(Zelda's POV)

(Friday Afternoon)

I was reading my book in the gardens while also thinking about how Professor Portman came to terms with knowing that the Moon Goddess created me to love Oliver. "Zelda, there you are!" Brooke said.

I closed my book. "You were looking for me?" I said.

"Well, DUH, I thought we were having lunch together," Brooke said.

"Oh, sorry. I wasn't hungry, so I decided to skip lunch today." I said. "I should have let you know about that; I'm sorry,"

"It's okay. Why are you hiding out here? Wanted a moment with yourself?" Brooke said.

"Yeah. I have a lot on my mind, and the gardens are a good place to stop and think about what to do next," I said.

"That's understandable; there has been a lot to take in during your first week here, hasn't there? Getting dropped into all these trials is a lot to handle right now. Elysium can get pretty intense about our school traditions," Brooke hugged me after she was done talking.

Brooke is right; I have been thinking about the Trials for most of the week and my other predicaments that she doesn't know about, but what bugs me the most is that I have to cope with the disappointment that I probably won't get to participate. But if I'm going to be honest with myself, I've been feeling more unsettled about something else. Someone else. A certain someone who I'd just admitted to being mated with. Saying it to Professor Portman somehow made it feel more natural. It is just some big misconception, like something I can't take back, ignore, or hold onto any hope for. But deep down inside, I've always known since I touched that damned journal.

"Hey, Zelda?" Brooke snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, you're right. There has been a lot to take in this week. But it's nothing a little alone time and some reading can't cure," I giggled.

"Well, put that book away and come with me. The headmistress and the teachers are announcing the chosen challengers today." Brooke said.

"TODAY!? Are you sure?" I asked.

"That's why I came looking for you. The announcement is in 10 minutes. Let's go!" Brooke started to drag me to the grand hall with her. As we arrived in the great hall, we took our seats and waited for the headmistress to make her announcement.

"Happy Friday to you all! Congratulations on getting through your second week of classes this semester. What an exciting last few days we've had here in Elysium. Nominations for The Trials were closed this morning, and we've tallied all the votes. I'm sure you're all very excited to hear the results. So let's get right to it. I'm proud to announce the Class of 2025's Challengers for the Trials." Headmistress Caroline said.

"From Circle Gratius, Penny Cosgrove, and Ryder Adams! Congratulations, you two. Elysium's Circle of Favor & Grace is honored to have you represent them." Headmistress Caroline said.

"Next from the Honestus Circle, Karen Lockwood, and Alfalfa Tweedy! Wonderful! Congratulations to both. We're confident you'll serve Elysium's Circle of Honor & Foresight to the best of your abilities." Headmistress Caroline smiled.

"The Viribus Circle, Artemis Alnwick, and Oliver Nightingale!" Headmistress Caroline said as the crowd roared with excitement. "What an explosive reaction from Viribus. However, it seems most appropriate for the Mighty & Bold Circle of Elysium.

Surprise, surprise. Of course, he got in. It's such a shame that I won't. Beating the shit out of the precious Golden Child of Elysium will be oh-so-satisfying.

"Last but not least, from the Intuitus, our challengers are Cade McFarland and Zelda Cromwell!

I got up from my seat and yelled, "NO WAY!" I said as the members of Intuitus roared with excitement.

"Uh, yes, way! This is amazing, Zelda! You got what you wanted." Brooke said.

I did. This is amazing, so why should I overthink a good thing? This is what I wanted. I know that I will kill it in The Trials. Moon Goddess, I'll make you proud; I know you are watching over me on this crazy time-travel journey. I'll show them what I'm made of and more.

"Amazing, how wonderful! This is unprecedented, as Elysium has never seen a transfer compete in the trials. We'll be witnessing a first in the school's history! Marvelous work, Miss Cromwell; you have made an impression on your classmates. One might say that the Intuitive & Curious Circle of Elysium has truly lived up to its namesake. Taking a chance by choosing an unknown to lead them to victory is an amazing show of instinct. Congratulations to Mr. McFarland and Miss Cromwell! Intuitus has certainly put forth a remarkably formidable pair of challengers. I can speak for all of Elysium that this year's Trials will be one for the history books. Congratulations again, or all the challengers; we look forward to seeing each of you put your best foot forward. The first trial will take place next Saturday. Enjoy this weekend! There's a lot of celebrating to do," Headmistress Caroline cheered.

Everyone was cheering and climbing on top of the tables. I didn't know that people would get this excited. "You weren't kidding when you said people are intense about school traditions here," I said.

"Yeah, it's like this every year. But you haven't seen anything yet, Zelda. Wait until the party that's bound to happen tonight. You'll see," Brooke winked.

"OI!!! Fellow seniors of Elysium, may I have your attention, please?" Preston shouted.

"See, what did I tell you? Right schedule." Brooke giggled.

"There's going to be a party in the Intuitus Student Lounge tonight! Come to celebrate all the four Circles, the challengers, or don't if you don't want to come," Preston announced.

"Zelda, do you wanna get ready for tonight's party together? I can come by your dorm after dinner," Brooke smiled as I nodded at her.

(After Dinner)

"Brooke, are you sure there's no time for a nap before we head out to the party?" I yawned.

"Bitch, no napping! This is your first Elysian Party, and we're celebrating your Challenger nomination! You must look your best, and trust me; all the eyes will be on you tonight," Brooke said.

"Brooke, are the other seven other challengers being celebrated tonight as well? I think you're severely underestimating my ability to blend into the background," I whipped my hair.

"I still see you're underestimating your status as a newcomer. You're like the Devil's Eye, and people won't be able to stop flocking to you like a moth drawn to a flame. "Now get your cute ass dressed right now! You've earned a spot on The Trails; if people weren't curious enough about you then, they will be now," Brooke said.

"By the Goddess, okay, mom." I snickered.

"I'm the fairy godmother from Shrek, honey," Brooke and I laughed.

After talking while getting ready for the party, we arrived at the Intuitus Student Lounge.

"Time to let loose; let's dance!" Brooke started showing off her dance moves.

"Attention, seniors, listen up!" Preston shouted. "On behalf of Circle Intuitus, I'd like to thank you all for being here; it's not often that all four circles get together like this. However, tonight is a special night! It's the first party for us seniors and our final year together. So many of us have known each other since we were children, some since freshman year, and one of us here tonight, earlier this week." Preston winked at me. "New or old, it doesn't matter, so let's enjoy this last year together as a family. We've got the best of the best representing our graduating class for The Trials, so I propose a toast to everyone. Let's all go down as the most unforgettable class in Elysian history and kick off tonight with a bang!

"CHEERS!!!" We all shouted.

"Brookie!!!" Jax called out to Brooke.

"I'm going to kill him!" Brooke growled as I followed her to confront Jax, who was with Oliver and Corvin.

"Brookie, you're looking very sexy tonight." Jax flirted.

"Yeah, and you look like a walking red flag!" Brooke scoffed.

"Uh duh, that's the point," Jax said.

"I didn't mean it like that, you idiot," Brooke's teeth clenched in annoyance.

"Whatever, I have the most circle pride here tonight. I wouldn't expect you to understand," Jax said.

"How many sentences do you think Jax will say before Brooke maims him?" Corvin asked Oliver.

"I would say, maybe two more sentences, might be three. Jax knows how to push Brooke's buttons," Oliver said.

"What about you, Zelda?" Jax turned to me. "Want in on our wager?"

"Depends on what we're wagering," I answered Jax's question.

"How about the loser deals with breaking up their little fight?" Oliver said.

Jax and I laughed. "Deal, I think Jax has one more sentence left," I said.

"Alright, my guess is three sentences," Corvin said.

"Calm down, woman," Jax said.

Brooke screamed. "Oh HELL NO, you did not just 'calm down, woman.' me. Do you have any last words, Jackson?

"Brookie, I'm sorry. I was kidding, I swear! I would never talk down to any woman like that." Jax said as he was about to pass out from fear.

Brooke turned to Oliver and Corvin. "YOU TWO! Say goodbye to your friend here."

Jax ran out of the student lounge as Brooke ran after him. "Run, Jax, Run!" Oliver yelled.

"Yeah, you better run, little boy. I'm coming for that ass and NOT in the way you wish I would." Brooke ran after him.

"Well, I lost since my guess was the furthest off. Nice work guessing correctly, Zelda. I better go break it up before Brooke does too much damage." Corvin groaned.

"Don't break it up too quickly, Corvin," I said.

"Oh, I won't. I was planning on letting Brooke rip Jax a new one for a while, conjured up some popcorn, and watch." Corvin waved goodbye and started following Brooke.

Now it was just Oliver and me. Saying that this is awkward would be an understatement. I've been avoiding him all week since after that meeting for our potions project. I didn't consider how I should act around him if we were alone together again. I might have deluded myself into thinking that the solution was never to be alone with him again, which was dumb and unrealistic. But it had been working so well all week. I thought I could keep it up for the rest of the year. What a great and perfect idea that turned out to be, though. Now, Oliver and I are staring at each other like total idiots. Why is he silent too? Oliver is so mouthy and unafraid to speak his mind, so why is he just standing there awkwardly, like he's waiting for me to say something? Could it be? It was easy to steer clear of him for the last few days because he was avoiding me too.

"Congratulations," Oliver smiled.

"Thank you." I nodded. "Congratulations to you as well."

"Thank you, Zelda. I guess we'll be competing against each other some more now. Beyond just who can answer questions in class faster, anyway." Oliver said.

I crossed my arms. "Don't worry; I plan to kick your ass outside the classroom too." I fired back.

Oliver laughed. "I look forward to seeing you try."

I rolled my eyes at him. "If this competition was based on ego alone, I do not doubt you'd win. Unfortunately for you, it'll take more than that." I grinned.

"It's egotism if you can't back it up. Otherwise, it's called confidence, isn't it?" Oliver said.

"Well, you could have fooled me," I snickered.

"Hey, guys!! Who's up for a little friendly dueling?" Preston said as the crowd cheered. "I knew you guys would like that. How about our challengers giving us the honor of giving us a preview of what we'll see in The Trials?"

Oliver and I looked at each other. This should be fun.

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(Oliver's POV)

Fuck me; why did I have to suggest that whoever lost the wager should go break up the fight? I needed Corvin to act as a buffer. I took a step back, and Zelda and I looked at each other. Well, this is awkward. I've been avoiding her all week since after we met for our potions project. Now we are alone again, and I have no idea how to act around her. What if Zelda makes me laugh again? Being around Zelda feels easy and comfortable like she was always meant to be there, right by my side, just like this. Since I read about the book Corvin gave me, these thoughts have only grown louder and more pronounced. I mean, that's all it is.

Involuntary thoughts and yearning are beyond my control because of this ridiculous mate bond I never asked for. Sure, if I'd known all along about this sort of phenomenon, I probably would have single-mindedly focused on the benefit of its supposed magic-strengthening properties. It's important to be pragmatic like that. But with me being in this situation now and dealing with everything else that comes with the bond. It's too much Moon Goddess. It's distracting me, confusing me, and it's not what I want or need, so why is it that when we are together, I can feel all my usual logic fly right out the window? I look at Zelda, and despite all the common sense and rationality, I can't help but wonder. What is she thinking? Why does Zelda always look so worried, as if the world's weight is resting on her shoulders? Could I help her with those problems somehow? Would she let me?

I have to shake these feelings out of my mind. No matter how overwhelmingly convincing these sentiments are, I can't trust them. Because of the Moon Goddess, these feelings might affect the mate bond. There's no room for them in my life or for her. Shit, how long have I been standing here completely mute like an idiot? Say something, Oliver.

"Congratulations," I smiled.