POV: Aira Moonstone
The next day at school felt strangely lighter, even though nothing had changed.
The stares were still there. The whispers. The invisible space people left around her as if she might break something just by existing.
But Aira walked through the halls with something new in her chest—a flicker of warmth. A fragile sense of being seen.
She and Lila arrived early again, laughing softly as they dodged a spilled soda near the lockers.
Lila was in full detective mode.
"Okay, so here's the list of possibilities," she said, pulling an imaginary notepad into the air. "Number one: someone from training. Number two: someone who's been secretly watching you from the shadows. Number three: your mate who can't reveal himself yet. Number four—"
Aira rolled her eyes, smiling. "Lila…"
But as she opened her locker, her breath caught.
A single bouquet of red roses was nestled inside, resting against her books.
Not fake. Real. Fresh. Twelve long-stemmed roses, velvety petals rich and deep like blood.
Aira's mouth parted slightly. Her fingertips trembled as she reached for them.
There was no note this time.
Just the roses.
"Holy Moon," Lila whispered, eyes wide. "Okay, scratch the prank theory. This person is serious."
Aira's heart raced. "Why me?"
"Why not you?" Lila said firmly. "You're smart, kind, and let's not forget you whooped Irene yesterday in front of half the pack. Someone noticed. Someone who clearly has taste."
Aira held the roses close, the faint scent of them making her dizzy. She wasn't used to this. Not admiration. Not kindness. Not attention that didn't come with a side of cruelty.
Could it really be... a mate?
Later that day, they were exiting the science wing when someone called out:
"Lila!"
Both girls turned.
It was Zane Carter, one of Jack's close friends. He was tall, with a strong jawline and an ever-present smug grin. Delta's son, known for his parties and his interest in anyone who caught the pack's eye—even if just for amusement.
Lila blinked. "Oh, hey."
Zane leaned casually against the wall, a gleam in his eyes. "Pool party at my place tomorrow. You're coming."
Lila hesitated, then nodded. "Sure. Sounds fun."
His eyes shifted to Aira.
He looked her up and down, as if weighing something. A strange glint passed through his expression.
"And bring her too," he said, tilting his head toward Aira.
Aira froze.
Lila frowned slightly. "Zane…"
"What?" he said smoothly. "She's part of the pack, right? Open invitation."
Aira felt her stomach twist. She knew that tone. The kind that sounded sweet but felt sharp underneath.
Still, she managed a nod. "Okay."
Zane smirked and walked away, calling back, "Wear something cute."
Lila turned to her with narrowed eyes. "I don't like that."
Aira bit her lip. "It's fine. Maybe he's being nice."
"No, you're nice. He's something else," Lila muttered.
Aira looked down at the roses in her hand.
Something inside her said the invitation and the flowers weren't from the same person.
But she didn't know which one to fear more—the mystery admirer, or the boy who smiled with shadows in his eyes.