chapter 74
Tori's POV:
The cafeteria buzzed with lunchtime chatter, but I kept my focus on the moon phase book.
With graduation approaching, I was determined to pass successfully. My grades had improved since returning to school, but I still felt the need to make up for lost time.
"Tori! Tori!" Morgan's excited voice cut through my concentration.
I looked up to see her racing toward me, waving a glossy flyer like it contained the secrets of the universe.
She skidded to a stop at my table, slightly out of breath. "You have to see this!"
"What is it?" I closed my textbook as she thrust the paper into my hands.
"The Lunar Phase Research Institute is hosting a competition! It's called the 'Lunar Calculation Championship' and it's open to everyone—no restrictions on age, bloodline, or rank." Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"The first prize is fifty thousand moonstones!"
My fingers tightened on the flyer as I read the details.
The competition would test participants' ability to calculate complex lunar phase impacts on werewolf abilities—exactly the kind of calculations I'd been doing since childhood.
"But that's not even the best part," Morgan continued, practically bouncing in her seat.
"The winner gets a guaranteed position at the institute! Can you imagine working at the most prestigious research center in Moonhaven?"
Something stirred inside me—a flicker of hope I hadn't allowed myself to feel in years.
"The preliminary round is next week," Morgan said. "You're entering, right? This is practically designed for you!"
I stared at the paper, remembering the competitions I'd qualified for before my imprisonment. Opportunities lost, dreams destroyed.
This time, I would grasp this chance with everything I had. Chances to turn my life around were rare, especially ones that matched my abilities so perfectly.
And if I was honest with myself, there was another motivation too—being at the institute would bring me closer to Lucas's world.
If I ever wanted to stand beside him more confidently, I needed to narrow the vast gap between us. An Omega needed extraordinary achievements to stand beside an Alpha like him.
"Yes," I said quietly. "I'm entering."
---
That afternoon, I visited Sarah Blake's office to register for the competition.
She looked up from her computer as I explained my intention.
"The Lunar Calculation Championship?" Her eyebrows rose. "That's extremely competitive, Tori."
"I know," I replied, maintaining eye contact. "But I'd like to try."
She studied me for a moment, then nodded.
"Your skills in this area are exceptional. Might as well give it a try." She helped me complete the online registration, then added, "The preliminary round is next Friday. I'll arrange for you to be excused from afternoon classes."
I felt a small spark of hope at her confidence.
"Did you know William Sullivan founded that institute? He's the most skilled lunar phase analyst in all of Moonhaven,"
Mrs. Blake continued. "If you win, you might get to work with him directly. And when you do—" her eyes twinkled, "—don't forget to get me an autograph."
I smiled, recognizing her encouragement for what it was.
Mrs. Blake had always found ways to push me forward without making it feel like pressure.
I nodded, though internally I recalled the day Morgan had pointed William Sullivan out at Howling Plaza.
I'd only glimpsed him from a distance, but there had been something oddly familiar about him. Surprise that we shared the same talent for Lunar phases.
---
In the evening, I made my way to the Grayson estate.
Arabella was there, carefully cataloging texts as sunlight streamed through the tall windows.
"Tori," she greeted me warmly. "Leo was just asking when you'd be coming for his next lesson."
I took a deep breath, my hands clasping together nervously.
"I'm really sorry, but I need to temporarily step back from tutoring Leo," I said, feeling a pang of regret.
She had given me a rare opportunity, and the income had been helping with my hardship. Walking away felt like burning a bridge I couldn't afford to lose. "I've enjoyed working with him so much, and I hate to disappoint him, but..."
"Is this about the Championship?" Arabella interrupted, her silver eyes studying me with keen interest.
"Yes, actually. How did you know?" I blinked in surprise. "I've entered the Lunar Phase Championship, and I need to focus all my energy on preparing."
Recognition dawned in her eyes. "The institute's competition? That's perfect for you."
"You know about it?"
"Of course. This is a big deal." Her lips curved into a small smile. "Don't worry about the tutoring. This is far more important for your future."
As I thanked her and turned to leave, she added softly, "The Grayson family always supports talented wolves in pursuing their own paths, especially those with exceptional gifts like yours. We admire determination, Tori."
Her words wrapped around me like an unexpected embrace.
Coming from Lucas's sister, this felt like more than mere politeness—it felt like genuine recognition.
I walked out of the library with renewed purpose, my steps lighter than before.
Perhaps I could forge a future beyond what society had prescribed for someone of my rank.
---
The remaining time passed in a blur of calculations and formulas.
I spent every free moment studying, often working late into the night when the moonlight was strongest and my abilities peaked.
"You're going to make yourself sick," Morgan said one evening, finding me surrounded by papers covered in complex lunar equations.
It was past midnight, and my eyes burned with fatigue.
"I'm fine," I insisted, though my hands trembled slightly from exhaustion.
"When's the last time you ate a proper meal?" she demanded.
I couldn't remember.
"This competition matters," I finally said. "It's one of the few things in my life I can actually control."
Morgan's face softened. "I know. Just... take care of yourself, okay?"
When the notification came that I'd qualified for the finals, I felt a surge of satisfaction. The preliminary round had been challenging, but my calculations had been nearly perfect.
Now I just had to prepare for the final competition in three weeks.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and noticed how my clothes hung looser on my frame. The demanding schedule had taken its toll, but I pushed the concern aside. There would be time to recover after the competition.
Fortunately, Lucas had been occupied with inter-pack politics. I wasn't sure I could handle his scrutiny right now.
---
The Moontouch Medical Center was busy when I arrived for my pre-competition medical examination.
Now the finals were just two weeks away.
All finalists were required to undergo a standard health screening before being cleared to compete.
I sat in the waiting area, mentally reviewing lunar cycle variations while waiting for my name to be called.
"Well, if it isn't Tori Sullivan."
I looked up to see Fiona Price standing before me, her hand resting protectively over her stomach.
The gesture was deliberate, meant to draw attention.