Chapter 1
The sun rose over Melboria High, filtering through stained glass towers and casting flickering shadows across the cobblestone courtyard. Students bustled in, some practicing fire spells, others shifting into animal forms mid-step. Yet Miranda Viscoff walked alone, head down, clutching her satchel.
"Eighteen today," she muttered under her breath. "And still… nothing."
A wolf-shaped ripple of panic brushed her mind. Every lycan in her family had shifted by sixteen. Every. Single. One. She hadn't even felt her wolf stir.
A group of girls passed, laughter like wind-chimes sharpened with ice. Jane, vampiric perfection with her cruel grin, flicked her hair. Kira, a demon in red leather, smirked knowingly. Sophia, a werewolf in shimmering silver, wagged a finger.
"Happy… birthday," Jane drawled.
Kira laughed. "Do you expect a miracle this year, Viscoff?"
Sophia grinned. "Don't hurt yourself trying to shift."
Miranda clenched her fists. Behind her, Melissa appeared, quiet and bright, like sunlight between clouds.
"Don't let them get to you," Melissa whispered, offering a hand. "C'mon, library first. You need answers."
Miranda nodded. The library. Her sanctuary, her first weapon in the fight against fate itself.
As she entered, the musty scent of ancient tomes filled her senses. Dust motes danced in the sunlight streaming through high windows, and the faint hum of magic lingered in the air. Her heart beat faster. Here, secrets waited. Forbidden rooms, forgotten pages, whispers of her mother's past… and perhaps the key to her missing shift.
Footsteps echoed behind her, deliberate and measured. A tall figure appeared at the doorway: Professor Dietrich. Black coat, piercing eyes, aura that made even the air feel charged.
"Good morning, Viscoff," he said smoothly. "Trying to uncover secrets you're not ready for?"
Miranda froze. His gaze was sharp, knowing, dangerous—but strangely… magnetic.
"I—uh—just looking for a book," she stammered.
"Of course," Dietrich said, a hint of amusement curling his lips. "Do take your time. The library can be… enlightening… if you're careful."
Melissa nudged her forward, whispering, "Be careful around him. He's… Dietrich."
Miranda nodded, but she couldn't look away. Some part of her knew this professor would become… more than just a teacher.
Outside, the courtyard buzzed with students. Inside, secrets waited. And Miranda? She had fifty chapters of survival, discovery, and power ahead of her.
But for now… she had to find herself before anyone else could find her.