You're staring again.
Tristan blinked, startled, and turned toward the voice beside him. A petite girl with chestnut hair and curious golden eyes sat next to him, grinning. She was new, or at least he hadn’t noticed her until today. There was something familiar about her scent. He tilted his head slightly, and it hit him.
She was a werewolf.
"I see you like her," she said, her eyes flitting over to Valeria, who sat on the opposite side of the class, her gaze firmly locked on the board, as though the words written there were the most fascinating thing in the world.
Tristan let out a soft sigh. "Is it that obvious?"
"To someone with sharp eyes? Completely," she replied, flashing a cheeky grin. "The rumors about the werewolf prince falling head over heels for a vampire princess? Looks like they’re true."
"The rumors are exaggerated," Tristan muttered, leaning back in his seat.
"Oh? Then why are you looking at her like she’s the moon on a winter night?"
He chuckled quietly but didn’t answer.
"What do you like about her?" she asked curiously, leaning closer.
Tristan paused for a moment before replying, "The mate bond is crazy. She’s my mate."
The girl’s eyes widened, her smile slowly fading into astonishment. "Wait. You’re serious? She’s actually your mate?"
He gave a small nod, his gaze drifting back to Valeria.
"But she’s a vampire," the girl whispered. "And she hates you."
"Tell me about it," Tristan sighed. "It’s like being drawn to fire. You know it’ll burn you, but you can’t help walking into the flame."
The girl laughed at that. "Well, good luck, wolf boy. You’ll need it."
Just then, the teacher at the front of the class called out, “Valeria. Tristan. Come forward with your assignment.”
Tristan stood, already sensing the tension as Valeria slowly rose from her seat, her shoulders stiff.
They walked side by side to the front. The teacher, a tall fae with sharp features, adjusted his glasses and looked between them.
"Well?" he asked. "Let’s see what you’ve prepared."
Valeria held out a scroll of parchment. "Here."
The teacher scanned it quickly and raised an eyebrow. "Looks well done. Tell me, did you both contribute equally?"
Valeria opened her mouth, but Tristan spoke first.
"No. I didn’t help."
Valeria whipped her head toward him, eyes flashing in disbelief. The teacher frowned.
"Tristan, you know teamwork is part of your grade."
"Yes, sir. I just didn’t want to take credit for something I didn’t do."
The teacher nodded slowly and turned to Valeria. "In that case, you’ll need to work on it together if you want the grade. You’re dismissed. Work outside the hall. I want a new submission by the end of the day."
Valeria didn’t wait. She spun around and marched out, her boots thudding against the marble floor. Tristan followed quickly.
Once they were alone, he called out, "Valeria, wait."
She stopped abruptly, turned, and before he could say another word, shoved him hard in the chest.
"Are you insane?!" she hissed. "Why would you embarrass me in front of the whole class like that?"
He blinked, stunned. "I wasn’t trying to—"
"Then what were you trying to do? Prove you’re some sort of noble werewolf with a conscience?"
"No," he said firmly. "I just didn’t want to lie. I thought being honest would help."
"Help?!" she snapped. "You just told everyone I did the whole project alone. Now they’ll think I’m trying to get ahead by ditching you."
He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "I didn’t think of that. I’m sorry."
Valeria growled under her breath. "You are so infuriating."
She made to leave and he stopped her.
"Wait," he said, reaching out and grabbing her arm gently.
She spun around, glaring. "What?"
"Why do you hate me so much?"
She faltered, surprised by the question.
"I mean it," Tristan continued. "Why? Because I’m a werewolf? Because I’m your mate?"
"Yes," she whispered. "Both."
He swallowed hard. "I didn’t choose this, Valeria. I didn’t choose you. But I want you. Doesn’t that count for something?"
She yanked her arm away. "You think this is a fairy tale? A love story where the vampire princess falls for the noble wolf prince? This is real life, Tristan. Our people are at war. Our bond, it’s a curse."
"Or it’s the answer," he said quietly.
She stared at him, and for a moment, something in her expression softened. Then, it hardened again.
"Fine," she said, stepping back. "You want to prove something? Let’s spar."
His eyebrows shot up. "What? Now?"
"Yes. Right here, right now. Unless you’re scared."
He grinned. "Oh, I’m not scared."
They moved to a grassy area behind the hall. Valeria took a stance, graceful and poised. Tristan mirrored her, more grounded, brimming with raw power.
She lunged first, quick as lightning. Tristan sidestepped, barely avoiding her blow.
He chuckled and lunged forward, grabbing her by the waist. She twisted out of his grip, swept his legs, and he hit the ground with a thud.
"Ow," he muttered, laughing. "You don’t play fair."
"I don’t play at all," she said, standing over him.
He rolled to his feet and charged again. This time, he caught her. But instead of throwing her, he pulled her close. Their bodies collided with a thud, chest to chest.
She gasped, caught off guard. His arms wrapped around her, not aggressively, just firmly.
Their eyes met. For a long, charged moment, neither moved.
Something rippled between them.
A pulse. A shockwave of magic that radiated from the point of contact. The ground beneath them shimmered. The air buzzed with ancient energy.
Valeria’s breath hitched. "What… what is that?"
Tristan was just as stunned. "I don’t know. But… I feel like I’ve felt it before."
Visions flashed before her eyes, fleeting, disjointed images. A battlefield. Blood. A werewolf and a vampire standing side by side, defying the odds.
Her heart raced.
"Are we… are we…"
"Reincarnated?" he whispered. "Maybe."
She snapped out of it, shoving him hard. He stumbled back.
"Stay away from me," she said, her voice trembling.
"Valeria—"
But she was already gone, running, disappearing around the corner.