Chapter 15

Chapter 0015

“Nicholas.”

I was dreaming. I must have been close to waking up to be so lucid.

I stood in my old room at the Academy. Nicholas had his back to me, his hand on the door handle. A

familiar curl of dread was growing in my stomach. A dull, physical ache rested behind my ribs.

This was the moment I had broken up with him.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“Save it.” His voice was rough. I’d hurt him, but he didn’t want to admit it. He wouldn’t let me see.

“Nick, please –”

“Don’t call me that.” He pulled the handle and the door swung open. The light of the hall was blinding.

compared to the dimness of the room.

I had wanted to stop him. I wanted to take back everything, and bring him into my arms again.

But I couldn’t.

I had a newborn baby waiting for me, and the loss of my wolf had left me hollow inside.

Now, I wanted to awaken, but I forced myself to relive the moment, watching him leave me.

When he was gone, my b*dy crumpled, just as it had that day. I’d hid my pain in front of him. I hadn’t

wanted him to know what I’d done, and what it had cost me.

“Nicholas,” I had cried long into the night, before I pulled myself together, left the Academy, and never

looked back.

I blinked open my eyes and stared at the silk canopy above my borrowed bed. Beside me, Elva snored,

face half–pressed into the pillow.

I stayed there watching her for a long time, as I pressed the memories back into the past where they

belonged.

Eventually a knock sounded on the door, and the two maids entered. I pulled myself out of bed.

Today was the day of the candidates‘ first public appearance. We had to get ready. Everything had to be

derfdat

knew I wouldn’t win the final selection, but I had decided to try to stay as long as I could, Elva

Plus, it was nice to eat three full meals a day again. I was already regaining some of the weight I’d lost. My ribs weren’t quite so visible anymore. Each day, I was gaining more energy.

I’d never be as strong as those with wolves, but now I could at least last a full day without being totally

exhausted.

The maids helped me dress after my shower. Elva and I had matching light green gowns with faux wildflowers stitched into the skirt. Elva wanted to wear a flower crown to match, but unfortunately, the

one Susie had made for her had wilted.

We both thanked the maids for their help, then, holding Elva’s hand, I led her to the parlor room where the other girls were gathering.

Linda wore a stunning red gown that complimented her pale complexion. She stood out in the room, the girl wearing the brightest, sharpest color. She smiled brightly whenever she caught someone looking at

her.

“Many of my pack were approved to be part of the crowd today,” she said to another girl, Oliva, whose off -white floor–length dress was sleek and elegant.

“My pack, too,” Olivia said, matching Linda’s smile. Though they spoke friendly enough, it almost

seemed like a contest between the two.

I wondered if they were in an alliance together, and if they were, how long it would last.

I spotted Susie near the wall at the far side of the room, yet before we could make our way over, Nathan

appeared at the door behind me.

“Are you ladies ready for your introduction?”

We lined up first and then were led outside. A stage had been erected in front of the palace. The

cameras were not yet running as he stepped onto it. The crowd was there though, and began letting out

cheers