Asher stood outside the building, the sound of a flute drifting from within. Just as he was about to enter, a security guard stopped him. "Sir, please complete the formalities before you go inside for safety reasons." After filling out the necessary details and undergoing security checks, Asher hurried inside, but the enchanting melody began to fade. "Damn it! Why did she have to stop?" he muttered under his breath.
Inside, the room erupted in applause as Gina finished playing. She opened her eyes and smiled. "Thank you for your appreciation!"
One student exclaimed, "It felt like we were under a spell! I’ve never heard such a beautiful tune. Did you compose it yourself?"
Gina blushed slightly. "I don’t really know. The first time I picked up this flute, this melody just came out. I feel a strange connection to it."
"Wow! That’s incredible!" another student said, awe evident on their face.
"Thanks! I can teach you if you’re interested," Gina offered hesitantly.
"Yes! We’re excited to learn from you!" the entire class chorused enthusiastically.
Gina smiled warmly. "The class is over for today, but don’t be upset. I’ll teach you all tomorrow. I hope you enjoyed it!"
Afterward, she headed to the canteen for a coffee. Just then, a blonde woman in her thirties approached her. "Hey! Are you the new music teacher at our academy?"
"Yes! I’m Gina," she replied, introducing herself.
"I’m Valene; I teach violin," the woman said with a smile.
"Nice to meet you!" Gina returned the smile.
"Let’s grab coffee together," Valene suggested.
"Thanks!" Gina said, taking a seat as they began chatting to get to know each other.
Meanwhile, Asher was feeling desperate. The barrier he had created to block his wolf also hindered his powers, making it even harder to find his mate. Suddenly, he spotted a woman with her back turned, holding a flute. He rushed toward her, heart racing, and tapped her shoulder.
When she turned around, his excitement quickly turned to disappointment.
"Yes?" Valene asked, smiling.
Asher stared at the flute, then asked, "Were you the one playing just now?"
Valene tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and nodded.
All of Asher's hopes crumbled. "Did you like it?" she asked.
"No, I hated it. If you ever play that tune again, you’ll regret it," he threatened.
"Excuse me! You have no right to order me around. It’s my flute, and I can play whatever I want," Valene shot back.
"Don’t push me, woman! You have no idea who I am," Asher growled.
"As if I care!" Valene rolled her eyes.
"Don’t blame me for what happens next," he challenged.
"We’ll see about that," she shrugged defiantly.
Just then, Asher’s bodyguards arrived and escorted him away. He didn’t create a scene, knowing he was bound by the council's restrictions.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Gina said as she rejoined Valene.
“It’s fine! You won’t believe the jerk I ran into while you were gone,” Valene replied.
“Was it someone you knew?” Gina asked innocently.
“No, you’re both too innocent! While you were in the restroom fixing a coffee stain, I was waiting and decided to try your flute. Then this handsome jerk tapped my shoulder,” Valene explained.
“Oh?” Gina was unsure how to respond.
“He was tall and incredibly handsome but such a jerk! When I said I played the flute, I lied—I couldn’t miss the chance to flirt with him,” Valene admitted with a pout.
“It’s okay; I don’t mind,” Gina smiled.
“But he threatened me not to play that tune again! Who does he think he is?” Valene rolled her eyes.
“Did he hurt you?” Gina asked, concern in her voice.
“No, he can’t. But anyway, I heard from the students that you play beautifully. I’d love to hear you if you don’t mind,” Valene said.
“Sure! But not right now; my next class is about to start,” Gina replied with a smile.
“Of course!” Valene said. “By the way, your neck tattoo is really cool!”
Gina smiled and hurried off to her class.
...........................
Gina was absorbed in her book, yet her mind seemed to drift elsewhere. Her gaze lingered on the glowing mark on her neck, concealed by her long, thick hair. "How was your day?" Chris asked, enthusiasm evident in his voice. "When did you get back?" Gina replied, glancing up. "Just five minutes ago!" Chris responded. "I made dinner if you'd like some," she added, starting to head towards her bedroom when Chris grabbed her hand.
"Gina! What’s that glowing mark on your neck?" he asked, pointing at it.
"It's nothing! I'm just feeling a bit sleepy," Gina tried to brush it off.
"I noticed it the first time we met. It seems unusual, and I've been wanting to talk to you about it but never found the right moment. Can you explain?" Chris pressed on.
"It's just a birthmark, but it started glowing on my eighteenth birthday. I don't even feel any heat from it. I really don’t know what’s going on," Gina sighed.
"Can I touch it?" Chris asked, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
Gina nodded, understanding his curiosity. However, when Chris touched the mark, he suddenly recoiled, his fingers singed.
"What just happened?" Gina asked, alarmed.
"My fingers burned!" Chris exclaimed, rushing to run them under the tap.
"What?!" Gina responded, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"Gina, this surprised me too! I think we need to consult a specialist," Chris suggested.
"But what if it causes even more trouble?" she worried.
"We'll deal with that later. Right now, your safety and the safety of those around you is priority," Chris urged.
"I don't know what to do," Gina said, her voice trembling.
"Don't worry, we'll figure it out together," Chris reassured her.
"I'm just so tired! I need to sleep," Gina murmured, heading straight to her bedroom
......................