Chapter 1 The Abandoned Alpha

It was her first day of school. She stood at the entrance of the university, her eyes scanning everything around her. There was no room for weakness in her life, not even for a moment.

Here she was, standing at the gates of her new university, the vast campus before her presenting a new challenge in her harsh life. Students strolled through the hallways, chatting cheerfully; some laughed while others hurried to their classes. But to her, everything felt empty, as if she were trapped in her own bubble.

She wore a practical black outfit, her hair tightly pulled back. From a distance, she appeared invisible, but she felt their gazes upon her, heard the whispers that revealed everything.

"Look, it's the daughter of the abandoned alpha..." she overheard some girls whispering, not even attempting to hide their scorn.

This had always been her title. For years, that was what they called her, but it meant nothing to her. True, her father had abandoned her and his pack, but at least he had left her something-strength, skills, and an inability to trust anyone.

Without showing any reaction, she pushed her way through the crowds, ignoring the hurtful glances and harsh whispers that followed her wherever she went. She didn't need their acknowledgment. She was here for a greater purpose.

The whispers came from a group of students standing near the entrance. They looked at her with eyes filled with contempt and mockery. They knew her story, or at least they had heard the version that circulated: the daughter of a pack leader who had stepped down, abandoning her.

She moved toward them calmly, her shoulders squared. She knew that weakness would not be forgiven here. She took slow steps, her expression impassive, observing them all with her sharp eyes.

There were three boys and a girl, all dressed in lavish clothing that signified their social status. The girl, with her green eyes filled with malice, spoke sharply, "I can't believe they allow someone like you to be here..." as if seeking attention.

She simply cast a glance their way. A look that spoke a thousand words. The girl felt the tension, but she didn't back down; she knew she was protected. The three boys beside her were ready to intervene at any moment, but she didn't need anyone. She was not afraid of them.

"The daughter of the abandoned alpha... are you planning to run away like your father did?" one of the boys said loudly, and his companions laughed.

She felt her blood boil in her veins. His tone was sharp, provocative, and he was looking for a reaction from her, but she remained still. She was in control. She didn't want to reveal her true strength now, not in front of them.

Bullying was to be expected. She knew she would be the center of attention. Yet, it was hard to ignore the contempt they directed toward her.

As Liana approached the classroom door, she inadvertently collided with someone. The impact, though unintentional, was enough to draw attention. She paused for a moment and lifted her gaze to meet cold, blue eyes.

The person she had bumped into was Aron. Taller than her by several inches, his body was taut, and his muscles were distinctly defined beneath his white school shirt, part of the uniform. His dark brown hair fell freely across his forehead. Yet, it was his eyes that captivated her the most-cold, blue, and enigmatic.

"Watch where you're going!" he said in a calm yet deep voice. His tone wasn't hostile.

She raised her head to meet his piercing blue gaze. It was indeed Aron.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," she replied, her tone stiff, expecting him to dismiss her like the others.

But he didn't move; instead, he continued to regard her with curiosity. "You're the new girl, aren't you? I haven't seen you here before."

She attempted to retreat, but his gaze held her captive. "Yes, I'm new."

"It's strange that you've been avoiding everyone," he remarked with a slight smile, as if her behavior intrigued him.

Feeling compelled to respond, though she preferred not to engage, she said, "I'm not here to be part of their lives. I have other matters to attend to."

Aron raised an eyebrow slightly, as if contemplating her words. "Other matters? Like what?"

"That's none of your business." She interrupted firmly, trying to end the conversation.

He didn't seem put off by her cold reply. On the contrary, his smile widened. "Well, I'll find out soon enough. You can't remain a mystery for long."

She didn't reply. She wasn't interested in conversing with him. Turning away, she continued on her path, ignoring him completely.

This disregard sparked his confusion, yet he made no attempt to follow her. He appeared accustomed to girls who would engage him immediately or, at the very least, show some interest. But Liana displayed nothing but utter disdain for him.

"Who is she?" one of his followers asked.

"We'll find out soon enough..." Aron replied with an air of interest, which surprised her. Why would he care about someone like her? To him, she was merely a new puzzle, and he delighted in solving puzzles.

She paused briefly, taking a deep breath, then resumed her walk toward the classroom. She felt his sharp gaze following her until she was out of sight.

Upon entering the classroom, she chose a seat in the back, away from everyone. She didn't want to draw any more attention than she already had. Seated, isolated from others, she kept a keen eye on her surroundings.

Eyes darted quickly between faces as she analyzed every movement, every glance, every whisper. But she had no time to dwell on their feelings or opinions. She was there for a specific purpose, and she could not allow anyone to obstruct her path or hinder her mission.

She remained in her seat, calm on the surface, though a wave of anxiety crept beneath. The task that had brought her here was far more complex than she had anticipated. She was ready for a challenge, but she wasn't prepared for the intensity of hostile stares and the incessant bullying. Still, she had to endure. She had trained for years to withstand everything, to control her emotions, and to prevent them from ruling her.

Yet something about Aron unsettled her. He was different from the others. His gaze held neither contempt nor mockery but a curious intrigue, as if she represented something he couldn't fully comprehend. She needed to stay focused on her mission and not let anyone obstruct her way.

Glancing around the bustling classroom filled with students exchanging conversations and laughter, she realized she was the only one sitting in silence at the back. She wasn't part of their world, and she had no desire to be.