CHAPTER 31: A CLASS CHANGE?

Andria’s POV

I took the paper and nodded politely, though I felt her eyes following me long after I dashed out of the room.

I clutched the recommendation letter a little tighter than necessary as I walked down the corridor toward the allocation office.

I was finally going to be free from them; I silently rejoiced that I wasn’t declined. As much as my body and Athena, my wolf enjoyed sitting with, this was exam period, and I couldn’t risk being distracted.

I needed to breathe, to think, to exist without having three ridiculously intense men clouding every sane thought I had.

The allocation office wasn’t too far from the administrator’s, but my legs suddenly felt heavy, like they were considering turning back. I paused in front of the door, staring at the plaque that read: "Class Allocation and Student Logistics"

The door creaked open before I could knock.

"Ah, Aria Wolfsburn?" The allocation officer with sharp eyes and an even sharper tone looked me over like she was expecting something dramatic to follow my arrival.

"I hope you have a recommendation

"Yes. I have a recommendation letter from Administrator Lunar Winter," I said, holding it out.

She took it, read it once, then twice, her brows twitching slightly at the names ’Tristan and Damon’.

"I see." She nodded, then gestured toward the bench near the filing cabinet. "Give me a moment. Your seating position has been swapped. Now, you will head to class 4b with this slip I’m about to give you, which will be your class from now on.

I was stunned. I asked for a seat change, not a class change. I furrowed my eyebrow in a confused manner.

"Do you have any questions concerning your class allocation?" she asked as she studied my expression.

"No, it’s just that I asked for a seat change, not a class change."

"Well, I thought it was best you didn’t get to see any of their distracting faces ever again in class."

A sarcastic reply, just what I expected.

She turned to her computer and started typing. I sat there, trying not to feel like I was running away. But maybe I was.

I didn’t want to admit it out loud, but every time they were around, I lost a little bit of myself. Not in a bad way, not exactly. It was more like I melted into them. And honestly? That terrified me.

They were too much. Too close. Too everything.

And what’s worse? A part of me liked it. Athena growled inside. I could sense that she was uncomfortable with the decision to leave the class, ’That’s what’s needed for now.’

The tapping of the keys stopped. She stood and handed me a new seating slip.

"You’re now seated in the last row, beside Becca Stone and Arlo Finch. If any of them give you issues, feel free to return here."

"Thank you," I said, standing.

Who are these new people? Now I have to get used to a new class, starting the socializing work over again, which I have never liked.

"Don’t thank me yet. If the Alpha heirs ask why you moved, I wasn’t here," she added with a smirk.

I gave a half-smile and left the office, the new slip in my hand and a storm in my chest.

By the time I reached class, the bell had already rung, but the lecturer wasn’t in yet. Students milled around or settled into their seats, whispering in groups. I felt the air shift the moment I stepped in.

Eyes. Too many of them. This ordeal again? Yes, of course, that’s what I get for wanting a change of seat.

Some were curious—some judgmental. A few are confused. And of course, I had to walk past them to the new desk with my name.

How quickly did rumors spread around this academy?

Some whispering amongst themselves, "I heard the Alpha successors claimed her after the strays did."

Isn’t she just their little plaything?" another said, and they didn’t care to say it in hushed tones; they said it in a manner that sounded like a whisper but loud enough for me to hear it.

"A whore", another said. I just shook my head. They are just cowards and ain’t worth my spit, if they just sit there and spread rumors.

And just as I got to my seat to unpack my books from my backpack, Tristan walked in, then Damon, and then Aven.

What was I expecting?, That they would give me a moment of peace?, I wonder what brought them here now.

They walked straight to my seat, ignoring the cheers and screams for attention. Oh, I forgot that they are the lords of this school.

"Oh, I see someone decided not just to swap seats but change classes," Tristan said with a humorous glint in his eyes.

"Well, isn’t it funny that you tried to escape us?" Damon added, rolling his eyes and the pen in his hands.

"Would y’all leave me alone? I just want to be left alone for now", I roared at them. Isn’t it enough that they are gradually ruining my reputation?, Maybe they just wanted a show, and I’m so not ready to give it to them.

"We will see about that," Aven threatened, and then they all left, and that was when I breathed a sigh of relief.

I slid into my new seat next to Becca after unpacking my books. She gave me a polite smile and then returned to her notes. Arlo, on the other hand, gave a small wave and whispered, "Running from royalty?" and then chuckled.

I shot him a blank look, and he quickly added, "Kidding. Just glad I’m not the only one who finds them very intense."

Was he gay? I studied him carefully; he was dressed stylishly, like a drag queen. I’m sure he noticed my eyes assessing me because he turned slowly to explain, "Many people think I’m gay, but I’m worse, I’m BI, as in bi-sexual."

I swallowed the laugh that nearly came out of my mouth. Okay. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

Class went by with its usual dull rhythm, notes, explanations, and a few questions here and there. But I couldn’t focus, not really. My mind kept wandering to Aven’s threat. I could feel their lingering words; I just couldn’t concentrate, and Athena wasn’t helping matters.

’Ok, Athena, listen up, we just need to get good grades, remember, we don’t have a place in society if we don’t.’ I screamed at her.

After class ended, I didn’t even try to pack my things slowly. I threw my books into my bag and tried to make a quiet escape before..

"Aria." Too late, their familiar voices echoed.

I turned slowly. Tristan stood there, arms crossed, with Damon and Aven flanking him like some ridiculous trio of trouble.

Tristan’s eyes narrowed slightly. "You’re avoiding us."

"No. I’m avoiding distractions. There’s a difference," I said, brushing past them.

Aven chuckled behind me. "So we’re distractions now? That’s flattering."

I didn’t reply. Let them gloat. Let them wonder. If they had any idea what kind of emotional hurricane they stirred in me, they’d understand why I needed to put a little space between us.

Later that evening, the dorm was quiet. Mel had gone out for her evening yoga thing. Larissa was still avoiding me, which was more peace than punishment.

I finally had a moment to myself.

I stretched out on the bed, phone in hand, and stared up at the ceiling. My thoughts drifted to Zade.

I never saw him in school today, and I didn’t know what to make of it. Was he angry? Disappointed or Relieved?

My phone vibrated suddenly.

Zade: You moved?, I noticed.