Chapter 3 The First Day at School

Lily sat on her bed, brushing her hair as the morning sun streamed through the window. The golden light reflected off the strands, but her thoughts were far from admiring her reflection. She felt the familiar weight settling in her chest-the kind that came before facing another school day.

Her mother, Eleanor, stood by the wardrobe, carefully selecting a dress from the neatly arranged clothes. Even in casual attire, she carried herself with grace, a reminder of the Luna she once was.

"You should eat quickly," Eleanor said over her shoulder. "It's your first day back after the seaside trip. Don't give Lucia another reason to taunt you."

Lily sighed, setting her brush down. "She doesn't need a reason."

She thought bitterly, Lucia never needs a reason to taunt me. She does it just for fun, to remind me that I don't belong.

Eleanor turned, crossing her arms. "True," she admitted with a small chuckle. "But try to ignore her."

Easier said than done.

Eleanor walked over, taking Lily's hands in hers. "You're stronger than you think, sweetheart."

Lily wanted to believe that, but being wolfless in a pack full of werewolves made her an easy target. She didn't just feel different-she was different. And in a world where strength was everything, being different made her vulnerable.

"At least you have Annie," Eleanor added, squeezing Lily's fingers.

That made Lily smile. "Yeah, I missed her."

Eleanor smirked. "And? No other reason to be excited?"

Lily frowned. "Like what?"

Her mother raised an eyebrow. "You're turning eighteen in a few months. Maybe you'll find your mate."

Lily scoffed, pulling her hands back. "Mom, I don't even have a wolf."

Eleanor sighed, but instead of pushing further, she kissed Lily's forehead. "Whatever. Now go eat your food."

Lily hesitated before standing, forcing a small smile. If only it were that simple.

The dining hall smelled of eggs and toast, but Lily barely had an appetite. The tension in the room was thick, suffocating.

Alpha Morgan sat at the head of the table, reading through a stack of documents. His presence alone drained the warmth from the room. Caleb, his son, ate quietly-always the obedient one. Lucia, on the other hand, was exactly as expected.

Lily had barely sat down when Lucia smirked. "Still wolfless, huh?"

Lily ignored her, reaching for a piece of toast. She wouldn't give Lucia the satisfaction of a reaction.

Morgan glanced up, his cold gaze locking onto her. "I expect you to behave at school, Lily."

Lily frowned, mid-bite. "Me?"

"You," Morgan said firmly, setting his papers aside. "No trouble."

It was pointless arguing. In his eyes, she was always the problem. He never saw the fault in his children-especially Lucia, who thrived on taunting her.

Lily bit back a sigh. Same routine, different days

Back in her room, her phone buzzed. A message from Annie.

Annie: I'm really disappointed in you. You went to the seaside without telling me, huh?

Lily winced, quickly typing back.

Lily: I'm sorry! I forgot to tell you. I tried to call, but the place had network issues. Forgive me, my love.

Annie: Fine. But are you ready?

Lily: Ready for what?

Annie: Really? School, dummy.

Lily groaned.

Lily: Not really. But at least I'll see you.

Annie: Duh. And guess what? We have a new history teacher.

Lily blinked at the message. A new teacher?

Lily: Huh. Whatever, but I'll miss our old teacher.

Annie: Also, school starts in two days. Have you packed your stuff?

Lily: I completely forgot...

Annie: I knew it! Start packing now. It's our final year! I'll come early so we can go together.

Lily smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. At least she had Annie.

The First Day of the New Term, Lily pulled her backpack over her shoulders, staring at her reflection in the small mirror above her dresser. Dark curls framed her delicate features, and her green eyes held a flicker of hesitation.

Her stomach twisted as she imagined what the day would bring.

A knock on the door broke her thoughts.

"Come in," she called.

Eleanor stepped inside, already dressed for the day. She studied Lily carefully before offering a soft smile. "You look lovely."

Lily gave a small nod. "Thanks, Mom."

Eleanor hesitated before reaching out, brushing a loose strand of hair from Lily's face. "You're stronger than you think."

Lily tried to believe it.

Outside, Annie stood near the pack house gates, bouncing on her toes.

"There you are, sleepyhead!" Annie teased. "I was about to drag you out myself."

Lily rolled her eyes. "You're way too excited for school."

"Of course! I get to see Joe every day."

Lily smirked. "You saw him yesterday."

Annie wiggled her eyebrows. "School romance hits differently."

Lily laughed, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."

Annie grinned. "Admit it-you wish you had a mate too."

Lily's smile faltered. "I don't think I'll ever have one."

Annie frowned. "Don't say that. Just because you don't have a wolf doesn't mean you won't have a mate."

Lily didn't respond. She wasn't sure she believed that anymore.

As they walked, the school came into view. Her stomach twisted.

Annie noticed. "Hey," she squeezed Lily's hand. "You've got me, okay?"

Lily nodded, forcing herself forward

As soon as Lily stepped inside, the whispers began.

"She shouldn't even be here."

"A wolfless girl in a pack school? Pathetic."

She ignored them, keeping her head high.

Lucia smirked, stepping in her way. "Well, look who decided to show up-the little wolfless princess."

Lily clenched her jaw. "Move, Lucia."

Lucia laughed. "Or what? You'll cry to your mommy?"

Laughter followed.

Joe suddenly stepped between them. "Enough, Lucia."

Lucia narrowed her eyes. "Stay out of this, Joe."

"I won't," Joe replied. "Lily hasn't done anything to you."

Lucia scoffed. "She exists. That's enough."

Lily's grip tightened around her desk.

Before things could escalate, the classroom door swung open.

A deep, authoritative voice cut through the tension.

"Take your seats."

Everyone turned.

A tall man stood at the doorway, dressed in a dark button-down shirt and slacks. His presence commanded attention.

"I am Fred, your new history teacher."

His sharp gaze swept the room-then landed on Lily.

His expression changed-shock, confusion... something else.

Lily's heart pounded. She felt a strange pull, something deep inside her stirring.

Fred hesitated for a brief second before masking whatever emotion had crossed his face. But his heartbeat...

It was racing.

Lily shivered.

Something about him felt familiar.

And she had no idea why.