Evaline:
I kept my head down as I moved through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, keeping to the shadows whenever possible.
The Rogue Kings' home was a maze of stone hallways and towering walls. It was a fortress meant to keep outsiders away, and in my case, to keep me trapped inside.
I had done everything I could to stay out of sight, to avoid crossing paths with anyone who might bring trouble. After my last encounter with River, I knew better than to push my luck. His warning had been clear. His patience with me was running thin, and his brothers had already demanded my execution.
The mere thought of it made my stomach twist. Or maybe that was just the nausea again.
It had only gotten worse over the past few days. I could no longer predict when the sick feeling would hit me. Some mornings, I woke up lightheaded, barely able to stand without my vision swimming. Other times, the nausea would struck out of nowhere, forcing me to hold my breath and steady myself against whatever surface was closest.
I did my best to hide it, keeping away from prying eyes.
The servants already despised me, treating me like a burden at best and an enemy at worst. If they noticed my situation, they would pounce on it like vultures circling a dying animal.
As for the brothers... I couldn't even make myself think about what they might do.
So I focused on blending in, moving quickly and quietly through the halls.
And that was how I overheard something that changed everything... for me and also for the brothers.
It happened when I was passing by the kitchen.
The smell of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the open doorway, reaching me and making my stomach churn in protest. Still, I might have walked right past if not for the excited whispers of the servants that reached my ears and made me halt.
"Silver Moon Academy," one of the maids said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
I had never heard of Silver Moon before, but the way they spoke about it sent a ripple of curiosity through me.
An academy?
"Tomorrow is the last day to submit applications, isn't it?" another servant asked.
"Yes, and you should see the number of forms that have come in this year. It's overwhelming."
"Well, of course. Silver Moon is the best academy in the shifter world. It's only natural that everyone wants a chance to get in."
I held my breath. At this point, I was almost straining to listen their conversation.
"Can you believe it's only been five years since it was founded? And it already has surpassed every other shifter academy out there."
"Because it belongs to the Rogue Kings," someone muttered. "That's why."
A hush fell over the room.
Then another voice spoke, but this one sounded more cautious than the others. "I heard the entrance exams are brutal. Harder than any other academy. Only a handful of students pass each year."
"That's true," the first servant confirmed. "It's not just about power or intelligence. The Rogue Kings don't accept the weak. They only want the best of the best. So, while anyone can apply, not all can get admission."
I swallowed hard as I heard them mentioning the Rogue Kings.
Did they own an academy? I wondered.
It was something I didn't expect. The four most ruthless alphas in the world had built a school, an academy so prestigious that shifters from all over the world fought for a chance to enter.
And anyone could take the entrance exam - this particular detail sent my mind reeling.
They had said it so casually, but the words kept repeating over and over in my head. Anyone could apply.
"It's no wonder that all the young wolves out there want a place in Silver Moon. It's a school owned by the Rogue Kings themselves. It's a place that promises a grand future to those who graduates - future Alphas, Lunas, Betas, even members of the Shifter Council, and academies around the shifter world."
As they continued to talk about the academy, I listened attentively.
"The best part is, anyone accepted into the academy is under the protection of the Rogue Kings until the end of their term. Imagine being protected by the four most powerful Alphas walking on this land."
I almost stumbled back at these words.
The very men who wanted me dead… would be forced to protect me if I became a student in their academy?
I was so lost in my thoughts that I barely noticed when one of the servants glanced up and saw me lingering near the doorway.
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What are you doing here?"
I quickly took a step back, trying to keep my expression neutral. "Nothing. I was just passing by."
"Then keep walking," she snapped.
I didn't argue. I turned and left with my heart hammering in my chest.
-
That night, I couldn't sleep no matter how hard I tried, and for the first time in weeks, it was not because of the nightmares but an entirely different reason.
I just couldn't stop thinking about Silver Moon Academy.
The way the servants spoke about it made it sound almost mythical. It was the most powerful institution in the shifter world, and in just five years, it had become the ultimate goal for every young shifter seeking a future filled with power and prestige.
It sounded like... my only chance at survival.
If I managed to get in, I wouldn't just be another prisoner in this mansion, waiting for my inevitable end. Instead, I would be a student of Silver Moon Academy.
And as long as I became a student there, I would be untouchable. Even River wouldn't be able to kill me. No matter how much he hated me, he wouldn't go against his own set rules to finish me off.
A small flicker of hope ignited inside me. It was a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time.
But then reality set in.
There was just one problem...
How was I going to get admitted in the Silver Moon Academy?