Moonlit Academy

Six

Tristan Grayson

I stepped into my dorm room, the weight of another year at Moonlit Academy settling on my shoulders. The view from the window revealed the school grounds below, but my gaze shifted aimlessly. It was odd, knowing this might be my final year here, considering how many years I'd spent within these walls.

With a sigh, I plopped down on my bed, running a hand through my tousled blond hair. I couldn't help but assess myself, wondering if I'd truly changed, as Headmistress Mooncrest claimed. Despite her words, a part of me felt like I hadn't really changed at all. The memories of that tragic incident, the one I deeply regret, kept haunting me, casting a shadow on my thoughts.

I averted my gaze and scanned my dorm room. It was a mess of art materials, paint, and canvases scattered around. Painting used to be my solace, my escape, but tonight, the colors on my canvas seemed dull and lifeless. The brush felt heavy in my hand, and I knew my heart wasn't in it.

With a heavy sigh, I realized that peace was elusive tonight. There was an inner turmoil that I couldn't put into words. The incident, the regret, it all gnawed at me.

My thoughts drifted to the other side of the room, where Lucas usually stayed. But he was probably out in the forest, doing what he loved best – spending time with summoning his mythical creatures. That guy had a way of living his life carefree, without the weight of past mistakes. Not that I knew of his past, as he was as shy as turtle inside its shell. However, still, I could not help but envy him and wish that I could be the same.

Feeling exhausted and uneasy, I decided that there wasn't much to do today. Tomorrow would bring the first day of real classes, but I had no excitement about it. It felt like just another day to navigate through.

The events of today left me drained and introspective, questioning myself and my place in this world. Perhaps, like always, I'd find some peace in sleep.

I closed my eyes, hoping that rest would bring relief from the conflicting emotions swirling inside me. Yet, as I drifted off, a part of me couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking beneath the surface, just waiting to emerge.

As I was about to close my eyes, my wolf sense of smell picked up something in the air. It was an alluring fragrance, unlike anything I had ever encountered before. My curiosity piqued, I got up from my bed and walked over to the window, pulling the curtains aside to peer outside.

From my vantage point on the third floor, I had a clear view of the grounds, and that was when I saw her. She emerged from a carriage that had just pulled up in front of the academy's entrance. Her presence was captivating, and even from this distance, I could tell that she was someone special.

Her flowing red hair shimmered like strands of molten copper, and her eyes were a mesmerizing mix of hazel and green, reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding nature. The way she carried herself, with an air of elegance and grace, made her stand out among the crowd of students and staff bustling around her.

I felt a strange pull, as if an invisible thread connected us. It was as if fate itself had guided her to this very spot, and I couldn't tear my eyes away. Mate, my inner wolf instincts growled, and the world just stopped spinning.

Who is she? I wondered, my heart beating faster in my chest. I hadn't heard anyone mention a new student arriving today, but then again, I hadn't paid much attention to the gossip going around the Academy.

As I continued to watch her, I noticed how other students glanced her way, whispering to each other and stealing glances in her direction. It was evident that she was already garnering attention, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at the thought of so many eyes on her. However, the frown on her face told me she did not like what she was seeing.

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I tried to convince myself that it didn't matter. After all, what did it matter to me if she was getting attention from others? I didn't even know her.

But deep down, I knew that wasn't entirely true. There was something about her that intrigued me, something that made me want to know more. Of course, dummy. She is your mate.

I continued to watch from my window as my mate, with her flowing red hair and mesmerizing hazel-green eyes, walked away from the carriage. Mrs. Pendleton was with her. My heart raced as my mate glanced up towards the third floor, and for a moment, I feared she might have sensed me staring. I quickly stepped away from the window, not wanting to appear like a creep.

After a few minutes had passed, I couldn't resist the urge to look again. When I did, my mate was no longer there. My heart twinged with disappointment. It was my first time sensing the mate bond, and I was already screwing it up. Stupid wolf.

With a rising sense of panic, I bolted out of my room. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror as I passed by. Neat enough, I thought, though I couldn't care less about my appearance at the moment. The only thing that mattered was catching up to my mate.

Following the alluring thread of her scent, I stormed out of the boy's dormitory and made my way through the crowded grounds. Students were scattered everywhere, some chatting, others studying, but I paid little attention to them. Navigating through the maze of people proved challenging, but I refused to let anything stand in my way. The scent grew stronger as I got closer, and my instincts guided me on, like a compass pointing to true north.

As I pushed through the crowd, a couple of curious stares followed me, but I paid them no mind. There were whispers and hushed murmurs, no doubt wondering why I seemed so driven. But none of it mattered. I had one goal in mind – to catch up to the girl with flames for hair.

As I entered the girl's dormitory, I was relieved that it was still daylight. Boys weren't allowed here at night, and I didn't want to risk breaking any rules. Really, Tristan? When did you have regard for rules?

Zip it, wolf, I told my inner beast as I made my way through the lobby, trying to act as nonchalant as possible, though my heart was pounding with anticipation. I ascended the stairs to the second floor, and eventually the third. My senses were on high alert as I followed the alluring scent that would inevitably lead me to her. The hallways were relatively empty. Only a few students passed by and their chatter filled the air.

I growled at a group of girls who gave me curious glances, making it clear that I was not to be disturbed. Their flirting attempts were the least of my concerns at the moment.

Well, to be honest, I really never cared about girls and love life in general. Until now. It was as if a magnetic force was pulling me toward my mate, and I couldn't resist its pull.

Just as I was nearing the door that would lead me to the girl with fiery hair, I crossed paths with Mrs. Pendleton, one of the flamboyant and cheerful faculty members who escorted new students into the academy.

"Well, well, if it isn't Tristan Grayson," Mrs. Pendleton exclaimed with a bright smile. "What are you doing wandering around the girl's dormitory?"

My heart skipped a beat as I sensed my mate's scent mingling with hers. It was unpleasant. Like it was soiled or something. "Uh, I was just... I thought I left something here," I replied, trying to sound casual.

She raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, did you, now? Well, just make sure you don't make a habit of it, young man. Boys aren't allowed here after dark, you know."

I chuckled nervously, relieved that she didn't seem too concerned about my presence. "Yes, ma'am. It won't happen again."

"Good, good," she said, giving me a playful wink. "Now, run along and find whatever you're looking for."

With a nod and a quick smile, I continued on my way, my heart still racing from the close encounter. Mrs. Pendleton was always a colorful character, and her cheerful demeanor never failed to brighten the mood.

I finally stood before the door that led to her, my mate. My heart thudded loudly in my chest, and my palms felt sweaty. This was it – the moment of truth. With a deep breath, I raised my hand to knock on the door, hoping that fate was on my side.

My hand was halfway to knocking when a voice from behind halted me.

"Tristan," it said. It was male.

Halting, I turned around to see who it was.

Lucas.

I was puzzled. "What are you doing here, Lucas?" I asked. "I thought you were in the woods."

Lucas fidgeted, a blush running down his face. He stammered, "I... I..." As he was still busy trying to complete his sentence, another newcomer arrived and joined us.

It was Caspian, the charming dark-skinned merman with an easy smile. The captain of the Swimming Team.

Caspian asked the two of us, "What is going on here? Are you both lost?"

I scratched my head, feeling mildly annoyed and confused as to why the two of them were in the same corridor as me.

"I'm not lost, but I can't speak for Lucas here."

Lucas shot me a look that I could not decipher what meant. "Uh, yeah, sorry. I was just looking for something," he added, trying to sound casual.

Hmm. This is weird. "Did you lose your pet pixie again?"

Before Lucas could reply, the door of the nearby dorm room creaked open, and my world seemed to come to a standstill. There, standing before us, was the most beautiful and mesmerizing creature I had ever laid eyes on.

With her vibrant red hair flowing like cascading flames, her face held an air of grace and mystery. Her lips were set in an unsmiling curve, adding to her allure, and her large hazel and green eyes seemed to pierce through the depths of my soul.

The mate bond surged through me, and I felt an inexplicable connection as if I had known her for lifetimes rather than mere moments. It overwhelmed me, and my heart pounded in my chest with the intensity of the emotions stirring within.

Without even thinking, the three of us said in unison, our voices carrying awe and reverence, "Mine."

What the hell? Lucas and Caspian are her mates too?