It had been a week since we made that silly bet with Callista, and still, no sign of Throne showing any interest in me. Yet Callista still believes her intuition, and sge fully trusted it. I was in the classroom letting my thoughts fly as I scribbled on my notebook. 
"Good morning," Thorne’s voice rang out as he walked to the front of the room, papers in hand. His brow was furrowed, clearly irritated. I followed his movements, he was sitting, releasing a heavy sigh. 
"Everyone, I have an announcement to make," he said, his voice cutting through the room, the atmosphere growing tense.
"Next week, there’s a test a battery test," he continued. "This is your proof that you have the necessary knowledge to handle clinical duties," he added.
That’s too soon!
"I know what you’re thinking that It’s too soon for this," he sighed.
"But the new curriculum has just started," he went on. "This year, we’re prioritizing skills."
"I’m here to help you pass, but if some of you don’t make it, I’m afraid you’ll have to repeat this course," he finished.
A soft murmur of unease spread through the classroom. As he speak looking at us directly, the room fells silent
"We don’t have time to waste," he said.
"Let’s begin." That was the only thing I caught clearly.
I scribbled down notes as he went through the material, giving a quick overview of anatomy but focusing more on surgical aspects. I noticed some classmates yawning, but I stayed focused, keeping up with him.
"How about a little quiz today?" he asked.
The room shifted as my classmates snapped out of their daze at the mention of a quiz, and he gave us a small smile. My mouth fell half opened looking at him, stunned ss I looked around. My classmates were surprised as well. 
He's got to be kidding! 
"Get a sheet of paper," he instructed, settling into a chair.
Damn it! I am not prepared for the quiz and not confident about what I hear from him.
 I quickly grabbed a piece of paper and started jotting down notes, though doubt lingered in my mind. I wasn’t feeling too confident about it.
                                Thorne
I hated it when students yawned or seemed bored during my lectures it felt incredibly disrespectful. I’d explained nerves, tissues, and blood cells countless times, yet all they did was yawn and zone out.
I couldn’t help but grin as I watched them, twirling my pen between my fingers. I began asking questions. It feels good grilling students again. 
The students started sweating, looking more and more uncomfortable. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of her again.
I kept asking questions and stealing glances at her while also watching for cheaters. Some students were scratching their heads, clearly stumped.
"Pass," I said, watching her glance up at me. Our eyes met once again. I swallowed as she quickly looked away, handing her paper to a classmate.
I didn’t tolerate paper exchanges students could easily erase or change their answers, which drove me crazy. 
I checked each paper carefully, moving down the line until I reached hers. Though I remembered the answers each numbers. Yet, I doubled check the answers on my answer sheets to ensure that I wasn't mistaken. 
My muscles tensed, but I kept my composure. I removed my glasses as I gently massaged my tenple, I looked at them blankly. 
"I’m not happy with your scores," I said, keeping my voice steady.
"Be more attentive in my class. I don’t want to see all of you yawning in front of me it’s disrespectful," I added firmly.
"Here, return these papers," I told one of the students, stealing another glance at her as she received her paper. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and her lips curled into a wide, beautiful smile.
"I’d like to congratulate Zaira Coffey for achieving the highest score," I announced. She smiled at me, her eyes sparkling. Adorable.
Two students passed Mr. Keegan and Zaira. Keegan barely reached the passing score, but Zaira she’d earned the highest score. What a smart woman you are.
"Class dismissed," I said, and they immediately began packing up and leaving. I stood up and locked the classroom door. Just as I was about to step out, I saw Zaira and Keegan standing in front of me, chatting and laughing.
My muscles tensed, and my jaw tightened as I glanced at Keegan. While he waved goodbye, Zaira was about to walk off.
"Professor," she greeted.
"Heading for lunch?" I asked.
She nodded, sighing. "Good job in class today."
I walked away. Part of me wanted to invite her for lunch but I don't like eating school cafeterias, they're crowded and noisy it irritates me. 
And it will be weird if I did ask her for lunch, I need to maintain the role as a good ‘professor’ to reached what I've plan. The justice that I want to achieve. And this is the only way to make this work and to keep it clean. I dont give a shit about teaching anatomy to students but, today—I don't have any other choice but to be one. 
I glanced at a man with his usual black shirt - collar "Ackerman," came a greeting.
It was Zion Blackwell. With his curly hair and standing a few inches taller than me, Zion Blackwell was someone I’d known since I arrived in this world. I wasn’t entirely sure what he did, but I suspected he was in charge of security for the royal family. Not to mention, a princess was enrolled at the school.
"Blackwell."
We exchanged a glance as we passed each other. Since I was only part-time at the school, I could head home now.
A few minutes later, I stepped into my office, where Butler J greeted me.
"How was your day, my lord?" he asked.
"Nothing interesting… well, maybe something," I said.
"I have one extraordinary student today the albino girl I mentioned," I added.
Butler J had been a trusted member of my family for years, even before I was born. From the moment I arrived here, he had taken care of me, and I trusted him completely.
"Oh? What did she do?" he asked.
"She got the highest score on my test today, and some of it wasn’t even covered in my lecture," I replied.
"Medical students are impressive these days. I'm sure she’ll make a great chirurgeon in the future," he said.
"I'm sure she will..."
"What are the updates?" I shifted to another topic as I spun my glass of rum.
Rum in this dimension is strong, but it tastes better than whiskey from the mortal world.
"I’ve received no suspicions about the village, my lord. As for the bandits, they don’t come as frequently as before. It seems the security has tightened up since it’s now used by the students of Hipocralis Academy," he said.
"I see," I replied. "You may leave." Butler J bowed and left my office. I set my glass down and closed my eyes.
Blood on snow, a lifeless body in the winter cold, a little boy screaming helplessly.
I despise winter and everything related to it
the cold, the appearance of it. The mere memory triggers a sickness in my stomach.
White curly hair, light blue eyes, and the clean scent of jasmine and white musk.
She looks like winter and smells of it, yet the rage of a lingering memory still exists though I can't bring myself to hate her either.
                                   Zaira
"Seriously, Zaira, come out! You've been studying for the last four hours!"
I heard Callista banging on my door and sighed, glancing at the papers scattered around my room. She was right; I hadn’t left for the past four hours.
Classes were postponed today for a teachers' meeting, which was a relief. It gave me a chance to start reviewing for the upcoming exams.
I opened the door slightly and saw Callista standing there with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.
I sighed and opened the door wider. "What do you want?" I asked.
"Stella suggested we get some treats for tonight," she said, and I was about to respond when she cut me off.
"We won’t take no for an answer, honey. You've been holed up in your room long enough. I get that you need to study, but a little snack won’t hurt," she added.
I suppose she’s right. I’ve been stressing myself out since Thorne mentioned the upcoming test. As a student desperate to pass, I knew I needed to study, but Callista was right a snack wouldn’t hurt.
I sighed. "Alright."
She cheered, and I grabbed my jacket. As we stepped out, Stella and Ainsley waved at us. It was nice that Stella had moved in with Ainsley; now she was closer to us.
"Where are we going for treats?" I asked.
"You don’t know?" Stella asked, surprised.
"Know what?" I asked again.
Ainsley smiled. "It’s a celebration from Hipocralis Academy. Every year, they celebrate the freshmen and transfer students to welcome them."
"Old students from various clubs set up stalls with all sorts of goods. These will be open for two days, and today’s the opening," Ainsley explained.
"Ugh! Their strawberry tarts are to die for!" Stella exclaimed.
After a few minutes of walking, I was greeted by colorful banners overhead, joyful music, and students laughing. Vendors offered free samples, and the lanterns, though the only source of light, illuminated the entire area with a warm glow.
"I told you it’s beautiful!" Callista exclaimed.
I won’t regret what I chose today!
"Let’s eat dinner first," Ainsley suggested. We headed to a small store sheltered by a tent, with a long table that easily fit the four of us. 
The little restaurant had a charming vibe, with wooden tables, a cute mushroom centerpiece, and hanging potted plants. Despite being meters away, the festive music still reached us.
The menu was laid out on the table, and we all began scanning it. After a few seconds, Stella broke the silence.
"What are y’all getting?" she asked.
"I guess I’ll have this one," Callista said.
We had already made up our minds and were about to order when suddenly, someone approached us. He was wearing a white button-up shirt with an autumn-red apron.
His slicked-back hair, pointed nose, and brown eyes caught my attention. My eyes widened.
"Caden!?"
He smiled. "Zaira, you're here?"
"What are you doing here dressed like a waiter?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He chuckled, his laugh rich and husky. "Well, I’m just helping a friend. That’s why I’m dressed like this tonight."
"I see you’re with your friends," he added.
"Yeah, this is Callista, Stella, and Ainsley," I said, gesturing to them.
"We’ve met," Stella replied.
Caden slightly bowed to Callista and then returned his gaze to me.
I heard Callista clear her throat as Caden looked at her. "Oh, yeah—what are you girls getting for today?" he asked.
Callista smiled and listed our orders. After he left, the girls turned to me with raised brows.
"What!?" I asked, trying to play it cool.
"I think there's something in his eyes towards you Zai," Ainsley commented.
I looked at her confused “Like what? Like an art that he cant afford to look away?” I mocked. 
“Something like that” she grinned. 
"We're not doing this again guys, Caden and I we're friends and got closer because of studies that's it” I said.
Callista was about to open her mouth when I stopped her. “Not a word, I'm here to eat” I said. 
She sighed “Fine, I am still in Team Thorne anyway” she said rolling her eyes playfully. 
"Team Thorne forever!" Stella chimed in.
"Stella, don't encourage her!" I said, covering my face in embarrassment.
"Thorne here!" Ainsley added.
"Yeah, not happening!" I shot back, still flustered.
"Zai you're a goal oriented woman, we do actually. But, Flirting is not a good idea also” I said.
“Yeah, but not with my professor” I pointed out. “And besides, I am having fun. With all of you, of course."
“It's not the same with hot men” Stella winks. Surprised, I didn't know as a princess she speaks a flirty version like Callista. 
"I’m positive I’m surrounded by idiots," I whispered under my breath.
Stella laughed and said, “We love you too.”
A few hours later, after finishing our dinner at the store, we decided to check out some stalls before heading back. The night was still young, and we had time to explore. Even though I had studies to attend to, they could wait.
Ainsley and I roamed around while Callista and Stella were busy trying to win over a polar bear. I smiled at Ainsley, who was engrossed in another book.
I chuckled as she purchased novels and manuals about herbs and medicines.
"I spent a lot today," Ainsley whispered.
I laughed. "It’s alright, you can take your money back sooner."
We made our way back to our friends and were surprised to see Callista holding a polar bear.
"Congrats, Cal, you’ve won!" Ainsley praised her.
"Nope! She was so frustrated that she threw the ball at the owner’s head," Stella corrected, her eyes wide.
Our eyes widened in concern as we looked at Callista.
"But I did some negotiating, so we're free, and I got her the teddy bear she wanted," Stella explained, shrugging.
“Oh! I almost forgot. Hey Ainsley, Stella, can you come with me? I forgot my wallet at the store,” Callista said with a sheepish laugh.
“And Zaira, could you please hold Mr. Poleber for me?” she added as she handed me the stuffed polar bear.
"Poleber?" I thought, staring at the bear. Before I could protest, they were all gone, leaving me alone with this ridiculous stuffed animal.
"Miss Coffey?"
The voice made me glance behind me in surprise. The familiar sophisticated leather scent, husky tone, and raven-black eyes were unmistakable.
“P-professor?” I stammered, suddenly feeling very out of place holding a giant polar bear.