CLOUDED
The buzz of the academy felt different this morning.
There was an almost palpable excitement in the air, something that hadn't been there the week before.
Whispers echoed down the halls, and ever now and then, a student would look at Noelani with an expression of awe, like they had just witnessed the first sign of magic on the horizon.
It was probably because of them.
Theron and Evander.
They walked the halls now, not as just strange faces, but as professors.
Professors at the academy. And even though Noelani's heart fluttered with the idea of seeing them in a new light—no longer her mates but now figures of authority—she still couldn't help the little thrill that ran through her everytime they locked eyes in the hallway.
She didn't understand why they had to teach here. It was all so sudden, and they hadn't told her much about how or why they had come to be faculty members at the academy. But they were here now. And if they were here, then surely, that meant everything had changed.
Her bright silver hair cascaded down her back, sparkling faintly in the early morning sun as she made her way to class.
A delicate ribbon of magic hummed around her, her powers more tangible than ever.
The moment she entered the classroom, all eyes were on her.
Her mates weren't there—at least, not yet.
But she could feel their presence, their pull, even if they weren't in the room.
Then she saw Evander.
He was standing at the front, his back to the class as he talked to another professor, his stance casual but commanding. He hadn't notice her yet. Noelani hesitated by the door, a little nervous to interrupt him.
The moment Theron caught sight of her though, his dark eyes locked on hers, his lips curling into a smirk. "There she is," he purred under his breath, and her heart skipped a beat.
"Lani!" Evander called, turned around, and the smile that crept across his face made her cheeks heat. "Did you want to join us? It's nearly time for class."
Her mouth went dry, and she nodded. "I—I just...I didn't want to interrupt. I didn't realize you two were... professors here now."
Evander's smile deepened. "We're here for a reason," he said, eyes flashing. "But we'll explain everything later. Right now, you've got class to attend."
Noelani shuffled to her seat, feeling the stares of the class on her back.
She was always the center of attention, but it still made her squirm a little.
Her innocence never quite faded, even with the growing power she felt inside.
And it wasn't just because of them—the boys—but the changes in her magic that made everything feel so different.
More real. More dangerous.
Later that afternoon, she found herself in Sera's room. Sera had insisted on spending some time together, away from the chaos of the academy. They were going to have some girl time—a fun little escape from the ever-present tension in Noelani's life.
Noelani was excited; she loved these little moments with Sera. The two of them had grown close, especially after the events of the past few months. Sera was the only person who saw through Noelani's nervous, shy exterior and understood her innocence like no one else.
"So," Sera began, pulling out a small joint from her bedside table, "I got this from a friend. You ever tried smoking?"
Noelani's eyes widened, and she giggled nervously, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "Um, I don't know if that's a good idea. I mean... I've heard it makes you dizzy, and what if we get caught?"
Sera raised an eyebrow and flashed a mischievous grin. "Don't worry. We won't get caught. It'll just be fun."
Noelani's hesitated for a moment, still unsure, but Sera was so convincing, and her bubbly, energetic demeanor was contagious. Besides, she trusted Sera. She wasn't about to do anything reckless... well, unless Sera was involved.
"Well, okay," Noelani said, giving in with a soft laugh. "But just one! I've never done anything like this before."
Sera leaned back, lighting the joint with a flick of her fingers, and took a long drag. She passed it to Noelani, whose eyes widened a little bit.
"Just a puff," Sera said, her voice teasing but gentle. "It'll be fun."
Noelani took a hesitant puff, holding it in for a second before exhaling in a small cloud of smoke. Her face scrunched up at the bitter taste. "Oh! That's —wow. I feel kinda light-headed."
Sera laughed. "Don't worry, that's normal. You're just getting used to it. Now relax!"
The two girls spent the next hour chatting and laughing.
Sera kept passing the joint back and forth, and Noelani slowly let herself relax into the sensation.
The world felt softer, lighter, funnier.
For the first time in a while, Noelani felt like she could just be.
No expectations. No constant tension about her bond. Just laughter and friendship.
Until Noelani started to feel very different. Her limbs felt heavier, and she found herself giggling at nothing in particular. Sera gave her a curious look. "How are you feeling, Lani?"
"I feel...funny," she giggled, almost falling back onto the bed. "Like everything is sparkly."
Sera raised an eyebrow. "Oh no... you're totally high, aren't you?"
Noelani just burst into giggles again. "I think I am!"
Sera chuckled, shaking her head. "I knew it. You're too cute when you're high."
A little while later, Noelani made her way back to her room, her movements a little wobbly.
The world seemed to shimmer around her, the colors of the academy more vibrant than ever.
But what really caught her attention were the boys—their dark eyes watching her with varying degrees of confusion, amusement, and.
.. something darker. She felt a chill run down her spine as they took in her state.
"Lani," Lucien said, stepping forward, his voice low, a smile playing on his lips. "What's going on here? You've been... with Sera, haven't you?"
Noelani giggled, her eyes glazed. "I... I think I tried smoking. It was really funny, Lucien!"
Caeden looked her up and down, raising an
eyebrow. "You're high, aren't you?"
"Yup!" She chirped, swaying slightly. "But I'm not too high! I'm still Lani!"
The boys exchanged looks—half amusement, half disbelief. Theron grinned like a predator. "Well, well, looks like our little angel has had some fun."
Evander's lips quirked into a smile. "Should we be worried?"
Noelani shook her head. "Nooo! I'm just a little... wobbly." She flailed her arms out, trying to steady herself.
The boys chuckled, clearly amused by her innocent and giggly state. Aeryn raised a brow. "You look adorable, little one."
Lysander stepped forward, his voice low. "Careful. Don't get too out of hand."
Noelani giggled again, leaning on Lucien for support. "I'm fine, I promise!"
Lucien's hand hovered at her back, steadying her. "You're a little too fine. Let's get you sitting down."
The boys watched her, entertained by her giggly innocence. There was something endearing about her, even in this state. She was still their Noelani, and they couldn't help but find the moment—her innocence, her sweetness—completely irresistible.
"Alright," Evander said, his voice a low rumble, "we'll let you have your fun for now, but don't think we're going to let you get away with this every time, sweetheart."
Noelani grinned at him. "Okay! I'll be good! Maybe!"
She really couldn't help herself. It was too much fun.
~
A/N
hello! I hope you're enjoying so far, I'm sorry to keep changing the pov from 1st and 3rd but I feel like it's good to switch it up sometimes and get different prospectives.
Anyways, as always, if you have any questions or advice feel free to let me know! 3