"Whisper of Shadows"

Centuries passed, and as different races mingled, wolf shifters evolved. Their numbers grew, forcing them to migrate across various lands. Some remained true to their primal nature, while others adapted to the modern world, leading to the emergence of abilities previously unknown.

"These are just two types of wolves," the teacher continued. "In our next lesson, we will explore the rest."

The ringing bell signaled the end of class. Students quickly gathered their belongings, preparing for the next lesson.

Just as I reached for my books, a piercing gaze sent a shiver down my spine. Turning my head slightly, I found Jacob watching me with an unreadable, yet calm, smile. I returned the gesture instinctively, but my gaze drifted toward Luke. His fiery eyes locked onto us, brimming with suppressed anger.

I chose to ignore him, turning my focus forward, but an unsettling tension lingered in the air.

Moments later, my favorite class began—Magic Studies.

Professor Liam entered with his usual warm smile. His voice carried an infectious energy as he greeted us:

"Hello, my dear students! Are you ready to begin?"

A collective nod of enthusiasm filled the room.

"Since we have new students today, let's take a moment to review past lessons and help our newcomers catch up. I'll divide you into groups, but before that..."

Raising his hand, he whispered an incantation.

A shimmer of energy pulsed through the air. In the blink of an eye, we found ourselves standing inside a massive chamber—a grand library where books floated midair, as if they possessed a life of their own.

I stood frozen in awe. The sheer magic of the place was overwhelming, and judging by the stunned faces around me, I wasn't the only one entranced.

Liam's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "This space will enhance your focus. Now, let's begin."

The groups were assigned, and fate placed me alongside Jacob.

As he stepped closer, a strange energy radiated from him. His voice was low, yet his words carried weight:

"We haven't had a proper chance to talk yet… How about we meet later? I have a secret to tell you."

A secret? My brows furrowed. We had just met today—why would he trust me with something like that? Was he joking? Testing me? Or... was he serious?

Before I could respond, Professor Liam called on me.

"Lara, you will perform a paralysis spell on Jacob. Remember, magic is fueled by belief and self-confidence. Jacob, focus on memorizing the spell. You'll be casting it later."

Nodding, I steadied myself. Taking a deep breath, I fixed my gaze on Jacob and channeled my energy.

"Excerpt!"

A flash of light pulsed between us. In an instant, Jacob's body froze.

A rush of exhilaration filled me—it worked! For the first time, I had successfully cast a spell on a living being!

Liam nodded approvingly before lifting the enchantment. Turning to Jacob, he motioned for him to try.

Jacob took a deep breath. His first attempt failed. The second—

Success.

A slow smile spread across his lips, but his eyes held something deeper.

Something unspoken.

And as our gazes met, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

With each student practicing a different spell, the classroom buzzed with intense focus. The challenging nature of the lesson made it both exhilarating and exhausting.

As the final spell was cast, Professor Liam concluded the session. It was our last lesson for the day.

With the same effortless magic he had used before, Liam transported us back to our classroom. As Veena and I stepped outside, a sudden grip on my arm made me freeze.

I turned quickly—Jacob.

His voice was calm but firm. "I'll wait for you after dinner in the back garden of this building."

Before I could respond, he released my arm and walked away, leaving me standing there in stunned silence.

Seconds passed before Veena's amused laugh broke through my thoughts.

"Looks like someone has fallen in love!" she teased, her tone dripping with mischief.

My eyes widened in shock. "What?! No, no, he just... wants to be friends, that's all!"

But as I spoke, my own words felt hollow. I replayed my brief interaction with Jacob—his eyes, his presence. There was something unsettling about him… yet strangely familiar.

"But... I don't know. He's weird… and creepy… but at the same time, I feel like I've known him before. And his eyes… I swear I've seen them somewhere, but I can't remember where."

Veena's playful demeanor shifted into something more serious. "Maybe he's not as strange as you think, Lara."

I shot her a questioning look, but she only smiled knowingly. I sighed, feeling more confused than ever. For the first time in my life, I felt an inexplicable pull toward someone. But why?

Veena's smirk returned. "Hmm... maybe he's your mate!"

I stared at her, horrified, before laughing sarcastically. "No way! That's impossible. I'm barely different from humans, I'm still weak, and I can't even communicate with my mutant!"

Veena's confidence didn't waver. "When you find your mate, he will help you connect with your mutant. Don't overthink it, Lara. It happens in the most unexpected ways."

Her words sent an odd chill down my spine. The idea of Jacob being my mate was absurd. Wasn't it?

Shaking off the thought, we continued walking. It was almost time for dinner.

---

The dining hall buzzed with life, students filling every corner as the evening bell echoed through the room.

I scanned the crowd—and my gaze unintentionally locked onto Jacob's.

He smiled. Not a smirk, not a grin—just a quiet, knowing smile. Then, without a word, he turned and joined a group of students, most likely from his pack.

A strange unease settled in my chest. This wasn't just a coincidence. There was something deeper at play—something I couldn't quite grasp yet.

Throughout dinner, I found myself lost in thought. Should I meet him? The question lingered in my mind.

But in the end, I made my decision: I wouldn't go.

I barely knew him. I couldn't trust him.

---

Back in my room, I checked the time—ten minutes to eight.

I stood by the window, staring at the darkness creeping over the academy grounds.

A strange feeling gnawed at me.

And deep down, I knew—this was far from over.

"Are you ready to uncover hidden secrets? 🤫✨ Don't forget to add the novel to your library and interact with it! Your comments mean a lot to me! 💖📖"