SOPHIA'S POV
The discovery of what could be my true identity was my focus for the next two hours.
In that time, I trailed bare truths about my life and experiences - my uncontrollable wolf, her after-effects and my destiny.
Silver wolves were rare. They were born to noble blood Alphas once in 10,000 years and were always fated to noble bloods too, by the hand of the Moon Goddess.
I arrogantly presumed that I was a noble blood since I never met my parents. I was told there was an accident and the school board had me on since I was a child. I must have been important, right?
I never gave much thought to the details, I was only glad to have a place I called home.
I discreetly sketched my own copy of the white wolf image using a pencil press. The image haunted me and I needed answers.
Two hours later, I was back in the library to comb the mythology alley. This time, I knew what I was looking for: a way to understand the prophecy. I scanned the shelves, searching for any mention of the Silver Wolf.
I hand-picked a few modern volumes and I hoped to find some connection, but none were cohesive. Talk of the Silver Wolf were myths in most recent texts.
I flipped through the pages, a voice spoke behind me.
"Sophia."
I turned around to see Blackwood standing, wearing a concerned expression on his face.
"Professor," I acknowledged, trying to stay calm but dropped the tome. He glanced down and picked it up for me, pressing his gaze into the faded title for clarity.
"The… Prophecies of the Silver Wolf,'' he read aloud, before his eyes snapped up to mine.
"Sophia, what's going on?" he asked, his tone gentle.
I hesitated. He owed an explanation for last night.
"I think you know what's going on," I countered with a pout.
He sighed as he placed the tome back in my hand.
"I think I do," he admitted. "But I need to explain."
His eyes had a habit of searching for his words.
"I was worried about you, Sophia," he started.
"Worried?" I repeated, and he nodded. "Why?"
"After our conversation about the mythology book, I sort of concluded you were taking it a bit too seriously."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Too seriously? Didn't you give me the book because of how interested you thought I was?"
Blackwood's expression softened. "I know you're curious, Sophia, but for mythology, some truths are better left untouched."
I frowned. "Why would you say that?"
He stepped closer while holding eye contact.
"Because I… care about you, Sophia. As your professor, and... as someone who wants to see you safe."
I was surprised, and a little charmed.
"Safe from what?" I asked, warming up to him.
"From chasing shadows, Sophia. It's a spiral."
I studied his expression and he seemed genuine. I found it attractive that he was looking out for me.
"I appreciate your concern, sir." I said slowly.
Blackwood's face relaxed. "You can call me Nolan."
I smiled slightly. "Nolan."
We both laughed loudly as the tension between us thinned out..
"So tell me, Sophia," he asked, pointing to the tome, "what drew you to this particular book?"
I hesitated a little. "The Silver Wolf prophecy," I finally admitted.
His eyes narrowed, hiding his eyes behind a curious look.
"What do you know about it?"
I looked down and shrugged. "Not much. That's why I'm searching."
I looked back up to his eyes fixated on me. He nodded thoughtfully. "Hm, why don't I help you?"
My eyes brightened. "Really? You'd help me?"
"I know a thing or two about mythology," he said smiling, "and… you can consider it my apology for upsetting you."
I smiled back. "Thank you, Profess- I mean, Nolan."
I blushed. For the first time since our encounter in class, I felt like I could really trust him. I felt myself warming up to him.
"How about we start with the basics?" He suggested.
We sat down together, alone in the library. We littered our table with various texts that he thought could help and the others that I found interesting.
A long time passed, as we dug up forgotten knowledge in the world of mythology.
Blackwood was brilliant. He referenced texts and quoted a lot of literature without even glancing at them. He was as intelligent as he was hot.
It took extra effort to stay focused on mythology with him directly opposite me, but I had to try.
Our research into the Silver Wolf could potentially be the cure to all my problems. If there could be a way to control my wolf, to cure my dysmorphia and prove to the school board that it was safe for me to turn on school grounds during full moons, I had to find it.
I realized that Blackwood might well be the key to the answers I wanted, and discovering the Silver Wolf's secrets I sought.
As our conversation flowed free, the library's intercom crackled to life.
"Attention students," a male voice announced.
"We have two new admissions joining our school."
"The school's admitting this early in the year?" I questioned rhetorically, staring blankly in the direction of the intercom speaker.
"Make welcome, Jackson Benett and Thea Reed."
The voice on the intercom sounded excited to announce the new recruits. So did everyone else seem on a yearly basis. As for me though, I dreaded incomings.
"Interesting timing," Blackwood muttered to himself.
He didn't look up, but instead tried to refocus on the task before us.
Before I could ask, the lights in the library flickered momentarily before going off.
The library plunged into darkness, leaving myself and Blackwood scrambling.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the room.
I was offset in panic. "Nolan…?"
Blackwood's eyes glowed in the dark, and I felt his hand touch mine. "Behind me, Sophia. Now!"