High Moon Academy

Chapter 8 - POV Charlie - We have arrived

I know the academy is just up ahead now. I pull up to what looks like a cave on the side of the mountain, something a mountain lion might live in. According to my records, this is the path I take to the academy, so I announced my credentials loudly from the window.

“I am Charlotte Woods, of the Silver Moon Pack, Daughter of Alpha Rick Woods. I am to report here today for academy training. I asked for entrance.” To any onlookers I would definitely look like a crazy person, I basically look like I'm ordering food at a drive-thru, but in front of a dark dank cave in the middle of nowhere. This cave has been spelled so any non-werewolf would simply see a cave. Anyone not invited would also get a dark feeling so they wouldn't dare to venture in. Werewolves, on the other hand, would be able to ask for entrance and, once granted, they can drive on through as if it's just a tunnel pass through the mountains.

“Permission granted, Miss Woods, drive on through.” Well, if I didn’t know what to expect, the weird ominous voice definitely would have creeped me out a bit. Dad told me the drive from the mountain entrance is about ten minutes before you’d reach the academy. The walls are covered in werewolf lore paintings. I see a painting of the King, standing regally by his wife while his son is playing on the ground. A portrait of the great battle between wolves and vampires. Glad those freaks don’t bother us anymore. My grandfather was part of that war. He helped our king bring about the treaty that stands today that continues to keep the peace between our species. No one my age has even seen a vampire before at Silver Moon. The last painting I see before I exit is of a beautiful woman lovingly gazing at the moon. I bet that's supposed to be the Moon Goddess. No one has ever seen her that I know of, but she created us, and we love her for that.

As the exit to the cave is behind me, I can do nothing but be in awe of where I’m going. I pull up to the academy and park my car in the clearly marked student parking section. My breath hitches as I look up at this massive castle built into the rock face of the mountain. Gorgeous wooden doors greet me, the doors have wolves representing each of the four original families carved into it, beautifully intertwined with each other representing the merger of the Royal Family. They seemed to be on the mountains and howling at the moon. In fact, all the windows facing out seem to have depictions of different parts of our history. All of it is made of stained glass and is breathtaking.

‘Wow Iris I knew I’d learn a lot about our history here but I didn’t think it would be so beautiful.’ I was in awe, but still exhausted from my earlier interaction with the rogues and mister creeper.

‘Just imagine what the next four years are going to be like, Charlie, I think this is where we are meant to be. I can feel it.’ I roll my eyes. Of course, she’s using phrases they are meant to be. As much as Iris wants us to be the Beta, she also always talks about life as if we are meant for something greater.

‘Okay, Iris let's do this.’ I open the door and walk into the academy. I can see students meandering around and to the right I see the sign for the office. I walk into the office and let them know I have arrived.

“Hi, I’m Char…” But I was abruptly cut off.

“Yes, yes, yes, we know who you are. Just because you fought some rogues on your way here doesn’t mean you’ll get special treatment. This is a very busy school and I don't have time to entertain every new student. Here is your class list. You must attend every class without fail, or you will be asked to leave the academy.” Oh Goddess, this lady is fun. Clearly, the school was informed of my trip here, probably has Terrance to thank for that, and clearly, with this being High Moon, they don't really care, and probably saw the incident as extra training for me.

“Uh-hmm,” She looked at me as if she knew I was mocking her in my brain.

“Oh sorry, please go on.” Don’t want to offend the secretary on my first day.

“Well, yes, as I was saying, classes are from sun up, to sun down. You are allowed to go for runs off campus as long as you don't leave the protection of Wet Mountain Valley.” Works for me, that valley is thousands of miles long and I get the feeling mister creeper is probably not too far away. I shiver again.

“As well, we have a curfew, all students must be in their dormitories by 12pm each night. Unless sanctioned by staff. Here if your room key, you are on floor 1 in with the other first years. In-room 112. Please head there now, your books and uniform will already have arrived by now, since you’re so late” Ah yes, cause apparently being attacked still doesn't get you any leniency here. Ugh, I forgot the whole uniform thing, guess I’ll finally be wearing a skirt every day, Piper would be disgusted, or maybe thrilled. Hard to tell with that girl.

“Thank you, Mrs…?”

“Mrs. Green”

“Thank you, Mrs. Green.”

I took my key and schedule from Mrs. Green and headed over to the Dormitory. I passed some students on the way but they really didn’t even so much as glance my way. Oh well, I can make friends later. I got to my building and walked over to room 112, I could smell something familiar, but I wasn’t sure what it was. I put my key in the door and opened it to the living room. There on the couch watching TV is none other than Marissa.