CHAPTER 48: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Andria’s POV

The school microphone crackled to life, the high-pitched sound from the microphone causing every student in the cafeteria to flinch.

The low hum of chatter in the cafeteria quietened and was replaced by the voice of the headmistress testing the microphone before speaking.

"Good afternoon, students of Ashwood Academy," Headmistress Diane’s voice echoed throughout the room. "I trust you are all having a productive day?"

There was a low murmur in the cafeteria in response to her question.

"I have an important announcement," she continued, her voice carrying that weighty tone that made you feel she was speaking directly to you, even though she was referring to everybody else.

"The time has come for this year’s Student Council election. As you know, the council serves not only as a voice for the student body but as a representation of leadership and pack unity within Ashwood Academy."

Becca leaned towards me, whispering under her breath, "Here we go... more political drama to spice up the semester."

I shot her a sideways glance. "You say that like this school needs more drama."

She smirked. "We both know it’s inevitable."

Headmistress Elara’s voice carried on. "Positions available include: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Events Coordinator..." She paused, causing the microphone to screech.

"All eligible students may submit their candidacy applications to the administration office by the end of this week. Campaigning will begin immediately after approvals." She paused for effect, and in that moment, I could already feel the room shifting.

There was a lot of murmuring coming from every corner; some students were already choosing their candidate.

"Remember," she added, her tone sharpening, "leadership is a privilege, not a right. It requires honor, fairness, and the ability to put the needs of your fellow students before your own. Those who treat it as a popularity contest will quickly find themselves removed from consideration."

With that, the microphone clicked off, leaving a momentary hush before the cafeteria erupted in murmurs and speculation.

"I bet Tracy tries to run," Becca muttered, stabbing at the empty plate in front of her like it had personally offended her. "She would use the council as an excuse to boss people around officially."

Arlo raised a brow. "She’d probably win half the votes just by threatening people. It’s a strategy, I guess."

With what they said, it felt like they were trying to provoke someone to run for us.

Liara gave them both a look that was far too perceptive for someone who claimed she’d never been in a regular school before. "And yet, you both speak like you’re not considering running."

Becca laughed outright. "Me? Sit in meetings all day instead of training? No, thanks."

Arlo shrugged. "I’d rather fight than debate."

They all looked at me then. ’I knew it,’ I murmured to Athena, ’They are looking for someone to carry the responsibility of representing them.

I frowned. "Don’t look at me like that. I have zero interest in standing on a stage while people judge my worthiness."

Becca tilted her head. "You’d be good at it, though. You don’t exactly back down when challenged."

"That’s because challenges usually come with claws," I said flatly. "Not ballots, students’ favoritisms or debates"

From across the table, Liara smiled faintly. "Still, leadership tends to find people whether they want it or not, and you seem like a good candidate."

Princess Liara also looked like a good candidate, except that she was entirely new to the schooling system, so she was scraped out.

Becca, on the other hand, is more of a support hand, often feels like she comes from the bloodline of Betas. She is one to follow and not lead.

Arlo, on the other hand, is a nonchalant creature, more like a Sigma. He doesn’t lead, and he also finds it hard to follow, except that you have his interest—authoritarian personality.

Considering their personalities and flaws, I seem like the most suitable for this role indeed, although I knew I had my flaws, which may be that a lot of people may not even want me to win.

I wasn’t sure if what Liara said earlier was meant as encouragement or a warning, but I’ll take it as encouragement after weighing the options. If not, we might be left with no candidate representing us.

The sudden sound of a chair scraping violently across the floor pulled my attention to the far side of the cafeteria.

Tracy, Alexa, and Tricia were huddled together, whispering like they had just been handed the tickets to a top-ranking event. Tracy caught my eye, her smile slow and sharp, like she already knew exactly how she planned to make my life miserable in the coming weeks.

Her smile was like an invitation to compete. She feels that because she has the popularity and her parents’ fame backing her, I wouldn’t stand the chance of winning the elections.

Great. Just how great.

Becca followed my gaze and groaned. "Yep. She’s going to run. And she’s going to drag you into it whether you like it or not."

My fork clinked against the plate as I dropped it. "Let her try." But even as I said it, Athena stirred inside me, uneasy. The idea of pack or school politics in a school like this, with no backing of any sort

It wasn’t just about votes. It was about power. And power here wasn’t just symbolic; it could shift the balance of everything.

Knowing that being a leader in this school could affect one’s ranking and how the werewolf pack will perceive you, I needed this more than anyone in this room, or so I thought.

And for some reason, I had the very bad feeling that this election wasn’t going to be as simple as putting names on a ballot.

"I’ll be right behind you during the elections, in case you need any support," Liara reassured me.

Oh, how was I so quick to forget that I had the princess as a friend? That was enough courage to stand in for the elections.

"Ok, I’ll run for the elections,"