CHAPTER 58: INTER GUILD WARS

(Amaia)

After the session has ended, Alnitak stops by my desk and traps me between his strong arms. His hands rest on the edges of the table.

"Hey!" He tilts his head. Some of his long red side flicks fall right in front of his golden orbs.

What a handsome specimen he is and his scent never fails to freshen me up.

"Hey!" I awkwardly say, trying not to blush.

"I see someone standing on the right side of history," he says with pride, bending down and leaning in so both of us are at eye level.

My breath stops for a second. I exhale slowly before speaking.

"I don’t understand why the Fae kind always gets so much hatred. That’s a whole treasure of magic our world lost," I painfully say, using my notebook as a shield to hug my aching chest.

"Right? How cool it would have been to have Fae students amidst us." He sighs, lowering his head and boring his eyes into his shoes. "Instead, we are only left with half-fae and even they hide their bloodlines and never reveal themselves."

The pain in my head intensifies. If only I could tell him who I really am. But I can’t reveal the one secret that I have carried for so long.

"Yes, but don’t let the Dread Army hear your views." I watch him push a few strands away from his magnetic eyes.

He snorts, "Fuck them. The number of innocent lives they have taken. They disgust me. I hope my father wins the vote on banning them from our continent."

At least two of my mates are not against my kind. That somehow swells my heart and I find myself smiling at him.

"Let’s hope so."

Mintaka’s bored voice from the door has both of us turning. "Are you coming or what?" He is leaning against the door frames, watching us with a blank face, his arms crossed against his chest.

"You should probably go," I say, turning my head back and watching Alnitak.

"Yeah, I just wanted to say that tonight you are going to be my second." He drops the bomb so casually. "Since Mintaka is sitting this one out, I want you to have my back. Growing up in a pack, I know you have training and I have already seen what you can do with a weapon."

I open my mouth to protest but he gently places his pointer finger on my lips. The sensations worm themselves inside my heart.

"Please! I want to show that bastard so just be prepared for tonight."

He trusts my fighting skills enough to put me as his second. Not another werewolf or a hybrid but me.

With an elated heart and hearty smile, I nod at him. His own smile gets so wide that his eyes crinkle at both sides.

What a heart-stopping, beautiful smile my mate possesses.

"Will you stop flirting with her?" Mintaka’s irritated voice comes again, and unwantedly, Alnitak moves, taking his hand away from my lips.

The loss of touch leaves my heart barren as I watch him join his twin who gives him a super annoyed look.

Alnitak has him in a side bear hug when I hear Mintaka’s murmur.

"Aren’t we supposed to stay away from her, especially you? What’s wrong with you?" They leave the room, and I can’t hear the rest of their conversation, but it hurts.

Mintaka’s indifference and the fact that he holds such a low opinion of me make my heart hurt.

Quietly, I move, leaving the room, and Zille flies over and lands on my shoulder.

"Hey! Zille. How are you feeling?" I pat the top of his head; he just melts under my touch.

Together we walk towards the dining hall for lunch while he remains perched on my shoulder.

The dining hall is mostly empty except for a few students. I find a bunch of seniors on the Leo Guild table. Quietly, I slip into the seat beside Chastian Hase, our guild captain.

He is sitting with two other seniors, and they all seem to be in a deep discussion.

"Hey! Amaia," he instantly recognises me and greets, offering me his hand.

"Hey! Chastian." I shake his hand and ask."What are you guys discussing?"

"Inter Guild wars but on a grander level. Students from other academies gather every year to showcase their skills and this time the State of Fudaria is hosting," he kindly explains.

I pour myself some fried veggies and strips of dried lamb before saying. "Now that sounds interesting."

"Interesting? That’s the thrill we live and train. Last year, Guild Leo was chosen to represent Orion, and we won," Chastian tells me proudly.

"We can’t wait to see which guild gets picked this year." The senior sitting opposite me excitedly speaks before biting into a carrot.

I can imagine any one of the guilds can get picked. With Alnitak and Mintaka being powerful Alphas, our guild has a chance too.

"Yes, we get to showcase our skills and bring glory to our guilds. Guild Leo is the most decorated guild of Orion, and you guys need to ensure this year will be no different," Chastian adds, pride drips from every word he says, and I can see why.

"When are these Guild Wars going to take place?" I ask, picking a sliced carrot and offering Zille. He grabs it in his claw and begins to gnaw on it.

"In a few months, so you newbies will have some time to prepare. When is your Transformation and Battle Strategy class?" Chastian questions, his dark locks sit on his thick shoulders.

"Tonight," I answer, forking a few veggies and placing them in my mouth.

"Well, Professor Ewine and Professor Alnilam will be watching closely and judging every move. The three guildmasters sit together and choose the guild to represent Orion. So good luck," Chastian offers a smile and so do the other seniors.

"Thanks!" I graciously say and focus on my food. But there is an excitement within me. If we get chosen, I will be able to show my skills and maybe shut a few mouths.

I have to perform well tonight, not only for my mate’s sake but also for myself. Alnilam will be watching, although he doesn’t like me but from what I have known about him, he is just and takes rational decisions.

I only need to give my best.

Just then the familiar scent of ancient books that seem to have fresh pines pressed into them hits me.

Alnilam has just entered the hall and his attention is directed towards me. The seniors stiffen beside me.

"Amaia, I need you in my office after lunch," he says without any emotion.

"Yes, Sir!"