Chapter 7 First Class, First Blood (Valeria's POV)

I didn't really sleep on my first night.

My body was still, but my mind wouldn't shut up. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt Cassian's presence.

His voice repeating: no questions. No noise. No weakness. Like a damn command etched into the walls.

He didn't see me as a person. I was just something that landed in his space uninvited. Something he couldn't figure out, which probably annoyed him more than anything.

But I didn't care. I couldn't afford to.

I had one job: survive Dominion long enough to graduate and vanish. No attention. No slipups. No unwanted attention. Keep my status hidden, keep my cover tight.

Still, I felt him watching me last night. I could feel it, even with my back turned.

And when I woke up, my bag wasn't zipped the way I left it.

A chill slid down my spine. He found the wolfsbane. Of course he did.

That wasn't part of the plan. I was getting sloppy and I realized with some level of irritation that Cassian Virex was going to be a problem.

---

Combat Strategy was held in the arena behind the West Wing of the school. Warm sand filled the pit, blood-stained walls, padded weapons racked like art pieces, and a combat ring in the center.

Dominion didn't waste time on aesthetics. Here, you either fought or fell. They didn't teach holding back. It's all about being Alpha through and through.

Just survival.

"Pair up," the instructor barked. Alpha Renwick. Broad shoulders. Scar down his cheek that never healed. Probably kept it that way to scare the crap out of freshmen.

I kept my head down, grabbed the nearest available gear-padded gloves, mouthguard, light chest plate-and stayed silent.

My plan was simple. Blend in. Take the hit. Maybe fake a stumble. Don't win. Don't lose too hard. Just be average.

And then I heard his voice.

"Look who we have here. Fresh meat."

I turned and met eyes with my opponent.

Jace Thorn.

Cocky grin, perfect jawline, slicked-back hair that made me want to punch him just on principle.

He was the kind of guy who looked at himself more than mirrors could stand. His wolf radiated ego.

I hated hanging out with assholes like this. They always had a way of making everything about them.

Of course he was an alpha. Of course he might as well be Renwick's favorite but that stop me from eyeing with barely concealed disdain.

"I don't hit weaklings," he said, loud enough for the class to hear. "But I'll make an exception if you beg."

Some students laughed. A few winced. Renwick didn't say a word. He was probably waiting to see what will come out of this.

I smiled. Barely.

"Good," I said. "Because I do hit strong dipshits."

More laughter rang out but it was less amused this time. Edged with something else. It was probably Curiosity or discomfort.

But from the look on his face, I could tell he didn't like that.

Jace rolled his shoulders, stepping into the ring. "Hope you don't cry when I ruin that face."

I slipped in opposite him, heart steady but every nerve alert.

The bell rang.

He struck first. A jab to test distance. I dodged. The next one came harder-a roundhouse aimed for my ribs.

I ducked and slipped behind him, fingers itching for control, for someway to survive this easily.

Don't. Don't show too much.

I stayed defensive. Sidestepped. Let him tire himself out a little. I used this in my first fight. I hope it worked again.

But he was faster than I thought. Not just muscle, he also had precision too.

He caught on that I wasn't just dodging by accident.

"Where'd they find you?" he spat between blows. "Some farm in the Outlands?"

I gritted my teeth. My jaw stung from a grazing hit.

"You talk too much."

I clipped him in the side with a low kick. Enough to knock the wind out. He stumbled, surprised.

Renwick shouted from the side, "Finish it!"

I hesitated.

Big mistake.

Jace recovered and came in swinging. His elbow slammed into my face before I could react. Sharp pain exploded across my nose. I tasted blood instantly.

My vision blurred. I stumbled back, one hand up, the other pressing my nose.

The room spun for a second, then snapped into place. Pain didn't scare me. It was the healing that did.

I felt the blood dripping down my lips.

But my nose wasn't fixing itself. At least not fast enough. Not like it should for an alpha.

I heard whispers around the edge of the ring. Confused mutters. Someone said, "He's not healing."

Jace blinked, sweat dripping down his forehead. "What the hell?"

Renwick stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "Val. You alright?"

I nodded, even though everything in me screamed to hide. My chest burned. My nose throbbed.

I couldn't do anything. Couldn't tap into my wolf. Not even to heal. Unless I want everyone here knowing I'm not some male alpha.

I mumbled, "Yeah. Just... give me a sec."

My blood hit the floor with a soft pat.

Cassian wasn't far. I could feel his gaze on me again. Watching. Calculating.

And I knew-he heard it too.

They all did. Alphas don't bleed that long.

They don't stay have broken limbs for long. Unless they're hiding something or just couldn't heal for some reason.

Unless they're not really what they say they are.

I turned my face away, wiping the blood with my glove.

Jace stood there, panting. Less arrogant now. More confused. Suspicious.

Renwick stared at me like I was a problem that needed solving.

The entire class watched as my nose bled and didn't fix itself.

And in that moment, I knew-

My secret just cracked wide open.

And I couldn't stop the shaking in my hands as Renwick stepped closer and said, "You're not healing. Why?"

"It's nothing serious Professor," I replied trying not to show the anxiety that was pumping into my blood as he towered over me.

After a moment eyeing me but keeping his expression bland, he nodded. "Fine. Get that fixed quickly. I don't want you bleeding all over this place."

Then he turned away calling for another set of students to take my place as I walked with relief washing over me.