Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby novel Chapter 210

Chapter 210: Front Office of the Academy

One by one, the seven cadets from the helicopter stepped through the gate. Eleanor and her companions followed last, unhurried. A burst of white brilliance engulfed her as she crossed the threshold, so intense that her instincts forced her eyes shut.

When she opened them again, she stood in a vast hall. At first glance it resembled the reception of a powerful corporation rather than anything one might call an academy office. Directly ahead stood three large desks in a line, each staffed by a strikingly beautiful woman. They were not the coquettish sort often placed at commercial lobbies, but middle-aged, dignified figures, radiating calm competence. Their white robes lent them an air at once pure and authoritative.

Floating above the desks hung three luminous signs: Reception, Help Desk, and Exchange.

To either side of the hall, neat rows of leather chairs provided seating. A handful of young people sat there reading quietly. The seven who had entered before Eleanor were already queuing before the reception desk.

"Step away from the gate. Make space for the next arrivals," came a firm voice from behind.

Eleanor realised she had stayed too long at the same place. She moved forward a few steps and glanced back. Behind her shimmered the door of white light, guarded on either side by two imposing men. They wore same type of robes like the women, but black in colour. Both of them radiated unmistakable draconic presence.

The light of the door rippled. Kiara stepped out, eyes searching. "Eleanor!" she called, hurrying over.

Moments later, Ophelia emerged. The three of them joined the end of the line at reception, falling into place naturally behind their fellow passengers.

Soon it was Eleanor’s turn. The receptionist before her gestured to a small scanner built into the desk. "Please look directly into the device."

Eleanor raised her eyes. The woman’s voice remained calm but carried authority. "Eleanor Elizabeth Raynor. Answer my questions using more than three words. Did you come to the academy of your own accord, or were you forced?"

Still staring into the scanner, Eleanor replied, "I came of my own accord."

"True," the woman said without hesitation. "Do you intend to obey the rules and regulations of the academy?"

"I intend to obey."

"True. Our most fundamental rule is this. You are forbidden to discuss the academy’s training with the outside world. Do you promise to uphold this?"

"I promise to obey this rule."

"True," the woman confirmed. Then she handed over a thick, paperback volume. "This is the academy guide. Please read the first ten pages carefully. They outline the basic rules you must follow. Once you have understood them, you will sign a magical contract binding you to the academy. Take your time. When ready, return here to proceed."

The guide was heavier than expected. Eleanor stepped aside and started to read the pages as instructed. Kiara and Ophelia soon underwent the same questioning, each receiving their own guides.

But as Ophelia accepted hers, Eleanor spoke, her voice even. "You don’t need to read. Let’s move straight to the signing."

Ophelia agreed instantly. "Alright."

The receptionist’s expression sharpened. "You cannot influence others. Every cadet must sign of their own free will."

Eleanor inclined her head in apology. "Then let me rephrase. I have read the ten pages already, and I am satisfied. The terms are acceptable. May I confirm... are all contracts identical?"

"Yes," the woman replied. "Every cadet signs the same binding."

"And if I were to refuse a clause, or decline to sign at all, could I still enrol?" Eleanor asked.

The answer came without hesitation. "No. Without the contract, there is no admission."

Eleanor smiled faintly. "In that case, there is no reason to waste time. We came to join the academy; we accept that its rules must apply equally to all. Kiara is my cousin, Ophelia is my subordinate. They follow my lead, as you can confirm if you wish."

Kiara said at once, "I have no objection."

Ophelia added, "I follow my boss."

The receptionist sighed softly, conceding. "Very well. Take your contracts. Read them carefully if you must. Then use a pin from the bowl to draw a drop of blood and mark the signature box. Dispose of the pin in the basket beside you."

Each of them received a contract identical to the guide. Eleanor scanned hers quickly... nothing new. She pricked her fingertip, letting a single drop fall onto the signature box.

At once, the parchment flared. White light coursed across the page, consuming it until the entire sheet dissolved into countless shining motes. The sparks hovered a moment, then streamed upward, vanishing as though drawn to some distant, unseen presence.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify