(Riven's POV)
Before dawn the palace courtyard was filled up. I was standing there, in the silver uniform which Mother had gotten me, and the emblem of my pack was sewed on my breast. The elders were in a straight line and they were full of pride and expectation on their faces. My mother, gleaming in her Luna robes, was at the front, smiling broadly, but with a worried expression.
You are so like him, I said to myself, as I pulled up the collar of my uniform. Your father would have been proud of you, Riven.
I smiled, with difficulty, and swallowed the great lump in my throat. "I hope so."
The wolves were murmuring blessings all around me.
Mother bent and spoke in a low voice. Keep your smell covered, remember. Do not remain too much too long with the males. You are split, son of Alpha Darius Blackwood. Nothing more, nothing less."
I nodded. "I know, Mother."
Her eyes dimmed a little, the mask of the Luna fell a little. "Be strong, my child. Your future is the packs future, my dear.<|human|>The pack.
As soon as those words came out of her mouth I knew I was bearing an extra burden on my shoulders. I swung, giving one parting wave and got into the carriage.
It was a hours ride to Dravenhold Academy. I made myself not to think of the words of the witch of last night--of her hoarse voice ringing in my ears like a curse.
The spell will be as long as nature remains silent. But when your blood runs... or when the moon heat calls, your truth will come back.
I shuddered, clasped my hands. I could not dare to consider it at the present moment. Not at a time when a whole pack was relying on me.
At noon the carriage arrived in front of huge iron gates. The Dravenhold Academy was ahead.
I went out, endeavoring to avoid appearing like a foundling. Students were wandering in close groups--young men of broad shoulders and clear-eyed and proud walk. Both of them were future alphas, heirs to great packs. And I was there with them, a lie in the flesh and illusion.
A wolf, with a grim face and dressed in black, gave me a parchment at registration. Riven Blackwood, Silver Crest Pack. You have been allocated room 207, East Wing. Your roommate--Lucian Vale."
I froze mid-step. "Lucian Vale? The prince?"
The man lifted an eyebrow, unimpressionable. "Yes. You're lucky, boy. Don't make me regret it."
I nodded in a frenzy, and seized the parchment. Lucian Vale. Son of the Lycan King. The untouchable, as everybody says.
The East Wing was more sophisticated than the rest. I came to Room 207 in the end of a long corridor. It was my hand that shook a little as I knocked.
"Come in," a calm voice replied.
I threw the door open and stood still.
Lucian Vale was a few feet off the door, with a smile on his face, as I entered.
He reached out and I shook his hand, hoping that he did not notice the shiver in mine.
And so, Welcome to Dravenhold, he said, and shook my hand. You look... not the way you were last night.
My heart skipped. "Different?"
He chuckled lightly. "Less polished. Guess palace lights work wonders to looks.
I forced a nervous laugh. "Yeah, I suppose."
He pointed to the left side of the room. "That side's yours. Unpack quick. It is half an hour till orientation.
and with this he took up a book and quitted the room.
As soon as the door was closed behind him, I breathed sharply. "Oh Moon Goddess..." I muttered, rubbing my chest. My pulse was still racing.
I started unloading gradually, clothes, books, my sword, a little picture of my mother and father. Everything had its place. It was a plain though a large room, divided in a nice manner between the civilized order of Lucian and the disorder of mine that was to come.
An hour later, after positioning, I sat down on the side of my bed wiping the sweat off my forehead. I picked up my crystal and dialed my mother. It struck once, twice--then no more. "Come on, Mother..." I whispered, trying again. Still nothing.
Maybe she was busy. I heaved a sigh and stood up making a decision to clean up before orientation.
As I switched on the tap, the mirror in the bathroom fogged a bit. I stared at my reflection.
The witch had done her work only too well. I was sharper in the jawline and broader in the shoulders. Yet... something looked off. My skin was less dry, my lips plumper--nearly as usual.
No, no, it is my imagination, I said to myself. "You're fine, Riven. You're fine."
I dipped my face in water, in an attempt to calm down my breathing. Then I pulled at the bottom of my shirt, and made my mind up to alter. When I peeled off the last of my garments I stood still.
On the white of my underwear was a small stain of red.
My blood ran cold. "No... no, no, no!"
I ripped the cloth away, and looked in terror. My gut was knotting, aching in the bottom of my abdomen. "It can't be..."
I heard the warning of the witch in my head.
The spell will be broken when your blood will touch your skin.
I fell backwards, holding on to the sink. My reflection was wavering--masculine features dimming, melting. My heart sank and my breath came in shallow gasps. Oh, Moon goddess... not now... no, no, not now. No period now, please."
The pain intensified. I took a towel, which I desperately tried to clean off the blood, but I was too shaky to do so.
A knock came at the door.
"Riven?" Lucian's voice. Calm, polite. Too close. "You alright in there? Orientation's starting."
Panic surged through me. "Y-yeah!" I called, voice cracking. "I'll be out in a minute!"
I took the towel once more, and rubbed it between my legs.
"Why do I smell blood?" Lucian asked.