Evaline:
I listened closely as the second option got revealed.
"... is access to the restricted section of the Silver Moon Library. For the entire academic year."
I couldn’t hide my reaction this ti. My gaze turned to Professor Kieran as I asked, "That’s... possible?"
He nodded in response. "For you, yes. That section holds ancient scrolls, forbidden histories, bloodline theories, magical relic records - things even staff are limited from accessing without proper clearance. You could find things even we have never seen."
I swallowed hard.
That kind of knowledge... was sothing students could only dream about. The amount of knowledge I could gain from the restricted section was limitless. Not only that, but this one sounded like such a safe option with no threat of these brothers interfering in my life.
"Don’t think it’s all rainbows." River added when I stayed silent and lost in my thoughts. "If you chose this one, you will be watched. Every book you open. Every note you take. Misuse of information, intentional or not, cos with severe consequences. Expulsion is just the beginning."
To say I wasn’t intimidated, would be such a lie. But I wasn’t really surprised by the strictness that followed this reward. When giving access to such kind of knowledge, they would definitely make sure that nothing would go wrong.
"And the third?" I asked quietly.
This ti, the one who spoke was Professor Kieran. "A personal recomndation for an internship under the Council."
My eyes went wide.
A small smile touched the corners of his lips at my reaction. "You would be the first first-year ever given such an opportunity. If you accept this one, you will travel during weekends and term breaks to work alongside so of the most powerful Alphas, learn law, negotiation, policy writing, and representation."
I stood there in silence, my head buzzing with thoughts. Finally, I looked up and fixed my gaze of Professor Kieran as I asked, "Can I have ti to think about it?"
His eyes softened as he replied, "You have until the end of the week."
"Or now," River interrupted. "Why delay the inevitable?"
I stared at him, finally noticing sothing I failed to initially as I was too affected by his presence. He wasn’t acting his normal self. The calm, collected, and powerful Alpha I had co to know him as, was now looking... helpless.
And I might just know why - on one side was the daughter of his enemy whom he could no longer hurt, and on the other side was his own brother who helped . His helplessness, it was coming from here. And that’s why he’s being like this... soone ready to pounce at but had no idea how and when.
Without even aning it, a small - almost unnoticeable - smile tugged at my lips. And he saw it.
The way his gaze heated up in anger, I was sure that he knew exactly what was going on in my head, and he definitely didn’t like soone knowing his helplessness, especially .
He opened his mouth, probably ready to throw more hateful and degrading words at , but before he could, soone else spoke up.
"Let her choose in peace, River."
My head snapped in Oscar’s direction. It was the first ti I heard him speak since I walked in. His voice was quieter than I expected. Thoughtful. As if he wasn’t just defending , but also defending himself from sothing.
River too looked at his brother, clearly as stunned as . Then, he inhaled deeply. It was an attempt at keeping his bubbling emotions from breaking out, but I could tell that he was at the very edge.
He was already battling with Kieran’s betrayal, and now with Oscar speaking up for , he was feeling at a loss.
At first, it felt like he was about to lose his mind, but then, he walked out of the room as if he could no longer breathe the sa air as us... or . He looked ready to take down anything or anyone that crossed his path at the mont.
Once he was gone, the office got filled with silence. Then, Professor Kieran spoke. "Take your ti to decide. You still have three days. It’s your choice, Evaline. But choose knowing each option will change your path."
I nodded my head in understanding before walking out of his office with the folder clutched tightly to my chest.
* * *
I didn’t sleep much that night.
Though I had asked for ti, I already knew what I wanted to choose.
The first option was already a big no from the very beginning. And while the second one sounded like the safest among all three, safe didn’t an best. This left with the third option - internship at the council.
I knew the stakes in this one were just as high as the one-on-one training option. I would be working under the Alphas, their Betas, and other important figures of the Shifter Council.
But again, I wouldn’t be working there all the ti, only on weekends and during term breaks. This internship would not only pay , but would also give a chance to learn and forge a future for myself.
I could use that money for my dical bills, to pay Professor Kieran back, and if possible, then to save so for the baby. And with the ntion of this internship in my resu, it would be easier for to find good jobs in the future.
All in all, the option of internship appealed the most .
The only thing I needed to worry about was the first term breaks. I would be around seven months pregnant by then, and it would beco impossible to hide it.
But I still had five months to worry about that. I was sure to find a way to make things work.
With the decision made, I finally allowed myself to relax and fall into the depths of the slumber as I had classes in the morning.
Reviews
All reviews (0)