The room becomes silent as everyone turns their undivided attention to the professors. There’s Alpha Matherson, who teaches Strategy and Tactics, Professor Bree, who heads Tracking and Scouting, and Alpha Victor, whom I haven’t had a lesson with since he only teaches Combat for Wolves in Shifted Form. Professor Syldora teaches Offensive Magic and Control, and Professor Dane is our Weaponry Master.
I shouldn’t be here.
Everyone knows I got in because of who my dad is- was. Everyone knows I failed the entrance exams, but I was enrolled by the order of the King.
A favour and a curse.
The looks I’m getting from those around me are proof of that.
“Alright! Everyone here is going to be put into divisions!” Alpha Matherson’s loud voice tears me from my thoughts. “For the next six months, you will work together, and some of you may be put into these very divisions upon graduation! So, work well together. Each group will be made to balance one another!”
The Strategy Master’s voice booms across the large hall, crystal clear.
I shrink into my hoodie, wishing I weren’t here. I don’t deserve to be here. Everyone knows it. All I do is hold people up, and if I let my powers out, I’m dangerous. I could kill someone.
After a quick look around, I spot Anna standing there with a look of confidence on her face. She’s ready for this. Everyone here is.
This is the first time I’m being put into a division, no doubt another favour by the King. Why else would I be? I haven’t proven myself, and he was here just the other day.
His words still sting; his cold eyes held no sympathy as he looked me over. I can still feel them, those pale eyes that reminded me of the coldest winter frost.
“We will start with the three divisions that will have a new leader since theirs have left! Division Twenty-Four, Lamar Patrick! Congratulations! You are the new leader of Twenty-Fourth Division!”
Everyone claps and cheers as Lamar stands and takes an exaggerated cocky bow.
He’s a sixth-year, competitive, strong and from an international pack.
“Hayley Schwimmer! Congratulations, you are the new leader of Seventeenth Division!”
I look up as a tall girl in her fifth year stands up and gives the professors a polite bow of her head. I’ve seen her around. She’s on a lot of the sports teams. The kind of girl who knows what she wants and works hard to achieve it… Then there’s me.
“And finally, Ninth Division! Your new leader is Jayce Westwood!”
The crowd erupts, and not all of it is excitement. It’s covered with shock, too.
“He’s only a fourth year!”
“A fourth year doesn’t make leader, no matter how good they are…”
“Not surprised. He’s a Westwood, and his father is known as the Deimos Prince. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s one of the prophesied rulers.”
“He’s the strongest here.”
My heart skips a beat as it lands on Jayce’s side profile. They aren’t wrong. He might be the youngest division leader, but his talent and skill have made him one of the deadliest around.
He shows no emotion, so I have no idea what he’s thinking. His black hair is messily brushed back as if he just ran his fingers through it after his post-training shower. His sharp, green eyes are almost as callous as those of our King’s.
He isn’t just the top in every subject; he’s captain of the football team, too. He’s also the undefeated champion in combat. I’m not surprised he’s been chosen. I’m sure by next year, all the Westwoods could be division leaders.
“Alright, everyone, settle down. We can all agree that Westwood has earned it despite his age! Now let’s move on! Shahira Muhammed, Verdantia, Ninth Division…”
I zone out as everyone is put into divisions.
“He is so fucking hot. Whenever he wants me, I’m always down, even if he isn’t offering more.” The whisper and the giggles that follow make me glance at the girl who spoke.
What more can I expect?
All the girls love him and want to get into his bed. The boyseither fear him or want to earn his favour. And me? I just want to hide from him because every time I’m in front of him, he makes me feel like I’m worse than the dirt beneath his shoe.
