Stella got up early, since today marked her first day at the Academy. She donned her Northland Academy uniform with a familiar ease. A grey vest over a white long-sleeved shirt, black trousers, formal brown shoes, and a grey winter coat to shield against the cold.
Each student was required to strictly follow the dress code assigned to their primary and secondary gender, a policy meant to reinforce equality among them, regardless of their noble status. All alphas and male students wore trousers and a tie in the color assigned to their year: red for first years, green for second years, blue for third years. Female students, on the other hand, wore a bow, a knee-length skirt, and black knee-high socks.
Each Chevalier had their own carriage to the Academy, so the ride there was, thankfully, just Stella and Ophelia. It was a peaceful journey, and the Albrecht alpha found herself wondering what kind of future now awaited her in this timeline.
"You'd better behave yourself and not cause any trouble for me," Ophelia said, reminding her fiancée to behave.
"I'm not going to run away, Ophelia," Stella said, turning her gaze toward her. "If that's what you're worried about."
Stella had a feeling that was exactly what Ophelia meant, and she quickly reassured her that she had no intention of causing her any trouble.
"Your actions can be rather unpredictable at times," Ophelia said, crossing her arms. "I find it necessary to take certain precautions."
Soon after, they both fell silent. There was nothing more to say. As Stella watched Ophelia gazing out at the open fields, she chose not to disturb her peace for the rest of the ride. If there was one thing she had learned from the countless mornings spent riding to the Academy with her, in her past life, it was that the omega greatly preferred quiet journeys, left alone with her own thoughts.
Walking side by side toward the building, all eyes were drawn to one of the most famous couples at the Academy. Stella noticed the crowd of students gathered in the main hall, where the final results for the evaluation exam were posted. Ophelia’s green eyes drifted to the list of alphas, and there it was, a familiar name at the very top.
Stella Albrecht Theory exam 100/100 || Combat exam 100/100 || Result: A-Star
A perfect score in both categories, earning her an "A-Star" rank, the highest any student could achieve. To earn such a rank, a student needed to score above 95% overall across their exams. Just beneath Stella, Dahlia followed in second place, the only other female alpha to earn an A-Star rank.
Dahlia Montclair Theory exam 97/100 || Combat exam 94/100 || Result: A-Star
Beneath her composed expression, Ophelia was taken aback by what she saw. Her cheeky fiancée had kept her promise and come out on top of everyone.
“So, did my results meet your expectations?” Stella said, glancing at her from the corner of her eye. “I told you, didn’t I? I have no intention of letting you down.”
Ophelia turned to find a cheerful smile across her fiancée’s face, but her own expression stayed unchanged.
“That is merely what’s expected of you.” Ophelia let out a quiet exhale, replying in a measured tone. "Don't let this be a fleeting effort, and don't grow arrogant over one mediocre success."
Neither compliment nor praise was offered to Stella, but it didn't trouble the alpha in the slightest. Less than an hour into their arrival, and the Albrecht name was already the talk of the Academy. Soon after, the two went their separate ways before classes began, and Stella made her way to her homeroom on the second floor of the main building. Walking through this familiar hallway stirred up distant memories, a blend of both good times and bad.
Still, she knew things would be different this time.
Once she entered the lecture hall, Stella chose a vacant seat in the back row, unfazed by the eyes that followed her every step. The class buzzed with conversation about the evaluation results, both her name and Dahlia’s mentioned more than once. It was rare enough for one student to earn an A-star rank, let alone two students in the same year.
The alpha had become something of a legend among her peers, having earned perfect scores in both written and combat exams, which was a feat only a handful of students in the Academy’s history had ever achieved.
Moments later, a tall brunette woman entered the room, carrying a stack of folders, and the entire class fell silent, their attention fixed on her. With her signature gentle smile, she greeted her new batch of students on their first day.
"Good morning, everyone. It's my pleasure to welcome you to Northland Academy." She smiled radiantly, introducing herself. "I'm Professor Rosalind, and from today onward, I'll be your homeroom guide and natural philosophy instructor."
The heartwarming spark in those lime-green eyes was just as the alpha remembered.
Professor Rosalind Schwarzenberg. She was one of the instructors who had taught Stella in the past life. Unlike other teachers, indifferent towards their students, Lady Rosalind was the only one who wore her heart on her sleeve. She cared for her students, genuinely, and if anyone ran into trouble, she was always the first person they turned to for help. It was no surprise she was everyone’s favorite teacher.
In her past life, Stella had been indifferent to everyone, rarely smiling in public. While others were intimidated by her presence, only Lady Rosalind had reached out to her, constantly expressing concern for the alpha's well-being. Stella, however, had often brushed it off. She couldn't bring herself to trust anyone at the Academy. Fearing that some might be Chevalier spies, sent to watch her every move and word, she had kept everyone at arm's length, except for Linda and Viscount Lemaire.
Yet it was the professor's quiet perseverance, over time, that had proven her wrong.
"If you have any questions about choosing your majors, don't hesitate to ask," Rosalind said, wearing her signature warm smile. "Let's go through the details together."
For the entire first week, students would attend a trial class for each major before finalizing their choice, based on their evaluation scores and ranks. The higher one's rank, the more advanced the classes one could enroll in. Discussions broke out in every corner of the classroom, students debating what they would like to choose.
As for Stella, she already knew exactly what she needed for the future. With her scores, she could choose up to four majors if she wished, but she intended to study something different this time, something other than what she'd chosen in her previous life.
Governance, diplomacy, and law were often the top choices for heirs of a family. It remained a popular major among many ladies, too, one that could make them stand out as potential partners for future heads of houses.
Natural philosophy was a major often chosen by individuals wishing to become a scholar, a researcher, or an herbalist. It was unusual for Stella to choose it, but she had her own reasons.
It had always been something she was personally drawn to. Stella had spent much of her childhood in nature, alongside her parents. The snowy plains and forests of Valdenburg City had been like a playground to her. During her reign as Duchess, she had come to realize just how essential a knowledge of botany, geology, ecosystems, and natural resources truly was to the nation.
In her previous life, Anthony had caused devastating damage to Northland’s ecosystem, damage estimated to take over a decade to fully repair. They needed experienced scholars with a deep understanding of Northland’s ecosystem, and Professor Rosalind was one of those who stepped forward to lend her expertise to the Duchess. Under her guidance, the professor showed Stella the beauty and importance of their ecosystem, and how the people of Northland needed to learn to live alongside nature.
Now that I have a second chance, I can learn under Professor Rosalind properly this time. Stella thought quietly, a soft smile on her lips.
Soon after the brief introductory session ended, their first day at the Academy officially began. Throughout each class, Stella sought out a quiet spot in the lecture hall, away from the crowd, but she was always approached by her classmates sooner or later. They had tried to find seats near her, eager to strike up conversation. It was obvious their attempts to befriend the Albrecht alpha stemmed from various motives: to strengthen social ties, to align future ventures, or simply for the prospect of romance. From an early age, Lady Alicia and Duke Cedric had taught her to guard herself against those who might seek to take advantage of her, especially as an alpha, while also learning to recognize sincerity in those who approached with genuine intent.
"Lady Stella, we're wondering what you're going to choose for your majors?" a beta woman approached her. "If you don't mind us asking, of course."
"That's not a problem," Stella said, wearing a friendly smile. "I intend to choose governance, diplomacy, law, and natural philosophy."
An odd combination, one that drew everyone's attention, making them even more curious about her choice.
"Why natural philosophy?" A male classmate chimed in. "I thought you would've gone with commerce and finance."
"You could say I'm quite interested in Northland's ecosystem," Stella answered with quiet confidence.
Truthfully, Stella had already studied commerce in her previous life. She saw no need to study it again, and would rather use this chance to learn something that actually interested her. Once her classmates realized they would be taking some of the same subjects as her, they grew visibly excited.
“Um,” the female colleague stepped forward, smiling. “If we have any questions about the class, could we possibly ask for your help?"
“Sure,” Stella answered with a firm nod. “If any of you have questions, I'll do my best to explain them."
Regardless of their intentions, the Albrecht alpha showed nothing but respect, humility, and kindness toward her classmates. In noble society, it was always wiser to make allies than enemies.
“Thank you!” The beta woman smiled. “That’s very kind of you.”
Beyond the core subjects everyone had to take, swordsmanship was mandatory for alphas and male betas. Omegas and female betas, meanwhile, had a range of recreational activities to choose from: painting, embroidery, music, and so on.
This simple, peaceful stretch of time at the Academy felt like a blessing to Stella, and half a day went by in the blink of an eye. Ever since she had returned to the beginning, she had been fixated on altering the Chevalier siblings’ fate, and she couldn’t remember the last time she had allowed herself a break.
After completing three morning classes, it was finally time for lunch.
When the famous Albrecht walked into the cafeteria with her classmates, many eyes turned her way, a soft murmur of chatter surrounding them. Anyone who had walked past the main hall would’ve already seen the results on full display, wordlessly announcing her as the best in her year. Even if Stella had wanted a quiet, peaceful lunch, it would’ve been impossible with her classmates all eager to befriend her.
Eating her meal casually amid the crowd, Stella caught a whiff of faint lavender in the air. Her body reacted at once, turning to meet Ophelia's eyes.
“Hey Ophelia,” Stella said, and everyone at the table turned at once. “Do you need something from me?”
Everyone at the table tensed the moment Stella spoke her fiancée's name. They all knew exactly who she was. Lady Ophelia Chevalier, valedictorian of her year, renowned for her unrivaled beauty, intelligence, and impeccable etiquette. They stared at her in awe before smiling nervously under her gaze. At the table, only Stella spoke with her comfortably.
"I just forgot to tell you,” Ophelia said, wearing a sweet smile. “Wait for me by the entrance once the day is over."
“At the main hall, correct?” Stella asked.
She remembered how, in the past, she had been forced to wait for Ophelia by the entrance before they climbed into their carriage, a performance meant to present the image of a loving couple in public.
“Yes, and you shouldn’t make me wait,” Ophelia said.
“I know,” Stella said, turning her attention back to her plate. “I won’t be late.”
With that mesmerizing smile, the omega returned to her own table after their brief exchange. As soon as the lavender scent faded from their table, Stella's classmates started talking about her picture-perfect fiancée.
“I had heard rumors about Lady Ophelia’s beauty before,” Talia said, carrying admiration in her voice. “I didn’t think she would be this stunning up close…”
“I’m not surprised that everyone says that Lady Ophelia is one of the most perfect omegas in the academy,” another female classmate chimed in, giving Stella a playful nudge with her elbow. “She has both the beauty and the intelligence everyone envies. Plenty of alphas are going to be so jealous of you.”
“Hm?” Stella turned to them, entirely unprepared for this kind of conversation.
Perhaps she had grown so accustomed to being around Ophelia that she had become indifferent to her appearance. As her classmates kept singing praises of her fiancée's beauty and academic excellence, Stella realized, for the first time, just how popular the omega was among her peers. She was the ideal omega many noble ladies aspired to become, and the kind of mate most alphas desired.
“Did you know that last year, several upperclassmen tried to court Lady Ophelia?” Talia said, turning her gaze to Stella. “But she turned down every one of them.”
Stella didn’t recall ever having to deal with such concerns in her previous life. Then again, she had little to no interest in knowing anything about Ophelia back then, beyond the fact that she always presented herself as the perfect omega in public. Apparently, it was a well-known story circulating at the academy: many alpha and beta upperclassmen had tried to court her with extravagant gifts, jewelry, and flowers, and so on. Yet she had shown a complete lack of interest in every one of them. Whenever they confessed their feelings, Ophelia stayed composed and indifferent before rejecting them without hesitation.
“Don’t get surprised if some upperclassmen pick on you,” A male classmate joined the conversation. “They’re just jealous that you’re engaged with Lady Ophelia.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Stella said, playing along with the conversation.
In the second week, everyone had already sorted their schedules and would only be required to attend classes for their chosen subjects. The rest of their time was free for students to use however they wished: studying, socializing, and so on.
Some were still memorizing the layout of the buildings, unlike Stella, who knew the place like the back of her hand. Just before her next class, Natural Philosophy with Professor Rosalind, Stella could be found at one of the library tables, reading a book on medicinal plants.
“Hm?”
Stella looked up, momentarily caught off guard by a pair of sparkling magenta eyes, brimming with excitement. The blue-haired woman pulled the nearest chair over to sit beside the alpha and began chatting enthusiastically about the book.
“That is a really good book you’ve got there!” the woman continued. “Are you taking the same class as me? Natural Philosophy, I mean.”
“Yes, I am.” Stella nodded, slowly closing the book in her hand.
“Oh! So, the rumors are true!” Her smile widened from ear to ear. “I’m so excited. That means we’re going to be classmates.”
Her energy was out of this world. The woman was so caught up in the moment, she had forgotten to even introduce herself. Once she realized, she cleared her throat and turned to face the alpha properly.
“Oh, right! I forgot to introduce myself. I am Astrid Dreschner. It’s an honor to make your acquaintance,” she said, holding out her hand. “You can just call me Astrid. Would you mind if I call you Stella?”
The alpha was taken aback by her classmate’s overflowing enthusiasm. Behind those bright magenta eyes, there wasn’t a trace of deceit. She was genuinely excited just to speak with Stella.
“The pleasure is mine as well, Astrid,” Stella said, smiling as she returned the handshake. “You’re welcome to just call me Stella.”
Ever since that first interaction, there was never a day they didn’t spend time together studying. Lady Astrid became the first true friend Stella had ever made at the Academy.
The beta woman had never been shy about expressing her interest in befriending Stella, genuinely drawn in by who she was as a person. Because of Astrid’s forthright and honest character, Stella found it easy to open up to her. After discovering how much they had in common, it took only a few days for two of them to grow close.
Astrid was the first person who had shown no interest in fame and power that came with the Albrecht name. Perhaps it was because she, too, came from a long-standing, powerful family of her own. In Stella’s previous life, they had never actually interacted. They were practically strangers passing each other in the corridor.
From strangers to close friends, it was a quiet yet profound reminder that even the smallest shift in circumstance could significantly reshape her relationship in ways she had never anticipated.
“Stella, let me know once you finish the first volume of Materna Botanica,” Astrid said. “I have the perfect recommendation for you, something to read before you move on to the second.”
Truth be told, many of their classmates were surprised by how quickly the two became close friends, in less than a week of knowing each other. Astrid and Stella were often seen together during breaks and lunch, discussing their subjects, their books, their hobbies, their views on life.
“I’m almost done, actually,” Stella said. “We could check the library during lunch, see if that book's available.”
“Sounds good,” Astrid said. “If it's not, I'll do you the honor of lending you one of my precious copies.”
“That’s all right. I know how much you treasure your precious children.” Stella said, shrugging her shoulders. “I can wait until it’s available.”
“It’s fine!” Astrid said, grinning widely. “I know you'll take good care of them.”
Astrid Dreschner, daughter of Count Dreschner. House Dreschner was one of the powerful, long-standing families that had founded both Northland Academy and the Dreschner Research Institute. For generations, the family had been made up almost entirely of educators, scholars, and researchers. Their ancestors had worked alongside Stella's own predecessors to help establish Northland's current education system. It was the family's centuries of quiet dedication that had made such significant strides in Northland's education and societal standards.
Having spent most of her life surrounded by books and scholars, it was no surprise that Astrid had a natural affinity for intelligent, talented people like Stella.
Stella’s life as a student at the academy was a refreshing change of pace, compared to her previous one. Attending classes on weekdays greatly reduced how often she had to interact with the other Chevaliers. On weekends, Stella was occupied with private study sessions or horse-riding lessons with Ophelia and Matteo.
This new schedule gave her a sense of freedom, and the perfect chance to focus on her main objective.
While pretending to study with the siblings, she quietly flipped through her notebook, filled with hurried scribbles, pages packed with every kind of information that she could extract from her memory. Every detail she could recall from those three years had been recorded here. With the advantage of knowing what was to come, she needed to make the most of her time.
Alone in this world, fighting against all odds coming from every direction, Stella had been forced to accept just how powerless she was on her own. Her current plans centered on building connections with influential people and families who might one day come to her aid when she needed them most.
In the noble society, connection meant everything.
I'll need as many allies as I can gather in the three years I have, if I want to resolve all of this. Stella thought to herself.
If the future Duchess hoped to stand against Anthony and Lady Yvette, to expose Chevalier for their crimes, and to protect both Ophelia and Matteo from Viscount Lemaire, she needed new allies at her side, ones she could trust completely.
The first person on the list was Astrid Dreschner.
I had meant to befriend her later, but I didn’t expect we would be this like-minded. Stella thought quietly, the corner of her lips lifting.
Though their first meeting hadn’t gone according to plan, the alpha found she preferred how things unfolded between them. A natural encounter, one that happened almost by chance, as though Stella had been secretly blessed by the holy spirits of the North.
Astrid is the middle child, the only daughter of Count Dreschner. Stella added a few more notes.
She's extremely close to her family, her relatives. With her elder brother confirmed as the next head of House Dreschner, she's free of any major family obligations. Stella’s train of thought carried on.
House Dreschner was one of the powerful, established families that retained their influence for centuries, much like House Albrecht and House Chevalier. For generations, the family had been made up almost entirely of educators, scholars, and researchers. Their ancestors had worked alongside Stella’s own predecessors to help establish Northland’s current education system. It was the family’s centuries of quiet dedication that made significant strides in Northland’s education and societal standards. Because of this, they had little to no interest in political games, taking great pride in their neutrality and in advancing knowledge and the development of Northland. That was precisely what the future Duchess needed: allies who couldn’t be swayed by political schemes.
For that reason, the Dreschner family was the first name that came to mind.
How ironic. I'm always so wary when people approach me with ulterior motives, yet here I am, the one with the ulterior motive in this friendship. Stella let out a quiet breath and closed her notebook.
Still, Stella’s plan was progressing smoothly. The Academy was never a challenge to her, not when she already knew the entire curriculum like the back of her hand. In her free time, the curious alpha often sat in on lectures from other subjects. No one had ever done this before at the Academy. Keeping up with one's own classes was hard enough, let alone finding time to study others on top of it. Word of Stella spread quickly among the first-years, and soon, she had gained considerable attention.
Two weeks had passed since she and Astrid first became friends. Along the way, Stella had gathered both new friends and new enemies.
“Good morning, Stella.” A blonde-haired classmate greeted the alpha before taking the vacant seat beside Stella. “You’re early, as usual.”
Thanks to her friendship with Astrid, many of their classmates found the courage to reach out and befriend Stella, this omega included.
“Good morning, Lisette,” Stella said. “You’re here quite early today.”
“I felt like doing some revision before class.” Lisette pulled a book from her satchel. “This week’s lessons have become rather difficult to keep up with…”
“Let me know what you’re struggling with,” Stella said.
“Will do.” Lisette smiled widely. “You’re a lifesaver.”
The Academy's first hour was a free study period, one the alpha often spent in Professor Rosalind's lecture hall. Shortly after, Astrid entered with a frown, striding toward the other vacant seat beside to Stella. Without a word, she pulled out a book, Principles of Northern Ecology, and began flipping through the pages quickly.
“Before anything else, I need to ask you a question about this section in chapter two.” Astrid pointed to the passage she was struggling with. “Could you help clarify a few things for me?”
“Sure,” Stella said, skimming through the chapter.
In less than a minute, Stella gave Astrid a simplified explanation, one easy to grasp and follow. Even though Lisette wasn’t studying Natural Philosophy herself, she found Stella’s explanation enjoyable to listen regardless. The alpha had real talent in breaking down difficult topics and theories into something far simpler.
As for Stella, she had already learned all of this before, so it was a walk in the park for her. Eventually, word spread among the students that if anyone struggled with the lessons, they know where to find her.
“Did that help you understand better?” Stella said.
“Gosh, I’m amazed how you make everything sound so easy the moment you open your mouth,” Astrid muttered, grinning widely.
“It’s not that hard once you understand the main concept,” Stella said as though it were nothing at all.
“Seriously, have you ever considered becoming an educator here sometime in the near future?” Astrid asked. “You know, I truly believe you’d make an amazing professor here.”
The beta woman openly tried to recruit her talented friend to the Academy as a future educator. Beyond simply attending the academy as a student herself, Astrid used every opportunity she could to scout classmates with potential to become future educators or scholars.
“Hahaha.” Stella let out a laugh. “You’re not even trying to hide your attempts to recruit me as a teacher.”
“Hey! There’s no harm in asking, right?” Astrid said, shrugging. “I would regret it terribly if I let someone as talented as you slip away without even trying.”
Unlike her past life, Stella let herself laugh freely with everyone around her. She was confident that she would never get bored with Astrid’s honesty. The alpha was grateful that the beta woman wasn’t shy about admitting such things.
“You’re setting your expectations of me too high,” Stella said. “I’m just passionate about learning for my own growth.”
“You’re too modest for your own good,” Astrid said. “If you ever change your mind, let me know, okay?”
“You’re so persistent,” Stella said.
“That’s my forte.” A cheeky smirk touched Astrid’s lips. “You ought to know by now, Stella.”
Their friendly banter had become a daily morning ritual. As everyone settled into their new life at the Academy, it quickly became a kind of competition among classmates, each eager to show their talent and intelligence.
In Professor Rosalind’s class this week, they were covering evolution and natural selection. Whenever she asked a question, countless hands shot up, racing to be first.
“Lord Dorian, could you explain how the theory of natural selection applies to Northland’s ecosystem?” Professor Rosalind called on one of the more ambitious alphas in the hall.
“Yes, ma’am.”
The man rose gracefully, wearing a confident smile, and delivered a flawless answer worthy of an A-rank student.
“The theory of natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring,” he continued. “Given Northland’s environment, selective pressures favor traits like cold resistance in plants and thick fur in animals.” Visit novelping.com for the full chapter.
“That is a wonderful answer.” Professor Rosalind said. “Well done!”
The professor’s praise stroked his ego, and he wore his satisfied smirk like a badge of honor. Stella could hear the ladies nearby singing his praises, impressed by his confidence and intelligence. In a classroom full of young adults brimming with energy, learning wasn’t always the only objective.
It was inevitable that alphas, men especially, would compete for the spotlight, directly or indirectly. Though the challenge from other alphas was one-sided, everyone could sense the tension was directed toward the Albrecht alpha sitting at the back of the lecture hall.
Unlike her ambitious classmates, Stella preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Since the first week, she had remained indifferent to the other alphas’ or male students’ relentless attempts to provoke or challenge her.
“I would like someone different to answer this time.” Professor Rosalind swept her eyes across the hall. “Let’s see, how about Lady Stella?”
“Ugh…” Stella muttered under her breath.
Though she had already averted her gaze from the professor, it did nothing to stop Rosalind from finding the alpha in the crowd.
“Due to Northland’s ecosystem, our biodiversity and species richness are far lower than in the other four regions of the world.” The professor smiled. “Could you elaborate on why that is?”
Behind her charming smile, the brunette professor had noticed how Stella purposely avoided attention, sitting in the furthest row. As all eyes settled on her, Stella slowly rose reluctantly with a quiet sigh.
“Our Northland is known for having the harshest environmental conditions of all five territories. These conditions impose severe selective pressures, allowing only a handful of species to survive and thrive.” Stella spoke with quiet confidence. “As a result, our species richness is lower compared to more hospitable environments, like Eastland and Midland.”
“That is correct! And so, a common medicinal herb like Wildwort can be found across other territories, but not here.” The professor continued. “Instead, Frostwort is endemic to Northland. Could you explain why, in light of what we have discussed today?”
Professor Rosalind’s follow-up question left the entire class silent. After several seconds, whispers rippled among them. Those uncertain of their answer hesitated to raise their hands, unwilling to risk the embarrassment.
“That’s because of Northland’s unique selective pressure,” Stella answered without hesitation. “The ancestral species of Wildwort underwent divergent evolution over generations, adapting to Northland’s cold climate. This led to speciation, giving rise to a new species endemic to our land, the Frostwort.”
“That is an excellent answer.” Professor Rosalind said. “Great job!”
As expected of the student ranked first among first-years, her perfect response earned her applause from Lady Rosalind herself. Everyone stared at Stella in awe, watching her answer with such confidence. Thanks to her poised demeanor, it was no surprise she drew great attention from omega and beta ladies in the class, all enchanted by her. But that same brilliance sparked envy and jealousy from her fellow alpha peers.
Once the lecture ended, everyone packed their belonging and headed for the dining hall for lunch. Stella and Astrid were among the few students who had not left yet. Just before they could slip out, the brunette-haired professor called the two of them up to the front.
“Lady Stella, could you come to the front right now?” Professor Rosalind said, wearing her signature sweet smile. “I would like a word with you.”
Astrid tagged along, and the two of them approached the front of the hall. With most of the students already gone, the professor calmly noted that she had noticed Stella intentionally avoiding attention since the very first week of the Academy, whether it was sitting in the furthest row of the lecture hall or barely engaging with the class at all. And yet, the alpha was the most studious and brilliant student among them all. She was extremely intelligent, yet Stella showed no desire to display any of it.
“Someone of your caliber wouldn’t hesitate to show off their talents. And yet, you’ve deliberately concealed your abilities from everyone.” Lady Rosalind’s tone was warm and stead. “May I ask why you’ve chosen to behave this way?”
Behind her sweet demeanor, the professor’s watchful gaze took note of every detail. Nothing in the classroom went unnoticed by her. It was clear that she had recognized the striking contrast between Stella’s behavior and that of her alpha peers.
“Truthfully, I simply don’t seek validation from strangers, those who know nothing of me, to tell me my own worth,” Stella said each word without a trace of hesitation. “I would rather focus on my own growth rather than to chase the same spotlight as everyone else.”
Rosalind and Astrid were taken aback by surprise. Stella needed no one to dictate her worth, because she knew exactly how capable she was after all the arduous work she had endured over the years. At the sight of that familiar spark of unwavering perseverance in her blue eyes, a smile spread across the brunette professor’s face.
“…I see,” Rosalind said, almost chuckling. “You two are remarkably alike. When I asked that very same question, she gave the same exact response.”
“Who are you referring to?” Stella asked.
The professor looked at the young alpha with a fond smile. Though they shared no resemblance in appearance, Stella’s personality reminded her so much of a blonde-haired woman she had taught five years ago…
“I’m referring to your older sister. Lady Blake,” Rosalind said, a tough of nostalgia in her smile.
“…!”
The moment the professor spoke Blake’s name, she noticed that those blue eyes lit up. Rosalind began recounting her experience teaching the elder Albrecht, back when she was a student at the Academy. Out of all the students she had taught over the years, she could confidently say that Blake was exceptional. A prodigy with rare gifts and talent.
“The past week, I worried about your reserved, avoidant behavior in class, wondering if there was any underlying issue to address,” Rosalind said, leaning into her chair. “I’m glad to see that everything’s fine.”
Just like Stella, Lady Blake had always been reserved and deliberately avoided attention in the classroom. Still, she had been the subject of admiration by her peers and upperclassmen because of the fame that came with the Albrecht name, her unrivaled beauty, and her gift.
“Now that I think about it, no wonder I felt something familiar about you,” Rosalind said, her grin widening. “I can see so much resemblance between you two now.”
“Really?”
The word slipped between her lips before Stella could stop herself. Despite being half-sisters, they shared little to no resemblance. The alpha took after Cedric, while Blake took after Yvette. Stella lost count of how many times people remarked that the two of them looked more like strangers than sisters.
“Yes, Blake was always such a modest lady.” The professor said. “Beneath her reserved demeanor burned a quiet fire of perseverance in those eyes of hers.”
“…I see, I’m glad to hear that,” Stella said, smiling softly with relief.
Hearing the professor speak so fondly of her sister filled her heart with joy and pride. She had always admired Blake ever since she was a child. Judging from the soft smile spreading across Stella’s face, Rosalind could easily tell how close the two sisters were.
“But your circumstances are different from hers.” Rosalind continued. “You’ll likely have it easier than Lady Blake did. Any omega who tries to outshine an alpha is often condemned for it.”
“…”
Compared to the past, Northland has made significant progress toward equality among alphas, betas, and omegas. However, the old belief that an omega shouldn’t outshine an alpha persists to this day. It was deeply rooted in the minds of the older generations, and unfortunately, it had been passed down to this one as well.
Any omega who stood out too much was branded as deviant, unfit to be a wife, and subjected to criticism for it. They could be intelligent, clever, pragmatic, so long as they were never more so than their alpha partner. In some cases, they became targets of physical or verbal abuse, pressured into conforming to what society expected of them. However, Professor Rosalind was one of the few who refused to accept such outdated beliefs.
“I’m certain you have a reason for this, which I won’t pry,” Rosalind continued. “But you do have to promise me one thing.”
“What is it?” Stella asked.
“Humility is an admirable, rare virtue, one that must be nurtured the more power rests in your hands. You will draw like-minded people to you, but also those who would take advantage of you and of those close to you.” Rosalind’s tone grew sterner. “When the moment is right, you must demonstrate your full potential if you wish to protect yourself and everyone who matters to you.”
It was her heartfelt advice that left Stella at a loss for words. Her mind drifted momentarily as distant memories from the past resurfaced. She had heard those same words once before from this professor, but back then, Stella had been too young and blinded by ignorance and distrust to understand what she truly meant.
Past or present, the brunette woman had always shown her nothing but unconditional compassion. Stella softened into a gentle, grateful smile before nodding firmly.
“Thank you, Professor Rosalind,” Stella said, meeting her gaze properly. “Thank you for always looking out for me.”
At last, she had said the words she had failed to say before. The words she owed to the professor who had once stood up for her. Stella had once gotten into a serious fight with an alpha who had relentlessly provoked her. And as an oppressed, young alpha driven by resentment, her control was bound to slip eventually. While the other professors were quick to blame Stella simply because the other person had sustained more injuries, Rosalind alone had attested to her innocence. And yet, out of distrust, Stella never found the courage to thank her, not until now.
“I promise I’ll keep that advice close to my heart,” Stella said, nodding firmly.
Her candid response caught the brunette-haired woman by surprise before she let out a soft, melodic chuckle. Rosalind hadn’t expected Stella to take her words so earnestly. It was almost endearing.
“I’m very glad to hear that.” Rosalind smiled, gazing between the two of them. “I think it’s about time I let you two have your lunch.”
“Thank you again, Professor Rosalind.” Stella bowed politely before leaving the class with Astrid.
The moment she stepped through the door, something in Stella’s chest felt lighter. One of the knots of regret she had carried in her heart finally untangled. If she hadn’t thanked Lady Rosalind properly this time, she believed that she would have carried that regret with her. One by one, slowly but surely, she silently vowed to untangle every regret from her past life as she carved out a new path forward.
Another weekend had arrived, but to Stella, this one was no ordinary one.
Truthfully, she had barely managed any sleep the night before because she was anxiously waiting for the sunrise to come. Today, she had some time to herself, since Ophelia had matters of her own to attend to. Stella excitedly slipped out through the back exit into the garden. She rushed through this familiar path toward the place where she would finally reunite with them.
“…!”
Her blue eyes went wide the moment she saw them.
Two furry snow leopard cubs, small and furry, whimpered softly, crying for their missing mother. A moment later, their tiny nose twitched as they caught Stella’s pheromones in the air. The larger cub quickly positioned itself to protect its smaller sibling. They hissed at the stranger, though they were trembling, afraid of what the stranger would do to them.
Hiss—
In that instant, Stella saw them. The face and presence of her four-legged companions, the ones she had once left behind. Those two large rascals of hers. When Stella’s lips parted, she couldn’t steady her voice.
“This is the first time we met…” Stella muttered softly. “But I can’t begin to tell you how long I’ve been waiting to meet you two again.”
The alpha crouched low, making herself appear less threatening before extending her hand toward them. Those golden eyes judged Stella, and the two cubs couldn’t take their eyes off her teary blue eyes. Something in her gaze seemed to captivate them. Their hisses softened, fading into faint whimpers. The two fluffy cubs slowly crept closer out of curiosity before they could smell food from her.
“I bet you two are starving, aren't you?” Stella said, unwrapping the chunks of raw beef she had prepared earlier. “I brought you both your favorite.”
She set down the food before them. Slowly, their hunger overcame their fear, and they began munching on the meat eagerly. These poor cubs had likely gone days without a proper meal. Stella reached her hand out slowly, watching their reactions closely, and to her relief, neither of them pulled away.
Purr—Purr—
They purred and sniffed her hand, drawn in by her scent. The older cub remained wary of her, but the smaller one seemed fond of Stella’s pinewood scent. It rubbed its cheeks against her palm before Stella gently scratched its chin.
Purr—Purr—
Her heart melted at the sound of their soft purring and the warmth of their fluffy white fur. A heartfelt smile spread across her face as tears rolled down her cheeks. Stella remembered the ache of leaving her two closest companions behind. They must’ve waited for her to return. Certain she would come back out of that shrine. She never had.
“There won’t be any more goodbyes,” Stella said, tears rolling freely down her cheeks. “I promise, this time…we won’t be separated again. Nix. Lux.”