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Alaric Storm didn’t show up for class, but Griffin did—thank God—and, unfortunately, so did Roman. Ugh. Asher was still nowhere to be seen, and thanks to the Oracle’s latest article, even Violet found herself speculating about his sudden disappearance.

However, one thing was certain: Asher Nightshade was not sulking over a heartbreak. The very thought of it was laughable. Asher, of all people? It was simply impossible.

Asher wasn’t the type to be stopped by obstacles—he would destroy it. if anything, Violet feared what his absence truly meant. Only the gods knew what he was setting into motion in secret because she wanted no part in it.

Thankfully, Roman’s queen, Elsie Lancaster, was absent, sparing Violet from having to endure her presence. But that didn’t mean her little prince, Roman wasn’t watching. Griffin too. Both of them stared at her to the point Violet had to force herself to pretend not to notice.

Thankfully, Mr. Radcliff arrived, sparing her further annoyance as class officially began.

"Welcome, everyone," Mr. Radcliff greeted, switching on his electronic board as the class pulled out their learning materials as well.

"Today, we will be discussing one of the most fundamental aspects of werewolf culture: The Mate Bond."

Chatterings rose in the class, and Violet observed the atmosphere with an arched brow.

It reminded her of how students at her old school used to get all excited over certain topics in biology.

The reproductive system, for instance, always had them eager to learn.

Apparently, talking about mates was just as much of a hot topic.

Interesting.

Radcliff continued, breaking the topic down as he gestured toward the display on the board:

"Today, our objective is to understand the customs surrounding werewolf mates and bonding rituals."

With a flick of his electronic pen, he underlined the topics listed:

Lowering the pen, Radcliff stepped to the front of the class, saying with an air of importance. "Some of you, especially the older students, may already know about this, but I will still demand your undivided attention. This is a subject that can quite literally change your life."

The shift in the classroom was noticed immediately. Even the more carefree students straightened in their seats, some of them leaning forward, eager to learn.

Not that Violet wasn’t interested, but it was hard to take lessons on fate and romance seriously when her own life was currently a spectacular disaster. Nonetheless, she kept quiet and listened. Observing was always better.

"The mate bond," Mr. Radcliff began, his tone reverent, "is the greatest blessing given to us by the Moon Goddess herself. It is a match made in heaven. The divine moment when two souls, destined for one another, finally recognize their other half. It is the purest form of connection."

His gaze swept across the room, ensuring he had everyone’s attention before he went on.

"Now, how do mates find each other?" He lifted a single finger. "For some, it happens instantly and usually triggered by scent. When a mate’s unique scent reaches the other, there is no denying the pull, it is immediate and absolute."

He lifted a second finger. "For others, it develops slowly. steady. A gradual realization as fate draws them together over time. This is especially common in an ’enemies to lovers’ dynamic."

A few students chuckled, but Violet couldn’t share in the their joy, shifting uncomfortably instead in her seat. And it was because someone was staring at her. Hard.

Unable to resist the weight of the gaze any longer, she turned toward Roman, only to meet an intensity that made her stomach clench.

What the hell?

There was something knowing in his expression. A glint in his green eyes that made Violet frown. Was he seriously thinking—?

No.

No. No. No.

He was not actually considering that they had a mate bond, right?

Violet nearly scoffed. Had he finally lost his mind?

With a defiant glare, Violet snapped her gaze away, forcing herself to concentrate on the lesson.

Whatever Roman’s delusions were, she refused to be fooled by his ridiculous claims about some so-called animal bond. He could go fuck himself.

Radcliff’s lecture continued.

"We do not question the ways of the Goddess," he stated. "Some mates crash into each other like a wrecking ball, while others are drawn together by an invisible thread, slowly pulling them in until there is no escaping it. But one fact remains clear—"His voice had an edge to it now,

"Once the bond snaps into place, it does not ask for permission. And when that connection is realized... then comes the mating fever."

At that, the class went silent. So silent that if a pin dropped, everyone would have heard it.

"The mating fever is the most intense, primal experience a werewolf can endure.

And it is reserved solely for soulmates.

" Radcliff said in a way that drew the class in.

"It is the overwhelming urge to mate and seal the bond.

Picture two souls finding each other after an eternity of longing, the only thing that matters at that moment is to be together. "

The tension in the air thickened as he continued. "The fever is not gentle. It demands. It consumes. It is like molten lava in your veins, a fire that cannot be extinguished until the bond is fulfilled."

He paused, giving the class a grave look.

"Which is why, for those who do not wish to be bonded to their mate, whether due to personal reasons, pack politics, or simple incompatibility, they must reject the bond immediately.

Otherwise, the fever will force your hand.

.." Radcliff coughed, cheeks flushing slightly. "and drive you to take action."

The class erupted in laughter, but it was not funny to Violet. She didn’t like the idea of some goddess in the sky making her lust over someone she might not even like. That sounded like absolute bullshit.

Lucky her, she was Fae, not a werewolf.

Surely, this didn’t apply to her, right?

Damn. She would have to ask Lila after class.

"Some mates mark each other during the mating fever," Radcliff continued, regaining his composure, "while others resist it to a point. It all depends on your level of self-control, considering that during the fever, you will be in a... Frenzy."

"Frenzy", the way he said it made a few students stifling their giggles.

"It is recommended, actually," Radcliff added, adjusting his collar, "because the shared intensity—well, um, it... heightens the experience." His face turned slightly red.

Nearly all the students snickered, others grinning not-so-subtly.

Radcliff straightened at once, attempting to salvage his dignity.

"The key point is once you mark your mate, your souls become one. There is no turning back. You are bound for life."