Anahita: The water goddess

Chapter 17: Meet Mitchell

The campus of Coastal Science and Marine Studies never slept, even at dawn. The seabreeze drifted over the buildings and salt kissed every surface. Students gathered in groups, laughing, transporting books, rushing to lectures. The morning held a sense of possibility.

On that particular day, a new presence cut through the routine like a ripple. Mitchell. She strode across the quad—confident, polished, eyes surveying the crowd. Word had already spread: a fresh transfer student with a large social following, and a reputation for charm.

Inside Lecture Hall 3B, students were settling into their seats for Marine Ecology. Kenneth sat near the front row, quietly adjusting his notebook. He was tall—nearly two meters—so many in class joked that he touched the ceiling when he smiled. His hair was neat, waves falling just so, and his eyes were a piercing ocean blue that seemed capable of seeing through the waves themselves. He carried himself with effortless strength; even when silent, he had presence.

When Mitchell entered, the room paused. The door closed with a soft click, and she stood framed in sunlight, hair shining, figure poised. Her gaze locked on Kenneth.

She made her way forward, heels soft clicking on tile. Whispers rustled through the class.

Mitchell’s voice was clear, confident: “Good morning, everyone. I’m Mitchell, your new classmate. Excited to join you all.”

Her tone held just enough warmth to disarm tension, just enough boldness to draw attention.

Half the girls in class glanced at her with admiration; others with envy. Kenneth shifted his attention, meeting her eyes—just briefly. She smiled, and the light in her eyes spoke of ambition and desire.

As the professor began the lecture on coastal currents and reef ecosystems, Mitchell settled into a seat near Kenneth—unsubtly so.

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After class, a handful of students lingered around—asking questions, rearranging schedules. Mitchell stayed, leaning against Kenneth’s desk.

Kenneth packed his books slowly, his eyes polite but watchful. The class had quieted.

Mitchell cleared her throat. “Hey, Kenneth, right?”

He paused, surprised, then nodded. “Yes.”

She smiled wider. “I’ve heard good things. Great to finally meet you in person.”

He nodded again, brow lifting. “Welcome to the school.” He knew she was lying. Heard something about me’ He thought.

‘I came to the land not long ago and she has heard a lot about me’ A hypocritical smiles formed on his lips.

She laughed softly. “Thanks. I hope I can keep up—marine ecology is a new field, for me.”

He offered a small, encouraging smile. “You’ll do fine.”

Mitchell’s eyes gleamed. “I hope so. Look, if you ever want to study together—”

Kenneth glanced around, slightly hesitant. “Maybe. We’ll see.”

She leaned in just a bit. “I’ll take that as a yes?”

Kenneth frowned. “Don’t speak for me. I did not say yes”.

Mitchell countenance changed as he said these words.

In that moment, the world felt a little smaller—focused on her feelings for him. Her fast growing feelings. She could curse her heart.

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Anahita’s Pov

The moment Mitchell left the room, a low murmur spread through the class. I could feel everyone trying to process her sudden, dramatic interest in Kenneth. Girls whispered excitedly, some half-impressed, others barely masking their envy. The guys smirked and elbowed each other, entertained by the sudden spark of drama.

Kenneth didn’t react. That was the most frustrating part.

He stayed seated, his strong jawline clenched slightly, as though annoyed but uninterested in giving it power. His striking blue eyes didn’t follow Mitchell when she left—no, they flicked toward me. Just for a second. Barely a glance. But enough to make my heart stumble.

I looked away quickly.

The whispers intensified behind me. Someone mentioned Mitchell’s millions of followers. Someone else gossiped about a modeling campaign she was recently spotted in. It was as if she’d walked out of the digital world and claimed her place like a queen. And now she had Kenneth in her sights.

“She’s doing too much,” Alexis muttered under her breath beside me, arms folded.

“She’s confident,” I whispered back, not even sure if I was defending Mitchell… or preparing myself for war.

At lunch, the atmosphere was strange. Mitchell had her own table already, and half the girls had migrated to sit with her like she was some kind of influencer magnet. Her laughter echoed in the cafeteria as she showed something on her phone.

Alexis watched the scene, unimpressed. “I give her a week before she starts stepping on the wrong toes.”

“She already has,” I replied, poking at my food, appetite gone.

Alexis turned to me slowly. “Wait… you like Kenneth?”

I paused.

Then I said the only thing that came to mind: “No.”

Alexis raised a brow. “You didn’t even convince yourself with that one.”

I sighed. “He’s just... mysterious. And different.”

“And now Mitchell wants him too,” she finished for me, frowning. “Just great.”

Later that evening, I walked to the beach alone. The water was quiet, the waves gently brushing the shore like they were trying to calm my thoughts.

Mitchell was beautiful. Popular. Fearless.

I was… me. Anahita. With too many secrets, strange powers I was still learning about, and a ghost in my mirror telling me I was destined for things I didn’t ask for.

And still, Kenneth had looked at me.

Even if it was just once.

I bent down and picked up a small, silver shell, smooth and shimmering in the moonlight. I held it to my chest.

“I don’t want to fight over anyone,” I said softly, unsure if I was talking to the ocean or Marina or even myself.

The wind picked up slightly, and for just a second, I thought I heard a voice in the breeze:

*"Then don’t fight. Rise."*

I blinked. “Marina?”

Silence.

The waves responded with their usual rhythm, but the air felt different now—charged.

I stood, the shell still in my hand. No matter what Mitchell planned, no matter how much attention she drew, I wasn’t going to be anyone’s shadow. Not hers. Not anyone’s.

Not even Kenneth’s.

I will take my place as goddess of the water.