CHAPTER 10
601 Words
The morning sun shone brightly over Crescent Moon College, bathing the campus in a warm golden glow. Students filled the walkways, chatting excitedly as they made their way to class.
Ariel and Ava walked side by side, each carrying a stack of books.
"Morning, Sis," Ariel said cheerfully.
Ava smiled and linked her arm with Ariel's.
"Morning, Sis. Did you finish Professor Rowan's assignment?"
Ariel groaned dramatically.
"Barely. I thought he was trying to prepare us for graduation already."
Ava laughed.
"You always leave your work until the last minute."
"I do not."
"You were awake past midnight."
"That's because someone kept talking."
The two burst into laughter, drawing amused glances from passing students.
Their friendship had become well known throughout the college. Almost everyone recognized them as the inseparable sisters who were always smiling and helping others.
As they entered Professor Rowan's classroom, Ariel noticed Aiden sitting quietly near the window.
Like always, he sat alone.
Several students whispered as he read through a thick leadership manual.
"He's so serious."
"I've never seen him joke with anyone."
"Well, he is the future Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack."
Ariel glanced at him for a moment before taking her seat beside Ava.
A few minutes later, Professor Rowan entered the classroom.
The room immediately fell silent.
"Good morning, class."
"Good morning, Professor," the students replied in unison.
The professor placed a folder on his desk before looking around the room.
"For the next month, each of you will complete a leadership project. You will work in pairs."
Excited murmurs spread across the classroom.
Professor Rowan smiled.
"Remember, true leaders must learn to cooperate with different personalities."
He began reading the list of partners.
One by one, students found their teammates.
Ariel quietly hoped she would be paired with Ava.
They always worked well together.
Then Professor Rowan continued.
"Ariel Silvermoon..."
She immediately looked up.
"...your partner is Alpha Aiden."
The classroom became unusually quiet.
Several students exchanged surprised looks.
Even Ariel blinked in disbelief.
Aiden calmly lifted his head and met her gaze.
For a brief second, neither of them spoke.
Professor Rowan continued reading the remaining names.
Ava, meanwhile, was paired with another student from the healer's department.
She leaned toward Ariel and whispered with a playful smile,
"Looks like you've been assigned the most serious student in the whole academy."
Ariel sighed.
"I was hoping we'd be partners."
"I know."
"But don't worry."
Ava gently nudged her shoulder.
"You'll do great."
After class, students gathered around their partners to discuss their projects.
Ariel took a deep breath before walking toward Aiden.
"Hello."
Aiden closed his notebook.
"Hello."
"I'm Ariel."
"I know."
His calm reply caught her off guard.
"You do?"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Everyone knows the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack's daughter."
Ariel laughed awkwardly.
"I guess that's true."
"And everyone knows the future Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack."
For the first time, Aiden's expression softened.
"Then introductions aren't necessary."
"I suppose not."
An awkward silence followed.
Ariel wasn't sure what to say next.
Thankfully, Aiden spoke first.
"We should discuss the assignment."
She nodded immediately.
"Of course."
They walked together toward the academy library.
Behind them, Ava watched with a grin.
One of her classmates noticed.
"Your sister seems nervous."
Ava laughed.
"She always gets nervous when meeting new people."
"Do you think they'll get along?"
Ava smiled confidently.
"They will."
She believed it with all her heart.
After all, Ariel had one of the kindest hearts she had ever known.
And even someone as distant as Aiden would eventually see that.
- Writer
