Sierra

The lecture hall is empty. It could easily fit a hundred, if not two hundred students. It's a small auditorium shaped room. All of us cluster to the bottom, taking up two front rows between the twenty of us.

We're speaking amongst ourselves. Multiple conversations going on at once. Until we hear a friend of ours in the back, "Catch."

He throws up a paper ball in the air. A little game we like to play when we're all bored in class. I lean back, smiling.

"I got it," One of our friends calls out. She whisks her hand, a gust of wind propels the paper ball further in the air.

"I'm next." A Warlock twirls his wrist, we watch as the paper ball grows a flower. Then two. A few of us smiling at how the paper slowly gets encapsulated by vines and flowers.

Alejandro smirks, he twirls his fingers. The flowers wither as he sucks the water out of them.

"That's just cruel, Ale." A girl glares at him.

"No, this is." I flick my fingers together. Pulling into the pit of Magic I feel in the depths of my body. My eyes zeroing in on the ball of paper, weeds, and water. It bursts into flames.

The water hissing away into steam. The flowers disintegrating, and the bits of paper left fall to the ground in ashes.

A little bit of laughter and amusement spreads through our cohort. Even Alejandro chuckles behind me. "You always have to ruin it," Alejandro tells me.

I shrug, turning back towards the front of the class. To my side, I realize that Evan is staring at all of us. His eyes flickering to where the ball used to be and to each of us. Almost like he can't believe how Magic works. I think he's never seen it in person—the amazement is clearly written on his face.

I'm just about to say something to him when we hear the main doors open. Our lecture hall quickly comes to a hush as soon as we feel an energy—an aura. It feels familiar. Vaguely—very vaguely—to what King Aiden's aura is like. It's intense and instantly draws our eyes to the man walking in.

Alpha Matthew Vale. The Alpha of the Valley.

He draws our eyes straight at him as he walks to the front of the class. Even I can't help looking him up and down. His button up shirt has its sleeves rolled up to showcase the tattoos on his left hand and arm. On his nose is a pair of thick black rimmed glasses that make him look like Clark Kent. He sets down a briefcase on the table, half-sitting as he tilts his head in our direction. A soft smile on his lips.

"We're just waiting for—" He says warmly.

"I'm here," Luna Mia runs into the lecture hall. In her arms is a small stack of papers. She smiles brightly at all of us, starting to hand the documents into the crowd so we can pass it around. "Sorry, the printer was acting up."

"Hey Tia Mia," Evan winks and waves at the Luna.

"Hey Evan," Mia smiles at him as she takes a step towards Alpha Matthew.

My eyes flicker over the Luna of the pack. She looks...adorable. In a plaid neutral dress, a short sleeve black shirt underneath it. Some cute ankle boots that give her a bit more height against her Mate who even sitting down, is taller than her. I can't help but smile as I gaze between her and her Matthew. They both have a matching aesthetic—dark academia. It's heartwarming.

Once the shuffling of our papers dies down, Matthew puts his hand out, giving the floor to Mia. "All yours, gorgeous."

She smiles brightly, turning to us.

"Welcome," She says kindly. "To the Valley University."

I start smiling brightly, biting down on the end of the pen I'm holding to take notes. Alejandro elbows me in the side and we grin at each other.

We worked so hard to get here. Not just him and I, but everyone in our cohort. We're all like a small family. Sure, there are moments of intense drama. Friction. But over the last year, we've been taking all the same classes and learning from each other's different forms of Magic.

We're meant to come here to learn from different supernatural creatures. It's one of the main reasons this program was born—to cultivate more crossing between all of our different kinds.

I'm not surprised that his program has become so successful. We've already lived amongst other supernatural's—werewolves, vampires, faeries, and nymphs—to name a few. But the Valley is known as one of the best universities for werewolves—one of the few universities that exists in the world for supernatural's. This is the first year they're opening to other supernatural creatures. Including us.

The first Wiccan cohort. We're all beaming with excitement and pride. Especially because we've heard stories from our werewolf friends on the Island that studied here. They all said it was the best time of their life. Mainly attributed to the community.

"We're so excited to have you all here." Mia tells us with that gentle smile. "I'm Mia Vale, the Dean of Valley University."

"And Luna." Matthew smiles devilishly.

Mia nods, "And Luna of the Valley. Welcome to our school and our pack."

We've heard stories of the Vale's. Matthew and Mia Vale—the modern-day Helen and Troy. Romeo and Juliet. Their story circulated across the entire supernatural world because before the Battle of Imperium, the Valley was the first ever pack in nearly a hundred years that declared war on another pack. All because they wanted Mia.

A part of me can't believe they're real. That they're standing just a few feet in front of me. They were just a story and now...they're here. Actually, we're here. In their pack.

"In the little packets I've handed out," Mia explains. "You'll see your list of mandatory courses. If you're interested in our electives, which are found on the last page, please feel free to visit me or Alpha Matthew. We both host office hours and we're more than happy to enroll you in anything you'd like."

"Take Leadership and War Tactics." Evan voices loudly. He winks at Mia, "It's taught my our very own Luna and she's a killer teacher."

"She also teaches a few literature courses," Matthew adds. He crosses his arms over his chest, his green eyes never once leaving Mia. A satisfied smile on his face. "If any of you like to read, I highly suggest it as well."

Mia bites back a smile, looking up at all of us. "If any of you wish to take self-defense or any form of physical education, my Beta Tyler is going to be running drills. His contact is on the sheet. Glancing at your required curriculum, you'll see your first and probably most important class this semester is going to be the History of Lycanthrope's, our Origins, and Future."

"Do you teach that too?" Someone to my right asks.

"No," Alpha Matthew cuts in. "I teach that. I'm Matthew Vale, the Alpha of the Valley. You're welcomed to address me as Alpha, Matthew, Professor—"

"Rockstar." Evan cuts in again making us all laugh. I can't help but realize he's the class clown. Or at least was when he attended the university here. He told us he graduated this last year but likes to help around with university activities.

"No." Matthew rolls his eyes.

"What about Daddy?" Evan leans back and puts his hands behind his head. A devious smirk on his face. "You're all hunky now with your baby daughter."

Matthew narrows his eyes at Evan. Shaking his head but there's amusement in his face.

"I won't hesitate to call your mother, Evan." Matthew's voice suddenly laced with something deeper. We realize it's his wolf. But it's funny and laced with humor.

Matthew eyes over all of us, a smile tugging his lips. "Your first class will be tomorrow with me. You'll be in this very auditorium with every first-year werewolf. My office hours are in my packhouse. Mia's hours are in her Dean's office which is located by the University Library."

"We also have monthly cook outs or pizza parties in our house for all university students," Mia adds kindly. "Our home is now yours. So please, feel welcomed to join any of the activities or events on campus."

There's a short line of questions that comes from my cohort. A few people asking about specific courses they're interested in. Even Alejandro can't help it, he raises his hand to ask about a photography class they have on campus.

He's always been interested in cinematography and movies. He's dragged me to so many old showings of international movies. I can stay awake for the English and Spanish ones. But having to watch Italian or French movies with subtitles, it ends up being a snooze fest for me.

I raise my hand at one point, Mia nodding in my direction. "Do you have any dance classes on campus?"

Everyone of my friends here knows I like to dance. We all have hobbies or specific things we're good at. I would be lost if I didn't have a way to express myself with my dancing.

"We don't have anything specific on campus." Matthew answers after Mia looks to him for guidance. "But we have a studio in town where some of our local's dance. Most students who are interested go there. I can give you the information after this session."

My response is my smile. I sink back in my chair, letting everyone else get their questions out of the way. Once they're all done, Mia leans back against the desk.

"Evan is going to take you all to our Old Town to grab some food." She tells us. We all start to shuffle to get read to be excused before Mia looks down at a paper she has in her hand. "Before you all leave, I was informed by Killian that you all voted for a student representative? Sierra?"

Alejandro points directly over my head. Dean is sitting behind me, he grabs my shoulders and shakes me. Everyone's eyes turning to me while I just smile.

Before we left, Killian asked us all to vote for a student representative. Someone who would relay information back and forth to him. Someone who would listen to everyone's plights or pleas and have the guts to tell the Vale's. It was a unanimous decision except for my vote—who incidentally went to Alejandro.

Mia meets my gaze and I give her a small wave. "If you could stay behind for five minutes," Mia asks me nicely. "I'd love to speak with you."

I simply nod, letting Evan take everyone out of the auditorium. "Alright you Magicians," Evan says as everyone gets up. "If your hungry for some grub, follow me."

As everyone leaves, I simply stand up. Slowly approaching Mia and Matthew who are sharing a few words. I only overhear a small bit of it.

"You did great, gorgeous." Matthew tells his Mate. Beaming proudly as he takes her hand to give it a small kiss. Mia smiles, leaning forward to give Matthew a quick kiss against his lips.

"Hi..." I interject quickly. Putting my hand out to Mia, "I'm Sierra."

Mia takes my hand enthusiastically, "It's such a pleasure to meet Killian's shining student."

That catches me off guard. My jaw dropping a bit as I stare between the Vales. "You...you know Killian?"

I feel stupid after I ask it. Of course, they do. Why else would Killian send us to the Valley if he doesn't know the Alpha and Luna.

"We've definitely shared a few drinks," Matthew chuckles under his breath. "He told us to look out for you."

"I mean..." I feel at loss of words. "I'm the student representative. That's probably why."

"Sloane also spoke highly of you." Matthew adds with a head tilt.

That is surprising.

I'm suddenly a fish out of water. My mouth gaping with no words or anything quippy to say.

"Well, I just wanted to put a name to the face." Mia tells me with that same smile that hasn't left her since she's walked in. Her voice is so soft and kind. I find myself inclining towards it. "If you and your Wiccan friends need anything, please don't hesitate to come to us. Or, if you have any ideas you'd like us to implement."

My mind had already thought of something.

"Actually..." I say quickly. "Um...this is kind of ahead of time. But Halloween tends to be a very special holiday for Wiccans and one of the things we were talking about before we came is how we're going to miss the celebrations we experience on the Island. I was wondering if we could somehow figure out how to host the celebrations here? I can create a committee or a task group to help me put it together. I'm sure the wolves on campus will find it fun too."

I didn't think she could look more enthusiastic. Mia instantly nods, already excited at the prospect. "Stop by my office this week, and we can talk more, yeah?"

"Perfect." Just as I'm about to leave, Mia gets my attention again.

"Sierra," Mia says. She looks me over, "You didn't hear this from me. But if you keep up your work, I have a feeling you have an Apprenticeship in the horizon."

Matthew chuckles, "You didn't hear this from me. But your potential future Mentor has a way of getting into people's heads."

Oh my God...oh my God...

They're implying Killian is considering me for an Apprenticeship. They're saying he could be my Mentor. He might take me as his first Apprentice.

I feel amazing. Leaving the auditorium, I want to let out a large holler of joy. I nearly scream when I step outside. Buzzing from pure excitement. I could be an Apprentice to one of the most respected and feared Warlocks of our generation. That could be me. I could have that.

A few years ago, I had nothing. I was nothing. I was at the bottom of everything.

Before I can literally jump with joy, I see some of my classmates waiting for me. My closest friends who are sitting on the grass. As soon as they see me, they stand. Alejandro smiles, "We were waiting for you."

I run towards them, joining them in a fit of laughter and excitement. The few of us suddenly running to catch up with Evan and the rest. The Valley is going to be amazing. I can feel it. 

***

A/N: A little filler but oh well. It'll pick up next chapter <3