I arrived at the school early in the morning with a huge bag, I waved my goodbyes to the coachman m and immediately went to my dormitory. As I've opened the dorm seems quite—looks like Callista is still asleep. I went to my room to change my uniform and immediately went to the school waiting area. Where students wait for their classes to start they could spend their time here reviewing, eating or even chatting with their fellow colleagues. 
I listed all the possibilities that I could find Therese’s child, Some other villages, cities, from other kingdoms. I was so desperate to find him or her. Questions lingered in my head. Trying to keep and draw the small things together. 
My mother and Therese are friends, My mom helped Therese to escape from his husband. According to my mom I've taken a special vile together with Therese’s child, and Owain started to hunt my parents. 
Is it because I consumed the vile? how's that vilde so special that he'll do everything including hunting us down? 
I was on the verge of losing my mind trying to think over it—suddenly I remembered about Glacierbrook. Where I lived back then, that must hold answers about me and about my family. 
Yet, Glacierbrook is one of the restricted areas due to its dangerous and prone to bandits. Thorne told us from the first day that it's a possibility that Glacierbrook is one of the places we'll assist. Due to their lack of knowledge, lack of facilities, diseases and multiple pregnancies occur. 
That's right I have three weeks to prepare, I need to pass something up that I am able to enter—
“Hey!” 
I was startled as I snapped back into reality, I looked who's in front of me and it was Caden. He smiled at me as he began to raise his brows. 
“Are you okay? You seemed lost in your thoughts” he said. I secretly and quickly put away my notebook. 
“Y-yeah I hadn't noticed that I fell down the rabbit hole” I said, forcing a smile. 
“Yeah? Or are you trying to study the terms even though Professor Ackerman didn't give any lessons?” he said, teasing. 
“No! I was just worried, I really wanted to participate in Glacierbrook. And of course I need to be in my best performance” I said, trying to make something up. 
“Are you kidding me? Zai you're one of the best students. Come on claim it” he said. 
i just smiled “Yeah, yeah, whatever you say Caden” I said.
We decided to head back to the classroom when suddenly I remembered the last name, from Therese. I should have asked Caden, maybe he knew something. 
“Hey Caden” 
“What is it?” he asked glancin at me. 
“I was wondering if you have a familiarized surname as Sanchez” I said. He paused for a while thinking. 
“No I've never heard of that last name, why?” he asked. 
“Nothing I saw was from a patient from my aunt” I lied. I couldn't tell him that, and I didn't know how to tell Thorne about this either. 
“Oh really? That last name looks like it doesn't come from around here” he said. 
“Meaning?” I asked. 
“Meaning it's possible that she's not from this country or this realm” he said. 
I raised my brows. “You mean, it's possible that this patient is a mortal?” I asked. 
“Kind of, but I'm not sure—wait!” he said. He was thinking ang I was already intrigued. 
“I think I know Sanchez, my father’s friend is Sanchez” he said. 
My eyes widened. “Really then—” 
“I am expecting that both of you will marched towards my class or I'll punish you for being late” 
I was stunned when his cold and authorative voice echoed in my ears, I immediately turned to who it—It was Thorne, with his dark demeanor flooding the air. 
What's wrong with him?
I didn’t hesitate and marched alongside Caden, his heavy presence still lingering, but I shook it off. When I arrived at class, Thorne immediately began his discussion. I focused on writing a summary of the papers I’d found about Mom. If I couldn’t uncover any connections or leads, my only option would be Glacierbrook Village. It’s my one chance.
Should I tell Thorne about this?
“I've received the news that tomorrow, the president announced that classes will be postponed because we will be having our faculty meetings,” he said as he quickly glanced at me. 
“The next day, I decided that we will be having our field trip to the Hall of Healing hearts,” he said. 
The Hall of Healing stands as a tribute to the art and history of medicine. Ancient medical instruments are carefully displayed, each one a testament to the practices of the past, honoring the legacy and progress of healing through the ages.
“You only have three weeks to prove to me that you're worthy to assist me in Glacierbrook Village. To some who weren't chosen, you'll be assigned to other villages together with some clinical instructors as well” He added as he still looked at us. He remained calm with an intimidating demeanor.
“Class dismissed” He said. 
I've decided to go to the library again since the girls were busy with their classes as well. As a woman who lived books, Books aren't just the one who makes my heart flutter.
“Hello, flower” He smiled as both of his hands were in his pockets. 
Behind the large shelves, away from the sights of the students, there are extra chairs and tables. The library is too large to know this place, Thorne was the only one who knew. We decided to meet after our class. 
“Hello, professor” I smiled as I felt his lips pressed against mine. His usual button-up shirt clung to his masculine frame, perfectly fitting his well-defined body.
“Are you alright now?” I asked. I looked at me worried.
“I've been better, Flower, how couldn't I?” His tone is calm yet his aur was m different, not the usual Thorne. 
“You keep giving me a different treatment since class” I said my brows furrowed. 
“Because we're in class, I just can't kiss you in front of them,” he said, looking at me. 
I chose to be silent and focused on the book, silence was between us. I kept reading in any book already uncomfortable with what happened. I wanted to blurt out but I can't. 
I was about to talk again when he blurted out. “What were you talking about you and Caden?” he asked, scribbling in his paper. 
“I asked him about someone's last name” I said to him. 
He raised a brow “And who’s last name is it?” he asked again. 
“My mother's friend” I said. 
He looked at me piercing eyes clearly not satisfied about what I tell him. 
“You know you can't lie to me, Zaira” he said. 
“I didn't,” I said to him. 
“Well, you should've asked me. I have connections and we can search that certain person of yours,” he continued to scribble again. 
“Caden has connections, his parents are also elites, senators of the kingdom, I was just wondering if he ever knows someone” I said. 
“Truth be told Zaira, I am more capable of searching for a person. Senators only know the names of those who have high status or big achievements” he said confidently. 
“Why do I get the feeling that you're competing in this situation towards Caden?” I asked him, curious. 
“Nothing, I state facts” He said casually.
I grinned as I rested my face on my palm “You're jealous aren't you?” I asked. 
He glanced at me, smirking as I noticed his shoulders tensed up “That's ridiculous,” he said. 
“It's not, you're clearly jealous of him.” I teased smiling, He just stared at me. I can feel his icy demeanor hugging me. 
“Why would I be jealous of Caden?” he asked, raising his brows. 
“Because he knows so much like you do and—” I was cut off when I noticed that he dragged my chair towards him. 
“Tell me more” he's seductive voice echoed in my ear. I paused, hesitant to tease him more, his eyes were just staring at me unreadable. 
“Speak,” he demanded. 
“H-he’s smart too, he’s helpful when it comes to connections and—” I paused again when his touch crawled to my thigh gripping it as he pulled me towards his lap—My cheek flushed as I could feel his hardness on my thigh. 
“Really is that all?” he asked. 
“Y-yes” I stammered as I could feel his touch on my skin, sending electric shocks, making my pulse quickening. 
“I can't be jealous of just one student, Zaira,” he said. 
"They call me one of the best surgeons for a reason," he said, his voice sharp with conviction. "I know more about this realm than most, even with my mortality. I can pull people’s strings and get whatever the hell I want." His intensity should have made me afraid, but it didn’t.
The more authoritative, commanding he is right now, the more I can feel his manhood twitching in my thigh—I am more turned on than afraid. 
"Ask me, and I'll do everything in my power to give you the damn answers you need. Do you understand, Flower?" he said, his voice firm and unwavering.
“Y-yes” he said. 
"Good girl," he whispered, his husky voice sending a flutter through my stomach.
 
Later on I finished my school work as Thorne was almost finishing up on his duties as a professor. I stretched up and yawned. 
“Zaira, are you free later?” he asked uet ge didn't take his eyes on his paper. 
“Not really, why?” I asked. 
“I would like you to come join me later for dinner. One of my greatest colleagues is his birthday and I want you to be part of the celebration” he said smiling.
“Really? but we can't just ride in the same carriage” I said.
“Don't worry, I'll take care of everything,” he said. “I just want you to be ready and that's it,” he added. 
I smiled towards him “Alright, I'll see you later then?” 
“That's great, I'll be off first” he said as he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. As he walked off. 
Later that time I immediately went to my dorm and I was looking for a formal dress for the occasion. The living room was chaotic, yet I couldn't get a decent dress. 
“Zaira?” 
I stopped when I saw Callista at the door confused about what happened, my clothes were scattered around the couch. His red hair was in a messy bun. 
“What are you doing?” she asked, confused.
“I-I need a decent dress” I said. 
“Okay, for what are you heading out?” he asked. 
Callista knows what to do and this is an emergency also. I sighed standing walking towards her. 
“I-I need your help” I said and hesitated “I have a date” 
His eyes widened, and her mouth hung slightly open. Seconds later, a smile broke across her face, and she jumped up. “Really?!” she exclaimed, bouncing with excitement like she’d just won a competition. Her reaction left him both confused and surprised.
I was about to speak when suddenly a door swung opened as Stella immediately barged in
“What happened?!” she exclaimed, her voice full of concern.
“We heard you scream!” Ainsley burst into the room like a whirlwind.
“You guys! Zaira has a date!” Callista blurted out, unable to contain herself.
Ainsley and the other froze, their jaws dropping simultaneously. They looked like they’d just witnessed a unicorn tap-dancing.
“A date?” Ainsley repeated, eyes wide. “Zaira? As in our Zaira?!”
“Yep!” Callista grinned, looking far too smug.
“Who's the guy!?” Stella exclaimed as well. 
Oh dear, this is spiraling fast! This is definitely a problem. 
Later on I was explaining how I got an invitation and how I got a boyfriend while Callista was busy looking for a dress yet she could hear us even when she was in her room. 
“So, You're telling me that you were out dating when you decided to go home and you started at the family ball with this Mr. Perfect, and you didn't even tell us that you like someone!” Stella exclaimed with a hint of frustration as she summarized what I told her. 
“And who’s the mystery guy?” Ainsley asked, raising an eyebrow.
“W-well, I’m not ready to talk about it yet,” I stammered, looking away.
“Boo! Lame excuse!” Callista teased, throwing her hands up dramatically. “Come on, at least give us a clue!”
Before I could respond, Stella’s calm voice cut through the playful energy. “Zai, we’ve noticed you’ve been a little distant since you came back home. We respect your boundaries, but I think this isn’t just about Mr. Mystery Guy, is it?”
Her words hung in the air, the sudden shift to sincerity catching me off guard.
I wasn't able to tell them personally that I visited a dead relative, though I can't blame Callista for telling them I can get Stella’s concern since I showed something unfairly. I sighed looking at them, looking at the clock and I still had the time, a longer time after the carriage would pick me up. 
They're my friends so I don't think hiding is not an option. I've decided to tell them. I summarize the whole story. I could see their faces stunned, with worry and pity, yet they chose to be silent and continued to hear me out about my nightmares, my past about my aunt, the letters, everything. I told them about Thorne. 
“I know it's wrong about our relationship but, next semester he'll resign as a professor and continue as a surgeon—I trusted you guys so please don't tell them this” I said my fear consumed me as I waited for their words. 
Their faces were frozen in disbelief. Ainsley’s mouth hung open, unable to form words. Stella was still processing what I’d just said, and Callista’s eyes were wide in shock.
“You dated Thorne Ackerman?!”
“You did what?!”
“I won the bet!”
They all exclaimed in unison, bombarding me with questions. But strangely, none of them were angry. They were a mix of shock, excitement, and concern—emotions swirling in every direction. Yet, as I looked at them, I didn’t see anger in their eyes, only a kind of bewildered curiosity.
“You guys aren't angry?” I asked. 
“Why would we?” Stella asked. 
“Because I dated a professor,” I replied. 
“Zai, all things happened, forbidden love happens. This is not the only rumor that spread towards the Academy, but again this isn't supported too” Stella said. 
“For both of your reputation, your secret is safe with us” Ainsley added. 
“Besides, I knew Thorne that he'll stay in the academy for just one semester. I don't really know he's reasons but I overheard him with Zion Blackwell—one of the royal bodyguards” Stella added. 
“About your parents I think that's a good idea, You should tell Thorne that too. I am sure that he'll help you to know more about your family in Glacierbrook” Ainsley said. 
She's right. I should, he may help. A memory suddenly flashes what happened in the library. 
“Yeah I'll do that, Thank you guys. I really appreciate it” I said, smiling at them. 
“Alright you guys, enough with the drama. This lady has a date and we need to double the time!” Callista exclaimed. 
“Thank you Zai, for volunteering to be my person to test with” she said grinning. I suddenly remembered about the bet. 
Oh dear.