Chapter 16 NO!!!My Samples!!
Lyra's POV
Two weeks had passed since that night at Hot Springs Cave. A cold silence hung between Dorian and me, and I buried myself in the library and the lab. I hunched over my workstation, carefully measuring the final drops of wolfsbane extract into the solution.
"Perfect,"I held the vial up to the light, watching the particles dance in suspension.
"Almost done," I murmured, transferring the solution into labeled sample containers.
Only two exams remained before graduation.
Then I'm free. Free from Dorian.
I locked my research samples in the secure cabinet and gathered my belongings. The hallways of the Medical Academy were quieter than usual today, most students preparing for their trials or attending the special research symposium.
"Well, if it isn't Blackthorne's charity project."
I stiffened at the familiar voice. Chloe Hawthorne stood blocking the corridor, but she wasn't alone. Beside her was a figure that made my blood run cold. It was Seraphina.
"Seraphina," I said. "I didn't know you were visiting the academy."
"Oh, didn't Dorian mention? I'm participating in a two-week advanced research program here." Seraphina's tone made it clear she considered herself far superior to the regular students.
Chloe practically vibrated with excitement beside her new idol. "Seraphina's been showing me techniques from the Northern Territories," she gushed. "Real wolf healing, not the textbook nonsense they teach here."
"How fascinating," I replied, attempting to move past them.
Seraphina stepped gracefully into my path. "I've heard so much about your... research, Lyra. Eclipse Syndrome, isn't it? Quite ambitious for someone with your... background."
Among werewolves, there exists one of the oldest and most evil curses—the Eclipse Curse. Its manifestations include "headaches" and a sense of soul detachment after transformation, as if the brain is being torn from the inside by a cold claw. The Eclipse Curse has no clear pathogenesis and no cure. What I'm researching is Eclipse Syndrome, a more commonly occurring condition that has the potential to be cured.
"My research follows established scientific methods," I said, keeping my voice steady. "Just like any other student here."
"Of course," Seraphina agreed. "Though I do wonder where you found your formulas. Some of those equations looked... familiar when I glimpsed your work in the symposium display."
My heart skipped a beat. Where had she seen my research?
Chloe stepped forward, gaining confidence. "Seraphina noticed similarities to ancient Hawthorne family formulas. Isn't that interesting?"
"What are you implying?" I asked.
Seraphina said. "Oh, nothing at all. Simply an observation. After all," her voice dropped to a whisper only we could hear, "it would be such a shame if someone were to... misrepresent the origins of their work. Especially someone in such a precarious position."
The threat was clear, even wrapped in her elegant words. My wolf snarled internally, sensing the danger these two represented together.
"Excuse me," I said firmly, shouldering past them.
As I walked away, I heard Seraphina's melodious laugh. "Such spirit," she said to Chloe. "I can see why this might be... entertaining."
---
The next day brought my meeting with Dr. Lunaris. "Your diagnostic approach to Eclipse Syndrome is particularly impressive, Miss Nightfall," he said, studying me over his silver-rimmed glasses. "You should submit your final results to the academic committee. Your research could have breakthrough applications for certain Alpha bloodline conditions."
Hope flickered in my chest. "Thank you, Professor. I'll prepare my submission right away."
But when I returned to the lab to finalize my samples, horror struck. The solution in my final vial was slightly off from what it should have been.
My hands trembled as I grabbed a testing strip. The paper turned deep crimson, indicating blood moon pollen contamination.
Someone tampered with our sample, my wolf growled. The one we submitted to the committee...
My phone buzzed: "URGENT: Report to Academic Committee Hearing Room immediately. RE: Academic misconduct allegations."
Ice flooded my veins. We've been set up.
---
The hearing room felt like a court of execution. The committee sat in their elevated semicircle, their expressions stern. But what made my heart sink was the front row. Chloe Hawthorne sat beside her distinguished father, and next to them was Seraphina.
"Miss Nightfall," Chairman began, "you've been called to address serious allegations of academic misconduct."
Chloe stood first, but her eyes kept darting to Seraphina for approval. "I was shocked to discover my formulas in Lyra's submission. I had no choice but to report it."
The lab technician hurried in with test results. Mr. Howlton's expression darkened as he read. "Miss Nightfall, analysis confirms blood moon pollen in your samples—a Class A banned substance. This adds a serious charge of endangering academic safety."
Seraphina rose gracefully, her voice carrying perfectly across the room. "If I may," she said "As someone participating in the academy's research program, I feel obligated to speak. I've observed Miss Nightfall's work methods, and I'm afraid..." She paused dramatically. "There were concerning irregularities in her approach to traditional formulas."
Several committee members leaned forward, hanging on her every word.
"The formulas in question," Seraphina continued, "bear striking resemblance to ancient Hawthorne family research that Miss Hawthorne's family has protected for generations. As an expert in traditional wolf healing, I can confirm the similarities are... unlikely to be coincidental."
My throat constricted. This was a coordinated attack, with Seraphina providing the credibility that Chloe alone couldn't command.
"Furthermore," Seraphina's voice grew softer, "I understand Miss Nightfall's... unique circumstances. She trying to prove herself in such a competitive environment must feel tremendous pressure. Perhaps this pressure led to... unfortunate decisions."
The committee exchanged meaningful glances.
Mr. Hawthorne stood, his voice carrying new confidence bolstered by Seraphina's support. "The Hawthorne family takes this matter extremely seriously. If these allegations prove true, we'll file a formal complaint with the Moon Shadow Wolf Alliance, which would implicate the Blackthorne family's reputation."
I sat frozen, watching my academic career crumble under their combined assault.