The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 13

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**

**Chapter 13: Nonsense**

Thora’s POV:

As I locked eyes with Felix, I could feel the intensity of his gaze, sharp and piercing. I took a deep breath, striving to maintain my composure. “You used to love my homemade lemon candies when we were kids,” I said, my voice steady.

That simple statement held a treasure trove of memories, a shared secret that belonged solely to us.

In that moment, I noticed a flicker of warmth in his cold demeanor, a fleeting softness that hinted at nostalgia, as if he were momentarily transported back to our childhood, a time when innocence reigned and laughter echoed around us.

“No one stays weak forever. Sometimes they just never got the chance to grow,” I added, hoping to reach the part of him that still held onto the past.

Felix continued to stare at me, his expression unreadable, as if he were weighing my words against some internal scale. His lips parted slightly, but no sound emerged; it was a silence heavy with unspoken thoughts.

I offered a small smile, one that carried a hint of determination. “I’ll get stronger. I’ll protect you,” I promised, my voice unwavering.

Anyone who knew me well would have immediately sensed the change in my tone, the resolve that had taken root within me. It was crucial to be transparent, to lay my intentions bare rather than leave them shrouded in uncertainty. After all, I was Thora now, and with this identity came the responsibility to embrace every connection tied to it.

Felix’s brow furrowed, a clear sign of his skepticism. He turned the key in the ignition, the engine roaring to life, and after a moment of hesitation, he muttered something that felt forced. “Who protects whom? You haven’t even awakened your wolf spirit.”

“I’ll grow in my own way,” I replied, my tone quiet but resolute, a promise to myself as much as to him.

The silence that followed was thick, yet I could sense the distance between us beginning to shrink, and I welcomed that change. It felt good, like a bridge slowly being rebuilt.

Before long, we arrived at Astralis College. As I stepped out of the car, I watched as Felix walked through the imposing gates without casting a glance back.

I didn’t take it to heart. Given the tension that had hung between us before, the fact that he had even given me a ride felt like a small victory.

I gazed up at the magnificent entrance of Astralis College, its grandeur almost overwhelming. This institution was the pinnacle of education within the Astralis Empire, a place where not only werewolf fighters were forged but also future leaders destined for the Astralis Senate. Pureblood nobles with awakened wolf spirits and a select few mixed-blood elites vied for admission, each one eager to bask in the prestige that came with being a part of this elite academy.

A frown creased my brow as I looked up at her, recognizing the familiar face.

She was Sophia Reynold, Hazel’s loyal follower, and a notorious bully who had made the original Thora’s life miserable.

“I want you to apologize,” I said, my expression unwavering, revealing none of the turmoil within me.

Sophia and her friends erupted into peals of laughter, their mockery echoing around the classroom.

“Hahaha! Did you hear that? She wants me to apologize? Did she hit her head after falling off that cliff? Or did those Rogues mess her up? She’s probably lost her mind … Ouch!”

Before she could finish her derisive comment, I stepped forward, my foot pressing down on her arm with a force that sent her sprawling against the desk.

“If no one ever taught you that talking nonsense can lead to consequences, allow me to be the one to enlighten you.”