Moonfire Academy (NaNoWriMo 2023)

Chapter Three

After spending the entire tossing and turning, incapable of falling asleep, Cressida forced herself out of bed and trudged toward her closet to grab some clothes so she could be one of the first in the showers. She should have known everyone would have the same thought. She was lucky to find a shower empty, but as she stood under the water, a searing pain shot up her arm.

She grunted and lost balance, but managed to regain it. Wide-eyed, she watched thin thread-like lines appear as an act of magic on her forearm, creating a breathtaking crescent moon adorned with flowers that glimmered iridescent under the light.

"Well, it seems the academy's guardian has finally punished you for breaking her rules," Zephyrine said as she got in the shower beside her. 

Cressida grunted, closing her fingers into a fist. "What exactly does this mean?"

Zephyrine stared at the mark. "Malakai has you under his mercy. You hurt him first, so now, you'll have to gain his forgiveness and then, he can set you free from the punishment."

"This is ludicrous."

"Why do you think everyone follows the rules within the academy? Did you even bother to read the rules before enrolling? No one can attack each other."

Her eyes narrowed, remembering him biting her without her consent. Didn't that count? Or was it allowed since she had agreed to be his blood donor? Perhaps, the moment she agreed to it, she gave up all her rights, which was ridiculous. 

Concern flashed across Zephyrine's face. "I spoke to my dad and he wants someone to keep an eye on you until we figure out what is going on."

"Ugh. I still feel like they simply mistook me for someone else. There are far more important children in this academy than me. Hell, for all we know they could have been after the vampire royals."

"Well, the vampires aren't of my concern. You, on the other hand, are part of my pack, family. So, you're my responsibility." She sighed, her gaze lingering on the mark. "My father gave you the option to return home, but I doubt you can leave with that on your arm."

"Either way, I wasn't leaving. If I don't won't graduate--I won't be granted permission to live in human lands."

"Does pack life seem that horrible to you?" 

The pain in her friend's voice created a sharp ache in her heart. "It's not that at all." 

Despite sometimes not seeing eye to eye with her packmates, Cressida had to admit she loved how close they all were. Most of the time, everyone had each other's back no matter what. They were a big, close family. Even if she did want to stay so she could graduate, she also wanted to stay to ensure Zephyrine was safe. 

"If it's because of Ashton, you can simply reject him. Even though, most would say he is a great candidate for being your mate, no one will force you to bond with him."

Cressida arched an eyebrow. "A best candidate for my mate, or a bond beneficial for the pack?"

Zephyrine rolled her eyes. "Fine, yes... Still, no one will force your hand."

"Why don't you take him as a mate?"

Zephyrine dropped her gaze. "Because as the child of the head alpha of all packs, I've been chained to someone already."

Cressida narrowed her eyes before they widened. An alliance was stronger sealed with a union between the two children of the leaders, which would mean Zephyrine and Malakai were to become beloveds. 

If her father had been alive, there would have been a chance she would have been the one chained to Malakai. She clasped her hand over the warm pendant, part of her hating that her best friend had taken her place, but the other part... If she had been the one chosen to be his beloved, she would have rather jumped off a cliff to her demise.