CHAPTER 165: _ THE NOMINEES

The bond make her stronger?

"Yeah, and pigs might fly." Heidi turns off the tap and wraps herself in her towel. Her reflection in the mirror looks half-human and half-exhaustion with those eyes that are puffy from crying, skin blotchy, and hair dripping like strings of ink. "You know, for a god wolf, your pep talks are pretty average."

Her wolf smirks inside her mind. "That’s because you’re ungrateful."

"Excuse me, I’m bathing for an interview I’m already late for. Gratitude’s not on the list right now."

And to think, thirty minutes ago she was being told she housed a god wolf. Now she is late for a school interview.

She bolts back into the dorm room, dragging on a clean blouse and the nearest skirt. The buttons refuse to cooperate, and her hair clings to her neck as she wrangles it into something resembling a ponytail.

She checks the clock. She’s beyond late. "Moon Goddess, help me."

Her wolf hums. "You say she hates you, but you’re quick to call her name when you’re desperate."

"Shut up," Heidi mutters, snatching her shoes and nearly tripping on her way out.

The hallway is buzzing when she bursts through the dorm doors. Students are everywhere; newbies whispering in awe, seniors pretending not to care but still craning their necks toward the auditorium. The air smells like perfume, sweat, and tension.

By the time Heidi reaches the auditorium, her lungs are screaming, her blouse clings to her back, and her shoes feel two sizes too small.

She stops outside the heavy double doors, takes one deep breath, and pushes them open, steps into the room, and head turns.

Her wolf goes very still.

The room is packed with her friends—the Moon Blessed survivors lined in neat rows, professors seated at the long table on the stage. Headmaster Halric sits in the middle. There’s also Ms. Vesper who looks like she eats nervous students for breakfast. Beside her are Master Corvin and a few other instructors. Heidi avoids Corvin’s gaze entirely; just one look from him could unravel her spine.

She doesn’t know if he’s told the entire school about her scuffle and ongoing case with Sierra and her lackeys or if this is still staying between them. She hopes to hell that it’s the latter.

Her heartbeat accelerates as she stumbles another step into the room. The moment stretches on before the Headmaster, in all his cunning corruption, speaks up.

"Well, well," he says, leaning back in her chair. "If it isn’t our spotlight who just arrived."

The room titters with low laughter, irking Heidi further than she already is. She blinks, caught off guard. "Spotlight?"

Her wolf pipes up. "Be careful."

Heidi swallows hard, standing straighter even as her insides twist. The word echoes in her head; spotlight. It sounds like mockery or a setup. Even though she trusts her friend not to laugh if she’s in trouble. So, it’s got to be something else.

She forces her chin up. "Sorry I’m late."

Headmaster Halric smiles, and the expression doesn’t reach his eyes. "Oh, Ms. Castell, late? Yes. But with all the reviews about you, I guess you can be pardoned. We were about to begin the vote."

Heidi frowns. "Vote?"

Her question is awkwardly in the air. The teachers exchange looks which doesn’t help her confusion... or the slow burn of embarrassment crawling up her neck.

Before she can press further, Ms. Vesper stands. Her gray suit catches the light like a sheet of armor, and her perfectly tied bun doesn’t so much as twitch.

"Yes, Miss Castell. We are concluding the voting segment for the Moon Blessed who risked their lives to serve the school. We have some nominations for Top Girl and Top Boy of Year One, made by your peers, of course."

A fresh wave of murmurs rolls through the room.

Top Girl? Top Boy?

Heidi’s brain stutters. She glances instinctively toward Val, who winks, then to Helena and Jia, who both grin at her like proud co-conspirators.

Oh, wait...is she on the list? Master Corvin didn’t tell on her yet? Could she be successful? Is there truly a chance for her? That must be why the headmaster and Ms. Vesper are taking their time to explain to her. Or it could be for the cameras too.

Ms. Vesper continues, completely unbothered by Heidi’s horror. "Each of the thirteen surviving Moon Blessed who are present has submitted nominations for two of their peers; one male, one female. The results have narrowed to two candidates in each category."

This is it... the moment she’s been waiting for. She needs that title like she needs water.

Her wolf calls her to order. "You should probably sit down before your legs forget how."

Heidi almost jumps. ’Sit down before your legs forget how’? That’s... dramatic even for you.’

But she obeys anyway. Her knees feel hollow.

Master Corvin’s voice cuts through the growing noise. "Miss Castell," he says, nodding toward the empty seat in the front row. "Please, take your place."

There’s no mistaking the subtle warning in his tone... It’s the same one that says don’t make a scene, Castell, or I’ll regret saving your hide for later on.

"Y-yes, Master Corvin," she mutters, ducking her head.

She hurries forward, every step echoing a little too loudly on the floor. The auditorium smells of lemon polish and tension. She can practically feel every eye tracking her. Some are curious, and others are cold.

Her heart pounds in her ears. She slips into the seat beside Val, trying to look casual while wanting to melt into the upholstery.

She leans sideways and whispers, "What the hell did I miss?"

Val hides a grin behind her hand. "We’re voting."

Heidi rolls her eyes. "No kidding. For what, exactly?"

Val’s lips twitch. "For Top Girl and Top Boy of the Year One class as you’ve been informed."

Yeah, she just needs to hear it again – Heidi thinks.

"They want to reward our bravery and survival skills. Well, PR stunt. You know, for the academy’s image."

"PR stunt," Heidi mutters. "Of course."

Her wolf snorts. "Congratulations. You’re now part of the academy’s marketing campaign."

"Oh, bite me."

"You wish."

Heidi resists the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose.

"So who’s up?" she asks quietly, glancing around the row of students.

Val leans in, whispering conspiratorially, "For the boys: Andre and that guy from Sector Two... you know, the one who can talk to plants."

During their four-day stay in the Labyrinth, that boy’s ability did a lot to save them from starvation while Andre’s fighting skills and strength are unmatched by any other Moon Blessed.

Heidi nods. "The one who cried when someone stepped on a flower, right?"

"Yep."

"Right." Heidi suppresses a snort.

She doubts the school would invest in such potential. They prefer strength and power.

Val continues, widening her grin now. "And for the girls..."

Heidi braces herself to hear who her opponent could be and finds her eyes bulging when Val says...

"...you and me."