As scheduled, I still had two more hours before my next class. Since the girls had their schedules, I decided to spend the time in the library, reviewing the basics and first topics for the lesson.
According to Callista, Thorne Ackerman wasn’t just a doctor from the mortal world he was one of the most renowned surgeons. 
Many reviews of him were extremely high. Callista also mentioned that he grilled medical students with complicated questions and was known for not offering compliments. He often gave cold shoulders to everyone. From my brief experience as his student, that seemed partly true.
I had jotted down some notes from the book I was reading, then sighed and stood up to find something more focused—something less broad.
Some books went into extensive detail, which was useful but not what I needed right now. I scanned the shelves for something more specific. That's when a green-covered book caught my eye on the fifth shelf.
I stand looking at the book, how do they put books on top of the shelves without providing a freaking ladder. 
I tiptoed, trying to reach the book that was just out of my grasp. Suddenly, someone reached for it from above.
“Hey, I was—” I froze when I saw his raven eyes meet mine, the sophisticated scent of leather filling the air. 
"Professor…" I managed to say, surprised.
He glanced at the book's title, then back at me.
"Are you going to use that, Professor?" I asked, a bit flustered.
"Sort of, but here," he said, handing me the book.
"You're already studying?" he asked.
"Well... yes," I replied, still a bit taken aback.
His lips curled into a smile. “I see. Good luck, Miss Coffey,” he said, before turning to leave. I stood there, stunned among the shelves.
I exhaled slowly, trying to compose myself. “Keep it together!” I muttered under my breath as I walked back to my table. I quickly resumed scanning the books, gathering more information that might help with tomorrow's recitation.
Sometime later, I had successfully borrowed the book I had been studying and planned to finish it at home. My class ended early, so I headed back to my dorm. Surprisingly, Ainsley’s room was closer to ours, and Stella would be switching rooms to be nearer to us.
When I entered our room, I found papers scattered everywhere. Callista was hunched over some papers, her brows furrowed in frustration. I could tell she wasn’t in a good mood, probably due to her ongoing issues with Seth, her rival.
Callista rarely gets frustrated with her studies; it’s usually only when it involves Seth, the president, and her main competitor.
"Zaira," she called.
Her dark, frustrated mood seemed to vanish instantly as she smiled at me with genuine happiness. Was she bipolar?
"You're early," she commented.
"Yeah... our ethics professor dismissed us early today," I explained.
"Another paperwork?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"As usual. I have to finish this, though. I'll see you at dinner?" Callista asked.
"Not tonight. I'm studying," I replied with a dry smile.
She nodded in understanding. "I see. We'll bring you some when I get home."
I secretly smiled. "Thanks." I entered my room, letting out a quiet sigh. I set down my notes and books on the table and immediately resumed scribbling, diving back into my studies.
                              Thorne
I walked into the classroom, standing tall. My students looked like zombies, dark circles under their eyes and all. Judging by their expressions, they were nervous about the upcoming recitation.
They should be.
“Good morning,” I said, my voice cool as I scanned the room.
They scrambled to hide their notes, trying to memorize terms on the fly. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted her again
light blue eyes, curly hair, as beautiful as winter. She looked tense, her hands shaking slightly as she fumbled with her notes.
“Put away all your notes,” I instructed.
There was a sudden silence, followed by the sound of papers being shuffled away. I picked up a small piece of paper with their names on it, my gaze catching hers as she tried to calm her nerves. I silently smirked as I gazed at everyone, obviously nervous today. 
This shitty technique, used by mortals, always gave me palpitations during my first year. I didn’t expect anyone to give perfect answers but I expected focus.
I picked up a paper and called on her. She looked startled, her lips pale as she stood up.
“Explain what an acquired disease is,” I asked, keeping my voice steady.
She swallowed hard, her eyes darting to the floor before meeting mine again. “I, um, it usually occurs after birth.”
I wasn’t satisfied. “This disease relates to what?” I asked again, my tone a little sharper.
She seemed to hesitate, and for a moment, I thought she might struggle with the answer. But then she spoke, her voice trembling at first, but gaining strength.
“It’s… it’s a disease that’s caused after birth, usually from exposure to something external. It’s not inherited, it's caused by infection or environmental factors,” she said, her words rushing out.
I watched her carefully, noting the way her hands still trembled, the flush in her cheeks. Her answer wasn’t perfect, but it was on the right track.
“Sit down,” I said, nodding. “But don’t forget the other factors acquired diseases can also come from trauma or environmental factors beyond infection. It’s important to cover the broader picture.”
She exhaled, visibly relieved, but I could still see the tension in her shoulders.
I moved on to the next student, but as I glanced back, I caught her trying to steady herself, her gaze focused on her desk. There was something about her reaction that made me think there was more to her than just nerves. But I didn’t dwell on it.
I watched her standing there, struggling to come up with an answer. After a minute, I sighed and said, “Sit down.”
I picked another name from the list. “Same question—what are some diseases related to acquired diseases?”
“H-heart failure, s-sir,” the student stammered.
I nodded, acknowledging the answer, and gestured for her to sit down.
I asked a few more questions, but I found myself still wanting to pick her name from the pile. Her delicate face didn’t seem suited for this field she’d likely do better as an Apothecary or Celestial Healer. But there was something unique about her. She had a rare talent that made her fit for this demanding course.
“Which condition is characterized by chills, high fever, dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain worsened by deep inspiration, cough, crackles, and wheezes?”
“It’s shade sickness, sir. But in the mortal world, they call it pneumonia,” Caden answered.
I raised an eyebrow, doubting him.
"And what causes it?" I asked again, gesturing for him to sit down.
There was only one person I wanted to hear from.
"Miss Coffey?" I called.
She looked up and stood, her light blue eyes locking onto mine. That gaze was intense, almost defiant.
"Adapting to this realm's medical terminology, they call it Ebonshade Pneumonia. But for mortals, it’s known as Klebsiella pneumonia," she said, her voice steady, her gaze unwavering.
"Explain," I prompted.
"It's a type of bacteria that can cause serious lung infections, especially in people with weak immune systems or chronic illnesses," she explained confidently as my eyes still darted on her, impressed by her explanation. 
Indeed, it was. Even level three students might forget that detail, and she didn’t even flinch. I’d heard from one of the professors that she hadn’t even mentioned bacteria to her students yet.
Impressive
I hid my smirk as I noted that only two students remained calm and composed throughout the questioning.
“Last question. I need a volunteer,” I said.
“Which condition is characterized by a tremor that typically occurs when the affected person is trying to perform tasks, such as writing or holding a cup of coffee?” I asked, leaning against my desk with my hands resting on it.
Caden Keegan raised his hand. “Nightsworn Tremor, or what mortals call Parkinson’s disease,” he answered.
I raised an eyebrow. Just as I was about to respond, I noticed Miss Coffey raising her hand in my peripheral vision.
“Miss Coffey?” I asked.
She stood up, her gaze steady, though a faint flicker of hesitation passed through her eyes. Taking a measured breath, she began.
“With all respect to Sir Keegan, I think he is mistaken by his answer” She spoke with a serious tone, a hint of coldness, and an air of confidentiality.
“Alright, let me hear it” I said flatly. 
“It’s a disorder that causes involuntary tremors, most commonly in the hands. While it’s referred to as Parkinson’s disease in the mortal world, Nightsworn Tremor is the term we use here, and it primarily affects the nervous system,” she explained.
Then, with a slight pause, she continued, “From my explanation, it does align with Parkinson’s disease, but I believe the exact answer is Tremorbind. That’s the terminology we use here, though, in the human world, they call it Essential Tremors.”
I tilted my head, impressed. Her explanation was precise, even though she had hesitated for a moment. There was a sharpness in her knowledge that I hadn’t anticipated.
“Impressive” I said, nodding. “But the question isn't about the name of the condition, it's about the symptoms and how it impacts daily life.”
She hesitated briefly but recovered quickly. “The tremors are often worse when the person is at rest and improves with movement, like holding a cup or writing. They can impact a person’s daily life, making even simple tasks difficult,” she said, her voice steadying with confidence as she continued.
I allowed her to finish before giving a small nod. “Well done, Miss Coffey. You may sit down.”
As she returned to her seat, her answer lingered in my mind. There was a quiet determination in her, a sharp understanding that stood apart from the others.
I wasn’t one to show favoritism, but her potential was undeniable. A part of me wanted to push her further, to see how much she could achieve. But I don't want to spoil how this woman how she rules this class.
“Class dismissed,” I said, pulling myself from my thoughts. “And don't forget, Practical exams are close. Be prepared” 
As the students filed out, I caught another glimpse of her. Calm, composed, and unflinching, her presence left a mark.
As I gather my things, her white hair glistens in the sunlight reflected from the window as she walks away. I wonder what more she possesses behind her lovely and distinct exterior. 
                               Zaira
I let out a deep sigh as I left the classroom, still in disbelief that I’d actually made it through. Half of what I’d studied hadn’t even been on the test.
Thank goodness. I survived.
I was making my way to the cafeteria when someone called my name.
"Zaira." A light tap on my shoulder made me turn.
Wavy hair, dark brown eyes.
"Caden?"
"Good job back there," he said, his laugh a little awkward. "I feel pretty dumb for missing that clue earlier”
My eyes widened in surprise. "Uh... well, thanks, you're not so bad about yourself" I said. 
"Maybe we could study together sometime?" he asked, his tone casual, but there was a hopeful edge to it.
I heard of him and his family, one of the nobles in this kingdom. From their thriving enterprises. His brothers and sisters are known to be geniuses, I don't see any problem working with him. 
"That sounds like a good idea," I replied.
A smile broke across his face, and with a small nod, he turned and walked off.
Still replaying the moment in my head, I almost collided with a pillar on my way to the cafeteria.
"Careful where you’re going, Miss Coffey," a familiar voice chided.
I looked up quickly. "Professor..."
"Sorry..."
He smiled, the kind that was rare to see from him, and placed a brief hand on my shoulder. 
"You did well today. Keep it up," he said before walking away.
The faint scent of his leather cologne lingered in the air, clinging to my uniform and sending my heart racing. For a moment, I just stood there, frozen, watching him disappear down the hall. A smile crept across my face. 
By the time I reached the cafeteria, the girls swarmed around me like a pack ready to pounce.
"What. Was. That?" Callista blurted out with an amused smirk. 
“What?” I asked innocently, figuring out what she's referring to. 
“You did well,” Callista mocked, her tone overly dramatic.
“Maybe we could study together sometime,” Stella added, mimicking Caden’s casual drawl with a teasing grin.
“And now it seems both members of the male species have a thing for you, Zaira,” Ainsley chimed in, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Oh Great. 
“Species? What Are you referring to? animals?” I exclaimed, feeling the heat rush to my face.
“Relax, Zaira. We’re just stating the obvious,” Callista said, crossing her arms with a smirk that screamed trouble.
“It’s not what you think!” I turned away, desperately trying to downplay the situation.
“Thorne doesn't usually give compliments, especially to students even though they are so smart or blessed by the Goddess of wisdom he rarely gives compliments” Callista explained. 
“It's rare” I said, highlighting the rare “Still he can give compliments to students, it doesn't matter!” I exclaimed. 
Callista exclaimed “Hon guys like Thorne are easy to read, and I think I know what happened here” 
“Guys like Thorne?” Stella echoed, her brow arched.
“You know,” Callista began, gesturing with a flair, “Behind that cold, dark atmospheric exterior of his, the way he looks at you is different compared to how he looks at other students” she said, trying to make a point of her statement. 
Ainsley looked at Callista asking “How do Thorne look at Zaira?” she asked. 
“Like he was captivated by a work of art created by Athena” Callista said with a dreamy tone, blinking like someone lost in daydreams.
I heard Ainsley and Stella laugh as Vallista portrayed it. I can feel the heat rising from my cheeks. 
“Guys, keep your voice down. Someone might hear you!” I said, trying to calm the atmosphere between us. 
“Honestly, Callista’s not wrong,” Ainsley said with a shrug.
“Aww, thanks, Ains,” Callista replied, flashing her a proud grin.
“You’re all overthinking it! This is ridiculous. You can't judge Cal like that; you can't define someone based on just one look” I said. 
“And don't get started with me shipping me with my own professor” I highlighted the professor. “That's forbidden and besides he's like what? in his thirties, " I added. 
“He doesn't look like he's in his thirties,” Stella commented. 
“Because he's not, he's 27” Callista corrected. 
“Wait, seriously? That young and already a doctor?” Ainsley’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Yep. Did some digging last night,” Callista said, looking smug.
“I don’t care,” I said firmly, shaking my head. But no matter how much I protested, the growing flush on my cheeks gave me away entirely.
All three of them raised their brows. “Are you sure about that?” Stella asked, her tone dripping with skepticism.
“You’re all insane,” I replied flatly.
“Kind of,” Callista admitted with a shrug, her lips curving into a mischievous smile.
 “Let’s make a bet.”
I frowned, narrowing my eyes at her. “A bet?”
“If my assumption is right, I have to use you my patient every blood withdrawal and assist me in every clinical studies for the rest of the semester” 
Shocked was across my face, that is a lot, and yet I know that I have an advantage. 
“And how do we know that your assumptions are right?” I asked again. 
“Thorne shows small, unexpected gestures towards you, things we didn't think he'd do.”
“And how long is this bet supposed to last?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“Oh, honey, we can’t rush love. Let’s say... by the end of the year,” she proposed, looking entirely too pleased with herself.
“I think that’s fair,” Stella chimed in.
“Wait, you’re siding with her?” I asked, staring at Stella in disbelief.
“Sorry, Zaira, but I love you,” she said with a grin, “and I’m dying to see how this live series of yours plays out.”
My gaze darted to Ainsley, silently pleading for her to be the voice of reason. But she just shrugged, offering me a sheepish smile.
“I’m with Callista for now. Sorry,” Ainsley said softly, looking down at the table.
I sighed, already regretting what I was about to say. “Fine!”
Callista perked up instantly. “Alright. If I win, you let me use your blood for vile testing.
I raised a brow. “And if I win, you have to ask Seth out. Like on a date.”
Her eyes widened in horror. “Are you kidding me? A date with Seth?”
I saw her in surprise “Seth, of all men why him?” He asked raising his brow 
“Well… I can tell that both of you have chemistry” I said, smirking. 
“It’s fair,” Stella said with a shrug and Ainsley nodded siding her. 
Callista groaned dramatically but eventually sighed in defeat.
 “Fine!”
And just like that, we sealed the deal with a handshake on our ridiculous bet.
It was absurd, no doubt, but I couldn’t help feeling a little confident. This semester was shaping up to be wildly entertaining—especially when I imagined Callista’s reaction after I asked Seth out.