The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 61

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**

**Chapter 61: No Signal, No Escape**

As the sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over Astralis College, a sleek black sedan glided to a halt just outside the imposing gates of the institution.

From the vehicle emerged a young man clad in the standard academy uniform, his strides long and purposeful. The transparency of his rimless glasses softened the sharp angles of his face, lending him an air of understated sophistication. His shoulder-length hair was tied back in a casual ponytail, exuding a relaxed charm that belied the intensity simmering beneath the surface. He adjusted his glasses with a subtle flick and made his way toward the grand entrance of Astralis College.

“Thora, I heard you broke off your engagement with that Caleb guy! Congrats!” The incessant chatter of Shirley trailed behind her, a whirlwind of words that seemed to fill the silence. She had a knack for finding something to say, even when the air was thick with unspoken thoughts. “You’re so brave for cutting off that troublesome arrangement! I mean, who needs that kind of drama in their life?”

Suddenly, a sharp, jarring sound sliced through the calm of the academy grounds, echoing ominously.

Thora’s head snapped up, her ears attuned to the source of the sound. She could feel the tension in the air as numerous footsteps approached from the hidden nooks of the academy, their movements synchronized and disturbingly light. These were not just any footsteps; they belonged to individuals trained for precision and stealth.

Shirley’s animated chatter came to an abrupt halt as her gaze darted toward the direction of the sound, a strange glimmer of realization flickering in her eyes.

The piercing noise subsided almost as quickly as it had arrived, and most students continued with their activities, blissfully unaware of the brewing storm.

But Thora’s expression darkened, her instincts kicking into overdrive. Without a second thought, she surged forward, urgency propelling her.

Caught off guard, Shirley found herself right in Thora’s path. Before she could process what was happening, Thora’s momentum sent her stumbling backward, colliding with a solid figure—a veritable “wall of muscle.” Books tumbled from her grasp, scattering across the ground like fallen leaves.

“Ah!” she exclaimed, her surprise palpable.

Whirling around, she hurriedly apologized, her eyes wide with embarrassment, not even bothering to see who she had bumped into. “I’m so sorry!”

Thora, frowning, bent down to help gather the scattered books.

At that very moment, the man whom Shirley had collided with also crouched down, his hands deftly picking up the books and offering them back to her.

Only then did Shirley and Thora get a good look at him. He was strikingly handsome, his rimless glasses enhancing his refined demeanor, yet the depths of his dark pupils hinted at secrets untold.

Shirley froze, an instinctual warning flashing through her mind. This man was not just any passerby; he radiated danger.

Taking a cautious step back, she accepted the books with a trembling hand and instinctively sought refuge behind Thora.

Thora stood upright, her gaze locking with the man’s. A fleeting sense of familiarity washed over her, but as she scrutinized his features, she was certain she had never encountered him before.

The man studied Thora with an intensity that made her heart race. Then, turning to Shirley, he offered a gentle smile. “Miss, you should be more mindful of where you’re going next time.”

Shirley nodded, her voice caught in her throat, too intimidated to respond further.

With a nod to Thora, the man smoothly stepped past them, continuing deeper into the heart of the academy.

Thora’s pupils narrowed, her gaze sharpening like a blade.

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