TOGETHER AT CRESCENT MOON COLLEGE
820 Words
The first week at Crescent Moon College was everything Ariel had imagined.
The sprawling campus was filled with students from powerful werewolf packs, each dreaming of becoming future Alphas, Betas, Gammas, warriors, or healers. Every building reflected the academy's long history, while the training grounds echoed with the sounds of students testing their strength.
For Ariel, every day felt like a new adventure.
She attended classes with excitement, eagerly introducing herself to new classmates and learning about the different packs represented at the academy.
Yet despite the lively atmosphere, something felt incomplete.
She missed her best friend.
During lunch, Ariel sat beneath a large maple tree, absentmindedly stirring the food on her plate.
A classmate noticed.
"You don't seem very hungry."
Ariel smiled politely.
"I'm just thinking about someone."
"Your boyfriend?"
She laughed.
"No. My best friend."
The girl raised an eyebrow.
"She doesn't study here?"
"Not yet."
Ariel sighed.
"I wish she did."
Back at the Silver Moon Pack, Victoria noticed the same thing.
Although Ariel returned home every evening with stories about her professors and classmates, she often mentioned Ava.
"I wish Ava could see the library."
"The gardens are beautiful."
"The cafeteria serves the best desserts."
Victoria exchanged a glance with Daniel.
"Our daughter really misses her."
Daniel nodded thoughtfully.
"I've noticed."
Ava, meanwhile, remained at her old school.
She smiled whenever Ariel visited her after classes, but once Ariel left, the smile slowly disappeared.
One afternoon, Ariel arrived carrying several books from Crescent Moon College.
"You should see the classrooms!" she exclaimed.
"They're enormous."
Ava smiled.
"I'm happy you're enjoying yourself."
"You'd love it there."
"I probably would."
Ariel took Ava's hands.
"I wish we could study together again."
Victoria happened to overhear the conversation from the hallway.
She quietly walked away, deep in thought.
That evening, after dinner, she entered Daniel's study.
"Our daughter isn't as happy as she pretends."
Daniel looked up from the documents on his desk.
"What do you mean?"
"She misses Ava."
Daniel leaned back in his chair.
"I've noticed."
Victoria smiled softly.
"Then let's change that."
Daniel's eyes brightened.
"You mean..."
"I think it's time."
The next morning, the Alpha and Luna arranged a meeting with the administration of Crescent Moon College.
As respected leaders among the werewolf packs, they had no difficulty discussing Ava's transfer.
Her excellent academic record and strong recommendations quickly impressed the admissions board.
By the end of the meeting...
Ava had officially been accepted into Crescent Moon College.
Two days later, Victoria drove Ava to the academy herself.
The young orphan stared through the car window in disbelief.
"I... I'm really going here?"
Victoria smiled warmly.
"Yes."
"But this school is for the children of important packs."
"And now it's your school too."
Ava's eyes filled with tears.
"You've already done so much for me."
Victoria gently squeezed her hand.
"You are family, Ava."
Those words settled deeply in Ava's heart.
Family.
It was a word she had longed to hear for years.
As they stepped through the college gates, Ariel happened to be walking toward the main building.
She froze.
"...Ava?"
Ava turned.
The moment their eyes met, Ariel squealed with excitement.
"Ava!"
She ran across the courtyard and threw her arms around her best friend.
"You really came!"
Ava laughed as she hugged Ariel back.
"I told you I'd surprise you."
"I thought you were joking!"
The two friends laughed so loudly that nearby students turned to watch them.
Victoria couldn't help smiling.
Seeing the girls together again warmed her heart.
"I'll leave you two to explore," she said.
Ariel nodded enthusiastically.
"Thank you, Mom!"
She hugged Victoria before taking Ava's hand.
"Come on! I have so much to show you."
They toured the magnificent library, the healing center, the indoor arena, and the large training grounds where young werewolves practiced combat.
Ava looked around in amazement.
"This place is incredible."
"I knew you'd love it."
As they walked through the central courtyard, several students greeted Ariel.
"Morning, Ariel."
"Who's your friend?"
"This is Ava," Ariel proudly replied. "She's my best friend."
Ava smiled politely at everyone.
For the first time, she truly felt like she belonged.
By afternoon, the girls were seated together in their first lecture.
The professor welcomed Ava before beginning the lesson.
Ariel whispered excitedly,
"See? I told you we'd study together again."
Ava smiled.
"You were right."
Across the room, Alpha Aiden entered just before class began.
His golden eyes briefly swept across the students before stopping on Ariel.
Then he noticed the girl sitting beside her.
Ava.
For only a moment.
Before taking his seat.
Neither Ariel nor Ava realized that this ordinary school day had quietly connected all three of their destinies.
One friendship had grown stronger.
One future romance had begun to bloom.
And hidden beneath the happiness of that moment...
Fate was already preparing the betrayal that would one day shake all their lives.
- Writer
