Chapter 152: Some days hit harder than others

Alyssa stared wide-eyed at the massive gates towering before her. Mounted above the arched entrance was a polished stone plaque bearing a gilded inscription:

"Welcome to Wintercrest Royal Lycan Academy, where every dream finds its purpose."

She sat up straight in her seat, her eyes wide with quiet awe. For a fleeting moment, the weight of the morning’s turmoil–Dorian’s unsettling trance, her outburst in the dining hall, the silent tears she had shed all through the drive–faded into the background.

Scooting closer to the tinted glass, she peered out at the sprawling grounds. The Academy was vast, far more grand than she had imagined.

Young shifter students moved across the walkways in pairs or small groups, hauling leather-bound books and bag packs, their lively chatter echoing through the air.

Near the entrance stood an ornate marble fountain, its cascading water catching the morning sunlight and casting a soft prismatic color in the air. Beside it stood a massive carved monument of a Lycan standing on its hind legs, howling toward the sky.

Alec navigated the SUV down the smooth, tree-lined avenue toward the central administrative hall. He pulled into a reserved space, killed the engine, and turned in his seat to face her.

"Are you feeling better, Luna?" he asked softly.

Alyssa smiled warmly at him. She had noticed him checking her reflection in the rearview mirror throughout the drive, silently keeping watch while she cried.

"I’m fine, Alec. Thank you," she murmured. "I suppose I was just overwhelmed by everything."

Alec nodded in understanding. "Some days hit harder than others. As for the Alpha, try not to let it bother you. I am certain there’s an explanation for what occurred today."

"Mhhm," she hummed softly, looking down at her hands. "I hope so."

"Would you prefer to wait in the car a bit longer?"

Alyssa shook her head, adjusting her posture. "No, there’s no need. I just want to complete this assessment and return home."

"Alright," Alec agreed. He stepped out of the vehicle, opened the rear door, and extended a hand to assist her.

Alyssa accepted his hold and stepped onto the pavement, squinting slightly against the harsh glare of the sunlight.

Noticing her discomfort, Alec instantly raised his hand above her brow, casting a shadow over her face. "Should I fetch an umbrella from one of the shops nearby? It will only take a moment."

"No, it’s fine," she shook her head quickly. "Let’s just head inside."

Alec took her hand and guided her away from the parking area toward the administrative entrance. "Stay close to me."

Alyssa had declined the umbrella specifically to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Without Dorian beside her, she had no desire to be recognized by the student body.

She had also deliberately pulled her hair into a tight, low bun to conceal the distinct red hue of her strands.

As they passed through the door into the office beyond, she noticed several young female shifters in formal outfits casting admiring glances at Alec.

Alec seemed entirely oblivious, or perhaps he was simply accustomed to the lingering stares from women because of his good looks.

He escorted her through a maze of paneled corridors, offering curt nods to staff members along the way, until they arrived at the last office at the far end of the hallway. The office within was expansive and chilled by a humming cooling system.

Behind a wide mahogany desk sat a middle-aged man, munching on a croissant. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, he was completely bald, with brown eyes and pale, almost invisible eyebrows.

He looked up as the door clicked open, and the croissant slipped from his fingers. He scrambled to his feet, his eyes wide with stunned awe.

"Goddess above, it is truly you," he gasped, rounding the desk with his hand extended to greet Alyssa.

Alec instantly stepped in front of her, his broad frame blocking the administrator’s path.

"Maintain your distance, Keno," he warned.

Keno took a hasty step back, bowing his head in deep respect. "Forgive me, Gamma Alec. I have been awaiting the Luna’s arrival all morning and lost my composure."

He turned to face Alyssa, who was observing him from behind Alec’s shoulder, and bowed deeply.

"It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."

Alyssa smiled politely, offering a gentle nod. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Keno."

Keno straightened his spine and smiled warmly. "Alpha Dorian informed me that he would be escorting you personally. Is there a reason he couldn’t make it?"

"An urgent matter demanded his immediate attention," Alec answered flatly. "Let’s proceed directly to the assessment, Keno. I prefer to keep the Luna’s presence discreet."

"Of course. Please, sit." Keno said and gestured to the leather armchair positioned before the desk. Alyssa lowered herself into the seat while Alec took his position right behind her.

Keno hurried back to his desk, retrieved a thick folder, and slid it across the polished surface toward her.

"These documents outline the academic tracks available for your evaluation, Luna," he explained efficiently. "You need only review the criteria and indicate your primary fields of interest."

Alyssa pulled the file closer, scanning the pages. "What about the other applicants?" she asked. "Surely I am not the only one completing entry procedures today?"

"Certainly not, Luna. Hundreds of shifters enroll each academic session. However, this private evaluation protocol is structured exclusively for you. The general student body completes standard open testing."

"I see," Alyssa murmured softly.

Over the next hour, she carefully checked the requirements for Art and Visual Design, the field that had drawn her interest for years. She had always held a deep passion for painting and design in general.

By the time she signed her name to the final page, it was way past noon. She slid the folder back across the desk and stood up.

"Is that all I need to do?"

"That’s all, Luna," Keno bowed again. "Your official examination date will be communicated within the week."

"Thank you, Mr. Keno."

Alec briefly shook hands with Keno, then gently guided Alyssa back out through the corridors into the open air. As they walked toward the parked SUV, a sudden, familiar sensation prickled at the base of Alyssa’s neck.

She froze in her tracks, spinning around to scan the bustling crowds in the distance.

Nothing appeared out of place; students were laughing, talking, and hurrying between lectures. Yet the chilling sensation persisted. It was the same sensation of being watched that she had experienced months ago in Ashgard.

Noticing her sudden pause, Alec stopped beside her, his sharp eyes instantly scanning the perimeter for potential threats.

"Is something wrong, Luna?" he asked.

Alyssa shook her head slowly, trying to push the feeling away.

"It’s nothing," she murmured. "Likely just my nerves, but for a moment, I felt like someone was watching me."

Alec searched the busy courtyard as far as his line of sight reached. Nothing was out of place, and his wolf didn’t sense the slightest sign of danger. Nevertheless, he didn’t dare take her words lightly.

"Let’s head home," he said firmly.

He guided her to the SUV, opened the door, and ensured she was safely inside before sliding into the driver’s seat. Seconds later, the engine roared to life, and the vehicle accelerated out through the main gates.

Once the SUV had disappeared down the highway, a figure slowly stepped out from the shadow of a nearby shop. It was Wren.

She pulled back her hood slightly, her gaze fixed on the empty road where the vehicle had vanished. A painful mixture of fierce protection and deep longing flickered in her eyes.

She was back for her daughter, and nothing would stop her from taking her away.

Not even Dorian, the Alpha King.