CHAPTER 49: BE OUR CANDIDATE

Andria’s POV

Liara’s smile widened, and Becca gave an approving nod, though Arlo just smirked like he wasn’t interested, which I knew he wasn’t interested in school politics.

"You’re going to regret that," he said, not unkindly, but with a casual teasing and somehow meaningful tone that, if you paid close attention, you would understand that he is just trying to say that politics in general is very stressful.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I muttered, not letting his discouraging tone hinder me. "Moreover, you wouldn’t volunteer," I retorted with a pouting face.

"Hey, I didn’t say you wouldn’t win," Arlo replied, leaning back in his chair. "I’m just saying, elections are very ruthless. It’s more like fighting a bloodless war. Most times."

Becca tapped her fingers against the table. "Yeah, most times, " she tilted her head toward Tracy’s table. "Especially when you’re up against someone who’s willing to fight dirty."

I didn’t need to look to feel Tracy’s eyes on me, hot, piercing and deliberate. Her gaze was a silent message: Welcome to my world.

Athena rumbled low inside me, that restless energy prickling just under my skin. ’She thinks that she has won already."

’Let her think that,’ I replied inwardly, gripping my fork until my knuckles whitened. ’Makes it easier to knock her down.’

Just then, some other students gathered around our table. ’Oh yes, the lobbying has started,’ I muttered to myself.

"Princess Liara, we know that you are royalty and you are capable of leading the school to greater heights," one of the students said, looking at the others for affirmation.

The rest nodded, and another spoke up, "We would love for you to be our candidate; we will render our votes to you if you have our interests at heart."

Liara took a knowing glance at me and then turned to face them. "What are your interests?" she asked them, curiosity etched in her voice.

The students exchanged glances, clearly not expecting her to throw the question back at them.

A tall boy with sandy hair cleared his throat. "We want fair representation for everyone, not just the popular crowd, not just the pack elites." he paused and looked around to gauge the others’ opinion as well.

I could tell from their interests that they were low-ranking wolves with a minority voice, but there were many; therefore, we can make do with their votes.

After confirming their responses, he continued, "We want better combat training schedules, more open access to the dueling arena, and actual say in school events instead of being told after decisions are made."

Another girl chimed in, "And no more bending the rules for certain people just because their parents sit on the council."

Another tall girl with light pink hair added. "You seem like a good candidate, judging by your humility in eating with us instead of the royal cafeteria designated for royalty."

"Your interests are very valuable, but I’m not interested in contesting for any positions, since I’m new to the school system", Liara said in a firm and sweet tone. "But I have a candidate here who will be contesting," she said, pointing towards me.

"You have our votes, so long as you comply with our interests," the tall boy voiced out.

"You have my word", I replied to them, and just like that, they left.

"First thing tomorrow, you need to submit your application," Becca advised, breaking into my thoughts. Her voice was calm, but her eyes held that glint of strategy. "If you delay, Tracy and her friends will spin it like you hesitated because you’re scared."

Liara leaned closer. "And don’t be surprised if she starts her campaign before the actual campaigning period begins. Tracy doesn’t look to me as someone who follows rules; she bends them until they choke."

I snorted. "Sounds like fun, and yes, you are correct, Liara," I said, smiling at Liara.

Arlo’s smirk deepened. "Sounds like trouble. You sure you’re ready to play politics with a viper?"

"Better a viper than a puppet," I said, referring to her little minions.

I think they understood my innuendo, because they all burst out laughing.

My face lit up excitedly, "Then we’ll start tonight." I turned to Liara. "Can you help me draft out my platform and speech. Becca can work on the crowd strategy. Arlo..."

As soon as I mentioned his name, he raised his hands in mock surrender. "I’ll be in charge of printing posters and sending texts and posts for the media publicity purposes."

"Oh well, I trust you understand your role," I said, looking at him intently.

"I have my way around these things," he replied calmly.

I guess it’s high time we moved back to our dormitories, since we are done with this.

We walked together to the dormitory area, Becca and Arlo chatting away as usual until it was time for us to split up.

I missed the times I had to walk with Mel and Larissa to our dormitories.

"It isn’t your fault," Athena whispered to me.

I shrugged off the feeling of sadness and headed into the apartment.

Mel and Larissa were already back from classes, and they were watching some entertainment news and snacking on junk food.

And as I entered, Mel’s face lifted towards me, and then she rushed to hug me.

"Looks like someone didn’t eat lunch today, but chose junk food over real food," I said as I hugged her back tightly, almost muffling my voice.

"You promised that we would catch up after classes today," she said, nodding her head and smiling at me as we released our hands.

"Yes, I promised you that, and I’m not going to fail you," I answered her, while sparing Larissa a glance.

She seemed to be engrossed with whatever she was watching that she didn’t even care to look up, or maybe it’s her usual snobbery. Anyway, I don’t care.

Mel noticed my glance and followed my eyes. There was a little bit of tension in the room for a while.

"I’ll be heading to my room now. If you still want the gist, you can come." I told her, moving towards my room.

When I got to my room, I finished unpacking what was left of my luggage that I couldn’t see while rushing to school.

I heard a knock on my door, and I didn’t need a magician to tell me that it was Mel.

"Come in", I said, my voice echoing through the quiet room.

"Hey, I’m here for the breakdown," she announced cheerfully as she walked into my room, bouncing on my bed.

"Now, spill the tea," she demanded excitedly.

"Ok, now, girl, calm down, the story isn’t going to run."

"Ok, so shoot, you are wasting my time, and I’m growing impatient," she said in a friendly frown and pouted lips.

"So Aven came to my room...." I started to narrate what happened that night to her, although not everything, like the part where we murdered the shape-shifting demon.

I just said that he disappeared when the fight got heated, and he felt he might lose to Aven. Mel nodded, intrigued at every word I told her.

"So you mean to tell me that you shared a room with Tristan and nothing happened between you, too?" She asked a little unbelieving, "It’s quite unbelievable, if I were the one, I would have gobbled him up."

"Huh, stop saying disgusting things, Mel," I said, shoving her playfully with my hands, causing her to fall on the bed. "You are such a nasty slut."

She cracked up so badly, rolling uncontrollably on the bed. Then, suddenly, an awkward silence fell between us.

"I heard that the headmistress announced something about an upcoming election," Mel broke the silence, looking at me so intensely as if she were searching for an answer.

"Yes, she did announce something about an upcoming election."

Mel leaned forward, her eyes widening. "And so what do you think about that?"

"And I think, in fact," I said slowly, running the comb through my hair, "I’ll be running."

Her mouth dropped open. "You? Against Tracy?"

I could tell Mel saw Tracy as a considerable threat to my winning the election, judging by her intimidation tactics and popularity, and probably wolf rank.

"Yes," I repeated, this time with a smirk.

Mel’s eyes darted back and forth like she was trying to calculate the odds. "That’s bold. You know she’s already got half the school wrapped around her claw, right? She’s been campaigning since she could walk, popularity, family influence, dirty tactics, all of it."

"Yeah, on and on, I’m aware, and not like I care", I said calmly, setting the comb down. "Which is why we’re not playing by her rules."

She tilted her head. "So... you do have a plan, right?"

I didn’t answer directly, but the way her lips curved told me she already suspected I did.

Mel crossed her arms, leaning back on the bed. "Well, I’m in. Whatever you need, I mean WHATEVER," she said in a slow drag, trying to make emphasis, "Distractions, fake rumors to throw her off, I’m your girl at your service."