Daniel's boots crunched softly against the gravel path as the massive gates of Lupine Academy came into view. The full moon hung low and golden over the sprawling campus, its silver light glinting off the rooftops and casting shadows that seemed alive. The scent of pine mingled with the faint iron tang of wolf blood in the air, a subtle reminder that this place wasn't for the weak. Alphas thrived here. The strongest, the boldest, and the most ruthless claimed their space—sometimes literally, sometimes socially. And Daniel… Daniel had to pretend to be one of them.
Omega. Submissive. Fragile. Words he had spent his whole life burying under smiles, gestures, and a carefully cultivated air of confidence. Anyone who discovered the truth—anyone at all—could destroy him in seconds. Yet here he was, stepping into the academy that demanded dominance, power, and charisma, all while hiding the very essence of his nature. He adjusted the collar of his crisp school uniform, smoothing his black blazer and forcing a confident step forward. Every movement was practiced, every gesture calculated. Confidence, poise, strength—this was the mask he would wear until no one questioned it.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady the familiar thrum of fear in his chest. His mother's face flashed in his mind, her gentle eyes full of worry and trust. I promised I'd keep you safe. I will survive. No matter what. He squared his shoulders and walked toward the sprawling courtyard, where students already demonstrated the talents and skills that made Lupine Academy legendary. Sparring matches, lifting exercises, and commands shouted and obeyed with precise discipline. He watched and learned silently, blending in as best he could.
"New student?"
The voice made him freeze, his pulse spiking. Daniel turned sharply to see a boy leaning against the academy gates. Tall, broad-shouldered, black hair that seemed to swallow the moonlight, and sharp amber eyes that burned with a confidence Daniel hadn't yet mastered. There was a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips—one that was both charming and dangerous, like a predator sizing up prey.
"You're Daniel, right? The one everyone's whispering about," the boy continued, his voice smooth and controlled, but his eyes flicked over Daniel in a way that made him feel exposed, as if every secret he had was on display. "I'll be keeping an eye on you."
Daniel's lips curved into a polite smile. "Of course. I'll do my best."
The boy's smirk widened almost imperceptibly, a subtle signal that he knew more than he let on. Daniel's mind raced. This was Leo, the undisputed top alpha of Lupine Academy. His reputation preceded him: strong, cunning, and respected—feared by many, admired by more. Leo had dominated every competition, every social interaction, every room he entered. And now, he had Daniel in his sights.
Walking to his dorm, Daniel passed groups of students effortlessly showing off their power: intense sparring matches, weightlifting sessions, and strategic games of dominance. Each display was a subtle reminder that Daniel had to keep up his charade at all costs. Every flex of muscle, every controlled gesture, every subtle trick to hide his true self took energy, focus, and nerves of steel. One slip, one moment of hesitation, and everything would unravel.
His thoughts drifted back to his mother. The promise he had made weighed heavily on him. Protecting her meant survival. And survival meant hiding his secret at all costs. He couldn't afford mistakes. He couldn't afford weaknesses. He couldn't afford to be seen for what he truly was.
Later, as he unpacked his few belongings in the dorm room, Daniel paused at the window. Moonlight spilled across the room, illuminating the quiet corners and shadows where movement stirred. A silhouette—someone watching? Or just a trick of the moonlight? His pulse quickened, and he gripped the edge of the desk, reminding himself that every glance, every step, every action here could be scrutinized.
And there it was. A realization that made his stomach twist. Leo's amber eyes would be on him. Observing. Judging. Testing. Waiting for the slightest slip.
Daniel swallowed hard and clenched his fists. The life he had known—the mask he had perfected—was about to be challenged. Every moment from now on would be a balancing act: survival, secrecy, and the growing awareness that perhaps this rivalry, this tension, this gaze he could not escape… was something more dangerous than anyone had anticipated.
For Daniel, the night at Lupine Academy had only just begun—and already, he knew one thing for certain: secrets were fragile, trust was scarce, and in the shadow of the moon, the line between survival and desire was thinner than he had ever imagined.