The Cursed Heir

Intuition

An hour later Lyra found herself walking into her astronomy class. The room was almost completely full, aside from two seats at the very back of the room.

“Michael, I’d like for you to come inside with me.” She told the younger of her bodyguards as she stepped through the door.

He nodded, but groaned quietly at the prospect of sitting through an hour long lesson with a group of teens. Unmated, the teenage girls had developed something of a crush on both guards and Michael. In particular one girl seated just in front of where Lyra was heading. She twirled her hair between her fingers while smiling at him flirtatiously.

The teacher was young, perhaps only a decade older than the students but sophisticated. Her golden hair was in a sharp, neat bob and her blue eyes were kind. She wore a stylish, fitted dress and high court heels.

“Lady Lebonair it’s lovely to have you with us today, I’m Ms Kenwright.” She smiled brightly, and Lyra felt inclined to smile back.

“Thank you Ms Kenwright.” She nodded at the teacher and the lesson began.

To her surprise the lesson was interesting, interactive and the hour flew by quickly. Even Michael lost the sour expression he had held at the start of the class.

“Where are we going next?” Lyra asked Michael who had memorised her timetable for her.

“History of the Lycan.” Even that sounded interesting, perhaps even more enjoyable than her first lesson.

“Lead the way.” She followed him towards a room upstairs and down the hall.

She noted how normal it felt to sit in the class, no one focussed on her presence. Instead their attention was on the rugged silver fox of a teacher, girls in the class sat at the edge of their seats all but drooling. Mr Morell had a mysterious air, something about him struck Lyra as familiar though she knew for sure she did not recognise his scent. It was frustrating her more and more as the class went on.

“Lady Lebonair, any thoughts?” He asked, disturbing her deep thoughts.

“Would you be so kind as to repeat the question?” She responded, a little embarrassed he’d caught her off guard so.

“Early generations of Lycan viewed their abilities as a curse, why do you think that is?” He repeated, studying her closely.

“Before our people formed packs only the Lebonair knew of our divine purpose. Without the guidance of the Goddess, we were sparse and had no sense of community. Only when she commanded Lord James Lebonair the first to bring our kind together did we feel accepted, know family and community for the first time.” She responded, a perfect answer to a question which she had been asked many times before by her old tutors.

“Close, those were deeply religious times and to be different was to be condemned back then.” He corrected, Lyra frowned at that.

There was something in his eyes she did not appreciate, it felt almost smug as though he enjoyed telling her she was wrong before her classmates.

“I’m afraid I disagree, my tutors in the high court said that in those times humans were not so advanced to pose a credible threat to our kind.” She shrugged before turning her attention to the slideshow behind him.

Mr Morell didn’t respond, merely continued with the lesson but there was a negative feeling from him she couldn’t shake off. She wondered if perhaps she should speak with Michael regarding him, if he too shared her unease.

Her next lesson was not for a half an hour so Lyra went to the cafeteria for a drink before asking Michael to walk with her alone whilst Nathan went to the dining hall.

“I don’t wish to sound paranoid but did you feel something was off about Mr Morell?” She asked as they walked the grounds outside.

“Yes…I can’t put my finger on it but he seems familiar somehow.” He agreed with her, something she was glad to hear.

“I felt the same but it was more than that. It was as though he intended to embarrass me, to show me up in class.” It frustrated her to even speak of, unused to such treatment.

“I agree; I will definitely be speaking with the headmaster about him.” Lyra stopped suddenly, noticing Nicholas not far from her walking alongside Mr Morell.

“That isn’t necessary, I can handle him myself.” She said, as she walked in their direction with her head held high.

“Yes you can.” He grinned, knowing her wicked temper and sharp tongue.

Lyra barely noticed Michael anymore, as her eyes took in Nicholas. He wore all black, a fitted hoody that accentuated his muscular frame. She snapped out of it though, shifting her eyes to her teacher instead as they were a couple of steps away from each other now.

“Mr Morell.” She smiled at him politely.

“Lady Lebonair, it was good to see you make the class today. I hope you found it educational?” He asked, his smile bright but fake.

“I’m sure you know as well as I, that I am not at your school for educational purposes.” She laughed aloud, he joined in but it seemed forced.

“Perhaps, but it can’t hurt to broaden your understanding of our history whilst you’re here.” His tone again was smug; she didn’t trust him but she smiled along.

“You’re absolutely right, Michael would you call Elder Octavian and ask him to send me some reading materials? His knowledge of our history is unmatched, I do so miss our lessons together.” She turned to her guard, who fought off a smile.

“Of course my lady, right away.” He nodded.

“Gentlemen.” She looked towards Nicholas before again shifting her eyes to Mr Morell in a dismissive manner as she walked away from them.

She still felt uneasy about him, her intuition was telling her to stay far away from him.

“Michael, speak to Mr Emerson when I am in my next lesson. During history lessons I will be taking a study hour, make sure Elder Octavian sends me plenty of reading.” She raised an eyebrow at his slight pout.

“What so you don’t want me in your next class?” He asked with a mock miffed tone.

“As much as I’m sure you would benefit from two hours of training with a bunch of teenage amateurs I think it’s Nathan’s turn now.” She laughed.

“Well if you’re sure you don’t need me as a sparring partner, then of course my lady.” He laughed along.

“Oh please, as if I’m going to participate in this one.” She rolled her eyes as they headed back towards the dining hall to meet Nathan.