The wolf without a howl

Episode 2:The Awakening Ceremony

Aurelia Vale’s POV

The Grand Hall was nothing like I expected it to be.

It was colossal.

The ceiling was miles away, decorated with glowing lights, reflecting off the dark walls, creating a dazzling effect.

It was intimidating, powerful, every brick screaming of the countless lives that walked these halls, discovering who they are.

There were hundreds of students filling the Hall, all of them dressed in different outfits. Some were excited to be here, while others looked a bit anxious and tense. All of them shared one question burning in their hearts. What would I become?

I stood with Maya, trying to steady my racing heart.

My palms were sweaty; tonight would be the night of my awakening or the night my dreams shattered into pieces. Maya looked at me with a concerned look on her face.

"Are you okay?"

I gave a small smile.

"I'm okay"

She studied me for a moment, then shook her head. One thing I loved about Maya was that she never asked me anything I wasn't comfortable answering.

As the orientation began, I listened closely to the instructors introducing us to the school rules. As they spoke, hundreds of students filled the hall, but there was one peculiar group that stood out from the rest. These were the students sitting at the front, all of them radiating confidence, power, and elegance, like they were royalty amongst commoners.

Maya followed my line of sight and let out a small chuckle. "Those are the elites," she whispered. "Students who have more power and privilege than most can ever imagine."

I turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "You told me about them?"

She nodded. "Yeah," And her smile widened as she turned to the group of elites. "And that is Xavi Blackwood." My eyes locked on the young man in the center of that group, a figure that stood out from the rest despite trying to do the opposite.

Xavi was an incredibly handsome young man whose piercing gaze made it hard to look at him directly. Unlike everyone else, his uniform was more elegant, fitting his status as the President of the Blackthorn Academy. He radiated danger and charisma, getting everyone's attention despite not trying to gain it.

People around him bowed their heads respectfully or fearfully as he waved his hand in a dismissing motion.

The entire room grew silent as a group of instructors entered first, followed by the High Elder of the Blackthorn Academy.

"Welcome to the Blackthorn Academy," his voice was deep, rich, and covered in power as he gazed at all of us. "For centuries, our academy has trained individuals who would shape the future of the supernatural world. However, this is not your time to make your mark. Tonight is a night of awakening for each one of you."

His piercing eyes fell on me. "Tonight is not about your last name or family wealth or even your status before arriving at our doorstep."

Another pause, and a knowing smirk appeared on his lips. "Tonight is about your inner self, about the true power within you." My heart pounded in my chest as I stared intensely at the wolf that had haunted my dreams for the past eighteen years.

"The awakening ceremony is the first step in your journey at Blackthorn Academy. When your name is called, you will come up to the stage, and I will reveal your abilities."

I turned my gaze to the enormous crystal ball that stood in the middle of the stage. "The crystal will display your wolf and power level... Now, be aware that your rank does not define you," he said as he looked at all of us. "But remember, your power may open many doors while also leaving others closed behind."

I had to laugh at that statement since I knew how cruel and unfair the world could be.

Despite all the good intentions, people would treat you differently based on your status.

Meanwhile, the first student stepped on the stage, looking a bit nervous as the instructors placed their hands on the crystal ball. Within seconds, a powerful energy ripple was released from the ball, and a bright mark appeared on it. The instructors announced the results.

"New Blood!" The entire hall erupted in applause as the lucky student walked back to the crowd with a victorious smile on his face. Another student was called, then another, and soon all of them had discovered their wolves, some of them getting New Blood while others got lower ranks. All of this happened in a hushed silence with only the occasional cheer or tear shed. I watched the ceremony closely, noting how different everyone was as they received their results.

Some cried with joy while others looked devastated at their low ranks. Each awakening made my heart sink deeper with every second that passed. Every student discovered who they were while I was stuck in limbo, wondering if I belonged there with them. "Aurelia," Maya's voice brought me back to the present. I turned to her and gave a small smile.

"Are you nervous?"

I nodded slightly. She smiled at me. "I'm nervous too." I gave her a strange look. "You don't look nervous."

She chuckled. "I'm faking it." I couldn't help but feel relieved at her words since it meant I was not alone in this.

More names were called, and the ceremony continued long into the night.

"Maya Brooks!" Finally, it was Maya's turn. I smiled at her warmly as she walked towards the stage.

"Good luck," I said.

"Thanks," she replied before stepping on the stage. I watched with bated breath as the crystal ball flared to life, illuminating the entire Hall. Maya's eyes went wide in shock as a massive wave of power engulfed her. Gasps could be heard filling the room as the instructors looked at the results with astonishment.

"New Blood!" The hall burst into cheers as Maya walked back to us with a huge smile on her face. She looked so relieved and happy seeing her results. I smiled at her.

"I'm happy for you," I said genuinely. "Thank you." She gave my hand a tight squeeze. "Your turn will come." And with those words, the list continued, and one by one, the students stepped on the stage, discovering their wolves and powers. With every passing moment, the number of names before mine became smaller and smaller. My heart pounded in my chest as I stood waiting for my turn. All the while, I tried not to think about the possibility that none of this would happen. That after eighteen years of waiting, I would still be the girl without a wolf. I looked at the crystal ball on the stage, glowing softly under the bright lights.

Waiting for the next student

then next

Then me.

Until the instructor looked down at the parchment and my heart stopped beating.

"Aurelia Vale..." The entire hall grew silent as every set of eyes fell on me. The daughter of Seraphina Vale, the woman who everyone whispered about in awe and fear. Slowly, I stepped onto the stage, and with every step, I felt hundreds of eyes watching me. The pressure was unbearable as I reached the middle of the stage facing the crystal ball. I had waited for this moment for eighteen long years, and now it was finally here.

My hands trembled as I raised them, hovering over the glowing sphere.

My heart pounded in my ears, expecting something magnificent to happen. But nothing came…