Gurda's mischievous grin returned.
"Ha! You should have seen your face. I hold no grudge against your brother, Laura. My grandfather was the one seeking trouble."
"He bragged about defeating Blue Flame," Gurda added, nostalgia and amusement mixing in her voice.
Laura's curiosity deepened.
"What was your grandfather like?" Laura asked.
Gurda's expression softened.
"Ryker was bold, fearless, and proud. He believed in demon supremacy, but wasn't cruel. He wanted to unite our kind."
As they walked through the school, Laura felt uneasy under the stares of other students. Gurda reassured her.
" Ignore them. They're curious about us."
The two friends continued to their next class, their conversation flowing easily.
Laura and Gurda headed to combat class, but their entrance was intercepted by Maria, who sneered at them.
"Wow, Miss Righteous already found a friend. You two are meant to be together – both losers."
Laura ignored Maria's jibe and swiftly dragged Gurda into the classroom.
They took their seats among the other students, while Maria settled into her usual spot across the room.
Mr. Doger, their combat instructor, burst into the room.
"Today, we'll see who can challenge our top two students in the arena!" he announced.
A student spoke up, "But sir, we already tried last week."
Mr. Doger smiled. "Exactly why I want you to try again. You should have trained, learned something new, and come back stronger. I need two volunteers."
Laura's hand shot up, her face radiant with confidence.
"I volunteer!" she exclaimed.
Mr. Doger nodded. "One more volunteer, please."
Gurda hesitated, her mind racing. She had never fought a human before, and the thought intimidated her. But Laura's confidence inspired her.
Taking a deep breath, Gurda raised her hand.
"I volunteer," she said firmly.
Mr. Doger's eyes lit up. "Excellent choices! Laura and Gurda, you'll face our top students. Let's see what you're made of!"
The class erupted into murmurs and whispers.
Maria's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Laura and Gurda.
"Alright, our top students, come out!" Mr. Doger commanded.
First to emerge was Dominic Kosh, the most powerful werewolf of his kind. Laura recognized the signs - dark skin, blood-red hair, wolf ears, and tail. His black singlet and jeans accentuated his muscular build, and the blood-red tattoo on his arm symbolized his authority as a Blood Alpha.
Dominic's piercing blood-red eyes and chiseled features made him an intimidating figure.
Laura's knowledge of werewolf lore allowed her to appreciate the rarity of Dominic's existence - a powerful alpha born only once in a generation.
But her focus shifted as the second student stepped forward.
Aurelio Roldan.
Laura's heart skipped a beat.
Aurelio wore a grey singlet, blue jeans, and a jacket tied around his waist, showcasing his sculpted physique.
Laura's cheeks flushed as she admired his broad shoulders and chiseled features.
Gurda noticed Laura's reaction and raised an eyebrow.
"Someone's caught your eye," Gurda whispered, smiling.
Laura quickly composed herself, trying to focus on the challenge ahead.
Dominic and Aurelio stood confidently, their eyes scanning the room.
Mr. Doger announced, "Today, Laura and Gurda will face our top students. Let's see if they can withstand the might of Dominic Kosh and Aurelio Roldan!"
The class erupted into cheers and whispers.
Maria's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Laura.