The Hidden Lycan Prince

CHAPTER 1

A deep sigh left my lips as my gaze drifted around the campus of Alberton High. Every inch of the campus oozed class. Designed to resemble a medieval period castle, the site was a perfect blend of history and luxury.

I adjusted the strap of my backpack; my lips spreading into a wide grin. After three years of continuous struggle, I had finally won the Alberton’s scholarship.

Alberton High was one of the most coveted schools in the world: perfect infrastructure, a panel of skilled and well-trained teachers and staff, a dynamic approach to study. It had produced some of the best doctors and scientists in the world.

Just the label of Alberton high was enough to get you a job even in the most reputed companies. Naturally, I was thrilled.

Humming softly, I made my way through the gates, proudly flashing my id to the security guard. It was like I had stepped into my favourite dream sequence. I just had to stay in the top ten ranks and soon I would make it to the Alberton Medical College.

I was on my way to the administration section when a loud scream ripped through the air. My heart skipped a beat, and I rushed to check what it was. A crowd had gathered in the corridor to the boy’s locker room. Weaving my way through the close-knit gathering, managed to reach the front.

A tall boy with a slight husky complexion was bent over; his hand covering his nose. I sucked in a deep breath as blood trickled down his chin and dripped onto his shirt; staining the crisp white in a scary hue of crimson.

“Gosh! Do you think he broke his nose?” The girl standing to my right exclaimed with a pitiful expression.

“He should have known better that to mess with the Royals.” Another girl with blonde hair commented before grabbing her hand and dragging her away. “It is better to stay away from this mess.”

Once everyone found out that the Royals were involved, they scurried away like terrified mice. Soon, I was the only one standing there. I bit my lip, wondering if I should leave as well.

It was at this moment that the boy raised his head to look at me. His eyebrows were drawn in a deep frown and his brown eyes held something so raw that it made my mind go blank. His sharp features added a strange magnetism to his appearance.

I found myself walking over to him. Licking my dry lips, I asked in a flustered voice, “Are you okay? Umm… should I take you to the infirmary or something?”

“I am fine,” he stated with a dismissive wave; probably hinting that I should leave. But, I couldn’t. Seeing his bruised nose made my heart ache.

This was really weird because I worked part time at a dispensary and I was used to seeing such sights. Taking out my handkerchief, I made a move to press it against his nose, but he grabbed my wrist halfway.

His firm grip made my mouth go dry. I could see the outline of his muscles bulging through his shirt.

“You don’t look like someone who just gets beaten up.” I blurted, before I could stop myself. “What exactly happened?”

Something flashed in his eyes, and he dropped my hand instantly. Taking the handkerchief from my hand, he pressed it to his nose, “W….What makes you think so?”

His deep, husky voice caressed my insides, making my stomach clench just a little. Damn! What was wrong with me? Why did I feel so conscious around him?

Drawing in a deep breath, I replied honestly. “I don’t know. It just felt that way….”

He looked at me with a strange expression but didn’t comment. I had this strange feeling that I had intruded upon his darkest secret or something. I know this sounds crazy, but that is the sort of vibes he gave me.

The conversation turned to a stalemate after that. The awkwardness made me feel uncomfortable, and I bade him a hasty goodbye; resolving to avoid him in the future. There was no place for distractions in my life.

“You should have avoided him like the others,” a girl said as she walked over to me; a friendly smile blooming on her lips. “It is not a good idea to get involved in anything related to Royals.”

My lips pressed into a thin line and I nodded, “Thanks for the advice, but who are these Royals, anyway?”

Her eyes widened in shock and she gaped at me for an entire minute before speaking, “You don’t know about the Royals?”

“Umm…no…”

Her eyes twinkled, as if she were giving me a huge hint. “The Grayson brothers are popularly called as the Royals.”

I had never heard about the Graysons, either. So, I pursed my lips and blinked.

‘How is that even possible? How can there be a girl who hasn’t heard about the Grayson brothers?” she shrieked;  fishing out her phone and typing ‘Grayson Brothers’ in the search bar.

The number of results that turned up left me dumbfounded. They seemed nothing short of celebrities with hundreds of fan pages dedicated to them. There were several news articles about them, too.

“I know this is a lot.” She rolled her eyes. “So, I will give you a brief. The Grayson brothers own the Grayson Enterprises, which is a Multi-Billion Conglomerate.”

She pointed at an image of twins as she continued. “That is Eric Grayson, and that one with curly hair is Edmund Grayson. They are sophomores while….” She paused for a moment to swipe to another image. “This is Alistair Grayson. He is the oldest one of them. He has already graduated and comes to Alberton High only on special occasions.”

I could finally understand the apprehension around the Royals. They were powerful enough to do anything they wanted.

A rueful sigh left my lips. “I get it now…. Thanks for your explanation…. Umm… what is your name?”

“I am Sierra; Sierra Hale. I am a junior too…” She introduced herself with a bright smile.

“I am Ayame Hills. It is a pleasure to know you, Miss Know-it-all.”

Her face flushed, and she waved off my praise. “There is nothing like that…. It is just that you are too ignorant.”

My jaws hung open, and I glared at her. “How dare you?” I made a move to smack her, but she dodged. I chased after her, and just like that, we bonded. It was too early to call her my friend, but I did like Sierra.

We remained busy for the rest of the day, sorting our schedules and figuring out stuff.

“I am so glad that we have three classes together, Ayame,” Sierra gushed as we walked through the corridor. “Even medical history doesn’t seem so daunting with you.”

I giggled at her animated expression. She sucked at remembering dates and inventions and quite often mixed the terms hilariously.

“I am glad to have met you too, Sierra.” My gaze fell on my watch. “I really need to go now. Dr. Smith will kill me if I am late.”

“Oh… I was hoping that you could join me for the first day’s celebration.” Her face fell, and she pouted, giving me the most pitiful expression she could manage.

I laughed and pulled her into a half hug. “I am so sorry, Sierra, but I really have to go….”

I had to run to take the 3.40 bus and by the time I reached the clinic; it was way past the usual time of four thirty. My heart skipped a beat seeing the patients sitting in the waiting area. Doctor Smith was really going to kill me today.

My heart pounded against my ribs and I wiped my clammy hands on my skirt before opening the door to his cabin.

“I am so sorry for being late, Dr Smith. I missed the bus.” I apologised, cramming my bag in a corner and sanitizing my hands. “I am really sorry…”

His bushy eyebrows twitched and his intense expression bore into mine. “I am already making a huge leeway by reducing your working hours, Ayame.”

I twisted my fingers nervously and bit my lower lip, “I know doctor, and I am very grateful. I will make sure that this doesn’t happen again.”

“You better do else. I will have no other choice but to look for a replacement.” His stoic voice made me shudder just a little. I couldn’t afford to lose this job. Though I had bagged the scholarship, I needed money for conveyance, books, etc.

Dr. Smith made me work overtime. By the time I returned home, it was almost eleven. I tried to return early; I really did, but lady luck was especially cross with me today.

The boy’s face flashed in my mind; warming me just a little. I didn’t regret meeting him, though. With a sigh of resignation, I braced myself for what was to come and opened the door.

“Why are you so late?” Mom snapped the moment I walked into the hall. She rushed over and snatched the bag from my hand, hurling it aside. “I should have never allowed you to enrol in that stupid school!”

“I am sorry, mom. Please give me twenty minutes. I will cook the dinner quickly.” I said, trying hard to keep my voice even. Five years of being insulted, but the disdain in her voice still hurt.

I made a move towards the kitchen, but she grabbed my hair and dragged me back. Her eyes narrowed, and she snapped, “There is no need to cook. We have already eaten.”

“But… I…” I drew in a deep breath and nodded. “Understood, mom.” Arguing would only make things worse. If she wanted me to starve, I would just do that.  

“Let this be a lesson for you. If you come later than 9.30, you don’t get to cook or eat.” She spat angrily before releasing me. “You will also have to pay the bill for the takeout. Don’t think I will go easy on you just because you are going to some famous school!”

Her lips contorted in disgust, and she stomped away. You know what made all of this a thousand times worse? The fact that I didn’t even know why my mother hated me so much.

Closing my eyes; I took a moment to compose myself. Then I picked my bag and walked to my room, closing the main door behind me.

My gaze landed on my father’s picture placed on my table. Tears stung my eyes as a sharp stab of ache seared through my chest. If only Dad were here…

He wasn’t, and I refused to spend my life mopping about my condition. I straightened my hair and tied it up before changing into my nightdress.

Ignoring the gnawing sensation of hunger, I settled to do my homework. Soon, I was immersed in the world of anatomy and medicine; everything else got pushed to the recess of my mind.