The Lycan King's Gift

chapter 2

Nova’s POV

Moonhaven isn’t just a school—it’s a proving ground.

Founded over three centuries ago by the Royal Family itself, the Academy was established as a sanctuary for elite shifter education, training, and unity. Built on sacred ground in the heart of the Lycan King’s territory, it’s surrounded by Mountains and protected by ancient magic woven by Moon-blessed Elders. The land itself thrums with power—old, pulsing, alive. Only the most promising students are granted entrance, each one bearing a lineage or potential that could shape the future of our kind.

I’m the exception.

Nova Rosewood. Found on a border. Wrapped in a starlit blanket. No bloodline. No known heritage. Just the name “Nova” and the kindness of Alpha Lawrence and Luna Rachel, who raised me as their own.

Most students here are heirs—sons and daughters of Alphas, Betas, warriors, or council families. Some are fated to lead entire packs. Others will go on to serve as Enforcers, Ambassadors, or spiritual guides. Me? I don’t know what I’m meant to be yet. But I do know I didn’t come here to be someone’s footnote.

Unfortunately, that’s not how he sees it.

Prince Maxwell Moonhaven. The Lycan King's oldest son. The Academy’s golden boy and my biggest nightmare.

Max is everything the Academy wants to showcase—raw power, strategic brilliance, unmatched skill in combat, and of course, the royal bloodline that stretches back to the First Shifter. He's the reason the Academy even exists. His family built it. His territory protects it. And one day, he'll rule over all of it.

He acts like it’s already his. Like we’re just pawns on a board he was born to command.

From the first day I set foot on campus, Max has made it his mission to make me feel like I don't belong. He calls me packless, charity case, and worst of all Starstray—a cruel spin on the star-embroidered blanket I was found in. I try to ignore it. I train harder. Study more. Rise in the ranks. But he always finds a way to cut me down.

And the worst part? We’re always neck and neck. Top of our class. Competing in every branch. Every time I get close to surpassing him, he steps in, pushes harder, gets under my skin.

The Academy is divided into four branches:

Combat, where blood and bruises forge warriors.

Strategy, where minds are sharpened like blades.

Magic, rare and sacred—only the few with lunar-touched blood qualify.

Diplomacy, for those destined to lead, speak, and shape alliances.

Most students specialize in one. I’m cross-trained in three. It’s exhausting, but necessary. I’ve spent my life making up for what I lack on paper. And I won't stop now.

Our campus sprawls across enchanted terrain—sprawling forests for stealth and survival, moonstone-paved arenas where sparks fly during duels, and sacred lakes where reflections show more than just your face. Dormitories are ranked by performance and legacy. I share mine with Elara Crescent—my best friend, the Beta’s daughter from the northern territories. She’s the one person who never treats me like I’m less.

In two days, we return for our final year. The year of reckoning.

The Awakening approaches— on our 18th birthdays. That’s when we can Sense our mates for the first time. It’s seen as the ultimate blessing, a divine connection that transcends choice. Some wait their whole lives for that moment.

But not me.

I’m not interested in fate. I want answers. About who I am. Where I came from. Why I feel this… pull inside me—something waiting to be unlocked.

And if the Moon Goddess dares to tie my fate to Prince Max?

She’ll see just how far I’ll go to break it.