The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 27

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 27: I’m Surprised You Remember My Father**

In the bustling atmosphere of the campus, the sound of a bell echoed, signaling the start of class.

“Time for class,” Thora murmured to herself, her voice barely rising above the chatter of students. She glanced back one last time at Harvey and Ashton, who were doing their best to bandage their wounds with makeshift materials. Satisfied that they had managed to patch themselves up, she turned and made her way back to the lecture hall, her heart racing with anticipation.

As she entered the classroom, the teacher was already deep into the lecture, his voice droning on as if he were reciting a well-rehearsed script. Not even a flicker of acknowledgment crossed his face as Thora slipped into her seat, a familiar feeling of invisibility washing over her. Clearly, tardiness was a common occurrence in Class F, and she was just another ghost among them.

Just as she settled into her chair, she caught a glimpse of Luke, his sharp gaze hidden behind his glasses. A spark of intelligence danced in his eyes, and he greeted her with a casual, “Morning,” while his fingers continued to dance over the keyboard of his laptop.

Thora couldn’t help but smile at his nonchalant demeanor. “Morning,” she replied, her voice warm with a hint of relief.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the Astralis Empire, within the sterile walls of a prestigious military hospital, Darius strode purposefully behind a nurse into the VIP room where Marlon awaited. The air was thick with the scent of antiseptic, a stark contrast to the tension that lingered in the air.

“General Green, it’s been a long time,” Darius said, his voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of respect.

Marlon’s eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the young man before him. A flicker of recognition crossed his face, but it took him a moment to gather his thoughts. “You’re Preston Blackwood’s son, aren’t you?” he finally asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Darius bore a striking resemblance to the man Marlon remembered, yet there was something about him that felt more unpredictable, an aura that was both refined and dangerous.

“General Green, I’m surprised you remember my father,” Darius replied, inclining his head slightly, a polite gesture that seemed to surprise Marlon.

“Ah, you flatter me, Mr. Blackwood. What brings you here today?” Marlon asked, a hint of curiosity mingling with his surprise.

As the day progressed, Thora immersed herself in her studies, her focus unwavering as she scribbled notes and absorbed every word the teacher uttered. Her intense concentration created an atmosphere that made her classmates in Class F uneasy, as if they were suddenly overshadowed by the brilliance of a straight-A student.

But for Thora, this wasn’t about competition; it was a quest for knowledge in a world that felt both alien and exhilarating.

Before long, Harvey and Ashton rejoined the class, their presence instantly shifting the dynamics. The other students couldn’t help but notice the change in attitude; Ashton, with his head wrapped in bandages, engaged Thora in animated conversation, while Harvey, ever the charmer, offered her snacks with a grin. The entire class was left in a state of bewilderment, exchanging glances and whispering among themselves.

What on earth had transpired between them?

The two boys who had once looked down on Thora for her mixed heritage now seemed eager to win her favor. Their newfound camaraderie was particularly striking in front of Sophia, the girl who had always made Thora’s life difficult. Everyone knew of Sophia’s infatuation with Harvey, and watching him dote on Thora felt like a slap in the face.

Sophia could only seethe in silence, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge, biding her time for the perfect moment to strike back at Thora. The tension in the room was palpable, a storm brewing beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to erupt.