Akilah's pov~
Everywhere I looked, someone was staring.
Some were curious. Some were cautious. A few looked openly disgusted.
It was strange.
Back home, people knew my name, but here, they only knew what I was.
"Over 50 years ago, before Veyloria Academy was established, it belonged to the great king Theron the First. After his passing, the estate was transformed into a prestigious academy welcoming werewolves and lycans from across Lycaria.
We stood beneath towering stone-arched pillars at the heart of the school grounds, the morning sun spilling across marble floors etched with ancient symbols. Students filled the courtyard. I held my bag tight, my expression unreadable, even as my senses drank in everything.
"This institution," Mrs Elinor continued, pacing slowly before us as we followed behind, hands clasped behind her back, "Has produced generals, council members, scholars, and rulers. Those who pass through its gates are expected to uphold its legacy."
Her sharp gaze swept across the crowd of students as they walked by, greeting her, eyes lingering on us, and they started to whisper.
"The alliance between Felinara and Lycaria is not symbolic," she said coolly. "It is strategic. You are here not merely to learn, but to represent your kingdom with honour. So failing is out of the question."
I took in a sharp breath.
Behind me, I felt Nadira and Eria both shift.
Mrs Elinor stopped in her tracks before turning to face us.
"You represent a kingdom now."Her eyes swept over us."The way you present yourselves will be judged long before your words are."
I looked down at my outfit. I wore a fitted, long-sleeve ivory sweater over a baby-blue shirt buttoned up, paired with a charcoal-grey skirt that hugged my hips, reaching mid-thigh, exposing my bare thighs. My hair was braided into a low, bubble ponytail. Nadira, on the other hand, wore a brown fitted sleeveless top paired with a pleated skirt that swayed with every step, grey knee-high socks, and polished loafers to complete the look. Her hair was tied up into a fluffy, messy bun with loose blonde curls. I think we look okay. Eria, on the other hand, wore a pair of jeans and a hoodie, which made her look too plain for my liking.
Mrs Elinor resumed. "Now. You will be guided through the academy by the school's student body president. He is responsible for ensuring you understand the school's layout, your class schedules, and anything you may need.
"Ahhh, there you are."
All eyes shifted as footsteps approached, and suddenly the world seemed to move slowly.
The first thing I noticed wasn't how attractive he was. It was how everyone reacted when he appeared.
Conversations softened.
Tension eased.
Even Mrs Elinor looked marginally less irritated. Then I looked at him and understood why. He was tall, well over six feet, maybe six feet two. He wore a blue sweater that matched his build with black sweatpants. The soft light traced over his warm-toned skin, lending it a sun-kissed glow that looked effortlessly natural. His features were striking; he had a strong jawline, rosy cheeks with a few freckles, and pink lips that glistened as he licked them. His eyes were a hazel-green, and his hair fell loose past his shoulder, in effortless waves around his face, dark and slightly wild.
Nadira grabbed my arm."Okay, now I understand why Lycarians are so confident."Nadira whispered in my ear as drool literally slipped out of her mouth, while I stared at her in disgust.
"This is Taylor, head of the student council. He will be your guide as you get settled. With that being said, this is where I part with you, as I believe you're in good hands, " Mrs Elinor said before walking away.
"Pleasure to be of your acquaintance," he said with a smile on his face that could warm thousands of hearts.
"The pleasure is ours. I'm Nadira, and these are my friends Eria and my best friend, who also happens to be the Ruhr princess ."Nadira replied, far too excited.
"You must be Akilah."His smile wasn't flirtatious. It was warm.Genuine.Like he'd already decided I was worth liking.
"Welcome to Veyloria Academy," Taylor said, his voice smooth but firm. His gaze landed on me again, lingering for a split second before turning back to the others. "I'll be showing you to your classes, lockers, and key locations today."
"If you would please follow me, "He motioned for us to follow him.
We moved through the academy grounds, past wide courtyards and tall buildings that blended ancient designs with advanced technology. Students paused to stare as we passed.
"This way leads to the academic halls," Taylor explained. "Your lockers are assigned to be closer to your classes."
Eria adjusted the books against her chest. There were five of them. All history-related.
"You're carrying all of those today?" Nadira asked.
She blinked. "Only five."
Nadira stared."Only five?"
Eria frowned.
"That's not a lot."
We stopped before a long corridor lined with glowing panels and engraved doors.
"I guess this is where we part ways, since someone decided to study Ethics and Dominion Politics. Honestly, that's so boring," Nadira retorted.
"It's better than lunar science, you literally worship the sun, not the moon." I shot back.
She stuck her tongue out before everyone left for their classes. My class was on the third floor. I started to walk up the stairs, but felt someone walking behind, I turned back to see who it was, and it was Taylor.
"Need help finding your class," he offered.
"No, I think I can manage, but thank you anyway," I replied.
"Well, if you need anything, don't be afraid to ask," he said.
I nodded my head in appreciation before he left. I took in a deep breath before opening the door.
As soon as I walked in, the professor who had seemed to be explaining something stopped mid-explanation as all eyes uncomfortably landed on me.
I gulped, gripping my bag tightly, as my eyes shifted to my now interesting shoes.
"Ahhh…., I was just wondering where you were, class, we have a new student, Miss…ahhh…"
"Akilah."
"Ahhh, the princess. Well, it is an honor for you to be in my humble class. I am Professor Halvarion," He said
"Class, as you know, there has been an alliance program set between the kingdom of Felinara and Lycaria, where a few Felinarian exchange students, including the Crown Princess, will be studying with us at Veyloria Academy." He said, pointing at me.
"So please, everyone, I need you to show Miss Akilah with respect, despite how you feel about felianrians." He said, giving me a warm smile.
"Please choose a seat anywhere you would like," he gestured.
I gave him a small nod as I walked to my seat in the far corner at the back, away from the others, and a few murmurs as I walked past some tables.
Dropping into my seat, I took out my books as he continued teaching the class.
"Ethics of Dominion and Rule," he began, his deep voice grabbing the attention of the students in class, "is not about who is strongest. You see, strength is common, but power is abundant." His sharp silver eyes swept across the room. "What is rare is restraint."
I sat upright, fingers laced loosely on the desk, listening.
"Leadership," he continued, "is measured not by how much territory one controls, but by how one treats those who cannot challenge them."
A few students nodded.
Professor Halvarion stopped pacing. "Tell me," he said calmly, "what is the first ethical failure of a ruler when leading.
"A ruler fails the moment they rule for themselves instead of their people," A blonde girl replied confidently. "When personal desire outweighs duty, justice becomes corrupted."
The professor inclined his head. "Correct." Then he paused. "But incomplete."
He turned his gaze slightly, scanning the room before his eyes landed on me.
"Princess," he said. "What do you think?"
The whole class turned in their seats to stare at me as they waited for my response.
With a calm expression, I answered.
"A ruler's first ethical failure," I said slowly, "is believing they are entitled to obedience simply because of their title."
Professor Halvarion crossed his arms as he listened.
"When leaders assume loyalty is owed rather than earned, they stop listening. They stop questioning themselves. The most dangerous ruler isn't the cruel one, it's the one who believes they're incapable of becoming cruel," I stated.
"True dominion isn't about control; it's about accountability. The moment a ruler stops fearing the consequences of their own actions… they've already failed."
With an astonished look, he smiled.
"That was the answer I was looking for. Failure doesn't just occur from personal desire, but other things also weigh into it," he said, looking at the blonde who had previously answered.
She turned to me with a scowl on her face before rolling her eyes and looking forward.
I ignored her look, not knowing what her deal was.
————————-
Time had passed as Professor Halivarion continued to explain more about the class. I had zoned out, suddenly not interested in what he had to say as I already knew the answers.
"Here is your assignment for the next time we meet: you will be writing an essay about how you feel about the weight of authority, class dismissed." He said
The scrape of chairs echoed through the lecture hall as students began to leave, voices rising in low clusters. I slid my notebook into my bag,
"So, you're the crowned princess of Felinara," a high-pitched voice said.
I looked up, and it was the girl who answered before.
She was lean, perfectly composed, with blonde hair falling over one shoulder and a sparkly white headband on top. Her attire was a short white cotton skirt, with a matching cropped blazer, pink tank top, and pink platform heels. You could definitely tell she came from a well-off family. Her lips curved into something that resembled a smile, but her eyes held no warmth.
"Akilah, isn't it!" She said, and I nodded my head.
"I thought it was only polite to introduce myself," she said. "Seraphina, daughter of the beta of Lycaria. I'm also part of the student council."
One of the girls beside her smirked, as though the title alone should impress me.
I closed my bag and met Seraphina's gaze, my expression calm. "A pleasure," I replied as I extended my hand.
Her eyes flicked briefly to my hand, then back to my face, assessing.
"I run things here," she continued smoothly. "Veyloria has its order, its hierarchy. It thrives on balance—and respect." Her tone sharpened slightly. "You're new. An outsider. A werecat."
I scrunched my brows at her choice of words.
"Veyloria has a way of reminding people where they belong," She smiled. Some learn quickly, Others the hard way. It would be… unfortunate to make enemies so early."
"My place," I said evenly, "is exactly where I choose to stand."
The smile slipped from her face.
"I don't concern myself with hierarchies built on fear," I continued. "And I certainly don't take threats from people who mistake influence for authority."
Her jaw tightened.
"If we are going to share this academy," I added, "it would be wise to remember one thing."
I leaned in just enough for her to hear me clearly.
"You may be the beta's daughter, but to me, you're nothing but a litch using a name for power. I, on the other hand, was born directly into it. I am the definition of power embodiment. We are not the same. " I finished pulling away.
For a moment, Seraphina said nothing. Then she let out a sharp huff, her composure cracking.
"Tread carefully," she snapped. "This isn't Felinara."
She turned on her heel, her friends scrambling to follow.
Releasing a soft breath, I walked out of the room, finding both Nadira and Eria waiting for me.
"How was class?" I asked.
Nadira groaned."I learned absolutely nothing."
"That isn't surprising."
She gasped, slapping my shoulder, "Akilah!"
Eria quietly looked up from a book. "I learned three things."
We both looked at her.
"Would you like to hear them?" She blinked
"Not particularly."
"Good."
She immediately continued anyway.
"I still can't believe you chose to study Ethics," Nadira whined. "Like it's so boring. I mean, I get you into politics, but this, this is punishment."
We headed for the cafeteria since it was lunchtime and I was starving. Upon entering the cafeteria, it was loud. It was packed with students sitting and chatting as they ate their food. The scent of roasted meat filled the air, making my stomach turn. Grabbing a tray, I filled it with a bunch of fruit and what seemed to be apple juice, while the others loaded their trays with meat.
I held my hand over my mouth as I tried to stop myself from puking as we walked to a nearby empty table. I was still holding my hand over my mouth when an intoxicating smell hit me like a gust of wind.
My entire body went still.
Every muscle.
Every breath.
Every thought.
Gone.
The scent hit me like a physical force.
My heartbeat started to quicken. The smell was so intense,
Vespera stopped pacing. For the first time all day…she was silent, unlike her usual growling self. The hairs on my body rose as I felt hotter, like someone just cranked up the AC.
My gaze swept across the room, searching for the source of the intoxicating scent that lingered in the air.
The cafeteria was filled with students, and their scents started to mix with the scent, making it hard for me to pinpoint the exact location of the scent.
"Hey, are you alright?" Nadira said as she tapped my shoulder, making me look at her.
"Yah, of course I am, "I replied to her with a smile on my face. I grabbed my fork stabbing my fruit and eating it.
I knew she didn't believe me, but she let it slide and didn't ask questions anymore.
I turned my attention to Eria, who was showing us something she had learned in class.
The scent still clung to the air, but I forced my expression into a calm indifference, burying the hunger of questions clawing at my mind.
I wanted to look back up but knew that Nadira would ask more questions, and I didn't want that, but I really wanted to know what was causing this magnificent smell. Sign I munched on my fruit until Vespera suddenly spoke, and what she said caused me to freeze completely.
"Mate," Vespera said.