427- The Safest Danger
POV Thalyndra Moonclaw:
I was already used to the comments, and even more used to ignoring each one of them, along with everyone's opinions of me. I wouldn't be around long enough for any of it to affect me, anyway. When they least expected it, I would cease to exist in their lives and become a mere memory, until I was forgotten entirely.
I tossed the paper towels in the trash, turned around, and walked out of the bathroom, leaving them behind.
The hallways were more spacious now, with fewer students, most of whom had already found their way to their next class.
I spotted my father rounding the corner ahead of me. Wearing his impeccable dark navy suit, which fit his frame well, he carried the brown leather briefcase — a gift from my mother and me years ago — that matched his shoes. He was tall and lean, with brown hair showing a few white streaks that had begun to appear in recent years. Dark eyes, attentive and full of knowledge. Thin brows, defined lips, and a straight nose.
He looked like a man at the peak of his early fifties. None of the humans around us could have known that this man actually possessed more than four hundred years of life.
He didn't have the toned muscles of most wolves, since he didn't live as they did — hunting and fighting. His greatest weapon was his vast knowledge.
He stopped in front of me and smiled, leaning in to plant a kiss on my forehead. He stroked my hair before letting go and stepping back to look at me.
I breathed in, absorbing his scent, which always did me so much good.
"Sweetheart, are you heading to your next class?" he asked in a warm tone.
He treated me as though I were still his little girl, the child who had grown up completely attached to her father. And I didn't mind in the slightest — I adored every bit of affection, love, care, and devotion he had for me.
"Yes," I confirmed, unable to hold back a sigh. He studied me with narrowed eyes.
"I know you get bored, but you know you need this to earn that diploma you've always dreamed of," he murmured, low enough that only I could catch it with my sharpened hearing.
"I know, but it doesn't make it any less dull and tedious to sit through explanations of everything I already know."
He laughed, reached out, and ruffled my hair playfully.
"If you weren't so curious and stubborn, my little girl, you wouldn't be bored in class — you'd learn everything at the right pace, just like your classmates."
I scoffed.
"They explain the bare minimum. I'd be limited if I depended only on what's covered in the classroom."
The problem was that none of my classmates had a lupine with over four hundred years of knowledge as a father. If I let myself be shaped only by what my human professors taught, my understanding would be just as limited as theirs.
He glanced around before turning back to me.
"They learn and teach according to their capacities, Thalyndra. You know they live far shorter lives — there simply isn't enough time for them to learn everything we know," he said, murmuring the affectionate nickname he had created for me.
"I know, Dad, which is why I'd rather learn from you." I rolled my eyes. "No matter how tedious all my classes become afterward."
His eyes lit up with amusement.
"Then get to your classes and stop complaining. You're nearly at the end of your course. Soon enough, you'll have your own students to teach."
And I would be like him — I wouldn't limit my students the way every professor did. I would try to teach them as much as possible, pass on every bit of knowledge I could.
My father was well known in his field, highly regarded and respected. Having so much knowledge allowed him to give excellent lectures.
A few students passed by us and greeted him. He waved back warmly, then turned his attention to me.
"How many classes do you have left? I only have three more and then I'm free," I asked, hoping he had the same number and could give me a ride home.
My mother worked at a museum, fulfilling her hours. It was rare that she could give me a ride. When my father couldn't, I walked or took the bus.
He shook his head.
"I'm heading home — I don't have any more classes today," he said. "Your mother will be home too. Apparently there was some issue with the museum's security system, so they gave the staff the day off."
"Oh, how wonderful." I scoffed. He leaned in, leveling his face with mine.
"I can come pick you up, Thalyndra. We'll have a family dinner. Your mother is going to make Mici."
My eyes went wide at the news.
"With mustard and bread?" I asked, licking my lips. He nodded, smiling.
"I'm leaving here and going straight to the market to buy the ingredients."
Although it was my favorite dish, my mother didn't make it often. Blending beef, pork, and lamb, then grilling it, was quite a bit of work — especially for someone who didn't enjoy cooking, like Sorina Moonclaw.
I looked down at my torn jeans and black Converse. Not exactly ideal footwear for a walk, but comfortable enough for the exercise.
"Don't worry about me, Dad. It's a beautiful day — I'll walk home," I told him.
He pressed his lips together.
"Are you sure? I don't mind coming to get you."
My parents worked so hard. And when they weren't working, they were worried about our safety. They deserved this time together. It was on evenings like this that we talked about the future, made travel plans, and I learned something interesting. My father was always ready to teach, and I was always ready to learn from him.
Dinner was meant to be a time to unwind, to enjoy each other as a family, to appreciate one another's company.
"Yes, I'm sure."
A ride was useful on days when I needed to get home as quickly as possible to review material for a test or finish an assignment — and for the convenience of it too, of course.
He planted a kiss on the top of my head.
"If anything comes up, reach out to me, Thalyndra. Don't hesitate to call me if you suspect you're being followed. I've taught you every step — you know how to handle it."
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll be safe."
He nodded, drawing a slow breath, taking in my scent.