The sun was shining through the big windows of the Wolf-High Academy library. It was warm outside, but Aurora felt cold inside. She sat at a table in a quiet corner, shaking as she opened the letter that slipped under her dorm room door that morning. The writing was clear—her mom's neat script always felt heavier than just words.
Mia wrote,
"Aurora,
I trust this letter finds you well, though I know life at Wolf-high Academy must be overwhelming. I need you to promise me one thing: keep your head down. Avoid unnecessary attention. Stay out of trouble. This is not the place to stand out.
Aurora's fingers tightened around the letter, her breath catching in her throat. She could almost hear her mother's voice, filled with that same quiet urgency she'd used on the night they'd said goodbye.
There are things about your past that I cannot yet explain, but you must trust me. You are special, Aurora—more special than you realize. That is both your strength and your danger. Please, stay safe.
With all my love,
mom.
Aurora folded the letter and stuffed it into her bag. Her mind raced with questions. What did her mom mean by special? Why warn her now?
Before she could think more, a sharp voice broke her focus.
"Lost in thought?"
She looked up and saw Stefan Ryan leaning against the bookshelf, smirking. His dark eyes looked playful, but there was something else there too—curiosity, or maybe concern.
"Just... thinking," she answered, trying to sound relaxed.
Stefan raised an eyebrow. "Thinking can be dangerous here. Secrets have a way of getting out."
His words chilled her, but she smiled. "Thanks for the tip, Stefan. I'll keep that in mind."
He studied her for a bit longer before leaving. "Just remember, people are watching—some more than others."
As he walked away, Aurora felt a warning in his words.
That evening, Aurora sat by her dorm window, looking at the forest surrounding the academy. The moon was low, casting an odd glow over the trees. Her mother's letter made her think of memories she'd buried—memories of a night that changed everything.
She shut her eyes, and the past came rushing back.
It was a stormy night. The wind howled, and rain slammed against the windows. Aurora had been just ten years old, cuddled in bed in their little house near Blackthorne territory. The attack came out of nowhere.
She remembered glass breaking and rough growls as rogues crashed through their home. Her mom's frantic voice echoed in her ears as she pushed Aurora into a hidden spot under the floor.
"Stay here," her mom had whispered urgently. "No matter what, don't come out."
But Aurora couldn't stay. The fear and screams pulled her out. She peeked through the hatch just enough to see the chaos. That's when she saw him—a boy, maybe fifteen, fighting the rogues fiercely.
He moved like a pro, his dark hair soaked, and his glowing gray eyes were unlike anything she'd ever seen. She'd never come across anyone like him before—or since.
Until now.
Aurora's eyes snapped open, her heart racing. That boy... it was Finley Blackthorne. She was sure of it. But why was he there? Why did he save her?
A soft knock at the door startled her. She rushed to open it and found Sofia waiting outside.
"You look freaked," Sofia said, walking in and shutting the door.
"Just... remembering," Aurora replied, not ready to share her revelation.
Sofia watched her for a moment but didn't ask more. "You might want to get ready. Rumors are flying around, and they're about you."
Aurora's frown deepened. "What do you mean?"
"Word spreads fast here. People are noticing you—Finley saving you, Audrey watching you. You're on their radar now."
She plopped down on the edge of her bed, her mom's warning ringing in her ears.
In a dark study of the Blackthorne estate, Gamma Dan stood in front of Alpha Aaron Blackthorne, looking serious.
"She's here," Dan said quietly.
Alpha Aaron, tall and calm, looked up from his papers. "Aurora Hart?"
Dan nodded. "Her presence is stirring things up. The students are talking, and Finley is watching her."
Aaron's jaw tightened. "Finley?"
"Yes. He jumped in during an incident this week. It seems... instinctive."
Aaron leaned back, fingers steepled. "The prophecy," he murmured, almost to himself.
Dan's face darkened. "If it's true, her being here isn't a mistake. She might not realize who she is yet, but others will. And when they do, it'll be chaos."
Aaron's gaze hardened. "We need to watch her closely. If she's the one in the prophecy, she's both a threat and an ally. But if anyone else figures it out first..."
Dan nodded. "I'll keep an eye on her, quietly."
As Dan left, Aaron stared into the flickering fire. The prophecy had always been a shadow over their family—a puzzle hinting at power and betrayal. Now, it seemed the key to that puzzle was right in front of them.
Back in her room, Aurora tossed and turned in bed. Her mom's letter, memories of the rogue attack, and Sofia's warnings weighed heavily on her mind.
Finally, she fell asleep, but her dreams were a chaotic mess—stormy nights, glowing eyes, and a whispering voice calling her name.
She woke up with a jolt, her heart racing. Dawn light filtered through the curtains, and for a moment, she thought it was all in her head.
Then she spotted it—a single black feather on the windowsill, shining softly in the morning light.
Aurora felt cold. She didn't know where it came from, but one thing was clear: someone—or something—was watching her, and they knew exactly who she was.
Curiosity got the best of her. She reached out, her fingers brushing the feather. It was cool, almost too cool, and chilled her to the bone.
Turning it over, she noticed strange symbols on the quill—symbols she didn't understand, but they seemed almost alive. Fear washed over her.
Before she could look closer, a loud knock rattled her door. This was not Sofia's friendly tap. It was sharp and demanding.
Aurora froze, clutching the feather tightly. The knocking came again, louder, followed by a deep voice.
"Aurora Hart. Open the door."
She didn't recognize the voice, but fear gripped her.
Taking a deep breath, she stood, legs shaky. She glanced at the feather, which now seemed to throb like it had a heartbeat. Her instincts screamed to hide it, so she quickly shoved it under her pillow and stepped towards the door.
She hesitated, fingers hovering over the doorknob as the voice called out again, sharper than before.
"Aurora, we know what you are."
The floor felt unsteady as the words sunk in.
What I am?
Her fingers tightened around the doorknob, but she couldn't open it. The person outside wasn't here for a friendly chat. They knew something about her that she didn't fully get yet.
And they were waiting.
Her breath quickened as the voice lowered to a growl.
"Open the door, Aurora. Or we'll open it for you."
Her heart raced as she stood frozen, knowing that whatever waited behind that door would change everything.