“Wrong! He was her stepfather.”
I look at her sharply. “Still her father,” I correct obstinately. Alpha Jackson was the father that the two sisters never had.
“History does not go by sentiments. For the record, we have to be thorough with facts, Aldona. The pen is mightier than the sword, and if the history books are not written as they should be, well, that would be dangerous.” I remain silent, knowing she is looking for a reaction. I didn’t mean it like that; I just meant she didn’t need to point that out when we are simply talking.
When I don’t respond, she scoffs and turns back to the board. “Pay attention, or I will have to punish you.”
“Yes, Professor,” I reply emotionlessly despite my irritation. But I won’t let her think she’s getting to me. That is not a win I will give anyone.
“So, we’re talking about Hecate and her part in the many battles, some… have been questionable. But primordial beings don’t need our approval, that we can agree on-”
“I don’t agree.” The words are out of my mouth before I can even stop myself.
Silence.
Professor Loraina spins around her, her lips pressed in a tight line, her greying hair only adding to the cold expression on her face.
“Excuse me?”
Some of the students exchange looks but don’t speak. Holden places a hand on the small of my back, a slight frown on his face. He’s about to speak, but I place my hand on his thigh. I don’t need him to get in trouble for speaking for me.
“I think the majority of us can accept that Hecate has and does play both sides.”
“So, you’re saying that the goddess who has bestowed you with so much is evil?”
“I am not saying she is evil, but by our standards, she has committed many wrongs, and I am not going to pretend it’s not true.”
The professor puts the book that she’s holding down with a harsh snap, her eyes now steely. “So, you are going to be the judge of the gods?”
She isn’t our lore teacher; she’s just an angsty werewolf who has a temper. I nod.
“Why can’t I? I’m entitled to my opinion, one that is based on facts and findings.”
“Enough!”
“I didn’t realise a simple discussion was disrespectful.” I should stop, shouldn’t I?
“Well, it is.” She turns back to the board when I speak.
“But if we don’t speak and simply follow without question, then we’re all fools.”
“You are in a training academy. Your job is to follow, Aldona.”
She really doesn’t like to be wrong. Well, too bad, neither do I.
“In this Academy, we are leaders, and it is our duty to question.”
“And that means voicing our opinions. I mean, if we all followed blindly, that would be dangerous,” Holden says, his voice level yet clear.
Her eyes flick to him disapprovingly. “Yes, we should do our research, but I am teaching, and it is your job to listen.”
I don’t bother replying. This is getting us nowhere. I flick my hair back, but that only angers her even more.
“What do you want to say now?” she asks sarcastically.
I purse my lips; I want to walk out, but I won’t.
“I was taught by some of the greatest leaders of our times, and I was taught to always question everything and to follow your instincts, within reason.”
