heart beating wildly. "I-I dropped it." 

"Another lie." When his free hand brushed a stray strand from my face, I felt my stomach recoil violently in disgust... 

"You can't run from me, baby," he murmured. 

I hated when he called me that. Felt like worms were crawling underneath my skin.

"...I want you so badly, and I'll have you whether or not you want it, baby."

Sweat trickled down my temples as fear coiled in my gut. "Please, just let me go," I begged. "You have a girlfriend. Mistress Annika." 

And she's going to fucking kill me.

His eyes darkened with anger. "Don't bring up that bitch's name. You're the one I want!" 

'And have you perhaps considered the fact that I might not want you back?!' 

I said that in my head of course. I dare not say such words out, I'd be dead meat in seconds...

"Kiss me," He suddenly ordered and my eyes grew wide.

"W-what?" 

"You heard me, Saphielle," his voice was a low growl. "Kiss me." 

Shit. Shit. Shit.

My eyes darted to the door. Then to his friends who stood a few feet away like guard dogs.

There was no way I could outrun them. 

I was trapped. What do I do?! 

"Don't even think about it." Gavril's voice sliced through my chaotic thoughts. "There's no escaping me." 

 I knew that. Gavril wasn't just another senior, his family was also one of the founding fathers and they are close to the Alpha King.

But why he was making my life so damn difficult? I had no idea. 

All I wanted was peace and quiet until my next class and I couldn't even have that.

Angry tears pricked at the corner of my eyes, I wanted so badly to gouge his eyes out. 

But I don't, instead, "Please... I can't do that, Master Gavril." 

"You're so goddamn stubborn for someone as skittish as a mouse," he sighed like I'd exasperated him. "I'm being nice by asking you to do it, if I wanted, I could take it by for-" 

I felt it first. A presence so powerful and suffocating before a voice growled,  "What is going on here?"

Gavril stiffened while relief flooded me, my body going slack as the tension seeped out.

When he turned away from me, creating a distance between us, I was finally able to breathe in air that didn't contain his harsh scent.

I peered over Gavril's shoulder, catching a glimpse of my savior. My breath hitched when Prince Azrael's cold, green eyes met mine.

"I'm just talking to her," Gavril forced a laugh, breaking the silence. "What are you doing here anyway, your highness?" 

Azrael's eyes narrowed as they moved from Gavril to me. "Talking? That didn't look like 'talking' to me." 

'Because it wasn't.' I wanted to yell but I knew better.

Gavril stepped further away from me, approaching Azrael and it was only then I noticed that his minions were nowhere in sight. 

"You know how these junior students are," he huffed. "Too stubborn and don't take corrections. I had to discipline her." 

"Ah, yes and you had to do that in an empty classroom," Azrael said flatly as his eyes landed on me again. "Get out." 

Oh good. Goddess be praised! 

Finally! 

I grabbed my bag which had fallen earlier, about to dash out of the classroom...

"Not you, little red," Azrael growled.

Little red?

"...Get out, Gavril." 

Gavril balked, anger flaring in his eyes as his jaw tightened. He was seconds away from telling Azrael to fuck off but he stormed off instead.

As soon as Gavril was out the door, Azrael stalked closer to me, each step stealing my breath away. 

As scary as he was, he was magnificent, a sight to behold. He had that arrogance and effortless grace about him all wrapped in sinful, dangerous good looks.

His eyes were studying me though, like I was a new species... Like I was worth looking at with that much attention. 

His gaze was so intense, it was a struggle to not squirm.

Why was he looking at me like that? Like... like he thinks I'm familiar?

That's stupid. We've never met.

"You're an odd one," He said at last. 

I frowned. 

I've been called slut. 

Cocksucker. Whore.

Fat-only because I wasn't a size 6 or 8.

But odd? That's a new one.

Either way. I don't care. 

I'm grateful for his interference but I wanted to be anywhere but here. 

"Thank you for your help, Prince Azrael," I said sincerely. 

And also, hoping he'd get the hint and let me leave. Instead, he inched closer... 

Too close for comfort, all I could smell was his intoxicating scent. I could almost feel his warmth-

Wait... 

My eyes widened. 

Was he fucking sniffing me? 

"What are y-"

"Same hair... Same-" A pause, then he leaned back. "But no scent... You're not her."

CHAPTER FOUR:

Azrael's POV:

She looks like her.

Same fiery ginger hair.

Same wide, grey eyes... Same lips. 

I knew I wasn't crazy when I bumped into her the other day and my heart skipped because I thought-finally, I found her.

But now, looking closer, sniffing her, I can see the differences. And this student....oddly doesn't have a scent. Every living thing had a scent but not her?

For some reason, it pissed me off.

"Why the fuck are you scentless?" I snapped. 

All the color drained from her, she clutched her bag strap for dear life as she took a step back. "I... I'm not-" She paused, swallowing hard as she straightened her back. "It's rude to sniff people!" 

I arched a brow, my eyes searching her face. 

People hardly snapped at me or talked back to me.  

"That's not an answer, little Red." I stepped closer and she took a step back until her back hit the wall. "Why do you have no scent?"

She trembled at my question.

Very subtle, if I weren't watching her so closely, I probably would have missed it.

Her breathing was shallow. I could hear her pounding heartbeat.

She was scared.

I leaned in and she flinched.

"You're hiding something," I murmured, tilting my head to study her closely as if that would help me figure her out. "What are you hiding?" 

She looked everywhere but at me as she licked her bottom lip nervously-I hate the way my eyes followed it, lingering for seconds too long.

But then she glared at me. "You- Why... Why would you think I was hiding something? And what's your business anyway?" 

I stood straighter, frowning.

Yeah, what's my business? 

Why do I fucking care? Of course, being scentless is something to be suspicious about but why was I obsessively curious about a scentless omega? 

And I don't do obsession. 

Not since 'her.'  Not after I ruined everything because I wanted a woman I couldn't have.

I moved back, creating a much-needed distance between us as the pain of the past resurfaced, flaring anger within me.

"Get out!" I barked and the girl before me froze, eyes widening with fear.

My anger towards her was misguided but it's her fault for looking exactly like Liora.

Little Red eyed me once more, a look of pure disdain replacing the fear in her eyes. "You're a goddamn psycho," she muttered, fleeing the classroom. 

"Damn, that's a first." 

I spun around at the familiar voice, glaring at the sly grin my best friend had on his face. 

But my death glare doesn't stop him from opening his big mouth.

"Psycho..." Caspian said the word like he was savoring it. "Girls usually call you hot, sexy, sex-on-legs... not Psycho. How does it feel, your highness?"

"Are you done yapping?" I deadpanned.

His grin widened, flashing his fangs. "Nope." 

Huffing, I stalked out of the classroom with him following closely no doubt. 

He fell into step beside me. "Do you like her?" 

My steps halted. "What?" 

He shrugged despite my obvious irritation. "I mean you did intentionally run into her the other day and now you're cornering her in an empty classroom."

I swear to fuck, I'll break this fucker's neck.

Our history together be damned.

"You know I did that because she looked familiar, you slimy bastard," I gritted. 

He remained unfazed. "And today? The classroom?"

"Oh fuck off," I growled and he winked. "She was being bullied by fucking Gavril and I helped her."

"Since when do you care about others?" 

"I don't."

He snorted. "Exactly!" 

God. Caspian is so infuriating.

I sighed deeply. "Drop it, you know she does look like Liora, I was hoping she was the one in the prophecy. I'm desperate. I'm running out of time, you of all people know this." 

That did finally wipe the annoying smirk off his face. "Shit. You're right." His concerned gaze searched my face. "Are you sure coming back here was the right decision?" 

I wasn't but... "There must be a reason why I dreamt of Liora in Velmorne Academy." 

I've searched far and wide for the one in the prophecy. For 400 years plus and counting, I roamed about like a madman. 

This is my last chance. 

"Alright man." He clapped my shoulder reassuringly. "I'm sure we'll find her this time." 

I nodded. "I hope so." 

And even as he changed the topic, going off about the girl he has a crush on, the High Priestess's words echoed in my head:

"" 'To undo the curse of the Moon, seek the one born from blood and fang. She who walks with stolen stars may mend the severed sky. By her choice alone shall the pact be renewed, or all beasts shall fall into the Endless Night. In her heart rests the gods' undoing.' ""