Zoya arrived after an 11-hour-something flight. It was the longest that she had experienced, but she loved it regardless. If Zoya was passionate about anything besides hunting werewolves, it was the freedom of flight. It's those few moments when the airplane speeds up and that second where it takes flight, and her stomach falls to hug her guts for comfort, those few moments is when Zoya feels most alive. That freedom that flight provides becomes addictive, and beautiful, and makes her feel her most self.

Her father, she suspected, was behind all the smoothness of passport process and passport control. It annoyed her how influential her father was, even when he wasn't around her. The moment she stepped out of the airport, the view took her breath. From the bright colors of the cafes, to the vast greenery and spread nature all throughout. She knew she was in her element, and that things will be okay. Zoya arrived safely and was escorted to her room, understanding that she was to be in a mixed-room. According to the brochure, she was to rest for the day and prepare to attend an orientation the next morning on time. After thanking her RA, resident assistant, she nears to her assigned dorm room.

Once she arrived, her stomach tied into a knot. She scented a familiar yet unpleasant smell. One of a dog, or maybe an unhygienic human, perhaps? She knocked absent-mindedly on the dorm room, when the hair at the back of her neck stood after she scented something off. It could have been her tension, so she shook the feeling and opened the door. Zoya was met by a chubby average-looking guy with brown hair and wore glasses that ate half his cheeks. He was sitting in front of his computer, and he was a mess with McDonald's sauce splattered all over.

"Hello! Welcome," he said as he eagerly stood up and advanced.

He reached out to shake her hands when a mark caught Zoya's attention. A mark she understood all too well, and understood why she was disgusted by his human smell. He wasn't fully human, he was that of a mystical beast, a monster that should be eradicated from the face of the Earth.

Instinctively, she took him down with a sidekick, sat on him for security, then summoned her sword and hovered over him. Zoya helped Amir, her sword, a few inches away threateningly from the boy's chest.

"You're a werewolf," Zoya shouted and spat on the floor, disgusted by his sight.

He surrendered his hands beside his face, and was first to speak.

"Woo! Hey Lady! Yes, I'm a werewolf, but it doesn't mean I'm going to eat you," he tried to joke.

"Any last words, beast?" She snarled, cringing her face, and ready to pierce her perfectly-shaped sword into this monster.

"Yes, if you kill me, you won't be able to pass this semester," he explained calmly, unaffected by her threat.

She was taken aback momentarily, unable to think, "What?" was all she could hear herself say.

"You are my assigned partner. So if I die, you won't pass this year." he said as he held Zoya's physique and placed her safely on the fluffy carpet as if she weighed nothing, stood up, looked at her with his welcoming eyes.

"In this school," he continued, we stay partners till we graduate. That means the better we work together, the faster we can pass courses and win house points."

"House points?" she repeated, unable to comprehend him.

"You don't think I don't smell you, too?" He gazed at her. "I know you're a hunter, though you aren't subtle in hiding it," he looked at her sword mesmerized by its details.

"But you are a student, too. So, if you want to survive here, then we need to work as a team," he reasoned, as though it was the simplest thing in the world.

"Are you joking?" she cringed. "We are mortal enemies!"

"What are you playing at?" she asked after a moment of silence, pointing Amir at him.

"Nothing," he sat down comfortably and continued to eat his sandwich.

"Liar. You and my father are planning a scheme and I will figure it out," she whispered angrily, it almost sounded like a growl.

"Look Lady," he started.

"Zoya. my name is Zoya, you beast," she shifted.

"Okay, Zoya. I'm Zain. And frankly, I don't know who your father is, nor am I scheming. And I know you are this "promised" enemies," he stood up and moved closer until Amir touched his chest.

"Trust me, I know what that means for us, but guess what? I have plans to go to Harvard University, and I won't let a snobbish huntress like you get in the way of that. So we can be at treaty for these couple of months before you go threatening every wolf you meet. Are you in?"

He held his hands waiting for a response, a shake of truce. But he got none. Zoya refused to be in treaty with such a uncomfortable situation where she had to partner up with a werewolf. What would her grandpa think of her, what will the Hunter's Organization think of her? If anyone smelled an idea of this, she would surely lose her position, her dream. No after what she has been struggling for all her youth. It was madness! Utter madness.

Zoya stormed out of the room, hiding Amir back into her arms, as it took the shape of her marks. She was lost for a while in the huge dormitory, but found an exit door that led directly to the field. So she did was she did best to blow some of her steam off, she ran into the wild forest inside the campus, and trained her muscles off.

Zoya knew the risks, knowing she attended one of the top elite yet strictest schools in the world. They had house points, where she surely didn't find the information in the brochure given to her prior to her travel. She swung Amir left, right, upfront and double flipped, but none of her techniques helped in cooling the thoughts in her head. So she weighed her options as she over-trained. If she drops off the school, she would sabotage her future and giving her father an easy win. If she stays at school, knowing she doesn't care much of academics, she will need to partner up and sleep with a werewolf. Being in a close proximity to a werewolf, without intending to catch up and send them to the Organization, was unheard of.

It will be unprecedented, but if Zain wants to go to Harvard University, then he must a hard worker. That could benefit her in getting good grades and winning her father's bet. All she had to do was be careful that no hunter must know about this. Zoya couldn't decide whether to run away from the situation, and drop off school, or stay and sabotage her reputation.

In both cases, her career is at risk, but which risk was she willing to choose that had less loses?

She sat on the grass, her body shivering from all the unprecedented training techniques. She felt the cool wind in her sweaty face, and her heavy breathing was in rhythm with the swaying of trees. This scenery felt like home. The only difference was there were no stony expressions of her father, or the disappointed look he mostly gave. Zoya felt, for the first time in quite a while, at peace. That familiar scenery didn't give her nostalgia, but the feelings of welcomeness. That is when it hit her, she knew what she will do.

She returned back to the dormitory, unseen, as it was passed working hours and the night has fallen upon them. She returned to her room with purpose, and she knew that there was no turninhg back from this. It was her life, her decision, and she wasn't about to let a werewolf-of-a-partner take that away from her.

She closed the door quietly, and found Zain at the bed reading a Book. He was already in his pajamas, lost in thought.

Zoya cleared her throat, and that was enough to let the chubby boy know of her presence.

His face broke into a smile.

"I thought you've gone lost," he chuckled.

"I've done some thinking," she started.

He immediately sat on his bed, placing the book neatly on his messy desk, and looked at her.

"So? What did you decide."

"I won't capture you, beast. But I won't go easy on you either, just in case you may forget what I am."

"So are you in?" he asked, his facial expression softened.

"On one condition."

"That is?" he stood up straight.

"No one must know about this. That would ruin my reputation and my career."

"Deal. My word is my law. Cross my heart, hope to die," he raised a hand and made an X on his heart with the other.

Zoya analyzed his friendly eyes, and genuine smile.

"I don't trust you."

"You don't have to," he replied.

She reluctantly held up her hand, and they shook creating the first treaty known to both their species.

She requested him to explain these house points thingies, and so he patiently did.

It was almost midnight, and before they lost track of time Zain closed his notebook of scribbles.

"Geesh! They have more points than football," Zoya yawned and stretched her arms comfortably.

"You will know more in details tomorrow in Orientation, but now we need to sleep as we need to wake up 6.00 am tomorrow."

He went back to his comfortable bed with Disney cartoon lenins, and said good night to welcome his childish dreams.

Zoya was impressed by how quickly was able to sleep,but unlike him it took her around 30 mins to drift off into a deep slumber. She musn't have realized how jetlagged she has been, to a loud knock on the door.

"Wake up, Miss Fernando! Or you will miss orientation!" yelled a lady behind these thin wooden doors.

Zoya awoke with shock, and her heart racing. She already hated whoever woke her up that way. She checked her i-watch and realized it was 6.50 am, Orientation is starting in 10 mins! She didn't find Zain in the room, and that bothered her because he left her oversleep.

"That bastard of a dog!" she hissed to herself.

Everything after that went too fast, between running around the hallways and being called at for almost bumping three people in her way, Zoya made it 1 min before the Orientation started.

She found a seat at the middle left of the room, where both girls and boys were sitting in unity. That is when she realized she wore the wrong outfit for the day.

Feeling ridiculously stupid, she made herself small and sat trying not to cause a friction with anyone.

A modern posh-looking lady walked on the stage, probably the Headmistress, and started her speech with a bright smile for the day.

"Welcome Class 2023!" she began. "It is truly an honor to be part of yet another exciting experience. To be able to witness you flourish and grow, achieve your dreams, teams, and grades I know you well deserve. I must admit, this year has been a great competition, and we are glad that you have made it through to become part of this family. You will be here for three years, and then you will be out in the world leading businesses, and countries to different eras and development. Good luck Class 2023, or should I call you Future-Alumni of Class 2026!"

There was screaming, whistling and wooing after the Headmistress gave her speech. Everyone cheered in different ways, but they all clapped in unity. There seems to have been too much unity for one day that caught Zoya's attention. Zoya didn't cheer, as she didn't usually care about schools and making friends, she just wanted to do her morning practice. And get out of here as soon as she could.

"Just one year," she whispered to herself for comfort.

Zoya, during the HeadMistress' speech and guest of honors, was continuously looking for Zain. She feared that he may be plotting against her after the knowledge she shared with him. But she knew she could also scent him, and if there were others besides him.

There were none.

But that didn't stop Zoya's unease from her inability to spot her potential enemy, and that's when something caught her eyes on the stage.

It explained why Zoya couldn't find Zain amongst the other students, because he wasn't sitting amongst them. The chubby boy moved along the stage, and he was met by an excited roar. Everyone in that room cheered their lungs out, and the Headmistress welcomed him with a handshake and a small talk. She must have said something of great value, as his smile widened at his already-glowing feature.

Although Zoya was unable to see what the hysteria was about, as he was just a werewolf, she directed her attention to the Headmistress' clothing. She has never seen anyone pull such a simple yet extravagant red suit, with a black chemise, like the headmistress did.

"Thank you for your warm welcome," began Zain, where he was met by another round of roar.

"It is truly an honor to be chosen as this year's president. I promise that whatever happens, I will ensure that this is a safe place where you feel comfortable sharing your opinions and concerns. Your voice will be heard, and I will make it a point that you are heard and something is done!"

Zoya, for a moment what the fuss was about. Zain may not woo you by his looks, but he definitely had an undeniable charisma. And in that small moment, Zoya forgot his scent and was captured by his words.

"I know for some of us, this year has come with many challenges and were met by obstacles. But rest assured, if I was able to make it this far, then you can definitely too. We worked hard, we sacrificed our social lives for our studies, and the result? We are here, aren't we?"

Goosebumps his peers to shivers, and a standing ovation was made, including by the school Professors, except for one.

Zoya wasn't able to relate to any of what remained of his speech, as it was only through a phone call did she make it here. She didn't know why the Headmistress found her interesting to be part of her school. Zoya never liked school, always skipped classes, and never wanted to do anything with school. It was all a waste of time from reaching her goal. She didn't meet any of the requirements of any sorts. Except for a science project she did last year, and the topic included a theory on bullet designs and how to make them so smooth that they will dissolve in the victim's body, sight unseen. However, this Orientation was a waste of her energy that she could use in her morning training.

She looked around to find the exit doors, but they were unfortunately guarded.

So she sat all throughout the remainder of the orientation mentally plotting how to pay back the Unwelcome Guest of Honor a lesson for his boring speech, and for leaving her oversleep.

An itchy powder should do the trick. That would be an interesting event to witness. Lost in thought she didn't realize three girls quietly moving in the

"You look like you just met your unpleasant aunt at a church," she heard someone.

She looked around and was met by three dark-skinned girls, with a musical voice, seductive eyes, and were dressed in Zoya's school uniform.

The one who talked was a very familiar voice.

Her eyes widened, and her crossed arms loosened.

"Careful now, you look like you've just seen a ghost," the right girl smiled mischievously.

Her eyes reflected the Lake of Truth, though she was nowhere near it. She handed Zoya a book, filled with stuffed papers and a leather cover.

"As promised," the left one smiled.

"How did you get in here," Zoya whispered inaudibly to the humans but not for mystical creatures.

"That is one of our mysteries, Miss Zoya. One that should not be revealed even for hunters' such as yourself," the middle one sang beautifully as she replied.

"How can you bring this here in daylight! With humans watching!" Zoya hissed. "Are you mad?"

"Au contraire mon ami, it is perfect as everyone is busy in such a loud standing ovation. Also, I spy with my Siren little eyes that you wish to flee this room, am I correct?"

Zoya grunted in disapproval, but blinked twice indicating that was a Yes.

"Alright, I will distract the guard at the back door, and you can leave without notice. But whatever happens next," the middle Siren leaned forward playfully, "is up to you."

Zoya studied her surroundings carefully and replied "I accept."

The three Sirens moved slowly towards the guard, and he was instantly clouded with their songs once they began to speak. They moved him away from the door, which left Zoya an opening to run.

She took the opportunity, without looking back, and ran to the forest she discovered last night. She was at ease, knowing she was lost amongst the solidarity of the trees, and her grandpa's journal at hand. She opened the book eagerly, alas all her trouble fading away. Only to be met with an unanticipated twist of events.

To my little rebel,

I hope that one day when you are ready to read this book, you find what you are looking for. This journal is under your Grandpa's name, but Adelio and I agreed that you needed to know the truth. We love you to the moon and beyond.

Always missing you, my little rebel.

With Love,
Grandma

Baffled by the hand-written introduction, Zoya moved quickly to the next page expecting to read anything werewolf-related topics. There was none. So she kept skimming through the pages, but with no luck.

She threw the book away in frustration, and watched it as it hit a nearby tree. Her chest heaved, and she found the first tree to take her anger on. She continuously punched it until her tears overruled her anger, and shivers were stronger than her disappointment.

Her hope was smashed the moment she realized it was a lie. She knew there was a journal, she knew it to her very core that her grandpa left her notes of his legacy. She saw him writing and scribbling away on his notebook every evening.

"Are you okay?"

Her heartbeats ran before her body could. She looked around in shock to find the owner of the voice. Until she caught the now-familiar scent.

"Leave me alone, beast."

"I told you, I'm Zain," he sighed but moved closer to her.

She shifted uncomfortably and summoned Amir. She pointed towards Zain's direction as he became visible.

"I said be gone!" she yelled impatiently.

"And I thought I'm made it clear that I won't."

She sat beside her and held her sword to the ground. She tried to fight him off, but it was of no use. Zoya had no will to fight back, she just couldn't.

"Do you want to share what happened?" Zain asked as he eyed the scribbles of papers spread on the ground.

"No."

Zoya looked at the trees mindlessly, ignoring the heavy wold scent that distributed Nature's course. She tried to find any possible explanation of this situation. And confidently concluded that the lawyer must have mixed the two journals of her grandparents.

Zain sighed as he watched Zoya's painful tears slide yet her facial expressions were that of her neighboring tree. He slowly stood up and went to collect the scattered papers and open a journal from the school ground.

"Today was the day I'd know how to eradicate your specie," Zoya said and Zain stood with his back to her stiffly.

"That was supposed to be my grandpa's journal. But it must have been mixed up with that of my grandmother's. Now I can't get out of school. There's no way out," she continued and her composure faded away in the process.

Zain turned around to look at the Huntress, only to find she was a lost girl with no one to comfort her.

"There is a way," he said trying to soothe the wrinkles of agony that formed.

"And what might that be?" she asked him mockingly.

Her arms were dangled on the ground, and she opened her eyes to face him.

"You can do good at school," he replied as though it was the most obvious reason.

Zoya snorted and savored his serious yet kind expression in disgust.

"Are you serious? I don't do school, or classes or assignments. I don't know what am I supposed to!" she started to wave her arms aimlessly in the air.

"Study Zoya. Remember I'm your partner? That means we are a team and we help each other out," he moved closer and handed her journal back.

She looked at it but didn't take it, and looked down on the grass. Zain sighed and held it close.

"Sometimes we don't need a journal to find what we need Zoya. Sometimes all we need are friends, some knowledge to sustain us forward in whatever goal we want."

He must have said something that caught her attention because she looked at him with hope.

"This school is different," he continued, "you may be surprised of the content we have to offer," he smiled cheerfully and offered his hands.

Zoya hesitated but reluctantly accepted his hands that lifted her effortlessly.

"But I'm not good at school," she said.

"Maybe you weren't before, but now you have me. I'll help you every step of the way," his friendly smile and welcoming eyes gave Zoya the confidence she needed to plan her next steps.

"What do we do know?" she looked at her partner with no form of disgust reflected in her eyes.

"Now we go back and continue the Orientation, then we have our morning breakfast and start our classes," he stated.

He handed the journal again, and this time Zoya accepted it.

Zain started moving back to campus and Zoya followed. They headed to the hallway where several guests of honors continued their speeches. She and Zain found two empty seats at the back so they weren't spotted, and it seems like none noticed their disappearance, or the guard's as well. No one except the Headmistress who eyed Zoya a couple of seconds, knowingly. Zoya knew she was up for trouble, and she was yet to start her first day in school.