Chapter 52: The Transfer Student
**Walter Bernard’s POV**
I found it hard to reject a young lady’s Invitation outright, especially when politeness was expected. So, when Carolyn approached me with a hint of disappointment in her voice, I offered a vague explanation. “There’s an urgent matter related to my pack that needs my attention. I have to return for a meeting.”
Her face fell slightly, but she maintained her composure. “I see,” she said regretfully. “Well, good night then.”
We exchanged brief farewells, and 1 began to make my way out of the gathering.
Rhode, always one to pick up on gossip, nudged me with a knowing smirk. “Do you know Carolyn’s the only heir to the Southern Pack? I heard her father, the southern Duke, plans to send her to study at the Lycan Pack.”
I shrugged, not particularly interested in the topic. “She’s his daughter; he can send her wherever he wants. It’s not really our concern.”
Rhode was persistent. “But don’t you find it odd? The Southern Pack has plenty of resources for education. Why would the Duke need to send her so far away? It’s not as though they lack good teachers.”
I stopped walking, sensing there might be more to this than met the eye. “What are you implying?”
Rhode chuckled, clearly pleased he’d piqued my curiosity. “Think about it. There’s a certain Sir Aldrich in the Lycan Pack. Doesn’t that seem like a strategic move to you?”
“Are you suggesting the southern Duke wants to match his daughter with Aldrich?” I frowned. “That seems unlikely. Carolyn is the sole heir to the Southern Pack, and Aldrich has his responsibilities as an officer. They’d have to choose between staying in the Lycan Pack or the Southern Pack. Neither seems willing to compromise their future roles.”
Rhode shook his head, exasperated. “You’re overthinking it, as usual. It might not be as political as you think. Maybe the Duke just wants to find a good match for his daughter. You saw how much he doted on her at the party.”
I considered his words but remained skeptical. “But wouldn’t that affect the territory and the title? It’s not that simple.”
“You’re too rigid,” Rhode teased, clapping me on the back. “Ever since you became Alpha, you’ve been wound tighter than a spring. Take a break once in a while, Walter. If you keep this up, you’ll scare away your mate before she even has a chance to appear.
His words, though lighthearted, struck a chord. Even my parents had voiced similar concerns,
urging me to let go of my constant tension. But a secret weighed heavily on me, one I could never share. It drove me to stay focused, to avoid thinking about the things I couldn’t control.
I sighed, forcing a smile. “Maybe you’re right. Let’s drop it for now.”
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
Winter had arrived, and with it came an unexpected transfer student at Sivir Academy.
The news spread like wildfire, with students buzzing about what her arrival might mean. Some speculated the academy might soon be incorporated into the royal family’s exclusive school system, given the sudden influx of high–status students. After all, within the span of a year, Sivir Academy had welcomed both a relative of the Queen and the daughter of a Duke.
“She’s absolutely stunning!” Mara exclaimed during lunch, her voice brimming with excitement. “Did you see the boys‘ reactions when she came to submit her club application? They couldn’t take their eyes off her!”
Avril rolled her eyes in mock disdain. “Calm down, Mara. You sound like one of those brainless muscleheads. Don’t lose your composure over something so trivial.”
“I’m just stating the obvious!” Mara retorted. “When she introduced herself, it was like something out of a movie. ‘Hello, everyone. My name is Carolyn, daughter of the southern Duke. It’s a pleasure to meet you.‘ Her elegance was unmatched!”
Avril huffed, crossing her arms. “Let’s not get carried away. You’ve got a real royal sitting right here.” She gestured toward me. “Compared to Thelma, Carolyn’s just a country girl playing dress–up.”
Mara frowned. “That’s uncalled for, Avril. You’re being unnecessarily mean.”
“And you’re being ridiculously infatuated,” Avril shot back.
Before their bickering could escalate, I intervened with a laugh. “Alright, you two. There’s no need to argue over this. She’s just a transfer student. From what I’ve heard, she’s only sixteen, so she’s still in the high school division. It’s unlikely we’ll interact with her much.”
Dorothy, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. “I heard Carolyn already made waves on her first day. She supposedly kicked out the lead actress in the drama club.”
Mara’s expression turned contemplative. “Well, it wasn’t exactly a coup. She just claimed one of the lead roles–Quincy Scott’s character, the young maiden. And there are three actresses rotating that role.”
Avril smirked. “One–third of the lead doesn’t make her the star. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Duke’s family had some tricks up their sleeves. Rumor has it they have elven blood. Maybe she mesmerized the drama club with some magical charm.
“That’s a bit far–fetched,” I said, shaking my head. “Let’s stick to facts.
The conversation turned toward Chloe, a second–year high school student who had previously. held the role Carolyn now occupied. Chloe was known for her gentle demeanor and dedication to the drama club, and her sudden displacement had left many students murmuring.
Mara sighed. “Chloe’s had a rough time lately. The drama club president, Ryan, has been on a creative streak ever since the magic riot incident. His new adaptations have everyone on edge.”
The magic riot had indeed left its mark, inspiring a wave of creativity and change within the academy. But as exciting as these developments were, they also brought a sense of unease. Carolyn’s arrival only added to the growing tension, her presence a reminder of the shifting dynamics at Sivir Academy.
For now, I could only hope that the changes ahead would lead to something positive for everyone involved.
Though I didn’t know Chloe well, I couldn’t help but feel indignant on her behalf. The entire. situation painted Carolyn in a negative light. While it might have been Ryan and the boys who ultimately made the decision, it was Carolyn’s self–serving request that had set the wheels in motion.
Her actions left a bitter taste in my mouth. Despite her outward grace, Carolyn’s behavior reminded me of the queen bees from high school–the kind who manipulated others with subtlety and charm rather than overt aggression.
“She’s definitely not someone to be underestimated,” I said with a sigh. “I just hope her theatrics remain confined to the stage and don’t spill over into real life.”
Dorothy, ever the pragmatist, added, “But isn’t it odd to flaunt having a fiancé in *The Butterfly Lady*? It’s hardly a good omen.”
“Who cares about the story’s meaning?” Avril said with a smirk. “For someone like Carolyn, it’s all about being in the spotlight. I bet she hasn’t even read the full script.”
The girls laughed, but my unease lingered. Something about Carolyn unsettled me, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that her presence would lead to trouble.
Unfortunately, my fears were soon realized.
On what should have been a calm afternoon, chaos erupted in the drama club. Without any warning, a violent brawl broke out among the students. What made this incident even more shocking was the use of weapons–fruit knives and baseball bats–escalating the situation to a dangerous level.
By the time the dust settled, three students were seriously injured and had to be hospitalized More than a dozen others bore bruises and cuts, the aftermath of the unprecedented melee.
The chaos drew the university students to the scene to help maintain order. My task became twofold: keeping curious onlookers away from the theater and preventing the remaining hot- headed boys from reigniting the fight.
The grav
gravity of the situation was clear as the principal and faculty arrived, their faces etched with concern. In all the years since Sivir Academy’s founding, such a violent incident had never occurred. The sight of bloodshed among students was beyond the school’s capacity to handle, necessitating the involvement of the police.
Mara, always quick with information, shared the latest update. “I heard Chloe’s boyfriend. came to the drama club and started the fight. Apparently, it all began with an argument between him and Ryan.”
I could guess the reason. “Was it because of what happened with Chloe’s role?”
“Obviously,” Avril replied. “If I were Chloe, I wouldn’t have given it up so easily either.”
Dorothy shook her head. “I don’t think Chloe was behind this. She’s too kind, maybe even a
