Evaline:
The phone started buzzing with a soft vibration that cut through the silence at our table.
I looked down at the screen and found Professor Kieran’s name staring back at me. My fingers hovered over the answer button for half a second longer than they should have.
But then I quickly answered, not wanting to disturb my group any further. I moved to the farthest corner with no other student there before speaking, "Hello?"
"Evaline," his deep voice rolled through the line, smoother than I remembered. "Can you come to my office? I would like to speak with you for a few minutes."
I swallowed. "Of course. I’ll be there shortly."
Ending the call, I returned to our table. "I’m summoned to the administrative wing. I’ll join you guys as soon as I’m done."
"See you later," Ria whispered with a smile and I nodded before turning on my heel.
The walk to Kieran’s office felt longer than it actually was. The tall, dark halls of the administrative wing had an imposing presence, with flickering lanterns casting long shadows. The quiet here was different - a kind of charged silence that made my steps echo louder than usual.
I knocked once and heard his voice call, "Come in."
He was standing near the large window when I entered, facing the view of the back courtyard below. The late afternoon was spilling over his shoulders, and for a brief second, I understood why people feared and respected him in equal measure.
"Thank you for coming," he said, turning toward me with that rare softness to his expression that I swemed to be receiving a lot. "Please, have a seat."
I took the chair opposite his desk. "You said you wanted to talk?"
He nodded. "I have spoken with Professor Aldric and the instructors about the incident with Gavin. They had nothing but praise for you."
"I only did what I could," I murmured, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the prideful look in his eyes.
Ever since the Alpha Gathering incident, everything had changed between me and the Rogue Alpha brothers. While it eventually made things better between me and the two younger brothers - Oscar and Draven, the distance between me and Kieran had grown a lot since then. I was the one who did it, and I knew that I made the right decision.
While Oscar and Draven were my soulmates, Kieran was just their elder brother and my professor, and I wanted to keep things that way.
I sneaked a quick look at him, only to find him observing me in silence.
Moments later, he finally spoke, "What you did saved him... and the trip. You showed quick thinking, composure, and practical skill. That’s not something every student possesses, especially a first year."
I wasn’t sure what to say, so I remained quiet as he continued.
"The High Circle at the Academy has decided to reward your efforts."
My eyes widened slightly. "Reward?"
He nodded before continuing, "You will receive five points bonus in all your subjects and will also be formally recognized in the elite student records."
I was so stunned that no words came out of my mouth. I never expected that one simple act of mine would result in something like this.
"Umm... thank you." I finally forced the words out.
He paused again, then added, "Professor Aldric also mentioned your work at the Halendor Ruins. Not just with the runes, but the herbs you collected."
"I didn’t have anything special in mind," I admitted. "I just wanted to study them, maybe identify a few lesser-known variants. It was mostly for curiosity."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Curiosity is the foundation of mastery. Let me know if you need access to the restricted section in the botanical archives. I can arrange that."
My eyes widened a bit more. "You would?"
He gave a rare, amused smile. "You have earned it. And if you are interested, there is a group of senior students who specialize in Herbology and Potioncraft. It’s not an official course, more like an internal collective of high-performing students handpicked by the faculty. I would like to extend you an invitation."
I blinked. "I... thank you. I’m honored. But I... I would like to think about it before giving an answer."
"That’s fine," he said while folding his hands on the desk. "I understand you are already balancing quite a lot. You have proven capable, but no one wants you to burn out."
There was silence for a few seconds before he spoke again. "And one last thing..."
I straightened in my seat.
"I would like you to come see me after your Lunar Energy and Moon Cycles class tonight. We should talk about our... arrangement."
My heartbeat quickened. I nodded. "Yes, sir."
"You are dismissed."
- - -
The rest of the evening passed in a quiet haze.
Our Werewolf History and Politics class was as dry as ever, filled with tales of ancient lineage battles and alpha disputes that shaped the modern social structure. I took notes mechanically as I was more focused on the ticking clock.
Dinner was peaceful compared to usual days as most of us were tired after the lengthy and boring history class.
Lunar Energy and Moon Cycles was a more calming experience. The soft glow of moonstones lining the classroom’s ceiling, and the professor’s voice was almost hypnotic as she spoke about energy tides and their impact on werewolf transitions and emotions.
I learned a few things, I think, but when the class ended, I was barely able to recall a word.
I headed back to the dorm to drop off my books and change out of the uniform. The night air was cool as I walked back across the grounds toward the administrative wing. This time, the shadows didn’t feel quite so intimidating. Maybe because I knew I was expected.
Still, with every step closer to his office, my heart pounded harder.
I didn’t know exactly what this meeting would bring, but I was certain it would change something.
And I wasn’t sure if I was ready.