<h4>Chapter 600: Summoned By Alpha ck (III)</h4>


    <strong>Evaline:</strong>


    The room went quiet after Elion’sint.


    Under any other circumstances, I might have panicked hearing someone speak to Alpha Orion ck like that.


    But the absurdity of it...bined with the fact that it was Elion... almost grounded me instead. If anything, it reminded me that despite the intimidating power dynamics in the room, these men also had long histories with one another.


    Alpha ck merely shook his head once, as if he had expected nothing less from the young Alpha.


    Then he looked back at me.


    And said something that knocked the breath right out of my lungs.


    "I originally intended to promote you."


    For a moment, I thought I had misheard.


    Promote... me?


    My mind wentpletely nk.


    Alpha ck continued calmly, almost conversationally.


    "Your analytical ability, initiative, and sense of responsibility are rare at your age," he said. "It would not have been unreasonable to move you into a junior strategic role earlier than scheduled."


    My pulse was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears.


    "But," he added, "your former and current heads disagreed."


    River... and Elion?


    Alpha ck leaned his elbow against the armrest of his chair.


    "Alpha River pointed out," he said, ncing briefly toward him, "that you are still a student with three full years of academy ahead of you. He also noted that you recently returned from break after your internship and are only beginning to adjust to your workload."


    Warmth flooded my chest.


    Of course River would think about that.


    "He argued," Alpha ck continued, "that promotion at this stage would ce unnecessary pressure on you rather than reward your performance."


    Then Alpha ck’s gaze flicked toward Elion.


    "And Alpha Grey," he went on dryly, "objected on the grounds that it was unfair for me to attempt to ’steal’ his assistant barely during her second month under his supervision."


    A faint snort came from somewhere behind me... probably one of the senior officials trying not tough.


    After a brief pause, Alpha ck looked back at me.


    "After considering both perspectives," he said, "I decided promotion was not the most appropriate course of action at this time."


    My shoulders rxed without me even realizing they had been tense.


    "And instead," he finished, "I chose to reward you."


    Relief washed through me so strongly it was almost dizzying.


    Not because I didn’t want a promotion. But because... deep down... I knew I wasn’t ready for one yet.


    Even as an assistant working only weekends, my life already felt packed to the brim. Studies. Training. My mates. Lioren. Work. And the investigation into soul deaths that still weighed heavily on my heart.


    Adding a full promotion on top of that?


    It would have been overwhelming.


    And I knew it.


    Honestly, I felt grateful River had stepped in. Maybe Elion too... in his own grumpy way. Because they had protected me from personally declining the promotion which surely wouldn’t have gone as smooth as it went because of them stepping in.


    Alpha ck studied my face carefully. "Are you disappointed?" he asked.


    The question was direct.


    I shook my head immediately.


    "No, Alpha," I said honestly. "I’m not ready for a promotion yet."


    His brows lifted slightly.


    I continued, more confidently now.


    "My studies are still my priority," I said. "And I want to learn more before taking on arger role. Working under experienced leaders gives me the opportunity to grow without risking mistakes that could affect others."


    I nced briefly toward Elion.


    "Right now, I believe continuing as an assistant, while gaining knowledge, is the best path for me."


    When I looked back at Alpha ck, I saw it.


    Approval - clear, undeniable.


    And I felt the subtle shift of energy in the room from the other seniors too.


    Respect.


    It settled into my chest like something warm and steady.


    Alpha ck nodded once.


    "A wise answer," he said.


    Then his expression changed slightly... almost amused.


    "Your reward," he continued, "was suggested after a conversation with Alpha River."


    My heart skipped.


    Alpha ck went on. "He mentioned that you enjoy reading," he said. "Particrly material rted to herbs and potions."


    Oh.


    "And," Alpha ck added, "that you are currently the highest-scoring student in that subject at Silver Moon Academy."


    I wished the floor would open and swallow me.


    I could practically feel Elion’s smug amusement behind me.


    Alpha ck leaned forward slightly.


    "So," he said, "I have decided to grant you a special permit."


    My breath caught.


    "A permit," he continued, "to ess the restricted herbs and potions records within the headquarters library."


    For a second, the words didn’t register.


    Restricted... records?


    Then they did.


    And my brain exploded.


    Those sections were legendary.


    Rare manuscripts. Advanced formtions. Ancient herbology records that weren’t even avable to most certified healers.


    Even staff didn’t have ess to these records.


    My mouth fell open before I could stop it. And Alpha ck’s lips curved faintly at my reaction.


    "There are conditions," he said.


    I nodded rapidly.


    "Yes-of course-anything."


    A faint chuckle rippled through the room.


    "You may ess the section only on your working days," he said. "After your working hours. You may remain inside for no longer than one hour per visit."


    I nodded again.


    "And," he added, "no materials may be taken out of the restricted section."


    "That’s perfectly fine," I said immediately.


    Perfectly fine?


    It was beyond perfect.


    It was a dream.


    A real, actual dream.


    "Good," Alpha ck said.


    I swallowed, emotion swelling unexpectedly in my chest.


    "Thank you, Alpha," I said sincerely. "I’m very grateful."


    And I was.


    More than he probably realized.


    Because this wasn’t just a reward, it was permission.


    Permission to explore something I truly loved.


    Permission to grow.


    Permission to be... more.


    Alpha ck inclined his head once, then dismissed me with a brief gesture.


    "You may go," he said. "Continue your work."


    I bowed slightly out of respect, then turned toward the door.


    As I walked out, I could feel River’s gaze on me like a physical touch.


    And Elion’s too... though his carried apletely different energy.


    The moment the door closed behind me, I exhaled a breath I hadn’t even realized I had been holding.


    My legs felt oddly light.


    My heart was still racing.


    But this time... it was from excitement and joy.