The morning sunlight crept through Ariana's window as she hurriedly dressed for class. She had stayed up late reading the book she took from the library, and her dreams were filled with wolves running under a full moon.

Now she was running late for Professor Vulkar's class. Late coming was not the first impression she wanted to make.

As she rushed across the hallway to class, she nearly hit him.

"Miss Rae," Professor Vulkar held her steady with his strong hands. "In a hurry?"

"I'm sorry, Professor!" Ariana gasped, horrified at literally hitting him. "I overslept and….."

"I see you were consumed by your reading." He looked at her with a smile on his face.

Ariana blushed. "The book was quite interesting."

"Walk with me," he said, gesturing with his hands toward the history building. "I've canceled class this morning."

"Canceled?" Ariana was surprised. "Why?"

"I have a personal matter to attend to." His tone left no room for questions. "However, since you're so interested in Oaks Haven's history, I thought you might want to read this."

He handed her a small, leather-bound journal.

"What is it?" she asked, carefully turning it over.

"The book contains the personal accounts of Jonathan Holloway, one of the town's founders." Professor Vulkar's voice was soft. "His perspectives on this town's early days are quite interesting. You may find the book helpful."

Ariana ran her fingers over the leather cover. "Thank you, but why are you giving me this?"

As at the time Ariana was asking this question, they had reached a quiet corner of the hallway. Professor Vulkar stopped, turning to face her fully. In the daylight, his blue eyes shined even brighter.

"Miss Rae, do you believe in fate?"

The question caught her off guard. "I... I'm not sure."

"Some connections can’t be explained you know.’’ He continued, studying her facial expressions with keen interest.

"Have you felt a strange connection, something calling to you since you arrived here? Something you can’t quite explain?’’ He questioned her further.

Ariana's heart began to race. How did he know about the strange feeling she had been having? It was safer to not affirm his suspicions and that was what she did.

She denied it.

"I don't understand what you mean," She said

"You will, soon enough." He replied with a cryptic tone.

Their eyes locked again and suddenly that strange connection between them grew stronger than before. It was like an electric current was binding them together. Ariana felt dizzy with it, unable to look away from his gaze.

"Professor Vulkar!" a sharp but soft voice broke the moment.

They both turned and saw Ava walking towards them. Her face showed that it was urgent.

"There you are," she said. "A message just arrived from the estate. It said it was urgent."

Professor Vulkar's facial expression went cold. "I see. Thank you, Ava."

Ava looked at Vulkar and Ariana suspiciously, her eyes asking questions about what they were both doing in that corner of the hallway.

Professor Vulkar understood the look on Ava’s face.

"Miss Rae and I were discussing her research," Professor Vulkar explained.

"I see," Ava said smoothly. "Well, Ariana, if you need any assistance with the material, I'd be glad to help."

"Thank you," Ariana replied sheepishly.

"I must attend to the urgent matter I have," Professor Vulkar said. "Make sure you read the journal, Miss Rae. We'll speak again soon."

As he walked away with Ava, Ariana was left holding the journal, more confused than ever.

Later that morning, Ariana sat with Valerie and Blake in the university cafeteria, the journal safely kept in her bag.

"Canceled class?" Valerie asked, stirring her tea.

"Professor Vulkar never cancels his classes. He loves talking about wolves and a bunch of other stuff I need to know so I can pass.’’ Valerie added.

"And you said he gave you a personal journal?" Blake asked surprisingly. "Something strange is happening here."

Ariana sighed confused as well. "He asked me if I believed in fate."

Valerie nearly choked on her tea. "He what?"

"I tell you. He also talked about connections that can’t be explained.’’ Ariana continued. "Meeting him in the hallway this morning was intense."

"Now that's not just strange, that's inappropriate," Blake frowned. "I think you should report him."

"No!" Ariana said disagreeing. "It’s not what you think.’’

“Hmmm.’’ Blake rested his back and crossed his arms. “So what was it then?’’

“Come on, Blake leave the poor girl alone. It’s not her fault our professor is doting over her.’’ Valerie protested.

“Come on, I’m not bothering her. I just want to know what it was.’’ Blake said.

Both Valerie and Blake fixed their gaze on Ariana expecting an answer.

“It was more like..." She struggled to explain the feeling. "Like he knows something about me that I don't know about myself."

"Now I’m worried.’’ Valerie said.

Before Ariana could respond, the cafeteria door opened, and deafening silence fell over the room. An elderly woman entered, leaning on a walking stick. Despite her old age, she walked with dignity, her gray hair was neatly styled and her clothes were expensive.

"Who is that?" Ariana whispered carefully not to draw the old woman’s attention.

"That’s lady Montgomery," Blake replied quietly. "She owns half the town, including most of the forest surrounding Oaks Haven."

The woman scanned the room with her eyes. Her gaze eventually fell on Ariana.

"You must be Miss Rae," Lady Montgomery said, her voice surprisingly firm despite her old age.

Ariana responded nervously "Yes, ma'am."

"Hmmm, you’re Sophia's niece." It wasn't a question, she knew who she was. "You look like just your mother."

Ariana's heart skipped a beat. "You knew my mother?"

"Yes, your mother was from this town. This town has a long memory, child." Lady Montgomery studied her face. "Has Elijah, I mean Professor Vulkar been helpful in helping you find your away around?’’

"Yes, he's been very kind," Ariana replied, wondering how she knew about her and Professor Vulkar.

"I see?" Lady Montgomery's expression was rigid. "Well, you must come to my place for tea sometime. The old families of Oaks Haven should stick together."

"Old families? But I'm not…."

"Oh you are dear child." Lady Montgomery said as she patted Ariana's hand. Her touch was cold, but something powerful flowed from her hands to Ariana.

It was like what she felt with Professor Vulkar.