Chapter 2 –
The first bell rang, echoing across the spires of Melboria High. The sound was ceremonial, almost musical, but carried weight. Students scuttled to their classrooms—some in sleek uniforms, some shifting mid-step, others levitating books to their desks.
Miranda strode beside Melissa, her satchel tight against her shoulder. Every eye seemed to linger on her, not with admiration, but curiosity—mixed with fear. Being the daughter of the Werewolf King had its perks, but it also made her… a target of expectations.
"First class?" Melissa asked, adjusting her scarf.
"Combat training," Miranda muttered. "I'm supposed to spar… today."
The training hall was vast, columns carved with supernatural glyphs, torches burning with colored flames. Students paired off, practicing fire spells, water manipulation, or shifting into partial forms of their species.
"Viscoff!" a familiar drawl echoed. Jane, flanked by Kira and Sophia, smirked. "Hope you brought a plan to not embarrass yourself."
Miranda gritted her teeth. Melissa nudged her forward. "Ignore them."
Before she could respond, a figure stepped onto the raised platform—Professor Kael. That was the name she had learned to call him, the masked, angular-faced teacher with a calm but commanding aura. His eyes… they seemed to see more than the room.
"Good morning, students," Kael said, voice smooth and measured. "Today, you will learn control. Powers, emotions, and—most importantly—limits. Those who overreach, even the elite, will pay the price."
Miranda's pulse quickened. Kael wasn't just a teacher… there was something underneath the mask, a power in his presence that made the room's energy bend toward him.
The class began. Miranda paired with a fire demon—he sneered as she approached, sparks flying from his fingertips.
"You'll hurt yourself," he warned, smirking. "Or maybe I'll enjoy watching it."
Miranda forced her hands steady. She had trained her whole life for this, but every time she tried to channel her latent lycan powers… nothing.
Melissa stood behind her, whispering: "Remember—control comes before power. Don't fight with anger."
Hours passed in controlled chaos—fire and water clashes, spells misfiring, students rolling in the dirt. Miranda's wolf stirred faintly, sensing danger, but still… she didn't shift.
As class ended, Kael descended from the platform, eyes glinting beneath the mask. He passed her slowly, deliberately, stopping just long enough that Miranda could feel the weight of his gaze.
"Interesting," he said softly, voice low. "You are… different. Remember that. Not all paths are visible at first."
And just like that, he disappeared into the hallways, leaving a trace of something ancient and dangerously magnetic behind.
Outside, Duncan Kerr approached, grin on his face. "Tough class?"
Miranda's stomach fluttered. She nodded, heart thrumming—not with excitement, but with suspicion. Something about him felt… off. But for now, he was simply the boy she wanted closer.
Melissa rolled her eyes. "Careful. Not everyone is what they seem."
Miranda sighed, glancing back at the massive hall. Melboria High was a playground and a battlefield all at once. And for her, the real challenge was just beginning.