The Human Among Wolves (Aurora) novel Chapter 315

Chapter 315

Gloves, scarves, thick socks. Sweaters folded neatly, layers of thermal leggings stacked carefully. Every movement was deliberate, a rhythm I clung to so I wouldn’t think about anything else.

Riven burst into the room, grinning. “Aurora, seriously, you’re taking forever! Just shove it all in and call it a day.”

I gave her a small, half-smile, but didn’t stop. “I like to be organized,” I said, keeping my tone light.

Mira leaned against the wall, holding up a pair of snow boots. “These are ridiculous,” she muttered. “Who even wears boots like this?”

“People who don’t want frostbite,” I said, tucking them at the bottom of my bag.

Lira popped her head in next, shaking her head. “You’re taking forever, Rory. It’s just ten days! You don’t need half your wardrobe.”

I shrugged, continuing to fold sweaters and tuck socks into corners. “It’s better than forgetting something important.”

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The room smelled faintly of clean laundry and winter, mixed with the faint wax of the candles on the desk. I went through the motions slowly- fold, stack, tuck, roll-letting the simple, physical actions keep my mind from spinning.

By the time I zipped the suitcase closed, I felt a small, quiet relief. My bag was orderly, ready. I pressed my hands against it, letting out a slow breath. At least this was done. At least this was one thing I had fully under control.

I woke up before the sun, the dorm quiet except for the soft hum of the academy settling into the early morning. I swung my legs over

the side of the bed and stretched, careful not to disturb my roommates who were still asleep. My suitcase lay closed on the floor, excatly

how I left it yesterday.

I reached for my contact lenses, sliding them in with practiced ease. I ran a hand through my hair, tying it back, then dressed quickly-

leggings, a thick sweater, coat, and boots. Everything practical, everything warm.

The rest of the dorm slowly stirred to life. Students shuffled around, laughing, carrying bags, exchanging last-minute chatter about skis, snowboards, and the mountain. My roommates were moving at a slower pace, tired from the weekend but buzzing with anticipation. I gave them brief nods and smiles, keeping my focus on the rhythm of preparing, checking my suitcase one more time and making sure nothing

was forgotten.

When the morning bell rang, we began heading toward the exit. Frost glittered across the academy grounds, catching the pale winter light, and a cold wind nipped at my cheeks. The bus to the airport hissed softly as steam rose from its exhaust, students filing on board in

organized chaos, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

I hesitated at the bottom of the steps, taking a deep breath. I wanted to act normal, just like Zayn had instructed, though every instinct in

me was screaming otherwise. And then I saw him.

18:50 Fri, Jan 30

Chapter 315

Kael.

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He was standing by the edge of the crowd, coat zipped up, scarf high, looking casual and composed-as if everything was perfectly fine. It

was for him. He had no idea that I knew.

My chest tightened, an unexpected weight settling across my shoulders.

I blinked, and my contacts shifted slightly with the motion of my eyes. I adjusted my gaze, swallowing hard, forcing myself to step forward onto the bus. Every movement felt deliberate, measured, as though I could convince the world I was calm by sheer force of will.

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