Moonlit Academy

Three

Stella Lockheed

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size, little Alpha wannabe," Tristan's voice rang out, filled with a mix of irritation and concern.

My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at Tristan, his intense golden gaze fixed on Lenard. Why is he here all of a sudden? I thought, wondering if he had followed me after our encounter in the corridor. On top of all my rambling thoughts, a weird fluttery feeling in my stomach persisted. I tried my best to ignore it as it did not matter at the moment.

Lenard's eyes narrowed at Tristan's retort, and a sinister smirk spread across his face. He took a step closer to Tristan, trying to provoke a reaction. "You think you can take me on?" Lenard taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You're just a weak mutt compared to me."

Tristan's jaw clenched, and I could see his muscles tense as he restrained himself from reacting impulsively. Lenard seemed to notice, and he took advantage of the momentary hesitation.

In a sudden move, Lenard swung his arm at Tristan, attempting to shove him away. But Tristan was faster. With lightning reflexes, he caught Lenard's hand mid-swing, his grip like an iron vice.

Lenard's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, I could see fear flicker in his gaze as he realized the sheer strength of the werewolf before him. He struggled to break free, but Tristan's hold was unyielding.

"Let go," Lenard growled, his bravado wavering.

Tristan didn't respond, his eyes narrowing as he held Lenard in place. I could feel the tension in the air, the electricity of their confrontation making my skin prickle.

"Please," Lenard pleaded, his voice now tinged with genuine fear. "I didn't mean it. Just let go."

Tristan's grip didn't waver, but his expression softened slightly. The tense silence stretched on, and I could feel the weight of their confrontation bearing down on me. I wanted to speak up, to defuse the situation, but I felt paralyzed by the intensity of it all.

Before things could escalate any further, an authoritative voice cut through the tension. "That's enough!"

Startled, I turned to see a stern-looking woman standing nearby, her presence commanding respect and authority. She must be a faculty member or something.

"Headmistress Mooncrest," Tristan muttered.

"Lenard, Tristan, to my office. Now," the woman instructed firmly.

Tristan finally released his grip, and Lenard pulled his arm away, wincing in pain. I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, grateful that the situation had been diffused. As much as I appreciated Tristan's intervention, I didn't want any more attention drawn to me. In the midst of the academy's supernatural politics, I was already struggling to find my place.

Headmistress Mooncrest approached us with measured steps, her eyes calm and calculating. "You too, Miss Lockheed."

My heart skipped a beat, and a wave of nervousness washed over me. How does she know my name? I wondered, feeling a bit unsettled. I hadn't introduced myself to her, and I didn't think my encounter with Tristan and Lenard would warrant her attention.

Headmistress Mooncrest raised an eyebrow as if she could see right through me. "Of course, I know who you are, Stella," she said, her tone measured. "And yes, I can hear your thoughts."

Ugh, seriously? She could just waltz into my head and know what I was thinking? Talk about invasive. I felt so unsettled by it, like my privacy was being violated. My thoughts were my own, and I wanted to shout at her to get out of my head, but I couldn't risk picking a fight with the headmistress on my very first day at Moonlit Academy. Gotta keep it together, Stella. Just nod and pretend everything's cool, even if it's not.

"I heard that, Miss Lockheed."

Great, just great. Now she's going to know I think she's creepy too. I tried to calm myself down, reminding myself of the advice from Peter Pan – think happy thoughts. But it was easier said than done. In an almost-whisper, I managed to stammer out, "I... I did not mean for any trouble, Headmistress."

"Regardless," she replied, her tone still stern. Then she turned around and walked away, motioning for us to follow her. "You three, to my office. Now."

Reluctantly, I trailed behind them, my mind still a whirlwind of confusion. I thought my day couldn't get any worse, but here I was, feeling like all my efforts to avoid attention were wasted. I discarded my food, frustrated that I was still hungry, and for what? All this supernatural drama was the last thing I wanted.

I couldn't help but wonder why Tristan had stepped up for me as we made our way through the academy. I had clearly told him and the other Corridor Boys that I did not want them. Was the whole mate thing among supernaturals that strong? I pushed the thought away, not wanting to think about it right now.

As we walked, the students seemed to part ways to let us through, creating an eerie silence. I figured it must be because the headmistress was feared by others. I mean, someone who can get inside your head is totally creepy.

Finally, we arrived at the imposing door to the headmistress's office. She turned to me and said, "Wait here, Miss Lockheed," pointing to a chair outside her office, which looked like a waiting area.

Then, she turned to the two boys and said, "You two, inside."

Lenard shot a glare at Tristan, still nursing his wrist as he said, "This is your fault, Tristan."

Tristan didn't say anything, but his expression seemed pensive like he was lost in thought about something.

Headmistress Mooncrest followed the two boys inside and closed the door behind them, leaving me alone in the quiet hallway. Time seemed to crawl, and I could hear the muffled rumble of the headmistress's voice from inside her office. Was she scolding them? I hope Tristan doesn't get in trouble because of me.

After what felt like an eternity, the door of the office finally opened. Out spilled Lenard, giving me a glare that said, "This is not over, you punk."

I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out at him. Seriously, this guy needs to get a life.

Tristan followed, his face looking deflated. I couldn't help but think he looked kind of cute, but I quickly dismissed the thought.

Like a bumbling i***t, I stood up and said, "Hey, thank you... for what you did earlier for me." My face flushed with embarrassment as I fidgeted with my hands. Why did I say that? He probably thinks I'm weird now.

Tristan didn't say anything in response. He just walked away without a word. I watched him go, my heart pounding, and my mind filled with confusion. Did I say something wrong? Or maybe the headmistress said something to him in private? Ugh, Stella, why do you care?

As I stood there trying to figure out my feelings, the headmistress's voice came from the open office door. "Come in, Stella."

Oh great, my turn now in the hot seat now. My heart fluttered, and I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself down. I took a deep breath and walked into her office, my mind racing with a million thoughts.