A New Journey Begins

Sera purred in satisfaction, her presence in Eila's mind unusually calm. The wolf, usually full of sharp remarks and complaints, had nothing to say today except for a deep sense of contentment. Eila smirked to herself.

Well, I suppose we both had quite the night.

As she attempted to slip out of the Blackwell Manor unnoticed, Leonard blocked her way, arms crossed, an exasperated look in his icy blue eyes.

"You're not leaving without breakfast," he stated firmly.

Eila sighed. "I'm not hungry."

Leonard narrowed his eyes. "I didn't ask if you were."

She pursed her lips, knowing there was no winning against his stubbornness. Reluctantly, she sat at the dining table while he ordered James to serve her a simple meal of soft bread and warm soup. He sat beside her, watching like a hawk as she ate every bite.

Satisfied, Leonard finally allowed her to leave. He had business to attend to and had to leave the manor earlier, but he made sure she knew she wasn't escaping his watchful gaze.

Eila carefully manoeuvred through the hallways, avoiding servants and curious eyes. The Blackwell Manor was a grand estate, and sneaking out undetected was no easy feat. However, the only person who noticed her was James, the ever-efficient butler. He gave her a small nod of acknowledgement before turning away, allowing her passage.

The guards, familiar with her presence and wary of Leonard's wrath, did not stop her. Soon, she was walking through the familiar streets of her neighbourhood, feeling the weight of the past few days settle onto her shoulders.

When she reached her home, her siblings and nosy neighbours greeted her with curious stares. However, she wasn't in the mood for explanations. Without a word, she slipped into her room, closing the door behind her.

The bath that followed was long and necessary. She scrubbed away every remnant of last night, washing her hair, cleansing her skin, and letting the warm water soothe her sore muscles. When she finally emerged, she felt refreshed, though a strange warmth still lingered in her chest.

Dressed and prepared, she joined Meera in the kitchen, helping with lunch and dinner preparations. The usual chatter filled the small space, but Eila remained mostly silent, focused on her tasks.

When the meal was done and everyone had finished eating, she finally made her announcement.

"I'll be taking the entrance exam for Moonshine University," she stated, her voice steady.

Silence filled the room. Then, her mother, Celena, blinked in surprise. "You're going to university?"

Eila nodded. "Yes. It was Alpha Magnus's order."

That alone was enough to quiet any further questioning. Everyone in the pack knew that disobeying the Alpha was not an option.

"To utilize my skills and keep our family's honour," she added, her voice calm but firm.

A moment of hesitation passed before her family accepted her decision. Then, one by one, they offered their support.

Daria, ever the warrior, stepped forward. "I'll teach you basic combat. You need to be able to defend yourself."

Jean and Jake, her ever-reliable siblings, grinned. "We'll quiz you on etiquette, politics, and general knowledge," Jean offered.

"You'll be the smartest in your class," Jake added with a wink.

Eila smiled, warmth filling her heart. "Thank you. I'd appreciate that."

She had three days until the entrance exams, and she intended to make every second count.

**********Preparations and Goodbyes*********

The next two days passed in a blur.

Daria was relentless in her combat training, drilling her in basic stances, dodging techniques, and self-defence moves. Though Eila was naturally agile, she had little experience with physical combat. Her muscles ached from the rigorous training, but she pushed through, determined to prepare herself for whatever awaited her at Moonshine University.

Jean and Jake took turns testing her on various subjects. Etiquette lessons were particularly frustrating, with Jean forcing her to walk with a book balanced on her head and recite proper greetings for nobles of different ranks. Jake, on the other hand, bombarded her with political questions and historical facts.

Through it all, Eila persevered.

Meanwhile, Leonard kept a close eye on her, though he didn't interfere with her preparations. However, he did insist on one thing—she would not be travelling alone.

"It takes one day to reach the university in wolf form," Eila had reasoned. "I can handle it."

Leonard had simply scoffed. "You're not running through the woods alone for an entire day. I'm sending you in a carriage."

She had wanted to argue, but one look at his steely expression told her it was pointless.

And so, as the final day arrived, a grand carriage bearing the Blackwell crest stood waiting outside her home.

Eila took a deep breath, standing by the doorway as she took in the sight of her family gathered before her. Her mother, Celena, was teary-eyed but smiling. Her father, Armaan, gave her a firm nod of approval. Daria, Jean, Jake, Micheal, Meera and others had come to see her off.

"You'll do great," Jean said, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Just don't get lost in the library," Jake teased.

Eila laughed, hugging them both. "I'll write to you."

Her mother kissed her forehead. "Be safe, my love."

"I will," she promised.

Finally, her gaze landed on Leonard, who stood slightly apart from the others, watching her with an unreadable expression.

She approached him, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "I'll be fine."

He exhaled through his nose. "I know. But I don't like being away from you."

Her heart fluttered at his words.

Before she could respond, he leaned in, brushing his lips against her ear. "Don't forget—you're mine."

A shiver ran down her spine.

"I won't," she whispered.

Satisfied, Leonard stepped back, giving her one last smouldering look before she climbed into the carriage.

As the horses set off, she watched her home disappear into the distance, her heart heavy yet filled with anticipation.

This was a new beginning. A chance to prove herself.

And she would not fail.