Evaline:
It was half past six when Mr. Wood pulled the sleek black car to a stop in front of the Academy’s main gates. The familiar stone archway loomed ahead, its edges dusted with fresh snow, and a warmth I hadn’t expected bloomed in my chest.
Two weeks. Just two weeks away, and yet stepping out into the crisp winter air felt like returning home.
I tugged my scarf a little higher, offering Mr. Wood a quick wave of thanks before I turned toward the gate. My boots crunched over the snow-covered path as I passed through, and for the second time since I joined Silver Moon, I allowed myself to slow down and take it all in.
The sprawling lawns lay buried under soft blankets of white, the glass windows of the main building glowing faintly against the dusky sky. As I took the familiar path wounding its way toward the first-years dormitory, I realized just how much I had missed this place - the steady rhythm of Academy life, the banter in the dining hall, and, most of all, my friends.
The campus was alive again. Students were moving in groups, laughter was spilling into the cold air, their breath visible like little clouds. Warriors in their dark uniforms were already standing stationed at their posts, their eyes scanning the crowd with practiced focus.
I caught glimpses of some of my classmates and a few upper-years, some looking at me with genuine smiles, others offering me looks that could have cut through steel.
Some things never changed.
By the time I reached the dorm building, the hum of voices and warmth spilling from inside chased away the winter chill clinging to my coat. I made my way to my dorm and stepped into the common room, my gaze instantly landing on the cluster of familiar faces around the coffee table - Mallory, Kyros, Rowan, Noah, Selene, and Ria.
"Eva!" Mallory’s voice rang out, and before I could even shut the door behind me, they had pulled me into their little circle.
I could see it in Mallory’s eyes - that spark of curiosity she always got when she’s looking forward to gossip. Kyros and Rowan too looked like they were dying to ask about my stay at the Thorne mansion. But with others around, they kept their expressions neutral, steering the conversation toward safer territory.
The talk quickly turned to what was awaiting us the coming weeks. Kyros leaned back in his couch, running a hand through his hair. "The new schedule’s out," he announced grimly. "Brace yourselves - assignments, projects, and tests, all packed in before exams."
Rowan groaned. "When are exams again?"
"Between January twenty-fifth and February tenth," Kyros recited like it was a death sentence. "Mid-term break starts right after - February eleventh through twenty-eighth. New term starts first of March as usual."
The collective groans that followed was almost comical. Even Selene, who thrived on academic pressure, muttered something about professors being sadists.
I stayed quiet, chewing on my bottom lip. Almost forty days of non-stop study pressure. My internship would eat up big chunks of that time. I would need to be strategic, maybe apply for holiday leave during the exam weeks, or at least ask them to lighten my workload.
Dinner at the Academy dining hall was a welcome distraction. The warm scent of baked bread and spiced stew made me realize how long it had been since I had eaten here. We lingered longer than usual, catching up between bites.
When we finally headed back to the dorms, Ria surprised us by announcing, "I need to stop by my friend’s dorm for a bit."
That left our dorm blissfully free of extra ears. The moment we stepped inside, Mallory, Kyros, and Rowan exchanged a look that made my instincts prickle.
They didn’t even try to be subtle. Mallory practically dragged me to the couch near the fireplace while Rowan locked the door. Both boys dropped into seats opposite us, their expressions varying degrees of expectant.
Kyros opened his mouth. "So-"
"Did something happen with River?" Mallory cut in, eyes narrowing with suspicion.
I blinked, momentarily thrown.
Kyros and Rowan’s reactions were instant. They had identical looks of shock and confusion that would have been hilarious if the air hadn’t suddenly felt heavier.
"Wait-River?" Rowan’s tone was all disbelief. "What about him?"
I sighed. No point in dodging it now. "He’s... also my mate."
The silence lasted all of two seconds before Kyros made a choking sound, leaning back so quickly he nearly tipped over. Rowan just stared like I had grown a second head.
Mallory’s smirk said she had been waiting for this moment.
I told them everything - how I had felt the bond, the conversation I had with him about Oscar and Draven being my mates, how I told Oscar and Draven about River. I had already told Mallory before, but Kyros and Rowan listened with wide eyes, occasionally glancing at each other like they were checking if this was actually happening.
By the time I finished, Kyros let out a low whistle. "The River Thorne," he said, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."
"Almost impossible," Rowan corrected, but his lips were curving into the beginnings of a smile.
Mallory just looked smug. "Called it."
And then, in that way they had of catching me off guard, both boys softened. Rowan’s voice was warm when he finally said, "We are happy for you, Eva. You deserve the best."
Kyros nodded. "Yeah. And those three? They might actually be worthy of you."
I didn’t trust my voice enough to respond, so I smiled instead, the tension in my chest loosening a little.
Of course, Mallory wasn’t done. "So... back to my original question. Did something happen with River? You worked with him all weekend, right?"
I shook my head. "Not really. He was busy at the Nightshade Pack and the company. Didn’t drop by the Council headquarters at all."
Her face fell in dramatic disappointment. "You are no fun."
"I’m telling you, nothing’s going to happen," I said firmly.
Kyros started grinning suddenly. "Oh, I’m now actually looking forward to your future with the Rogue Alpha King. Sounds exciting already."
I groaned, sinking back into the couch, but I couldn’t quite hide the tiny, reluctant smile trying to tug at my lips.