Chapter 5: Bloodlines Revealed

Maeve's POV

The arena fell silent as students stared at me, their expressions a mix of shock and judgment.

"Wait, is that Maeve kissing Professor Cyrus?" someone gasped, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Whispers erupted throughout the arena. I stood paralyzed, my mind racing to recall an encounter that had never happened. My throat constricted as I struggled to form words of denial.

"Everyone, stop training and put your phones away. Now." Professor Cyrus's deep voice commanded attention as he strode across the arena, jaw tight and eyes flashing with controlled anger.

He took the nearest phone, examining the image with clinical precision. Several excruciating seconds passed before he spoke, during which I could barely breathe.

"Notice the lighting angles and shadows," he stated calmly. "These inconsistencies clearly indicate a composite image. And here," he zoomed in, "if you look closely, you can see obvious editing marks."

Students began murmuring, reassessing the image with newfound skepticism.

"You're right—the lighting is completely off."

"Yeah, this is definitely fake."

Juniper's triumphant smirk dissolved into a tight-lipped scowl as her plan unraveled. I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Continue training," Cyrus handed back the phone, his voice level. "Don't waste time on meaningless rumors."

My shoulders relaxed, not realizing I'd been holding tension in every muscle. As students dispersed, returning to their exercises, Freya nudged me.

"Can't believe Juniper would stoop that low," she whispered during a practice sequence. "Professor Cyrus handled it brilliantly though."

I nodded. "He seems experienced with these situations."

Freya's eyes gleamed with admiration. "He's not just any professor. He's the Alpha of the Kratos pack. Took over when he was just fourteen, they say."

"Fourteen?" My eyes widened. "That young to become Alpha?"

"Youngest ever, probably."

As class ended, I observed Cyrus instructing other students, a strange feeling spreading through my chest—like gears of fate beginning to turn.

Just then, the bell signaling the end of class rang. Freya turned to me with a warm smile. "Want to grab lunch at the cafeteria? They say the strawberry pastries they serve on Thursdays are incredible."

"You were amazing today, Maeve," Freya said, gathering her training mat. "Want to hit the cafeteria? Thursday's strawberry pastries are supposedly incredible."

I hesitated, glancing toward Professor Cyrus. "You go ahead. I want to speak with Professor Cyrus about what happened."

Alone in the arena, I approached Cyrus cautiously. My heart hammered against my ribs as I watched him focus on his phone, brow furrowed slightly.

"Professor? I wanted to apologize for today's chaos and thank you for clearing things up," I managed, my voice steadier than I expected.

Without looking up, he continued typing. "No apology necessary. This wasn't your fault." He turned his screen toward me, showing confirmation messages. "The photo has been removed from the school network and social platforms."

"That fast? How did you manage that?" I couldn't hide my surprise.

A slight smile curved his lips. "Being a professor has its perks. I have certain... arrangements with the tech department."

Suddenly, Cyrus looked directly at me, his gaze so penetrating I felt exposed. "Your fighting style is distinctive. Low center of gravity, slight right tilt before striking—that's Rodolfo's signature move."

"You know my father?" Surprise colored my voice.

His expression became unreadable. "All Alphas are connected. Rodolfo is one of the few leaders worthy of respect."

My heart raced, palms sweating inexplicably. Before I could second-guess myself, words tumbled out of my mouth: "I'm not sure if this is appropriate, but my birthday celebration is happening this weekend at Dominaris. As Alpha of the Kratos pack, we'd be honored if you attended." I almost couldn't believe these words were coming from me.

Professor Cyrus tilted his head slightly, eyes flashing with unexpected interest.

"First you kiss me in the morning, and now you're inviting me to your party?" His voice was low. He adjusted my training bracelet, his warm fingers brushing against my wrist. "You're either very brave or very reckless."

My face flushed instantly, heart racing beneath his steady gaze. "Many Alphas and their families will be there. It's just an invitation, no obligation."

His silence felt like rejection. I nodded awkwardly before ducking under his arm.

"Should I bring anything?" His deep voice stopped me mid-step.

I paused, feeling my cheeks warm slightly. "Just your presence would be enough."

---

The familiar scent of pine and moonflower embraced me as I entered my family home in Dominaris. After such a challenging week, returning home for my 18th birthday celebration felt like exhaling a breath I'd been holding.

My father stood nearby, his gaze gentle yet searching as he examined me for any signs of impending transformation.

"Feeling any changes, little wolf? Any physical shifts or intuitions?" he asked hopefully.

I shook my head slightly, disappointment evident in my voice. "Nothing, Dad. Disappointingly normal."

Mom gently cupped my face. "The Moon Goddess's gifts arrive at the perfect moment, neither early nor late."

"Callisto wolf blood runs through your veins, Maeve," Dad stated firmly. "You won't just transform; you'll manifest special abilities."

Later that night, I gazed at the moon through my window. "I just hope it's not too late," I whispered. "Almost everyone at the academy can shift already."

I couldn't admit to my parents my deepest fear—that perhaps I would never shift at all.

Throughout the evening, I observed my parents—their wordless understanding, the way they moved in perfect harmony, communicating through glances and subtle touches. Their soul-bond transcended ordinary love, creating a synchronicity I desperately wished to experience someday. The pain of Louie's betrayal still lingered, but it had dulled from a sharp sting to a numbing ache.

On my birthday morning, I stood before a full-length mirror, admiring the silver gown with delicate blue chiffon overlay that had been custom-made for the occasion. My mother stood behind me, pride glistening in her eyes as she adjusted the moonstone hair ornament in my hair.

I studied our reflection—noting how her golden curls were echoed in my own, though mine fell in looser waves. Our shared kaleidoscope eyes caught the light, shifting between blues and greens.

"You look absolutely breathtaking," she murmured.

I smiled at our reflection. "Everyone says I'm your mirror image. But I hope I've inherited more than just your looks."

"You possess far more than appearances, my daughter," she said, resting her hands on my shoulders. "You have a strong heart and sharp mind—gifts more precious than any beauty."

After hesitating, I decided to mention what had been on my mind. "Mom, I may have invited a special guest... my combat professor, Cyrus. He's the Alpha of the Kratos pack."

My mom's expression suddenly became complex, her hands stilling. "Cyrus? That's...unexpected."

"You know him?"

Her gaze became distant. "My mother Marlowe came from the Kratos pack. I actually lived there for a time as a child, before Dominic took power." She paused. "Cyrus is his son."

The revelation hit me like a physical force. Dominic? The legendary most savage wolf?