Chapter five
1034 Words
Chapter 5
Valery's POV
I got to the academy a few hours later, my heart burning from the loss of my brother. It all felt like a surreal dream to me.
When I stood in front of the academy, for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. It was just as big and magnificent as I had heard from my brother countless times.Standing before it now, dressed in his robes and armor, I felt impossibly small.
But I could not afford to feel small. I straightened my shoulders and walked in. Every guard at the gates bowed as I approached, their fists pressed to their chests in respect.
“Welcome to the Lycan Spirit Academy, Your Highness.” The tallest of them inclined his head deeply. “We were informed of your arrival at dawn. The council awaits you inside.”
They didn't look suspicious, mainly because most f them hadn't never seen Rafe. I was lucky my brother bared a very close resemblance to me, making it easier for me to imitate him.
“Lead the way.” I ordered with pride, just like Rafe would. I prayed it sounded enough like him.
The gates opened and I walked through them without hesitation. At the far end of the courtyard stood a raised platform where five figures waited. The council. Their robes were deep crimson trimmed in silver, each bearing the crest of the academy. Their gazes were sharp, assessing, and unyielding.
I climbed the steps slowly, forcing my breathing to remain even.
“Prince Rafe of Aluvyra.” The eldest among them stepped forward, his blonde hair pulled back tightly, his eyes calculating. “We are honored by your presence. The heir to the throne graces our institution, and that is not something we take lightly.”
I inclined my head respectfully. “The honor is mine. It has always been my intention to train here.” My throat tightened slightly as I spoke. It should have been Rafe standing here. It should have been him receiving their respect.
Another council member, a broad-shouldered woman with a scar running across her cheek, studied me carefully. “Your father was a formidable man. We expect no less from his son.” She folded her arms across her chest.
The eldest councilman nodded once. “Good. Then you will understand why our traditions must be upheld, even for royalty.” he said and I hid the suprise I felt. What tradition?
“Traditions?” I couldn't help but ask.
"Every werewolf who enters this academy must prove their lineage and strength upon arrival. The rule is simple. You must shift.” he said and it felt like an anchor was dropped on my head.
I couldn't believe this was happening. I hadn't even gotten settled in the academy yet I had started to see obstructions in front of me. I wanted to curse my luck, why was this happening to me?
Not only was I weaker than most wolves, but I had never fully shifted in my life. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my expression neutral.
The scarred councilwoman tilted her head slightly. “Is there a problem, Prince Rafe?” she asked, noticing that I was remaining silent.
“No,” I answered immediately, though my pulse hammered uncontrollably.
I tried not to show how panicked I was. I couldn't shift. I wanted to break down and cry. If Rafe were here, this would be a piece of cake for him. He would have shifted into his huge majestic wolf. But I couldn't, I was the disgrace and mistake of the royal family. Even an omega, I was sure, was better than me.
I began to panic inwardly. If I failed to shift, my cover would shatter before it had even begun. The council would question everything. They would see through me. Malric would hear of it within hours, and I would be dragged back to the palace in chains—or worse. I could not let that happen.
“You hesitate.” The younger councilman at the far right narrowed his eyes. “Surely the heir to the throne of Aluvyra does not fear a simple transformation.”
I racked my head, thinking of what excuse I could come up with. I hadn't even thought this through. I had barely gathered enough courage to open my mouth and attempt another excuse when the heavy doors at the far end of the courtyard burst open. A guard hurried across the stone floor, his boots striking sharply against it, his expression tight with urgency. He climbed the platform steps quickly and leaned toward the eldest councilman, whispering something into his ear. I could not hear the words, but I saw the effect of it.
The councilman’s expression shifted instantly. His brows drew together, and his jaw tightened in a way that told me whatever he had heard was neither minor nor pleasant. He straightened slowly, then turned toward the scarred councilwoman and spoke in low, controlled tones. She listened carefully, her gaze flickering briefly toward me before returning to him. After a moment, she gave a single, sharp nod. My heart pounded harder.
Had they discovered something? Had Malric already moved against me? Had someone uncovered the truth?
The eldest councilman cleared his throat and descended the final step toward me. “Prince Rafe,” he began, his voice measured, though there was now an undercurrent of distraction beneath it. “An urgent matter has arisen that requires the council’s immediate attention.” he said and at that point, it felt like the heavens were behind me. Or maybe my brother, Rafe was rooting for me.
I kept my expression neutral, forcing myself to hold his gaze steadily. “Of course,” I replied, lowering my head slightly in acknowledgment. “Duty calls.” I said curtly.
He studied me for a brief second, as though still weighing something in his mind. “We will postpone the demonstration of your shift until later today. Consider it… delayed, not dismissed.” He said and I simply nodded.
I had escaped, for now. It was still a victory, although a narrow one.
- Writer
