I take the bus to university, as I can't afford the luxury of more expensive transportation. The Folk's University is massive, with every kind of creature enrolled, and the campus itself is breathtaking. When you pass through the grand iron gates, the first thing you see is a beautiful circular garden, a white fountain standing proudly in the center. The garden is a vivid tapestry of every exquisite flower native to this country. Behind it, the old part of the university stands—a massive, dome-shaped building filled with libraries and auditoriums. The new buildings, where most of our classes are held, lie just behind it. A red-brick path winds through the garden, leading to the arched gates of the old university, its interior adorned with shimmering chandeliers and stained-glass windows. I quickly make my way to my class, pushing thoughts of home and mom out of my head.
Once I sit at the front of the classroom, I pull out my notebooks, trying to focus. Suddenly, I feel a presence beside me, and before I can turn my head, I feel an arm casually drape over my shoulder. It's Aaron.
Aaron is my best friend—and my only one here. Being human in a city full of powerful creatures is isolating, and I've never been the type to go out of my way to make friends. I wasn't always like this; I used to be a rebellious kid, full of energy and attitude. But everything changed when we moved here for mom's treatment. I became quieter, more reserved. I'm not shy or afraid of anyone—I just don't have the energy to care. I've learned that life is a brutal world, and I don't have the strength to fight everyone who looks down on me.
But Aaron? He's different. From the moment we met, he acted like I was his lifelong friend, and despite myself, I let him in. He's got a smile that can light up a room, caramel eyes that always seem to catch the light, and a presence that's impossible to ignore. I don't know why he chose me to be his friend, but I'm grateful. He's a werewolf, after all—a warrior in his pack. He's fit, strong, and has a natural confidence that I never had. I used to think that werewolves were just myths, stories that were nothing like the real thing. But after meeting Aaron, I realized that some myths are better left as stories.
"Hi, Ameerah. How are you today?" Aaron greets me, his grin wide.
"I'm fine," I reply, keeping my voice flat.
I don't want to talk today. I just want to finish my classes, go home, and be with my mom. I texted her a minute ago, asking her to call me once she wakes up, but my mind keeps drifting back to her.
There's a long pause before I finally look up and catch Aaron's eyes. He's staring at me, squinting slightly, like he's trying to read something in my expression.
"What's up, Aaron?" I ask.
"Do you have a death wish?" he asks, confusion and concern in his voice.
"What?" I ask, taken aback. "No, what do you mean?"
"Why are you sitting in the front row? Did you forget it's Mr. Jill's class today?" He sounds almost panicked.
"I didn't forget," I reply, a little irritated.
"Look, Ameerah, you're brave, and you're a good student, but Mr. Jill considers me his nemesis ever since I pranked him a few too many times," Aaron explains, his voice lowering. "So, I'm just saying, sitting in the front row in his class is a bad idea. He'll chew me up."
Mr. Jill is an orc, and I'll admit, he does have a fearsome presence. He's tall, broad, with black eyes that seem to pierce right through you. His ears are huge, and his bottom incisors jut out of his mouth. But despite his intimidating appearance, he's one of the kindest people I know. When I was new to the university, I found myself in the wrong part of campus, where some spoiled fey students began bullying me for being human. I was lost, confused, and they took advantage of that. I'll never forget how Mr. Jill stepped in, calmly told them off, and helped me. He told me not to let other people's opinions define me, that the only ones who mattered were the people who truly loved me. Since then, I've never cried in front of anyone. The whispers, the stares—they don't matter anymore. Only the people who care for me matter.
But Aaron's right: he's pulled so many pranks on Mr. Jill that sitting in the front row would definitely be asking for trouble.
"Maybe I'm sitting at the front because I want to be left alone," I reply, a little more harshly than I intend.
Aaron's face falls. "I thought we were past this, Ameerah. I thought we were friends."
I sigh, guilt sweeping over me. I never meant to hurt him. He's the only person who's been genuinely kind to me in a place where kindness is rare. I wasn't always like this. I used to open up, but now… it's just so hard.
He starts to get up, and my heart sinks. "Aaron, wait," I say, grabbing his arm. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. It's just that… I'm not in a good place right now. I don't feel like talking to anyone."
For a moment, he studies my face, and then, sensing the sadness in my voice, he sits back down. "Ameerah, you know you can tell me anything. But if you don't want to talk, that's fine too. I'll sit with you in silence."
I force a small smile, appreciating the gesture more than he'll ever know. "You'd really sit in the front with me in Mr. Jill's class?"
"Of course," he says, his voice soft but sincere. "I'm not leaving you alone."
"Thank you," I whisper, my voice breaking slightly. I look away, not wanting him to see how much his words mean to me.
As Mr. Jill walks in, he looks at Aaron for a long moment, probably wondering if he's going to prank him again. But when Aaron just greets him like any normal student, Mr. Jill relaxes and starts his lecture.
The class goes by In a blur, my mind still on my mom and the overwhelming weight of everything I'm juggling. My main goal at university is music, but I'm taking marketing to help me sell my art. It was my mom's insistence that I follow my passion—she said she'd hate herself if I didn't. Her encouragement is what keeps me going, even when things seem impossible.
When the class finally ends, I pack up my things, ready to rush home to Mom.
"Ameerah, you leaving already?" Aaron calls out, looking at me expectantly. "Come on, let's have lunch together."
"Not today, Aaron," I reply, a little too hastily. "I'm late."
I head out the door and catch the bus home when my phone suddenly rings. It's Mom. My stomach tightens as I answer it.
"Hello, Mom? How are you? You're not in pain or anything, are you?"
"Calm down, sweetheart," she says gently. "I just called because I saw your message. Are you still at university? Your shift at the restaurant must be starting soon, right?"
I almost forgot about work. The dinner for the political delegates tonight is a big deal, and I have to be there early.
"Mom, are you sure you feel okay? I can take a leave today if you need me."
"Nonsense," she assures me. "I haven't felt this good in a year. You don't need to take the day off."
"Okay," I say, though I don't feel entirely at ease. "But if you need me, don't hesitate to call. I'll be home as soon as I can."
"You know, sometimes I feel like the roles are reversed. You're the one acting like my mother," she teases softly. "But don't worry about me, Gabe will be home soon, anyway."
I sigh with relief, though the knot in my stomach doesn't completely disappear. "Okay," I repeat, before the call ends.
I wish I could be home with her, but duty calls. I get on the bus to The Jaded Palace, bracing myself for the busy night ahead.