Chapter 5

Luxemount High looked nothing like anything Lydia had ever seen before. Her old school was all glass and modern design, sleek and new. This place? It was like walking into a castle. Massive brick buildings that looked like they had been standing for centuries. The kind of place where you could just tell - money wasn't new here. It was old. Ancient. Kids walked around like they owned the place. And maybe they did. Perfect uniforms. Expensive bags. The type of confident walk that screamed, "My family has been here for generations." Their movement almost felt choreographed. And then there were the looks. Oh, the looks. Some students did not even try to hide their stares. Those calculating eyes that seemed to measure her worth before she had even spoken a word. Rich kids had a way of doing that—sizing you up in seconds. Rebecca glanced at her. "You good?" Lydia nodded, keeping her face neutral. She had made a promise to herself-her mother had already sacrificed so much, and she did not deserve to worry any more than she already did. If that meant Lydia had to fake a smile or tell a little lie to make her feel better, then so be it. “I am fine," she said. But fine was a complicated word. Rebecca signed some papers at the front desk while Lydia stood awkwardly, feeling every single pair of eyes on her. The other students were not even trying to be subtle about their staring. "You will be in the Elysian building," the receptionist said, sliding Lydia's schedule across the counter. "Your room is room 203." Rebecca gave her one of those mom looks. The kind that said, "You have got this" without actually saying the words. "I will be fine," Lydia mumbled, sensing her mom was about to get emotional. The hug came anyway. Tight. Unexpected. Rebecca whispered something Lydia could barely hear. "Remember who you are." Lydia rolled her eyes. But she hugged back just as hard. "Love you," Rebecca said, pulling away. Her eyes were definitely getting watery. "Mom, seriously," Lydia groaned. But she was smiling. Rebecca left, her car disappearing down the street. Lydia took a deep breath, turning back toward the map the receptionist had handed her. "Elysian Building," she muttered, tracing her finger over the highlighted path. She slung her bag over her shoulder and followed the signs. When she finally saw the building, her jaw dropped. It was massive and way more impressive than she expected. Lydia’s footsteps echoed as she climbed the stairs, her fingers brushing the cool metal railing. Stepping inside, she turned slowly, eyes wide. The high ceilings, carved walls, and massive chandeliers made the place feel straight out of a museum. Room 203 She checked her schedule, pushed the door open then froze. A girl was pressed against the wall, arms wrapped around a guy who seemed more than happy about it. They were so caught up in their makeout session they did not notice her. "Oh—uh, sorry, wrong room," Lydia mumbled, stepping back. The girl pulled away, grinning. Her blonde hair was unkempt, her lipstick smeared, yet she did not appear ashamed at all. "Nah, you're good," she said. "He was just leaving." The guy chuckled, grabbed his jacket and nodded at Lydia on his way out. “Catch you later, Vanessa.” Vanessa rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Lydia. “You must be Lydia,” she said, leaning against the wall like nothing had just happened. "Uh, yeah," Lydia said, still taking in what she had just encountered. She walked over to the other bed in the room, the one that virtually cried out 'new student' because of its perfectly folded blankets. "So, what kind of wolf are you?" Vanessa asked as she slumped onto her bed, sitting cross-legged and watching Lydia unpack. Lydia froze. "What?" she asked, her throat suddenly dry. Vanessa laughed. "Relax. I just meant how long have you been shifting? You know, since your first change? Everyone here is a wolf, so you can chill." "Oh." Lydia tried to sound casual, but she could feel her cheeks burning. "I have not, uh...done it much." Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "Not much, huh? Well, don't worry. This place is all about figuring that stuff out. You will get there." Lydia did not reply. She focused on unpacking, hoping Vanessa would not ask more questions about her nonexistent experience as a werewolf. After a moment, Vanessa grabbed her phone. "So, are you coming to the party tonight? It's kind of a big deal-welcome back and all that. Perfect time to meet everyone." Lydia shook her head quickly. "No, thanks. I think I will stay in and, uh, get familiar with my schedule." Vanessa snorted. "Wow. A bookworm. You are really going for the whole 'mysterious loner' thing, huh?” "It's not that," Lydia mumbled, avoiding Vanessa's eyes. "I just...I don't really like parties." Vanessa rolled her eyes dramatically. “This is Luxemount, girl. Live a little! But hey, suit yourself. Just don’t come crying to me when you are sitting here all alone, while the rest of us are out actually enjoying life.” Lydia gave her a smile and went back to arranging her things. Vanessa shrugged and started scrolling through her phone, clearly losing interest in the conversation. Luxemount was already proving to be something else, and she had only been here less than an hour. She folded her last sweater and slid it into the small wardrobe provided when a sudden commotion echoed from the corridor. Raised voices, cheers, and the unmistakable thud of heavy footsteps made her pause. “What is going on?” Lydia asked, turning to Vanessa. Vanessa smirked knowingly, still scrolling through her phone as if the ruckus was nothing new. “The runners are here.” “The runners?” Lydia tilted her head, her brow furrowing. “I don’t get it. What runners?” Vanessa tossed her phone aside, standing up and stretching lazily. “The ones who keep this place interesting.” Curiosity got the better of her. Lydia stood and moved toward the door. “Who exactly are they?” Vanessa shrugged, a sly grin playing on her lips. “Ethan and Riley Laurent. Pack royalty, practically. Everyone here either wants to be them or be with them.” Lydia hesitated at the door. “Pack royalty?” The phrase felt strange in her mouth, like something out of a fantasy novel. Vanessa gestured for her to follow. “C’mon, you will see what I mean.”