One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 112 Audrey

The weekend had finally arrived, and I couldn't have been more relieved. The stress of the past week at my internship had left me feeling drained, and I was looking forward to a day out with my friends at the local botanical gardens. They were hosting a special butterfly exhibit, which Avis had mentioned last night, and we had all agreed to go "Audrey, hurry up!" Tina called from downstairs. "We're going to be late!"

I quickly finished applying my lip gloss and grabbed my bag. "Coming!" I shouted back, taking the stairs two at a time. The anticipation of today's event put a small spring in my step, one that I hadn't felt all week.

As we entered the gardens a little while later, the sweet scent of flowers filled the warm, slightly humid air. The large greenhouse roof was etched with designs that cast curling patterns on the ground, the sound of the large fountain in the middle mingling with the sound of excited voices.

With Avis in the lead, we followed the signs to the latterfly exhibit, joining the line of eager visitors.

"Look at all the different species they have listed," Avis said, pointing to a nearby sign. "Monarchs, swallowtails, painted Ladies.

"Oh, and they have luna moths too!" I added, spotting the name at the bottom of the list. The idea of seeing a luna moth up close sent a small jolt of excitement through me; I had always loved luna moths, although I hadn't ever seen a live one in person before.

Finally, it was our turn to enter the exhibit. As we stepped inside, I couldn't contain my small gasp. Butterflies of every color fluttered around us, landing on flowers and occasionally on unsuspecting visitors. "Wow. This is amazing." I breathed, watching a monarch butterfly float lazily past my face. I turned slowly, my mouth hanging open as I looked up at all of the butterflies, Vines and trees towered over us, momentarily making it feel as though we had stepped out of the greenhouse and into another world.

We wandered through the exhibit as a group, oohing and aahing at the different butterflies. Avis was fully in her element. snapping pictures to use for reference in her sketchbook later. Even Gavin, who had been quiet for most of the morning. had a smile stretched from ear to ear

As we reached a quieter corner of the exhibit, I felt a tickle on my hand. I froze, hardly daring to breathe as I looked down.

There, resting gently on my skin, was a beautiful luna moth. Its pale green wings were spread wide, showcasing intricate patterns that seemed almost like a pair of eyes staring up at me.

I couldn't move, couldn't even breathe as I stared down at the moth. It was so still on me, so peaceful-l felt, in a childlike sort of way, that I had been 'chosen. I knew it was silly, but I couldn't help it. But as the seconds ticked by and the moth remained still, I realized

-not even when I gently fluttered my hand to make it fly away.

With growing horror that the moth wasn't moving at all My stomach dropped.

It was... dead.

Panic welled up inside of me. Had I done something wrong? Was it my fault? The thought of harming such a beautiful creature was unbearable, and I felt tears beginning

at the backs

attendant approached, noticing the

"It landed on me

1/3

13:00 Wed, Sep 18

Chapter 112

somehow?"

examine the moth,

gentle smile.

very short lifespan as adults-only about a week. This one likely came

"R-Really?"

fact, some cultures consider it a symbol of good luck when a butterfly or moth chooses to spend its last

the delicate creature on my hand. my mouth opening and closing a few times as I struggled with what to say. But then, suddenly, an idea struck me-1

sketch it...

it be okay if I kept

moment, but then shrugged. "I don't normally do this, but sure," she said. "Let me

low whistle. "Leave it to Audrey to have a moth die on her in the butterfly exhibit." "Shut up," I muttered, but I couldn't help smiling. The initial shock was wearing off, replaced by a sense of wonder at the strange

transfer the luna moth into it. As

The logical part of me said that it was just a coincidence, but I couldn't stop

Maybe it wasn't.

a gift from the Moon Goddess herself.

my head as if to dispel that thought. Me

I continued through the rest of the exhibit, gawking at the butterflies and taking countless pictures. As we eventually made our way toward the exit, craving something sweet and unhealthy for lunch, I clutched the

a familiar voice cut through our conversation. The sound was like

well Fancy seeing you here,

day off. Linda stood there, a smirk playing on her

to