《My Alphas' Dark Desires》


 Chapter 1: Mugged, Stabbed, Humilated!

    <h4>Chapter 1 - Mugged, Stabbed, Humted!</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 1</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    "Hold it right there, you thief! Stop before I make you breathe yourst breath!"


    My sharp voice cut through the cold night air as I chased after the bastard who had just mugged me.


    This day could not get any worse.


    My uncle had forbidden me from leaving for Starlight City until my eighteenth birthday, when I transformed into a wolf for added protection, but I didn''t heed his warning. I ran away.


    Ten years of training, waiting, hunting¡ªand he wanted me to stay behind like some feeble pup?


    No. Fuck that.


    But now I was here, starving, wounded, and broke if I didn''t catch this douchebag.


    The thief was quick, and I could tell he had his wolf with him, but I was swifter. However, my legs burned as I leapt over a fallen tree trunk, narrowing the gap.


    His mistake was thinking he could steal from me and get away with it.


    With a flick of my wrist, I drew a dagger and sent it soaring. The de sliced through the air, burying itself deep into his calf.


    He let out a scream, stumbled, and fell onto the dirt. A cruel smirk crept onto the side of my lips.


    <i>Bingo, bastard.</i>


    I didn''t slow down. I was on him in seconds, pinning him to the ground.


    "You think you could just stab me and blow some sleep powder in my face and steal my things? "Bad idea," I panted, tugging his head back. "Now, give me my bag."


    The guy groaned, struggling beneath me. "Girl... please, ah, my hand¡ª" he groaned out as I yanked his hand back.


    And then I heard the sound of a machine as something flickered in my periphery¡ªa motorcycle.


    I turned my head just in time to see a guy swing off his sleek ck bike, tying a helmet to the handlebars.


    But what caught my attention most was his hand¡ªwrapped in a ck bandana embroidered with a nightshade thorn.


    My breath caught.


    Everything else¡ªthe thief, the pain in my ribs, the cold¡ªfaded.


    It was him. One of them.


    One of the bastards who had destroyed my home, my pack, and taken everything from me was present.


    My fingers dug into the thief''s shirt, my rage boiling over¡ªbut before I could react, he saw his chance.


    With a desperate grunt, he twisted beneath me, shoving me off with force. I stumbled back, managing to avoid the tree and catching myself on my hands and knees.


    By the time I looked up, the thief was gone.


    I cursed, but I didn''t chase him because I had found something else¡ªsomething far more important. I staggered to my feet, ignoring my spinning vision, and followed him¡ªthe bike guy.


    Just a two-minute trek and he led me into the city''s underbelly, deeper into the neon-lit streets, until we reached a nondescript alleyway.


    At the end stood a hidden bar, its entrance guarded by two burly men who barely spared him a nce before stepping aside.


    <i>''A secret ce, huh? Maybe his gang was there,'' </i>I thought. My gaze darted to the injury at my side. I touched it, and my hands were stained with blood. I bit my inner lips, and I didn''t hesitate.


    Shaking my hair, I was d my all-ck outfit blended with such a ce. I slipped inside, melting into the shadows.


    The moment I stepped in, heat and music crashed into me like a wave.


    Bodies swayed on the dance floor, grinding, twisting, and shifting. The aroma of alcohol, sweat, and raw dominance thickened the air.


    And then¡ªI saw him.


    At the far end of the bar, his face half-lit by flickering neon, the same cruel smirk I remembered from ten years ago.


    My pulse spiked. Anger coursing through me but before I could take a step, my vision blurred.


    Something was wrong.


    A slow, creeping numbness spread through my fingers and up my arms. Suddenly, my legs felt heavy and unsteady and my stomach twisted.


    I had been poisoned.


    How... the thief? Urgh! I swear he would pay, I cursed under my breath.


    All I knew was that I needed to get to the other guy now before my body gave out.


    I pushed forward, shoving through the dance floor, ignoring the bodies pressing against me.


    Toote, I realized how clumsy my movements had be as the swaying bodies shoved me from side to side till I tripped¡ªand crashed into someone at the other end of the dance floor


    Hard.


    And then I felt him sniff and stiffen. <i>"No doubt, my blood gave me away."</i>


    A sharp, cold voice sneered above me. "Who let this dirty, dried-up little pumpkin into this club?"


    I blinked up, disoriented, with painncing through my skull.


    The man standing before me was tall and broad, exuding raw dominance. His cyan-blue eyes gleamed with amusement and disgust. He was attractive, golden-blond, and had a bad attitude.


    I attempted to push away, but then two more figures closed in, trapping me¡ªbut no one else appeared to take any notice yet.


    One possessed red hair and hazel green eyes, while the other had raven-ck hair and emerald-green eyes that zed with raw, unfiltered power.


    Fuck.


    Their aura mmed into me all at once, forcing my already weakened body lower.


    The poison was working too fast, thanks to my earlier running and my loss of blood. And now I was trapped.


    The red-haired guy tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Well, sweetheart? Got anything to say?"


    I forced my chin up, ignoring the tremor in my limbs. "Get out of my way."


    The first guy chuckled, the sound low and sharp. "Bold words for a wolf who can barely stand."


    Thest guy didn''tugh.


    He simply watched me with quiet, lethal intensity, one I would know as I gave those stares but this... it sent a shiver down my spine, like I had entered the lion''s den.


    I tried to move, but suddenly¡ªheat.


    My scent hit me like a p.


    Fuck.


    My pheromones.


    My body was betraying me. Thebination of the poison and their suffocating aura was making me lose control.


    Instantly, their expressions shifted from amused dominance to disgust. The red-haired guy''s nose scrunched. "Trying to seduce us, little wolf?"


    The first guy scoffed. "Pathetic little slut."


    Thest guy''s jaw ticked. "Control yourself, will you, or you will get more troubleing to you."


    As he said that, his gaze drifted to the others in the club, and this time, I realized I was bing the center of attention.


    That''s when I realized it. I stilled.


    My hand flew to my chest. My ne. It was gone.


    <i>Shit</i>.


    The one thing that had helped mask my scent and helped suppress my pheromones was gone.


    "Shit," I cursed out loud.


    They just stared at me. I masked my fear. "Get out of the way, douche." I tried to push up, to force my body off the floor and escape this onught of scent, but their aura crushed me again.


    I gasped, choking on the pressure.


    The first guy crouched beside me, gripping my hair and yanking my head back, so I had no choice but to meet his cold, piercing gaze and then thest guy leaned in.


    "You''ve got quite a bad mouth on you given your situation. Apologise now," he murmured, "and maybe we''ll go easy on you."


    Never. My eyes zed with anger but that was all I could do as I felt the numbness spreading. And then, the first guy did it again, unleashing his wolf''s aura even more.


    My chest tightened as I spat blood onto the floor. "You three just made the worst mistake of your lives."


    The second guy grinned. "Oh? And why''s that?"


    I forced a weak, broken smirk. "Because you''ve just entered my death note."


    Theyughed. All three of them. Dark, cruel, and unbothered. I shook my head, trying to keep my vision clear, but things were bing blurred.


    Thest chap, the one with ck hair, leaned in, his lips just a breath away from my ear.


    "If you survive long enough, I''d love to see you try, little wolf."


    Then, just as fast as they appeared, they straightened, turned and left, leaving me copsed on the floor¡ªhumiliated, burning with rage, and promising myself one thing.


    "Oh, I''ll do more than just try, you bastards," I said through gritted teeth.


    With them gone, I could move now. Immediately, I pushed past the onught of people and dashed out of the club. I needed to be far from them¡ªtheir scents¡ªand not make myself easy prey.


    But just as I entered the forest once more, my limbs gave way and I copsed as the poison fully took effect, paralyzing me.

 Chapter 2: Entering the Lion’s Den

    <h4>Chapter 2 - Entering the Lion''s Den</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 2</strong>


    <strong>~</strong><strong><i>Valerie''s POV</i></strong><strong>~</strong>


    Pain. Heavy, unrelenting pain coursed through my body, especially my head.


    My body felt like lead, my limbs numb, my throat dry. I groaned as consciousness dragged me back, the morning sun stabbing through my closed eyelids like knives.


    What the hell...?


    My pulse pounded against my skull, and the sharp scent of damp earth and blood filled my nose. My blood. My fingers twitched against the dirt, and slowly, I forced my eyes open.


    The forest canopy swayed above me, golden sunlight spilling through the leaves. Birds chirped in the distance, oblivious to the fact that I had almost diedst night.


    I sucked in a shaky breath. The poison. It had worn off, but my body still ached from the aftermath. I tried to sit up, hissing at the sting in my ribs. My wounds had stopped bleeding, but I needed to clean them before they got infected.


    My fingers fumbled for my phone, only to see that a part of the screen had cracked. I hissed as the screen flickered to life, but then fate was after me¡ª1% battery.


    Shit.


    My first instinct was to call my uncle. He''d be pissed, but at this point, I didn''t have much of a choice. I quickly pressed his number, bringing the phone to my ear, but before I did, the screen went dark.


    "Dammit," I cursed loudly.


    I clenched my jaw, but then I remembered¡ªmy smartwatch.


    Yes!


    Tapping the screen, I activated the call function to my emergency contact and waited. One ring.


    Two.


    Then, a sharp, familiar voice crackled through the speaker.


    "Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow."


    I winced. My uncle only used my real full name when I was in trouble.


    Having run away from home, used a dangerous means of transport while turning off any means of being tracked, got attacked, poisoned and also caused him to worry¡ªright now, I was indeed in trouble.


    "Morning to you too, Uncle."


    A long silence. Then, a heavy sigh. "I warned you. I fucking warned you, Valerie!"


    "Temper, temper, temper, Uncle. I know," I muttered in Scar''s voice. "I wouldn''t dream of offending you." I held back the need to chuckle, as I could already see the scowl forming on his face. "But you also know why I couldn''t wait."


    Another pause. This onested longer.


    Finally, his voice softened just a little. "Where are you?"


    "Somewhere outside the city. Got mugged, poisoned, and nearly crushed under three oversized alphas."


    A beat of silence. "The... the alpha princes?"


    I blinked. "I... my eyes were blurry thanks to the poison, but I doubt they are as scumbagish as those bullies."


    A sharp inhale. "Doesn''t matter. You need to get somewhere safe and go to school which you would have been doing if you hadn''t run away from home. Where are you now?"


    "Outskirts of the city."


    "Okay. There''s a hotel on Crescent Street. Lobby 2. Go there now. I''ll handle the arrangements."


    I exhaled in relief. "Got it."


    "Valerie." His voice turned serious. "Be careful. And stay the hell away from trouble."


    Toote for that.


    But I didn''t say it.


    Before the call ended, I recalled one crucial detail. "Uncle."


    "Yes?"


    "I lost my ne."


    This time, the silence was deafening. I knew he was holding back his rage. A sharp exhale followed.


    "Valerie..."


    "Please, can you get me another one?"


    "The witches aren''t that free. But I''ll pull a few strings. Sorry, but it wouldn''t get to you on time, so I advise you to stay low. Do not attract attention to yourself."


    "Got it."


    The call ended, and I pushed myself to my feet, wincing at the tight pull of my wounds. I needed to move.


    *************


    The hotel wasn''t far¡ªan hour from where I was¡ªbut every step felt like dragging my body through fire. The city was alive now¡ªcars honking, voices buzzing, and the scent of food teasing my empty stomach.


    I reached the building, a sleek, modern structure standing tall against the skyline. The lobby was cool, quiet and smelled like expensive cologne.


    And then¡ªI saw him.


    A familiar face.


    The man stood near the front desk, dressed casually in dark jeans and a fitted shirt, but there was no mistaking him. A contact of my uncle.


    He nced up, and the second our eyes met, he smirked. "You look like hell, Nightshade."


    "Feel like it, too," I muttered. "Hello, Gamma."


    "Is that all I get after seeing each other for five years?"


    My smile broadened as I immediately gave him a hug. He was one of those who trained and spoiled us in my uncle''s pack.


    Without another word, he handed me a brown envelope. I opened it, finding a stack of cash, a debit card, and a hotel key.


    "Shower, eat, sleep," he said. "You look like you''re about to drop dead."


    "I love the encouragement." I snatched the envelope. Then I quickly recalled something: "Oh, and Ryan, I need a new phone andptop. I need to track someone."


    "I''ll have it sent to your room, Nightshade."


    "Always the best." With that, I stalked toward the elevator, leaving him.


    ***************


    The hotel room was clean and ssy, and the scent of fresh linen filled the air. I wasted no time stripping out of my torn clothes and stepping under the hot shower''s spray.


    The moment the water hit my skin, I exhaled.


    shes ofst night flickered in my mind¡ªthe thief, the poison, them.


    Were they the Alpha Kings'' Heirs?


    Dristan. Kai. Axel. I thought the four heirs usually moved together.


    I couldn''t recall, as the poison and the loss of blood did a number on me.


    All I recalled were their voices, scents and suffocating aura pressing down on me like a weight I couldn''t shake.


    ''Pathetic little slut.''


    ''Apologize now, and maybe we''ll go easy on you.''


    I gritted my teeth, shoving the memories aside. No. I wouldn''t let them win.


    After dressing my wounds and slipping into the clean clothes left for me¡ªck jeans, a fitted top, andbat boots¡ªI grabbed my bag, which contained myptop and new phone.


    Then I saw a folded note and opened it. "Stay out of trouble, Nightshade," I read out and nced at the phone number on the back.


    That was his hotline, for me.


    Smiling, I headed out.


    It was time to get to school.


    ***************


    The moment I stepped onto the Prestige Supernatural Academy grounds, I felt it.


    The weight of eyes. The thick, electric buzz of power.


    PSA wasn''t just a school. It was a battlefield.


    Students walked in groups, whispering and exchanging nces. Werewolves, vamps, and even a few fae¡ªthe exchange students¡ªwere all mingling, sizing each other up.


    I inhaled as I asked someone for directions to the principal''s office.


    Since my dy, I have arrived on lunch break. I was epicallyte.


    Then, a shift in the atmosphere.


    A ripple of tension.


    I caught murmurs, hushed voices speaking in awe.


    "The Alpha Princes are arriving."


    I immediately stilled. I didn''t know if they were the one, but the dangerous aura I felt made my skin prickle. I swallowed hard as the aura drew closer.


    It... was them, alright.


    Slowly, I turned toward the entrance gates. And there they were.


    Three figures, walking in perfect unison.


    "It''s Alpha Dristan, Alpha Kai and Alpha Axel," a fangirl chimed behind me, and I rolled my eyes.


    Looking every bit the arrogant, untouchable kings they thought they were.


    This time, my vision was clear. No poison fogging my mind. No disorientation. And now that I could fully see them, I wondered how the hell I hadn''t noticed it yesterday.


    Dristan. Kai. Axel.


    The three arrogant bastards who had humiliated me in the club now stood at the entrance of Prestige Supernatural Academy, oozing power like they owned the damn ce.


    Dristan''s cyan-blue eyes flickedzily over the crowd. Kai''s emerald gaze burned with dominance. Axel? Smirking like he owned me.


    I had half a second to slip away unnoticed¡ª


    "You."


    Fuck.


    I froze, exhaling slowly before turning back. All three of them locked onto me within two seconds.


    Axel''s smirk widened. "Well, well. Look what we have here."


    Kai tilted his head. "Seems like the puny wolf found our den. Back for more fun?"


    Dristan? He just watched, unreadable, calcting. Waiting for God knows what.


    Heat curled in my gut, but I swallowed it down.


    I forced a smile. "Oh, please. The only thing fun aboutst night was not breathing your disgusting aura when you left."


    A hush fell over the crowd. Gasps. Murmurs.


    "Did she just¡ª?"


    "She must have a death wish."


    Kai''s jaw ticked. Dristan''s gaze darkened. Axel chuckled, shaking his head.


    And then Dristan spoke, voice smooth, controlled¡ªtoo controlled. "Watch your mouth, slut."


    The word cut through the air like a de. Sadly, before I could react, his finger hooked under my chin, tilting my face up, forcing me to look at him.


    The moment his skin met mine, a sharp jolt of something hot and infuriating shot through me.


    Several gasps echoed from the students loitering around.


    But Dristan had made one mistake. He thought I''d let him.


    Instead, I smacked his hand away.


    Shock flickered across his face before something darker reced it. "You just made a mistake," Dristan murmured, his voice deceptively soft.


    "Did I?" I tilted my head, my expression nk, but my pulse was racing.


    Kai let out a low chuckle, stepping forward. "You''re new here, so I''ll give you a chance to rethink that attitude."


    I snorted. "Oh, how generous."


    Axel exhaled augh, shaking his head. "You''ve got a smart mouth, sweetheart." His hazel-green eyes glinted with amusement. "Shame if someone decided to do something about it."


    Dristan''s cold stare didn''t waver. "You''re in our territory now. You don''t make the rules here."


    My stomach twisted at the possessiveness in his voice, but I refused to let it show.


    Kai''s smirk stretched wider. "But don''t worry. We''ll make sure your time here is... interesting."


    Something about the way he said it sent a shiver down my spine.


    But I ignored it. I exhaled, bored. "Right. You guys have your whole ''we rule the school, fear us'' act down, but I''m not impressed."


    Gasps again. A few whispers.


    From the corner of my eye, I saw a group of cheerleader types lingering by the entrance. Lip Gloss Barbie from earlier stood in front, arms crossed, nose scrunched like she smelled something rotten.


    "Who the hell is she?" she sneered, flipping her hair. "Does she even know who she''s talking to?"


    Another girl, a brte in heels way too high for school regtions, snickered. "Bet she''s just some stray trying to act tough. News sh, sweetheart¡ªyou don''t disrespect the Alpha Princes and walk away unscathed."


    A few othersughed, clearly entertained by the idea of me getting put in my ce.


    Typical.


    I rolled my eyes. "I''m sorry¡ªdo you have a script for this, or is it just a natural-bornck of originality?"


    The brte gasped. Lip Gloss Barbie''s eyes shed with irritation.


    "Know your ce," she spat.


    Before I could respond, Dristan cut in.


    "Let it go, Brielle."


    Brielle. So that was her name.


    She immediately backed down, shoulders stiff, eyes downcast.


    I snorted. "Wow. Do you keep all your pets this obedient?"


    Kai stepped closer, his broad frame blocking the morning sun. "You''ve got some nerve, talking like you''re untouchable."


    I shrugged. "And so what?"


    Axel let out a low whistle.


    Dristan''s gaze sharpened. Kai''s expression darkened.


    Instead of avoiding trouble like I had been advised, I lifted my head, ring daggers at all three. "Buzz the fuck off."


    Shock and something akin to anger shed in their eyes, but before either of them could react, I shoved past Axel and disappeared into the academy.


    And I knew, without a doubt, that this year at Prestige Supernatural Academy was about to be hell.


    <i>''Fuck them... bring it on, Alphas.''</i>

 Chapter 3: Mates(s)...

    <h4>Chapter 3 - Mates(s)...</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 3</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    After dealing with the three insufferable Alpha Princes, I just wanted to register, get my schedule, and survive the day without more bullshit.


    No such luck.


    As soon as I entered the principal''s office, the principal''s secretary hardly nced up at my arrival, her fingers tapping away at herputer with a look of boredom.


    "The principal isn''t in today," she said, flicking her gaze over me. "You''ll need toe back early tomorrow morning toplete your orientation."


    I frowned. "Wait. My uncle was supposed to¡ª" I paused when I realised I said that out loud.


    She sighed, already knowing where I was going with this. "I assume your guardian was supposed to call in advance and exin your circumstances?" she asked as though she had heard those excuses before.


    Still, I exhaled sharply and nodded. <i>Of course, he forgot,</i><i>or was this intentional as a way of punishing me?</i>


    Tsk... that old man could be a big bully sometimes.


    "Right. Well, I was..."


    "Sick? That''s not my concern," she interrupted briskly.


    "No. I was mugged and stabbed on my way here yesterday. Getting to school or in touch with my family wasn''t easy after that." Her expression fellpletely. She wasn''t expecting that, especially when I lifted my shirt to show her the wound.


    She gasped.


    "So if there are any forms I need to fill, Ms. Heart¡ª" I lifted my eyes from her name tag and smiled expectantly.


    "I''m sorry about everything." Her attitude changed immediately. "I just had a rough day. You should also have the doctor check that out, okay?"


    I nodded, and she went shuffling through some papers before handing me a neatly stacked pile. "That''s it. Here''s your timetable and sses, as well as a brochure containing the school rules and a map of the academy."


    I took them without a word.


    "Your name?"


    "Valerie. Valerie Nightshade."


    Ms. Heart gave me a once-over, then smirked. "You''re a straight-A student, which is the only reason we allowed a senior-year transfer. We don''t usually do that, but your dad drove a hard bargain."


    She winked at me.


    I forced a smile back. Dad?


    If my father were alive, I wouldn''t be transferring.


    If the assassination ten years ago never happened, I wouldn''t have to prove myself in this hellhole.


    Because just like those spoilt Alpha brats, I was entitled to be here¡ªall Alpha heirs were.


    I swallowed the thought and nodded before leaving the office with a thanks.


    ****************


    The rest of the day was thankfully Alpha-free.


    I skimmed over my schedule, relieved to find out I had two more sses before the school day was over. Thankfully, none of the alpha heirs were there.


    Unfortunately, I wasn''t free of Brielle and her cheer minions.


    They were in my Economics and Advanced Geography sses, sitting front row, preening like they were the main characters in a shitty high school drama.


    I kept my head down, ignoring the res thrown my way.


    But then, as I settled into my seat, a strange feeling washed over me.


    A pair of eyes settled on me. I nced around subtly, but I did not catch the culprit. I didn''t need more unwanted attention today.


    But something told me this school wouldn''t let me stay in the shadows for long, especially those cheer bitches. So, before anyone made a move, I left the ss after the lecturer.


    ****************


    By the time I reached the dorms, exhaustion weighed on me. The stares¡ªwhispers¡ªAlpha Princes. I just needed a moment to breathe.


    A soft chime from my smartwatch lit up the screen.


    <strong>[Wee to PSA Student Housing: Room 318]</strong>


    I found the door, twisted the knob, and stepped inside.


    <i>Damn</i>.


    I expected a cramped dorm. Instead, I walked into a spacious suite¡ªa vastmon area that stretched before me,plete with a sleek sectional couch, a massive t-screen TV, and a low coffee table.


    To the right, an open-concept kitchen gleamed with dark countertops and modern appliances, a dining table with four chairs neatly tucked in the corner.


    But what caught my attention the most? Four separate doors¡ªtwo evenly spaced along the walls and the other two in the opposite wing. Each one had a gold namete.


    I moved closer, scanning the nametes. Four names¡ªEmerald Drake, Astraea Kane, I Storm and Valerie Nightshade.


    I pushed open the door¡ªand stopped.


    It was perfect.


    The room was exactly as I had requested: deep blues, purples, and cks. It had a massive bed, a plushforter, floor-length curtains, and a sleek desk in the corner.


    I opened the closet.


    Three sets of four uniforms, tailored for each season. Light fabrics for spring and summer and thicker materials for autumn and winter.


    On the lower shelf, neatly folded, were a pyjama set and necessities.


    "Good. My stolen bag isn''t an issue for now."


    For the first time since arriving at PSA, I felt a little relief. The rest of this school might be hell. But at least this room was mine.


    I dropped onto the bed, exhaling.


    Tomorrow, I''d deal with everything.


    My dorm room had a view of the dense forest surrounding the academy.


    I spent most of the evening settling in, even though my roomies were nowhere to be found. I stepped outter to get something to eat before returning.


    Finally, I took my bath, and exhaustion took over. I had barely crashed an hour when my new phone rang out, and I immediately took it from my nightstand.


    I answered. "Yeah?"


    "Valerie," my uncle''s voice came through. "The Blood Moon is tonight. You need to get as far into the forest as possible before it rises."


    I stiffened. Shit.


    My first transformation was going to be today, once the clock struck midnight.


    I had spent years training and preparing, but that didn''t change the fact that this would be my first time fully shifting and meeting my wolf.


    "You sure I can''t just lock myself in here?" I muttered, already knowing the answer.


    "You need space. Your wolf will take over, and you won''t be able to control her at first." A beat of silence. "Go now."


    I sighed. "Fine."


    After ending the call, I grabbed a hoodie and slipped out of the dorm, heading toward the school gardens and forest.


    It was alreadyte and most of the dorm room lights were turned off. Good. I could sneak out.


    The moment I stepped into the cool night air, something inside me stirred. I swallowed, looking up at the full moon.


    Without being told, I hurried and headed straight into the forest. The more I ran, the quicker the colour above began to change.


    And as soon as the clock struck 12, the moon waspletely red.


    I made it deep into the forest, my body burning, my bones breaking¡ªshifting. I let out a strangled breath, falling to my knees as the first wave of the transformation hit.


    And then¡ªburning heat.


    My body snapped, stretched, and reshaped. Pain and power intertwined as my vision blurred, my skin burnt¡ªuntil suddenly, I wasn''t standing on two legs anymore.


    I was on four.


    My wolf had fully awakened.


    The forest around me seemed taller but my senses were razor-sharp. Every scent, every sound, every pulse of life¡ªI could feel it all.


    And my reflection in the fountain nearby? A massive silver wolf, streaked with violet and blue along her fur, glowing eyes burning with power.


    I took a breath. I was finallyplete.


    And the whole damn world would know it soon enough.


    Just as I was about to howl, a strange, unique voice echoed at the back of my mind. "Hello, Valerie. I am Astra, your wolf."


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong><i>The Next Day¡ªPrincipal''s Office</i></strong>


    I grabbed my schedule and a fresh set of uniforms, feeling a little more put together after dressing up. I didn''t bother checking for my roommates either because the time on my watch said 8:20¡ªI waste.


    By the time I got to the academy the next morning, I was exhausted but steady. The shift had drained me, but I had managed to regain control.


    Until I stepped outside.


    And felt it¡ªsomething was off. Astra, my wolf, was restless.


    My muscles tensed and my senses were on high alert. Maybe it was the aftermath of my first shift. Maybe my pheromones were still out of bnce.


    I pushed forward, shaking off the unease. The principal''s office it is. That was my priority.


    But then¡ªI reached a T-junction in the hallway, three different corridors ahead of me.


    The second I turned down the first¡ªred hair, hazel-green eyes and a cocky stance that made my blood boil, came into view.


    My body froze.


    Axel.


    No. Not now. I could not deal with them.


    If this was just my pheromones reacting, then I had to get the hell out of here before this scum-spoilt brat thinks I am seducing him.


    Toote because the next second, he lifted his head and his eyes darted in my direction.


    I spun, taking the second turn¡ªand this time, I locked eyes with Kai.


    His emerald gaze flickered in recognition, his lips parting slightly as if he could sense it, too. And God knew I prayed he did not sense my pheromones.


    Panic spiked through me. The more my fear rose, the stronger the pull. Heat surged beneath my skin.


    Astra growled in my mind.


    <i>No. No. No.</i>


    I took the only escape left¡ªthe third hallway¡ªand collided with him.


    Dristan.


    Cold. Unforgiving. The deadliest of them all.


    A breath hitched in my throat as his cyan-blue gaze locked onto mine, sharp and calcting.


    At the same time, I backed away and as if on cue, they moved in.


    Axel, Kai, Dristan. Closing in. Blocking every exit.


    I felt it before I saw it.


    The shift in the air. The invisible snap between us.


    Then, recognition.


    Their expressions darkened at the same time mine did, realization mming into all of us at once.


    And then, like a cruel, twisted echo, their wolves roared in unison with mine.


    <i>"Mate."</i>


    <i>"No. No. No," I screamed internally.</i>


    I refused to acknowledge it.


    But the second the word left their lips, their scents overwhelmed me. Axel''s musky spice, Kai''s dark cedar and Dristan''s crisp frost and smoke.


    It wrapped around me, sinking into my lungs, and clouding my mind. Taking over.


    The bond was real.


    I took a slow, shaky breath, my entire body thrumming with heat, betrayal, and fury.


    Dristan''s hand shot out, reaching for me, but I bolted, slipping past them.


    I sprinted down the hallway, ignoring the way my entire body burnt, ignoring Astra''s furious protests in my head.


    I didn''t stop.


    Not until they were far behind me.


    Not until I could breathe again.


    Because if I stayed a second longer, I wasn''t sure if I''d kiss to im or kill them.

 Chapter 4: Mates, Curses, and Dollopheads

    <h4>Chapter 4 - Mates, Curses, and Dollopheads</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 4</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    I had survived my first day at PSA withoutmitting murder.


    Barely.


    Today wasn''t going to be any different. I had chanted in my head many times as I made my way to the principal''s office.


    It wasn''t just the three insufferable alphas I now shared a mate bond with¡ªthe entire school was buzzing with my name.


    Everywhere I walked, I felt the stares¡ªthe whispers.


    "She''s the one who mouthed off to the Alpha Kings'' heirs."


    "Didn''t she copse after they hit her with their aura?"


    "How is she even still alive?"


    "She should have dropped dead immediately after talking to the Alpha Gods of PSA."


    "Who let someone like her in here? Heard she used special favours to get in at this time."


    Some of the wolves eyed me with curiosity, others with amusement. But the majority? They were pissed.


    Because I had defied their kings.


    Too bad for them¡ªI wasn''t here to bow. Keeping my head high, I walked past them to the principal''s office.


    As much as I wanted revenge against those spoilt brats, I still had to be a student. One who needed to maintain her straight A''s.


    <strong>******************</strong>


    <strong><i>~Principal''s Office~</i></strong>


    It was time for my official registration.


    Upon entering, Ms. Heart beamed at me and gestured towards the office. "You are in luck. She is free now. You may enter."


    I dipped my head in courtesy and walked towards the door. Inhaled briefly before turning the doorknob.


    The room was spacious and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the academy''s vast training grounds. Principal Whitmore, a middle-aged woman with a sharp gaze, barely nced up as she stretched her hand to me.


    "Good morning, Mrs. Whitmore."


    "Principal Whitmore," she corrected sharply as I handed over my documents.


    I managed to sh my trademark smile, which I used to escape punishments from my uncle, when she looked up for a second and she rolled her eyes, sighing.


    She nced at my document, her lips lifting at the corner.


    <i>Wait, did she just smirk?</i>


    My question was answered for me following her next sentence. "You''ve already made quite an impression, Miss Nightshade," he mused, flipping through my file.


    I didn''t respond. Just crossed my fingers in front of me and waited.


    Her lips twitched in amusement. "As far as your impulsiveness ismendable against you know who, try to stay out of trouble," she said thest phrase in a softer tone but suddenly her firmness returned. "PSA may be a school, but it''s also a pack''s territory. You''d be wise to remember that."


    "Noted," I said tly.


    "Especially when you are this far from home."


    <i>Was that a warning?</i>


    "Prestige Supernatural Academy is many things and above all,es with its own allure and distraction. If you want your straight A''s not to have a w, you must do well to remember its rules."


    "Yes ma''am."


    "Good. Always remember curfew. Stay on the right side of the school''sw and you and I wouldn''t be seeing each other often."


    "Absolutely, ma''am," I responded almost too quickly, like I had rehearsed it. She shot me a look, one that could freeze her enemies but for me... I smiled.


    "Dismissed."


    Without saying much, I turned on my heels, opened the door, and exited her office. When I stepped out, Ms. Heart beamed and informed me that my textbooks would be waiting for me in my room when I closed from school.


    "Oh, and Valerie," she used my name this time, making me half turn. "Pay a visit to the doctor''s office."


    Without thinking much, I thanked her and left. However, I opened the door to leave¡ªonly to stop dead.


    Leaning casually against the wall outside, waiting, were the three bastards that were my mates.


    Dristan, Kai, and Axel.


    I clenched my jaw. Fucking great. How the hell did I not sense them earlier on? Not like there was anything I could do now except walk and ignore them.


    I tried, but Kai blocked my exit, and all three of them had me pinned.


    Dristan was the first to speak, his cyan-blue gaze cool and unreadable. "Took you long enough."


    Kai''s emerald-green eyes flickered with challenge, his arms crossed over his broad chest.


    Axel? Smirking, like always. "You look like you missed us, sweetheart."


    I scoffed, shoving past them. Luckily, I seeded. "Get out of my way."


    Axel tsked, falling into step beside me. "That''s not how things work here, sweetheart."


    Kai stepped in front of me, effectively blocking my path, and his broad frame radiated dominance, while Axel leaned in, annoyingly close, his smirk barely masking the tension in his hazel-green eyes.


    Dristan stood just behind them, his icy cyan gaze locked onto me like a puzzle he couldn''t solve.


    Their emotions¡ªanger, frustration, confusion¡ªrolled off them in waves. But it wasn''t just them.


    Their wolves were restless.


    And so was mine.


    Astra snapped to attention the moment they closed in, pacing inside me like a caged animal.


    <i>"Mate. Mate. Mine."</i>


    Her growl rumbled through my mind, my body heating in response.


    <i>"No."</i> I gritted my teeth, shoving her down. "<i>Stand down, Astra. We don''t want them."</i>


    <i>"You don''t."</i> She snarled.<i> "I do."</i>


    My fingers curled into fists. Traitor.


    Axel exhaled a slow breath, eyes flicking over me like he was seeing me for the first time. "You feel it too, don''t you, sweetheart?"


    I forced a cold smile. "Feel what? The overwhelming urge to kick you in the face?"


    Kai wasn''t amused. His jaw clenched, the muscles in his arms tightening. "What the hell did you do to us?"


    I blinked. "Excuse me?"


    Dristan stepped forward, his expression sharp and unreadable. "Did you curse us?"


    I stared. Then, augh bubbled out before I could stop it. "You think I wanted this?"


    Dristan''s rage snapped. His palm mmed against the wall beside me, the sound echoing down the hallway.


    I flinched. Not from fear¡ªfrom shock.


    The hallway went silent and a few stares were sent in our direction.


    Their wolves pushed forward, eyes flickering between human and beast. Even Astra stilled, her instincts tangling with theirs.


    Dristan leaned in, his eyes locked with mine as his deep baritone questioned, "Does it look like we''re ying?"


    I turned my gaze to all three of them.


    For once, they weren''t cocky. They weren''t smirking. They were serious.


    They wanted answers. My heart thudded, but I met his re head-on, scoffing as I shoved down the unease curling in my stomach.


    "Why..." I started off slowly but kept my voice sharp, "¡ªdon''t you take your jerk faces and go ask the Moon Goddess?" My pulse was raging.


    Kai''s growl vibrated the air. Axel''s smirk was gone.


    I pressed on. "Not like I want to be bound to a bunch of spoilt brats, either. So do us all a favour and let''s just reject each other. That way, I can have my peace of mind."


    A low growl built in Dristan''s chest, his wolf''s fury bleeding into his stance. His hands twitched, like he was fighting the urge to grab me.


    Astra whined, the bond pulling tighter.


    I gritted my teeth, shoving her down again. "<i>You don''t want them. They''re arrogant, insufferable, egotistical dollopheads!"</i>


    But the second I thought it, I realized I had said it out loud.


    Dristan''s growl deepened.


    I lifted my chin, ring at him. "What? Mad because I said it first?"


    He took a step closer, his presence suffocating. "You don''t¡ª"


    A blur of movement. It happened so fast as someone shoved him aside. I barely had time to process what was happening before a hand gripped mine.


    "And she''s mine. Get in line, boys." A girl, bold, confident, and fearless, called after herself.


    She shot the Alphas a wink¡ªthen yanked me away.

 Chapter 5: A Fourth Bond

    <h4>Chapter 5 - A Fourth Bond</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 5</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    The grip on my wrist was firm but not forceful as the girl dragged me down the hallway.


    I barely had time to nce over my shoulder¡ªjust enough to catch the shock and irritation shing across Dristan, Kai, and Axel''s faces before we turned a corner, leaving them behind.


    Well. That was satisfying.


    "Not that I''mining," I said, matching the girl''s pace, "but who exactly are you?"


    She finally slowed, shing me a wicked grin. "The person who just saved your ass."


    I arched a brow. Bold. I liked her already.


    She let go of my wrist and tossed her blonde curls over her shoulder. "I Storm. Alpha heir of the Golden Crescent Moon Pack."


    Ah. That exined the confidence, I thought, but as soon as it did, I blinked before staring at her.


    She either did not figure it out yet or she, like these rich kids, didn''t bother, but she was my roommate, the room next to mine.


    She studied me like she was assessing something. "You''re Valerie Nightshade, right?"


    I exhaled. "The one and only."


    Her smirk widened. "Figured. You''re all anyone''s talking about. And now? You just made history, babe."


    I rolled my eyes. "Oh, let me guess. Because I dared to breathe in the presence of the Alpha Kings'' heirs?"


    I snorted. "Yes and no." I arched my brow, expecting her to exin and she did. "Because you somehow managed to get all three of them to im you as their mate."


    Her smirk widened, and I could see the glee in her eyes. Huh, a wild one.


    I scowled. "Against my will."


    Sheughed. "Oh, I believe you. But trust me, rejecting them won''t be that easy."


    I wanted to ask how she knew, considering she wasn''t close to us when Dristan snapped, but I figured as werewolves, they all had sharp senses, and some were way sharper than others.


    I narrowed my eyes. "Why not?"


    I crossed her arms. "For one? The bond is strong. You might feel like you hate them now, but the longer you resist, the worse it''ll get. And second?" She tilted her head. "Those three don''t lose. Ever. And they sure as hell won''t lose their mate."


    I groaned. "They can fight over me all they want. I''ll be long gone before they win anything."


    I chuckled, but her gaze turned more serious. "Just... be careful, Nightshade. The mate bond is powerful, but so is everything else in this school. You don''t have to like them, but don''t underestimate them."


    I smirked. "Oh, don''t worry. I never underestimate my enemies."


    She grinned. "Good."


    "Anyways, aren''t you scared they''de for you with the way you stole their prey?" I made invincible quotation marks in the air, and her smile brightened.


    "Oh them... they won''t do anything to me. Instead, I can''t wait to taunt my cousin with how you insulted them, hahaha."


    <i>Cousin?</i>


    Moon goddess, bless my ears. Did I hear her correctly?


    My stupefaction must have given me away. I''sugh echoed.


    "Oh, yeah, you may not see much of the resemnce, but Dristan is my cousin, and he is tasked with protecting his dearest little cousin. He wouldn''t dare touch me; else he answered to his parents, especially his dad. My mum is his dad''s younger sister."


    She leaned in close as if to tell me a secret. "He adores her."


    I nodded, fully understanding exactly where her confidence came from.


    "Now, let''s get some lunch before those possessive babiese hunting you down."


    I liked this girl.


    Maybe PSA wouldn''t bepletely unbearable after all.


    <strong>*************************</strong>


    <strong><i>Lunch¡ªThe Alpha Cafeteria</i></strong>


    The cafeteria was a grand, open-concept space filled with round tables, plush seating, and a stage at the far end for announcements.


    Most students sat in pack formations¡ªterritories even within the school. The elite wolves took the central area, their presence radiating dominance.


    I grabbed a tray, intending to sit near the edge of the room, but before I could¡ª


    A body stepped in front of me.


    Then another. And another.


    The cheerleader Barbie pack.


    At the center of them was Lip Gloss Barbie, Brielle, from earlier. She crossed her arms, her nose scrunching like I had a particrly unpleasant smell.


    "You think you can just walk around here like you''re important?" she sneered.


    I blinked. "Uh, yeah. Because I can walk. And I''m here. So... what''s your point?"


    A few of the girls snickered, but Barbie wasn''t amused.


    I nced around in search of I. I suddenly didn''t feel her presence, only to see her cing her bag on a table, and then her gaze met mine, silently beckoning on me.


    She apparently went to find our seats.


    "You disrespected the Alpha Kings'' heirs," Brielle hissed. "You''re lucky they haven''t put you in your ce yet."


    I arched my brow. "And let me guess... you, theirckey, are offering to do it for them?"


    Her jaw clenched. "Know your rank, stray."


    <i>Stray? Did this nipoop just call me a stray?</i>


    A hush fell over the cafeteria as people stopped to watch.


    I smirked. "See, the funny thing about that? I don''t have a rank. Which means I don''t have to y by your little pack rules."


    Lip Gloss Barbie''s face flushed with rage. But before she could speak, a familiar deep voice cut in.


    "Let it go, Brielle."


    Dristan.


    He was standing behind me with both hands tucked in his pockets.


    Immediately, an uproar of murmurings filled the air. Most of which gave me the notion that they did not visit the cafeteria, yet they were here.


    One nce from Kai and everyone hushed.


    I swallowed, taking note of how Axelzily ced his foot on one of the chairs while his attention was on me.


    They all watched me like I was the most entertaining thing in the room.


    Brielle swallowed hard, nodding before stepping aside.


    Coward.


    "You."


    A shiver ran down my spine. Was he expecting a thanks? I shrugged off the thought and looked at him.


    "I have a name. It''s Valerie. Try to remember that. I doubt something as simple as my name can exclude your memory."


    res and gasps were all around me, but my gaze fell on I. She looked pleased but right now I didn''t care anymore.


    Ignoring Dristan, I walked past without another word, but I felt their eyes on me the entire time.


    *****************


    I needed air.


    The cafeteria had been suffocating, and my entire body still buzzed with unwanted attention.


    I wandered down an empty hallway, exhaling sharply¡ªonly to freeze when I felt it.


    The same intense pull as those from this morning, only this time something warm enveloped the pull.


    Immediately, Astra became restless.


    A presence. Different from the others. Sharper. Lazier. More dangerous in a way I couldn''t define.


    Then¡ªa voice.


    "Didn''t take you long to piss everyone off, did it?"


    I turned.


    Leaning against a row of lockers at the far end of the hallway, arms crossed, was him¡ªthest of the Alpha Kings'' heirs.


    Xade Xavier.


    Silver hair, crystal-blue eyes, tattoos peeking from beneath his uniform sleeves.


    He was smirking. Not like Axel, who did it to provoke. Not like Dristan, who did it to hide something.


    Xade? He did it because he was amused.


    He took a slow step forward, his gazenguid, assessing, like a predator ying with his food.


    I tensed. Something about him felt different. Unpredictable.


    "Do you always lurk in hallways like a creep?" I muttered while trying to keep my wolf suppressed.


    He chuckled. "Only when I find something interesting."


    His gaze dragged over me slowly and deliberately, and he came to a stop close to me. And for some reason, my wolf stirred.


    <i>"Wrong. Wrong."</i>


    And then she snapped. The pull had been so strong it stole my breath away. Another mate bond and the final, I hoped.


    I sucked in a sharp breath as heat exploded through my veins, an invisible tether yanking me toward him.


    Xade''s smirk didn''t falter. Not even for the split second when his shock shed in his eyes as his wolf synced with Astra.


    My brows furrowed. <i>Was he expecting it?</i>


    Xade simply leaned in, voice dropping to a murmur. "I was wondering when you''d show up, mate." His breath brushed my ear. "This is going to be fun."


    Oh, fuck.


    I stumbled back, heart hammering, but Xade justughed,pletely unfazed.


    I hated how calm he was. How unaffected. How much control he had, while I felt like I wasing undone.


    I stormed away, refusing to look back.


    Four mates. Four possessive, arrogant bastards. And one truth that sent ice through my veins.


    I was trapped with them.


    "Fuck this shit!"

 Chapter 6: Meeting the Roommates

    <h4>Chapter 6 - Meeting the Roommates</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 6</strong>


    <strong>~Xade''s POV~</strong>


    <i>"Mate."</i>


    The first time I saw her¡ªreally saw her¡ªwas yesterday.


    I had just stepped onto the academy grounds after a morning wasted waiting for my father. Late to school, missing the usual introductions and lectures¡ªnot that I cared or could be bothered, but I cared about my reputation. This was my territory and packnds.


    As the Middle Belt Regional heir, I had a name to live up to; at least, that''s what my father loved to think.


    But then, as I moved through the hallways, my wolf stirred.


    It was brief. A flicker of something wrong, yet it felt all too right.


    My instincts sharpened. I scanned the students, the crowd, the scents that mingled together¡ªuntil her scent hit me.


    Dark roses, the crisp bite of frost, and something untamed. I inhaled deeply, loving how that sweet scent soothed my wolf. It called to me. And there was only one possible exnation I could think of.


    I had found my mate.


    But before I could follow it, she was gone.


    That alone intrigued me.


    Unlike the other Alpha king heirs, I was the most sensitive. It ran in the family. While the others had their brute strength andrge territory, we pined for peace, and thus, our cunning thinking was top-notch.


    <strong><i>~The Day Before¡ªshback~</i></strong>


    "You''rete."


    My father''s deep voice echoed through the study as he leaned back in his leather chair, his golden eyes as sharp as ever.


    I sighed, dropping into the seat across from him. "You''re the one who kept me waiting."


    My father, Alpha Xavier, ignored myint as his eyes narrowed.


    He steepled his fingers, his expression turning serious. "The Middle Belt must remain secure, and businesses must stay in check. That''s your priority at PSA. No distractions. This is your final year."


    I nodded. This was expected. My father''s reach extended beyond just our pack¡ªhe controlled trade, information, and power. Keeping everything in line was part of my role, even if I wasn''t officially Alpha yet.


    "That''s not all," he continued. "Someone has been digging into the massacre from ten years ago. The one that wiped out the Southern Region."


    I stiffened, my breath barelying in as my eyes remained locked with his.


    My father never talked about that night unless it was necessary. Was this some kind of test or... did something truly happen?


    I sat up. "Who?"


    His gaze darkened. "We don''t know. But whoever it is, they''re getting close. Too close. Find out who. Find out why and then sink them."


    I let the information sink in. Wait, sink them? I sighed, knowing fully well why he''d want that. The massacre was what it was: a massacre that should remain buried to let those innocent souls rest.


    Someone was looking for answers.


    And if they dug deep enough... They''d find things that should stay buried¡ªugly truths of the werewolf kingdom and the power y of politics and greed.


    I exhaled, nodding once. "I''ll handle it."


    Satisfied, my father leaned back. "Good."


    I waited a few seconds for him to say something, but he didn''t. Immediately, I rose to my feet, dipped my head, and headed straight for the door.


    Then, just as I was about to turn the doorknob, his voice rang out. "One more thing, Xade."


    I paused, ncing over my shoulder.


    "The mating season is approaching," he said smoothly. "You''ll meet with Alpha Ray''s daughter, Rhina. You know what to do."


    I smirked, but my wolf growled angrily inside. I knew Xaren felt it, too, and now, Father had indirectly brought up an arranged marriage.


    I knew exactly what my father was suggesting. Securing political ties. Strengthening alliances. Ensuring our future.


    I gave him azy salute. "Sure, Father. I''ll handle it."


    But now? Now that I had found her?


    Yeah. He wasn''t gonna like this.


    ~Present ¨C Xade''s POV~


    I watched Valerie storm away with her squared, tensed shoulders. I felt her pulse racing. She must have been in shock, and it was quite different from what I expected.


    Unfortunately for her, whether she liked it or not, a new bond had snapped into ce and she was mine.


    I knew it the moment I saw her in that hallway; that second our wolves synced. But unlike the others, I wasn''t shocked.


    I had already felt it before. A slow smirk tugged at my lips as I leaned against the locker, watching her retreat.


    This is going to be fun.


    I ran a hand through my silver hair, exhaling. <i>"Now, Father... how do you feel about your son being mated to the one person who might burn everything down?"</i>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV ¨C After Lectures~</strong>


    By the time sses were over, my nerves were fried. Four mate bonds. Fucking four!


    I needed out and it wasn''t helping that I was nearing my heat cycle and my pheromone was getting harder to suppress. Who was I kidding? I did not have much control in the first ce. That was the reason my uncle made the ne.


    Ignoring the lingering stares, I headed straight to my dorm. The moment I stepped inside, I froze.


    Three girls sat on the kitchen aisle. One of them was I.


    "Hey, I. What''s up?"


    I blinked, clearly surprised to see me there. I almost forgot this would happen. I had been too busy wrapped in my own world to imagine their reaction when my roommates finally saw me.


    I swallowed before her eyes flicked to the golden namete on my door.


    And then¡ªsheughed.


    "Well, well, well," she grinned. "Looks like we''re roommates, Nightshade."


    "I knew already," I added with a smile.


    "Ahem..." one of the girls with I cleared her throat.


    The other two girls¡ªEmerald and Astraea¡ªstood beside her, both watching me with curiosity. I did not know who was who until I, being so kind, introduced us.


    "Valerie," I announced, gesturing between us. "Meet Emerald." She pointed to the girl with wavy strawberry-blonde hair. "And Astraea." Her gazended on the brown-haired girl with a streak of white hair by her left-hand side.


    They both nodded in greeting.


    "Wee to the dorm," Emerald said, smirking. "We don''t usually get new people in senior year."


    Astraea crossed her arms. "Or ones that stir up as much chaos as you have in a single day."


    I sighed. "Yeah, well, it''s been a long week."


    "It hasn''t even been two days, babe," I teased.


    I rolled my eyes. "Where were you guys yesterday?"


    As if on cue, they exchanged guilty nces. Emerald coughed. "We... had things to do."


    Astraea smirked. "Personal business."


    I arched a brow. Right. "That''s against school rules, isn''t it?"


    Emerald shrugged. "Rules are flexible when you know how to bend them."


    I smiled. "Good to know."


    I liked them already because, thanks to my revenge n, I needed to bend a few rules and couldn''t have any goody-two-shoes-perfect student telling on me.


    Still, I was exhausted.


    "Well," I said, stretching, "I need a bath and some peace."


    "Enjoy," I called as I grabbed my things. Oh, and would you like to have dinner with us?"


    I halted mid-turn, smiled over my shoulder, and nodded. "With you girls, I thought you''d never ask."


    I winked, turned, and left, overhearing Emerald''s voice. "I like her already. Thankfully she ain''t a stuck-up bitch."


    I shook my head. If only she knew what a wild case I was. I stepped into my bathroom, letting the hot water wash away the tension of the day.


    By the time I was done, I wrapped my body in a towel and let my damp hair fall freely on my shoulders as I sat at my desk.


    A lot had happened today with the Alpha Kings'' heirs. Who would have thought that the five regions would be linked this way? Just then a memory crossed my mind.


    <i>"I can only help a bit. The ne would mask her scent and suppress her heat. But when she meets her mate... I''m sorry, but it would either be a mess or a save."</i>


    I sighed. Just as she had said. However, right now, I needed something to keep this heat in check because I have no n of mating with all four alphas.


    And then one thing stuck in my mind. My ne. I reached for it instinctively¡ªonly to remember it was gone.


    My jaw tightened. That thief had taken it after he stabbed me. The second he did, I turned around, but he quickly blew a white powdery substance on my face. I was faster, and he smacked his hand in time.


    It must have been then that he stole my ne. But what he didn''t know was that my ne was trackable.


    I powered up my newptop. Thankfully, Ryan already installed everything I needed and didn''t give me a nkptop. Immediately, I went online and straight into Starlight''s social dark site, my fingers flying over the keys.


    A smirk curled my lips. "Time to hunt you down, scumbag."

 Chapter 7: Seeking Out the Thief

    <h4>Chapter 7 - Seeking Out the Thief</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 7</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    It did not take me long to find what I was looking for. I knew that nes were too good for anyone to want to pass on if sold on the ck market.


    Although the fool wouldn''t know its optimal use, it was still a nice gem, and getting witches to forge one for you wasn''t easy.


    They liked keeping to themselves and not mixing with our kind.


    By 9 p.m., I had gotten everything I needed and found he was at one of the elusive nightclubs where all shit went down.


    Without a doubt, I knew going there was my biggest option. I quickly dressed up before stepping out of my room.


    When I did, I found I lounging on one of the couches, her legs ced on the edge.


    "Hey, Val."


    "Hi."


    "Going somewhere?"


    I smiled, not sure how or what to answer. If I said yes, she''d probably have more questions for me.


    "You don''t have to say anything if you do not want to," I added, and I shook my head.


    "It''s not that. Yeah, I have something I need to do. So I am going out. Wannae?"


    I saw a spark in her eyes, and for a moment, I thought she''d want to apany me, but then she shook her head. "Nah, I bet it is personal. Besides, I had my fair share of outings yesterday. I still have a report to submit tomorrow. So go and have fun."


    "Alright. See ya."


    *****************


    Slipping through the academy''s gates under the cover of darkness was too easy.


    Security was tight during curfew hours, but it was nothing I couldn''t handle. I had spent years training under my uncle¡ªlearning how to move unseen, how to blend into shadows.


    Furthermore, I had to do everything to escape him every once in a while when I got a lead on the nightshade bandana. But sigh, like every lead, sometimes I meet a dead end.


    They slipped through my fingers like ghosts, whispers that never were there.


    But tonight? I had a different target in mind.


    Find the thief. Find my ne. Find the truth.


    The tracker led me to a hidden club in the city, buried deep within Starlight''s underground scene.


    This wasn''t a regr bar. It was a supernatural den, a ce where the most dangerous beings gathered to drink, deal, and disappear.


    The shing neon sign above the entrance flickered erratically, the bass of the music vibrating through my bones as I slipped inside.


    The air was thick with the scent of alcohol, sweat, and raw power especially now that I had Astra. The crowd was a blur of werewolves, vampires, and other creatures, all indulging in their vices.


    Thankfully, I blended in perfectly¡ªck outfit, hood up, no scent suppression needed in a ce reeking of sin.


    I kept my movements calm, precise. I wasn''t here to y.


    I was here to hunt.


    Quickly, I picked my target, the one person who could easily hear information from.


    The bartender barely nced up when I slid into a seat at the bar.


    A rough-looking man with scars along his jaw and dark, knowing eyes, he was either a rogue or someone who knew how to survive among them.


    Well, the city was a peaceful ce for everyone.


    "Looking for a drink?" he muttered.


    I leaned forward. "Not exactly."


    His gaze flicked up, assessing. "Then what?"


    "Someone." He arched a brow at me but I went ahead anyway. I described the thief, his looks and everything and I watched him closely for any reaction.


    He tensed, then masked it quickly.


    Interesting.


    I pushed further. "I also need ess to the ck market. Where would I go if I wanted to... sell something valuable?"


    The bartender wiped the counterzily, but his grip on the cloth tightened.


    "Dangerous business, girl. Not a ce for someone like you."


    I smirked. "I can handle myself."


    He exhaled, shaking his head. "You''re either reckless or stupid."


    I lifted a brow. "Both, actually."


    Before he could answer, I felt it.


    A shift in the air.


    The kind that made the fine hairs on my skin rise¡ªthe feeling of being watched.


    I wasn''t alone but before I could turn, a strong grip wrapped around my wrist.


    Warm breath ghosted along my ear. "Now, now, little wolf, just what are you doing in a ce like this?"


    My entire body went rigid.


    I didn''t need to look to know who it was.


    Xade.


    I yanked my hand away, spinning on my stool, only toe face-to-face with him.


    Silver hair, stormy crystal-blue eyes, his uniform long gone¡ªreced with a ck shirt, unbuttoned just enough to tease muscle and ink.


    He looked utterly rxed. Lethal but amused.


    His gaze flickered over me in a slow and deliberate manner, like he was memorising everything. Heavens knew I scowled. "Don''t call me that."


    He smirked. "What? Little wolf?"


    My wolf shuddered in pleasure at the nickname.


    I shoved her down, ring. "What do you want?"


    Xade looked over my shoulder. "What I want to know is why a PSA student is wondering or loitering at a high-end club at a time way past curfew?"


    I swallowed, but before I could think, my retort came faster than my mind. "I could say the same for you."


    Xade smirked in a way that made it seem like he knew something I didn''t know. "That''s because I am the Alpha King''s heir of the middle belt. Surveince and keeping things in order in the city is under my jurisdiction."


    He had a point, but I wasn''t just going to allow Xade to win. "Did you follow me?"


    Xade leaned in slightly, invading my space. "You''re not exactly subtle."


    I scoffed. "And yet you let mee in?"


    His grin widened. "Why stop the fun? I was curious to see what you''d do."


    Heat simmered under my skin. His voice¡ªsmooth, teasing¡ªsent a sharp thrill down my spine.


    Astra purred in my head, whispering the most traitorous things.


    <i>"Kiss him. Show him who''s dominant,"</i> she voiced like a chant in my head over and over again.


    Shut up.


    I forced myself to focus. "Move, Xade."


    He didn''t. Instead, he took a step closer, backing me into the bar, his scent wrapping around me¡ªdark spice and something dangerously enticing.


    "You''re looking for trouble," Xade murmured.


    I tilted my chin up. "And if I am?"


    His fingers brushed my jaw with a featherlight sensation coursing through me.


    A challenge. A tease.


    "You should be careful, little wolf," he whispered. "Sometimes, the hunter bes the prey."


    A shiver ran through me¡ªannoyance, attraction, frustration¡ªall tangled together¡ªandI hated how the positive side, the one for Astra, could prevail. Though all I could see was the negative from him.


    I hated this. I hated the way my body reacted to him and the way Astra preened under his attention.


    I needed out.


    So I did what I did best. I shoved Xade away, hard but not to the point that caused him injury.


    Xade let me go, but heughed as I slipped past him.


    "See you soon, mate," he called after me.


    Damn him.


    Damn all of them.

 Chapter 8: Combat Class

    <h4>Chapter 8 - Combat ss</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 8</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    The moment I stepped onto campus the next morning, I had one goal¡ªavoid the Alpha Princes at all costs.


    Afterst night''s encounter with Xade, I had no patience left for any of them. They were all scumbags no matter how one looked at it.


    I just wanted a normal day where there weren''t any games, no mate bond nonsense, nor some evil cheerleading Barbie squad dolling up my space. Just me, kicking ass and moving on with my life.


    But, of course, the universe had other ns. Because right there, as I nced at my schedule¡ªbold and unforgiving, was Combat ss.


    And guess what?


    All four of them would be there. Combat ss was a ss no werewolf in any grade or year could miss.


    <strong>*************</strong><strong>The Arena¡ªPSA Combat ss</strong>


    Reluctantly, I made my way to the arena for the ss. Combat ss was a big deal at PSA. Werewolves thrived on dominance, strength, and power.


    And here? The ring decided everything.


    I walked into the massive training arena, feeling the raw energy in the air. Students stood in circles around the sparring pits, some stretching, others already locked inbat before we officially began or so I thought.


    The instructor, Mr. Grayson, a grizzled warrior with battle scars and a no-nonsense demeanour, stood at the centre, watching everyone.


    "Today," he boomed, "our ss will focus on..." I tried tiptoeing into the ss when he called my name. "Ms. Nightshade, you would do well to attend my ss early."


    I froze and smiled. "Sorry, sir, I got lost on my way here." I lied. He scrunched his face, his eyes narrowing as if reading between the lines.


    "You have a map, don''t you?"


    "I, huh for... I left it in the dorm. My mistake." Great, another lie. I hate lies because of the chain reaction ripple effect they produce.


    Luckily, Mr. Grayson believed me and gave me a warning.


    "Don''t bete next time," he instructed, and I nodded. With both hands sped behind him, he continued, "So, today we will test skill, endurance, and control. Now, pair up."


    I was already moving toward the back, hoping to blend in, when Mr. Grayson''s deep voice rang out loud and clear. "Valerie Nightshade."


    I stopped.


    Mr. Grayson''s sharp gaze found mine. I already knew what wasing¡ªhe was going to assign me a partner. "You''re with Axel Westwood."


    "What?"


    "Got a problem?" The way he spoke made me gulp. I did not wish to enter his ck book just yet.


    While, I contemted his question and my response, one of the Queen Bee bitches spoke. "Look at her acting all high and mighty when she should be d that she is paired with someone like the Alpha Prince Axel."


    "What a sore loser. I wish Mr. GRayson had picked me instead to pair with them."


    Another wannabe spoke, her voice louder than thest. "After everything we did to get a chance with them, they refused, but this wench actually got it on her first day here? Talk about luck. I hate her. I wish she could just drop dead."


    I rolled my eyes, and Astra growled internally. I did my best to hush her to avoid more trouble.


    "M. Nightshade?"


    I blinked. Only now did I realise everyone was staring at me, waiting for my response.


    "Of course, sir. Learning a thing or two from him would be good."


    I hoped Axel could hear my sarcasm, but whether or not he did, I exhaled slowly as Axel sauntered forward, rolling his shoulders like he was warming up for a show. His smirk was already in ce, cocky and insufferable.


    "Well, sweetheart," he purred, "ready to get on your knees?"


    I smiled sweetly. "Only if it''s to kick you in the face and have you eat dirt; sure, bring it on."


    A few students snickered. Axel''s grin widened. "I''m going to enjoy this. Oh, you may want to get a weapon, just to be safe."


    I rolled my shoulders, smiling. "You sure you not scared or are you really asking for a beating?"


    "You''ve got quite the mouth. I''ll enjoy seeing you use them to beg to quit. I''m ready."


    Yeah. So was I.


    The second Mr. Grayson gave the signal, Axel moved fast. His speed was his weapon. Darting in and out, he tested my defences, but he was always just out of reach.


    He was toying with me.


    "Come on, sweetheart," he murmured as I dodged a swipe to my ribs. "Don''t tell me you''re already struggling."


    I grit my teeth, keeping my stance firm. I wouldn''t fall for his tricks. Ignoring his taunts, I lounged, throwing a kick at his leg but then¡ªhe changed tactics.


    Axel leaned in too close, that when he breathed, his breath was hot against my ear.


    "You smell good," he muttered. The unexpected contact sent a shiver down my spine, not from attraction but from pure rage.


    I snarled, shoving him off and aiming a swift kick to his chest using Astra''s strength and speed to my advantage


    Axel barely dodged. Barely. Then suddenly, his smirk wavered. "Ooooh. Feisty."


    I moved again, this time faster, sharper, and more aggressively than he had nned. Axel expected a clean fight.


    I didn''t fight clean. My instincts were on high alert as I remained focused, reading his moves and anticipating his next attack.


    He moved swiftly, going out of rhythm and throwing a kick to my side, hitting the spot where I had been stabbed.


    However, thanks to my healing, my injury had healed, butI still felt a bit of pain, and his kick worsened it.


    That was it. My eyes became red, anger coursing through me as I moved swiftly, closing the gap between us.


    A sharp elbow to his ribs made him grunt. A follow-up sweep to his legs forced him to stumble back.


    The crowd gasped, a different reaction from their earlier cheer when he first hit me.


    Axel''s smirk was gone. His hazel-green eyes darkened.


    And then¡ªhe got serious. He came at me harder and faster, using his full strength. I matched him equally, blow for blow.


    A swift punch grazed my cheek, but I used the momentum to pivot, aiming straight for his ribs.


    "Enough."


    The fight wasn''t over. I had him, and I was going to get him, but suddenly, Kai interfered. He stepped into the ring, grabbing my wrist mid-swing.


    I jerked back furiously, ring daggers at him. "What the hell are you doing?"


    Kai''s emerald-green eyes burned with irritation. "Stopping you, that''s what."


    "Why? Because I was gonna get your friend? You were scared of your ranks getting taken or whatever bullshit reason you have."


    Kai clenched his jaw. They thought I was the same girl they had met at the outskirts of the city, but I wasn''t.


    "You''re not worth it."


    My chest tightened. Not worth it? A slow rage curled in my gut. I turned to Axel, pointing at him. "Next time, I''ll make you bleed."


    The crowd went hushed.


    Axel wiped a bit of sweat from his brow, a smirk slowly creeping back. "Can''t wait, sweetheart."


    I was about to respond¡ªuntil Dristan stepped forward. And then¡ªhis Alpha aura hit. A suffocating force of power crashed over the entire arena, making the crowd freeze.


    My wolf snarled in resistance, but even Astra stilled.


    Dristan''s cyan-blue eyes locked onto me, dangerously and sharply.


    I forced myself to stand tall. I refused to cower and bow. And then, Xade whistled.


    The tension snapped as he casually approached, hands tucked in his pockets with an amused glint in his eyes.


    "Well," he drawled, "this was fun."


    He nced at me, smirking. "Little Wolf, you do know how to put on a show."


    I ignored him. Instead, I turned my re to Kai. The next time I fought, no one was going to stop me.


    "Enough already. Everyone take..."


    The bell signalled the end of ss, and I exhaled sharply. "Till next time, sore loser."


    ***************


    Later that day, as I reached my locker, something felt... off. I opened it and immediately, a single piece of paper fluttered to the floor.


    I picked it up, reading the words scrawled in dark ink.


    <i>"You don''t belong here, stray. Leave, or we''ll make you disappear."</i>

 Chapter 9: Detention

    <h4>Chapter 9 - Detention</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 9</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    <i>"You don''t belong here, stray. Leave, or we''ll make you disappear." </i>I read the note over and over again as if looking for a hidden meaning behind the letter or as though I could figure out the sender.


    My fingers tightened around the note. I could tell several reasons why anyone would wish that I disappeared in this school, but something about this note made it all the more personal and too real.


    I knew for a fact it wasn''t Brielle and her cheer squad, but still, who was this coward?


    I had been issued a warning. Someone was making threats and wanted me gone, so I exhaled and shoved the paper into my pocket.


    They could try.


    Because I wasn''t going anywhere, my mission had yet to begin, and this only proved that I was probably on the right track in finding out the truth of 10 years ago.


    I exhaled, my mind already piecing together to see who it was that had sent the message, when suddenly an oddly familiar voice rang out.


    "Valerie!" I spun on my feet to see one of my roommates, Astraea, walking over to me.


    I gave the best of smiles and shuffled the letter into the pocket of my school uniform''s jacket. "Astraea!"


    She was extra chirpy, I noted. "What? Someone''s not happy to see me?"


    I shook my head. "Not that. I was just a bit tired after my training session today, and now, I have Advanced Pack Dynamics ss."


    "Oh, I see. Okay. I am having an Advanced Etiquette ss now. So I''m going to head over. Catch youter."


    Astraea winked, and for a second, I felt relieved and happy. Not everyone in this schoolpletely hated me. It was great; all my roommates liked me.


    Just as she left, I closed my locker after taking my next textbook and note before walking away, but I had barely moved two steps when my watch notified me.


    My tracker had located the thief''s whereabouts again.


    My gaze flickered to the school gate through the window, and as much as I wished to ditch school for this, Uncle was right. I needed toy low.


    Without waiting for a second, I marked the location and saved the address. Then, I headed to ss.


    However, upon entering ss, I met all four Alpha Kings'' heirs seated at the back of the ss in their respective seats.


    I swallowed the huge lump that formed in my throat and greeted the teacher.


    Mr. Draven nodded, epting my greeting before I gave it and then gestured for an empty chair right in the middle of the four demons to sit.


    "Sir..."I rethought my protest when his cold emerald-green eyes locked on me. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," I said stiffly and made my way there.


    I noticed Axel''s stifled chuckle, but I decided it was best to ignore him. I did not know why, but the next second, I felt something on my skirt.


    I stiffened the moment I felt something cold and wet seep through my skirt.


    Slowly, too slowly, I turned my head to see him.


    Axel.


    The bastard was sitting beside me, fumbling with an empty water bottle. I had no idea what to make of his hazel-green eyes.


    "Oh, sorry," he murmured, lips twitching. "My hand... slipped."


    I clenched my jaw at his half-hearted attempt at an apology. He did not just pour water on my damn skirt. If looks could kill, I would have killed him a million times as I felt the rage burn through me.


    <i>"Patience, Valerie. He is just being cute," </i>Astra defended him.


    <i>"There''s nothing cute about that asshole."</i>


    Kai, seated across from me, exhaled loudly, feigning boredom. "Honestly, Axel, must you be so childish?"


    "It wasn''t intentional," I heard him say. Like hell, it wasn''t.


    Dristan, on my other side, didn''t say anything, but I caught the barest twitch of amusement, or was it concern in his cyan-blue gaze?


    Xade?


    That smug asshole was outright grinning. "You look ufortable, little wolf," he drawled. "Want me to warm you up?"


    I inhaled sharply, biting down my burning irritation as I forced myself not to lunge at them.


    Instead, I reached into my bag, yanked out a napkin, and dabbed at my skirt, pretending they didn''t exist.


    Ignoring them was the best course of action.


    At least... that was the n.


    A few minutes into the lecture, Mr. Draven was speaking about pack hierarchies and diplomatic strategies, but I could barely focus.


    Because they wouldn''t stop.


    Axel nudged my chair with his foot.


    Xade twirled a pen between his fingers, flicking it at my notebook.


    Kai? He was leaning backzily, flipping through his textbook, acting like he wasn''t asionally tapping my chair leg with his boot.


    Dristan, of course, was stoic and unreadable, but he didn''t stop them. I gritted my teeth, my fury bubbling. Then, I felt a light tug at the back of my uniform.


    My eyes snapped to Axel, who had the audacity to wave a lock of my hair between his fingers.


    He smirked. "Soft."


    I snatched it back. "Touch me again, and I''ll rip off your fingers."


    A few students gasped at my harsh tone, heads turning our way.


    Axel just chuckled. "Feisty."


    Kai sighed. "And here I thought you''d learn to behave after your little outburst inbat ss."


    That was it.


    I mmed my hands against the desk and stood up so fast that my chair screeched back. "Enough!"


    The entire ss fell silent. The atmosphere felt heavy, and every student was now looking at me in surprise.


    Axel raised a brow. "You good, sweetheart?"


    Kai exhaled loudly, feeling annoyed. Dristan''s expression tightened slightly, while Xade grinned like a mischievous little devil.


    But the real problem?


    Mr. Draven.


    His emerald-green eyes¡ªthe same as Kai''s¡ªhardened.


    "Miss Nightshade," he said coldly. "Sit. Down."


    I swallowed, realising what I had just done. But I was too angry to care.


    "They won''t stop," I snapped. "They''ve been messing with me all ss!"


    Mr. Draven didn''t even blink. "And you believe that excuses your outburst?" His voice was icy.


    I clenched my fists. "I¡ª"


    "You have detention."


    I blinked. "What?"


    He arched a brow. "Unless you''d prefer a full week of detention?"


    My lips pressed into a thin line. I nced at the four smug bastards surrounding me.


    They were enjoying this. I exhaled sharply, then dropped back into my seat, my blood boiling.


    Mr. Draven gave me a long, disappointed look before continuing his lecture as if nothing happened.


    Axel leaned in. "You''re cute when you''re mad."


    Kai smirked. "Enjoy detention."


    I forced myself not to stab them with my pen.


    But I made myself a promise.


    Next time?


    They''d be the ones suffering because they did not know that Valerie Snow did not y fairly. I paid bad with evil and good with blossoming goodness.

 Chapter 10: An Apology

    <h4>Chapter 10 - An Apology</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 10</strong>


    <strong>~Axel''s POV~</strong>


    I had nned to ignore Valerie''s detention.


    After all, it wasn''t my problem. She was the one who snapped in ss, not me. But Acer, my wolf, had been nagging me nonstop the entire damn time.


    <i>"You got our mate in trouble."</i>


    <i>"You embarrassed her."</i>


    <i>"Fix this, idiot."</i>


    I groaned, rubbing my temples. Since when did my wolf care so much? I knew why I had messed with Valerie earlier. I was frustrated.


    Ever since we found out she was our mate, none of us had really talked about it. We just... avoided the subject altogether.


    But that morning, when she almost beat me inbat ss?


    It got under my skin.


    No one¡ª<i>no</i><i>one</i>¡ªhad ever bested me except the other three Alpha Princes. Even then, it was always a close fight, which I won most of the time.


    But her?


    She came out of nowhere, aplete mystery, and somehow, she fought like she''d been training her entire life. I knew I went easy on her, not using my powers and all but still.


    And maybe... she had.


    A part of me wondered if she was using some kind of magic¡ªwitchery, or maybe a trick¡ªbut another part? Another part of me was just in intrigued by her wits and strength.


    I wanted to figure her out. To understand what made her tick. Which was why I had acted like aplete dumbass in ss.


    At first, I had just wanted to get her attention. She wasn''t even looking at me. So I nudged her chair lightly.


    Nothing.


    Waved a pen at her. Still nothing. Valerie Nightshade ignored mepletely.


    It annoyed me more than it should have. So I tried poking her with the water bottle. Unfortunately, the damn thing wasn''t fully closed.


    And boom¡ªwater all over her skirt.


    She had red at me like she was deciding whether to stab me or set me on fire. I had tried to y it off as a mistake.


    But I wasn''t convincing enough¡ªprobably because of the smirk I failed to hide. And now?


    Now she waspissed and in detention, and Acer wouldn''t shut up about it.


    So here I was, heading into the ssroom because, apparently, I was a sucker for punishment.


    <strong>***************</strong><strong>~Detention ¨C Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    I had exactly one goal in detention.


    Ignore everyone. Get through the next hour. <i>Move on with my life, especially if it meant finding that bastard.</i>


    But then¡ªhe walked in.


    Axel fucking Zeno.


    He strolled into the ssroom, hands in his pockets, his red hair perfectly messy, and that damn cocky smirk on his face.


    I red immediately.


    "Sit somewhere else," I mouthed, knowing he came for me.


    He ignored mepletely and slid into the seat beside me like he belonged there.


    "Good evening, sweetheart."


    I exhaled sharply, turning my focus back to my phone, pretending he didn''t exist.


    <i>"I''ll fix it," </i>I hear him mutter. I could bet he was probably talking to his wolf.


    <i>"Hmm. He''s in support of you. I can feel it." </i>I shut Astra up, not wanting the disturbance.


    Axel sighed, slumping into his seat, but I wasn''t even acknowledging him. And that bothered him more than it should have.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Axel''s POV~</strong>


    Acer wasn''t letting this go.


    <i>"Apologize," he chided me.</i>


    "Yeah, yeah," I muttered internally before sneaking a nce at her.


    She was typing away on her phone, her fingers moving fast while a textbook was opened in front of her desk. Valerie wasn''t reading. Well, I couldn''t me her either.


    Something about the way shepletely shut me out irritated me.


    I wasn''t used to being ignored.


    And I sure as hell wasn''t used to my mate ignoring me.


    "Working on something important?" I asked, tilting my head to peek at her screen.


    She angled the phone away instantly.


    I grinned. "Is that a secret, sweetheart?"


    She growled lowly. However, before she could snap, the lecturer cleared her throat. "Silence, Miss Nightshade."


    Valerie rolled her eyes but obeyed. I, on the other hand, unleashed a fraction of my Alpha aura. Not enough to cause panic¡ªjust enough to remind the lecturer exactly who I was.


    Her gaze flickered to mine, and she swallowed.


    My eyes shed red, and the lecturer looked away immediately. But from her shocked reaction just now, I was sure they had shown blue. She focused on her book rather than on us.


    Valerie was shocked.


    Her eyebrows furrowed like she couldn''t understand why I just did that.


    I leaned closer, my voice dropping. "Are you going to hear me out now, or should I keep pulling favours for you?"


    Her jaw tightened. But finally, finally, she nodded.


    I exhaled. Step oneplete.


    Apologising wasn''t exactly my thing.


    But looking at Valerie now¡ªactually looking at her¡ªI realized I might have taken things too far.


    Acer was right. I exhaled.


    "Look... about earlier."


    Valerie crossed her arms. "I''m listening."


    Damn. She was really going to make me say it, huh? "I might have gone too far."


    Valerie blinked. "Is that an apology?"


    I groaned. "Yes, okay? I... I''m sorry."


    Valerie raised an eyebrow. "That sounded painful for you."


    "It was," I muttered.


    She stared at me for a moment before she sighed, shaking her head.


    "Well, at least you''re self-aware."


    A beat of silence stretched between us. I suddenly felt lighter, like a strange weight had been lifted from my chest. And before I could second guess myself, I stood up and reached for her hand.


    "Come on," I said.


    Valerie frowned. "What?"


    I tugged gently. "Let''s go. I''ll make this right."


    She pulled back immediately. "And where do you think we''re going?"


    Before I could answer, the lecturer''s voice cut through the air.


    "And where do you two think you''re going?"


    Valerie tensed, but I smirked. I turned to the lecturer, shing a charming smile.


    "Miss Rose," I drawled, "you look stunning today. Really, there''s something different about you. A glow, maybe?"


    Her eyes widened slightly, and I knew I had her.


    Valerie looked between us,pletely stunned.


    "You wouldn''t mind letting me take Valerie, would you? She''s had a long day. Surely you can show some mercy? And her detention was all my fault. Surely you don''t see how she should get punished, right?"


    Miss Rose''s face softened slightly. And then she nodded. "Yes. You are right."


    "Good. Nor do you want to punish an Alpha Kings'' heir." Miss Rose nodded while Valerie stared at me like I had just performed actual magic.


    "How¡ª" she started, but I just winked.


    She muttered something under her breath about ''spoiled brats getting everything their way'', but I didn''t care.


    I just chuckled as we stepped outside.


    Then my phone vibrated. I checked it to see a message from Dristan.


    "Meeting room. Five minutes. Topic: Our mate."


    I let out a slow exhale.


    <i>Ah. So the boys finally wanted to talk about it.</i>


    I turned back to Valerie, my grin sharpening. "Guess I''ll see youter, sweetheart." Before she could respond, I leaned in close, dropping my voice to azy murmur. "I would say don''t miss me... but we both know you will."


    Her heart skipped a beat. I heard it. Her cheeks darkened slightly, but she recovered quickly.


    Valerie smirked, lifting her chin. "You? Please. I''d miss a mosquito more."


    Then, before I could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving me grinning to myself.


    <i>"Oh, this was going to be fun."</i>

 Chapter 11: Thoughts and Agenda

    <h4>Chapter 11 - Thoughts and Agenda</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 11</strong>


    <strong>~Kai''s POV~</strong>


    The quiet corner behind the old training grounds had always been my personal sanctuary. No one came here. No distractions. Just silence.


    Usually, I could clear my head in a ce like this. But today? It wasn''t working. Because the second I sat down, my wolf wouldn''t shut the hell up.


    <i>"Mate. Mate. Mate," </i>Kaiser chanted internally.


    I exhaled sharply, clenching my fists.


    "Kaiser," I warned.


    But he kept going. <i>"Mate. Ours. Take her. Now."</i>


    I growled lowly. "I can hear you just fine."


    Kaiser snarled back. <i>"Then why are you ignoring the truth?"</i>


    I shut my eyes. "Because she''s not my mate."


    <i>"Lies."</i>


    I could feel him pacing in my mind, restless, furious. Just like how I was right now, but if someone didn''t see it in my eyes, they would probably think I was my usual stoic self.


    <i>"You feel it. You know you want her. You want to hold her, to protect her. And you sure as hell don''t want any other man near her."</i>


    I stiffened.


    My fingers curled into fists as I recalled the sickening jealousy that burned through me every time I saw Axel teasing her, or Xade looking at her like he wanted to toy with her.


    Or Dristan... That bastard was always calcting, waiting, and analysing.


    Still, Kaiser rumbled. <i>"Her scent calms you. Admit it."</i>


    I hated how true that was.


    That morning, when she stepped onto thebat field, my entire body reacted before I could stop it.


    The faintest whiff of her scent, and my wolf eased¡ªlike she was something familiar, something safe.


    And I hated that. Because nothing about her should be safe to me. I growled. "She''s not mine."


    Kaiser''s voice was dark with amusement. <i>"Keep lying to yourself."</i>


    "She''s not mine if the Moon Goddess decided to fucking share her." There the cat was out of the bag. That thought alone sent a bitter taste through my mouth.


    A mate bond was sacred with a single connection and a single person. Then why did mine have to belong to others? Why was Valerie bound to all of us?


    How the hell was I supposed to ept that? How could I im her, knowing she was meant for others, too?


    Kaiser growled. <i>"Then what are you going to do? Watch the others im her first?"</i>


    I scoffed. "That stubborn brat? You think she''d let anyone im her?"


    Kaiser''s growl turned into a low warning. <i>"Don''t insult my mate."</i>


    "Our mate," I corrected before I could stop myself.


    Kaiser let out a satisfied growl. <i>"Oh, now you want to im her?"</i>


    I clenched my jaw. Damn him. He knew how to y games like that cunning Xade.Before I could retort, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was the special tune I used for the Alpha Kings'' heirs.


    So I knew at once that this was serious. I yanked it out, my gaze darkening as I read the message.


    <strong>Dristan:</strong> Meeting room. Five minutes. Topic: Our mate.


    Kaiser growled in satisfaction. <i>"See? I told you to be fast."</i>


    My veins bulged, my fingers tightening around the phone.


    "Shut the fuck up.," I reprimanded Kaiser, but even at that, deep down, I already knew I was screwed.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Drsitan''s POV~</strong>


    A mate.


    That was the one thing I never wanted. Yet, here she was.


    Valerie Nightshade.


    The bane of my existence. The only person in this godforsaken academy who had the audacity to defy me.


    And somehow, she was mine.


    I sat in my private study, a dimly lit room tucked away in the East Wing of the academy''s main building. It wasn''t part of the dorms¡ªit was an exclusive space reserved for me, where no one dared to intrude.


    Except now, my thoughts weren''t my own.


    Soren, my wolf, was restless. He paced in my mind, threatening to take over.


    <i>"She is ours."</i>


    I exhaled slowly, resting my forearms on the polished wooden desk before me. The room was silent, but my thoughts?


    They were loud as hell.


    <i>"She defied you. She resisted. She should have bowed, but she didn''t."</i>


    That was the problem, wasn''t it?


    Everyone bowed to me.


    Everyone.


    I didn''t have to demand submission¡ªI simply existed, and they fell in line. But Valerie? She looked me in the eyes. She challenged me, and worst of all, I wanted to let her.


    My fingers curled into a fist.


    This was the Moon Goddess''s idea of a joke.


    Not only had she given me a mate, but she had shackled me to three others.


    I had spent years ensuring my control remained absolute¡ªnever letting anyone get close or have leverage over me.


    And now?


    One girl threatened everything.


    <i>"She is different,"</i> Soren murmured in my head. <i>"You feel it. She isn''t just defiant¡ªshe is dangerous."</i>


    My jaw tightened as that much was clear. Valerie was skilled. I saw it all happen inbat ss. No ordinary werewolf girl fought like that.


    She was trained. Sharpened like a weapon. Valerie wasn''t just another reckless, hotheaded omega trying to prove herself.


    She was a mystery, and I despised mysteries because they led to unpredictability, which in turn led to chaos.


    I had enough chaos in my life.


    My fingers reached for the drawer beside me. Slowly, I pulled it open.


    Inside, tucked beneath a stack of neatly arranged documents, was a single, worn photograph. I stared at it for a long moment.


    Then, without a word, I shut the drawer.


    <i>Not yet.</i>


    Instead, I grabbed my phone, my fingers moving swiftly across the screen as I typed a message and broadcast it to the others.


    <i>"Meeting room. Five minutes. Topic: Our mate."</i>


    I set my phone down as a slow smirk curled on my lips. Whether she liked it or not, she had just stepped into my game.


    <i>"Wee to my world, Valerie."</i>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan''s POV~</strong>


    The meeting room was silent except for the ticking of the clock. It had been thirty minutes since Ist called for the meetings and everyone arrived but there was no sign of Xade anywhere.


    Axel leaned against the table, arms crossed, while Kai stood by the window, his fingers drumming against the ss in irritation.


    I sat at the head of the table, watching them. Waiting.


    The moment all three of us were gathered, Axel spoke first.


    "Are we seriously waiting for Xade?" he asked, brows furrowed. "He probably won''t even show up. You know how he is¡ª"


    "He''ll be here," I said tly.


    Kai exhaled sharply, turning toward me. "And why exactly do we need him here?"


    I tilted my head, my gaze sharp, calcting. "You mean to say... you haven''t sensed it yet?"


    They exchanged a nce and Axel frowned. "Sensed what?"


    I leaned back, my fingers tapping idly against the armrest. "Think back to today. Earlier in Combat ss."


    Axel stiffened. His brows furrowed as realisation dawned on his face. Then¡ªhis eyes widened.


    "No way," Axel breathed.


    Kai''s expression hardened. "You can''t be serious."


    I lifted a brow. "Is it really that surprising?"


    Axel ran a hand through his red hair. "He''s also her mate?"


    I didn''t answer immediately. Instead, I turned my gaze to Kai, watching for any reaction.


    He scoffed. "He''s just the Middle Belt. In terms of territory and power, we three rule."


    A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "Wouldn''t the same have been said about the South?" My voice was smooth, deliberate. "Before they were eradicated?"


    The room fell into a tense silence.


    Kai clenched his jaw. Axel''s smirk faltered.


    I let my aura shift just slightly. The air in the room grew heavier and colder. Their wolves felt it¡ªI saw it in the way their shoulders tensed, in the flicker of red in their eyes.


    But neither of them called me out for it.


    Instead, Axel exhaled, tucking his hands into his pockets. "So. She''s mated to all of us."


    His tone was unreadable, but I saw the flicker of emotion in his hazel-green eyes.


    "Are we going to share," Axel continued, "or reject her entirely?"


    Kai''s shoulders tensed. Slightly.


    But I noticed it. I smirked. "What''s wrong, Kai? Scared of rejecting your mate?"


    Kai''s emerald-green gaze snapped to mine. "I don''t see you rejecting her, either."


    The air suddenly thickened between us as we both let our auras out. "Face it, Kai. Do you really think our parents¡ª" I started, but then another shift in the atmosphere.


    It was different from mine and slippery and uncatchable. All three of us whipped our heads toward the door as Xade walked in.


    His silver hair was slightly tousled, like he hadn''t bothered fixing it after a run. He wore a sleek ck button-down, the top two buttons undone, paired with darkbat pants and boots.


    He looked like he had walked straight out of a fight¡ªor was about to start one. But as always, Xade was grinning.


    Kai exhaled sharply, rolling his eyes. "Of course, he shows up now."


    Axel smirked. "Took your sweet time, Xavier."


    I watched him carefully. "You''rete."


    Xade strolled forward,pletely unfazed. "Unlike you three," he mused, "I''ve been keeping an eye on our mate."


    Axel and Kai snapped their heads toward him at the same time.


    "So it''s true," Axel said.


    "You''re her mate, too," Kai finished.


    Xade''s smirk didn''t falter. "Yeah."


    "And...?" Kai pressed, arms crossed.


    Xade merely shrugged. "That''s not my concern right now."


    I narrowed my eyes slightly. "Then what is?"


    Xade''s smirk faded just slightly. His expression turned dangerously unreadable. "The real question," he said slowly, his voice dark with a hint of amusement in his tone and something sinister, "is why our mate is currently heading toward the most dangerous part of the city¡ªthe Graveyard ck Market."


    An awkward, tense silence enveloped the room in a beat and then all of us chorused together.


    "What?!"

 Chapter 12: Tracking the Thief

    <h4>Chapter 12 - Tracking the Thief</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 12</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan''s POV~</strong>


    All three of us snapped toward him at once while Xade leaned against the doorframe, watching us with clear amusement.


    "Oh, yeah," he saidzily. "I was following her. And she''s not just curious." His eyes darkened. "She''s hunting something."


    My gaze turned cold.


    Kai cursed under his breath. Axel ran a hand through his hair.


    This girl. This infuriating girl.


    Not only had she thrown all of us into this mess, but now she was diving headfirst into danger.


    I clenched my jaw.


    The game had changed.


    And whether Valerie liked it or not, we were about to step in. "Let''s go."


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    <strong><i>Several Minutes Earlier</i></strong>


    I barely registered my surroundings as I rushed into my dorm after leaving Axel.


    I and the girls were lounging in themon area, but I didn''t stop to greet them. I muttered something half-heartedly and went straight into my room, mming the door shut.


    I needed out.


    Detention had already stolen too much of my time. If that bastard had moved locations again, I was going to lose my only lead.


    Thankfully, he didn''t. Whatever he had going on there must have been important and connected to my ne.


    I yanked open my closet, throwing on a fitted ck long-sleeve top, dark jeans, andbat boots. My fingers worked swiftly, securing two hidden knives in my boots and another tucked against my waist.


    They were against school rules, but right now, I couldn''t be bothered.


    I grabbed the scrap of paper where I had written down the coordinates and address.


    This was myst chance. The only thing that would lead me back to my ne. And I needed that damn thing now.


    Because something was wrong with me. Something worse than I anticipated. I hadn''t noticed it at first. Not when I first sat down in the ssroom, annoyed, ignoring Axelpletely. Not even when he kept nudging me, fidgeting in his seat.


    But then, I caught it.


    His scent.


    I had smelt it before¡ªa mix of spice, cedarwood, and something uniquely him¡ªbut today, it was stronger and sharper than thest time.


    And it hit me fast. My pulse had kicked up, and my skin felt too warm, and Astra was reacting.


    <i>"Mate. He smells good. Let him touch us."</i>


    <i>"No."</i>


    I had bolted before Axel could even notice the shift in my scent. My body was betraying me. The signs were clear. My heat was already starting way too soon.


    I did not know whether their status as Alpha Kings'' heirs triggered my heat this way, but one thing was certain: I needed my ne, and I needed it now.


    I stuffed the paper into my jacket pocket and stepped out of my room.


    I''s sharp gaze flicked up from where she was sitting. She arched a brow.


    "Where are you running off to this time?"


    "Nowhere important," I muttered.


    I smirked. "You say that, but you''re dressed for a fight."


    "This is mymon look," I briefly exined. She said something else, but I ignored her, pushing past themon area and heading straight for the door.


    My heartbeat picked up as I exited the dorm and strode across campus.


    The moment I reached the academy''s back gate, I didn''t hesitate. With swift, practised movements, I scaled the low stone wall and dropped onto the other side.


    I saw that loophole in the fence on the night of my first shift earlier. Since then, I knew where my next escape spot would be.


    There were no rms. No security wolves are patrolling yet.


    Good.


    I darted into the streets, pulling up the address again on my watch.


    Even though I hadn''t been there, I knew what that ce entailed. The Graveyard ck Market. This ce wasn''t just a ck market. It was a graveyard for the reckless, just as its name implied.


    And I was heading straight into it. A cab pulled up beside me, and I yanked open the door, sliding in quickly.


    "Where to?" the driver asked, his voice gruff.


    I gave him the name of a street near my target. As for my actual destination, I thought I''d walk the rest of the way.


    As the car pulled off, I exhaled, trying to calm the storm inside me.


    I was close.


    So damn close.


    And nothing¡ªnot the Alpha Princes, not my heat, not the danger ahead¡ªwas going to stop me.


    <i>"I am going to retrieve what''s mine."</i>


    <strong>~The Graveyard ck Market~</strong>


    The driver did not take too long to pull up at my destination. I paid him and alighted.


    When the cab pulled away, I stepped out into the darkened streets, my senses sharpening. The sky was already dark when I checked the time¡ª7:40 p.m.


    The Graveyard ck Market lived up to its name. It had narrow alleys, flickering streetlights, and shadows slinking between buildings like ghosts. The scent of sweat, blood, and desperation filled the air, mixing with the stench of burning trash and something more sinister.


    I pulled up the tracker on my watch, scanning the map.


    The signal was still active. Good.


    I navigated through the maze of backstreets, following the pulsing dot. My heart pounded as the anticipation of finally getting my ne back pushed me forward.


    But then the tracker stopped moving.


    I froze, eyes narrowing at the screen. No way. He had been on the move for hours, and now suddenly, he was standing still again.


    That wasn''t good.


    I clenched my jaw, retracing my steps, following thest location before the signal cut. The deeper I went, the fewer people I saw, until the street narrowed into a dead-end alley.


    Shit.


    My pulse spiked as I scanned my surroundings, senses on high alert. The silence felt wrong. There was no distant chatter, no footsteps, just the dim light of a cracked streemp flickering above.


    My brows creased, my senses on high alert as I tried searching for any trace of my ne. And then a slow, mocking p echoed from the shadows. ''There, there, little doggie."


    I turned sharply to see a man step forward, and my eyes locked onto him when he threw his hoodie off his head.


    The thief.


    The very same bastard who had poisoned me. My gaze flickered to his hand, and I noticed something small and metallic, flickering with a blue light.


    "My tracker," I muttered, but as soon as I gave a flinch of reaction, he rolled it in his fingers and squashed it before opening his hand for what remained¡ªthe shattered remains of my tracker.


    "Looking for this, small girl?" His voice wasced with amusement, but his dark eyes burned with something far more dangerous.


    I barely had time to respond before he smirked and dropped the tracker, crushing what was left beneath his boot.


    Rage flooded through me. "Where... is... my... ne?"


    The man scoffed, tilting his head. "I was right... That ne is worth a lot if you came all the way here for it." He stepped closer, eyes gleaming. "You didn''t give a damn about your bag. Your money or clothes... just this little thing. So tell me, how much is it worth? Because you and your useless tracker sure as hell ain''t worth shit¡ªexcept putting me in trouble with my buyer."


    I didn''t move. I didn''t blink. But I noticed something. The faint bruising along his jaw. Someone had hit him. And they had done it hard.


    His fingers grazed the injury absently before he scowled, muttering, "Damn bastards do pack a punch.


    My brows furrowed. <i>Bastards? Who else had been after him?</i>


    His re snapped back to me, full of irritation. "But since you''re the reason for all this, I guess I''ll have to teach you a lesson myself." His smirk widened. "And make you pay for my trouble."


    My lip curled. "You read my mind, douchebag," I said smoothly before I moved and struck first.

 Chapter 13: In Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 13 - In Trouble</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 13</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie''s POV~</strong>


    My movements were swift as Inded a sharp punch to his jaw, sending him stumbling back with a curse. Before he could recover, I followed up with a quick leg sweep, knocking him to the ground.


    He barely had time to grunt before I was on him, my knee digging into his chest as I drew a dagger from my boot and pressed it against his throat.


    <i>Sluggish bastard.</i>


    His breath hitched. His eyes flickered with real fear, just like I had once seen.


    I smirked. Good.


    "Start talking," I growled, pressing the de down just enough to draw blood. "Where is my goddamn ne?"


    The silver edge of the dagger glistened against his skin. His body tensed as the realization hit him.


    Silver. And his wound wasn''t healing. Good, now he knew I wasn''t joking.


    He froze. "You¡ªyou''re carrying silver?"


    I tilted my head. "I came prepared this time, seeing as my dagger was merciful thest time."


    His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, eyes darting around. His pulse hammered beneath my de.


    "Now," I said, pressing a little harder. "Talk."


    His lips trembled before the words finally spilt out. "I¡ªI sold it!"


    "To who?" He hesitated as if searching for a way to knock me off him. So, I did what I could. I unleashed a bit of Astra''s strength, pinning him downpletely.


    He winced. "A-Arnold. His name is Arnold Michel... the ck Merchant."


    My heart clenched.


    I knew that name.


    The ck Merchant wasn''t just some street dealer. He was one of the most powerful underground traders in the city. If he had my ne, getting it back wouldn''t be easy.


    "Where?" I demanded.


    The thief hesitated. I twisted the de slightly.


    He yelped. "His mansion! At Gracevine! Ten streets from here! You can''t miss it!"


    <i>Gracevine</i>.


    I exhaled slowly, my grip on the dagger steady. I had what I needed.


    Now, what to do with him?


    Astra purred in my mind. "<i>Kill him.</i>"


    Tempting. But no.


    I pulled the de away slightly. "Consider yourself lucky," I muttered. "I don''t kill idiots. Just people who waste my time."


    With one swift motion, I mmed the hilt of my dagger into his temple and his body slumped unconscious.


    I stood up, exhaled, and wiped my de clean on his clothes before slipping it back into my boot.


    Gracevine Mansion, here Ie.


    I turned on my heel and strode out of the alley while keeping to the shadows to avoid any unforeseen nuisance while the thrill of the hunt was already ignited inside me.


    I was going to get my ne back.


    And if the ck Merchant didn''t want to hand it over? He was about to have a very, very bad night.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    I moved quickly, slipping past the main roads and into the shadows of Gracevine Mansion''spound.


    The ck Merchant''sir.


    The estate was massive, with towering iron gates shielding the mansion from view. Security was tight¡ªguards patrolled the area as their sharp eyes scanned for threats.


    Getting in unnoticed wouldn''t be easy.


    But I didn''t need it easy. I needed results.


    I kept low, slipping through the dense hedge surrounding the property. The thick scent of damp earth filled my nose as I wove through the bushes, my boots making no sound against the ground.


    The moment I got past the outer wall, a wire snapped beneath my foot.


    Shit.


    A loud <i>whirring</i> sound filled the air, and before I could react, a thick metal sprang from the ground, wrapping around me in an instant.


    I had fallen into a trap. Yikes. If uncle where to find out now, I''ll never hear the end of it till the day I die.


    I snarled as my body was yanked upward, suspended midair, the biting into my arms and legs. I had walked right into it.


    "Fucking fantastic," I muttered under my breath.


    Within seconds, movement surrounded me. Guards¡ªwell-equipped and probably trained guards.


    Half a dozen men, their eyes glowing in the dim light, stepped forward, their stances rigid and ready to attack. Their wolves lurked just beneath their skin, eager for blood.


    They bared their teeth, snarling and inching closer¡ªuntil a single p echoed through the night.


    The men stilled instantly, snapping to attention at the same time a slow, amused voice followed.


    "Well, well... I''d say it was a 50/50 chance you''d show up, but after putting so much effort into tracking that little trinket, I''d say it was more like 60/40."


    A shadow emerged from the darkness, stepping into the faint moonlight.


    Tall and refined, dressed in an expensive silk suit that barely wrinkled as he moved. His slicked-back silver-streaked hair reflected under the light, and a knowing smirk pulled at his lips.


    Arnold Michel, the ck Merchant himself.


    His gaze gleamed with amusement as he studied me, arms folded behind his back.


    "Though," he added, tilting his head, "I never expected Johan to double-cross me like this."


    Johan, I suspected, was the name of the thief.


    I gritted my teeth; it was more like he set me up and not the other way around. So the bastard was working for Arnold.


    One of the guards moved forward, a de in hand, and sliced the ropes of the.


    I fell hard, my body hitting the cold ground with a thud as they closed in on me again, barely offering breathing space thanks to the numerous spears pointed at me.


    I barely had a second to regain my footing before I was surrounded again.


    Arnold clicked his tongue. "Now, little girl, I''m going to ask just once..."


    His eyes darkened. "What do you want with my ne?"


    I scoffed. "Your ne?"


    I moved to stand up, but before I could get the next word out, pain coursed through me the second something pierced my skin.


    A sharp sting pierced my neck.


    Then another.


    And another.


    I nced around just in time to see three men huddled at a corner with darting pipes between their lips.


    My breath hitched. My fingers reached up, brushing against the three darts lodged into my skin.


    Shit.


    Immediately, my vision swam as the world tilted. It was a paralysis dagger. No... Poison?


    I staggered, my knees buckling as darkness crept in at the edges of my sight.


    Thest thing I saw before my body copsed was Arnold''s smug smirk, followed by a girl dressed in a long cream nightgown covered with a night purple robe.


    And atop her neck sat my ne.


    "My neck..." Arnold chuckled darkly as he moved closer, ghosting over me like a gue.


    Then, just as the darkness was about to envelop me, I felt a shift in the atmosphere; at the next second, a bone-chilling presence ran down my spine and prickled my skin.


    And then the earth shook. The presence, aura, and scent washed through me, assaulting my nostrils in waves I never knew. I fell to one knee, clutching my chest.


    Everything had been too much for me to bear, and then I heard the words that I never thought I''d hear ring out. "What the hell are you doing to my mate?!"

 Chapter 14: The Alpha Kings’ Wrath

    <h4>Chapter 14: The Alpha Kings¡¯ Wrath</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 14</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Pain shot through me, dull at first, then blinding. My limbs were sluggish, my vision blurred and my body betrayed me. The poison was taking hold. I fought against it, fought to stay upright, but my knees buckled.


    Arnold¡¯s cruel chuckle echoed in my ears. "Well, well. It looks like the mighty little wolf isn¡¯t so mighty after all."


    My body trembled. Not from fear but from rage. I forced my head up just as she stepped forward.


    A young girl looking no more than seventeen. She was tall and delicate, with silky chestnut hair and golden eyes that gleamed in the dim light. She looked like royalty.


    Spoiled, entitled, dangerous royalty, but if she were one, I would have known. She was simply a spoilt daddy princess.


    But I didn¡¯t care about her. I cared about what was around her throat.


    My ne.


    It sat against her corbone, glimmering under the lights of the mansion. Mocking me like the smirk on her pretty little face. And something inside me snapped.


    A low, guttural growl rumbled in my chest. Astra stirred, fur bristling on my hands, fangs bared. She wanted blood.


    "I¡¯m going to rip that off your neck," I snarled, forcing my trembling limbs to obey but they didn¡¯t.


    The girl tilted her head, clearly unimpressed. "Oh? You mean this?" Her fingers brushed the gem, stroking it like it belonged to her. "Daddy gifted me this. It¡¯s mine now, not yours. Well, it wouldn¡¯t matter if you died anyway."


    I took a step forward, and everything suddenly changed.


    A wave of pressure mmed into the courtyard. The air crackled with a force I¡¯d never known and the ground trembled.


    A presence like no other... No¡ªfour. The scent assaulted my nostrils like a tidal wave: dominance, fury, possession.


    While my gaze searched them out, a deep voice cut through the chaos. "What the hell are you doing to my mate?!"


    The entire courtyard froze.


    Arnold¡¯s face twisted in confusion, his smirk faltering for the first time. The girl in the nightgown took an instinctive step back while the guards hesitated, eyes darting between their employer and the sudden shift in power.


    As if in cue, four figures dropped from the mansion walls like vengeful gods descending upon mere mortals.


    I recognised them immediately. The Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs.


    Theynded around me in a perfect, deadly formation¡ªDristan to my left, Kai to my right, Axel behind me, Xade directly in front, surrounding and protecting me.


    Their eyes glowed molten red. Their wolves lurked just beneath the surface, snarling, deadly.


    Arnold¡¯s guards¡ªwho had been arrogant just seconds ago¡ªstiffened. Some stumbled back as the scent of their fear filled the air.


    The ground beneath my feet trembled as Dristan stepped forward.


    His cyan-blue eyes gleamed coldly in a calcting, merciless manner.


    "I¡¯ll ask only once," he said in a low, lethal voice. "Where is her ne?"


    Arnold exhaled sharply but didn¡¯t move. He was smart enough to realize he was outmatched, but stupid enough to pretend he wasn¡¯t.


    A slow smirk crept onto his lips. "Looking for a fight, pups?"


    A defeating silence ensued and I well as hell knew he had angered them but then again maybe that was what Arnold wanted.


    A growl so low and dangerous erupted beside me.


    Kai¡¯s emerald-green gaze sharpened. "Pups?" The single word held the promise of destruction.


    Axel cracked his knuckles. "D... looks like someone needs to be put in their ce."


    Dristan didn¡¯t respond. He just rolled his shoulders, muscles flexing, his aura surging. The temperature plummeted. The ground cracked beneath him.


    But before any of them could move, Arnold made his final mistake.


    He snapped his fingers. Instantly, his guards lunged and as soon as they did, the courtyard erupted into chaos.


    Fangs bared. des shed. Snarls echoed through the night as shes rang out. Arnold¡¯s wolves attacked in a blur of movement¡ªbut they never stood a chance.


    Kai moved first.


    He caught the first wolf by the throat, lifting him off the ground like he weighed nothing. With a single, brutal motion, he mmed him down¡ªbones cracking on impact.


    A second guard swung a de at Axel. Big mistake.


    Axel ducked, moving so fast he was a blur. Before the wolf could react, Axel¡¯s knee mmed into his stomach, followed by an elbow to the jaw. The guard crumpled instantly.


    I never saw him in closebat before or any at all but I could tell Dristan was worse.


    He didn¡¯t rush. He didn¡¯t waste movements. Every strike was calcted, precise and deadly. A guard lunged at him from behind and Dristan sidestepped smoothly, grabbing the wolf¡¯s wrist and twisting until a sickening snap echoed through the air then he ripped it from his arm shoulder.


    The man dropped to the ground like a lifeless firefly before Dristan tossed his torn hand over at Arnold.


    And then there was Xade. He didn¡¯t dodge. He didn¡¯t even move.


    He let a guard swing at him¡ªonly to catch the de between two fingers, then he grinned like a crazyzy maniac who thrilled for killing as a sport.


    "Try harder," he whispered before driving his fist into the wolf¡¯s ribs.


    The feral cry and screams of the wolves being haunted byrger prey filled the air and so did something unnatural.


    At a point, one of the guards snuck behind me but before he couldy a finger fine me, Dristan¡¯s growl rendered the air and the next second lightning shed past my face, barely and struck the guard dead.


    I froze, my heart beating too fast than necessary and speeding up the paralysis effect.


    The fight was over in under a minute as silence fell over the courtyard.


    Arnold¡¯s meny scattered across the ground, groaning, unconscious, or too afraid to move and a few who had encountered Dristan¡ªhe left for dead.


    The girl in the nightgown was frozen in ce, clutching my ne as if it would protect her when suddenly I saw Xade appear behind her and that sickening twisted look in his red eyes appeared again.


    Arnold himself took a single step back, realization dawning in his eyes.


    Because he knew he had fucked up. He now knew who they were by sheer brute strength. No wolf could everpare.


    The Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs weren¡¯t just any alphas. They were rulers. And they were pissed.


    I always thought them having powers were a sickening lie told to make other alphas fear them but what I saw from Dristan and Xade just now, made me rethink that thought.


    Arnold¡¯s bravado shattered. He dropped to his knees, his head bowing instinctively.


    "Give me one reason why I shouldn¡¯t rip out her heart and throat where she stands and feed it to you?" Xade thundered.


    Arnold¡¯s eyes went wild with fear as his gaze fell on his daughter who seemed frozen in fear. "Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs," he stammered. "I¡ªI didn¡¯t know. I swear, I didn¡¯t know she was¡ª"


    Kai growled. The sound alone made Arnold flinch.


    Axel crouched in front of him, tilting his head. "See, the thing is... we don¡¯t really care what you knew."


    Dristan¡¯s voice was calm, much too calm. The kind of calm that came before destruction.


    "You hurt our mate," he said, rolling back his sleeves. "And for that?"


    He smiled.


    "We¡¯re going to ruin you."


    Arnold¡¯s breath hitched. His face paled as he saw Xade¡¯s w extend and scratch the neck of the young not so arrogant girl.


    She whimpered, her earlier arrogance fading immediately, leaving a scared puppy in its ce.


    "P-Ple¨Cplease sires. I swear I would do anything you want. Just please don¡¯t, don¡¯t just hurt my daughter."


    Suddenly Dristan chuckled darkly, his eyes turning from red to blue, not his usual shade of cyan blue but this time different as lightning surged within them.


    "You still don¡¯t get it, ck Trader. You have no right to bargain. Killing you will not suffice for the hurt you have inflicted upon her." His gaze flickered in my direction, and I held my breath, feeling as though he could see right through me. "She¡¯s mine, and any touch on her is equalled to treason before me. Now..."


    That was it. Dristan¡¯s stare had done it,pletely freezing me in ce as his aura overwhelmed my senses more than Astra¡¯s healing could help push back.


    I tried to move, to push past the fog of poison in my veins, but my vision swayed.


    And then... ckness.

 Chapter 15: Caught, Claimed and Trapped

    <h4>Chapter 15: Caught, imed and Trapped</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 15</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment I opened my eyes, I knew something was wrong. The bed beneath me was too soft, the air too crisp, the scent too... masculine.


    I blinked rapidly, my vision adjusting to the dimly lit room. My body still felt sluggish, weighed down by the lingering effects of the poison, but my mind sharpened instantly.


    This wasn¡¯t my dorm.


    I turned my head slightly, taking in my surroundings. The room was massive¡ªfarrger than any student dorm at PSA.


    The furniture was sleek, dark, and expensive-looking; the d¨¦cor was a blend of rich cks and cool silvers. Abstract art adorned the walls, along with framed posters of <i>Two Steps from Hell¡ªBATTLECRY</i> and <i>Eminem</i>.


    Of course. Whoever owned this room had taste.


    I tried sitting up but felt a wince at my neck. Instead, I slowly tested my limbs. My body ached, but the worst of the poison had worn off. I exhaled, running a hand through my hair.


    Then I heard them¡ªhushed sounds and pacing footsteps outside the door. Voices now.


    "Funny how you speak of rejecting her, yet the next thing we know, you¡¯re iming she¡¯s yours."


    I knew that voice. It was Kai. His voice was sharp,ced with irritation.


    "Your point is?" Dristan¡¯s cold tone followed.


    I stilled. They were arguing about me.


    "You say one thing, and then you change instantly like a chameleon. Why are you keeping her in your room, Dristan?" Kai voiced, and he sounded a bit more angry than amused.


    "Doesn¡¯t matter, Kai," Axel chimed. "What I want to know is¡ªwhat do you intend to do with her... our mate?"


    Dristan¡¯s growl was low, like a warning.


    My heart pounded at the words they used¡ªtheir mate. Our mate. The words hung in the air like a curse, a bond none of us wanted but couldn¡¯t deny.


    I barely had time to process it before movement caught my eye. Instinctively, I turned slowly, my gaze locking on a figure loungingzily on the bed beside me, watching me with unmistakable amusement.


    Silver hair, crystal-blue eyes, and tattoos creeping along his arms.


    My first thought was that it was a trick of the light¡ªmaybe my mind was ying tricks on me¡ªbut then I blinked several times, and he was still there.


    My breath hitched. Had he been sitting there this entire time? His lips curled into azy smirk. "Wakey, wakey, little wolf." And then his eyes turned a deeper shade of blue as his smirk grew.


    I screamed.


    Panic kicked in, and I scrambled back, trying to escape¡ªbut in my haste, my feet tangled in the duvet, and I went crashing to the floor with a loud thud.


    "Ahh¡ª!"


    The door burst open in an instant.


    "Valerie!"


    All three of them¡ªDristan, Kai, and Axel¡ªrushed in, their eyes sweeping the room before locking on Xade, who was stillfortably sprawled on the bed.


    Dristan¡¯s jaw clenched. "Xade!"


    Kai narrowed his eyes. "You cunning little flirt."


    Axel? He didn¡¯t say a word. But the lethal aura rolling off him spoke volumes. Ignoring the chaos, Axel moved first, reaching down to help me up. "You okay, sweetheart?"


    I scowled, swatting his hand away as I pushed myself up. "Don¡¯t call me that."


    Axel smirked. "You wound me."


    I shot him a re, then turned to Xade, still trying to process the fact that he had been sitting there, watching me sleep like some kind of deranged stalker.


    Then, before I could speak, Axel¡¯s tone changed. "You better have a damn good exnation for this."


    Xade stretched, entirely unfazed. "What? Your mate was awake long before you. I just decided to sit in for the show."


    I froze.


    "What?" they chorused.


    The air shifted, and immediately all eyes turned to me as if waiting for an exnation, but then it wasn¡¯t my fault that they chose to converse about me so close to where I was sleeping.


    "I... I huh..."


    Dristan took a slow step forward. "Doesn¡¯t matter." His fingers curled around my wrist, tugging me toward him. "She¡¯sing with me."


    Axel quickly held my other wrist, his grip tightening. "No can do. You don¡¯t own her."


    "She doesn¡¯t belong to either of you."


    I turned sharply toward Kai, who was standing with his arms crossed, his emerald-green eyes burning into me.


    Then Xade¡¯s voice cut through in. "And does she belong to you?" His smirk widened. "Didn¡¯t you three want to reject her so badly?"


    My stomach twisted. Astra whimpered in my head. The very idea of rejection made her ache.


    "No one said that," Dristan countered smoothly.


    Xade arched a brow. "Oh? I recall Dristan saying something about it."


    Dristan¡¯s gaze darkened, but Axel scoffed. "We all know that rejecting her would weaken her wolf. Even if we wanted to¡ªwhich I don¡¯t, by the way¡ªit would put her at risk."


    "Not four. Three," Xade corrected, his smirk turning sharp. "Unlike you lot, I actually want my mate."


    I clenched my fists, scrunching my face in disgust and immediately yanked my hands from them.


    They had never once discussed what to do with me since we became mates. I know I couldn¡¯t me them entirely, given that I had avoided them like gues, but still.


    "Val..." she held up her palm, interrupting Dristan.


    "Save it. I don¡¯t want any of you."


    Everyone fell into silence. All four of them turned to look at me, their expressions unreadable.


    I lifted my chin. "I¡¯ll save you all the trouble and make the decision for you. You don¡¯t want me? Great. I don¡¯t want to be tied to you assholes, either. I¡¯ll reject you."


    For the first time since I met them, they looked... shocked. Xade lifted a hand as if to stop me. "If you reject us, who¡¯s going to protect you?"


    I scoffed. "I don¡¯t need protecting. Especially not from you four."


    "Worked out great for youst night," Kai said dryly.


    I gritted my teeth. "I was handling it."


    "Oh yeah, with your knees to the ground and poison in your veins?" Dristan added, his voice like ice.


    My fingers instinctively reached up to touch my neck where the darts had pierced. I bit my lip, refusing to acknowledge their point.


    Axel let out a low chuckle. "Sure you did. I thought as much."


    "And so what?" I snapped. "I had it under control." I hated to be in anyone¡¯s graces, and yet here I was. "If you hand¡¯te..."


    "You would have been dead, little wolf. Face it."


    I wanted to ignore it when I recalled something and turned on them, anger bubbling in my chest. "And how did you even know where I was? Are you following me now?"


    Dristan¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. "If we want to find you, it¡¯s not hard."


    I narrowed my eyes. "So you admit you¡¯re stalkers?"


    None of them responded. Instead, they all turned their gaze toward Xade. I followed their line of sight and immediately pointed at him. "You."


    Xade grinned. "Me."


    I clenched my jaw. "So it was you tracking me."


    Xade shrugged. "Unlike them, I care about my mate. Especially if she has a habit of running straight into dangerous ces."


    His words sent a shiver down my spine but just as he did, Xade stepped closer.


    "Back off."


    "Make me."


    The air felt charged around us. Dristan suddenly stepped between us, his expression thunderous. "Enough."


    "Why? Because you said so?"


    "Yes, and you are in no condition to start fighting with either of us."


    I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples. "Whatever. I¡¯m leaving."


    Dristan stepped aside to my surprise and gestured towards the door. "Go ahead."


    I blinked. "Wait... what?"


    Axel frowned. "Drist¡ª"


    Dristan shot him a sharp re. "She wants to leave? Then let her."


    I hesitated, not trusting him for a second. But I turned and stormed toward the hallway.


    I walked. And walked. And five minutester, I still couldn¡¯t find the damn exit.


    <i>"Astra, please, can you help me track my way out of here?"</i>


    <i>"No. You are more than capable, aren¡¯t you?"</i>


    I growled under my breath, storming back into the main hall, where Dristan was leaning against the wall, watching me with a smirk.


    "Lost?"


    I scowled. "No," and walked past him, taking a different direction.


    "Need help?" Kai added, calling from afar.


    I red at him. "Screw you. I¡¯ll figure it out myself."


    Axelughed. "Good luck, sweetheart. You¡¯ll being back to us."

 Chapter 16: Escape: Bothered Roommates

    <h4>Chapter 16: Escape: Bothered Roommates</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 16</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    This damn house was cursed, I finalised in my mind.


    Twenty minutes. Twenty whole minutes of walking, retracing my steps, and even using Astra¡¯s heightened senses, yet I was no closer to finding the damn exit.


    Every hallway twisted into another; every turn led me back to where I started, and my frustration grew with every second.


    I wasn¡¯t stupid. There was some kind of spell¡ªsome enchantment keeping me trapped in here. And there was only one group of assholes responsible for it.


    Begrudgingly, I turned back, marching toward the main hall where I knew they¡¯d be waiting after thest two times I saw them there. Sure enough, the moment I stepped in, four smug faces turned toward me.


    Axel was the first to speak, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. "Lost, sweetheart?"


    I gritted my teeth. "Shut up."


    Kai smirked, watching me with that sharp amusement. "Didn¡¯t take long."


    Xade whistled low. "Told you she¡¯de back."


    Dristan, of course, was the worst. He just tilted his head, cyan-blue eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Done running in circles?"


    I inhaled sharply, forcing myself to keep my temper in check. "Just show me the damn way out."


    Axel pushed off the wall. "Happy to help."


    I hesitated. "You?"


    He grinned, winking. "Don¡¯t look so disappointed. I promise not to let you get lost¡ªagain."


    I rolled my eyes, but Dristan¡¯s voice cut through the air before I could follow him out. "Aren¡¯t you forgetting something?"


    I frowned, turning back to him. "What?"


    Dristan smirked, tossing something into the air. Instinctively, I reached out and caught it.


    The second my fingers curled around the cool metal, I knew what it was¡ªmy ne.


    "We wouldn¡¯t want the world drawn to our mate now because of her heat, would we?" There was a grin and a hint of a smirk in his eyes.


    My breath hitched. I turned it over in my palm, tracing its familiar shape. It was mine. Finally, it¡¯s back in my hands.


    Something warm curled inside me¡ªrelief, gratitude. But I refused to show it. Instead, I lifted my gaze to Dristan as I wore it around my neck with an urgency that betrayed my facade.


    His eyes burned into mine as he said smoothly, "Whenever you wear that, remember who got it back for you."


    I scoffed. "You mean me? I was the one who tracked it first."


    Xade chuckled. "What D means is¡ªthink of us."


    "Think of me," Dristan corrected sharply, ignoring Xade¡¯s interruption.


    Axel sighed. "Here we go again."


    I clenched the ne tightly, my heart hammering against my ribs. I wanted to argue, to throw some sarcastic retort, but something about the way Dristan was looking at me made my throat dry.


    Immediately, I was reminded of the handsome young man I saw in his poster in the room. He looked breathtakingly handsome. More so was the feel of his powers when I touched the ne.


    It was charged with him. I was going to be remembering him.


    I quickly turned, shoving the thought to the back of my mind. "Whatever. Just get me out of here."


    Axelughed. "Right this way, sweetheart."


    I followed him toward the door, pretending I didn¡¯t hear the low chuckles behind me. Pretending I didn¡¯t feel the weight of four pairs of eyes on my back.


    Pretending I wasn¡¯t still tangled in something far more dangerous than just a mate bond, one which I knew my uncle would freak out if he ever found out.


    There was meant to be no distraction, which is why the no-boys rule has stuck since the beginning.


    I trained every day for this reason¡ªto avenge my family.


    ****************


    I pushed open the door to my dorm, exhaustion pressing down on me like a weight. The moment I stepped inside, I was met with three pairs of curious eyes.


    I, Astraea, and Emerald were all seated in themon area, their gazes snapping toward me the second I walked in.


    With everything that had happened, I arrived at the dormter than expected, already behind schedule for ss. My roommates had already left and returned, still dressed in their training outfits, making me realise what day it was.


    Morning training.


    The senior years had spent the early hours out in the mountains, pushing themselves to their limits. Afterwards, they had an hour to cool down before resuming sses at noon.


    "There you are," I said, setting down her cup of tea. "Care to exin why you missed morning training? And why did one of the Alpha Kings send a message about your health?"


    I stiffened.<i> They did what now?</i>


    Emerald scoffed, eyeing me from head to toe before pushing her hair back. "You look fine to me," she asserted, taking a sip of her juice.


    "Yeah," Astraea added, tilting her head. "Just a little... bashful?"


    Bashful? I wonder why? My thoughts ran back to Dristan¡¯s picture, and I immediately pped some sense back mentally.


    I sighed, dragging a hand through my hair before stepping closer to the kitchen counter. "I¡¯m fine. I just¡ª" I hesitated, debating how much I should tell them. "¡ªoverslept."


    I hummed, unconvinced.


    Without warning, she stepped forward, cing a hand on my forehead before moving to my neck. Her fingers were cool against my skin as she tilted her head in thought, tapping her chin like a doctor evaluating a patient.


    "Well, you feel fine. No fever. Though..." I trailed off, her eyes narrowing slightly. "That would exin why the heat I sensed earlier seems to have faded a little."


    I blinked. "The what?"


    Her lips pressed into a thin line. "It¡¯s subtle, but your scent was definitely stronger before. Now? It¡¯s dulled. Which I can say may have something to do with... the mark on your neck."


    My stomach dropped.


    "What?"


    Instantly, Astraea and Emerald perked up, their heads snapping toward me.


    "What mark?" they chorused, already moving closer.


    "Is it a mate mark?" Astraea demanded, her sharp eyes gleaming with suspicion as she reached for my hair.


    Before I could react, they were all over me, fingers pushing my ck strands aside to get a better look.


    This chapter is updated by freew(e)bnovel.(c)om

 Chapter 17: Interrogation: Partial Truth

    <h4>Chapter 17: Interrogation: Partial Truth</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 17</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment their hands pushed my hair back, I stiffened.


    Emerald and Astraea gasped in unison, their eyes widening as they leaned in closer.


    "Wait, wait, wait," Emerald blurted out, tilting my head to the side. "I, you better not be messing with us. Because this¡ªthis looks like¡ª"


    "A im," Astraea finished, her voice barely above a whisper.


    My entire body went rigid.


    Astraea¡¯s fingers ghosted over the faint mark, and I felt a strange warmth spread through me.


    "What mark?" I demanded, my voice sharper than intended.


    I, Astraea, and Emerald exchanged nces before Emerald leaned in, squinting. "It¡¯s faint... but definitely there."


    My stomach twisted. No. No way. I jerked back, slipping out of their hold as I spun on my heel, rushing toward the nearest mirror. My pulse hammered as I tilted my head, brushing my hair aside.


    And then I saw it.


    A faint but undeniable imprint right where my neck and shoulder met. It wasn¡¯t a full-mate mark, but it was something. It had a lingering trace of an alpha¡¯s aura. My mind whirled, trying to piece everything together.


    What the hell happened while I was unconscious?


    I remembered the poison, the fight, the way Dristan¡¯s power had suffocated me right before I cked out. Could that have caused this? But no... this wasn¡¯t just any mark. It was territorial, like a im.


    A im from an alpha?


    I inhaled sharply, clenching my fists. "Which one of them did this?"


    I sighed dramatically. "You tell us."


    I turned to them, my frustration boiling. "I don¡¯t know! I woke up in that damn house and then¡ª"


    "Wait, that house?" Astraea cut in, brows raising. "Are you saying you were at their personal dorm house?"


    I hesitated and I¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Val..."


    I exhaled through my nose, crossing my arms. "I had no choice. It¡¯s a long story. And it¡¯s not like I had a say in the matter. I woke up there. So they must have carried me there," I muttered, but somehow, their heightened hearing caught it."


    Emerald whistled lowly, shaking her head. "You don¡¯t just end up in an alpha¡¯s private dorm house. Especially not theirs. No one, no single girl in this entire school, has ever been there. And yet you..."


    "Especially not with a mark like that," Astraea added.


    I groaned, rubbing my temples. I didn¡¯t need this. Not now. Not ever.


    I tapped her fingers against the counter, lips pressing into a thin line. "It¡¯s faint, which means it¡¯s temporary. If it was a full mark, you¡¯d be feeling¡ª"


    "More drawn to them? More... affected?" I cut in bitterly.


    I smirked. "Exactly."


    I ignored the way my stomach twisted because, deep down, I was already affected. The thought alone made my skin itch. "It¡¯s not a mate mark," I blurted.


    "Yeah, we know," I spoke up. "But tell us what really happened?"


    Emerald nudged me. "Come on, spill. Which one of them do you think did it?"


    I gritted my teeth. "I don¡¯t know! I was unconscious."


    Astraea crossed her arms, smirking. "If we had to bet, I¡¯d say Alpha Dristan."


    I snorted. "Oh, please. Axel seems more likely. He¡¯s reckless enough to pull something like this."


    Emerald hummed thoughtfully. "Then again, Alpha Kai is the possessive one."


    Astraea suddenly gasped, her eyes widening. "Wait. What if it was¡ª"


    "Xade?" I finished.


    A silence fell over the room.


    I scowled, running a hand down my face. "This is ridiculous. I don¡¯t have time to deal with this."


    Astraea grinned. "And yet, here we are."


    I hated that I had no exnation. I hated that a sick, sinking feeling curled in my stomach because, deep down, I already had a suspicion.


    And I really didn¡¯t want to be right. I groaned, dropping my head against the counter.


    "Kill me now."


    I patted my shoulder with mock sympathy. "Sorry, sweetheart. Looks like the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs beat us to it."


    I swore under my breath. I needed answers.


    And unfortunately, I knew exactly where to get them.


    "So...?" I drawled just when I thought she was dropping the issue. "Care to exin what we do not know?"


    My shoulders sagged. "Fine. But just a little. This is personal."


    "Oh damn right it is if one of the heirs did this," Astraea chipped happily.


    "No. Not that. I was outst night and got into a bit of trouble, where I ended up with three poisonous darts in my neck. That¡¯s all I remember," I lied.


    I couldn¡¯t afford to tell them of my heat and the ne, nor the matebond and judging by their reaction, I clearly hadn¡¯t told them. There was a high chance we might reject each other because I, for one, wouldn¡¯t beg some alpha to im me.


    So, it was better to keep things quiet before the news went viral. No one wanted that kind of embarrassment.


    I nced up, looking at them. I was shocked by how their mouths hung agape, eyes wide, staring at me.


    "What?" I shrugged like it was no big deal.


    "Duh huh..." I cut in. "Knowing my cousin, he and the other heirs don¡¯t just do anything without it being important."


    "Yes," Emerald added. "How or why were they with you?"


    "That, I do not know. We probably bumped into each other." I knew they weren¡¯t believing it, but that was when Astraea came to my rescue.


    "Better still, Valerie, where did you visit yesterday? And before you lie, know that we had to cover for you yesterday when the dorm mistress came for the roll call."


    "Roll call?"


    "Yes. Happens twice every week." Astraea smiled cutely.


    "I see." At this point, I knew the truth was best. Perhaps I could trust them with a little bit. Raising my head and keeping my expression nk, I answered. "I had to retrieve something that was stolen from me."


    Emerald¡¯s knowing gaze locked on me. "Where?"


    "I visited the ck Market."


    "You what?" Astraea coughed out, spilling her drink.


    "What? It wasn¡¯t intentional," I defended. "The scum was at the Graveyard ck Market. I needed to get my stuff before he sold it. I was mugged on my way to school for resumption."


    I blurted everything out before I could stop myself. They all looked like they had seen a ghost until Emerald¡¯s eyes narrowed darkly.


    "You did not visit the normal ck Market but went to the Graveyard ck Market? Let me guess, for that ne?" Her gaze dropped to my neck, and instinctively, I followed he alien fo sight. My ne sat proudly on my neck poking out of my blouse.


    My jaw cked as I thought of the fastest lie, but then I brushed it off. "Yes."


    "I see." That was all she said, as though she was holding back something. She knew something.


    "No. This is serious. You must not mention it to anyone again," I immediately went into full Sensei mode. "GBM is a ce forbidden to PSA students. If the school found out, you could be suspended or, worse, expelled."


    "What?"


    "Did you read your handbook or attend orientation at all?" Emerald asked. Judging from how I was about to stutter, she found her answer. "Just great. It is your student guidebook, and ignorance of thews is no excuse, Nightshade. There¡¯s only so much we can tolerate."


    "You¡¯re not gonna tell on her, right? She didn¡¯t know, and her stuff seemed pretty important," Astraea exined.


    I was grateful two of them were on my side. I couldn¡¯t say the same for Emerald, and I needed to be careful what I said around her.


    Everything was turning on me quickly, and I needed to change the topic. Just then, a thought crossed my mind concerning what I saw at the ck Trader¡¯s house, and I used the opportunity to rify my answers.


    "Rather than bother about me. Is it true that the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs all have powers?"

 Chapter 18: Understanding the Heirs’ Powers

    <h4>Chapter 18: Understanding the Heirs¡¯ Powers</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 18</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment the words left my mouth, all three girls stared at me like I had just sprouted a second head.


    "Is that even a question you should be asking as a werewolf citizen?" Emerald scoffed.


    I shrugged, still looking at them expectantly. "I¡¯m just asking to rify things, you know. I always wondered and unlike you all, I didn¡¯t go to school with them."


    Emerald groaned and facepalmed. "Seriously, this keeps getting worse. Even I know all about your history."


    I ignored the meaning behind her words. "What? I just feel like it¡¯s a rumour started by some people to make them seem more mysterious."


    I, however, just arched a brow before shaking her head. "He is my cousin for Goddess¡¯s sake. And speaking from experience, yes. I have seen it. I have seen them all."


    "All?" I echoed, watching her carefully. "Like all of them?"


    Something shifted in I¡¯s posture. Her fingers twitched slightly against the counter, her jaw locking, shoulders going stiff. Anger. Or maybe something deeper.


    I lifted my hands quickly in surrender. "Don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯m not doubting you."


    I exhaled, tilting her head slightly. "Then what?" I could see the anger in her eyes and I knew I couldn¡¯t afford to make her an enemy. She was one of the closest thing I had to a friend since I came here.


    Astraea, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Yeah, what exactly are you getting at?"


    I hesitated for a second before asking, "What about the Southern heir?"


    Silence. Not just a pause. A heavy, suffocating silence that fell over the room like a curse. I frowned. "What?"


    Astraea was the first to try and answer. "You do know it¡¯s forbidden to speak about the Southern heiress and what happened¡ª"


    "Shhh!" Emerald cut in sharply, silencing her. Her gaze flickered toward me, calcting. "Since we are already on the topic, we might as well answer her since it seems like Valerie grew up under a rock."


    I couldn¡¯t entirely argue with that.


    Even though my uncle Zade was the alpha of the Golden w pack, I was literally hidden all my life. I was training and getting drilled in ways I could never expect.


    To him, it was like something hereditary. In the past, my grandfather had been killed, and our pack had been destroyed. To survive, my grandma¡¯s brothers took him in and diligently and thoroughly trained him.


    Like he used to say, my training wasn¡¯t up to half of what he endured. Still, as his sister¡¯s only child, that meant he couldn¡¯t over-drill me since he doted on my mother and me.


    Aside from my cousin and his Gamma, I did not interact with most people in the pack. I was more of a shadow, non-existent like the world made me into.


    "What about her?" I blinked when Emerald spoke.


    I lifted a brow at her sudden change of demeanour but continued. "I meant, has I or anyone ever seen her powers?"


    I¡¯s expression turned unreadable. "No." She leaned back against the counter, crossing her arms. "No one has. No one knows since she, you know..." I casually dragged a thumb across her throat, the universal sign of death.


    The air in the room felt colder suddenly, and when I stilled briefly, sensing whose energy it was, I noticed it came from I.


    A dark, cold aura emanated from her like a perfume.


    "But that¡¯s that," she added quickly, snapping out of the eerie moment. "As for the other heirs, yes. I¡¯ve seen their abilities firsthand."


    "Now, before you start asking specifics," Emerald began, taking control of the conversation, "each of the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs was blessed with elemental powers. That¡¯s how their fathers were chosen to rule their regions. They are the true kings who will one day unite the werewolf kingdom and protect us from all threats."


    I nodded, keeping my face neutral even though my mind was spinning. They spoke as if they were reciting history or a fable tale, yet they had no idea they were talking about me.


    "Alpha Dristan was blessed with the power of lightning," Emerald continued.


    "Alpha Axel, water," I added.


    "Alpha Kai..." Emerald trailed off, waiting for my response.


    "Fire," I muttered before I could stop myself.


    Emerald arched a brow. "Correct. How¡¯d you guess?"


    I shrugged. "Figured with his personality, he¡¯d get something destructive. Besides, I have heard the rumours."


    Emerald shrugged. "Who knows if the rumours you heard didn¡¯t turn Axel or Dristan into mind-controlling monsters or fire-breathing dragons."


    I resisted the urge tough and teased instead. "Are they?"


    "Urgh, Valerie, be serious."


    I smirked but nodded. "And Xade has air. Which leaves the Southern heiress with..."


    "Earth," I finished absentmindedly, my voice softer.


    They nodded, but my mind was no longer in the conversation. If I was the Southern heiress, howe I had never manifested any powers? Was the prophecy wrong? Or had something gone wrong with me?


    <i>Uncle would have told me... right?</i>


    I tried to think back, searching my memories for any sign¡ªany indication¡ªthat I had something more inside me. But no matter how much I searched, nothing came to mind.


    For the first time, a strange pang of jealousy settled in my chest. They had their gifts. They had power. And I? I had... nothing.


    <i>"Valerie,"</i> Astra¡¯s voice finally echoed in my head, quiet but firm.


    I scowled internally. <i>"Fancy you showing up now after abandoning me with the heirs."</i>


    Astra remained silent.


    I huffed. <i>"No response? Fine. Have it your way."</i>


    I forced myself to focus back on the conversation, but the more they spoke, the more my mind spiralled. I was still drowning in thoughts when the sharp ring of the school bell cut through the air, signalling the end of the senior break.


    Astraea stretched her arms. "Gosh, it¡¯s already an hour? How long have we been talking?"


    I turned, ready to head into my room to change for ss, when Emerald¡¯s voice stopped me.


    "Valerie."


    I stiffened slightly before ncing over my shoulder. "Yes?"


    Emerald¡¯s gaze was unreadable, but her next words sent a chill down my spine.


    "Stay out of trouble. And stay away from the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs."


    I narrowed my eyes at her warning. She knew <i>something</i>.


    I smirked, tilting my head slightly before turning away and walking into my room.


    Emerald just made herself a target and a mystery I needed to solve.

 Chapter 19: Disaster at Sports

    <h4>Chapter 19: Disaster at Sports</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 19</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    After enduring an entire ss of pointed stares and whispers, I had sessfully avoided the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs. Which was a miracle in itself.


    Unfortunately, my moment of peace was short-lived because now it was time for sports.


    The academy had a strict physical education curriculum, designed to keep our wolves in top form. Today¡¯s activity was a full-ss team-basedpetition¡ªa mix between Capture the g and Combat Training. It wasn¡¯t just about speed or strength but also strategy.


    I sighed as I entered the changing rooms and pulled on my sportswear¡ªa fitted ck tank top with the school emblem on the chest, paired with matching athletic shorts that stopped mid-thigh. The material clung to my body, entuating my toned curves and long legs, evidence of years ofbat training.


    The moment I stepped out onto the field, a few whistles and murmurs filled the air. Some of the boys eyed me appreciatively, their smirks telling me exactly what was on their minds.


    I clenched my jaw. <i>Great.</i> Just what I needed¡ªmore unwanted attention.


    A sharp growl suddenly echoed through the field, silencing the murmurs instantly.


    I didn¡¯t need to look to know who it came from.


    Dristan, Kai, and Axel sat on the stone bleachers at the edge of the field, watching like kings surveying their subjects.


    The moment their growls rumbled through the field, every single guy quickly averted their eyes and returned to their warm-ups.


    I bit the inside of my cheek, resisting the urge to re at them.


    <i>Possessive bastards.</i>


    They had no im over me, yet here they were, warning every male in the ss not to even look at me.


    Still, even after the others looked away, all four of them had their eyes glued to me like they had x-ray vision or something. I hated how exposed I suddenly felt under their intense stares.


    Still, I lifted my chin and ignored them.


    Our Sports Professor, Coach Stein, as he was often called, pped his hands loudly. "Alright, listen up! We¡¯re ying Havoc Ball! You all know the rules¡ªtwo teams, one goal. For this match, Axel, Xade, Kai, Dristan, and I would sit out. You will be my referee, I."


    I smiled and nodded.


    "The ball must be taken from the center and brought to your team¡¯s base. Anything goes. Use your skills, your wolves, and your instincts. The first team to three points wins. No killing each other."


    A few students groaned at thest part, but I shook my head. I knew a few of them would be willing to fight me head-on, but if they were sensible, they¡¯d better not.


    "Huddle up!" I called, and the students split into their teams.


    As my luck would have it, I was on the same team as Brielle and her cheer squad. I tensed. I already knew they¡¯d try something.


    Brielle gave me a fake smile as we gathered. "Try not to slow us down, Nightshade."


    I smirked. "Try not to break a nail, princess. It just might bleed."


    Her eye twitched.


    Coach Stein blew the whistle, and the game started.


    Bodies crashed into each other as everyone lunged toward the centre where the ball had been thrown. I moved swiftly, dodging a tackle before sprinting forward.


    Then it happened. Right as I was about to grab the ball, something hooked around my foot.


    Brielle. I turned to look at her when I noticed the pull of the corner of her lips upward in a smirk as she yanked her foot back, sending me tumbling forward.


    The moment I hit the ground, I felt a ssh of cold liquid drenching me. Gasps andughter filled the air. I sat up, feeling the sticky wetness drip down my tank top and shorts.


    A cup of juice. My jaw clenched so hard that my anger became visible in my eyes.


    Laughter rang out behind me. "Oops," Brielle said mockingly, covering her mouth as if she actually cared. "You should really watch where you¡¯re going, Valerie."


    I turned my head slightly, spotting one of Brielle¡¯s friends keeping Coach Stein upied.


    Smart. They had nned for this.


    Theughter from Brielle¡¯s group grew louder. "Look at her," one of them sneered. "Desperate for attention."


    "She probably dressed like that to seduce the Alpha Kings," another one said with a fake pout, while her overall yellow ensemble almost blinded me in the sun.


    "Slutty much?" Brielle added, tossing her pink-coloured hair.


    The anger inside me coiled, but I forced myself to remain calm.


    Brielle smirked and suddenly yanked me to my feet, pulling me toward the juice dispenser. "Since you¡¯re already wet, how about we help you wash off, hmm?"


    Theyughed, dragging me closer. From the corner of my eyes, I caught movement from the bleachers.


    I noticed Axel stand up, clenching his fist. Xade followed suit, muttering words I couldn¡¯t hear due to these loud mouths around me, but before they could take a step, Kai and Dristan¡¯s hands shot out, stopping them.


    "Let her handle it," Dristan dered. "If she could not hold her own against this bunch, then how could she possibly hope to stand with either of us?"


    Still, Axel gritted his teeth and sat back down. Xade, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes on the scene.


    I wanted to scream out their names and curse at them because this whole shit was because of them. One word or growl and everyone would rethink their useless ns, but Dristan was right. I did not need help. I could handle this much.


    Brielle reached for my hair, a pretty bad move she had made. Before she could touch me, I grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back.


    She yelped, and theughter stopped.


    I nced around. I and Astraea were rushing toward me, but I shook my head slightly.


    I didn¡¯t need help.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Emerald rushing toward Coach Stein, I was about to signal her to stop too, when I noticed she had distracted him just as he was about to turn.


    I smirked.


    My grip around Brielle¡¯s wrist tightened even more, leaving her in pain. Then, with a single shove, I sent Brielle stumbling forward right into the juice dispenser.


    The entire container tipped, dumping its contents all over her.


    Gasps filled the air as she shrieked, and the remaining content sshed on her squad of coloured bitches. Immediately, she rolled over and tried to get up but knocked down her friends like some freak cannonball as they all fell on the spilt drinks, dragging at each other for support.


    Before she could react, I grabbed her by the cor and yanked her face close to me, letting Astra¡¯s aura out in full force.


    "This is my first andst warning," I whispered, my voice low enough that only she could hear. "Cross me again, and I will make it yourst. I will ruin you."


    I released her, and she staggered back, humiliated. Her friends moved to help her, but I was already walking away.


    The entire field was silent, everyone watching with wide eyes. From the corner of my eyes, I watched as Emerald gasped loudly. "Coach Stein."

 Chapter 20: The Council of Alphas

    <h4>Chapter 20: The Council of Alphas</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 20</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I turned just as Coach Stein pivoted and stormed toward Brielle¡¯s group, his face a deep shade of red.


    He looked furious¡ªveins bulged on his forehead and arms, and I could almost swear I saw smokeing out of his nostrils.


    "You," he growled, pointing at Brielle¡¯s friend who had been saying heaven-know-what to him since. "You distracted me just to pull this stunt?"


    "Professor Stein¡ª"


    "Save it," he snapped, then turned to face Brielle. "Brielle, you and your group¡ªclean this mess up. If you have any injuries, go to the infirmary. And congrattions¡ªafter-school detention for an entire week for you lot."


    Brielle paled. "W-what? But¡ª"


    "One more word and I¡¯ll make it two weeks."


    She mped her gutter of a mouth up instantly. I smirked, turning my back to her and heading toward I and Astraea, who were grinning like maniacs.


    Kai, Axel, Dristan, and Xade watched from the bleachers. I couldn¡¯t tell what they thought. Did they think I had gone too far like a few of the others or...


    I brushed that thought off. It wasn¡¯t my business.


    <i>Whatever. I had won this round.</i>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The High Council Chamber loomed over the city like a silent guardian. Its towering structure stood as a symbol of the werewolf kingdom¡¯s power. The air was filled with tension concerning theirtest kingdom wild matter.


    A massive round table sat at the centre of the dimly lit hall, surrounded by ten high-backed chairs¡ªfour of which were upied by the reigning Alpha Kings.


    Around them stood the advisory elders, representing each of the five regions. Their faces were lined with age and wisdom, though unease flickered in their eyes.


    And then there was him.


    Seated at the head of the table, silent as a shadow, was Alpha Storm¡ªthe Grand Alpha.


    The strongest alpha to have lived in thest fifty years. His very presencemanded attention as his aura suffocated the room.


    His hair, now dusted with streaks of silver, did little to diminish the sharpness of his cold, steel-like gaze.


    Tension stretched thin as the council members sat in grim silence¡ªsome tapping their fingers against the polished wood, others lost in thought, their gazes fixed on nothing, while some tapping their feet against the tiled floor.


    Finally, Alpha Xavier cleared his throat. "Since the issue with how to handle the rogues remains unresolved, can we move on to other pressing matters?"


    "Such as?" Alpha Draven questioned, his emerald-green eyes glinting under the dim lighting. His resemnce to his son, Kai, was unmistakable¡ªthe same sharp jawline, the same dark,manding presence.


    Alpha Xavier leaned forward,cing his fingers together. "Someone is digging into the past from ten years ago."


    The words were like a spark in dry wood. Gasps rippled through the room, expressions shifting from indifference to rm. All except one.


    A heavy silence followed before Alpha Xavier spoke, his voice steady. "What must we do to find whoever is responsible? Whether it¡¯s an individual, an organisation, or an enemy from the outside?"


    Several pairs of eyes turned toward Alpha Storm.


    The Grand Alpha remained motionless as if he hadn¡¯t heard them. His gaze was distant, unreadable.


    "Grand Alpha," Alpha Rhian, the Northern Advisory, called out in a somewhat soft tone as if a child was trying to poke the big bad bear.


    Slowly, Alpha Storm lifted his head. His dark, ageless eyes swirled with something unreadable¡ªsomething deeper than mere politics.


    He was a man who had seen war, betrayal, and bloodshed. The weight of time sat heavily on his shoulders, but he remained unbroken.


    "Grand Alpha," Rhian continued cautiously, "given that the events of ten years ago are... personal, we would like to hear your opinion on this matter."


    Alpha Storm¡¯s expression darkened.


    "It is a forbidden matter." His voice was low, but the power behind it sent a chill down the room.


    "Exactly my point," Alpha Xavier interjected, tapping his fingers on the table. "It is forbidden. No one should be digging into what happened to your pack and family. We all know that Alpha Snow and Luna Zara did their best to protect the Southernnds¡ª"


    "Silence.¡¯


    The word was spoken softly, but the effect was immediate.


    Alpha Storm released a sliver of his power, and the entire room froze.


    The walls seemed to shudder under the weight of his aura. A suffocating pressure filled the space as his aged yet unyielding eyes settled on each and every person in the room.


    "Cowards surround me," he stated coldly. "Had thew not been put in ce ten years ago, I would have found the ones responsible for that massacre."


    A dangerous ripple ran through the table.


    Alpha Alexander narrowed his eyes. "What exactly are you saying, Grand Alpha? Are you implying that we deliberately covered the investigation to hide something?"


    Alpha Storm¡¯s lips curled into a humourless smile. "Thankfully, you said it. Not I."


    A growl rumbled deep in Alpha Alexander¡¯s chest. "You call us cowards, yet you do not have the spine to use us to our faces."


    A dark chuckle escaped Alpha Storm, devoid of amusement. Then, in an instant, the smile vanished, reced by something far more lethal.


    "How great," he murmured, his voice dripping with venom. "Had it not been for myself and Alpha Winters, the Southern Advisory, do you truly believe I don¡¯t know that most of the Southernnds would have been invaded and seized by you lot?"


    The tension in the room snapped like a bowstring.


    Alpha Zeno mmed his palm against the table, his patience finally reaching its limit. "Enough of this madness! using each other will get us nowhere."


    He turned to the rest of the council, his voice sharp. "This is exactly what whoever is digging into the past wants. Division. Distrust. The fall of the Council of Alphas."


    Murmurs broke out across the table. He wasn¡¯t wrong.


    Alpha Storm sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I told Zara she made a mistake forming this pathetic excuse of a council," he muttered, not caring if they all heard him.


    In the past, when Zara had chosen to share the ruling of the werewolf kingdom, she decided to break them into regions to prevent one family¡ªone pack, from ever wielding such power as it bred contempt, greed and death, just like what had happened to her father and pack when she was five.


    As good as her idea was, there¡¯ll always be those selfish scoundrels who would want more.


    "Grand Alpha," one of the elders, the Eastern Advisory, Alpha Nichs, spoke hesitantly. "Surely you don¡¯t believe this information will be leaked?"


    Storm scoffed. "A simple attack from rogue dark witches could not be handled, and you think you can stop the truth from surfacing?" He swept his gaze over the room, watching the difort settle in.


    "It looks to me like no one wants the secret exposed. I say let them dig. Let them uncover it. Because once they do..." His eyes gleamed with something close to satisfaction. "...they will reveal themselves and we will know who our true enemies are."


    A heavy silence followed.


    Not everyone agreed with his words, but they couldn¡¯t refute them either.


    Alpha Storm sat back, observing them quietly before he finally stood. The council remained seated and unmoving as his words sank into their hearts. Most of them knew he spoke the truth, yet... there they were.


    Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his presence leaving a void in the room that no one dared to fill.


    <i>¡¯Ingrates. If only Zara could see the world she believed in now.¡¯</i>

 Chapter 21: Matching Her With the Alphas

    <h4>Chapter 21: Matching Her With the Alphas</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 21</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The girls¡¯ changing room was buzzing with chatter as students swapped out their sportswear for their regr uniforms. I had barely finished adjusting my shirt when I caught movement from the corner of my eye.


    Four girls approached me with determined strides and their expressions did them no justice. I tensed slightly, preparing for another round of high school pettiness. The tallest of the group, a girl with fiery auburn hair and striking hazel eyes, smirked. "That was <i>badass </i>what you did to Brielle earlier."


    The others grinned, nodding in agreement.


    I sighed. To my surprise, the girls didn¡¯t look hostile anymore after they finally approached me.


    If there was anything, they seemed to rx in my presence, and I did so, too. Although, I kept my guard up.


    "I swear, the way she slipped and fell on that dispenser? Iconic<i>,</i>" another girl, a petite blonde with dimples, added with augh.


    The third girl, who had sleek ck hair and an almost cat-like gaze, leaned against a locker. "Honestly, someone needed to put her in her ce, if you ask me. The entire school¡¯s been waiting for it."


    I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. They... approved of what I did?


    The auburn-haired girl crossed her arms. "I¡¯m Ava, by the way. And if you really want to put Brielle in her ce, you should join the school¡¯s senior volleyball club."


    Suddenly, the air shifted and Astra starred within me.


    The other girls hesitated, and one of them shot Ava a look. "Ava..." she whispered like she was warning her against something.


    Ava only smirked. "What? It¡¯s a good idea. She was a top-tier yer in herst school. I did my research."


    I narrowed my eyes. "You did a what?"


    Ava shrugged. "A brief check. You stood out inbat ss, so I got curious."


    "You investigated me?" I was shocked out of my shell. If I expected anyone to do that, it would be the alpha princes and not her.


    Although I was thankful, Uncle let me attend that school before I came to PSA, even though it was a covert operation to find out information on the Nightshade Emblem.


    Other than that, I had been homeschooled for most of my life, having the best teachers tutor me but is Ava had snooped, what did she find out, and how deeply did she go?


    I narrowed my eyes at her.


    "Not in a creepy way," Ava assured quickly. "I just checked records, that¡¯s all."


    I stared at her for a moment before scoffing. "And?"


    "And you¡¯re damn good at volleyball. Tryouts are in two days. You should sign up."


    Before I could respond, the door swung open, and I and Emerald stepped inside. The other girls immediately took that as their cue to leave when I and Emerald walked towards me.


    Ava gave me onest grin. "Think about it," she said before turning on her heel and leading her friends out.


    I watched them go, still processing everything, when Emerald¡¯s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.


    "Way to go, Val. Looks like you¡¯re making friends now," she teased.


    I huffed, closing my locker. "Don¡¯t jinx it."


    Emerald smirked. "So... are you signing up?"


    I hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. You want to give it a try, too?"


    Emerald instantly lifted her hands. "I¡¯ve got enough on my te as it stands. But I and Astraea..." She made a gesture by pressing her thumb and index fingers together, then winked at me.


    I immediately turned to face I.


    I arched a brow. "Me? Join volleyball?"


    Emerald nudged her. "You never join any sports clubs, and yet you¡¯re good at them. You¡¯re a natural," she praised.


    I rolled her eyes. "Not interested."


    "Oh,e on," I nudged her this time. "It¡¯ll be fun."


    I sighed, then gave me a look. "Fine. But only because you¡¯re new."


    "Great! Let¡¯s go sign up together!"


    Before we could leave, a sudden burst of cheering echoed from outside the changing room.


    The door swung open, and a group of students ran past, their voices high-pitched and overly enthusiastic.


    We turned just in time to see Brielle and her cheer squad storm out onto the field, chanting and hyping up the ser team.


    I winced and mped my hands over my ears. "Goddess, what a pain in the ass."


    "Oh, you should expect that more often," Astraea said as she walked up, swinging her bag over her shoulder.


    "Meaning?"


    "It¡¯s a new session, and the football season will approach soon," Emerald answered for her.


    "This school¡¯s leading sport is ser. We¡¯ve won every interkingdom cup and international championship for years. And that¡¯s all thanks to..."


    "The Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs," I finished dryly.


    "Yup," Astraea grinned. Part of me knew she had a thing for the heirs like their fan girls, but who could me her when they all looked devilishly handsome, it could ruin a girl¡¯s life by simply loving them and none other.


    <i>"Shit! Focus, Valerie, don¡¯t do that," </i>I scolded myself internally. I shook the thought away and smiled.


    <i>"Why? </i>Astra¡¯s voice echoed in my head.<i> "They are yours anyway. It would be a waste not thinking of them or admiring them. Better still, let¡¯s chase them."</i>


    "Not happening!" I blurted out before I realised it. I smiled. "My wolf." And they nodded.


    "Lucky them." I puffed out air and turned towards the door. "Anyway¡ª"


    "Rx, Val." I suddenly patted my shoulder, a knowing smirk ying on her lips. "I know you and my cousin got off on the wrong foot, but if you really got to know him, I bet you¡¯d fall for him."


    I choked on air and started mming my fist against my chest before pivoting to look at I. She had that serious, knowing look on her face.


    I gestured with my eyes, silently warning ehr not to say anything when Emerald scoffed behind me. "Doubt it. I think she has more chemistry with Kai."


    "Kai?" I raised a brow. "Oh, please."


    Emerald shrugged. "Given that they seem hell-bent on killing each other. I mean, if you takebat ss into consideration."


    "Well, there¡¯s that," Astraea mused, "but I believe Axel or Xade would be more fitting." She flipped her hair dramatically. "How the hell could she evade the cocky seducer, Axel¡¯s flirtatious charm and Xade¡¯s wits? Those two are irresistible."


    "No."


    The three girls turned to me.


    I deadpanned. "We¡¯re not doing this."


    They ignored mepletely.


    "Well, I still vote for my cousin. He has the best cold charm ever."


    "Exactly, not all girls would want that."


    "Yeah, but let¡¯s be real¡ªXade¡¯s wild card personality makes things interesting," Astraea argued.


    "No way," Emerald said, crossing her arms. "Kai¡¯s dominance matches Valerie¡¯s temper. The tension is already there."


    Valerie. That was my name. Yet here I was, listening to them argue over my future love life with my mates like I wasn¡¯t standing right in front of them.


    I let out a long, exhausted sigh and tuned them out. I was d that at least Astraea and Emerald didn¡¯t know I was mated to all four of them.


    But with their possessive, dominant personalities? There was no way I¡¯d be able to hide being mates with them forever.


    <i>"Sooner orter someone¡¯s going to find out," </i>Astra cooed.

 Chapter 22: Live Your Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 22: Live Your Nightmare</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 22</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The rhythmic ps and synchronised cheers echoed down the corridors of PSA, each chant grating against the ears of anyone unfortunate enough to be within range.


    "Two, four, six, eight¡ªwho do we appreciate?"


    Brielle¡¯s voice rang out above the rest, her tone smug, her hair bouncing with every confident step. Her squad followed in perfect formation, their giggles sickeningly sweet, their movements exaggerated.


    Students passing by either rolled their eyes or muttered under their breath. Some stepped aside, wanting nothing more than to avoid the self-proimed Queen Bee¡¯s suffocating presence.


    Brielle was unfazed. She relished the attention.


    After the humiliation in sports ss, she had been determined to reim her status. Valerie Nightshade would regret ever crossing her. She would pay, she had thought.


    She was smiling and gloating. She wanted Valerie humiliated. But just as she turned the next corner, a hand shot out.


    Brielle barely had time to react before she was yanked into the darkness of a secluded hallway. A sharp gasp left her lips, panic flooding her veins as her back mmed against the cold wall.


    The grip on her wrist was persistent.


    "What the hell¡ª?" she started, raising a hand to p the offender, but the moment her eyes locked onto the figure before her, the blood in her veins turned to ice.


    Her breath hitched. "A¡ªAlpha..." she choked.


    A towering figure stood before her, shrouded in the dim light, radiating a suffocating presence. A deep, bone-chilling aura pressed into her skin like ws dragging down her spine.


    The air in the corridor seemed to shift and bend unnaturally. Brielle¡¯s body trembled.


    A pressure, like an invincible force, pressed down on her chest. She choked, her breath faltering as an unseen grip constricted her lungs. Her hands flew to her throat, but there was nothing to grasp, nothing she could fight against.


    A violent cough tore through her, and a thick stter of blood hit the pristine white tiles beneath her.


    She barely had time to process the horror before that dark, unforgiving voice sliced through the silence. "You darey a finger on her?"


    Brielle¡¯s heartbeat pounded so hard she thought her ribs would crack.


    <i>"Her?"</i> No¡ªhe couldn¡¯t mean... but then she saw it. There was a flicker of something lethal in his eyes. Not just rage nor anger but possessiveness and territorial fury.


    And at that moment, she knew he was talking about Valerie.


    "I¡ªI didn¡¯t mean to. I thought I was helping you¡ª" she stammered, her voice barely more than a wheeze, but her words died the second the pressure intensified.


    Brielle screamed. The sound was a raw, ear-deafening shriek as her entire body convulsed.


    Tears spilt down her cheeks as she wed at the air, at nothing, struggling against a terror she couldn¡¯t see and couldn¡¯t fight.


    Something inside her mind was unraveling, twisting into something nightmarish. The figure before her remained motionless, cold and detached.


    "Did I seek your help with her?" His deep, velvety voice rumbled. "No. So, how about a little generosity on my part and I let you live your worst nightmare?"


    Brielle¡¯s pupils dted in pure horror. "N-no."


    It was toote, as his eyes gleamed with a bright blue light and immediately, her agony spiked. Her cries turned hoarse, her body spasming as though she were possessed.


    Still, nobody came to her aid. What she hadn¡¯t realised was that the second he ced her in that nightmare, he snapped his fingers, and her voice immediately disappeared.


    No matter how much she screamed, it was only in her head; no sound came out.


    All Brielle could see was darkness devouring her whole before the entirety of her nightmare crashed down on her.


    Blood dripped from her nostrils as she scratched and pulled at her hair, but the more she did that, the more her pain intensified for a few minutes until there was only silence.


    Her body slumped forward, unconscious on the floor, but the figure, her assant, was long gone.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Supernatural History was always one of the more tolerable sses at PSA. It was one of the few subjects that actually piqued my interest¡ªnot because of the monotonous lectures but because history was important.


    It was proof that things could be changed and that fate, no matter how people tried to shape it, was never truly set in stone.


    Which is why I was only mildly annoyed as I strolled into the ssroom, my bag slungzily over my shoulder.


    What did annoy me, however, was the sight of four familiar figures upying the back row.


    I almost stopped in my tracks.


    Dristan, Axel, Kai, and Xade sat in a row in the back seat, leaving only one seat unupied¡ªin front of Dristan in the second row.


    All four of them were in History ss. Not that I minded, but what the hell? I was already beginning to get used to the fact that they didn¡¯t.


    They didn¡¯t attend some of the lectures with us and had their own advanced sses that better prepared them for their roles as future Alpha Kings, especially when it came to discussing kingdom matters.


    One of which lectures was history, and yet here they were, sitting back like they actually belonged in a normal ssroom.


    The entire room was filled with a mixture of tension and curiosity.


    Students whispered among themselves, shooting side nces at the heirs but too afraid to openly gawk. The only one who seemed just as bewildered as the rest of us was the professor himself, who just walked in.


    Professor Hammond adjusted his sses and cleared his throat, ncing warily at them. "This is... unexpected."


    He hesitated before directing his gaze toward Dristan, as if somehow he was the one calling the shots. "Forgive my curiosity, but when was thest time any of you attended my ss?"


    Dristan¡¯s cyan-blue eyes flicked upzily. "Does it matter?"


    There was a pause. I hated their rudeness, but being kings, it was hard for anyone to call them out without losing anything in the process.


    Professor Hammond, a slightly older man with sharp instincts, seemed to consider his next words carefully. Then he nodded, straightening his posture. "Very well. Let¡¯s continue."

 Chapter 23: History: Luna Zara Zephyr

    <h4>Chapter 23: History: Luna Zara Zephyr</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 23</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    He turned toward the rest of the ss, sping his hands together. "We will be discussing the Werewolf War today. Let¡¯s begin with the battle. Everyone, settle down."


    I moved to a seat near I and Astraea, where one of Brielle¡¯s friends sat. Mustering the best unique smile I could form, I pleaded. "Pretty please, do you think you can sit in the seat in the back?" I fluttered myshes for added effect, but the girl tensed immediately after I said that. "Please?"


    She shuddered. "Sure, sure, sure. No problem."


    "Thanks." But as she stood up, I heard her mutter about not wanting my trouble before she took the empty seat in front of Dristan.


    The second the girl went to sit, Dristan¡¯s deep scowl made her jump back up and scurry off to share a seat with her friend rather than taking the seat where Brielle¡¯s bag currently upied.


    It looks like they feared the Queen Bee as well. I took note and sat down.


    I snickered, and I nced at Emerald, ignoring how she raised a knowing brow.


    Professor Hammond moved toward the center of the room. "Now, who can tell me the significance of the war of neen years ago? Specifically, the war between the Thorned Crescent rogues, the Shadow ve dark witches, and their Alliance of Doom against the werewolves?"


    Silence settled for a moment before a student near the front¡ªa guy named Nn¡ªraised his hand.


    "It was one of the bloodiest battles in this kingdom¡¯s history," he said. "Half of the werewolf kingdom was nearly wiped out. The Thorned Crescent and Shadow ve had been secretly building their army for decades, waiting for the right moment to strike. If Luna Zara hadn¡¯t¡ª"


    "That¡¯s debatable," another voice cut in.


    The interruption came from a guy in the back two seats from Dristan¡ªa smug-faced, sharp-tongued student named Marcus. I had noticed him in one or two sses


    He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, lips curled in amusement. "Luna Zara¡¯s decision was foolish, in my opinion."


    A few murmurs spread across the ssroom. No one, to my knowledge, had openly insulted Luna Zara like that.


    I narrowed my eyes. Here we go. Professor Hammond¡¯s expression remained neutral. "Oh?"


    Marcus shrugged. "I mean,e on. She was just in love. She let emotions dictate her rule. And because of that, she split the werewolf kingdom like a fool instead of ruling with an iron grip. She was scared. Too scared of the duties the people bestowed on her."


    I felt my jaw tighten the more he spouted nonsense from his mouth. "If she had been stronger¡ªmore like the former Alpha Kings¡ªthis entire kingdom wouldn¡¯t have needed to be divided."


    There was a second¡ªa single moment¡ªwhere I thought about letting it slide then, I heard a deep voice from the back.


    "You¡¯ve got a problem with the Alpha Kings?"


    It was Kai who spoke, and Marcus swallowed while managing to keep up his bravado.


    "I¡¯m just saying. Besides, I only me her father, Alpha Gold, who couldn¡¯t rule properly and scattered the kingdom. If he needed someone to fill his shoes, he could have handed the crown over to someone else. But look at the end product. His daughter united the kingdom only to separate it..."


    "Bullshit." The word left my mouth before I could stop it, and the ssroom fell silent.


    Marcus blinked, caught off guard, then smirked. "Oh? We have a Luna sympathizer in the room?"


    "Sympathizer?" I leaned forward, resting an elbow on my desk. "I just think it¡¯s funny how people who have never ruled a kingdom, let alone fought a war, always seem to have the loudest opinions about what should have been done. For example, you."


    I pointed at him so he knew I wasn¡¯t scared to say my mind. A few students chuckled under their breath.


    Marcus¡¯s smirk twitched. "I¡¯m just saying¡ª"


    "Oh, we all heard what you were saying," I cut in. "You think Luna Zara was weak? That¡¯s cute. Remind me again, who was it that led the werewolves to victory despite being outnumbered? Or did you forget the dark witches had Hydras who could raise the recently dead?"


    Marcus¡¯s lips parted slightly. He hesitated to speak, and I knew I had him right where I needed him.


    I tilted my head. "Who was it that chose to unite the werewolves instead of clinging to the old ways of war and destruction? Who called upon the four great packs? Who allied with the dragons that brought about our huge advantage in the war? Who decided for peace to reign and for one pack or family or house not to have all the power to avoid what Thorned Crescent wanted? Who?"


    Silence.


    "And who¡ª" I leaned back, feigning thoughtfulness, "¡ªwas it that actually lived to tell the tale? Because I don¡¯t remember any of the so-called stronger rulers surviving that battle."


    Astraea snorted. I smirked, and Emerald nodded.


    Marcus clenched his jaw, clearly irritated but unable to counter me. "In case you do not know, then let me spell it out for you, scumbag. L.U.N.A. Zara Gold-Zephyr."


    Professor Hammond coughed lightly, hiding the amusement in his eyes. "A valid point, Miss Nightshade."


    I shrugged. "I¡¯m just stating the obvious, Professor. It seems many don¡¯t know their history or have simply forgotten."


    At the back of the ss, the heirs sat motionless. Watching and observing.


    And when I flicked my gaze toward them, my eyes caught Dristan¡¯s for a fraction of a second. Something flickered in his expression. Was it amusement or approval?


    I didn¡¯t care to find out.


    Marcus mumbled something under his breath and looked away, clearly defeated.


    "Now, before we move on to the details of the war, which I doubt would be needed with everything Miss Nightshade has shared," Professor Hammond continued, "let¡¯s briefly discuss the separation of the regions after the war. The North, East, West, South, and Middle Belt. And, of course, why Luna Zara¡¯s rule led to that division."


    My hands curled into fists beneath my desk.


    I already knew why. I knew our history so well as it was tied to mine.


    And no matter how much people questioned it¡ªno matter how much they judged the past¡ªsome things weren¡¯t as simple as history made them seem, and Luna Zara, my mother, did her best for a future far better than the past.

 Chapter 24: Nowhere to Hide

    <h4>Chapter 24: Nowhere to Hide</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 24</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The dormitory halls were dimly lit, leaving only the sound of distant conversations and muffled footsteps. I had barely turned the corner when I halted abruptly, my instincts ring.


    I hoped they weren¡¯t waiting for me, to be honest.


    The four Alpha heirs stood in the middle of the corridor, their towering forms an imprable wall of dominance and untamed power.


    The air suddenly felt heavier, like it was charged with something dangerous I could only attribute to all four of them.


    Immediately, I pivoted, hoping they hadn¡¯t seen me, and tried to escape when Dristan¡¯s deep voice roared out. "Stop right there, Nightshade."


    My brows creased, my lips pressing into a pout as I turned around and folded my arms. My brows arched. "Yes, what are you doing here?"


    Axel smirked, leaning against the wall. "You¡¯ve been quite... fiery today."


    Kai¡¯s emerald green eyes gleamed under the dim lighting, amusement flickering in their icy depths. "First at sports. Then in history ss." He tilted his head, lips curving into something dark. "You¡¯re full of surprises, darling."


    My pulse quickened, but I refused to show even a flicker of unease. Instead, I scoffed, shifting my weight onto one leg. "Is that all? You came all the way here to state the obvious?"


    Xade chuckled. "No." My eyes narrowed. What did they want now?


    "I do not have time for this."


    "But you will. You need to be reminded of something, Valerie."


    Something in his tone made the hairs on my arms rise. I squared my shoulders. "And what exactly do I need reminding of?"


    Dristan stepped forward, his presence alone making the hallway feel smaller. "Your ce."


    A coldugh escaped my lips. "My ce?" I echoed. "And where exactly is that?"


    Xade¡¯s smirk sharpened. "With us."


    I stilled, my breath hitching for a fraction of a second.


    Axel leaned in slightly, watching me too closely. "As our mate."


    I blinked for a moment there, and then I couldn¡¯t hold it back and burst intoughter that bubbled from my lips¡ªsharp, incredulous, andced with disbelief.


    "Oh, I see." I nodded, mockingly thoughtful. "So you lot are one of those men. The kind with egos so big they think females should be beneath them?"


    "No one said that," Axel argued immediately.


    But Dristan? He tilted his head ever so slightly and nodded<strong>.</strong> "Yes."


    I sucked in a sharp breath while Astra snarled inside me, but instead of rage consuming me, something cold settled in my veins.


    "Pathetic," I muttered under my breath.


    Kai¡¯s jaw ticked, his eyes darkening with every second. "What did you say?"


    I took slow steps forward, challenging their stares. "Why would I ever stand beneath men who couldn¡¯t even be bothered to protect their mate?" I scoffed. "Tell me, what kind of Alphas allow their woman to fend for herself? Huh?"


    None of them answered, but their eyes were glued to me like they were seeing a strange thing.


    "If it weren¡¯t for you guys and your annoying fan club, I wouldn¡¯t be in this mess in the first ce."


    Still nothing.


    "What? You haven¡¯t seen a girl with balls to toss your charms in the garbage tank yet?"


    Axel was quick to want to retort, but I cut him short with myugh, shaking my head. "Maybe I should just reject you all and be done with this nonsense. At least then, I¡¯d have sanity."


    Their expressions darkened, but I didn¡¯t stop.


    "I don¡¯t need you." I tapped my chest, where my heartbeat thundered beneath my palm. "I have all I need. My wolf."


    Astra let out a pleased whine inside me, pushing her presence forward, and for the first time, the weight of my words seemed tond.


    I no longer feel that imposing aura suffocating me, but this time, I burned with them.


    Xade¡¯s smirk faltered. Kai¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. Axel¡¯s usual yfulness flickered into something unreadable. And Dristan moved.


    One second, there was space between us. Next, he had closed itpletely, caging me against the wall, his arms boxing me in on either side.


    Dristan¡¯s body was so close that warmth radiated from him, pressing against my skin like a silent, possessive im. His cyan-blue eyes bore into mine, their color striking, almost hypnotic.


    I had never noticed before, but they weren¡¯t just blue. There were flecks of silver swirling in their depths, catching the dim hallway light like liquid metal.


    I swallowed, but the sound was too loud in the sudden silence.


    His lips¡ªthin, but not too small¡ªcurved at the corners in the ghost of a smirk, and my heart stumbled. Damn him.


    <i>Damn that mouth.</i>


    Dristan tilted his head, watching me like a predator who had finally caught his prey.


    "Say it." His deep voice was like a slow-burning me. "Say you don¡¯t need us."


    A shiver ran through me, a war raging between my body¡¯s traitorous reaction and the defiance I refused to let go of. My fingers curled into fists at my sides, digging into my palms.


    He was too close.


    A sharp inhale, and I was drowning in him. His scent was a perfect storm¡ªrain-soaked earth, cold sea breeze, and something deeper, like cedarwood warmed by heat. Bleu de Chanel.


    I recognized it instantly. But on him, it wasn¡¯t just a fragrance; it was different, wilder, and more dangerous.


    It had a certain dominance that sent a shiver down my spine. He smelled like power wrapped in temptation.


    The air between us pressed down on my lungs, making it impossible to take a full breath.


    My heart pounded.


    I needed to move. I had to move. But Dristan¡¯s gaze held me hostage, and my body refused to obey.


    His smirk deepened, as if he could see my struggle, as if he knew exactly what he was doing to me.


    I hated him and yet, my heart betrayed me.


    Dristan lifted a hand, dragging the back of his knuckles against my cheek slowly, making me inhale sharply, which widened his smirk.


    "Your heart is racing, mate." His voice dropped lower, rougher. "Are you scared?"


    I clenched my jaw, forcing my expression into a mask of indifference. "No."


    "Liar."


    As if on cue, his other hand brushed my waist, barely touching, but the heat seared through my clothes. Astra whined inside me, pushing closer to the mate bond, to him.


    I gritted my teeth. No. I would not give in to this.


    I lifted my chin defiantly. "Move."


    Dristan¡¯s eyes shed, something dark and unreadable swirling within them. "Make me."


    I could. I should, but instead, I was frozen, ensnared in the way his lips parted slightly and his breath fanned against my skin.


    For a fraction of a second, the world shrank to just this¡ªjust him and me. Dristan¡¯s gaze flickered down to my mouth, and my traitorous heart skipped.


    For a terrifying, exhrating moment, I genuinely thought Drisan would kiss me and heaven knew I had no idea what I would have done. But at that second, his head dipped lower¡ªtoo close to me and...


    "Dristan," Kai¡¯s voice cut through the moment, shattering the spell.


    I sucked in a breath, barely realizing I had been holding it. Dristan lingered for a second longer, his jaw tightening before he finally stepped back.


    I suddenly felt cold.


    My entire body buzzed as if I had been set on fire and then abruptly doused in ice water. My lips parted, but nothing came out.


    I hated that I felt at a loss. Hated that I had let him get that close, that my body had reacted to him like that.


    No, no, no. I would not fall for this.


    I needed to get to my room and they were blocking my path.


    Gritting my teeth, I moved to shove past them, desperate to put distance between me and the intoxicating, suffocating pull of Dristan Alexander. But the second I stepped forward, Axel¡¯s hand snatched my wrist.


    Instinct took over.


    In one swift, fluid motion, I twisted my body and used his own momentum against him, flipping him clean over my shoulder and mming him onto the ground.


    Axel reacted swiftly, stopping himself from the impending embarrassment by cing his palm on the ground to support his weight before standing up.


    Astra howled in satisfaction.


    For a moment, there was only silence, followed by a low, deep chuckle from Dristan.


    When I turned, his icy expression had melted into something else entirely¡ªsomething intrigued. For the first time, I had caught him off guard.


    Axel groaned from the floor. "What the hell was that?!"


    Before I could respond, Kai¡¯s lethal voice washed over me. "If you want to y with Alphas, darling..." His lips curled into a smirk. "We¡¯ll y."


    I sucked in a sharp breath. "Just fuck out of my way."


    Xade stepped forward, his crystal blue eyes gleaming with something darker. "Just know when wee... There will be nowhere to hide, little wolf."


    "Why? You all want to ept me?" They looked slightly taken aback by my question. "Thought as much."


    I had nothing more to say to either of them as I walked past, brushing my shoulder with Xade¡¯s.

 Chapter 25: Shopping

    <h4>Chapter 25: Shopping</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 25</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The next couple of days breezed past, and I did my best to avoid the Alpha heirs while trying to settle into the dorm.


    Every time I sensed one of them nearby, I took another route, refused to make eye contact, and buried myself in my sses. It was easier that way¡ªlessplicated.


    By Saturday, my wardrobe situation had be dire, which meant I had to do the inevitable: shopping.


    As I sat on my bed, scrolling through a mental list of things I needed, I suddenly flopped down beside me out of nowhere, her blonde curls bouncing as she peeked at my phone screen. "Shopping?" she guessed.


    "Yeah..." I drawled as my gaze darted over to the door. It was open. "I need new clothes," I admitted, letting my eyes finally settle on her face.


    Astraea strolled in, dressed in a pleated short skirt and a white shirt with a sleeveless sweatshirt on top. She lounged on my bed, perked up. "Ooooh, let¡¯s go into town! You haven¡¯t been yet, have you?"


    I hesitated. I had nned to go alone, but before I could say anything, Emerald leaned against the wall, folding her arms. "It¡¯s settled then. We¡¯ll take you to the best clothing store."


    I blinked. "Wait, what¡ª"


    "We¡¯re going." I grinned, already slipping on her shoes. "No objections."


    I sighed but smiled a little. Maybe it wouldn¡¯t be so bad having them tag along. In the past, my sister, well, cousin, was always my mischievous pair. Having someone else do that with me was different.


    Nevertheless, I needed to blend in and survive while finding out information about the Nightshade Thorn emblem.


    "Fine," I said with all smiles, and they chorused a surprisingly loud ¡¯yes¡¯.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Later¡ªAt the Clothing Store</strong>


    As soon as we entered the store, the scent of new fabric and subtle perfume filled the air.


    The ce was lined with racks of stylish dresses, trendy tops, mad jean trousers, leather trousers, and several other varieties.


    Rows of shoes gleamed under the fluorescent lighting in the left-hand corner of the store, leading into what seemed like an endless line of them.


    "Alright, first stop: outing wear!" I dered, grabbing my wrist and dragging me toward the back.


    But the moment we stepped further inside, my stomach twisted.


    Because standing near the essories section, flipping through a rack of clothes like she belonged there, was Brielle.


    <i>Ugh</i>.


    My jaw clenched as I stopped mid-step. I felt the tension in my arm and immediately tightened her grip on my wrist.


    "We are shopping here, and that¡¯s final," she hissed under her breath before I even got a chance to protest. "Don¡¯t even think of backing out because of worthless trash."


    Astraea and Emerald nked me, their presence solidly reassuring.


    I nodded, seeing as I had good friends beside me. It felt oddly more reassuring, more so than those mates of mine. "Okay. Let¡¯s do this."


    Lifting my chin, I strode past, not sparing Brielle a single nce. If she wanted a reaction, she wasn¡¯t getting one from me.


    But just as I brushed by, I heard a sharp intake of breath¡ªBrielle¡¯s breath.


    And then, in a toneced with disbelief, her voice cut through the air.


    "She what?"


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Brielle¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment Iid eyes on Valerie, my blood boiled.


    She walked in with her little entourage, acting so high and mighty like she owned the ce. But it was my world before she came along.


    Mine.


    And then, out of nowhere, my so-called friend, udia, let out a mocking snicker beside me.


    "Look at her," udia sneered. "Acting like she¡¯s something special, just because she¡¯s the mate of Alpha Dristan."


    My world stopped.


    "She what?" I breathed, my throat suddenly dry.


    udia¡¯s smirk deepened. "Oh, you didn¡¯t know? Well, even I was shocked. I overheard them talking two days back on my way to my room. Valerie is Dristan¡¯s fated mate."


    No. No, that wasn¡¯t possible.


    I swallowed hard as memories of that day surged back¡ªthe day I copsed.


    I had been walking through the hallway, cheering after sports ss, when it happened. One second, I was with the others. Next, I was yanked into the shadows, my wrist caught in an iron grip.


    Before I could react, my back mmed into the wall, knocking the breath from my lungs. I barely had time to cry out before I saw him<i>.</i>


    Dristan.


    My lips trembled, my heart raced. "A¡ªAlpha..." I choked out. I dared not say his name


    He was different that day. Colder. The air around him was suffocating, pressing into me like ws dragging down my spine. I had seen him angry before, but this wasn¡¯t anger¡ªit was lethal judgment.


    My instincts screamed at me to run, but I couldn¡¯t.


    "You darey a finger on her?" His voice was a de through the silence.


    Her? Who¡ª?


    Then I saw it. That flicker in his gaze¡ªdark, possessive, not from rage but something deeper and territorial.


    Valerie.


    I tried to exin, tried to tell him I thought I was helping him, but my words barely left my lips before his power crashed into me. My breath vanished. My knees buckled.


    I wed at my throat, but no sound came out.


    Dristan tilted his head, watching me struggle. "Did I ask for your help?" His voice was silky,ced with cruelty.


    Tears burned down my cheeks as he smirked.


    "Then let me be generous."


    His hand lifted, and the world shattered. Darkness swallowed me whole.


    I was falling. Not physically. I was inside my own mind. Trapped.


    The hallway was gone. I wasn¡¯t in the academy anymore. I was somewhere else<i>.</i> Somewhere I thought I¡¯d escaped long ago.


    Memories, fears, nightmares¡ªthey all consumed me at once. Every insecurity, every weakness, every moment of powerlessness I had ever felt yed on a torturous loop.


    Cold chains mped around my wrists, yanking me back into the depths of a nightmare I had spent years trying to bury. The scent of blood and damp earth filled my nostrils.


    Whispers slithered through the dark, curling around me like snakes, voices I recognized but never wanted to hear again.


    My father¡¯s voice.<i> "Useless girl."</i>


    My mother¡¯s whisper. <i>"Disgrace."</i>


    A broken sob tore from my throat as I shook, thrashed and tried to break free. But I wasn¡¯t here. I was there, trapped in this horrible ce I swore I¡¯d never return to.


    The ground beneath me cracked open and suddenly a pit of writhing shadows reached for me, wing at my ankles, pulling me down.


    I screamed, begged and wept, but no one could hear me. No one came for me.


    The pain escted in a sharp and unbearable manner. The voices turned to mocking, taunting, relentlessughter.


    Then Dristan¡¯s voice cut through the nightmare. "Let this be a lesson."


    It was like a final, merciless whisper while the nightmares reyed again until darkness consumed me whole.


    Blood trickled from my nostrils as my body crumpled forward, unconscious.


    The next thing I knew, I had woken up in the school¡¯s clinic. No exnation. Nofort. Just the suffocating emptiness Dristan had left behind.


    And now¡ªnow, I knew why.


    It wasn¡¯t because I had disrespected him or toyed with his ything. It wasn¡¯t because I had overstepped. It was because of her¡ªValerie.


    My breath came out in sharp pants as my fingers curled into a death grip around the fabric of the dress I was holding.


    <i>"</i>Brielle<i>?"</i> udia¡¯s voice was distant, barely reaching my ears. I swallowed, forcing my expression into something neutral.


    But inside I burned. I had devoted myself to him for years. Tried to be perfect. Deserving. I had worshipped him.


    And yet, that wench had walked in and taken what was supposed to be mine. There was no way I would let this stand.


    Not now. Not ever.


    I straightened, inhaling deeply as a slow, wicked smile curved my lips.


    If Dristan wanted his little mate so badly... then I would just have to break her, piece by piece.


    I straightened and turned to udia. "You want Dristan to notice you, right?"


    Her gaze darted about in fear. Good. They all knew who he belonged to¡ªme. "Why not put your loyalty to good use and frame her?"


    "For theft?"


    I shrugged lightly and smiled. "Do it in a way that will leave no trace on you or me."

 Chapter 26: Accused of Theft

    <h4>Chapter 26: used of Theft</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 26</strong>


    <strong>~udia¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Following Brielle¡¯s orders, I watched them from a distance, my fingers tightening around the delicate bracelet I had just picked up.


    Valerie, I, Emerald and Astraea moved through the store like they belonged hereughing, trying on clothes,pletely unaware of what wasing.


    Valerie stood near a rack of leather jackets, flipping through them with a thoughtful expression. I was chatting animatedly, showing off a sequined top in a vide on her phone, while Astraea nodded in approval. They were rxed. Comfortable. As if they were untouchable.


    I smirked. That wouldn¡¯tst long.


    With ease, I slipped the bracelet into my palm and strode forward, heart steady, movements casual.


    As I neared them, I pretended to check out a pair of heels. Dropepd it, picked a blue gown, then, in a swift, calcted move, brushed past Valerie. My fingers barely grazed the pocket of her jacket as I slid the bracelet inside.


    Easy peasy.


    I didn¡¯t break stride, didn¡¯t look back. I kept walking, heading straight to the fitting rooms where Brielle was waiting with one of the gown I had picked on my way.


    She leaned against the wall, arms crossed, looking impatient. The second she spotted me, she raised a brow.


    "Well?"


    I tilted my chin up and smirked. "Done."


    Brielle¡¯s lips curled as satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. Without wasting a second, she turned toward a nearby store attendant, a woman in her mid-twenties with a sharp gaze.


    "Excuse me," Brielle said smoothly, her voice dripping with concern. "I just saw a girl slip a bracelet into her pocket."


    The attendant¡¯s brows shot up. "Are you sure?"


    Brielle nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. She was near the jacket section."


    The woman frowned. "Her bag, you mean?"


    Before I could even enjoy the moment, I cut in quickly. "No, her pocket. Her jacket pocket."


    Brielle shot me a sidelong nce, but I ignored her. Details mattered in this situation.


    The attendant¡¯s frown deepened, but then she nodded. "Thank you for telling me."


    Brielle smiled sweetly. "Oh, and please¡ªdon¡¯t mention us. You saw her yourself, right?"


    The woman hesitated but eventually nodded. "Of course."


    With that, she turned and briskly walked off toward the security desk.


    I watched as she leaned in close, whispering something to the head of security. His eyes widened before he nodded and immediately followed her.


    Brielle and I exchanged a look. It was showtime.


    Valerie and the others were at the register, handing over their clothes to the cashier. Theirughter had died down now, reced by the usual chatter of customers going about their business.


    Then it happened.


    The security guard and the attendant approached them just as they were about to leave, blocking their path.


    "Excuse me,dies," the guard said, his voice firm but polite. "We need to check your belongings."


    I¡¯s brows furrowed. "What? Why?"


    Astraea and Emerald exchanged confused nces, while Valerie turned fully toward them, her expression unreadable.


    "What¡¯s going on?" she asked calmly. "Is this the normal here?" They shpok their head and I did my best to mask my smile.


    The store attendant stepped forward, her lips pressing into a thin line. "One of you was caught shoplifting."


    The air around them shifted as deadpan silence ensued. Then, the attendant¡¯s gazended directly on Valerie.


    My heart sped up. Valerie blinked. "Excuse me?"


    All three girls turned to her in shock.


    "You¡¯ve been with me the whole time," Valerie said, her voiceced with disbelief. "I never took anything. Besides where¡¯s your proof?"


    Astraea crossed her arms and lightly tapped her toes. The attendant smirked. "I saw you myself."


    Valerie¡¯s jaw tightened.


    "What?"


    Her friends all turned to her, eyes wide.


    "Valerie," they chorused in unison.


    *****************


    <strong> ~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Irritation prickled beneath my skin like a thousand tiny needles.


    The usation itself was absurd, but what made my blood boil was the way everyone was looking at me.


    Like there was even a sliver of doubt. Like they weren¡¯t sure if I was telling the truth.


    <i>Seriously.</i>


    I nced at I, Astraea, and Emerald. Their expressions were hesitant, uncertain. Notpletely disbelieving¡ªbut notpletely confident in me, either.


    My lips curled in disgust. "You¡¯ve all been with me the entire time. And you really think I¡¯d¡ª"


    "Valerie," Astraea called softly, cutting me off.


    I exhaled sharply. "I didn¡¯t do it."


    "If you didn¡¯t, then you¡¯d at least let them search you."


    I scoffed. Typical. I could see how this was ying out. They wanted me to y along like a good little girl, let them dig through my pockets so they could ¡¯prove¡¯ I was guilty, whether I was or not.


    And then, as if the universe wanted to put the cherry on top of this ridiculous situation, udia walked out of the fitting rooms with Brielle and the rest of their little pack. They were heading toward the checkout,ughing, their arms filled with clothes.


    As soon as they arrived at the check out, they handed their things to thedy at the deska nd turned to face us.


    "What¡¯s going on?" Brielle asked, intrigued. "We are PSA students, security. Can we not make a scene."


    "I¡¯m certain once we search, ther wouldn¡¯t be much of a scene.


    While Brelle spoke, my gaze locked onto udia¡¯s, and she smirked.


    A slow smile spread across my face, but there was no humor in it. "How am I supposed to be sure someone didn¡¯t set me up?"


    "No one did," the attendant snapped, stepping forward. "I saw it myself."


    I tilted my head slightly. "Interesting. You did? Then tell me¡ªwhere, when, and how?"


    The woman faltered. Just for a second. But it was enough.


    Before she could fumble out an answer, one of Brielle¡¯sckeys chimed in. "Does it even matter? You better not embarrass our school by being a thief."


    A bitterugh almost escaped me. Of course, they were running with this.


    Another girl¡ªprobably one of Brielle¡¯s favoritepdogs¡ªsnorted. "True. And it¡¯s funny how she speaks to the Alpha Kings like she¡¯s so high and mighty. Who would¡¯ve thought you were just a petty thief?"


    Anger red hot in my chest.


    I clenched my fists, forcing my breathing to stay even, but my nails dug into my palms. udia. Brielle. The whole damn setup¡ªI knew it, and yet, they were twisting the entire room against me.


    And worst of all?


    It was working.


    Even Astraea looked torn, her brows furrowed in worry. I bit her lip, her gaze darting between me and the security guard. And Emerald...


    Emerald sighed. "Please, Valerie. I hate to say this, but they are right. This is already embarrassing. Just let them search you."


    I turned to her sharply. "You seriously believe this?"


    I couldn¡¯t believe what was happening. All I wanted was to shop for some new clothes, new dorm wears and just have fun time with my girls by blending in. So why now was it against me?


    She lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug. "I¡¯m just saying. It doesn¡¯t matte what I believe at this point. Let them get it over with. You¡¯ve already won, haven¡¯t you?"


    My lips pressed together.


    They weren¡¯t going to let this go. Not without making a scene.


    <i>Fine.</i>


    "Search."

 Chapter 27: The True Thief

    <h4>Chapter 27: The True Thief</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 27</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The room tensed as the security guard stepped forward, his heavy boots thudding against the tiled floor. I stood still, fists clenched, as his hands patted down my jacket. My heart didn¡¯t race¡ªI knew I had done nothing wrong.


    But the moment his fingers dipped into my pocket and pulled something out, my stomach dropped.


    A delicate silver bracelet dangled from his fingers.


    The gasp that followed was deafening.


    I blinked. <i>What...?</i>


    "She¡¯s a <i>klepto</i>," udia¡¯s voice rang out, triumphant and dripping with mock pity.


    The urge to p her burned through me like wildfire, but before I could move, the security guard¡¯s grip tightened on my arm, pulling me back.


    "Now, before you im you paid for it," he said, tone sharp, "shall I see the receipt of what you purchased?"


    I¡¯s head snapped between me and the attendant, her brows furrowing. She knew¡ªjust like I did¡ªthat we hadn¡¯t bought that bracelet.


    Brielle smirked. "Give it to her, I. Or do you want to embarrass your cousin by siding with this thief?"


    My breath caught. "I, I didn¡¯t."


    I¡¯s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "I know you didn¡¯t."


    Brielle¡¯s face twisted in irritation, but before she could speak, I turned to the attendant. "But I have a strong feeling my Valerie has been framed really badly and I wonder why or whom."


    Brielle¡¯s smug look faltered slightly.


    "Yeah," I added, crossing my arms. "So, I¡¯d love to hear when, where, and how I supposedly stole this bracelet."


    The attendant hesitated, then nced toward Brielle. I caught the look. I did too.


    The woman¡¯s lips parted, and her voice was suddenly a lot less confident.


    "About... twenty minutes ago, I saw her lift it from the disy at the back, nce around to make sure no one was watching, and quickly put it in her pocket. I didn¡¯t check the time. I only watched to see if she would pay for it before informing security."


    My jaw locked. "Is that so?" I mused. "Was I alone?"


    "She just said you were alone," udia cut in, rolling her eyes.


    I turned to her, my gaze sharp. "That¡¯s not the question I asked."


    udia gulped and the attendant shuffled on her feet. "You... you were alone."


    A dryugh escaped Emerald. "Funny. Because she wasn¡¯t." The room fell silent. "You would know that if you actually saw her," Emerald continued smoothly.


    I flicked my gaze to her. She didn¡¯t like me, and I knew she didn¡¯t trust me either¡ªbut the fact that she still vouched for me? That meant something.


    The attendant swallowed. "I¡ªI mean, I think¡ª"


    The security guard frowned. "Lily, are you sure you saw her lift it?"


    Her hands fidgeted. "I¡ª"


    He narrowed his eyes. "Lily. Answer me."


    Her fingers twitched. She scratched at her neck, ncing sideways at Brielle, who stiffened.


    Before she could say anything, I¡¯s voice cut through the tension, sharp as a de.


    "You better think about telling the truth before I make you lose your job and suffer greatly for trying to discredit Valerie."


    "She saw her," udia jumped in quickly, her voice high and defensive. "Do not frighten the attendant."


    Astraea who had been silent this whole time, suddenly scoffed. "And how would you know what she saw?"


    "Because I was the one who saw her. I saw Valerie lift the bracelet and I..."


    The weight of the entire room shifted. Brielle froze. udia¡¯s mouth parted¡ªrealization dawning toote.


    Everyone turned to her.


    I exhaled slowly, dragging out the moment. "So, you were the one who saw her and reported it?"


    "The same you who just so happened to bump into us about twenty-five minutes ago?" Emerald added, tilting her head.


    udia¡¯s eyes darted around. "I¡ªI am not lying. I never framed her if that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking!"


    "Guilty much. No one said you framed her but if that¡¯s the case," Astraea pressed, "then tell us¡ªwhere were any of us when you ¡¯saw¡¯ her steal?"


    "I..."


    The security guard shook his head, his patience thinning. "Enough of these lies. Ladies, let¡¯s resolve this properly."


    "Good." I crossed her arms. "I couldn¡¯t agree more, sir."


    I straightened, now feeling better with the allegations shifting direction. "Your store must have CCTV cameras covering every section. Can we see them?"


    udia paled. Brielle¡¯s sharp nails dug into her palm.


    "Why would you need that," udia rushed out, "when we saw the bracelet on her?"


    I gave her a cold, razor-sharp smile. "Because I don¡¯t trust liars."


    "She isn¡¯t lying," one of Brielle¡¯s friends piped up. "She just told the attendant what she saw, and Lily was clearly protecting udia¡¯s name. That doesn¡¯t change the fact that you stole the bracelet."


    I rolled my shoulders, exhaling through my nose. "Now, this," I muttered, "only makes me more certain I was set up." My eyes flicked to Brielle, then udia. "And trust me¡ªI will find the truth. And when I do? None of you will go scot-free."


    Then, I turned to the security guard. "I have been wrongfully used, and I demand to see the store¡¯s CCTV footage to clear my name."


    The security guard nodded. "This way please. Lily lead them and everyone of you must be present."


    The atmosphere in the security room was suffocating. The low hum of theputer monitors filled the silence as the security guard clicked through the footage.


    The screen flickered, showing the moment I and the rest of us had stepped into the store.


    "Alright," the guard muttered, dragging the cursor back. "Let¡¯s watch from the beginning."


    I stood with my arms crossed, my nails digging into my palms as the footage yed.


    There I was, entering with the girls¡ªAstraea beside me, Emerald a step behind, I chatting away.


    The video sped up slightly, showing us moving between racks, checking different essories.


    Never once was I alone as they imed¡ªone w.


    And then¡ªthere she was. udia.


    Her dirty blonde hair was unmistakable as she lurked near the shelves, eyes darting toward us.


    The footage zoomed in slightly. The moment I turned away, udia¡¯s hand reached out, fingers snatching a delicate silver bracelet from the disy.


    I felt the room still.


    No one spoke.


    The next clip showed her weaving through the store, circling us like a vulture. Then, when I was momentarily distracted¡ªshe slipped the bracelet into my jacket pocket.


    <i>Clear as day</i>.

 Chapter 28: You’re Fired

    <h4>Chapter 28: You¡¯re Fired</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 28</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    A sharp gasp filled the room following that footage. I¡¯s hands curled into fists at her side, and Astraea exhaled slowly as the silence stretched.


    Then, slowly, everyone turned to udia.


    Brielle¡¯s expression shifted from confidence to sheer horror. Emerald smirked. "Well, well," she drawled. "What do you know? The truth."


    udia¡¯s entire body tensed. Her hands balled at her sides, and for a brief moment, she looked like she was going to speak.


    But then¡ªshe spun on her heel. Her intention was very clear. She was going to run.


    Too bad Emerald was faster.


    The moment udia lunged toward the door, Emerald simply extended her leg¡ªperfectly timed. udia¡¯s foot caught on it, and with a sharp yelp, she went flying.


    Her body hit the floor hard, a pathetic thud echoing in the small room. I barely held back a satisfied smirk.


    "There, Mr. Security," I said coolly. "I think you¡¯ve found the culprit." I tilted my head, watching as udia groaned on the ground, too stunned to move. "Now, I want justice for myself."


    The security guard, still speechless, turned to udia, his expression unreadable. Brielle, on the other hand, had gone pale.


    "No¡ªno, this¡ª" udia stammered, scrambling to her knees. She whipped around, locking eyes with Brielle, desperate for help. But Brielle only backed away, her lips pressed into a thin line.


    She knew there was nothing she could say. We filed out of the security room, leaving udia behind with the security guard.


    The moment we stepped into the main store, the tension in the air shifted. The once-alive shop had gone eerily quiet.


    Too quiet. A shiver ghosted down my spine. Then, I felt it.


    The air dropped.


    The warmth in the store evaporated in an instant, reced with a sudden, unnatural chill. The hair on my arms stood on end, a deep, instinctual sense of unease creeping in.


    My breath hitched. Astra stirred in my mind, a rare tension in her voice.


    <i>"He¡¯s here."</i>


    My stomach twisted. I swallowed hard as my hands flexed at my sides. Slowly, I turned toward the entrance of the store.


    And there, standing just beyond the ss doors, was the one person I hoped not to see. His presence alone sucked the air from the room.


    My pulse quickened.


    This... this wasn¡¯t just anyone. It was him¡ªDristan.


    I watched as Dristan strode into the clothing store, his sharp eyes scanning the room, assessing everything with a single nce. But when his gazended on me, it lingered.


    I couldn¡¯t read his gaze as they darted, but I knew something dangerous flickered through his cyan blue eyes before they moved on to Brielle.


    "What¡¯s going on here?" His voice cut through the air like a de.


    I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, I looked away, fingers curling into fists at my sides. My eyes met I¡¯s, and in that instant, I understood. She had texted him.


    Dristan stepped further inside, and his presence was suffocating with every step. The security guard and store attendant immediately bowed their heads. "Alpha..."


    He ignored thempletely and instead let his focus lock on me. I gave me a small smile and subtly pointed behind me, signaling that he was right there.


    I shut my eyes and let out a slow exhale before turning to face him.


    "Hello."


    "Not the question I asked," he said, his voice clipped. "What¡¯s happening, and who dares use you of theft?"


    Lifting my chin, I met his gaze. "I¡¯m alright. The matter has been settled."


    "Has it?" His brow arched.


    I nodded.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting Dristan¡¯s next question as his deep velvet voice rang out. "Then what punishment were they given?"


    "Umm..." I hesitated, my gaze flicking toward udia, still restrained by security.


    "Nothing?" His deep voice rumbled with fury, making me shudder. His blue eyes shifted to I. "You didn¡¯t punish them?"


    From the corner of my eye, I saw I pout. "At least I informed you she was being bullied. Shouldn¡¯t that count? And we just got the evidence that she was not guilty."


    "She would never have been guilty!" Dristan thundered, and I could swear I felt some current sizzle past me as the lights in the store flickered. "There was no need for any proof. What use would she have to steal, huh?"


    The store fell into an eerie silence. Astraea hesitated before speaking up. "Alpha, it was better to clear her name than¡ª"


    Dristan¡¯s cold re snapped to her, silencing her instantly. From what I could tell, he despised being questioned.


    "Who are you to speak on this?" he demanded. "You¡¯re her roommate, and you girls couldn¡¯t defend her properly?"


    "We did," Emerald interjected, despite the danger of his wrath.


    "So you..."


    I knew I had to step in before he turned his fury on them. "They did. It¡¯s because of them that I¡¯m not behind bars. You shouldn¡¯t worry."


    "Oh, I¡¯m not worried." His voice was almost mocking. "It¡¯s them who should be." His piercing gaze swung to Brielle and udia. "You."


    Brielle¡¯s face drained of colour. Fear flickered across her features, her breath hitching as cold sweat beaded on her forehead. She stuttered, trying to move, but her body remained frozen in ce.


    I turned fully, fascinated by the raw terror in her expression. Did they fear Dristan that much? Or was I missing something?


    "You... I haven¡¯t taught you a lesson yet, have I?"


    Brielle¡¯s knees buckled, and she copsed onto the floor,nding in a heap. Her lips trembled as she muttered something incoherent, her eyes wide with horror.


    Then, her words became clear.


    "I didn¡¯t do it," she gasped and Dristan¡¯s eyes narrowed when I nced in his drection. "I... I didn¡¯t mean to do it. I... I got angry that you had more interest in her than me after everything I had done to prove my love to you, and I... I just wanted to teach her a lesson."


    <i>Oh... I am suffering from his fan girl¡¯s unrequited love? How romantically uninteresting!</i>


    "I swear, it wasn¡¯t... I didn¡¯t do it. I only ordered udia to frame her and let the shop attendant use her after we told her about it."

 Chapter 29: Like A Curse

    <h4>Chapter 29: Like A Curse</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 29</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Gasps echoed through the store. Brielle had confessed¡ªeverything, ultimately, leaving no stone unturned.


    "Please, please," she begged, her voice shaking. "Do not punish me again. Do not take me back to that ce. Don¡¯t make me live my worst nightmare," she rushed out her plea as though any of it would actually make Dristan not punish her.


    She was already doing a good job of punishing herself and embarrassing herself further.


    Dristan arched a brow, his expression filled with pure disgust. He stared down at her, unblinking, his voice void of mercy. "You disgust me, and you shall suffer for it."


    Brielle copsed, her body going limp. Her friend rushed forward, shaking her, but she was unresponsive.


    Dristan barely spared her another nce before turning to the store attendant.


    "It was you who dared to use my..." I caught the hesitation. He was about to say ¡¯mate¡¯¡ªbut he stopped himself. Instead, Dristan¡¯s eyes darkened. "How dare you use her?"


    "Alpha, I was only doing my job," thedy stammered.


    "Your job?" He scoffed. "Then it is my job to punish anyone who hurts her or smears her name. You¡¯re fired."


    "Alpha?!" The attendant¡¯s face twisted in shock.


    "Did I stutter?" His voice was a cold p, his towering frame exuding dominance. He took a slow step forward, making the room feel unbearably small.


    Thedy shook her head, her face crumpling.


    "Good," he said. "Then get out of my sight. Now."


    She turned and fled without looking back, tears streaking down her face. I guess that was the power of an Alpha King¡¯s Heir.


    A flicker of pity stirred inside me, but I quickly pushed it away. If we hadn¡¯t rified the truth, I would have been arrested¡ªor worse. And if that had happened, everything I had worked for would have been ruined and who knows, my secret too would have been exposed.


    Dristan wasn¡¯t done.


    "And you."


    udia stiffened as he stalked toward her.


    "It¡¯s people like you who give PSA a bad name." His voice was final, cutting like a de. "You¡¯re expelled."


    My mouth fell open. Could he just... expel someone like that?


    "Cousin," I interrupted, clearly displeased. Dristan¡¯s re snapped to her. "re all you want," I huffed. "But you can¡¯t just expel her."


    "Oh, little cousin, I can¡ªand I just did." His smirk was predatory. "One word from me to the principal about how she disgraced our school by framing another student, and... well." He trailed off, letting the implication hang.


    udia¡¯s lips trembled. "B-but what about Brielle? She could be faking fainting for all we know!" she protested. "She made me do it!"


    "Did she force your hand?" Dristan challenged.


    udia¡¯s mouth opened, then closed. She had no answer.


    "My thoughts exactly," he said coolly. "She will get her punishment. But like that attendant, you disgust me. Get lost before I do something you¡¯ll regret."


    I stood frozen. I had never seen this side of him.


    Dristan turned to the security guard, who looked seconds away from copsing in fear and peeing his pants.


    "Did he hurt you?" Dristan asked, sparing me a nce.


    I immediately shook my head. "He didn¡¯t."


    Dristan didn¡¯t look convinced. His gaze flicked to the trembling guard.


    "Did you touch my..." He hesitated again. "...her?"


    I clenched my fists. It was getting irritating. If he didn¡¯t want to im me, why keep hesitating like that? Why stand up for me at all?


    The security guard frantically shook his head. "I only searched her and¡ª"


    "I should have your hand for that," Dristan asserted. "But I¡¯ll let it slide. The next time you touch my¡ª"


    He hesitated once more. I had enough. I exhaled sharply and turned to I.


    Without another word, I walked away.


    If Dristan were so irritated by my presence, I would save him the trouble and get out before he made thosements while making those hups pause.


    I could feel his gaze burned into my back, a heavy weight that refused to lift as I walked away.


    Still, even though I tried not to be bothered by it, I was.


    I wasn¡¯t going to stand there and listen to him dance around the word "mate" like it was some kind of curse.


    If he couldn¡¯t even say it, then why was he acting like he had any right to step in for me? To punish people on my behalf?


    I didn¡¯t need Dristan, I told myself.


    I heard I calling my name softly, but I ignored her, pushing through the store¡¯s entrance and stepping outside.


    The cool air hit my skin, but it did nothing to settle the heat bubbling inside me. My fists clenched at my sides, and Astra stirred restlessly in my mind.


    <i>"Coward."</i> She spat the word like venom.


    <i>"Let it go,"</i> I told her.


    <i>"He¡¯s making a fool of us."</i>


    <i>"And you think running back in there to fight him will change that?"</i>


    Astra growled lowly but didn¡¯t argue.


    I let out a breath, trying to ease the tension in my chest. My heart still pounded, a mix of residual anger and something else¡ªsomething I didn¡¯t want to name. The way he had looked at me... the raw fury in his voice...


    Why did it feel like something inside him had cracked?


    The door behind me swung open, and before I could react, a firm hand wrapped around my wrist.


    "Leaving just like that?"


    I knew that voice.


    I turned, my eyes locking onto Dristan¡¯s.


    His expression was unreadable, but his grip was firm, keeping me in ce. His presence was suffocating, all-consuming, and I hated how my pulse reacted to it.


    "I don¡¯t see why I should stay." I kept my voice steady. "You handled everything, didn¡¯t you? Justice served and all that."


    Dristan¡¯s jaw ticked. His eyes darkened and became stormy. "You don¡¯t walk away from me, Valerie."


    Iughed dryly. "Oh? And why¡¯s that?"


    He didn¡¯t answer.


    Instead, he let go of my wrist, but rather than relief, something inside me twisted. He stepped closer, his towering frame shadowing me.


    "You should be thanking me." Dristan¡¯s voice was quieter now, but no less intense.


    "For what? For humiliating them, good maybe but expulsion? For firing that woman?"


    "For protecting you." He gritted his teeth.


    I sucked in a sharp breath. "I didn¡¯t need your protection," I said, meeting his gaze head-on. "I handled it."


    His eyes flickered with something I couldn¡¯t quite ce. His hands twitched at his sides, like he was restraining himself from reaching for me again.


    And then, after a moment, he exhaled sharply, as ifing to some kind of decision. "Is that what you really believe?"


    "Yes."


    A muscle in his jaw jumped. "Fine."


    Before I could react, he turned and walked away, back into the store.


    I stood there, frozen, watching his retreating figure.


    A part of me wanted to call him back.


    Another part of me knew better.


    I swallowed hard, shaking my head at myself.


    I didn¡¯t need him.


    And if he didn¡¯t want to call me his mate, then I wasn¡¯t going to wait around for him to figure it out.


    And this only further put one thought in my head. "Am I ready to ept them or should I reject my mates?"

 Chapter 30: The Ministry Official

    <h4>Chapter 30: The Ministry Official</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 30</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The days flew by, and before I could catch my breath, Monday hit like a wave.


    I had done everything to avoid the Alpha Kings Heirs since that wild Saturday, but deep down, I knew the new week wouldn¡¯t be so easy. A run-in felt inevitable.


    As I walked into the school building, the buzz of students and lockers mming all around me, I spotted I in the hallway. Relief bloomed on my face and I smiled. I noticed and walked up.


    "Hey," I said softly, guilt creeping into my voice. "I¡¯m sorry for leaving the store like that the other day. And... for not reaching out when you guys got back. I kind of... shut myself in."


    I waved it off with a light smile. "It¡¯s okay. My cousin can be a bit too much, you see."


    I rolled my eyes. "Well, Dristan is definitely more than enough."


    We both chuckled, but suddenly, my smile faded. A group of four men and a woman passed by us, all heading toward the principal¡¯s office. Their backs were to me, but something about them made my stomach twist.


    I noticed me staring. "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "Umm... nothing," I replied quickly, forcing a smile.


    I followed my line of sight and nodded. "Oh, those guys? Ministry officials. They usuallye once every school session, but it¡¯s weird they¡¯re here this early. Guess the new head¡¯s trying to outdo thest Minister of Education."


    "Oh. Makes sense," I said, forcing my heart to slow down.


    I seemed to study me briefly but she smiled her usual charming smile again.


    "Alright, I¡¯ve got a different ss this morning. See you during second period," I said, waving as she turned away.


    "Sure. See you."


    I headed to my locker. As I opened it, something dropped onto the floor¡ªa letter.


    I froze while my eyes remained glued on this one.


    Myst anonymous letter was hate-filled, and I wasn¡¯t sure I had the stomach for another because I wanted positive vibes for this week. For a moment, I considered trashing it. But something in my gut stopped me.


    I took it, nced around, and slipped away to a quiet hallway. Then with my heart pounding, I opened the letter.


    "I know who you really are, Valerie Sapphire Violet Snow, Southern Alpha King¡¯s Heir."


    My heartbeat spiked, thudding in my chest like a war drum.


    Someone knew.


    Someone actually knew.


    My eyes widened, breath hitching, but I forced my face to stay calm.


    I folded the letter and tucked it into my school uniform pocket, trying to steady my thoughts. But just as I turned to leave, a hand snatched me into the shadows.


    I gasped.


    A hand mped over my mouth, and I was dragged behind a wall.


    As soon as my feet touched solid ground again, I whipped around, going for a kick to the knees¡ªbut my attacker leapt back.


    Good. That was all I needed.


    The moment hended, I lunged forward, driving a kick toward his stomach, but he slid aside. I didn¡¯t stop¡ªgrabbed his tie, spun, and pressed the dagger underneath my skirt to his throat.


    "Who the fuck are you?"


    The man tried to speak but I pressed the de tighter.


    "You better think carefully before lying. Your life¡¯s in my hands. If I don¡¯t like your answer, you won¡¯t get to say another word."


    The manughed. A wrong move and I sliced his neck just enough to draw blood.


    He stoppedughing.


    But then he smirked. "Rather than me, I think you should be worried about your life, Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow."


    My whole body stiffened. He was the one. He...


    Before I could respond, I felt the cold edge of a dagger press against my stomach, just beneath my uniform jacket.


    <i>Little one?</i> My mind screamed in disbelief.


    I stepped back quickly. "Cousin?"


    The man grinned as he pulled off a brown wig, revealing his blond hair.


    "Hello, Violet. It¡¯s been a while, little one."


    "Storm!" I tried to hide my scream but it was clearly written all over me.


    I ran into his arms, hugging him tightly. Heughed, holding me close. "Still got that fire in you, Snow. I see that the pampered life of PSA hasn¡¯t changed you."


    "Shhh!" I pped his arm and pulled back just enough to scowl at him. "You know better than to use my real name in the open! And that letter? Are you insane? You scared me half to death!"


    Storm only chuckled. "Come on, I had to make an entrance. Besides, you should¡¯ve seen the murder in your eyes. I was so proud."


    "I was ready to kill to protect it. You know how important this is."


    He smiled cutely and adorably at me. "And I wouldn¡¯t let my favorite cousin sacrifice her morals like that, would I?"


    I red. "Shut it, Storm."


    We pulled apart, grinning at each other.


    "I missed the daylight out of you," he said. "You¡¯ve grown taller," he stated, measuring me with his eyes.


    I pouted. "Well, I missed you not."


    "Liar."


    Iughed, shaking my head. "You¡¯ve been undercover so long. What¡¯s it been? Two to three years since we saw each other?"


    "Yeah. A lot¡¯s happened in those three years."


    I nodded. "I got my wolf."


    His eyes lit up. "Congrattions, Vi. What¡¯s her name?"


    "Astra. And she kinda looks like me."


    "Looks like you?"


    I pointed at my eyes. Storm¡¯s gaze softened.


    "I still remember your dad¡¯s face when you were born," he said. "Didn¡¯t have his or Aunt Zara¡¯s hair, but those eyes... those eyes, one of which was theirs."


    "And the violet in them?" I asked. "Mom and Dad never really talked about it."


    Storm grew quiet. "That was during the dark times."


    "The war?"


    He shook his head. "Not the war. It was when your dad... first died."


    My heart ached. Every time he tried to talk about that part of our history, it always ended this way.


    "You know, one day, I¡¯ll find out everything. What really happened between my parents."


    Storm¡¯s eyes lit up. "I know. But not today. Your mom wanted it kept secret for a reason."


    I sighed. Pushing now would only shut him down.


    "Why are you here?" I asked finally.


    "You mean, aside from seeing my dear cousin?"


    "Yeah. You don¡¯t sneak into my school in disguise just for fun, Storm. Something¡¯s up."


    Storm¡¯s eyes turned serious. "To warn you."


    I stilled. "Warn me? About what?"


    "About the Senior Year Honour Challenge... and the guild you¡¯re meant to join."

 Chapter 31: The Alpha Forge

    <h4>Chapter 31: The Alpha Forge</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 31</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I wasn¡¯t sure what to say.


    Storm¡¯s words sat heavy in my chest, and no matter how much I tried to brush it off, the truth remained there.


    The Honour Training was no joke. Every senior at PSA knew that once you stepped into your final year, it wasn¡¯t just about books and lectures anymore. It was about surviving.


    Because this school wasn¡¯t normal. Not anymore. Not after the war.


    They¡¯d learned the hard way that teens like us¡ªalphas, lunas, betas, gammas¡ªwe weren¡¯t ready. So now, they made sure we would be.


    "What about the Senior Year Honour Training?" I asked, even though I already had a gut feeling.


    Storm didn¡¯t answer right away. His eyes flickered, serious. "The Alpha Forge."


    "Alpha?" I cut in.


    He let out a sigh. "Yes. That¡¯s what it¡¯s called. The Alpha Forge is training meant to make stronger alphas, but it¡¯s for everyone in the final year. You know why."


    I nodded slowly. "Yeah... to prepare us. Just in case another war breaks out. We¡¯re supposed to be ready."


    "Exactly."


    His voice dropped lower. "But it¡¯s dangerous, Vi. Every year, one to five students lose their lives not just from the training but also from the challenges thate after. You have to stay sharp. Be fast. Stay one step ahead of everyone. And as your older cousin¡ª" he smirked, "¡ªI have no doubt you can handle it."


    That made me smile. "Why? Because of your amazing genes?"


    Storm¡¯s grin lit up his whole face. "Has anyone met Dad and me? Best instructors this kingdom¡¯s ever seen. You¡¯re practically destined to crush it."


    But just like that, the light humor faded. His expression hardened.


    "But you know that¡¯s not your only reason for being here."


    I stood straighter. My face turned serious, like I was a cadet standing before my general because I was.


    Storm was a warrior through and through. I¡¯d grown up hearing about his covert ops, and I knew this wasn¡¯t just family talk. He meant every word.


    "To keep you off the radar," he said, "I pulled some strings. Got you ced in Guild 5¡ªfar away from the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs."


    I blinked. "The spoiled brats?" I scoffed before I could stop myself. Storm arched a brow, unimpressed. "Sorry," I muttered, waving it off.


    "You may think they¡¯re just pampered royals, but those boys... Since the age of two, they¡¯ve been undergoing a level of training no one else truly understands. They¡¯re ruthless. Dangerous. Cunning. You cannot underestimate them, Valerie. Not even for a second."


    I swallowed. "Okay... that¡¯s kind of impressive."


    He nodded. "It¡¯s more than impressive. Which is why each of them will be leading their own guild and ruling their elements. Stay clear of them."


    I nodded, but part of me wasn¡¯t sure how possible that was going to be. I couldn¡¯t tell Storm who they were and how almost impossible it would be to evade them.


    Storm looked around, probably sensing the time. His face softened again. "I¡¯ve gotta go. If I stay away much longer, my colleagues will realize I didn¡¯t just step out to use the restroom."


    I smiled sadly. "Yeah, and if I don¡¯t go, I¡¯ll bete for ss..."


    I began stepping back when he called out. "Vi."


    I paused, turning to him. "Yes?"


    His voice was softer this time. "It¡¯s been years. Can I... see you? Just once more? I don¡¯t know when we¡¯ll meet again."


    He didn¡¯t have to say it, but I understood. Missions. Disappearances. Danger. That was his life.


    I didn¡¯t speak. I just reached up to my head and pulled on my hair.


    Silver strands fell into view. Then the base shimmered into deep sapphire, and finally, the tips melted into violet. Three colors like a fading staircase¡ªsilver, sapphire, violet.


    The colors of my... no, they were my unique trait. The mark of who I truly was.


    "I can¡¯t take out the eye contacts," I whispered.


    "You don¡¯t have to." His voice cracked slightly. "This is more than enough, Snow. Thank you."


    We stared for a second longer, then I tucked my hair back under the ck wig. He adjusted his jacket, fixed his own wig back on, and smirked.


    "See you when I do, Zephyr," I whispered.


    He nodded. "Until then, Snow."


    As soon as I returned to ss, it all dawned on me that Storm had truly left me. Just then, the first ss of the day began.


    By the end of the first period, the announcement came through the speakers right as the bell rang.


    "All senior year students, report to the training ground immediately. Further instructions will be given on arrival."


    I was already waiting by the door when I headed out of the ssroom. Her eyes lit up when she saw me. "Ready?"


    I nodded, tightening the strap on my wristband. "Yeah."


    "Then let¡¯s go."


    We turned toward the door together. But the moment I stepped into the hallway, I collided hard into someone. My breath hitched as I stumbled slightly backward.


    A hand reached out to steady me and I looked up instantly.


    Dristan.


    His golden eyes locked on mine for a second too long, unreadable. But just as his fingers were about to touch my arm, I turned, grabbed I¡¯s hand instead, and pulled myself upright.


    "Thanks," I said, shing I a quick smile, pretending nothing had happened.


    From the corner of my eye, I saw Dristan¡¯s hand fall slowly to his side. He didn¡¯t say a word.


    Neither did I. We just kept walking.


    When we reached the training ground, the air was already buzzing with nerves. Students crowded in, lining up in neat rows, eyes fixed on the podium in front of us. The sky was bright but heavy with heat, making the tension feel even thicker.


    Then she appeared¡ªPrincipal Whitmore.


    She stepped up with slow, deliberate grace, eyes scanning over every one of us like she was memorizing our faces. Her voice was calm, but it cut straight through the murmurs.


    "Wee, everyone. I know some of you think you know why you¡¯re here today, but... do you know what you¡¯re really here for?"


    Silence fell on the ground, and her lips curled into a small, knowing smile.


    "Wee to the Alpha Forge."

 Chapter 32: Guilds and Clans

    <h4>Chapter 32: Guilds and ns</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 32</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Principal Whitmore let the silence settle for a moment, as if letting her words sink in.


    "Wee to the Alpha Forge," she repeated steadily. Everyone could appreciate the sharpness in her tone as that spoke a lot of what we were about to face.


    "From this day on, your lives will change. This isn¡¯t like anything you¡¯ve done before. The Alpha Forge is a specialised training program designed to test not just your strength, but your leadership, strategy, and survival skills. It will make up 30% of your entire year¡¯s scores."


    I swallowed hard. Around me, a few students shifted uneasily. I stood straighter.


    "There are five Guilds," the principal continued, stepping to the side so arge holographic board behind her could light up with names. "And two ns within each. Each n has eight members. Your training, missions, and tests will happen within these groups."


    She turned and began reading off the names.


    "Guild One¡ªAstrum. The Star Guild.


    Guild Two¡ªLunaria. Moon.


    Guild Three¡ªVentus. Wind.


    Guild Four¡ªIgnis. Fire.


    Guild Five¡ªTerra. Earth."


    I exhaled slowly. Terra. That was the one Storm had ced me in. The farthest from the heirs. Supposedly.


    "Now," Principal Whitmore said, motioning for a teacher to bring over a clipboard, "with the call of your names, you will go stand with your respective Guild and n leaders."


    A tall, stern-looking instructor stepped up and began reading names off.


    "Guild One, n A: Alpha Team¡ªI Storm, Bet Corin, Maxine Vale, Yara Hunt, Felix Dorne, Elira Mave, Darien Kole, Jace Riordan and Rhys Rhianon."


    I turned to me with wide eyes and mouthed, <i>Alpha Team</i>. I grinned at her and gave her a small nod. She moved away, stepping into line with her new team. She didn¡¯t look nervous¡ªshe looked ready.


    "Guild One, n B: Beta Squad¡ªRiver Locke, Serena Vale, Dean Myles..."


    The instructor continued down the list, each name sharper than thest.


    "Guild Two, n A: Assault Team; Sirius Jade, Emerald Drake..."


    "Guild Two, n B: Sentinel Squad..."


    "Guild Three, n A: Tactical Strike Team; Astraea Kana, Micah Michael..."


    "Guild Three, n B: Tactical Squad; Marcus Dane..."


    "Guild Four, n A: Dragon¡¯s Breath..."


    "Guild Four, n B: Phoenix Squad..."


    Then finally...


    "Guild Five, n A: Desert Storm¡ªAvery Kain, Mira Rhodes, Sebastian Trey..." I zoned in, waiting. "Valerie Nightshade."


    "Guild Five, n B: Onyx Guard¡ª Erin Cross, Anne Ginger, Tylen Shade, Renna Mare, Otto Fenn..."


    My name had been called. I stepped forward, falling in line with n A of Guild Five. Onyx Guard. Storm had done it. He¡¯d actually kept me off the radar.


    Or so I thought.


    Principal Whitmore cleared her throat. "Now, for the Guild Leaders. These are the students who have been trained from birth for leadership. They will guide you through this process."


    Her voice rang out, strong.


    "Guild One¡ªDristan Alexander."


    Guild Two¡ªAxel Zeno."


    Guild Three¡ªXade Xavier."


    Guild Four¡ªKai Draven."


    She paused. "And Guild Five... Professor Jupiter."


    I tilted my head slightly, trying to spot the professor, but I couldn¡¯t see anyone stepping up.


    "But due to unforeseenst minute circumstances," Principal Whitmore said, her voice crisp, "Professor Jupiter will not be leading this year¡¯s Alpha Forge Trials for Guild Five."


    A murmur rippled across the field.


    "Therefore," she continued, "Dristan Alexander will lead n A of Guild Five with his team, while the other Guilds will share the remaining members of Guild Five¡¯s ns."


    I turned slightly in her line, her brows furrowed. I felt her eyes nce toward me, and I met her gaze.


    My stomach twisted.


    Dristan, leading Guild 5¡¯s n? Fuck.


    I shot a look toward him. He stood tall, arms crossed, cyan-blue eyes cool¡ªbut I could tell. He was amused. Almost smug.


    A momentter, the other heirs stirred. Axel took a step forward, shaking his head. "This wasn¡¯t agreed upon."


    Xade scoffed. "He already has a guild."


    Kai just folded his arms, saying nothing, but his eyes flicked toward Dristan with a kind of knowing challenge.


    The murmuring got louder. It was starting to feel less like orientation and more like a battlefield.


    Principal Whitmore raised a hand. "Enough. My mistake. Guild Five¡¯s ns will be split equally among the other four Guilds."


    I clenched my teeth.


    Storm¡¯s n¡ªhis carefully arranged n¡ªwas falling apart right in front of me. How did my cousin not see through this and check the facts about this professor?


    And Dristan?


    He turned, scanned the crowd, and pointed.


    "n B," he said calmly. "Come with me."


    My chest tightened. <i>No. No, no¡ª</i>


    Before the group could begin to move, I stepped to the side, locking eyes with a girl in n B¡ªAvery, I think.


    "Trade with me?" I asked quickly, before I could talk myself out of it.


    Her eyes widened. "Seriously? You want to be in n B?"


    "Umm, yes. Don¡¯t you want to be under Dristan?" I asked, stating the obvious and praying my n to use Dristan¡¯s fan girl charms on her would work. I owe you a nice meal."


    She grinned. "Deal."


    We swapped ces just as everyone began moving. She practically bounced over to n A, d to be with Dristan¡¯s team. I slid into n B¡¯s row, head down.


    It worked.


    Seeing this, n A was split between Guild 1 and Guild 2, while n B was assigned to Guild 3 and Guild 4.


    I ended up with Kai Draven in Guild 4 and wasn¡¯t particrly feeling bad. Although I had hoped o a bit on Axel or Xade.


    They seemed like less trouble than Kaid and Dristan to be honest.


    From the corner of my eye, I could see Dristan¡¯s eyes narrow. I felt it before I even looked up.


    When I finally nced over, he was already watching me, his jaw tight, fists clenched at his sides, but he didn¡¯t say a word.


    But I felt the fury rolling off him like waves.


    "Now, I shall leave all Guild Leaders/Masters to interact with their n leaders and guild members," Principal Whitmore announced.


    Just as we were about to leave, she lifted her index finger. "Also note, the first two names in the ns are the n leaders, except the guild master wants to appoint new sub leaders, but that can only be done after the first two weeks of training. Understood?"


    "Yes, ma¡¯am!" everyone chorused and with that, she left us.

 Chapter 33: Reporting Valerie

    <h4>Chapter 33: Reporting Valerie</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 33</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    After Principal Whitmore left, the Guild Leaders turned to address their squads. Each one gave a short, clipped speech that was motivating, strict, and clear about expectations.


    Kai Draven barely said much; he just looked at us like we were soldiers already.


    "We don¡¯t lose," he said simply. "Not in Guild Four. So, I¡¯ll suggest you get about yourselves like the warriors that you are and prepare for training tomorrow. If you are weak, please swap guilds immediately, because this is yourst show of mercy."


    Then he turned on his heel and walked off.


    Dristan, on the other hand, didn¡¯t say a word, to my surprise. Not to his new n. Not to anyone. It was I who filled in for him. Dristan stood still for a moment, eyes scanning the field, jaw tight, then turned and walked away without a single instruction.


    The rest of us headed back to ss. But I had a feeling the day wasn¡¯t over for him. And all I had to do was avoid him like a gue.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I should¡¯ve seen iting.


    Valerie Nightshade.


    The damn switch was too clean, too fast¡ªlike she¡¯d rehearsed it. I¡¯d been watching n B, thinking I had her exactly where I wanted her.


    Then suddenly, she wasn¡¯t there. One second she was on my list, and the next, she¡¯d vanished right into the arms of Kai Draven¡¯s squad.


    I clenched my jaw so tight I thought I might crack a tooth.


    The nerve.


    The audacity of her.


    And the gall to pull that little stunt right under my nose during orientation, in front of everyone. I¡¯d even seen the moment she locked eyes with one of her nmates¡ªAvery, I think¡ªand in the blink of an eye, she was gone.


    I wasn¡¯t angry.


    No. I was livid.


    It took everything in me not to let it show, not to explode right there on the field. I didn¡¯t even spare her a re when she settled in with her new group. I couldn¡¯t. I had to swallow the fire burning in my chest and keep my expression nk¡ªdetached.


    I didn¡¯t speak to my n. What was the point? I wasn¡¯t in the mood to ymander to a bunch of wide-eyed rookies while the one person who was supposed to be under my watch just danced her way out of reach like it was a joke.


    By lunch break, I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    I knew I had to do something.


    I stormed toward Principal Whitmore¡¯s office, the halls parting around me like they could sense the storming. When I arrived, I didn¡¯t even wait for her secretary to call me in.


    I knocked once. The door opened with a soft hiss.


    "Dristan," Whitmore greeted, already seated behind her massive desk, calm as ever. "Come in. Sit," she offered quickly.


    Knowing me, she knew I¡¯d do that with or without her permission.


    I walked in, already letting my aura fill the office, and I immediately sat down. "I came to report an incident¡ª" I began coldly.


    She cut me off smoothly. "You mean udia?" she asked, lifting an eyebrow. "And the staff member who let that nonsense happen under their watch?"


    My eyes narrowed. "I wasing to that. Yes. udia needs to be expelled. udia doesn¡¯t represent this school properly. And the staff member who let it happen should be terminated."


    Whitmore¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t so much as flicker. "And you do?" she asked smoothly. "Do you believe you do represent this school properly? By what you did to them?"


    I met her gaze without hesitation. "I do."


    "You humiliated them, Mr. Alexander. You bullied them. That¡¯s not the standard we teach here."


    She leaned forward slightly, her tone sharp. "You used your status. Your power to bully them. That¡¯s not leadership. That¡¯s control through fear."


    My aura slipped. Just a thread. Just enough to drop the temperature in the room by a few degrees.


    "Of what use is that power," I asked, my voice low, "if I¡¯m not allowed to use it to maintain order?"


    The air around me pulsed once, sharp and quiet. "I will do as I see fit," I said through clenched teeth, "and rid this school of scums like her."


    There was a pause. The room tensed.


    Then Whitmore leaned back and folded her arms. "Sadly," she said coolly, "I¡¯ve rescinded your expulsion order. udia has been given a three-week suspension and a semester ofmunity service. She¡¯ll reflect on her actions then."


    My fingers curled into fists.


    My eyes darkened, and I couldn¡¯t stop them this time.


    "Whitmore..."


    "Mr. Alexander, why are you truly here?"


    I hesitated before speaking because I did not wish to thunder my rage. Anymore than Valerie had stirred.


    "To report Valerie Nightshade."


    Her brows arched up for a split second before she nodded. "Go on."


    "Valerie swapped ns, and I have proof of it."


    "Interesting." Principal Whitmore¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, her fingerscing together on the desk. "What proof do you have?" she asked, calm but clearly suspicious.


    My mouth curved into a subtle, knowing smile that didn¡¯t quite reach my eyes. "Enter."


    Right on cue, there was a soft knock, and the office door opened. Avery stepped inside, clutching her hands nervously in front of her.


    "This is Avery," I said smoothly, leaning back in the chair. "The student Valerie swapped with."


    I didn¡¯t give Whitmore a chance to speak and immediately reminded her of our values.


    "This school is built on discipline, Principal Whitmore. With an attitude like that, one can only wonder what she¡¯d do in the exam hall."


    Whitmore didn¡¯t react right away. Then, she smiled thinly, rather amused, and it irked me that she didn¡¯t trust my words.


    I guess I had to be more convincing than that.


    "I sincerely doubt that," she said, "given that Valerie Nightshade is one of our top students with straight As."


    "My thought exactly," I expressed coolly. Agree to disagree.


    "Are you sure she didn¡¯t cheat her way to that ce? I would like this to be called to order. She should be returned to my n, where I can personally train her, guide her, watch her, and shape her into the best PSA can offer."


    Whitmore didn¡¯t even look at me. Her attention shifted to Avery instead.


    "Miss Avery," she said in a polite but firm tone. "Is that true? Did you switch with Miss Nightshade?"


    I nced at Avery from the corner of my eye, my smirk returning.


    The ball was in my court.

 Chapter 34: Hypnosis: The Witness

    <h4>Chapter 34: Hypnosis: The Witness</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 34</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I smirked as Whitmore turned to Avery, waiting for her response. The little mouse was trembling already, but she¡¯d speak¡ªbecause she had no other choice.


    The ball was in my court.


    And I¡¯d made damn sure of that.


    <strong>**shback**</strong>


    By the time I¡¯d decided to report Valerie, I knew words wouldn¡¯t be enough. I needed a witness.


    A convincing one.


    So, I¡¯d found Avery, the girl whom she had swapped with before lunch break, walking with her friends away from the courtyard like she belonged. I didn¡¯t call her name.


    I just walked up, locked eyes, and said one word. "Come."


    The others gasped as she followed.


    <i>Good girl.</i>


    We stopped behind the old south wing, which was quiet, secluded, and shaded from the rest of the school.


    I didn¡¯t even face her at first. I just shoved my hands in my pockets and stared at the stone wall ahead of me.


    "I need your confession," I said tly.


    A soft gasp escaped her lips. "Confession, Alpha?"


    "Yes. I know."


    Silence ensued as she probably thought of how to present her case without me getting angry.


    <i>"Great, she¡¯s smart." </i>Soren, my cold-ass wolf,mented in my mind.


    Then, her voice cracked. "I... I didn¡¯t think this day woulde. My feelings¡ªI always buried them." My ears perked.


    <i>What the...</i>


    Avery continued, "...thinking you¡¯d never consider them. Never even looked at me but now..."


    "As you should," I cut in, turning slowly.


    "Huh?" She blinked, clearly confused.


    "As you should," I repeated, letting her see the cold in my eyes. "I will never consider them."


    She flinched and looked away. "Then why did you call me? If it weren¡¯t... if it weren¡¯t for that?"


    I chuckled, just once. "You think too highly of yourself."


    Then I stepped closer, letting my presence drape over her like ice, and lifted her chin with a finger.


    "I need you to confess to Principal Whitmore what you did with Valerie Nightshade."


    Her brows furrowed. "I didn¡¯t..." She did not finish her lie when she met my eyes. "Why?"


    "You two need to swap back."


    "But I¡ª"


    My aura red, low and cold. The temperature dipped sharply. Her voice died in her throat, and she shivered.


    "I wasn¡¯t asking for your opinion. It is what you shall do."


    She hesitated. Her eyes lifted, and for a split second, I saw defiance.


    "What do I get?" she asked.


    I raised an eyebrow.


    Bold but foolish.


    I let out a dry chuckle and shook my head. Soren snarled in the back of my mind.


    <i>"Scorch her. Right where she stands."</i>


    <i>"Not yet,"</i> I told him silently.


    I tilted my head and eyed her. "What do you want?"


    Avery fidgeted with her fingers, her lips trembling. Then she whispered, "A chance to warm your bed... to make love to¡ª"


    "Excuse me?" I snapped tly.


    "I said," she lifted her gaze to meet mine, "a chance to sleep with you."


    Just a fraction of my aura exploded. "I heard it the first time, dimwit."


    Enough.


    My eyes shifted, glowing a deeper shade of blue, reflecting in her eyes as I stepped in. She stumbled backward, visibly shaking.


    "You think you¡¯re in a position to bargain with me?"


    "Alpha, I¡ª"


    "Silence."


    Her knees gave way. She dropped. Good.


    "You forget, just one word to Brielle... And she¡¯ll let the dogs chew your bones for this insane request."


    Her eyes widened in terror. She knew Brielle. Everyone knew Brielle. The ruthless queen. And how violently territorial and possessive she was about me.


    I let her have her shine, as it was a way to keep the others in check, but even she knew she couldn¡¯t cross boundaries with me.


    "Get up."


    Avery dropped her gaze, eyes glistening. "I¡¯m sorry," she whispered.


    "Tch." I snorted.


    Avery rose slowly, legs wobbling. I grabbed her throat with one hand, not too hard¡ªjust enough to make her heart pound in fear.


    Her eyes met mine, full of panic.


    "I¡¯ll be nice," I said coolly, "and give you what you desire."


    Her mouth opened, but before she could speak, I muttered the spell. A hypnotic spell I learned¡ªa mark of control¡ªone I rarely used.


    Her eyes rolled back and turned white. And then... the reaction. She gasped loudly and trembled. Soft moans spilled out like she was being touched. But I wasn¡¯t even near her.


    I let go of her throat.


    I wiped my hand with a ck handkerchief and tossed it at her like filth.


    My gaze drifted. "See the trouble I had to go through just to get you, mate?" I muttered under my breath, my jaw clenching. "I promise, you won¡¯t escape me again."


    Minutes passed before the spell wore off. Avery was panting, her body flushed, eyes dazed. She dropped to her knees, like she¡¯d just been ruined.


    The smell of her arousal and orgasm annoyed me, but I had to meet my end of the bargain and let her live her own dream.


    I felt utterly disgusted by the sight of her throwing herself at me.


    But then, she proved... useful.


    "I will do anything you wish, Alpha," she breathed when she finally came to her senses.


    "Oh, you will."


    I turned my back on her. "Now, get yourself thoroughly cleaned and meet me outside Principal Whitmore¡¯s office in thirty minutes. During lunch."


    <strong>**shback Ends**</strong>


    I blinked. I was back in the present, and Whitmore¡¯s gaze still rested on Avery, who was waiting.


    I looked at her, amused, and flicked my fingers. "Speak," I ordered. "Answer the Principal."


    I caught the way Whitmore¡¯s jaw clenched at my tone¡ªbut she said nothing.


    Smart.


    She didn¡¯t want another outburst of my aura flooding the room. I noticed how she caught her breath thest time and her fingers trembled a little.


    Everyone feared the alpha kings¡¯ heirs. They were right to, as just one of us could destroy any region we waged war on.


    Avery nodded quickly and began speaking. Her voice trembled, but she didn¡¯t stutter. She told Whitmore everything¡ªhow she and Valerie had agreed to switch, how the n was made, and when it happened.


    By the time she was done, Whitmore leaned back, sighing heavily.


    Conviction flickered in her eyes. And I knew¡ªI¡¯d won.


    <i>"Good going. Now, let¡¯s get our mate," </i>Soren cheered on.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I was halfway through scribbling notes when the overheadms buzzed, crackling with static before a monotone voice echoed across the room.


    "Attention. Due to recent administrative restructuring, some n members will be reassigned ordingly. Changes are effective immediately."


    I paused, pen hovering above my notebook.


    Whispers filled the room, and students craned their necks and shot each other wide-eyed looks. I leaned back in my seat, arms folded.


    Honestly? I wasn¡¯t worried. I was in Guild Four now¡ªunder Kai Draven, one of the Alpha Kings. No one in their right mind would try to move me out of his territory. He¡¯d fight to keep me there.


    Or... so I thought and hoped. I silently prayed that like Dristan, my other mates wanted me.


    The door to the ssroom opened suddenly, and I and Emerald slipped in. Both of them were out of breath, eyes darting straight to me. The look on I¡¯s face said everything.


    I knew that look.


    Trouble.


    I reached my desk first. "Val..." she started gently, hesitating.


    "What is it?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.


    Emerald chewed on her lip. "You¡¯ve been reassigned. To Guild One."


    My heart dropped. "You¡¯re joking."


    They both shook their heads.


    "No," I said softly. "You¡¯re under Dristan now."


    I shot up from my seat. "What?!"


    My little outburst earned me res and stares from the other students in the ss, but I couldn¡¯t care anymore.


    "Valerie, please..." I pleaded, as though she knew I was tempted to march straight to her cousin and demand an exnation as well as a reassignment.


    Before they could exin, thems crackled again, this time with a far more familiar voice¡ªthe Principal¡¯s secretary.


    "Ms. Valerie Nightshade, please report to the Principal¡¯s office. Immediately."


    Of course.


    I groaned out loud, flinging my pen across the desk as everyone in the ss turned to stare. Emerald gave me an apologetic wave. I gave her a tight smile before grabbing my bag.


    This had Dristan¡¯s name written all over it.


    ****************


    The walk to the principal¡¯s office was long enough for me to rehearse about five different ways to deny the swap.


    Not that I regretted it¡ªbut I sure as hell wasn¡¯t about to give Dristan the satisfaction.


    When I arrived, the secretary gave me a polite nod and motioned for me to enter. The moment I stepped into Principal Whitmore¡¯s office, she nced up and pointed to the chair in front of her.


    "Sit."


    I did, trying to keep my expression calm. Neutral. Maybe even a little bored.


    Whitmore didn¡¯t look like she was in the mood for games. "Ms. Nightshade," she began, "did you or did you not swap ns at thest minute during orientation?"


    I opened my mouth to deny it. But she raised a hand to cut me off.


    "I¡¯d think carefully before answering, if I were you," she said calmly. "Because I have a witness."

 Chapter 35: The Alphas’ Claims

    <h4>Chapter 35: The Alphas¡¯ ims</h4>


    *****************


    ~Valerie¡¯s POV~


    Principal Whitmore turned slightly and gestured to a shadowed corner behind her desk. The door to her private office opened, and out stepped Avery, smug andposed like she hadn¡¯t just been summoned like a pawn.


    My stomach turned. Of course. Dristan.


    This was all his doing.


    Whitmore leaned back, voice cool and final. "Just know this, Valerie: deceit and maniption won¡¯t be tolerated here. Whether you¡¯re favoured or not, the rules apply to everyone."


    I stiffened but nodded. "Yes ma¡¯am."


    "Now answer me. Did you swap with Ms. Avery?"


    I gave a nod, more like admitting my final arrest. Principal Whitmore sighed. She had a slightly disappointed look in her eyes, but as soon as it came, it disappeared.


    "Am I in trouble?" I was forced to ask while acting cutely.


    "Not yet," she replied. "But be careful, Ms. Nightshade. A lot of eyes are on your every move now."


    "I understand, ma¡¯am."


    "Good. That¡¯s all. You two are dismissed."


    I stood, thanked her stiffly, and walked out. Avery followed closely behind.


    The moment we stepped out of the secretary¡¯s office and into the hallway, the mask fell.


    She smirked.


    "You think I don¡¯t know you told Dristan about the swap?" Her voice was sharp, venom dripping from each word. "You conniving bitch. Thinking that¡¯d win you his favor? Just wait. I¡¯ll do everything in my power to have you kicked out of Guild One."


    I stopped walking and turned slowly to face her.


    Astra growled wildly in my head. "Let me kill this witch right now. iming my mate in front of me?"


    "Shh. Calm down, Astra," I murmured internally, smoothing my expression as I faced Avery.


    I tilted my head with a smile. "Well, well. Looks like the kitten has sharpened her ws."


    She red at me, but I didn¡¯t flinch.


    "Don¡¯t worry," I said sweetly. "I¡¯m actually looking forward to it. You can have Dristan."


    Astra grumbled inwardly. "You cannot give this with a free rein on our mate."


    "Astra chill."


    I inhaled, happy she wasn¡¯t grunting again. I let my focus remain on Avery. "But let me give you a piece of advice..."


    I stepped forward, voice dropping low.


    "Should any harm befall me," I chuckled, a cold, maniacal sound escaping my throat, "then you shall meet your end faster than your next breath."


    Avery froze.


    Good.


    But she snapped out of it quickly. "I¡¯ve got Dristan," she spat, chin lifted in defiance.


    I smiled wider, the air around me dropping several degrees. My eyes darkened. My aura surged, sharp and unrelenting.


    Astra didn¡¯t miss this chance to let out my Alpha aura and intimidate Avery, who was a beta.


    She didn¡¯t see iting when I stepped into her space, forcing her backward until her spine hit the hallway wall.


    "You didn¡¯t get the message the first time," I hissed, my voice ice-cold. "Fine. Have it your way. But don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you."


    Her breath caught in her throat as I leaned in, my killing intent coiling thick in the air around us.


    "I¡¯ll make it my mission," I whispered, "to turn your life¡ªand Dristan¡¯s¡ªinto a living hell."


    I smiled manically and stepped back without another word, turned and walked away, leaving her frozen against the wall, clutching her pride like it was armor.


    Let¡¯s see how long thatsts.


    ****************


    ~Dristan¡¯s POV~


    The room was quiet¡ªtoo quiet for this part of the building. Our personal ssroom¡ªfour walls lined with books, enchanted relics, and lingering tension¡ªnever truly felt like neutral ground. Not anymore, not since Valerie.


    I had just finished rechecking a spell index when the door mmed open and Kai walked in. I shut the book and focused on him as he strode in like a storm, eyes burning with fury.


    "Kai," I said coolly, not bothering to stand. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"


    He didn¡¯t answer right away. His jaw clenched, hands balled at his sides. The silence cracked when he finally spoke. "What the hell was that, Dristan?"


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "If you are going to use me, you will have to be more specific than that, Kai."


    He stepped forward, fists now pressed into the edge of my desk. "Why steal her from my guild?"


    "Oh." I leaned back in my seat, crossing one leg over the other. "I did no such thing."


    His voice went lower, sharper. "So you¡¯re denying it? You had no hand in getting Valerie away from Guild Four behind my back?"


    "I simply returned her to where she rightfully belonged," I said tly while keeping my voice steady.


    Kai¡¯s palm mmed down on the desk. The crack echoed through the room. "Damn you, Dristan!"


    I smirked. Predictable.


    "You said you didn¡¯t want her," he growled. "You said you were considering rejection."


    "Duid I?" I asked calmly.


    "Dristan," Kai gritted. "You did, and now you pull this? What¡¯s your end game?"


    I stood now, slowly. Let him see the difference between us.


    I slid one hand into my trouser pocket. "Tell me something, Kai," I said with quiet amusement, "Are you going for Valerie?"


    He blinked, just once. I noticed the hesitation on his face like he was considering the best answer to give me. "That¡¯s none of your business."


    I stepped around the desk toward him. "Except that it is. She is my mate."


    Kai¡¯s jaw tensed again. "And mine. She isn¡¯t yours alone, Dristan. She belongs to all four of us." His voice shook slightly, from emotion or restraint¡ªI couldn¡¯t tell.


    Kai continued, "Which makes me wonder... Are you taking her to your guild because she¡¯s ours and you fear losing her? Or is it because you know she won¡¯t choose you?"


    My eyes darkened.


    There it was. The real fear. The truth.


    I stepped closer, until only a breath remained between us. "Then you¡¯re delusional," I whispered, "if you think Valerie will choose you either."


    The door burst open again. Out gazes remained strained on each other until Xade spoke.


    "No," came Xade¡¯s voice firmly. "She won¡¯t choose either of you."


    We both turned. Xade stood there, arms folded, his usual calm nowhere to be seen. His icy blue eyes locked onto us.


    "She¡¯ll choose me," he added, stepping fully into the room.


    Right behind him, Axel entered with a scowl. "Oh for Moon¡¯s sake," he muttered, dragging a hand down his face. "Why don¡¯t you all just shut up already? Because right now, none of us stand a damn chance with our mate."


    His words settled heavy over the room like fog.


    "Without our mate," Axel continued, "we all lose."


    "Speak for yourself," I replied coldly, brushing past Kai to lean against the windowsill. "I have the advantage. Valerie Nightshade will be mine."


    Kai¡¯s growl was low and threatening. "We shall see about that." He shot me one final re before storming out, shoving the door wide on his way.


    Xade¡¯s mouth twitched into a bitter smile. Axel sighed, pacing the room.


    I stayed silent, watching the window, but my thoughts weren¡¯t on the courtyard below.


    They were on her far into the distance¡ªValerie.


    She was a storm none of us were ready for. And I would be the only one left standing when the clouds cleared.


    Because Dristan Alexander doesn¡¯t lose.

 Chapter 36: Concerned Roomies

    <h4>Chapter 36: Concerned Roomies</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 36</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Dinner felt longer than usual. My head was still reying everything that happened today¡ªthe principal¡¯s office, Avery¡¯s pathetic threat, and Dristan¡¯s smug involvement.


    I barely tasted my food. By the time I got to my dorm, I was ready to throw myself face-first into my bed and not move for a century.


    Instead, I opened the door to find Emerald, I, and Astraea already lounging around themon space like they were waiting for me.


    Astraea raised an eyebrow. "So? Spill."


    I blinked. "Spill what?"


    "Don¡¯t y dumb," Emerald said, arms crossed. "We saw Avery stomping through the halls like she¡¯d been pped with a lightning bolt."


    "And then that weird tension between Guild One and Four ring like a wildfire all over school?" Astraea added. "That was you."


    I sighed and dropped my bag to the floor with a thud. "Fine. You want the short version?"


    "No," I said, scooting to the edge of the couch. "We want everything."


    So, I told them.


    The meeting with Principal Whitmore. Avery lurking like a roach in the shadows. Her threat. My response and Dristan¡¯s silent game of chess, moving pieces behind the curtain. By the time I finished, the room had gone quiet.


    Astraea whistled. "Damn. Remind me never to cross you."


    Emerald was grinning. "You really threatened to end her existence?"


    I shrugged. "She deserved it."


    "I love that for you," Emerald nodded approvingly.


    I, though, wasn¡¯t smiling. She looked... thoughtful. Her eyes were distant like she was seeing something far away.


    "What?" I asked her.


    She blinked, snapping back. "Just... thinking. You said Dristan pulled you into his guild, right?"


    I nodded. "Without asking."


    I exhaled and leaned back against the wall, pulling her knees to her chest. "You know... I used to watch him train."


    We all turned toward her.


    "My cousin," she said, voice a little lower now. "When I was younger, maybe twelve or thirteen. He used to train behind the manor, out in the woods where the trees were thick and quiet. I¡¯d sneak out just to watch."


    Astraea¡¯s brow lifted. "Sneak?"


    I nodded. "My uncle¡ªhis dad¡ªdidn¡¯t want me anywhere near it. Said it wasn¡¯t a ce for girls, let alone his most precious niece. Well, guess he was scared of me getting hurt and letting his sister worry. But I was stubborn. I¡¯d sit behind trees or climb up branches just to get a glimpse of what he was doing."


    "What was he doing?" Emerald asked, already caught up in the story.


    "Things that didn¡¯t look normal," I whispered. "He wasn¡¯t just training with swords or magic. It was deeper. Like... something ancient. Dark, sometimes. Other times, it looked like pure light. The way he moved, it was terrifying and beautiful. Like watching a storm, especially with his powers."


    I swallowed, suddenly remembering the chill that always followed Dristan when he walked into a room.


    "I tried to join once," I continued with a softugh. "Came out of hiding and asked if I could train too. He didn¡¯t say anything. Just looked at me with those cold eyes and walked away."


    "Ouch," Astraea muttered.


    "But then," I smiled a little, "when his dad wasn¡¯t around, Dristan started letting me watch more openly. He even trained with me a couple times. Nothing serious¡ªjust forms, some meditation, sparring moves. But even then, I could feel it... how much he was holding back."


    I leaned in. "You think he¡¯s dangerous?"


    I looked at me, her eyes sharp. "I know he is."


    None of us said anything for a moment.


    Then Emerald spoke. "But why you, Val? Why is he pulling you into this?"


    I didn¡¯t have a clear answer. All I knew was that Dristan yed games most people couldn¡¯t see¡ªlet alone understand. And he never did anything without a reason.


    Astraea nudged my foot with hers. "So, what now? You gonna y his game?"


    I looked around at them¡ªmy girls, my pack.


    "I don¡¯t know yet," I admitted honestly. "But if he wants a fight, he¡¯s going to get one. And if Avery thinks I¡¯m backing down, she¡¯s more delusional than I thought."


    Emerald smirked. "That¡¯s our girl."


    I still looked pensive. "Just... be careful, okay? Whatever training he did, whatever power he has¡ªit¡¯s not like anything we¡¯ve seen. If he¡¯s watching you now, there¡¯s more at stake than just Guild politics."


    I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her words settle deep.


    "I¡¯ll be ready," I said.


    And I meant it.


    Whatever Dristan was nning, whatever Avery thought she could pull¡ªI wasn¡¯t the scared girl hiding in the background anymore.


    I was Valerie Snow. And I¡¯d survive this storm or burn the whole damn sky trying.


    *************


    The room was quiet. Moonlight spilled through the half-closed blinds, stretching across my bed like silver fingers. Everyone had gone to their rooms, and I finally had a moment alone.


    I perched on the edge of my bed,ptop in front of me, fingers moving rapidly over the keys. My heart beat faster with every second I dug deeper into the virtual shadows.


    Encryptedworks. ck market auction sites. Hidden forums that buzzed with the energy of illegal trades and whispered secrets. I wasn¡¯t stupid¡ªI¡¯d taken precautions, cloaked my IP, bounced through multiple proxies.


    Finally, after what felt like hours, I saw it¡ªan image. Faded. Tarnished. But unmistakable.


    The Nightshade emblem.


    My breath caught. There it was.


    Not just the symbol, but a seller¡¯s tag. "Rare item. Tied to forbidden bloodlines. Contact for details."


    This wasn¡¯t just a coincidence. This was a lead.


    <i>Finally.</i>


    Just as my cursor hovered over the link¡ª


    Knock, knock.


    I jumped. "Shit!"


    Without thinking, I mmed theptop shut and turned toward the door.


    Emerald peeked in. "Hey... sorry. You weren¡¯t sleeping, were you?"


    I forced a smile. "No, it¡¯s fine. Come in."


    She stepped in slowly, dressed in her oversized hoodie and fuzzy socks, the kind offort clothes people wear when they are thinking about something.


    "I just wanted to check on you," she said, moving toward the chair beside my bed. "You¡¯ve been... kind of quiet tonight. Even when we were all talking earlier. Are you okay?"

 Chapter 37: Saved, Again

    <h4>Chapter 37: Saved, Again</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 37</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I exhaled and rubbed my forehead. Thest thing I wanted was to put myself out there for someone like Emerald to be watchful of me. "Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to zone out."


    "You don¡¯t have to apologize," she said softly. "I get it. A lot happened today." She paused, studying my face. "I know you act tough," Emerald continued. "And you are tough. But that doesn¡¯t mean you always have to be okay."


    I looked at her and chuckled softly. "When did you get so wise?"


    Emerald grinned. "Been spending too much time with Nova¡¯s philosophy books."


    We shared augh, and it helped, even for a moment. But after that, shit became awkward.


    Although I had always had my eyes on Emerald and how she either supported or did not support me at times, I didn¡¯t want to shake my alliances right now.


    "Umm..." Her eyes darted to myptop, and before she got the chance to speak, I spoke too.


    "Yeah, uh..."


    We bothughed, and Emerald pointed at me. "You go first," she offered, and I smiled.


    Bingo!


    "Just a random question though."


    Emerald shrugged. "Any is better at this point." She chuckled cutely. And for the record, you and I haven¡¯t really bonded or, you know, hung out."


    "Then what are we waiting for?" Iughed in return.


    I loved the fact that she came to me. It showed me something, but as a Snow, that meant guard up until I chose to be open to you and let my guard down. So now, I¡¯m searching for slip-ups.


    I wasn¡¯t naive. My family¡¯s death shed before my eyes and I inhaled.


    "Waiting for you," Emerald stated.


    I smiled back and nodded. "Do you ever wonder if all this... fate, you know, mate bonds, guild wars¡ªit¡¯s just one big trap?" I asked suddenly.


    She blinked, then nodded slowly. "First of all, I didn¡¯t expect this."


    "Yeah, me too."


    "You¡¯re weird," Emeraldughed, "but yeah, all the time. Like we¡¯re ying roles in someone else¡¯s game."


    "Exactly. For me, I would say it¡¯s the Moon goddess¡¯ game."


    Emerald leaned forward, resting her chin on her knee. "But you know what? If we are pieces on a board, then I say we move ourselves. Flip the table if we have to."


    I smiled at that. "True. Thanks, Em."


    She smiled back and stood. "Anytime. Now, get some rest. Or at least pretend to. Night, Val."


    "Night."


    She closed the door behind her, and the warmth from our conversation slowly faded.


    Once I heard a room door close, I reopened myptop. My fingers moved swiftly across the trackpad, but the site was gone.


    "What?" I whispered.


    I refreshed. Nothing. The link was erased. The emblem¡ªthe only lead I had¡ªwas gone<strong>.</strong>


    There¡¯s no way. How... who the hell does that?


    "Urrrgh!" I groaned, shutting the lid with more force than necessary, and flopped back onto my bed. My phone slipped from my fingers andnded beside me.


    There was only one ce left.


    That club<strong>.</strong>


    The underground one where whispers of dark trades, relic dealings, and forbidden histories were asmon as the drinks they served, but unlikest time when I let Xade sway me off, I won¡¯t this time.


    I knew who I had to be on the watch for. Unlike the rest of the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs, Xade had more reason and justification to be outside.


    This was his region, not theirs.


    I didn¡¯t hesitate.


    Throwing off my dorm tee, I changed into ck jeans and a snug hoodie I had newly bought and pulled on my boots. I tied my hair back, slipped a dagger into my boot, and stepped out.


    I barely made it to themon space when I appeared from the corner, her eyes narrowing the second she saw me.


    "Going somewhere?"


    I blinked. "Night run," I lied smoothly. "Couldn¡¯t sleep."


    She studied me a moment, like she knew I wasn¡¯t telling the whole truth¡ªbut she didn¡¯t push. "Just be careful out there, okay?"


    I nodded without missing a second beat. "Always."


    Then I was gone.


    Sneaking past the usual hall patrols wasn¡¯t hard. I¡¯d done it before. I knew the camera blind spots, the sensor patterns.


    But when I heard a creak behind me and turned to check, I didn¡¯t see the faint redser grid stretching out just beyond the treeline near the back fence.


    I took one more step, and a butterfly flew right into thecer the same second a strong arm wrapped around my waist, yanking me backward just in time.


    My back hit a solid chest.


    Before I could react, a dagger flew through the air from beside me.


    Thunk!


    It struck a small box buried near the base of the fence and immediately sparks flew, and thesers vanished.


    The hand around my waist didn¡¯t let go. I looked up and froze.


    My first thought was that it was Dristan.


    Of course. Of <i>freaking </i>course. It had to be him, but then a pair of violet eyes stared back at me.


    He was clearly not Dristan.


    Not Xade.


    And not any of the Alpha Kings.


    My breathing halted for a second or two there.


    He was taller than I expected, built lean but strong. His grip around my waist was firm but effortless, as if holding me were second nature.


    His face was sharp, almost ethereal. He had high cheekbones, a perfectly carved jawline, and lips that were slightly parted, like he was about to say something but had changed his mind.


    His hair¡ªgods, his hair¡ªwas silver, but at the roots, near the tip, were streaks of blue shimmering like starlight on water. Two tones, woven together like a spell in motion.


    The very same type of hair as mine.


    He looked... otherworldly, and at once I already had my suspicion on who he was¡ªa dragon.


    Then he smiled.


    Not cocky. Not forced. Just a simple curve of his lips that made everything else around us blur out.


    I blinked, still frozen in his arms, as my heartbeat thudded deeply and loudly. I thought my eardrums would burst out of my chest or something.


    Astrid stirred within me.


    It wasn¡¯t like the matebond I felt with the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs. This was different and somewhat special. "Who the hell are you?" I whispered before I could stop myself.

 Chapter 38: A Dragon?

    <h4>Chapter 38: A Dragon?</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 38</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The handsome young guy staring at me had his head tilted, and for a second, it was like he was trying to figure me out.


    "I should be asking you that," he said in a calm, low, and smooth manner¡ªlike a ripple across still water.


    I pulled back a bit, but his arm remained around me, keeping me steady.


    "Umm okay. You just saved my life," I muttered. "So... thanks. But also, can you let me go now?"


    He chuckled, finally letting his arm drop.


    "You were seconds away from frying yourself, snowke," he teased.


    My eyes narrowed. "Don¡¯t call me that."


    He grinned at me. "Sure. But you kinda look like one."


    Okay... Who was this guy?


    He moved past me, crouched near the now-destroyed control box, and picked up his dagger. I caught a glimpse of the symbol on the handle¡ªsomething ancient, something scaled and fire-forged.


    My heart started racing again. But not from fear this time but from curiosity and danger.


    "You always hang around girls at night, throwing knives at fences?" I asked, arms crossed.


    "Only the ones who don¡¯t know how to look before walking into traps."


    I rolled my eyes. "I knew. I was just... distracted."


    "Mmm," he hummed, unconvinced. He rose and walked toward the fence, pressing his palm against a concealed panel.


    It flickered blue, scanned, and clicked open like magic.


    My jaw almost dropped. "How the hell¡ª?"


    He turned halfway, violet eyes glinting in the dark. "This isn¡¯t your first time sneaking out, is it?"


    "No," I said carefully. And immediately when I said that, I mentally face-palmed. I shouldn¡¯t admit something as dangerous to a mere stranger. Damn it, Valerie.


    "Then tonight won¡¯t be yourst."


    Cryptic much?


    He stepped back and gestured toward the open fence. "You going through or not?"


    I hesitated. "Why are you helping me?"


    "I didn¡¯t say I was," he replied and I swear I could hear the amusement dancing in his voice. "Just happened to be here. Right time, right moment. Maybe fate."


    Oh, now he was being cute? Like hell that was fate.


    I gave him onest look before walking past him towards the fence. He didn¡¯t follow, but I felt his gaze on my back.


    The kind of gaze that didn¡¯t just watch you, it saw through you.


    Rather than head out and disappear into the woods and then toward the club, I realized something and turned around.


    What if he was watching me? What if he were a spy? What if he were the person who had sent that first anonymous letter?


    Was I truly safe?


    Would going to the club and asking about the emblem be a good call, especially after that link disappeared from the site mysteriously?


    Everything in me screamed caution.


    Whoever that guy was¡ªan international student or something¡ªhe sure as hell wasn¡¯t ordinary.


    And I had a very bad feeling I¡¯d be seeing him again.


    I walked back into the school. I could tell the look in his eyes was entirely different like he hadn¡¯t expected me to make that decision but I smiled it off.


    There were a lot of things he didn¡¯t know about me.


    I knew bait when I saw one. I wouldn¡¯t be someone else¡¯s bait.


    "Not leaving?"


    "No. Why would I?"


    He pointed to where I was prior. "Nah, running outte wouldn¡¯t be fun. I¡¯d stay inside."


    "But you said..."


    "I said what?" I questioned, cutting him short. I smiled back when he closed his mouth. "Thought as much."


    For all I could say, he could be a young teacher or dorm coordinator. I was still new to this school and needed toy low.


    "If you say so," he said simply, and I smiled.


    "Night."


    That wasn¡¯t fun, but I wasn¡¯t here for fun, and I also needed to report something to Storm.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The screen flickered softly in the dim light of the room. Shadows danced across the walls as fingers moved swiftly over a sleek ckptop, keys clicking in rapid session.


    The glow of the screen illuminated a single image¡ªthe Nightshade thorn emblem on a bandana. A digital site was opened beside it, lines of code scrolling beneath the icon.


    The boy working on theptop leaned back, cracked his knuckles, and smirked.


    "Let¡¯s see who bites," he murmured to himself.


    No sooner had he said that than...


    WHACK!


    A hard pnded at the back of his head.


    "OW! What the¡ª" he whirled around in his chair while rubbing the spot and ring up at the tall figure that now stood before him.


    The intruder¡¯s presence darkened the already moody room. His arms were crossed, his face unreadable but his eyes¡ªthose cold, calcting eyes¡ªwere unmistakable.


    "Delete that link. Now<i>,</i>" came the t, sharpmand.


    The younger boy groaned, spinning his chair all the way around and shooting the figure a look. "Seriously, Xade?"


    "Don¡¯t ¡¯seriously Xade¡¯ me," Xade snapped. His tone was steel. "I told you not to try anything stupid and definitely not to encourage anyone digging into the emblem. But what do you do?"


    Xerxes, still rubbing his head, made a face and turned back to the screen.


    "It¡¯s not stupid. It¡¯s called <i>setting bait</i>, genius," he muttered. "We put the emblem up in the farthest corners of the, the ck market and anywhere we can think shady people would search. Then we track the IP address of anyone curious enough to click. Trace it. Bam¡ªculprit found."


    Xade narrowed his eyes. "You think whoever¡¯s looking for the Nightshade Death Raid is dumb enough to just click a link?"


    Xerxes frowned, mumbling something under his breath.


    "What was that?"


    "I said," Xerxes huffed louder, "what if it¡¯s not a single person?"


    "Yes, exactly my point. What if it¡¯s another group? An organization, or someone with influence? A Council mole? A rogue pack? We don¡¯t know, Xerx. They wouldn¡¯t be that stupid."


    "But someone¡¯s looking," Xerxes argued.


    Xade walked forward, closing theptop with a snap that made Xerxes flinch.


    "And if they¡¯re smart, they¡¯ll know it¡¯s a trap the second they see it," Xade said tightly. "They won¡¯t click. They won¡¯t slip. They¡¯ll watch. Wait. n."


    Xerxes looked up at him, annoyed. "Okay, but we wouldn¡¯t even be having this convo if you just loosened up. I do not know what¡¯s going on with Father, but if I were the one, I¡¯d want to dig in. Maybe let¡¯s let them."


    A dangerous silence settled.


    "I trust my instincts, Xade," Xerxes said again, more firmly this time. "Even if they¡¯re shitty right now."


    Xade¡¯s eyes glinted, and the side of his mouth twitched into a humourless smile.


    "If you want me to tell Father about your little game, then please, by all means, lil bro. Go ahead."


    Xerxes groaned and slumped in the chair. "Ugh. You¡¯re such a pain."


    "And you¡¯re reckless," Xade replied coldly. "Now wipe the site. We¡¯re not ready for eyes on us. Not yet. What if the council finds out and thinks we had a hand in it?"


    Xerxes muttered something foul under his breath as he powered theptop back on. The emblem lit the screen onest time before fading into ck.


    Deleted. Buried. Gone.


    "Good, but you have my word that we will find this person. Let¡¯s wait for them to act. I have eyes and ears everywhere. Be good. I must return to school."


    Xade turned and walked away, leaving his little scheming brother behind. And somewhere far across the school grounds...


    Valerie Snow¡¯s curiosity had just dodged its first trap.

 Chapter 39: Another Mate

    <h4>Chapter 39: Another Mate</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 39</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The morning sun slippedzily through the blinds, casting thin lines of gold across the dorm floor.


    I stretched with a yawn, grabbed my coffee cup from the kitchen counter, and took onest sip before cing it in the dishwasher. The caffeine had barely kicked in, but I was already on edge.


    Just as I turned on the tap to rinse it, I heard the creak of the room doors and footsteps.


    "Val!" I¡¯s voice floated in.


    Emerald followed close behind, calling out, "Astraea, you ready?" She knocked once on Astraea¡¯s door, but silence answered.


    "Huh. Maybe she left early," Emerald said with a shrug.


    I smiled my way. "Hope you enjoyed your jog?"


    I gave azy nod, trying not to look suspicious and knowing yesterday was not about any jog. "Yeah."


    "I was surprised you came back a bit early," I added.


    "Yeah, felt a bit lightheaded, so I decided to call it a night," I lied.


    "Oh, I¡¯m sorry. You have to be careful next time."


    I nodded but then I shoved my hand into the pocket of my uniform and froze. My fingers brushed against paper. Crisp. Folded. My stomach dropped.


    The letter.


    I hadpletely forgotten about what my cousin did yesterday¡ªthe anonymous note with my full name that I didn¡¯t ask for.


    "Val?" I¡¯s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.


    "Uh... I forgot something," I said quickly. "In my room. You girls can go. I¡¯ll catch up with you."


    Emerald and I exchanged confused nces. I could tell they were curious but didn¡¯t push it.


    "You better hurry," Emerald chimed in. "There was a notice on the group chat. Principal wants to address us before the first training begins with our Guild Leaders."


    "Aye, remind me about that," I muttered, rolling my eyes. Dristan again.


    "Come on, we know Dristan isn¡¯t that bad," I teased. "My cousin is just fun with extra snark."


    "Yeah, yeah. Sadly for him, I refuse to avail myself for his entertainment anymore," I said, waving them off as they headed out.


    "Good call." Once the door clicked shut behind them, I pulled the paper from my pocket and unfolded it.


    My name stared back at me.


    Same sleek handwriting. Same eerie calm in the way it was phrased.


    I didn¡¯t read it again. I sure as hell didn¡¯t need to. The moment I saw my name¡ª<i>Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow</i>¡ªI remembered every word. Every warning. Every gut-punch of uncertainty.


    I crumpled the paper in my palm and walked straight to the kitchen.


    Quickly, I flicked on the gas burner and lit a small me. There was no hesitation in my handling. If anyone had seen me, it¡¯ll be like I had done this quite a lot in the past. No hesitation.


    I held the paper over it, watching the edges curl, cken, and turn to ash. Just before it reached my fingers, I blew it out, letting thest corner smolder.


    With a flick of my foot, I opened the dustbin and dumped the charred remains inside. I dusted my hands together, like brushing away a memory I refused to carry.


    "That¡¯s done. For now"


    I left the dorm in a rush, zipping up my hoodie, slinging my bag over my shoulder.


    When I reached the main school building, I spotted I and Emerald just entering through the tall front doors.


    "Shit," I muttered and broke into a jog. "Gotta catch up."


    I didn¡¯t want to bete¡ªespecially not today. Whatever announcement the Principal had cooked up probably mattered. And if training with Dristan was next, I needed my head clear.


    I cut through the east wing¡ªa shortcut I rarely took. But I needed to catch up with the girls. Drop my back and prepare. I wouldn¡¯t let Dristan make an example of me.


    My number one strategy was to try and keep quiet and let my actions lead if it came down to anything.


    Other than that, I was focused on the task at hand.


    Trainings were ridiculously dangerous, and passing PSA was a must, meaning that this was a done deal.


    That¡¯s when I heard their voices. Four familiar voices that seemed to make my wolf go crazy.


    I stopped cold in my tracks.


    My eyes darted in search of my next escape. "No," I whispered. "Not now."


    Astra stirred inside me, like she¡¯d heard it too. Her pulseced with mine, quickly.


    The Alpha Kings. All of them were heading in my direction.


    <i>"Fuck!" </i>


    I pivoted instantly, walking the other direction fast.


    <i>Don¡¯t look back. Just go.</i>


    "Hey... is that not Valerie Nightshade?" Kai¡¯s voice carried, casual but way too loud for my liking. There was no way they wouldn¡¯t spot me. My scent was attractive to them¡ªmy mates.


    <i>Shit. Walk faster.</i>


    "Valerie!" Axel¡¯s voice hit next, sharper.


    I turned a corner sharply to lose them, only for me to crash straight into something hard and or someone.


    I fell backwards and almost hit the floor as a surprised gasp slipped from my lips, but strong arms caught me just in time, one arm securing my back and the other steadying my waist.


    "Ouch!"


    My breath caught, and everything stopped.


    A strange sweet scent assailed my nostrils, making my head spin. Clean rain, pine, and something ancient¡ªlike fire in winter. I blinked up, eyes meeting his.


    Piercing, hazel-green, curiously calm eyes stared into my eyes with so much intrigue and uniqueness. A handsome, dark-brown-haired guy looked down at me with a stunned expression.


    Before I could even think, Astra¡¯s voice exploded in my mind.


    <strong><i>"Mate."</i></strong>


    I flinched.


    <i>No. Not now. Not another one.</i>


    I didn¡¯t say it aloud, but he did. The guy stared straight at me and muttered the same word.


    "Mate."


    But this time, it wasn¡¯t just him. It wasn¡¯t just one voice I heard and that terrified me straight in my bones.


    Two voices echoed the word at the same time¡ªhis and another.


    My body stiffened.


    I blinked again, my lips slightly parted. He was still holding me, like he was just as stunned. And deep inside me, Astra epted it.


    Which meant this wasn¡¯t a mistake. This was real.


    "Oh God."

 Chapter 40: Mate(s)

    <h4>Chapter 40: Mate(s)</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 40</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    As soon as I said the words, four familiar voices cut through the air behind me like thunder.


    "No way."


    "The fuck!"


    "It can¡¯t be."


    "She¡¯s mine."


    I didn¡¯t even need to turn around¡ªI knew who it was. The Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs. All four of them had caught up to me and my stomach dropped.


    But that wasn¡¯t the worst part.


    What truly freaked me out was the other guy¡ªthe one standing beside the guy who was currently holding me like I was something precious. Because he... he said it too.


    "Mate."


    I met his eyes¡ªblue, calm, and intense. The moment our gaze locked, Astra inside me jolted like lightning had just struck her spine.


    <strong><i>"Mate,"</i></strong> she breathed.


    Shit. Not again.


    I closed my eyes, shaking slightly. My mind was already about to split from the pressure, and now... this? A fight was about to break out. I could feel it.


    Why? Why would the Moon Goddess do this to me?


    I mean who the fuck did she do that to, huh? My mother had only one mate, my father, Alpha Snow. So why did she have to shackle their destinies with mine.


    <i>Twisted bitch move!</i>


    <i>Six¡ªsix fucking freeking possessive domineering alpha mates? </i>What kind of cosmic joke was this?


    Before I could even process that mess, I felt a shift in the energy behind me.


    It was dark and dangerous. Dristan.


    I didn¡¯t even have to see him to know. That intense, possessive presence? I¡¯d recognise it anywhere.


    "Hand over my mate," he growled in a lethal voice.


    The guy holding me didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t loosen his grip. In fact, he pulled me tighter against him like he wanted to challenge Dristan.


    "Why?" he asked, his voice sharp and unwavering.


    Holy. Shit.


    Who the hell was he? No one ever challenged Dristan like that except for the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs and even at that. He still looked like the untouchable heir.


    My brain short-circuited for a second.


    Instant respect. No, admiration. And maybe a little something else I wasn¡¯t ready to name.


    Then Kai stepped forward, standing beside Dristan, eyes narrowed.


    "Because she¡¯s mine," he snapped.


    The guy next to the one holding me, who looked almost identical to him, snorted and crossed his arms. "I doubt it. If she really were your mates and satisfied at that, the Moon Goddess wouldn¡¯t have given her better mates."


    Wait.


    <i>Twins?</i>


    I blinked between them. Yep. Same face, same energy. Just... the eyes were different. One had hazel-green eyes that seemed to see straight through me.


    The other¡¯s were icy bluezy eyes with a hint of yful edge around them.


    And where one looked calm andposed, the other carried an air of mischief, cute, almost.


    <i>Almost</i>.


    Right now, they both looked deadly.


    "Ash," the blue-eyed one said, cocking his head at his twin, "what do you say? You think the Moon Goddess finally got bored of gifting her to these two boys?"


    Ash smirked. "Looks like it, Ace."


    "Make that more than two," Axel said, joining the chaos.


    Ash¡¯sugh was low and dark. "Three, four, whatever. Makes no difference. The more, the better when I crush them."


    "Oh really?" Xade¡¯s voice rang out smoothly as he stepped into the circle. "Because if she¡¯s only mated to you three, that¡¯d make me invisible. And I¡¯m way too pretty for that, isn¡¯t that right, love?"


    Love? So now I grew from little wolf to love? Typical boys.


    Xade¡¯s grin was yful, but his aura was not. It rolled off him in heavy waves. The moment he joined, all four Alpha Heirs unleashed their full power.


    "Don¡¯t be rude and give thedy some breathing space. I bet our mate is already tired of you hugging her to yourself."


    I nced at them¡ªmistake. Their eyes were glowing bright blue instead of red. Every single one of them and that only meant one thing... they¡¯d each killed or lost someone dear to them.


    "No way..." I whispered under my breath.


    But what shocked me even more was theck of fear in the twins¡¯ eyes.


    Ash turned slightly to Ace. "The little heirs think they can bark at kings."


    Ace snorted. "Wouldn¡¯t be fair if only they used their wolf¡¯s aura."


    That¡¯s when it happened. The air turned cold. So cold I could see my breath.


    Red. Their eyes turned red.


    My whole body tensed. Their aura crashed into the others like a tidal wave, pressing, squeezing, but somehow... it didn¡¯t feel overwhelming. It felt superior.


    It hit me then. They weren¡¯t just powerful. They were <strong>Lycan Princes</strong>¡ªthe heirs of the Lycan Alpha King.


    My brain couldn¡¯t handle it. I felt dizzy, my thoughts scattering, but just then, another presence entered.


    Two, actually. One insignificant. Sorry, but right now, amongst alphas, a gamma is considered weak.


    But the other? Oh hell, the Dragon.


    I knew it was him before I saw him. That massive aura dwarfed everyone else. My wolf curled inward instinctively.


    It was rare to see Astra not happily challenging anything or anyone, to be honest, but that proved just how dangerous he was.


    He wasn¡¯t my mate¡ªI was almost sure¡ªbut he was a threat. Or something close to it.


    "Now, now..." His voice came, smooth as silk. "If I knew this meeting would be this fun, I¡¯d have joined sooner."


    And then he was just... there.


    One second he was across from us, leaning against a pir, and the next he was between Ash and Dristan, cing a hand on each of their chests.


    "Let¡¯s be civil, shall we?" he asked calmly.


    Rather than being civil and being properly guided, their auras surged in response. My heart raced so fast it hurt.


    The dragon¡¯s brows furrowed, and with a small grunt, he shoved them both back with one smooth motion.


    I used that moment to jerk free from Ash¡¯s grip and stumble back. My escape should have been swift had I not nced at both sides.


    The second I did, I saw all of them starting to move forward toward me again. "Enough!" I yelled, my voice tearing from my throat.


    And everyone stopped.

 Chapter 41: Distinguished Guests

    <h4>Chapter 41: Distinguished Guests</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 41</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "<strong>Enough!</strong>"


    My voice rang out, sharp and loud, cutting through the chaos like a de. Everyone froze.


    My heart thundered in my chest, lungs burning, brain screaming. I didn¡¯t know if I was about to cry, shift, or just explode into pieces from all of this.


    And frankly, I me one person.


    <Valerie: You, author.>


    <Author: *Blinks*>


    I turned in a full circle, eyes wild as I faced all of them. Every single one.


    Dristan, whose cyan blue eyes still glowed with barely held rage, Kai, standing beside him, fuming. Axel and Xade, tense and ready to jump with Xade, smirking but on edge.


    Ace and Ash, the twin Lycans radiating sheer power¡ªdangerous and beautiful in a way that made my stomach twist.


    And finally, him.


    The Dragon.


    He stood at the center now, arms still slightly raised after shoving both Ash and Dristan away like they were nothing. Nothing. And they let him. No one questioned it.


    That¡¯s how much power he had.


    I let out a shaky breath and ran a hand down my face. "I don¡¯t have the mental capacity to deal with this¡ªwith you. I¡¯ve had one hell of a night and now I¡¯ve got six wolves iming me as their mate." My voice cracked, and I hated that it did.


    "I don¡¯t even know half of your names," I snapped, "and yet, somehow¡ªsomehow, you¡¯re all standing here like you own me. Like I¡¯m a prize to fight over!"


    Silence ensued as all the guys red at each other, but I didn¡¯t mind. They could shoot daggers through their eyes and aim for their foreheads for all I cared, and it wouldn¡¯t matter to me.


    Even the air seemed to stop moving.


    "I never asked for this," I whispered, my hands trembling now. "Six. Six mates. Are you kidding me? Do you know what that feels like?"


    No one answered. Astra was silent too, her energy curled tightly inside me.


    "I¡¯ve barely gotten used to the idea of one mate," I said, softer now. "One. And yet, here we are... with six men¡ªall of you powerful and dangerous¡ªyet none of you can even take one step back and let me breathe."


    My voice wavered. "I am not a thing. I¡¯m not your property. So if any of you¡ªanyone¡ªwant a chance at being part of my life, you¡¯re gonna start by respecting my space. But if not, if you still choose to be dollopheads with this, then yes. I¡¯d happily choose the other option and reject you all."


    I could see the shock sh in their eyes. If it were any other day, they¡¯d happily tell me to refute my words, but nah.


    Dristan¡¯s jaw clenched, but he lowered his eyes.


    Ace and Ash exchanged a nce, and slowly, their red irises dimmed.


    The others followed.


    Even the Dragon, who hadn¡¯t said a word since stepping in, lowered his arms and gave me the tiniest nod of approval.


    My breath escaped in one long rush, like I¡¯d been holding it in forever.


    "I didn¡¯t choose this," I whispered, my gaze flicking between them. "None of this is fair. So before any of you start marking territory or throwing fists, think<i>.</i>"


    Silence.


    Even Astra was quiet inside me.


    I backed away slowly. "I¡¯m going to ss. We all are. And after that... we¡¯re probably going to figure this out. Like adults. Or wolves. Whatever. Just... no more pissing contests. Please."


    I turned on my heel and walked away. I didn¡¯t wait to see if they followed or dispersed. My heart thundered, my head spun, and every instinct screamed at me that this was just the beginning.


    Six mates.


    <strong><i>Six.</i></strong>


    One of them had just gone head-to-head with Dristan. And something told me this school year was about to be a warzone.


    "Goddess help me," I muttered under my breath.


    And Astra whispered back, "<i>She already did."</i>


    <i>"Just pretend to feel my pain for once, will you?"</i>


    <i>"Maybe."</i>


    I didn¡¯t reply her anymore. I just kept walking. Because if I turned back¡ªeven once¡ªI wasn¡¯t sure I¡¯d be able to keep moving.


    And thest thing I needed was to fall for six pairs of eyes staring at me like I was the center of their universe.


    Hell no! Not today.


    As the bell rang across the Academy grounds, signalling the first period, a sharp,manding voice echoed through the enchanted PA system, carrying the principal¡¯s voice straight into every hallway, courtyard, and ssroom.


    <strong>"All senior year students are to report immediately to the training field for their first TAF session. That is all."</strong>


    The announcement ended on a firm note, and I didn¡¯t wait a second longer. I turned halfway, not bothering to meet anyone¡¯s gaze, and made a beeline for the locker room to change.


    I barely had the door open when I and Emerald followed in right behind me, slightly breathless and definitely confused.


    Emerald blinked at me. "You know we were waiting for you, right?"


    "I¡¯m sorry," I said quickly, guilt prickling my chest. "I figured after the principal¡¯s announcement, it¡¯d be faster toe straight here and catch you both instead of detouring to ss and maybe missing you."


    Emerald looked like she wanted to argue¡ªof course, she did¡ªbut I stepped in smoothly.


    "No problem," she said, already walking over to her locker. "Since we¡¯re here now, let¡¯s just change and head out."


    Within minutes, we were all in our training outfits. I and Emerald wore their usual sleek dark training gear, whichplemented their movement and agility.


    I pulled on my fitted ck leather pants and a simple ck tank top. Then I took a moment to weave my hair back into a tight ponytail, twist it up and around into a knot, and clip it in ce.


    Functional, fast, no nonsense.


    The second we stepped out of the locker room, the same familiar and annoying voice reached me.


    "Looking good, Nightshade."


    Marcus.


    He leaned casually against a wall by the boy¡¯s locker room like he didn¡¯t have a care in the world, eyes sparkling with mischief and that stupid grin on his face. I didn¡¯t even nce his way. I just kept walking.


    "Let¡¯s go, girls," I said, and both I and Emerald fell in step beside me.


    By the time we reached the main training field, the ce was already buzzing with energy. Senior year students were scattered across the vast open grounds, eventually falling into neat, straight lines under their respective Guild and n banners.


    The morning sun gleamed off polished weapons and armour. Hums filled the air in anticipation, the tension just a little more than usual.


    And then, silence. Principal Whitmore arrived, stepping up onto the raised podium that overlooked the field.


    But she wasn¡¯t alone.


    Four others followed her¡ªfour striking figures who drew every eye without even trying.


    My breath caught slightly. Of course, it was them.


    "Good morning, young warriors," Principal Whitmore called out clearly, her voicemanding attention.


    "Morning, ma¡¯am," we all chorused in unison.


    Her gaze swept over the crowd. "First of all, I would like to begin with a warning. We know some of you have taken a liking to sneaking out of school during odd hours. Up until now, we have been lenient."


    Her tone dropped, colder now.


    "But that grace has expired. From this moment forward, anyone found viting school security will face serious consequences. Expulsion will be on the table."


    A ripple of murmurs broke out across the students, anxious and a little scandalized, but it died just as fast when Dristan stepped forward two steps from the crowd and raised a single hand.


    Silence followed.


    Principal Whitmore nodded approvingly and continued. "And for my second announcement..."


    She paused, the corners of her mouth lifting in what could only be described as pride.


    "It is with great joy that I inform you all that four distinguished guests will join this year¡¯s senior ss. Royals from allied kingdoms who will train and graduate alongside you."


    She turned slightly, gesturing toward the figures beside her.


    "Please wee Ace Kaine Kaid and Ashton Kyle Kaid, the twin Lycan princes."


    Gasps echoed through the field as the two stepped forward. They were powerful, elegant, and unmistakably royal, but their eyes were locked on me.


    "To my right," the principal continued, "is Xander Draco, the Dragon Prince."


    He gave a casual nod, his eyes scanning the crowd with mild interest, as if we were all just entertainment for him. And when it settled on me, he smirked.


    "Andstly, Titania Estre Sage, Princess of the Fae Court."


    A soft golden glow surrounded her as she stepped forward, her presence like moonlight and danger wrapped in velvet.


    They stood there, side by side. The heirs. The monsters. The mysteries.


    And for some insane reason... all four of them were staring right at me.


    And as if on cue, I felt four extra pairs of eyes directed at me from every angle in the training field. No doubt they were, <i>you know who.</i>


    I had one question, though.


    <i>Why?</i>

 Chapter 42: The Race

    <h4>Chapter 42: The Race</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 42</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I stood still among the sea of bodies, hands folded behind my back like every other senior cadet, but my mind? It wasn¡¯t here. Not at all.


    Principal Whitmore¡¯s voice flowed like wind in my ears¡ªloud but meaningless. Words about discipline, tradition, honour, and something training expectations... I didn¡¯t catch half of it. I couldn¡¯t care less.


    Because the only thing on my mind right now was survival.


    Not just physically¡ªthough, considering my mate drama, that was now a daily concern¡ªbut mentally, emotionally, and strategically.


    Six mates. Six powerful, unpredictable, possessive males from different kingdoms, all tied to me like some cursed string of fate.


    And now, four of them were here. One is already in my guild, the others were about to be.


    I barely registered the murmuring crowd until Principal Whitmore¡¯s voice shifted into something more... interesting.


    "That will be all, students. Now, the four royals shall be split into the four guilds."


    My eyes snapped up immediately as my heart thudded.


    "As such," she continued, "there shall be a drawing of lots to determine which of these guilds they belong to."


    Of course.


    I bit the inside of my cheek the exact second I locked eyes with Ash across the field.


    That stupid smirk pulled at the edge of his lips, and with the most arrogant expression I¡¯d ever seen, he mouthed,<i>"I¡¯ming for you."</i>


    I immediately looked away. Nope. Not today, Satan.


    One of the instructors stepped forward with a small, eerie-looking red bowl in his hand. It shimmered oddly, glowing faintly with guild paper containing numbers inside, no doubt.


    Titania stepped up first when Principal Whitmore called for her. She looked regal, calm and almost glowing. She dipped her hand inside, pulled a parchment, and unfolded it slowly.


    "<strong>Guild Two</strong>," she announced with a soft smile.


    It wasn¡¯t mine, sadly. I would have hoped the little princess came here and, hopefully, had a crush on Dritsan to derail him from me.


    Ashton was next. He walked with thezy confidence of someone who didn¡¯t need to try to be intimidating¡ªhe just was.


    He reached in, rolled the parchment between two fingers, then grinned as he read aloud, "<strong>Guild One.</strong>"


    My stomach dropped.


    I didn¡¯t even need to look to know he was already ncing my way.


    Xander, the Dragon Prince, went next. His gait was smooth, calcted. His hand dipped into the bowl with zero emotion on his face.


    "<strong>Guild Four</strong>," he announced simply.


    Ace followedst. Unlike his twin, his grin was yful, charming¡ªbut I didn¡¯t trust it for a second.


    He yanked his lot like he already knew what it would say¡ªwell, we all did. But I wondered if it would be Guild 5, just to throw us off and have the others fight for him.


    Too bad reality did not y any sick prank and I was the only one it chose to fuck with.


    "<strong>Guild Three</strong>," Ace said, voice light, but his eyes glinted red for a second as he locked onto me.


    I had no idea if I should groan or be thankful.


    Ash was here. In my guild with Dristan. And now... me.


    Just kill me.


    When Principal Whitmore dismissed us, our guilds began to separate again, and I made sure to walk next to I without looking at a single heir¡ªAlpha or otherwise.


    Dristan stepped to the front of Guild One, hands behind his back, expression unreadable as always.


    I wasn¡¯t ready. Not mentally. Not emotionally. And definitely not for a 7-mile race through every kind of death trap this academy had to offer.


    But here I was.


    The training field had transformed into a wild stretch of slopes, uneven terrain, mud patches, ditches, even hidden trap triggers marked only by the drones floating overhead. It looked like a war zone designed by a madman with a grudge against sneakers.


    "Guild One," Dristan began in his usual ice-cold tone, his voice carrying smoothly across the group. "Today¡¯s training is a test of endurance, control, and restraint. There are no powers. There is no shifting. Just your body and your brain. This is about physical stamina, not strength, just endurance. You¡¯ll be timed. And watched."


    He nced upward at the ck spheres in the sky. "Drones will be tracking your every movement, and three instructors will be stationed at the finish line. Seven miles. Three winners. The terrain is designed to test you. Fail, and you¡¯re out. Cheat, and you¡¯re disqualified."


    A hush swept through the field.


    "Don¡¯t worry, y fair or don¡¯t. Your choice." Then he added, "The top three finishers will receive a reward at the end of the day¡¯s course. Don¡¯t ask me what it is. Just know it¡¯s worth it. There will be tagged lines on your path, signalling every mile leading you to the finish line."


    I rolled my shoulders and kept my gaze straight ahead. Ny-eight students. All of them looked ready. Some were more eager to impress than others. A few were trying way too hard to flirt with death.


    A small ripple of excitement passed through the group. The challenge had been set.


    Dristan stepped aside. "On the line."


    We all filed forward to the start. I cracked her knuckles beside me, Emerald bounced slightly in ce to loosen up her legs.


    Ash stood on my other side. Of course. He leaned in a little, whispering just low enough for only me to hear. "Try not to get distracted thinking about me while running, Snowball."


    I rolled my eyes and shook out my shoulders. "Keep dreaming," I muttered.


    "Positions," a voice barked from the side. One of the instructors raised his arm. "No powers. No shifting. Run clean. Any prank or trick shall be ounted for and you shall be dismissed."


    "If seen," Marcus stated behind me, and of course, I knew that bastard would be up to no good. "Watch out, Nightshade," he mused and fell silent.


    At once, Ash turned around, ring daggers at him, and I suddenly felt Marcus gulp.


    <i>"Good. It looks like having these Lycans as mates is a good thing."</i>


    <i>"Who knows just how insufferable they can get. Focus Astra. It¡¯s bonding time,"</i> I warned my wolf.


    A hush settled across the starting line. Everyone tensed.


    "On your mark," one of the instructors called out.


    I stepped into ce.


    "Set..."


    A deep breath.


    "Go!"

 Chapter 43: You Won!

    <h4>Chapter 43: You Won!</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 43</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Boots pounded dirt, hearts pounded harder. Seven miles. No power. No mercy. No tricks. Just legs, lungs, and willpower. And only three would win.


    The second the whistle blew, weunched forward like arrows released from a taut string.


    The thud of boots against packed dirt, the rush of wind, the grunts of exertion¡ªeverything blurred into one loud, chaotic rush.


    I pushed off the ground with every ounce of power my legs could muster without using my wolf¡¯s speed, eyes narrowed and focused.


    "Let¡¯s go!" I yelled beside me, her voice fired up with energy.


    I didn¡¯t reply. I couldn¡¯t.


    My focus was razor-sharp, trained on the stretch ahead. My pulse beat in sync with the tempo of my footsteps.


    Emerald darted ahead on my left. Her pace was quick, but I could tell she was testing it¡ªstill holding some back. I was too.


    It wasn¡¯t about sprinting from the start. It was about ousting everyone else. I¡¯d been trained for endurance since I was ten. Thanks to Storm, I could run ten miles in my sleep.


    The field stretched wide and uneven around us. We were racing through an open forest trail marked by hovering lights in the trees. Every so often, a drone zipped past us silently, recording everything.


    The first mile passed. Then the second.


    But by mile three, everything changed, and the tricks started.


    A student ahead of me suddenly burst forward like he¡¯d been shot from a cannon. His speed was unnaturally fast¡ªtoo fast.


    I narrowed my eyes.


    <i>"Shift-boosted," </i>Astra whispered inside my head.


    I caught up just enough to see a faint shimmer on his boots¡ªenchanted.


    Sneaky bastard.


    The second he passed one of the monitoring drones, a loud buzz sounded. <i>"</i>Student 044, disqualified. No enchanted gear allowed."


    A groan echoed behind us as the guy slowed and stumbled off to the side, his head down.


    I smirked. That¡¯s what you get.


    Another girl, about fifty feet ahead, tried to use her ability to clear a fallen log without actually jumping. Her body shimmered for half a second¡ªtelekinesis.


    <i>Buzz. </i>


    "Student 031, disqualified. No powers allowed."


    This was going to be interesting.


    The slope started, winding up a narrow dirt path carved into the side of a steep hill.


    I kept my pace, weaving around slower runners, heart pounding, sweat already beading down my temple.


    I was to my right, breathing steady. Emerald and Astraea had fallen behind but weren¡¯t far off.


    Then came the fourth mile¡ªand Marcus.


    Then came the fourth mile¡ªand Marcus.


    He appeared out of nowhere, just ahead of me. I didn¡¯t like how close he was. I especially didn¡¯t like the gleam in his eyes when he turned and gave me azy grin.


    "Careful, Nightshade," he said with a wink. "The path¡¯s real slippery here."


    Before I could react, he stepped to the side and ¡¯identally¡¯ kicked a loose patch of gravel right at my feet.


    I stumbled but didn¡¯t fall. He smirked and tried again, this time slipping deliberately and iling his arms. As I tried to pass him, his hand shot out¡ªgrabbing my hair.


    "You little¡ª"


    My instincts kicked in the second the drone flew past. I twisted my leg back, nted my heels hard into the slope, and ducked forward just as he tried to rebnce.


    My hair ripped out of his grip, but not before I turned and sent a hard kick into his groin, then elbowed his ribs.


    "AHH¡ª!"


    His scream echoed as he tumbled backward¡ªarms iling, rolling down the hill like a log on fire.


    A buzzing noise followed a secondter.


    "Cadet 58, Marcus Can. DISQUALIFIED."


    I kept running.


    By mile six, the race had thinned. Most students had either copsed or slowed down.


    Emerald and Astraea had dropped back, but they still ran. I was still holding up, just a few paces behind me.


    But ahead of me, the Alpha Kings were tearing up the path like wolves in heat.


    "Almost there," I panted behind me.


    "Aye. Keep up, I, we can¡¯t lose," I managed to reply.


    Ash zipped past us suddenly, smirking as he ran backward for a few steps just to show off. "Try and keep up, snowke!"


    I resisted the urge to trip him. Barely.


    Then came Ace. He passed like wind, no words, just a flick of his eyes and a ghost of a smile.


    "I will not lose," I hissed and kicked up her pace. I had to admit¡ªgirl had fire.


    The final stretch hit us hard.


    Dristan. Kai. Axel. Xade. And then... the Lycans joined.


    Ash and Ace exploded into the lead like a pair of missiles running beside the alphas, but in the lead was Xander.


    "Dragons," Dristan muttered under his breath, already annoyed that Xander had left everyone behind.


    "Are youining because you¡¯re weak?" Ash taunted, shing him a wolfish grin.


    "This race is proof. The Moon Goddess chose us because we¡¯re superior mates," Ace snickered.


    "Yeah, not weaklings like them," Ash chimed. "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll let you watch as I win and kiss our mate right in front of you."


    I groaned. This again?


    Before anyone could say more, Dristan lunged at Ash, tackling him into the dirt.


    A momentter, another buzz sound. "Cadet 01, Dristan Alexander. DISQUALIFIED.


    Cadet 95, Ashton Kaid. DISQUALIFIED."


    Aceughed. "Temper isn¡¯t for kings. That¡¯s why I¡¯m the better mate."


    "Taunts won¡¯t work on us like they got to Dristan," Kai growled, pacing forward.


    "Guess that makes him a big dummy," Ash called out smugly from the dirt.


    "Too bad your brother got disqualified by a big dummy," Xade said coolly, side-eyeing Ace. "That makes you next."


    Ace¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Try me."


    "Already am," Xade smirked. "And I¡¯m winning."


    Right then, Ace turned¡ªand WHAM!¡ªmmed his head straight into a low-hanging tree branch.


    Xade whistled. "That¡¯s gotta hurt."


    "CHEAT!" Ace screamed.


    "How so? Did I touch you?" Xade asked with mock innocence. "The tree did the work. I just watched."


    "You won¡¯t be winning too," Ace taunted, immediately letting his eyes sh red and releasing his aura.


    Well, I already knew what that would lead to. It did not take long when we all heard it.


    "Cadet 96 Ace Kaid. DISQUALIFIED."


    I couldn¡¯t help it¡ªI snorted and ran past them, shaking my head.


    Then came the drone announcement a minuteter. "Cadet 03, Xade Xavier. DISQUALIFIED."


    "What the¡ª" he started.


    But I didn¡¯t wait.


    I ran.


    Harder. Faster. Feet pounding the earth, breath ragged in my throat. It was down to thest mile.


    With only one major target up ahead¡ªXander. The Dragon Prince.


    He was gliding across the terrain like it was made for him. But he hadn¡¯t seen me yet.


    I ducked under a swinging branch, leapt over a pit of spikes, and did a backflip off a fallen log. My hand scraped across a stone as Inded¡ªblood instantly welled up¡ªbut I kept going.


    Then I saw it. The finish line.


    Xander paused for just one breath¡ªone look over his shoulder, and he whistled at me. That was all I needed.


    I surged forward, every muscle burning, every breath screaming.


    Onest hill, then a straight slope toward the open training field again. I saw the teachers waiting at the finish line¡ªthree of them standing tall with clipboards and crystal recorders floating around them.


    The hill was brutal. My legs screamed, my lungs burned, sweat coated my neck, and my clothes clung to me, but I pushed.


    My ponytail whipped behind me. The wind screamed in my ears as my thoughts drifted to all the obstacles I had to ovee during my training as I ran against my cousin Storm and his younger sister.


    Compared to that, this was nothing. Xander ran. I did also.


    Neck and neck.


    I clenched my fists, bit down on my tongue, and surged forward with everyst ounce of energy I had left.


    And in thatst second, I threw my upper body forward with everything I had.


    The buzzer rang.


    "Cadet 88, Valerie Nightshade¡ªFIRST PLACE.


    Cadet 97, Xander Draco¡ªSECOND PLACE.


    Cadet 04, Kai Draven¡ªTHIRD PLACE.


    Cadet 02, Axel Zeno¡ªTHIRD PLACE (TIE)."


    I dropped to my knees, gasping, heart pounding like a drumline in my ears. Thatst race took everything in me to match and win the dragon prince.


    I did it. Holy hell.


    I actually won.


    And as I looked up, all I could think was¡ªpeace atst, until my gaze fell on Xander. Unlike me, who was tired and beat. He looked pretty okay and less stressed.


    I narrowed my eyes. That wasn¡¯t right. He wasn¡¯t tired. He could have won. Which meant he had let me win.


    "Valerie!" I called as she continued running towards me, breaking me from my thoughts. "You won!"

 Chapter 44: They’ll Be Fighting For Me

    <h4>Chapter 44: They¡¯ll Be Fighting For Me</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 44</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Following I¡¯s yell, the cheers erupted a secondter, but all I could hear was my heartbeat mming against my ribs like it wanted out.


    I bent over, hands on my knees, taking gulps of air. My throat burned. My lungs felt like someone had taken a match to them.


    But damn it even though something was amiss, I won.


    Xander stopped beside me, just behind the line, not even winded. He stood tall, hands on his hips, his dragon mark glowing faintly at the edge of his corbone. "Impressive," he said smoothly. "For someone running from six mates."


    I nced up at him with a tired grin. "Try running with six of them."


    His lips twitched, and he gave me a light nod, almost... respectful?


    The others reached us momentster.


    Kai arrived first, soaked in sweat but still wearing that smug little smirk. Axel followed, breathing heavier but not looking too bad.


    They both nodded at me, not saying anything yet, but I could feel the storm brewing behind their eyes.


    I ran into me as she hugged me tightly.


    She hade in 5th which was a good one, though she may havee in 9th had those 4 dollopheads not let their anger get the best of them.


    Then came the whispers from the few crowds of students that had circled around.


    "Did you see how she passed the Dragon Prince?"


    <strong>"</strong>She didn¡¯t even use her powers."


    "That backflip off the spikes? Insane."


    I was trying to process all of it, trying to stay grounded, when the announcement came again.


    <strong>"The rest of the runners will finish the course. All disqualified cadets must report to the review station."</strong>


    Cue the dramatic walk of shame.


    Ash walked past us, a nasty cut on his lip and blood smeared down his jaw. Dristan followed a step behind, face thunderous. Both of them were bruised. Angry. Dead silent.


    I barely held in my groan. Seriously? Punching each other in the middle of a race? What the hell, Dristan?


    I expected things from Kai, but Dristan seemed like someone who wouldn¡¯t dirty his hands due to his ego. I was wrong.


    This made me wonder. None of them actually liked or loved me, so besides ego, why else did Dristan react?


    I tried to think, to see if I had missed something, but I couldn¡¯t find anything.


    "You¡¯re lucky," Ash muttered as he passed me. "I was going to kiss you at the finish line."


    I replied without missing a beat. "Then I guess I saved both of us from being sick."


    He scoffed and kept walking.


    Dristan didn¡¯t say anything. Not a word. He didn¡¯t look at me either, but I could feel the tension rolling off him like thunder.


    His knuckles were scraped and bloodied. Whatever happened between him and Ash wasn¡¯t a p-fest¡ªit was personal.


    Ace came upter. He wasn¡¯t even running. Just walking with his hand rubbing the growing knot on his forehead.


    "You¡¯re dangerous," he grumbled at me as he passed. "You didn¡¯t even need to punch me."


    I gave him a small smirk. "You hit a tree branch, genius. It must hurt badly since you did it yourself."


    "Still your fault," he muttered.


    I know I didn¡¯t owe the Alpha Kings Heirs, but I just couldn¡¯t help but retort since the Lycan Princes did bring it upon themselves.


    <i>Whatever</i><strong>.</strong>


    Principal Whitmore stepped forward again, pping once and lifting her mic.


    "That was one of the most... intense opening runs we¡¯ve ever seen. Congrattions to the top three cadets. Your rewards will be issued during your next briefing."


    She gave a pointed look at the disqualified ones. "And to those who failed to keepposure, especially royalty, you are not exempt from the consequences. Report immediately for disciplinary review."


    The crowd went silent again. Nobody dared cheer now.


    And that¡¯s when things started to shift.


    Students stared at me differently.


    Some impressed. Some jealous. Some... threatened?


    I could feel the weight of being number one, even if it was just a seven-mile run. But it was more than that.


    Everyone saw the fight. The tension. The blood on Dristan¡¯s knuckles. The way Ash smirked at me like I was already his and how Xander stirred lovingly at me like I was a prize¡ªhis prize.


    The Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs were dangerous.


    But the new royals?


    Unpredictable<strong>.</strong>


    And I was caught right in the middle of it all, either as a winner, a target, a mate, or maybe all three.


    "Great," I muttered under my breath. "Just what I needed¡ªmore eyes on me."


    I and Emerald found me secondster and practically tackled me in a group hug.


    "You freaking legend!" I shouted.


    "You beat the Dragon Prince," Emerald added, wide-eyed.


    "Barely," I said, still catching my breath.


    "You still beat him."


    And honestly, that did not feel really good since I couldn¡¯t figure him out nor read him. He was all smiles and I dreaded that.


    The cheers hadn¡¯t even died down. I was still catching my breath, still feeling the adrenaline wing through my bloodstream, when someone stepped into my space.


    Not in an aggressive way. Just... deliberate.


    "Congrattions," a smooth voice said.


    I turned, and there she was.


    Titania Estre Sage.


    The Fae Princess. The silver-eyed red-haired enchantress. Gorgeous in that almost surreal, otherworldly way that made people forget what they were even doing.


    I blinked.


    Honestly, I hadn¡¯t even realised she was in the race.


    She was stunning, calm,pletelyposed¡ªeven after that seven-mile chaos.


    With her beauty being hard to miss, how did I not see her?


    Her sleek Fae training outfit hugged her like it had been sewn by moonlight. Not a hair out of ce. Her skin practically glowed under the sun.


    I nced down at myself¡ªsoaked in sweat, scraped hand still bleeding from the backflip stunt over those damn ground nails.


    And yet, she smiled at me like I was the one who looked magical.


    "Thanks. You joined the race? Cause I didn¡¯t see you out there," I said, trying not to sound snarky as I shook her hand.


    She grinned, just a little. "That¡¯s the point, isn¡¯t it?"


    Okay. Creepy.


    But I gave her credit¡ªshe was in the top fifteen, and I hadn¡¯t even noticed her. That took talent.


    "How did you¡ª"


    Titania tilted her head, stepping a little closer. "Fae tricks," she said lightly, tapping her temple. "Sometimes the best way to win... is not to be seen at all."


    That made me pause.


    "Besides, I could watch my opponents carefully."


    Then she smiled again. But this time, something behind that smile shifted. Like a shadow flickering behind ss. A glint in her eye that didn¡¯t match her tone.


    "Next time, I¡¯ll be the one winning the game," she said, voice lower now. "And ¡¯they¡¯ll¡¯ be fighting for me."


    I raised an eyebrow. "¡¯They¡¯ being?"


    Titania¡¯s eyes glinted. "You know who." And her gaze darted to the... my mates.


    Of course I did.


    The <i>six raging male monsters</i> currently circling my life like hawks and vultures, making me seem like a celestial snack? Sure...!


    She leaned in just slightly. "It must feel exhrating, doesn¡¯t it? All of them¡ªfighting. Craving. iming."


    Something dark coiled at the end of her sentence. Almost like she was daring me to flinch. Daring me to say she was wrong.


    But I didn¡¯t.


    I simply held her gaze.


    And then, as if bored with it, she dropped my hand, took a graceful step around me, and began walking away.


    I exhaled.


    Not intimidated. Not even a little.


    "Hey," I called over my shoulder before she got too far.


    Titania paused, looking back.


    I let my lips curl into a slow, cold smile. "You¡¯re wee to give it a try."


    Her silver eyes narrowed just slightly. A twitch of her lips. Then she turned without a word and walked off, her long braid swinging behind her like a whip.


    I watched her go, pulse slowing.


    I appeared beside me again with a low whistle. "Damn, what was that about?"


    I shrugged. "Don¡¯t know, but I could use a shower and a change of clothes."


    "You sure?" Emerald¡¯s voice echoed, but I zoned out.


    I didn¡¯t answer because now I had a new thing to add to the list:


    <strong> Figure out what¡¯s up with the emblem.</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong></strong><strong>2. Survive six insane mates.</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong></strong><strong>3. Watch my back around the Fae Princess and my secret hater.</strong>


    I sighed.


    The universe really hated me.

 Chapter 45: Untouched Memories

    <h4>Chapter 45: Untouched Memories</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 45</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The hot water scalded my back relentlessly but not nearly enough to burn away the storm spinning inside me.


    I stood beneath the stream in the training center locker room, letting the water pour down my face, arms and shoulders¡ªevery part of me was tense and coiled like a beast ready to snap.


    The meeting with Principal Whitmore reyed over and over in my head like a curse.


    The others had been dismissed after the disciplinary rundown. Ash and Ace got off with cleaning duty, two weeks of lockdown, and removal from any elitepetition until further notice. That wasughable.


    But for me and Xade? We got the brunt.


    <strong>**shback**</strong>


    "Your leadership status is on probation," Whitmore had snapped, ring at both of us like we were delinquent toddlers, not Guild Leaders.


    "You will step down from overseeing any advanced drills or simtions for the next two weeks. You will report directly to the Elite Council, and any further vition¡ª<strong>any</strong>¡ªand I will strip you of your position permanently."


    Xade had clenched his jaw, and I¡¯d said nothing. Xade didn¡¯t do much. Ace caused his own injuries. I, on the other hand, did it.


    Then she made us stay back after dismissing everyone else.


    "You do realise what this looks like, don¡¯t you?" Whitmore¡¯s voice had been sharp, clipped. "The moment the Lycan Princes stepped into this school, you picked a fight with them. After everything the Alpha Kings did to ensure the peace treaty stayed that way after Luna Zara¡¯s death, you wish to throw it all away?"


    Neither of us responded.


    "Well? What do I tell the Lycan King when he asks why his sons are bruised and bleeding on day one?"


    Still silence.


    She mmed a palm on the desk. "Speak!"


    And then Xade slipped. "They failed the drill and weren¡¯t tough as he thought?" Xade¡¯s cunning lips stated the fact.


    "Xade Xavier, you would do well to recall that your father is but a call away."


    At the mention of the Middle Belt Alpha King, he tensed but quickly masked it. Whitmore was sharper than he thought. She had already got him.


    "Because they were taunting us," he finally answered.


    Whitmore¡¯s eyes narrowed. "You fought because of boyish taunts? Over some inted egos?"


    "No," he said sharply, stepping forward, voice low and lethal. "Because of our mate."


    Her brows rose. "Your...?"


    "Valerie Nightshade," I replied simply. No apologies. No exnation. Then I turned and walked straight for the door.


    I was done with this conversation. Just the thought of it all brought my rage back.


    Her stunned silence was the only victory I walked out with.


    "N-Nightshade?" she stammered behind me. "What does Miss Nightshade have to do with¡ª?"


    Xade¡¯s voice cut in smoothly as he followed me out. "You¡¯ll find out soon enough. But for now... no word to the Alpha Kings, Principal."


    And that was it.


    <strong>**shback Ends**</strong>


    That was the moment everything snapped into ce.


    Now, standing here with hot water streaming down my back, I let my head fall forward, both palms braced on the slick tiled wall.


    I could see my red eyes from my reflection as my mind¡ªmy rage¡ªspun backward to the race¡ªto Ash and the words that did more damage than his punches.


    <i>"Are youining because you¡¯re weak?" he¡¯d said.</i>


    <i>"The Moon Goddess chose us because we¡¯re superior mates. Not weaklings like them. I¡¯ll even let you watch as I win and kiss our mate right in front of you."</i>


    <i>I could¡¯ve handled that. The arrogance. The showboating.</i>


    But then... When no one was looking, when the others had surged ahead and our eyes locked for a second longer than they should have... he muttered, "I¡¯d take her from you to prevent what happened."


    Then he leaned in and mouthed it. <strong>"</strong>Mother killer."


    My entire chest clenched, and now in the present, I felt it again¡ªthat sharp, surgical jab right through my ribs.


    I roared and threw a fist into the wall.


    The sound cracked louder than thunder, echoing off the marble. The tiles shattered, spraying sharp ceramic shards around me.


    But I didn¡¯t care. I was already bleeding inside.


    The air around me pulsed, sizzled.


    Lightning surged down my arms, crackling white-hot. The water hitting my skin turned to steam. My wolf stirred restlessly under my skin, half-shifting in rage.


    Memories filled my head. My mother¡¯s scream. Blood on my hands. The memory I locked so deep it should¡¯ve never seen daylight¡ªhe had ripped it back up like it was a party trick.


    "Calm," I growled at myself, but even I knew it was a lie. Because I didn¡¯t want to be calm. I wanted retribution. I wanted to destroy Ash Kaid.


    Not for the race. Not for Valerie. Not even for the embarrassment.


    But for touching a wound that should¡¯ve stayed buried.


    Another flick of lightning rippled through the room. The walls trembled slightly.


    I shut off the shower. The steam was too thick to breathe.


    I stepped out, grabbed a towel, and wiped the fogged mirror. My reflection stared back at me, eyes still glowing¡ªa blue so deep.


    "Next time," I muttered coldly, "you bleed for real."


    Then I turned, dressed fast, and headed out¡ªbecause if I stayed one second longer, I¡¯d take this entire locker room down with me.


    And that would be too merciful.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The air inside the private ssroom was thick, not from heat, but from the lingering weight of silence. A tension that hadn¡¯t lifted since the race ended.


    Kai sat slouched in his chair, a pencil twirling absently between his fingers while Axel paced slowly near the wide arched window, eyes watching the training grounds below.


    "They really went at it," Axel muttered, breaking the silence with a low whistle. "I mean, I expected Ash to stir the pot, but Dristan?" He shook his head. "Never thought I¡¯d see him lose it like that. He doesn¡¯t fall for that kinda crap."


    Kai didn¡¯t answer right away. He had one arm resting across the back of his chair, the other on the desk, fingers tapping in a steady rhythm.


    His jaw was clenched, brows furrowed¡ªnot with confusion, but with something heavier. Something old.


    Axel turned around and caught that look. "You know something," he said, his voice quieter now. "Don¡¯t you?"


    Kai sighed and leaned forward, elbows on the desk. "Yeah," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I know why."


    Axel straightened up, watching him intently. "Then spill already. No need keeping such news to yourself. Why? What did he do to annoy Dristan so much? Did he touch Valerie?"


    Kai scoffed. "If he had done that, I am pretty sure his fingers would be broken before either of us stepped in. Valerie would have done that."


    "Okay, so...?" Axel asked impatiently.


    "We were already running ahead when I looked back." Kai¡¯s gaze was distant now. "Ash... he said something. Didn¡¯t say it loud, but I saw him mouth some words."


    Axel¡¯s frown deepened. "What did he say?"


    Kai looked up, his voice tight. "Something about Dristan¡¯s mother."


    The words hung in the air. Neither of them moved for a moment. The kind of silence that came when you walked into a room and sensed the shadows weren¡¯t just shadows anymore.


    Axel exhaled. "Shit."


    Kai gave a slow nod. "Yeah. That kind of shit."


    Outside the ssroom, just beyond the door, someone else heard every word.


    I.


    She stood perfectly still, back pressed against the wall, hands trembling slightly at her sides. She hadn¡¯t meant to eavesdrop¡ªnot really. She hade to check in on her cousin when she heard Dristan¡¯s name.


    Her heart raced.


    Now, the pieces began to fall into ce.


    The rage. The punch. The way Dristan hadn¡¯t said a word to anyone after the fight. Not even to her.


    She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady the ache there.


    "Dristan..."


    Her whisper barely reached her own ears.


    He had never spoken about his mother since her death, and everyone knew he loved her. Not to her. Not to anyone. And now she understood why.


    The pain... it wasn¡¯t just about the taunts or even the jealousy. It was something buried deeper¡ªsomething broken and left to rot.


    She stepped away from the door slowly, carefully, her mind spinning.


    He wasn¡¯t just mad. He was bleeding.


    And maybe, just maybe, she was one of the few people who could stop the bleeding.


    But first... she had to find Valerie.

 Chapter 46: Helping Dristan

    <h4>Chapter 46: Helping Dristan</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 48</strong>


    <strong>~I¡¯s POV~</strong>


    After overhearing Kai and Axel talk about Dristan... I didn¡¯t waste a second.


    The second I heard Ash had said something about Dristan¡¯s mother¡ªsomething cruel enough to make him lose control¡ªI knew things were already spiraling.


    And the moment the PA system crackled overhead with Principal Whitmore¡¯s sharp voice announcing disciplinary measures for the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs?


    Yeah. This had gone far.


    <i>"Dristan Alexander and Xade Xavier will step down from overseeing any advanced drills or simtions for the next two weeks. They will report directly to the Elite Council, and any further vition¡ªany¡ªwould result in permanent stripping of their position."</i>


    I moved fast through the corridors, boots echoing across the tiled floors, heart pounding with urgency. I needed to find Valerie.


    I wasn¡¯t sure why exactly, but something told me she needed to know. Maybe because she was at the center of this chaos. Maybe because I was tired of watching everyone act like they knew what was best for her.


    And I found her.


    Just outside the east wing gardens, standing in the shade beneath one of the tall arching trees, arms crossed and listening to¡ª


    Wait. No.


    Seriously?


    Xander Draco.


    The Dragon Prince walked far too close to her, his voice calm and his expression unreadable.


    One of his hands was raised slightly, like he was exining something. Smooth, quiet, too damn rxed.


    My eyes narrowed instantly.


    "Valerie!" I called out, voice sharper than I meant it to be.


    Valerie turned, her brows lifting as she saw me. Xander turned too, but he didn¡¯t look surprised at all. He just... smiled like he was expecting me. Like he knew I¡¯de.


    The hell?


    He gave Valerie a small nod before backing away. "I¡¯ll see youter," he said smoothly in a silk-like voice, and strolled off like he had no care in the world.


    My jaw locked.


    Valerie looked back at me with a frown. "What was that?"


    "I should be asking you," I shot back. "I don¡¯t trust the new ones."


    "Xander isn¡¯t like the rest," she said almost immediately, like she¡¯d rehearsed it.


    I scoffed. "You can believe that if you want. But I¡¯ve been here long enough to know when someone¡¯s ying a long game."


    Valerie didn¡¯t argue. Not really. Just sighed. "So... why are you here?"


    "Follow me."


    "Where?"


    "I can¡¯t say. Just trust me, okay?"


    There was a beat of hesitation in her eyes. But she nodded. "Fine."


    We made our way to the administrative wing together. The walk was quiet, save for the buzz of energy still lingering from the earlier race. I kept ncing at her. She looked tired, distracted..., and still off.


    When we got close to the principal¡¯s office, she eyed me with a side nce.


    "I¡¯m not in trouble, am I?"


    "No," I told her honestly and directly. "But Dristan might be."


    She exhaled loudly, and her shoulders slumped. "If this is about the punishment, then honestly, he kinda deserves it. He lost it. I tried to stop the fight earlier but those boys still went at it."


    Wait. What?


    "What?" I blinked at her.


    "They were about to fight before the race even began," she said, rubbing her forehead. "All of them. I stepped in luckily."


    I stared at her. "Wait... is that why you werete to meet Emerald and me?"


    Valerie bit her lip like she had spilled something she shouldn¡¯t have before giving me a small nod. "Yeah."


    "Why though?"


    She mped her lips shut. I could see the internal war all over her face. I raised a brow and waited.


    But when she didn¡¯t say anything, I stepped back and leaned against the wall. "Look... I know you¡¯re mates with my cousin and the others. I haven¡¯t told a soul. Shouldn¡¯t that count for something?"


    That made her pause. Then, finally, Valerie nodded. Just barely.


    "Fine. It was about me," she muttered. "Can¡¯t say much... it is what it is."


    I nodded slowly, letting that settle.


    "Anyway," I added, "Principal Whitmore needs to understand the Lycans started it."


    She blinked. "How so?"


    I looked around¡ªjust in case¡ªthen pulled her a bit to the side, lowering my voice. "Ash said something. I don¡¯t know exactly what, but it was about Dristan¡¯s mum."


    Her eyes went wide. "What did he say?"


    "I can¡¯t say because I do not know, but any mention of histe mother, especially in a rude manner, gets you an angry Dristan," I admitted. "Even though you may want to defend Ash..."


    "I wouldn¡¯t," Valerie refuted.


    "Okay, but whatever it was... Dristan snapped first. That says a lot."


    Valerie looked stunned. "I didn¡¯t even know he lost his mum."


    I sighed and lowered my gaze. "Yeah. No one really talks about her. It¡¯s a sensitive topic. Aunt Ava died when we were younger. She loved Dristan a lot. He never talks about it, not even with me."


    Valerie¡¯s eyes softened as guilt flickered through them. "I¡¯m sorry."


    "It¡¯s not your fault," I said, even though it hurt just thinking about it. "But that¡¯s why this isn¡¯t just about ego. Ash crossed a line."


    She grabbed my wrist gently, looked me in the eye, and said, "Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll fix this."


    I blinked. Honestly, I hadn¡¯t expected that but I smiled. "Sure."


    Except... when we got to the office, Ms. Heart greeted us with a tight smile and said, "I¡¯m sorry, girls. Principal Whitmore is currently unavable."


    Just like that.


    I felt the disappointment sink in fast, but I didn¡¯t say anything. Valerie and I left the office and turned down the corridor again, walking side by side in silence.


    And that¡¯s when we saw Dristan.


    He turned the corner ahead, walking with that familiar stormy energy around him. Head down. Hands in his pockets. Rage practically radiating off his body in waves.


    Valerie froze. I felt her instinctively shift to turn around and bolt, but I grabbed her wrist and held her in ce. Then I nodded at her.


    She understood and thankfully braced up for the conversation.


    Vlerie took a step forward. "Dristan¡ª"


    But he cut her off coldly. His eyes didn¡¯t even meet hers when his voice thundered. "So you think you¡¯re so important now, huh?"


    Valerie blinked. "Pardon?"


    "Next time," Dristan said, voice sharp as ice, "don¡¯t show your face in my presence, Nightshade. And keep your new pests under control¡ªor I¡¯ll rip his throat out right in front of you."


    My breath hitched. That... that was too far.


    "Cousin!" I stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "You can¡¯t talk to your mate like that! Valerie cares¡ªI brought her here to¡ª"


    He turned to me with a re so dark, so piercing, I instantly stepped aside even though I wanted to stand my ground.


    For a moment, it felt like I had no control and did as he desired.


    His eyes were glowing again¡ªa dangerous blue.


    Valerie scoffed just as he brushed past. I couldn¡¯t me her for it. I had put her in this mess. But when she spoke, her voice was cold and empty. "As he wishes."


    I turned, watching him go... and something in me ached.


    For both of them because this wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to go and I had a feeling it was only going to get worse.


    <i>"You have to bring them together," </i>My wolf suggested, and I nodded.


    <i>"I will. Even if it puts me on his bad side."</i>

 Chapter 47: Speculations and Truths

    <h4>Chapter 47: Spections and Truths</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 49</strong>


    <strong>~Xander¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t turn back as I left Valerie standing with her friend, I, Dristan¡¯s cousin as I heard.


    I didn¡¯t need to either. I could feel her eyes on me, heavy and conflicted. I could also smell hdr emotions from here. She was suspicious.


    I would have been the same way, after whatever happened with the wolf heirs but I was not one of them.


    Valerie, on the other hand, God, she¡¯s smart, I¡¯d give her that. Way too smart and that¡¯s what made her dangerous.


    But that flip¡ªGoddess, that flip. My lips tugged into a slow grin as the image reyed in my head.


    The way she moved across those spikes,nded on the edge like she had wings on her feet. My dragon purred in satisfaction.


    <i>"You¡¯re smiling like an idiot."</i> Z¡¯s voice cut through my thoughts, sharply and amused as always.


    "Shut up," I muttered under my breath.


    <i>"You wanted to talk to her," </i>he said, voice dropping low in my mind.<i> "You were going to ask her, weren¡¯t you? About her origins?"</i>


    <i>"I can¡¯t help it,"</i> I admitted, stopping beside one of the tall garden arches. <i>"I sense something in her. Not just power. Something... older. Deeper. I feel a bond."</i>


    <i>"Mmhmm."</i> Z made the sound in a low growl. <i>"Are you sure you¡¯re not just reacting to some good old-fashioned werewolf mate bond? Maybe you¡¯rete to the party."</i>


    "No," I said out loud quickly, shaking my head. "This is different."


    I leaned back against the wall, exhaling slowly. <i>"It¡¯s not romantic. Not possessive. It¡¯s more... instinctual. Like I need to protect her. Like... she¡¯s mine. My blood."</i>


    There was a pause before Z hummed again. <i>"Interesting. Do you have a long-lost half-sister maybe?"</i>


    I chuckled without humour. "I wish. No matter how you see it, no matter how good looking Father is, he¡¯s never cheated on his Queen. And Mother said once... that aside from her, he only ever loved one woman."


    <i>"Let me guess," </i>Z purred.<i> "She didn¡¯t love him back?"</i>


    <i>"Ouch," </i>I muttered.<i> "Yeah."</i>


    <i>"The mighty Dragon King Davion. Rejected?" </i>Z snickered in my head. <i>"Spicy."</i>


    <i>"Don¡¯t let Father hear that,"</i> I warned. "<i>He¡¯ll sear your snarky voice into ash."</i>


    <i>"If you don¡¯t talk about it, he¡¯ll never know."</i>


    <i>"Exactly. So bribe me by being good."</i>


    Z grew quiet for a moment, then spoke again. "<i>So... who was she?"</i>


    I rubbed the back of my neck and let my mind drift as I halte din my steps. <i>"A werewolf. Mother said she was strong. Proud in a good way. The only one Father ever bowed to. Not for power. For love."</i>


    <i>"You don¡¯t think they¡ª"</i>


    <i>"She turned him down," </i>I said tly.<i> "End of story."</i>


    <i>"Turned him down as her king, sure. But as a lover?" </i>Z countered smoothly. "<i>You and I both know love and loyalty aren¡¯t always the same thing."</i>


    I didn¡¯t reply.


    Because deep down, that was what scared me. That Father might have slipped¡ªjust once. That there might be something out there, someone out there... tied to him by blood but not by name.


    And Valerie? I didn¡¯t want to believe it. But I had to know.


    "Shit," I muttered. <i>"I need to look into Valerie Nightshade."</i>


    <i>"You think she¡¯s your sister?"</i>


    "I don¡¯t know what she is," I whispered. "But if she is... then I¡¯ll protect her. From everyone."


    <i>"Will you ask the King?"</i>


    <i>"No," </i>I said immediately.<i> "His Majesty cannot know. Not until I¡¯m sure. For now, I¡¯m here for one reason¡ªthe peace treaty from eighteen years ago."</i>


    <i>"Nothing more?" </i>Z sounded unconvinced.


    <i>"Nothing more," </i>I said again.


    But the doubt sat like a stone in my gut.


    I moved to head back toward the dorms when someone caught my attention. Brielle.


    She was walking past, head down, books clutched to her chest like a student desperate not to get called on. But something in her step made me pause. Timid. Careful. Obedient.


    Interesting.


    I tilted my head slightly, and just as if she felt it, she turned and met my eyes for a split second then she shuddered. Looked away and walked faster.


    My lips curled into a small, amused smile.


    "Looks like she remembers," I murmured in a dry voice.


    <i>"Remembers what?"</i> Z asked, feigning innocence.


    I didn¡¯t answer. But the memory danced through my head¡ªBrielle¡¯s terrified expression, her begging voice from days ago when she thought she could get close to Valerie and cross the line.


    She tried to threaten her once. Just once.


    And I made sure she¡¯d never try again.


    <i>"She seems obedient now," </i>I said softly. <i>"And more importantly... she¡¯s not bothering my sister."</i>


    <i>"She isn¡¯t your¡ª" </i>Z started, but I cut him off, shoving his voice to the back of my mind.


    I didn¡¯t want to hear it.


    Because right now, I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted Valerie to be my sister... or if I was just praying she was.


    Either way, I had to know.


    Before someone else figured it out first and before I got too attached to something I wasn¡¯t allowed to im.


    But, if she wasn¡¯t, then I had a chance to chase her as my lover and possibly future queen.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Ashton¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I mmed the door behind me, the vibration rattling through the room. My nose throbbed like hell even though Aero¡¯s power was already healing me. Werewolf healing or not, the pain was a lovely little reminder of Dristan¡¯s punch.


    Son of a bitch got a lucky hit.


    Ace tossed his shirt across the room,nding it cleanly in theundry bin like it was some damn basketball hoop. He turned with that annoyingly smug grin on his face. "We found our mate."


    I grunted, rubbing my nose. "I know."


    He flopped onto my bed as we were in my room, hands behind his head like he had no care in the world. "What does Aero think?"


    "My wolf?" I rolled my eyes, tossing myself onto the edge of my bed. "He¡¯s thrilled. Bastard¡¯s wagging his tail like a pup on a full moon. But also pissed as hell. He wants to rip Dristan¡¯s eyes out."


    Ace snickered, tapping a finger to his temple. "Apex is thrilled too. But unlike you two hotheads, I¡¯ve got strategy. I don¡¯t give a damn about her previous mate bonds. All I care about is making a solid impression... and iming her before those four overgrown mutts do."


    "She¡¯s not marked." I sat up, eyes sharpening. "You noticed that, right?"


    Ace nodded. "Obviously."


    "No bite. No mark. No im." I smirked. "That means she hasn¡¯t epted anyone. Not fully. Which means we¡¯re still in the game."


    "She¡¯s fair game," Ace agreed, his eyes shing gold for half a second.


    And then¡ª<i>knock knock.</i>


    We both froze, not bothering to answer as one thought crossed our mind¡ªwho had entered our dorm room without permission.


    We had our answer soon enough when the door creaked open without waiting for an answer.


    A lean man stepped inside, head low, posture rigid and deferential. The sleek ck coat he wore was typical for Shadow Operatives of the Lycan Courts, but he had no aura. Just that eerie calm.


    "Your Highnesses," he greeted with a bow.


    "Scorpion," Ace drawled, turning toward him with azy stretch and a grin. "Took your sweet time. Where the hell were you?"


    "I had an errand to run for your father," Scorpion said without raising his head.


    "How is the old man?" I asked, flexing my knuckles. "Did he get the report of our arrival?"


    "Yes," Scorpion said, monotone as ever.


    Ace strolled up to him slowly. "Now what exactly," he said yfully, "did you tell him?"


    I watched my brother, amused. This was always his game¡ªcharming one second, chilling the next.


    "Did you say the werewolves attacked?" Ace asked, tilting his head.


    "Umm... no," Scorpion replied. "I said there was... minor tension. A bit of heat between the princes. Nothing rming."


    "Oh... I see." Ace smirked. "So you didn¡¯t want to trouble Father. How noble of you."


    Scorpion hesitated. "I... I did not think Alpha King Kaid would appreciate unnecessary rm."


    "We are the old man¡¯s sons."


    "I also do not think your father would love you calling him that. He seems picky about his age, you know," Scorpion cautioned my brother like we were kids he once trained.


    "He¡¯s my father. I can refer to him however I wish," Ace replied smoothly but soon enough his eyes rxed but remained stern. "And you did well, Scorpion. We don¡¯t need the council sniffing around here over a little scuffle."


    "As you wish, your Highness."


    "Good." I stepped up beside my twin, matching his stance. "But know this¡ª" I said calmly, "from now on, you only report what we want, when we want it. Nothing more."


    Scorpion bowed again. "Understood."


    "Rise. You may leave," I added, waving him off with a flick of my hand.


    The door clicked softly as he exited.


    Ace nced at me, his smirk only deepening. "So... what kind of chaos shall we cause next?"


    I leaned back against the wall, arms crossed. "I want to make it clear¡ªValerie is not theirs. Not Dristan¡¯s. Not Kai¡¯s. Not any of those puffed-up heirs."


    Ace¡¯s eyes darkened slightly, and the gold in them pulsed. "Agreed. We need to get in her head. Make her see. Make her feel the bond."


    I arched a brow. "Psychological warfare?"


    Ace grinned. "Exactly. If they¡¯re gonna fight us with brute strength, then we¡¯ll y the long game. She¡¯s ours. One way or another."


    My jaw flexed. "Then we do it our way. No holds barred."


    Ace bumped my fist. "To the next battle, brother."


    I grinned. "Let¡¯s break their will before they even know they¡¯ve lost."

 Chapter 48: Faes

    <h4>Chapter 48: Faes</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 48</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The dorm living room was unusually calm for once. Soft golden evening light filtered through therge windows, giving the space a warm, hazy glow as everyone sat there, busy with one thing or another.


    A cup of tea sat forgotten beside me, cooling. The asional tapping ofptop keyboards was the only sound between us.


    Astraea was curled up on the floor,ptop bnced on her crossed legs, eyes locked on her screen as she typed out something that looked far too boring to be casual browsing.


    Homework. Must be nice.


    Meanwhile, mine was far from school-rted.


    I propped myptop on my thighs, screen dimmed low, scrolling discreetly through forums and maps¡ªtracking routes, disguises, and, most importantly, underground clubs¡ªthose hidden, quiet, and safe ones, the kind that dealt in secrets, not drinks.


    I was halfway through nning how not to get caught again when Emerald¡¯s voice suddenly rang out.


    "Astraea?"


    Astraea hummed absently, still typing.


    Emerald leaned forward on the couch, head tilted. "Where were you after the race? You kinda disappeared. Were you happy to see our princess again?"


    That made me freeze.


    My fingers hovered over the trackpad mid-scroll. Wait. Princess?


    I blinked and whipped my head toward Astraea. "What?"


    Astraea paused her typing and looked up, caught off guard. "Huh?"


    "You¡¯re a fae?" I asked slowly, like I needed the words to make sense in my own ears first.


    Astraea shed her signature grin. "As fae-ish as I¡¯ve ever been since birth."


    I gawked. "You didn¡¯t think to mention this earlier?"


    I raised a brow and added casually, "You didn¡¯t know she¡¯s fae?"


    I shook my head, honestly baffled. "Not a clue."


    Astraeaughed and shut herptop. "Well, it¡¯s not something we wear on our sleeves. Unless we want to. Besides, it is understandable, you are new here."


    And then she proved her point.


    She closed her eyes¡ªand instantly, her body shimmered, soft orange light dancing along her skin.


    Her hair shifted slightly, catching the light until a bold orange streak appeared. Her ears elongated subtly, poking out through her hair as she tucked it behind one ear.


    I blinked again, this time slower.


    She wasn¡¯t just fae. She was <i>Fae</i>.


    My eyes roamed the glowing rune-like patterns now etched faintly on her arms, thigh, leg, and neck, like sunlight had inked her skin.


    "Beautiful," I said softly, meaning it.


    Emerald chuckled from across the room. "You¡¯ve never seen a fae in their true form, have you?"


    I shook my head, still processing it all. I had been shielded and hidden from the world, so it was normal.


    "Understandable," she nodded. "Which is also why you don¡¯t know I¡¯m part fae?"


    I blinked again, turning to Emerald now. "Seriously?"


    "Yeah. Mom¡¯s a fae. Dad¡¯s a werewolf. I got lucky with both powers." She leaned back casually. "My magic isn¡¯t as intense as Astraea¡¯s, but I¡¯ve got illusion maniption and a gift with animals. I can speak to them. Control them."


    "Okay... that¡¯s kinda awesome."


    Emerald grinned. "Kinda?"


    I lifted my hands in surrender. "Okay, very awesome."


    Then I turned back to Astraea. "So what about you?"


    She leaned forward dramatically. "Fae princess¡ªTitania Estre Sage¡ªis my cousin."


    There it was again. That name. Titania. The girl who radiated moonlight and challenge all in one breath but was also way into her head to think she had me cornered and would make me cower with a little threat.


    Although I did not know why Astraea mentioned it rather than answering, I felt she might have been giddy about announcing her link to royalty.


    I smiled softly, loving how childlike some of her actions were.


    "I have control over nt life, shapeshifting, and mour magic," Astraea continued, counting them off on her fingers. "Which is how I usually hide my fae features. Keeps things... simple."


    I nodded slowly, still letting it all click into ce. "Wow."


    "Hehhe. Also, I know a bit of healing magic, but my healing magic ain¡¯t as strong as an actual healer."


    "Yup, impressive," I chimed in, sping her hands together. "So, where were you after the race? You just vanished."


    Astraea grinned again. "Still on that?" She beamed like someone daydreaming about their crush. "I was with my cousin, Titania. We were catching up. She just arrived, and I had to give her the lowdown. You know¡ªschoolyout, dorm rules, curfew times... the works."


    I eyed her. "You¡¯re awfully excited about spending time with her."


    "She¡¯s family," Astraea replied breezily, but there was something a little too bright in her tone. "Besides, she might be Fae Royalty, but she¡¯s a good person."


    I gave a nomittal shrug. I wasn¡¯t sure what I believed yet.


    The Titania I met today had shimmered with charm, but something underneath her smiles felt... sharp. She was the kind of girl who could hand you a rose and let the thorns do the bleeding.


    Still. I didn¡¯t press it.


    I yawned, drawing more attention to myself. "Go to bed already," Emerald said with augh.


    I nodded and closed myptop, locking away the underground club search and shoving it into the recesses of my thoughts. That mission would have to wait.


    Because tonight? Tonight, I needed sleep. I needed to get my head straight.


    I wasn¡¯t sure what tomorrow would bring with the Lycans. The twins could y their next move, and I had a feeling it would involve me directly.


    Just as I was standing up, my phone lit up with a new message. I nced at it and saw the sender.


    <i>"My cousin? Wow. It¡¯s been ages!" </i>I screamed internally. She had been silent since my departure, and I wondered why.


    Her message was brief. <strong><i>"Chat you up tomorrow. But gotta go now. The mission was a sess, and Dad is still angry. I need to work my charms on mum and lift my grounding ban. Love you. Keep all the chit and chats forter. Love."</i></strong>


    I smiled sheepishly. I wanted nothing more than to see her and tell her about all the crazy things happening, but when her words rang in my head, I paused.


    <i>"Shit, she was grounded. Hopefully not because of me."</i>

 Chapter 49: Yield or Not

    <h4>Chapter 49: Yield or Not</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 49</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I don¡¯t know why I expected a chill day.


    Maybe a part of me believed after yesterday¡¯s seven-mile hell marathon and the ongoing power flex between six mates and a smug fae princess, the universe would grant me mercy.


    Spoiler alert: it didn¡¯t.


    Combat ss was held on one of the upper terraces¡ªstone floor, massive pirs, enough space to run a mini war if you wanted. The arena overlooked the cliffs on the east wing. Gorgeous, dangerous, and ridiculously exposed to every damn Guild currently watching.


    I stood with I, Emerald, and Astraea, all of us in our training gear, arms crossed, weapons secured.


    "Why do I feel like something¡¯s brewing?" I muttered, eyeing the line-up of Guild members forming around the field.


    "Because it is," I answered automatically.


    "Something¡¯s off," Astraea added, her fae eyes narrowing as her gaze swept the field. "Look over there."


    I followed her line of sight.


    And there they were, the Lycan twins.


    Ash and Ace Kaid, looking like they¡¯d just stepped out of a royal portrait and straight into trouble, smirking and whispering to each other like they already owned the damn field.


    One look at them, and I knew they were up to something.


    Ms. Laria, ourbat instructor¡ªa no-nonsense war-veteran turned teacher¡ªstepped into the center of the ring.


    "Today¡¯s drill is simple," she began, her voice cutting through the chatter. "Combat partners. You¡¯ll spar with a match of equal rank. This is not about winning¡ªit¡¯s about reading your opponent and applying control."


    Oh, how convenient, control.


    Then she added, "You are allowed to call challenges if you wish to spar with someone from another guild. However, challenges must be approved by your instructors."


    I should¡¯ve known.


    The moment she said challenge, the twins both stepped forward.


    Of course they did.


    "I, Ashton Kaid of Guild One," Ash said, grinning like a wolf in a pen full ofmbs, "formally challenge Valerie Nightshade to a sparring session. Strategic reasons, of course."


    A ripple of gasps echoed through the field.


    Ms. Laria raised an eyebrow. "Strategic reasons?"


    "I¡¯ve never fought someone who outran a dragon," Ash said, shing that annoying smile. "It would be an honor."


    Ace took a step forward beside his brother. "And I, Ace Kaid of Guild Three, also wish to challenge Valerie¡ªif she¡¯s not too tired. We could rotate, give her a breather between rounds."


    A loud <i>"what the hell?"</i> slipped from someone in the crowd. Emerald pped her own forehead.


    I muttered, "They¡¯re going to die."


    Ms. Laria looked entirely unimpressed. "Miss Nightshade," she called out, eyes flicking to me, "are you open to challenge?"


    I stepped forward slowly, arms still crossed. "Only if they agree not to cry when they lose."


    Ash gave me azy wink.


    "Consent given," Ms. Laria said. "Match approved. Both challengers are to face Miss Nightshade, one after the other. No powers. No shifting. No interference. You¡¯ll bow before you begin. End on surrender, tap out, or the instructor¡¯s call."


    The twins took their ces on opposite ends of the arena. Ash first.


    I walked to the center.


    As we bowed, he leaned closer and whispered, "You win, I¡¯ll let you choose what you want to do with me. You lose... I¡¯ll choose."


    I stood upright, smiling coolly. "Either way, I¡¯m picking the hospital for you."


    "Feisty." He cracked his knuckles. "I love that."


    The whistle blew, and he charged.


    Ash was fast. I¡¯ll give him that. He moved like someone who was used to winning without breaking a sweat¡ªcocky, overconfident, all charm and speed.


    But I wasn¡¯t here to flirt. I was here to win.


    He swung first. A quick jab aimed toward my left shoulder. I sidestepped it easily, grabbing his wrist and twisting it just enough to make him flinch.


    "Are you sure this is what you wanted?" I asked, pushing him back.


    Ash smirked, eyes glinting. "I haven¡¯t even started."


    Heunched again, this time lower ¡ª trying to sweep my legs. I flipped back just before his foot connected andnded in a crouch, my hands bracing against the ground.


    "That flip..." I heard someone whisper from the crowd. Probably Emerald.


    Ash came at me again, trying to fake a right punch and slip past my guard, but I¡¯d already studied his rhythm. He moved with ir, not intent. Always aiming to impress.


    That would be his downfall.


    I caught his arm mid-swing, flipped him over my shoulder, and mmed him down hard enough to shake the arena floor.


    A collective <i>"Ooooohh!"</i> erupted from the crowd.


    Ash groaned, coughing. "Okay... okay... I walked into that one."


    "You flew into it," I corrected and cracked my neck.


    He rolled to his feet, eyes brighter now. Less teasing. "Alright, Nightshade. No more games."


    He actually fought better after that. Less mouth, more muscle. I had to admit, Ash cornered me a couple of times and forced me to block three quickbos. I ducked one, spun around him, and elbowed him hard in the side.


    When he stumbled, I kicked the back of his knee, sending him crashing to the ground again.


    "Yield," I warned, holding my stance.


    He looked up at me, breathing heavily and smiled.


    Then tapped the ground surprisingly. His always wanting to impress-self yielded? "I yield."


    I rxed. Just barely. As Ash sat up, still grinning like I¡¯d given him a birthday present.


    "She¡¯s deadly," he told the crowd, raising a hand.


    Ms. Laria motioned for him to clear the ring.


    "Next challenger," she called.


    Ace stepped in.


    He was already rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck like a pro boxer about to open a championship round. "I¡¯m not my brother. Ill go easy on you," he said.


    I rolled my eyes. "Don¡¯t tter yourself."


    What none of them knew was that I was used to having mor ethan one sparring partners and each time they came in pairs, after I defeat a set.


    Where they always got me was when my uncle would ask ten men to fight me at once. His reasons were, in battle or in war, you may find yourself in a pinch where you have to fight a lot of people.


    <i>"If you cannot hold your own, how do you expect to see the next day?</i>" Uncle Zade would always say.


    I had to deal with that kind of life and fights till I won everyst one of them.


    Ace bowed slightly. "I¡¯ll make sure it hurts less than what you gave my brother."


    "You¡¯re wee to try."

 Chapter 50: The Battle

    <h4>Chapter 50: The Battle</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 50</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    When the whistle blew again, Ace didn¡¯t talk; he just attacked. He was faster than Ash, and his attacks were more precise, cleaner and sharper than his brother¡¯s.


    Of course, less showy as well and more strategic.


    Although he looked like the yful king and less serious, I could feel it in every strike he took towards me.


    He meant business, and his killing intent was top-notch.


    I barely blocked the first three hits before he pivoted behind me, grabbed my waist, and tried to pin me to the floor.


    Tried.


    I dropped low and used my heel to sweep his foot out. He stumbled, but recovered fast, locking an arm around my neck.


    I twisted inside the grip, jabbed my elbow into his ribs, then headbutted him backward.


    "Seriously?" he groaned, staggering.


    "I warned you."


    He lunged again, this time wrapping both arms around me. But I dropped once more, used my weight and momentum to throw him over my shoulder mid-spin and the crowd gasped again.


    He hit the ground with a loud grunt. Quickly, I climbed onto his chest and hovered one knee just above his throat. "Tap."


    Ace looked up, panting... and smirking. "I see why she¡¯s everyone¡¯s mate," he muttered just low enough for me to hear.


    I shoved his chest again. "Tap."


    He tapped the floor with a groan. "Fine. You win."


    Ms. Laria¡¯s voice boomed. "Match over. Nightshade¡ªdouble victory."


    Cheers erupted. I screamed my name like we were at a concert. But I didn¡¯t celebrate. I just stood, brushed my hands together, and walked off to stand beside her.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I watched the entire match from the topmost ledge of the training building.


    Every fucking second of it. Valerie flipped over Ash and mmed Ace into the dirt. Dominating both of them without even drawing breath.


    My fists clenched by my sides, the ring of leather creaking under the tension. Lightning hummed faintly beneath my skin ¡ª a low vibration that threatened to crack if I let my control slip even an inch.


    Xade stood beside me, arms crossed, expression unreadable. "She handled them."


    "I saw."


    "They didn¡¯t hold back," he added.


    "I know."


    "And she still¡ª"


    "I know." My voice came out sharper than I intended, prompting Xade to raise an eyebrow but didn¡¯tment further.


    Below us, Valerie walked off the ring, her body glowing under the sun, muscles tight, hair swinging like fire behind her.


    A few students called her name. Even the Dragon Prince gave a slow p before turning away.


    But what hit harder than any of that? She didn¡¯t look at me, not even once. Not when she walked in. Not when she fought. Not when she left.


    She didn¡¯t acknowledge my presence. Although I should have expected just that, especially with the way I behaved yesterday, I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d actually push through with it.


    And I hated it because it meant she wasn¡¯t avoiding me out of fear. She was ignoring me by choice<i>.</i>


    <i>"Did I really lose her?"</i>


    <i>"Dollophead, you¡¯re really asking me that? I¡¯m not even in human form and I believe I¡¯d do way better with our mate than you could ever do. You might as well have just handed her over to the Lycans on a tter of gold."</i>


    <i>"I..." </i>I started, wanting to correct Soren when Xade finally spoke again.


    "You think this¡¯ll push her away for good?"


    I didn¡¯t answer. I just stared down at her¡ªthe only thing in my life I couldn¡¯t control.


    Not with power,mand nor with my presence. I¡¯d messed up a bit but I wasn¡¯t letting her go npot to the Lycans, Dragons or fate. And I believe if I yed my cards right, she¡¯d be just in my corner as a useful asset.


    "I don¡¯t care."


    Xade seemed shocked, and then he shook his head. "You¡¯re bluff..."


    He did not get to finish his sentence when I shot him a cold re as I stood up. "Why should I? When she breeds nothing but trouble? Besides, my amusement is over."


    I tucked my hands in my pocket and walked off.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Xander¡¯s POV~</strong>


    From where I sat, I watched Valerie move like fire.


    Controlled, precise, and devastating. I¡¯d seen seasoned warriors in the Royal Arena fumble under pressure, but not her.


    Valerie Nightshade had bested two Lycan princes¡ªtwins¡ªwithout breaking much sweat. And she walked off that ring like she hadn¡¯t just shaken the entire food chain.


    A slow smile curled on my lips as I leaned back in my seat on the viewing deck, arms crossed behind my head.


    She was special.


    But not in the way everyone thought.


    "She¡¯s... different," I murmured under my breath.


    <i>"She¡¯s fierce,"</i> Z agreed in my mind. His tone had a hint of a half growl and a half grin.<i> "Are you finally admitting she might be your mate?"</i> he teased.


    <i>"No</i>," I said quickly. Too quickly<i>. "That¡¯s not what this is."</i>


    "Mmm. You mean to tell me that watching her throw Lycan royalty around like rag dolls didn¡¯t stir something in you?"


    I didn¡¯t answer. Because it did but not desire. Instinct.


    Something deeply rooted in blood and memory.


    "I don¡¯t want her," I said aloud this time, fingers tapping the armrest. "I want to know her."


    <i>"Romantic."</i>


    <i>"Shut up."</i>


    I stood slowly, eyes still fixed on the training field below as she joined her friends. Astraea. Emerald. I. But I wasn¡¯t watching her for the des.


    I was watching the way she moved, the way her hands curled when she was restless, the way her eyes flicked over her surroundings with subconscious precision.


    I saw that before the day I saved her from theser beam and even before that. I¡¯d been watching her since my first arrival at schoolst week.


    She wasn¡¯t trained by PSA instructors alone, or just pack warriors. That much I knew. No... Valerie fought like someone who¡¯d been raised in the shadows.


    And something about the way she flipped over Ash during that first sh¡ªI¡¯d seen it before.


    But not in werewolves, in my king¡ª<i>dragons.</i>


    "Time to dig deeper," I muttered as I left.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    By the end ofbat ss, I wasn¡¯t even surprised the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs didn¡¯t show up to thest lecture. Not one. And honestly? I was grateful for the peace.


    Or at least I thought I was.


    I had a free period, so instead of heading back to the dorms like I and Emerald suggested, I took a turn toward the open club recruitment stands.


    PSA had a bunch of them¡ªranging from sports to arts to debate, even a magic tech society. But I wasn¡¯t looking to polish my resume.


    I needed ess. Information.


    I haven¡¯t done much in terms of the actual reason I am here and right now, that was pretty bad.


    I needed something¡ªanything¡ªthat could lead me to more answers about the Nightshade emblem.


    If I couldn¡¯t get it online, maybe the underground routes filtered through the right club. Legacy guilds and noble families sponsored some of these student clubs. And where old families walked, secrets followed.


    My eyes caught the volleyball club table up ahead. It was quiet, only one member lounging against the stand with a sign-up sheet.


    I approached casually, pulling my hoodie sleeves over my hands. If I joined the club, maybe I could blend in easier for evening practice hours and slip out again, off radar.


    That was one part of the n. I signed up and left there. I needed to get my bag and a few books for an assignment.


    I walked, taking the east wing, hoping to avoid any student whatsoever until I heard his voice. "Don¡¯t care."


    My brows creased, wondering what was happening. I moved closer, wanting to see for myself.


    "What¡¯s the matter, Dristan? Looking gloomy because she isn¡¯t paying you any attention?"


    My entire body froze.


    I slowly stepped behind the wall close to where they were and peeked.


    There he was.


    Dristan Alexander.


    His back was to me, hands shoved into the pockets of his ck uniform cks. Hair was messy. Posture tense and aura... simmering.


    Ace and Ash stood across from him, rxed like they didn¡¯t just stir the deadliest storm on campus a day ago.


    Dristan¡¯s reply was sharp and cold.


    "Like I said, I don¡¯t care what you do with her. She¡¯s not my problem. So buzz off."


    Not his problem?


    My heart kicked once¡ªhard.


    Astra whimpered in my mind. She was hurt by her mate¡¯s words but for me, gave me more reason to ignore him.


    And I was tempted to do so until Ash did something that caught my eye.


    Ash gave a wolfish smile. "So you wouldn¡¯t mind if she picks either of us? Maybe even let¡¯s one of us consummate the bond?" he asked casually, though his tone dripped with poison.


    Dristan¡¯s sigh was audible, and he turned to walk past them. "Idiots never learn."


    But just as he passed, Ash¡¯s words stabbed the air again. "Are you sure you¡¯re just trying to y hard to get to gain her attention, or is this you finally realizing that you are not worthy of her? Or maybe... maybe you¡¯re just afraid. Afraid you¡¯ll end up killing her too¡ªjust like you did your¡ª"


    The rest didn¡¯te out.


    Because Dristan spun with lightning speed, his fist snapping through the air and colliding with Ash¡¯s face in a brutal crunch.

 Chapter 51: Reject All

    <h4>Chapter 51: Reject All</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 51</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The sheer impact sent Ash flying backward into the fencing. The air crackled. Like literally crackled.


    Sparks danced off Dristan¡¯s arms like static made solid, and I felt the force of his fury hit me even from where I stood.


    A wave of something sharp, primal, and ancient washed over the courtyard like a crashing tide. Students nearby stilled. Some backed away. Others ran.


    I knew killing intent when I saw it.


    I¡¯d been raised by it.


    But what Dristan emitted now wasn¡¯t just rage. It was wrath¡ªthe kind of fury born from grief and blood and secrets buried too long.


    Ash recovered quickly, already lunging back in fury, wrist twisting to block the second blow. Immediately Ash grabbed his wrist and tried to break it but Dristan was fast as he sent another punch swinging his free hand.


    Ace intercepted quickly.


    He blocked Dristan mid-punch with his palm, but the shockwave from the contact shook a post beside them, close to the courtyard.


    I swallowed hard, my heart thudding painfully in my chest.


    Their grips shifted. Both Ash and Ace twisted Dristan¡¯s wrist at the same time, and the sound it made¡ªGods, I felt it. That sickening crunch of bone. But Dristan didn¡¯t flinch.


    He smiled instead as they pushed him back and then... snap.


    With a simple jerk of his hand, the bones aligned, the skin shimmered with crackling energy, and just like that, he healed. Like it was nothing.


    But his aura?


    His aura was something else. It was rising.


    "I do not care what you do," Dristan said in a voice far too calm, "but this is yourst warning. Any words in respect to my past... or my family¡ªends now."


    Ash, like the reckless idiot he is, tilted his head and smirked. "What word? Your dead mother or¡ª"


    That¡¯s when I saw it.


    That tiny, dangerous twitch of Dristan¡¯s lips.


    A smirk. Not amused but ready. Like he¡¯d been waiting for Ash to say that. Wanting it. Like he needed a reason to let go of the leash.


    And then it happened.


    The air shifted, dense and electric.


    His hands sparked, snapping with lightning that raced up his arms in jagged bolts. His eyes darkened into a terrifying, deeper blue¡ªalmost midnight¡ªand a swirling ck energy began to bleed from his fists like living smoke.


    I had to move.


    I sprinted out before I could second-guess myself and my mouth moved before my brain caught up. "No¡ª"


    "Shit!" I gasped and threw myself forward, shoving between them before the world could quite literally blow apart. My arms raised instinctively between Dristan and the Ash, standing like a damn referee at a death match.


    as I felt the pressure of his aura crash around me.


    One heartbeat toote... and I swear we wouldn¡¯t be standing on solid ground.


    Not anymore.


    They froze.


    Just barely.


    My heartbeat mmed inside my ears. Dristan¡¯s eyes were wild, glowing an electric blue, and in that moment, I swore I saw something darker swirl around his fists¡ªck tendrils of corrupted energy.


    <i>"Ast¡ª" </i>I didn¡¯t finish her name because I could already feel my wolf inside me pulling back, like even she was afraid of what she saw.


    "You have to stop," I said again, my voice firmer now. "All of you."


    Ash wiped the blood from his jaw, grinning like a lunatic. Ace had stepped back, breathing hard.


    Xade, Kai, and Axel came running from the left side of the path. Xander came from the opposite side, but I didn¡¯t dare look at him right now.


    "This has to stop," I said again, ring at all of them. "You guys can¡¯t keep acting like this is normal, being jerks and thinking it is alright. Like it¡¯s okay to throw punches over¡ªover me."


    "Valerie¡ª" Ash tried.


    I turned and snapped, "Shut it, you royal nipoop."


    He blinked, clearly not expecting the insult.


    "And you..." My voice turned razor-sharp as I red at Dristan. "Were you nning to level the entire campus to prove a point?"


    "Why not keep your overgrown dog on a tighter leash?" he snarled, not even blinking.


    That one stung. It shouldn¡¯t have, but it did. Still, I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded.


    "This has to stop," I snapped, my voice slicing through the tension like a de. "I can¡¯t have you two always at each other¡¯s throats because of me..."


    Dristan scoffed behind me. "Not everything is about you, Nightshade. Don¡¯t think yourself that important."


    Ouch.


    I bit my inner lip, forcing myself not to react. Not visibly, anyway. "Great," I said, nodding slowly. "But just now, it was about me. And since I¡¯m clearly not good enough for you¡ªand none of you can think straight with this mate bond messing with your heads¡ª"


    "You aren¡¯t capable of messing with my head, Nightshade."


    "Fine," I said, keeping less low. "Since clearly I¡¯m just a leash around everyone¡¯s neck. Then, I¡¯ll make it easier. Let me break it."


    Ace stepped forward fast, eyes narrowing. "Valerie, what do you mean?"


    I didn¡¯t answer him right away. Instead, I looked around slowly, locking eyes with each one of them. Ashton. Ace. Dristan. Kai. Axel. Xade.


    All powerful. All angry. All mine¡ªyet none of them truly mine.


    "Ashton Kaid," I called usinga strong voice. "Ace Kaid. Dristan Alexander. Kai Draven. Axel Zeno. Xade Xavier..."


    "No." Xade stepped forward sharply, his voice cutting in, but I didn¡¯t stop. "Don¡¯t dare..."


    "What?!" Ace barked, his voiceced with panic. "You can¡¯t." Ace shook his head.


    <i>"Valerie. Don¡¯t."</i>Astra¡¯s voice rang in my mind, but I pushed her back.


    I wouldn¡¯t stop. I could feel their anticipation right now more like fear or confusion... a myriad of emotions.


    I turned my eyes to Dristanst, letting them settle cold and still on his face.


    "I reject you all as my mate."


    The silence that followed was horrifying. Even the wind seemed to stop.


    "You can¡¯t," Ace barked.


    "Breaking the bond will weaken you," Axel warned. "It could¡ª"


    But I was already too far gone.


    "I, Valerie Nightshade, reject you all as my fated mates."

 Chapter 52: Mated Again

    <h4>Chapter 52: Mated Again</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 52</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The mate bond snapped, hard.


    A violent, twisting pain tore through my chest, and I dropped to one knee with a choked scream. It wasn¡¯t just heartache. It was magic burning itself out of my body like acid.


    The bond recoiled, then whipped.


    And for a second. Just a second, I felt nothing. No emotions. No mate pull.


    Until... I felt it stronger like a recoil and strength boost given to Astra and then suddenly...


    <i>"Mate."</i>


    Astra¡¯s voice rang in my mind louder than ever. And that was when the real pain began.


    My knees buckled. I doubled over. Not from physical damage¡ªbut from the <i>overwhelming pull</i> of six bonds locking in tighter than ever before.


    "No..." I gasped. "I broke it. I broke the bond!"


    I looked up, blinking through tears and sweat, and saw all six of them standing still, eyes wide.


    None of them were gone.


    None of them had weakened. I know they were alpha born and I was too. Sadly, I was the only one tied to all six at once.


    <i>Shit, stupid move, Valerie.</i>


    None had been freed.


    Dristan¡¯s hand was clenched so tight, blood dripped from his palm.


    <i>"You can¡¯t,"</i> Astra whispered inside me. <i>"They¡¯re yours. You can¡¯t break what was made in blood and fate."</i>


    I stumbled back. "No... no, no."


    "Valerie¡ª" Axel stepped forward.


    "I got to go," I rasped. "I have to go."


    And I ran without looking back not when Xander¡¯s voice broke through the chaos. Not when I heard Dristan whisper something behind me.


    I ran until my legs screamed.


    Until my wolf stopped fighting me and just let me go.


    Because if I didn¡¯t run, I¡¯d break again, and I didn¡¯t want to think of the possibilities awaiting me.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Valerie ran.


    And I let her. No¡ªI watched her.


    Stumbling over her own feet, chest heaving, eyes wide with something between pain and disbelief. But I never moved.


    I couldn¡¯t.


    Because for the first time in my life, I didn¡¯t know what the hell to do.


    <i>"She rejected us," </i>Soren said slowly in my head, like he himself couldn¡¯t believe it. <i>"She actually did it. Our mate rejected us."</i>


    <i>"Yes get in the back of the line because she actually did and no," </i>I whispered aloud, so low it was almost lost in the silence.<i> "She tried to."</i>


    But it didn¡¯t work.


    The moment she said those words, I felt the bond scream and snap. And then reforge itself inside my soul, harder and hotter than before. It was like the Moon Goddess herself had carved her name into my chest and said, ¡¯<i>You¡¯re not done yet.¡¯</i>


    I still felt her.


    Her fear. Her heartbreak. Her guilt. Her rage I coud see it all clearly the moment she fell to her knees... it took everything in me not to rush to her.


    But I didn¡¯t.


    Because I couldn¡¯t be the first one. Not after what I said. Not after what I did.


    Ash, bruised and smirking like the idiot he is, turned to me. "I guess that makes you the first mate ever officially rejected by a girl who still wants you."


    I didn¡¯t even blink. "Say one more word."


    He held his hands up, backing off.


    Ace didn¡¯t say anything. His eyes were trained on the direction Valerie ran, jaw set like he was deciding whether to follow her or let her go. It was the same war I was having inside me.


    But I was losing.


    Fast.


    Kai looked between all of us. "We have to go after her."


    Xade stepped in before anyone else could move. "No."


    I shot him a look, and he returned it¡ªequally hard, equally fierce.


    "She needs space," he said. "And don¡¯t pretend you didn¡¯t hear it, Dristan. She said she¡¯s not good enough for you. You did that."


    I didn¡¯t flinch, but I didn¡¯t answer either.


    Because he was right.


    "You gonna fix that?" Xade asked coldly. "Or are you gonna let her believe it?"


    I looked away.


    <i>"You love her," </i>Soren said inside my head. <i>"You hate it. You deny it. You avoid it. But you love her."</i>


    <i>"Shut up,"</i> I muttered.


    <i>"Fix it," </i>Soren growled.


    ******************


    I didn¡¯t move right away. But when I did, I didn¡¯t head after her in front of the others. I waited.


    Waited until they were gone. Until Ash and Ace wandered off muttering about who would be the first to "win her back." Until Axel and Kai retreated with I dragging them away.


    Then I moved.


    I walked¡ªnot fast down the path she took. Past the volleyball courts, past the club recruitment tables, past the hallway of echoes where her footsteps had vanished.


    I found her scent fast¡ªfresh wind, pine, and that soft tang of moon magic.


    She was not crying. I did not know whether or not to be happy or affected right now.


    I could feel it in the bond like a heartbeat skipping. The pain she carried pressed against my chest like a dagger turned inward. And maybe I deserved that.


    Hell, I knew I did.


    But I didn¡¯t care right now. It was all about Vaelerie.


    But there was something else, darker and cold. She thought she¡¯d freed herself from us.


    And now she ma have thought she was broken because she hadn¡¯t.


    I sighed. Luckily, Valerie didn¡¯t get far, just to the abandoned archery yard but an old, open clearing where no one really trained anymore.


    Her back was to me and I stayed quiet. Just... watched for a second.


    Her hands clenched at her sides. Her whole body looked like it was shaking from the inside.


    "You followed me," she said, voice raw.


    I didn¡¯t deny it.


    "You always say you don¡¯t care," she added, breath hitching. "But what are you doing here?"


    Before I could speak, Valerie turned around and shook he rhead. "You know what, save it. I don¡¯t need to know. Like you said, I should never appear before you again. Likewise, Alexander."


    With that, Valerie turned and stormed off.

 Chapter 53: Solstice Aura Gold

    <h4>Chapter 53: Solstice Aura Gold</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 53</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    By the time I made it back to the dorm, my legs were tired, and my head felt like it was carrying a thousand unspoken arguments.


    The corridor was quiet, the evening sun painting golden stripes across the tiled floor through the long windows.


    I opened the door, praying for a little peace, just for an hour, maybe less, but as soon as I stepped in, the soft clink of a ss greeted me.


    Astraea.


    She was seated at the kitchen counter, her back straight, one hand curled tightly around a mug that wasn¡¯t steaming anymore. Her eyes were fixed on the window, and she hadn¡¯t noticed me at first... until I shut the door gently behind me.


    Her head snapped toward me.


    I blinked. "Hey," I said, offering a tired smile and a small wave.


    She stiffened just slightly, which was not enough for anyone else to notice, but I noticed.


    The way her shoulders pulled back, her grip on the mug tightening, and how her eyes darted for just a second to my face and then away again.


    My smile faltered. "You okay?"


    Astraea opened her mouth like she wanted to say something... but then she just gave me a quick nod and a small smile. "Yeah, it¡¯s all good. I just... zoned out."


    Right.


    I didn¡¯t push it. I couldn¡¯t afford to right now with everything I had swimming in my chest and wrapping around my ribs like a cage.


    "Cool," I muttered, already brushing past toward the bedroom. "I¡¯m just gonna... yeah. I¡¯ll be inside."


    "Val," she called softly.


    I stopped mid-step and looked back.


    She hesitated, the orange streak in her hair glowing faintly under the light. "If... if you ever need to talk or¡ªjust want someone to listen, you know..."


    Her voice was so soft it almost broke me. Although I did not know what got into her in that situation, I was appreciative that she was willing to be there for me even though I never mentioned what happened to me.


    I guess my eyes or tiredness gave me away or something.


    "I know," I said, and this time, the smile I gave her was real, even if it hurt a little.


    She nodded and I disappeared into my room, shutting the door behind me.


    I didn¡¯t even take off my shoes at first. I just slumped against the closed door, letting out a breath I didn¡¯t realise I was holding.


    Everything felt like it was slipping¡ªthe rejection, the bond recoiling, Dristan¡¯s words and the look in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    Gods... what had I done?


    I hadn¡¯t even fully sat down when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I frowned, reached for it, and saw the caller ID shing:


    <strong>Solstice.</strong>


    I hadn¡¯t heard from her in weeks.


    Thest time we spoke was the night I left home for PSA. Solstice had joined me in stealing everything I needed and sneaking out of the mansion that night to go to school ahead of time.


    I stared at the screen for two more rings before finally picking up.


    "Aura?" I said cautiously.


    Her voice came in fast and low. "Valerie!"


    I ced my hand on the mouthpiece to keep her shut until she stopped screaming into the phone.


    "Aura," I hushed her quickly. "What is wrong with you?"


    "Dude, is that any way to greet your favourite cousin?" I parted my lips to speak, but she beat me to it. "I¡¯ve missed you."


    "And I, you." I sighed and looked around before cing my phone on the bed against my pillow and propping my neck and chest on the second pillow.


    "You sure? You do not seem thrilled, Val. I know you. Something is wrong."


    I did not know if I could lie my way around this one. Solstice, or Aura, as I called her whenever we were outside and not using our known names, had known me since I was a kid.


    Although junior to me by 5 months, she and I were best friends.


    "Solstice."


    "You do not use my name out like this except it is important. Something is weighing you down, Val. Spill already? Is it school? Boy trouble? Any progress with the emblem or...?"


    "Okay fine. I tell you," I cut in before she spoke every word of what I was supposed to do.


    "Alright. I am waiting." I saw her prop her hand under her chin and let her elbow rest against her reading table in her room via the video call. "Talk."


    "I will. Right after you exin to me what happened. What did Uncle Zade do to you?"


    I noticed how her eyes darted about. It was one of her reactions when she was hiding something.


    "Solstice?" She wanted to speak, possibly deny something, but I interjected. "And don¡¯t even think of lying to me. Well, you can. I¡¯ll know and I won¡¯t spill either since we want to be keeping secrets."


    "Fine. I, Solstice Aura Gold, do not lie." I rolled my eyes at her mimicry of the swearing of the oath sign she did.


    "Okay." I nodded, silently urging her on.


    "Dad grounded me¡ªno phone, no stepping out, no missions, just me in a different room, with my meal daily and self-medication."


    I sighed. Although it was a bit brutal, but knowing Uncle Zade, that was minimal.


    "Oh and... I had to train nonstop when I wasn¡¯t meditating for a week plus."


    My hand flew over my mouth. She had to endure all of this for me."


    Solstice smiled at me. "It¡¯s okay. It was nothing unusual. We have been doing drills for a long time for training. ording to Dad, I needed to know the consequences of my actions. And if I am to lead the pack one day, I need to not indulge in pranks and risk my subordinates¡¯ lives."


    "I¡¯m no subordinate."


    "He understands that. And I understand him. Okay, enough about me. What¡¯s been going on with you?"


    "I entered school, and you may have heard from Uncle that I got mugged and poisoned on my first night in the city before arriving."


    "Yeah, that was badass."


    "No, when you are paralyzed and lying in the forest, love, that ain¡¯t badass."


    Solstice chuckled. "So, you¡¯ve gotten your wolf?"


    "Yeah."


    "How¡¯s she?"


    "Beautiful. Really."


    "That is wonderful. Okay, have you actually met any cutie you like? I hear the guys in PSA are..."


    "Mostly douchebags?" I finished for her.


    Solstice smiled. "So not all of them are douches. I bet the Aloha Kings¡¯ Heirs are..."


    "Even worse douches," I interjected again, but that might have been my downfall, as the next second, Solstice leaned in, grinning from ear to ear like a witch who could sense everything from several miles away. "Ohh... are you mated to one?"


    "Not I¡¯m not ju..." I was about to retort again when she said that and paused mid-sentence.


    "Spill." Her eyes glistened for a second before flickering with something else, mischief. "You... Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow. What are you hiding from me?" I swallowed and looked away.


    This time, I was already seated and had kicked off my shoes.


    "Are you... no. You are mated to an Alpha King¡¯s Heir. And I believe you are mated to not just one but two. Am I right?"


    I paused, thinking of what to do or say, but after a few seconds, I resigned myself to fate. "Four."


    "F-Four? Valerie, all four of them?"


    "Six, actually if you add the..."


    "What the fuck!"


    She pressed her hand over her mouth to keep from screaming, and I was d for that, but somehow, I felt lighter just telling her or anyone other than those involved finally.

 Chapter 54: For A Reason

    <h4>Chapter 54: For A Reason</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 54</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Solstice nearly choked on her own breath. "What the fu¡ª" she pped a hand over her mouth, catching herself just in time.


    Her eyes were huge, her jaw practically on the floor as she leaned even closer to the screen. "Six?! Valerie! Are you out of your goddess-damned mind? All four Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs and..."


    "The Lycan princes."


    "The Lycan Princes of all people?"


    I winced. "Yeah... pretty much."


    "Oh, girl. No wonder you look like someone wrung your soul out and hung it to dry," she muttered, fingersbing through her long, golden braid. "Okay. Start from the top. How did this even happen?"


    I shifted on the bed, drawing my knees up to my chest and hugging them. Theforter scrunched under me, and for a moment I just stared at the screen, wondering where the hell to even begin.


    "The first time was Dristan, Axel and Kai," I said softly. "It happened on my way to the principal¡¯s office. I tried to ignore it, but... Astra confirmed it."


    "Right, right, your wolf. Got it."


    "Then Xade not long after that." I nced down at my fingers, suddenly nervous. "I thought that was it. But then the Lycans arrived... and I met Ash and Ace."


    Solstice¡¯s brows flew even higher. "Let me guess... instant bond?"


    I nodded miserably.


    "Goddess," she whispered. "You must be the Moon Goddess¡¯ favourite or her biggest test subject."


    "Feels like both," I muttered.


    Solstice was silent for a second, just watching me. Her amused expression melted slowly as she leaned in again, her brows knitting together, serious this time.


    "But you¡¯re not smiling," she said quietly. "You¡¯re not glowing like someone who found their fated. What¡¯s wrong, cousin? Why aren¡¯t you happy? I mean¡ªyeah, six is a lot to deal with, but... there¡¯s something else, isn¡¯t there?"


    I hesitated. Swallowed hard. Then let my forehead drop to my knees for a second before looking back up at her.


    "Yeah," I said, voice low. "I... can¡¯t reject them."


    Solstice froze. "You what?"


    "I tried." Iughed a bit bitter and broken. "I tried today, Solstice. I stood in front of all six of them and I said the words. I rejected them. But instead of the bond breaking, it rebounded and doubled down. Harder. Stronger. Astra said it¡¯s... unbreakable."


    Solstice sat there, stunned, her hand covering her mouth again. I could see the understanding click into ce as her blue eyes softened.


    "Shit, Val."


    I nodded. "Yeah. A lot of things are messy because of it."


    She straightened slowly, brushing her hair back. "How so? Have they figured out who you are?"


    I hushed her quickly. "Shh¡ªnot so loud." I nced toward the door, making sure Astraea wasn¡¯t hovering outside.


    Solstice caught on immediately and lowered her voice. "So... they don¡¯t know yet?"


    "No," I said. "And I need to keep it that way. At least for now. With all the political tension, the supernaturals¡¯ treaty, the training evaluations, everything including the mission... I can¡¯t afford distractions. Especially not this."


    "I get it," she said softly. "I really do. You¡¯ve always had the n, Val. The goal. The bigger picture. But... that bond isn¡¯t going anywhere, is it?"


    "No," I whispered. "It¡¯s not."


    Solstice tilted her head, thoughtful. "Do any of them know how deeply this is affecting you?"


    "Dristan might," I admitted, voice cracking a little. "But I screwed that up too I guess. He said some things before, but I couldn¡¯t me him entirely. However, my stubbornness made me lock him out when he came to me. Now, hopefully we won¡¯t look at each other."


    "Oh, that broody dollophead has always had the emotional range of a cold rock," Solstice muttered. "You¡¯re better than that, Val. You don¡¯t need to carry all of this alone."


    "I know," I whispered. "But I feel like I am."


    Solstice was quiet for a moment. Then she smiled¡ªsoft, real, and a little sad. "Well, for what it¡¯s worth, I¡¯m happy for you. I know it doesn¡¯t seem like it, but at least you found your mates. I haven¡¯t even found one<i>.</i>"


    I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Want one of mine? I¡¯ll gift-wrap the whole set."


    Sheughed, and the sound was so familiar and warm that it made my chest ache a little less.


    "That¡¯s sweet," she said, wiping a tear ofughter from her eye. "But I think I¡¯ll wait for my own chaos, thanks."


    I grinned at her. "Wise choice."


    Suddenly, we both heard her name being called in the background.


    "That¡¯s Dad," she said, making a face. "Time for my ¡¯pack heir duties¡¯ and probably more frost training. Ugh."


    "Go, Solstice. And... thanks. For calling."


    "Always." She paused, then leaned forward, her expression turning just a little more serious. "Maybe think of it this way. Not having mates may be bad. But having multiple? It¡¯s not a curse. It¡¯s just... a path. One only you get to walk."


    "Solstice?"


    She smiled, . "The Moon Goddess gave them to you for a reason. What to do with them, or why¡ªmaybe you won¡¯t know right now. But I believe it¡¯s not by ident."


    I swallowed, nodding.


    "To everything," she said sternly, that sometimes I wondered if she was even her age or an old soul in a young body, "there is a reason."


    "Love you, Aura," I whispered.


    "Love you more, Vi," she replied with a wink.


    And with that, the screen went dark.


    I sat there for a moment, staring at the reflection of myself in the ck mirror of my phone.


    Then I sighed, dropped it on the bed, and leaned back on the pillow, one arm thrown across my eyes.


    Six mates.


    A bond I couldn¡¯t break.


    A fate I couldn¡¯t run from.


    But maybe... just maybe... I wouldn¡¯t have to fight it alone anymore.


    Not entirely.


    Not while I still had Solstice¡ªmy cousin, my best friend, my only anchor.


    I closed my eyes and let myself breathe. Suddenly, a message from Storm came on my phone, and I opened it to check.


    <strong>Storm</strong>: <i>Shit. You¡¯ll just have to scale through, Val. And hopefully your cover won¡¯t be blown if you stay under the radar. Also, think of this as one of your training sessions with Dad. You¡¯ll do fine.</i>

 Chapter 55: Basketball Challenge

    <h4>Chapter 55: Basketball Challenge</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 55</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The sports hall reverberated with thuds, squeaking shoes, and the sharp ping of volleyballs being spiked across the court.


    As I stepped through the double doors, the scent of polished wood, rubber, and faint sweat filled my nose.


    I wasn¡¯t particrly here to show off. I just wanted a distraction¡ªsomething that didn¡¯t include brooding alphas, twisted bonds, or... fate.


    Since I and I decided to join the sports club, this was the best way to rx while forming true connections.


    My eyes scanned the open space. Several girls had already gathered around, some practicing serves, others chatting in huddles.


    Among them stood a tall, sleek figure with a high ponytail and a perfect posture that screamed confidence.


    Brielle.


    Of course, the Cheerleader Barbie was here.


    She spotted me at the same time and rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might pop out.


    Immediately, memories of her not being so tough at the shop the other day, reyed in my head.


    Brielle¡¯s two ever-present shadows¡ªire and Lina, I think¡ªnked her like a cheap version of a security detail, trying to look busy bouncing a ball between them. Emphasis on <i>trying.</i>


    I kept walking toward the registration table to speak with the Sports Professor when a familiar voice called out.


    "Valerie!" I jogged up beside me with Emerald trailing right behind her.


    "I didn¡¯t know you were joining," I said with a grin, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.


    "We said we¡¯d both join, remember?" I looked lost for a second there before she smiled and nodded. "Figured it¡¯s time to start ying a game to get myself distracted with other things, rather than people, for a while," I muttered.


    "Well, you¡¯ll have somepetition," Emerald added dryly, nodding toward Brielle.


    Great.


    "Ah, more of you?" Brielle¡¯s sugary voice floated over. "Let me guess¡ªyou came to gossip on the sidelines? Or maybe be cheerleaders?"


    I ignored her. ssic Brielle.


    But that only seemed to fuel her.


    "I hope you don¡¯t think being here makes you one of us, Nightshade. This isn¡¯t the street corner where you practice your rogue kicks or whatever it is you do. Try not to slow us down."


    I said nothing. It wasn¡¯t like I wanted to be one of her side-roaches in the first ce.


    I just kept walking until a ball flew through the air straight for my head.


    I didn¡¯t flinch. My body reacted on instinct. A subtle twist of my waist and my upper body shifted sideways as the ball whizzed past my ear.


    I heard a few gasps before the whack of the ball echoed off someone else.


    Only it didn¡¯t hit<i>.</i>


    The girl who caught the ball hadn¡¯t just avoided it¡ªshe¡¯d flipped, literally.


    She spun into a graceful handstand, let the ball bounce off her foot mid-air, then flipped upright again, bncing the volleyball on her bent knee.


    The other girls burst into apuse and startledughter.


    I whistled. "Well... damn."


    Emerald blinked. "Was that gymnastics or acrobatic-craft?"


    The girl straightened, casually tossing the ball into the air and catching it behind her back.


    Titania.


    Her hair was let loose, flowing at her back as her skin glowed faintly even without magic. Her smirk was sharp, but the moment her eyes met mine, I groaned.


    Of course.


    Titania.


    She bowed dramatically, arms wide, as though she¡¯d just stepped out of a magical performance. I rolled my eyes. "Good. We have someone else to steal the spotlight for once."


    She grinned, clearly hearing me, and made her way toward me. Instead, I headed in the opposite direction, going to see the coach.


    "Valerie?"


    I paused mid-step.


    "I saw what you did there. That dodge was clean. Impressive," Titania said, but her voice was slick. Polished like ss with thorns beneath.


    "Hm. Okay." I didn¡¯t turn. I didn¡¯t need to.


    "But let¡¯s be real," she added before I could take a second step forward. "You¡¯ll always be behind me. Under my shadow."


    That made me stop.


    Slowly, I pivoted. My eyes locked with hers. "Don¡¯t always be so sure."


    "Ohh," she said sweetly. "Is that a threat?"


    "Think of it however you like. But be smart."


    The grin she gave me could slice ss. I smirked back.


    "How about this," I said, stepping closer now. "We y a game. Basketball. Just us. First to five baskets in the other¡¯s wins."


    Titania tilted her head. "And what¡¯s the prize?"


    "If I win," I said calmly, "you take back your words... and choke on it."


    A few of the girls gasped. Titania¡¯s eyes narrowed just slightly. "And if I win?"


    "You get to set your own rules."


    She smiled now. Fully and dangerously.


    "Then it¡¯s simple. If I win, you stay away from the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs."


    I sucked in a breath beside me.


    I just smirked without thinking too much. "Deal."


    They may be my mates, but neither she nor anyone had the right to chase me away from them. Even if I wished to be separated from them, that doesn¡¯t give her the right.


    Titania held out a hand, and we shook. Her palm was warm. Too warm. Maged her skin like a subtle thread. A spell hidden in in sight?


    Of course. She was Fae. Some never yed fair but even I could use some tricks to cancel her out.


    The court was smaller than the main gym, but it was wide enough for a one-on-one match. The polished floor gleamed under the lights, and the hum of whispers circled around as students gathered to watch. Word had spread fast. Of course it did.


    Me vs. Titania Estre Sage. Fae Princess. Gymnast. Showoff.


    Our coach didn¡¯t seem pleased about the impromptu match, but after Titania gave one of her too-sweet smiles and I gave one of my too-determined stares, she agreed to supervise it¡ª<i>"For team bonding,"</i> she said, though I¡¯m pretty sure she was just curious to see who¡¯d survive.


    We stood at centre court when the whistle blew.


    Titania snatched the ball first, fast, her body light as she darted around me. She was quick, graceful¡ªalmost too graceful. Fae magic, maybe?


    She jumped and took a shot from the side.


    <i>Swish.</i>


    1¨C0.

 Chapter 56: Basketball Match

    <h4>Chapter 56: Basketball Match</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 56</strong>


    <strong>~Valeri¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The crowd murmured. I just rolled my shoulders and got ready. She passed the ball to me this time.


    <i>My turn.</i>


    I dribbled once and twice, shifted left, and feinted right. She bit on the fake, and I cut in andunched myself toward the.


    I jump and then shoot.


    <i>Swish.</i>


    1¨C1.


    Titania narrowed her eyes. Good. This time she wasn¡¯t smiling.


    We kept going.


    She faked a spin, slipped past me and scored again. 2¨C1.


    I bit the inside of my cheek. Her style was different. It was almost like she was dancing. And I could feel something brushing against my skin each time she moved.


    It felt like wind, but it wasn¡¯t nor was it any pressure.


    Magic.


    Titania was using cheap tricks but I wasn¡¯t backing down. As that only meant that she was scared of losing to me. I was a threat she could not exin.


    I caught the ball next, ignored the weird static in the air, and moved. She tried to throw me off¡ªmaybe with a mour, maybe with her voice¡ªbut I didn¡¯t look at her. I focused.


    One pivot. One fake. I ducked under her arm, twisted, and leapt.


    The ball sank in.


    2¨C2.


    Now the court was quiet. More girls had stopped practising and were watching. Even the coach had folded her arms, nodding slowly as her eyes tracked every movement.


    Titania didn¡¯t like that.


    "You¡¯re not bad," she said, walking toward me.


    "Neither are you," I replied and went straight to dribbling.


    "But let¡¯s see how long you keep up without your little rage boost from earlier."


    I didn¡¯t rise to the bait. Instead, I dribbled and passed her easily. When I was in range, I jumped and took my shot.


    3¨C2.


    Her jaw clenched. She was getting sloppy.


    Her next move came harder. She practically floated across the court, cutting angles like she had invisible wings. She jumped, flipped, spun¡ªridiculous, really¡ªand dunked the ball.


    3¨C3.


    I stepped back, breathing steadily. Titania was quick. But she was overdoing it. Trying too hard to show off just like Ash.


    I could use that. She gave me the ball again and kept her smile back in ce.


    "I could have taken your ce, you know," she said.


    I blinked.


    "Your ce as an interest of the heirs," she went on in a whisper. "But they picked you. Why, I wonder?"


    "You talk too much," I muttered and I was getting bored. My eyes narrowed on the goal.


    Titania was expecting me to dribble as befor,e but then I feigned a jump and immediately moved back before I jumped.


    She had moved, thinking I was dribbling, but when she caught n, it was toote. Titania jumped with all her strength; however, before ehr hands could reach mine, I threw the ball, aiming for a 3.


    It went straight to the.


    4¨C3.


    The crowd let out a loud <i>ooooh,</i> and I didn¡¯t even smile.


    I just turned and waited for her to get the ball and waited. Seeing as I got close already, Titania did not fake anything this time.


    She just ran and then mmed the ball into the like she had something to prove.


    Right then, we were focused on how many shots in and not the points exactly.


    9¨C8 match point but we both had 4 balls inside ours.


    My hands were sweating. Not from nerves, but from how much I wanted to win.


    Titania¡¯s aura grew thicker. Fae mour was humming in the air now, obvious to even the untrained eye.


    She was done pretending to y fair.


    My head pulsed for a second, like something brushing against my mind. Whispering doubt.


    <i>"You¡¯re going to miss. You¡¯re tired. You¡¯re not good enough."</i>


    Fae trick.


    I clenched my jaw as Astra stirred in my head.


    <i>"Focus."</i>


    I did.


    The coach gave the final toss. Ball in the air. My fingers caught it first.


    Titania surged forward but I blocked.


    She went left¡ªI mirrored. She threw out a hand like she was trying to reach my shoulder¡ªor distract me.


    But I¡¯d had enough distractions this week. I ducked under her reach, spun with the ball, and ran fast, heading straight to the basket.


    TItania tried to catch me, but I leapt.


    Time seemed to have slowed. The lights above blurred and only the rim came into focus.


    I extended my arm and released.


    <i>Swosh. Basket!</i>


    5¨C4.


    The silence cracked into ps, cheers, and a few stunned gasps.


    I stepped back, breathing hard. Titania stood frozen, her hands curled into fists, her lips twitching like she wanted to say something but couldn¡¯t find the words.


    I walked past her, calm, steady, no smile.


    But I stopped just as I passed her shoulder and whispered, "Consider your words swallowed."


    Then I kept walking.


    ****************


    <strong>~Moments Later~</strong>


    "Valerie," the coach called after me as I was about to leave the court.


    I turned just in time to look at her. She gave me a nod. "You¡¯re in."


    I smiled a little but it was all real.


    Behind me, Titania¡¯s shadow still lingered as she stood there in court, stewing in her own defeat. But it didn¡¯t matter because I¡¯d won.


    *****************


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    By the time I reached the lower parking lot, the courtyard was quiet. Only the sound of my boots echoed across the pavement, and the cold evening air curled around the cor of my coat.


    I had been informed my father was in the city and wanted to see me. Still, I wasn¡¯t in a rush.


    Not until I saw Brielle.


    Standing just at the edge of the stone path, head turned as if she were trying to avoid me, but toote. She¡¯d seen me.


    And I saw her¡ªsaw the look on her face.


    Was it... It was fear. Real fear.


    It cracked her perfect expression in half.


    For a second, she froze, eyes wide, lips slightly parted like she¡¯d seen a ghost. Then, like something clicked, she immediately dropped her head, her shoulders hunching as if my gaze burned her.


    I slowed.


    Not because I nned to, but because her reaction was too... familiar. It reminded me of when I met them at the clothing store the other day. She had said something that day that caught my attention.


    She was scared of me, good but why?

 Chapter 57: Keeping Him in Check

    <h4>Chapter 57: Keeping Him in Check</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 57</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I stopped right in front of her, but she didn¡¯t move. Brielle didn¡¯t breathe either. The raw fear emanating from her was unbelievable.


    She was trembling. I could hear it in the stutter of her heartbeat.


    "I-I¡¯m sorry, Alpha," she whispered in a barely audible voice. "I didn¡¯t know you were around."


    I frowned, arching my brow slowly. What the hell was she talking about?


    "I already learned my lesson thest time," she added quickly. "Please don¡¯t... don¡¯t show me again. I¡ªI swear, I¡¯ve been good."


    <i>Show her what?</i>


    Before I could speak, before I could even process that weird, crawling thing wing at the back of my mind, my name rang out behind me.


    "Master Dristan."


    I turned to see my chauffeur standing by the ck SUV awaiting me.


    "We must leave now. He¡¯s waiting."


    I looked back at Brielle. Her head was still down, fists clenched tightly by her sides like she was holding on to something only she could see.


    I wanted to ask why, but I didn¡¯t. Something told me the answer would open a door I wasn¡¯t ready to walk through yet.


    And frankly, what did she think she saw in me? Was I a monster now? I shrugged off the thought. Maybe it was better left buried.


    Also, if she feared me for whatever reason, then it was better to leave it at that. I had been too lenient, letting just anyone think they could talk to me.


    I turned without another word and headed for the car.


    The door shut behind me and we drove out of the school premises, but at the back of my mind, her words reyed again.


    <i>"Don¡¯t show me again..."</i>


    What the hell did she see, and what did I show her before?


    *************


    As soon as I stepped into the office, its usual air wrapped around me¡ªcool, quiet and too clean. It was always the same each time I came here.


    Minimalist but expensive, all ss and steel, with dark wood shelves that looked more decorative than used. The scent of his cologne still lingered, mixed with something older¡ªburnt coffee maybe, or the faint sharpness of paint.


    My gaze darted over to the source, a new painting hung on the left corner of his office.


    There wasn¡¯t a single thing out of ce. Just like him, exactly how Father liked it.


    I stepped inside without knocking. He already knew I wasing and expected me.


    He stood by the tall window, staring out at the city skyline, hands behind his back, his dark tailored suit looking sharp enough to cut. He didn¡¯t turn when I entered. Dad didn¡¯t have to.


    "Anything to report?" His voice was calm, the type of deadly cold calm that made your teeth gnash.


    I didn¡¯t rush. I took my time walking in and stopping near the edge of the desk.


    "Nothing worth concern," I said evenly. "Aside from the Council knowing the dragon, lycan, and fae royals are attending PSA with us, then no."


    My father¡¯s posture didn¡¯t change, but I noticed the shift in energy around him.


    "Exactly why I asked," he muttered. "Do you believe in coincidence, Dristan?"


    I took a step forward. "No. I know you do not believe in them," I responded as keenly as possible.


    "Good. Then you must know that there must be another reason those three are there. It¡¯s not a coincidence. These kinds of things never are."


    I said nothing. I could feel him thinking, putting pieces together.


    "It could be a n," he said slowly. "A united move from the kingdoms. Something they¡¯ve been hiding for some time, and if that is true, meaning we might have the prophesied war on our hands. Watch them, Dristan. Every move. Every word. You must keep your eyes open."


    "And if it isn¡¯t?" I asked calmly.


    His head turned just slightly. "Then you still watch. It never hurts to be more vignt. Or have you forgotten your mission?"


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    "The reason you¡¯re there," he said sharply now. "Why you were raised differently. Groomed differently. Why you¡¯ve been prepared from birth, unlike the others?"


    Still, I said nothing.


    "Answer me." His voice sliced through the silence as he turned to face mepletely. "Now."


    My eyes locked with his, and I did not flinch, unlike how I did in the past when I was still but a boy. "I did not forget."


    "Good." He nodded once, slowly. "Then exin the news I received. About a girl."


    I didn¡¯t flinch, but my breath slowed. So he knew. He did not have to call out Valerie¡¯s namepletely before I knew that he knew something.


    "A nobody," he added. "Some girl who has not only caught the attention of the Lycan princes, the fae, the dragon, but also your lot of heirs. You, Dristan."


    His voice was sharp, but there was something else underneath. Calction.


    "I have no rtions with anyone," I replied smoothly and coolly. "I have no lover, no girlfriend. Nothing tying me to someone unworthy of our bloodline."


    "Go on," he said.


    "Rtionships are distractions. I know this. I haven¡¯t forgotten my ce, nor my duty. No girl, especially not a nobody, can ever sit at my side. She wouldn¡¯t understand my purpose. She couldn¡¯t survive it."


    Father¡¯s eyes narrowed as he stepped toward me.


    "Or your darkness," he said softly.


    I didn¡¯t reply to this. I knew what it meant, and that it was memories I never wanted to revisit, but he kept reminding me subtly, as if to keep me in check or something else.


    "Good." He studied me, his gaze hard and unreadable. "Nobody can know."


    "I understand."


    "Then you understand why I want her gone and erased. For insurance purposes. No distractions, remember?"


    My jaw tensed. I didn¡¯t move. I didn¡¯t blink. Inside me, Soren growled in anger, silently warning an Alpha King, but I did my best to silence him and kept my face empty.


    Stoic. "If I didn¡¯t know better," I said, "I¡¯d think you were testing me." His brow lifted slightly. "You¡¯re free to do whatever you want," I continued.

 Chapter 58: Simpulation Training

    <h4>Chapter 58: Simption Training</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 58</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    There was a pause. A small one. He liked that answer. I could tell.


    "Very well." He returned to his desk, adjusting his cuffs and lowering himself into the chair with the slow confidence of a king on a throne. "It shall be done. It would be made into an ident during one of your training courses."


    To think he had thought that far was... stomach-wrenching.


    "If that will be all, Alpha," I said, turning. I had barely started moving when I stopped. One step away. "You can kill her if you want," I added. "But since you¡¯ve noticed she has everyone¡¯s attention... why not use that to our advantage?"


    Silence. Long, annoying silence settled between us as though he was gauging my response and scrutinising every step.


    He didn¡¯t answer.


    I turned my head slightly to nce over my shoulder. "She could be the perfect distraction. If they¡¯re all drawn to her, let them stay distracted. Let them tear each other apart over it."


    "Speak."


    "Let them fight over her. Let it twist the alliance. Break their focus. Shift their purpose. If she¡¯s useful, then I say use her. After all, you want capable pawns on your chessboard."


    My father studied me long and hard. Then, finally, he gave a small nod.


    "Fine," he nodded, "she just bought herself a little time."


    I had achieved my goal and saved Valerie from my father¡¯s wrath briefly. That was all i needed to say as one word more would expose the truth to him.


    Which was another reason why I could not let word get out that she is mated to me.


    She¡¯d be dead faster than before she can breath herst breath.


    "As you wish, Father."


    I left. Even as the door clicked shut behind me, I didn¡¯t stop walking until I reached the end of the corridor, far from his study. That was when I clenched my fist hard.


    The leather of my gloves strained, and blood seeped from where my nails, no ws this time, dug into my palm.


    My body trembled with restrained fury, lightning buzzing faintly under my skin.


    <i>"You want to use our mate like a tool?"</i> Soren snarled in my mind.


    <i>"I don¡¯t want to,"</i> I muttered.<i> "But it¡¯s better than watching him kill her."</i>


    Soren rolled his eyes at me. "<i>She deserves better. We deserve better.</i>"


    <i>"I know."</i>


    I was silent for a moment till I got to the front of the house. Silence.


    <i>"I need distance,"</i> I informed Soren using our link. <i>"I can¡¯t protect her if he sees how much she means to me."</i>


    And right now... she couldn¡¯t know how far I¡¯d go to keep her alive even if she hated me for it.


    All I could hope for was that she had others to protect her, but still, I had this uneasy feeling in my gut telling me no¡ªdo not trust anyone with your mate.


    <i>Fuck!</i>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    It had been two days since I lost control. Two days since I screamed their names and tried to rip the bond out of my chest.


    Two days since I failed, woefully.


    Things had been... quiet since then. Not in a peaceful way, but in the suffocating, <i>everyone¡¯s-watching-you-too-closely kind of </i>way.


    The heirs weren¡¯t hovering anymore. Even Dristan¡ªespecially Dristan¡ªhad disappeared into whatever dark ce he calledfort.


    There were no words, no nces or even res. Not even their wolves growl in my head.


    But I felt them.


    Everywhere I went, I felt their eyes¡ªeven if they weren¡¯t there. I felt the weight of what I tried to break still clinging to my ribs like vines.


    And now? Now I was standing in the middle of PSA¡¯s training field again, staring down another mission, well, another trial.


    Only this one felt different.


    Professor Laria announced it with her usual clipped tone, not with hair out of ce or a smile on her face.


    "Live environmentbat simtion," she said. "Standard mission retrieval,bat level three. Work with your team. Watch for mana surges. Trust your instincts."


    Right.


    Except I was paired with him.


    "Valerie Nightshade with Cadet Erik, Group Delta."


    I didn¡¯t even know him. Erik looked more like a bookworm who got shoved into a fight club by mistake. Thin-framed, sses slipping down his nose. His aura was faint and uncertain.


    Awesome.


    Still, I didn¡¯t argue. I didn¡¯t protest. I was too tired to care. It was a simtion.


    We entered the dome, one of the biggest in the Academy. And the moment we crossed the veil, the world changed.


    I knew simtions. I knew the way the tech wrapped illusions around physical terrain. But this...


    This was different.


    A thick, misty forest unfolded around me. The air was heavier and somewhat colder like it had swallowed something alive and hadn¡¯t let it go.


    My boots crunched softly against uneven leaves. Above, crows cawed from high branches and shadows moved.


    A low buzz in my bones told me something was wrong, and Astra, my wolf, was silent, too silent.


    I tightened my grip on the hilt of my de and nced behind. Erik was walking behind me, his attention was clearly on our surroundings. "Erik, stay close."


    He nodded shakily. "I¡ªI will."


    Thank goodness he didn¡¯t act liek a total whim whow as depending on me. Even though I knew he wasn¡¯t that strong, I could see him trying to put on a brave face which was admirable.


    We moved through the fog together. Step by step. But the longer I walked, the more I felt it.


    It was not just fear, nor the simtion. This was something real. And by real, I meant something nted.


    The snap of a branch was the only warning I got.


    "MOVE!"


    I shoved Erik hard. The ground beneath my boots exploded. A burst of magical energy surged, shooting up like a geyser and snapping hidden wires from the soil. They screamed past my face like des.


    I flipped backward, just missing the edge of a glowing rune trap, andnded hard against the dirt.


    Erik was safe¡ªfor now¡ªbut his eyes were huge with terror. "That¡ªThat¡¯s not in our sim training! That¡¯s not regtion!"

 Chapter 59: Simp Training Gone Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 59: Simp Training Gone Wrong</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 59</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    No, it wasn¡¯t.


    I got to my feet, panting. My instincts were screaming, and Astra still hadn¡¯t said a word.


    That was the scariest part.


    Suddenly, I heard a rustle, then light footsteps. They were too calcted and silent.


    I turned my head just slightly, my eyes narrowing as I caught the subtle shimmer of movement just beyond the misty tree line. And then they stepped into view¡ªthree figures, emerging from the fog like predators.


    One look at them and I knew they weren¡¯t cadets, even though they tried to dress up like one. They were no one I recognised.


    They wore darkbat gear that resembled PSA training uniforms, but not quite.


    These were sleeker, heavier and more custom-made to suit some of their weapons. Their faces were partially hidden behind ck masks that covered their mouths and noses, leaving only their cold eyes exposed.


    Each of them held a weapon, but they weren¡¯t school-issued.


    These were definitely not students.


    The smallest detail gave them away. No guild emblems in their gloves either.


    My fingers curled tighter around the hilt of my de as I shifted into a defensive stance.


    "Who are you?" I asked firmly.


    I got no answer.


    Erik, behind me, tensed. "Something¡¯s wrong. These guys aren¡¯t from here."


    No shit.


    Then one of them raised his hand and gave a quick, sharp gesture¡ªlike a signal.


    At once, they moved swiftly, faster than they had any right to.


    The first one lunged toward me with a de in each hand, shing horizontally at chest height. I bent low, the tips of his des barely grazing the top of my shoulder.


    I twisted and retaliated with a backwards strike to his side, but he spun away with inhuman speed and caught my leg.


    Just as he tried driving the dagger into my skin, I lifted myself and threw the other leg at his face. Quickly, he let go, dodging my attack.


    The second attacker came from the left,unching a projectile¡ªsome kind of dart or needle. I pivoted hard, the dart slicing through the strands of my hair as I ducked and rolled,nding on one knee.


    The third stepped forward calmly, hand glowing with a faint red energy. Magic. Fae or witch. I wasn¡¯t sure which angle he came from.


    But that was the least of my problems, seeing how strong his magic was.


    He raised his arm and fired a st directly toward me, but I threw myself to the side behind a tree trunk. Thankfully, Erik hid himself quickly, giving me a better chance to fight without him in the way.


    The st hit the bark, splitting it in half with a sharp crack. Wood and splinters exploded around me.


    Erik cried out and scrambled backwards, away from the wreckage.


    "Get out of here!" I shouted, not taking my eyes off the masked intruders. "Find an instructor¡ªanyone!"


    "I¡ªI can¡¯t just leave you!"


    And here I thought he was reasonable. Urgh. I nced in his direction briefly, letting him see the seriousness in my eyes. "You¡¯ll just slow me down!"


    His footsteps hesitated, then I heard them retreat.


    One down. Good.


    I sprang forward, de swinging in a wide arc toward the nearest masked figure. He blocked with his forearm guard as sparks flew and shoved me backwards with brute force.


    My back hit the forest floor hard, knocking the air out of me.


    The other two closed in quickly.


    I scrambled to my feet just as one of them swept low for a leg strike. I jumped, flipped over him, andnded behind them. I aimed a solid kick to the ribs of the one closest to me. The blow connected, and he stumbled sideways with a grunt.


    Good.


    But the moment I thought I¡¯d gained the upper hand, the masked magic-user lifted both palms. Two burning sigils pulsed beneath his gloves, and then he mmed them into the ground.


    A wave of energy shot out from the impact point like ripples in a pond¡ªexcept this pond wanted to swallow me whole.


    I tried to leap away, but the energy caught my foot midair and twisted it sideways.


    "Urrgh!" I tried to swallow the pain as I crashed to the ground again, hard, and rolled just in time to avoid a dagger being driven into the spot where my throat had just been.


    "Damn it," I hissed under my breath, pushing myself up again, blood dripping from a scrape on my arm.


    I gritted my teeth and went low, sweeping a leg toward my attacker. He jumped over it easily, but I twisted mid-motion, swinging my elbow into his stomach. He staggered. Not enough. I shed upward with my de, catching the edge of his gear.


    His armour smoked where the de touched. Definitely not school gear, as if I needed another reminder.


    But it was quite clear what their mission was at this point. They weren¡¯t just here to test me. They were here to take me out.


    And I was losing. Not because I was weak. But because this wasn¡¯t a test.


    It was a hit in a test¡ªa goddamn setup.


    The red-magic guy fired again¡ªfaster this time. I barely dodged to the side in time before the st ricocheted with a scream of energy.


    Still, it sent me skidding back, boots tearing the forest floor, breath ragged in my throat.


    I bent low again, ready for a counter¡ªwhen suddenly the air behind me shifted. A pressure drop.


    Magic again.


    Stronger.


    A spell charged in the wind, humming with heat. My wolf stirred finally. <i>"Behind you!"</i> Astra screamed in my mind.


    I spun, but it was toote.


    The st came fast, a glowing arrow ofpressed magical force aimed for my spine.


    And then¡ªa glint of silver shed between me and the attack. A blur of motion cut through the smoke. Steel met magic mid-air.


    And the st exploded in a shower of sparks.


    By the time my vision cleared, I saw him. Silver hair with purple streaks at the base. Xander.

 Chapter 60: She’s Gone

    <h4>Chapter 60: She¡¯s Gone</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 60</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Xander stood in front of me, tall, looking calm as his hair billowed from the force of his arrival. His sword smoked where it had deflected the shot.


    "Your simtion¡¯s corrupted," Xander said, his voice cutting through the haze like a de. He stood in front of me like a wall, unmoving, focused, eyes scanning the clearing with an intensity that made my stomach twist. "Get behind me. Now."


    My pulse was loud in my ears, pounding like drums against my skull, but even then I hesitated for a heartbeat. "You¡ªhow did you findf me and know¡ª"


    "I said move." Xander¡¯s voice dropped lower this time, sharper and heavier with urgency.


    And this time, I obeyed.


    I barely managed some steps when something shifted beneath my foot¡ªa soft click I hadn¡¯t heard before, quiet but deadly.


    My breath caught.


    The ground beneath us pulsed, and suddenly a red glow lit up the forest floor in a perfect circle. Right where I stood. A rune¡ªone I hadn¡¯t seen.


    Crimson light red from its center, and the trees around us began to twist unnaturally, their trunks warping, creaking as if bending toward the rune like puppets being reeled in by invisible strings.


    "Valerie, MOVE!" Xander¡¯s voice roared with something betweenmand and desperation, but he was already reaching for me, already moving as he stretched his hand towards me just as the explosion triggered.


    But this st... this one wasn¡¯t like what I had encountered


    This wasn¡¯t a burst of fire or a jolt of raw energy¡ªit was a pull, not a push, a force that seemed to suck the air right out of my lungs and rip the forest apart from the inside.


    It was darker, deeper¡ªan energy that didn¡¯t just want to break things; it wanted to erase them.


    The trees screamed. The sky itself trembled.


    Magic howled all around me, screaming in every direction as the rune unleashed its full force.


    I saw Xander¡¯s hand¡ªreaching through the storm, fingers outstretched toward me¡ªbut before I could grab it, everything splintered.


    Light. Noise. Power.


    And then...


    Nothing. All I could feel was a grip on my wrist before it went dak briefly.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Al hell broke lose when the simtion went out of control for the professor and immediately, Xander disappeared.


    Everyone watched in the simtion how he came to her aid but just before Valerie could move away... the situation changed and a huge explosion happened all around her.


    And in that instant... she vanished.


    Gone.


    Not thrown. Not hidden.


    Just erased.


    rms screeched outside the dome. The simtion flickered erratically as the containment grid tried to reboot. Cadets screamed. Instructors shouted for an immediate lockdown.


    I dashed in immediately, calling her name. My¡ªour mate wa sno where to be found. "Valerie!"


    No answer.


    I touched the dirt where she¡¯d stood itwas still warm but there was no blood, scent or aura.


    My heart thundered in my ears.


    Behind me, I broke through the simtion line, followed by Astraea and Emerald. Their eyes scanned frantically¡ªhope crashing against disbelief.


    "She¡¯s not here," I murmured.


    "She¡¯s not anywhere," Astraea whispered, her magic flickering weakly at her fingertips as she opened her eyes. "Valerie is gone."


    Silence swallowed the dome whole.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I was in the middle of reviewing the regional patrol assignments in my private room when mym device vibrated.


    I didn¡¯t check who it was. I didn¡¯t need to. I answered.


    The voice on the other end was cold. "She¡¯s gone."


    I didn¡¯t move nor did I speak yet. I waited a bit before replying. "Xade?"


    "She¡¯s gone. Disappeared without a trace." He sounded out of breathe and I knew he was getting worried. Xade was always cunning but now... "Dristan, Valerie..."


    I drowned out his words then slowly¡ªso slowly I almost didn¡¯t realize it¡ªI smiled.


    But there was no warmth in it.


    "She better not be dead," I murmured.


    "Dristan?"


    Because if she was, I would burn them all.


    Without waiting for another response from him, I ended the call and threw my phone against the wall of my room.


    My mind reyed all of my dad¡¯s words the other day. He had agreed to leave Valerie alone. Why then had she disappeared?


    I could still hear the echo of Xade¡¯s voice in my ear even after the call ended.


    <i>"She¡¯s gone." </i>The words repeated like a curse, like a hammer mming against my skull.


    The girl who pushed my control to the edge. The girl I didn¡¯t want to want... but did anyway. The mate I wasn¡¯t supposed to have, but fate had graciously given her to me only to cruelly take her away anyway.


    Now, she was gone?


    No.


    My wolf, Soren, snarled in my head, pacing like a beast trapped in a cage.


    <i>"Seek her out! Go now!"</i>


    "I can¡¯t," I snapped aloud, storming across the marble floor of my chambers. My fists clenched at my sides. "You think I don¡¯t want to? For all we know, Dad¡¯s behind this. If I make a move¡ªany move¡ªhe¡¯ll know she means something."


    Soren¡¯s growl deepened. <i>"You¡¯re a coward if you wait. She could be in danger now. Or worse¡ª"</i>


    "She¡¯s alive!" I roared suddenly, cutting off the voice in my head.


    The windows in my room rattled.


    I could feel it¡ªsomething faint, but still there. A soft pull deep in my chest. A thread that hadn¡¯t snapped yet.


    No matter how faint, it was enough.


    She was alive.


    I turned sharply and stalked out of my room but I barely noticed. I was already moving fast¡ªtoo fast.


    The moment I stepped out into the courtyard, the full force of my anger finally erupted.


    I threw my head back and growled, my voice thundering like the very storm that lived in me.


    Lightning sparked at my fingertips, veins of blue firecing up my arms. My wolf, Soren, howled through me, and in the next second...


    <strong>BOOM.</strong>


    A crack of <strong>thunder</strong> exploded from above, a streak of lightning descending and mming into the center of the courtyard, splitting the stone tiles.


    Guards rushed to the scene, but halted at the edge of the impact. No one darede closer.


    I stood in the middle of it, my chest heaving, lightning still buzzing under my skin.


    "She¡¯s alive," I said again¡ªthis time to myself, calmer, but no less furious. "And I will find her."

 Chapter 61: We Wait

    <h4>Chapter 61: We Wait</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 61</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Warm air brushed across my face, scented with crushed grass and wild earth. My eyes fluttered open slowly, blinking against the brightness of the sun filtering through a thick canopy of leaves above me.


    I sat up with a gasp, my palms digging into soft ground¡ªreal ground. This wasn¡¯t the synthetic terrain of the simtion dome.


    This was real. Tangible. I could smell the dew on the grass and feel the faint breeze tickling the hair at my temples.


    My heart thudded erratically. This wasn¡¯t part of any program.


    I looked around quickly, searching for something¡ªanything¡ªthat would tell me where I was.


    A tall ring of grass circled the edge of the clearing, and beyond that, I could see dense trees, towering and familiar in the air.


    A glint of silver flickered just beyond the edge of the clearing, catching the light.


    I knew this ce.


    It wasn¡¯t far from the city border. The old evacuation training fields¡ªabandoned for years.


    And the silver, my heart jumped.


    "Xander?" I called out, scrambling to my feet.


    He turned halfway and halted. His silver hair shimmered in the light, his expression unreadable. His outfit was scratched, his de sheathed. But his eyes¡ªthey were sharp, calm... and tired.


    Relief surged through me like a second heartbeat.


    I ran to him without thinking.


    "Xander!" I stopped a few steps short, breathless. "You¡¯re alright!"


    He didn¡¯t say anything at first. His gaze dropped to his hand, where he held a small, cracked gem¡ªits once vibrant blue glow now dulled and flickering.


    "Xander," I repeated, stepping closer. "I thought¡ªwhat happened? What went wrong?"


    He finally met my gaze, and when he spoke, he kept his voice low. "The simtions changed. Your environment glitched, and the attackers weren¡¯t part of the original program."


    I frowned. "So it was hacked?"


    He didn¡¯t answer that.


    "Then how did you find me? How did you even know I needed help? That exact moment¡ªhow did you get there?"


    "I don¡¯t know," he murmured, his brows furrowing as he turned the gem in his fingers. "I just... felt something. I acted."


    My mouth went dry. "And the st? The rune trap¡ªhow did we escape that? You saved me... But how did we get here?"


    There were so many questions that needed to be asked about Xander and everything that went wrong, but now I couldn¡¯t afford to spook the only help I had outside in this unknown danger zone.


    Xander tilted his head slightly, looking almost amused despite the tension in his shoulders. "You ask a lot of questions, Nightshade."


    I huffed a shakyugh, brushing hair from my face. "Forgive me. A lot happened in the span of a few minutes. I was about to die in a simtion, which, by the way, is not supposed to be possible. So yeah¡ªpardon the questions."


    Xander¡¯s shoulders lowered, and the yfulness vanished.


    "That¡¯s not what matters right now," he said quietly. "What matters is why someone tried to kill you under the disguise of a simtion. Someone embedded a fatal rune into the system. That wasn¡¯t a glitch. That was a death trap. It transported you to where they wanted you to be. I was lucky I acted fast and went in too when I did."


    I inhaled sharply, his words hitting me like a weight to the chest.


    "Someone wanted me gone," I said, the realization washing over me fully. "They tried to erase me."


    Xander nodded. "And they nearly seeded."


    I looked down at the gem in his hand again. "Is that how we got out?"


    He gave a slow nod. "It cracked after the st. Must¡¯ve absorbed the final impact. I didn¡¯t think it would even activate. It¡¯s meant to transport two persons to any ce of your choice. And it ran its course."


    Xander looked down again, his thumb brushing the dull surface of the gem. "I shouldn¡¯t have done it. But I couldn¡¯t leave you."


    My throat closed up, but I didn¡¯t let myself get swept up in emotion. Not yet.


    "Then whoever did this... they must feel threatened by my presence enough to tailor a simtion designed to kill me, with runes ancient enough to bypass a hundred safetyyers."


    Xander¡¯s eyes darkened. "Which means we¡¯re not dealing with just a saboteur."


    My pulse quickened. "We need to get back. Tell Xade, I, the council¡ªeveryone."


    Xander shook his head. "No. Not yet."


    I stared at him. "What? Why not?"


    "Because if you show up now, they¡¯ll know you survived. And if they know that..." He looked back toward the tree line, the forest looming beyond. "They¡¯ll try again. Harder. Faster. Next time, they might not use a simtion."


    I clenched my fists. "Then what do we do?"


    Xander¡¯s gaze settled on me. "We stay hidden for now. We find out who did this. We strike before they get another chance. Or just wait it out like normal individuals."


    I nodded slowly, heart thudding. The forest stretched endlessly behind us, quiet, waiting.


    And somewhere out there... someone was already nning my funeral.


    But I wasn¡¯t dead.


    Not yet.


    And I wasn¡¯t going down without tearing the truth out of their bones.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I stood on the west balcony of thepound, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the now fully locked-down training dome in the distance. The sky above it shimmered faintly with a containment field, sealed tight after Valerie vanished.


    My chest still burned.


    "She¡¯s gone."


    Those were the words I¡¯d spoken. But they hadn¡¯t left me¡ªnot really. They echoed in every breath, every second since. I saw the moment on rey¡ªValerie, caught in the trap. Xander is reaching for her. The runes exploding like they¡¯d beenced with pure void energy.


    And then... nothing.


    No trace.


    A part of me knew she was alive. A part of me felt it. But feeling it didn¡¯t make it better. Didn¡¯t make it easier.


    Because if she were alive, that meant someone had taken her, and I did not know if that was worse or better at this point.


    Still, I couldn¡¯t say anything about it to anyone else apart from us heirs.

 Chapter 62: Ban Lifted

    <h4>Chapter 62: Ban Lifted</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 62</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The sun was beginning to dip behind the western spires of PSA¡¯spound, casting the courtyard in a warm amber glow.


    Ever since everything went down, the air was thick with tension.


    Xade stood alone on the senior ss balcony, his arms resting loosely on the railing as he stared out over the school grounds.


    His usual sharp smirk was gone, reced by a stern look that stretched across his face like a crack that refused to heal.


    The breeze ruffled his cor, but he didn¡¯t flinch. His thoughts were too loud in his head.


    She was still missing.


    And he hated how helpless that made him feel.


    "I didn¡¯t expect to find you brooding like a wallflower," a voice floated in,ced with amusement and just the right amount of venom.


    Xade turned his head slightly to see Titania standing behind him near the entrance.


    The fae princess walked up beside him in her perfect posture, glowing faintly in the descending light like she always did¡ªgraceful, poised, and painfully self-aware of the attention she brought with her.


    "You look troubled, Alpha Prince," she said casually, her eyes flicking toward him with curiosity. "Something on your mind?"


    Xade scoffed under his breath and looked back toward the field. "You mean other than watching a girl nearly die during a simtion in my city, while the packs breathe down our necks, wondering if their children are safe? Nah, not much."


    Titania blinked. "Oh. So you are worried. I thought maybe..." She trailed off, voice lilting with curiosity as she leaned closer, "...this was more about the missing girl. Valerie, right?"


    He didn¡¯t answer immediately.


    Titania smiled, though it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. "She certainly knows how to steal attention. All that drama for someone no one even knewst semester. And now the Lycan princes, the Dragon, and even our Dristan seem unusually alert. She must really love having boys chase after her."


    Xade¡¯s jaw twitched.


    Titania didn¡¯t stop. "Or maybe she nned it all. Girls like that¡ªthey know how to y the game. Who knows, maybe she made herself disappear on purpose. Just for the spotlight."


    "Watch your mouth, Titania," Xade cut in sharply.


    Her brows lifted slightly, caught off guard by the sudden edge in his voice.


    "I don¡¯t care what games you¡¯re used to ying in your shiny little pce, but don¡¯t ever make the mistake of speaking about Valerie like that around me again."


    Titania¡¯s smile faltered.


    "I¡¯m warning you," he continued. "She didn¡¯t ask for any of this. And she sure as hell isn¡¯t chasing attention. So unless you want to find out how little I care for royal titles, walk away."


    She studied him for a moment, lips parted like she had more to say, but this time, wisely, she kept it in. With a cool tilt of her chin, she turned and walked off.


    Xade stayed still for a beat longer, his mind drifting again to the forest clearing, the broken simtion, and the sick twist of fear he felt when Valerie vanished.


    He didn¡¯t move until his phone buzzed.


    Principal Whitmore.


    He sighed. "Perfect timing."


    <strong><i>~Principal Whitmore¡¯s Office~</i></strong>


    Arriving at her office, Dristan and Xade stood before her desk, both dressed in different outfits, clearly not their uniforms, but neither in a particrly good mood.


    Whitmore leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers. "Your probation is over."


    Xade tilted his head. "Just like that?"


    She gave him a look. "No. Not just like that. It was going to end in a week anyway, after we received intel on who actually started the fight."


    Xade asked expectantly, "Then you will punish them?"


    "No. They will get a warning for their actions. However, you are both Alpha King Heirs, and as such... You have to lead by example. I am not the only one who thinks that. The council of elders thought about that too which was why they are signed the disciplinary form before you all joined the school and before you say fuck that..."


    Principal Whitmore halted in her speech, but Xade arched a brow at her foulnguage. He smirks. "Why, principal? I didn¡¯t think you had it in you to be..."


    "My Xavier focus."


    Xade¡¯s smile faltered. "What do you want from us? I know you¡¯re not lifting it on a whim when it is not up to a week," Dristan said.


    "I am not. But now..." She leaned forward, "...your help is needed."


    Xade tucked his hands into his trouser pockets, brows raised. "There it is. The catch. What do you want?"


    Her gaze moved to Dristan briefly¡ªhe was silent, arms crossed, expression unreadable. His indifference put her on edge more than she¡¯d admit.


    "Your first assignment as reinstated Guild Leaders," she said slowly, "is to locate Valerie Nightshade and Prince Xander Draco. Bring them back safely."


    "Why should we?" Xade challenged and curled his lips slightly. "Because you asked nicely?"


    "No. Because your reputations are on the line too."


    Principal Whitmore rose from her chair and walked around the desk. "Imagine this. A student and an international royal vanish under your school¡¯s nose. Inside a simtion. No traces left behind. What do you think the Elders will do when that news spreads?"


    She didn¡¯t wait for them to answer.


    "Our entire security system wille under scrutiny. Our kingdoms will question our capabilities. And this region¡ªyour region, Prince Xade¡ªwill take the hardest hit."


    Dristan finally moved. "Fine."


    But Xade raised a finger. "Not just ¡¯fine¡¯. You owe us both a favour, seeing how this ties you down more than any of us. How do you exin to the council that the dragon prince is hurt or possibly dead, and his body just disappeared? What¡¯s more, how do you exin the simtion going wrong?"


    Principal Whitmore looked around, twisting ehr jaw in frustration as Xade continued.


    "Additionally, you will ultimately spread fear at the heart of the kingdom. And the Council of Elders is already aware. If Xander is dead, or if anything happens to Valerie, their blood is on our hands."


    Xade stepped forward, cing his hands on Principal Whitmore¡¯s desk. "Face it, you need us more than we need you, and also... You¡¯re in a deeper mess than we, Whitmore. You¡¯ll drown in this long before we do. They¡¯ll have your head for this, and believe me, I can sit and watch as it all unfolds."


    Her smile turned sharp. "Which is why I¡¯m calling for help."


    "My point and conditions stand."


    Then, just as she was about to say something to them, she paused briefly, then added one more thing with a tilt of her head.


    "What about Valerie Nightshade?" she had that smug look on her face. "I do not know all, but I know you four or six seem unusually invested in Miss Nightshade. Which makes me wonder, is she mated to one of you? If so, which? And if not, why are all heirs interested in a simple girl?"


    Dristan¡¯s chuckle was soft, butced with warning. "Valerie Nightshade is no ordinary girl. But her business is hers. Not yours."


    "Not anymore. She vanished on PSA property. That makes it mine too," Whitmore replied, eyes gleaming. "And I bet your parents would be very interested in hearing how the heirs of all five regions suddenly got tangled in one girl."


    Dristan¡¯s jaw tightened, his fist clenched even more. Xade red hard but kept his cool.


    "Fine," Xade muttered, straightening. "We¡¯ll find them. But you owe us. This isn¡¯t a favour. This is leverage."


    "Noted," Whitmore replied smoothly. "I suggest you move fast."


    As the two left the office, neither said a word at first.


    But when they stepped into the corridor, Xade nced sideways at Dristan. "We¡¯re not just doing this for her, right?"


    Dristan didn¡¯t answer.


    He didn¡¯t need to.


    His silence was loud enough as he stomped ahead.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    We¡¯d been walking for about 2 hours. Maybe more.


    The trees were thinning, but not fast enough. The forest was old, dense in ces, open in others, and quiet in a way that made you constantly second-guess if someone was watching.


    Xander walked beside me, silent but alert. He was always alert.


    I kept ncing down at my wrist, thankful I still had my watch. The ck leather strap was slightly scorched from the st, but the small screen was intact. It had stopped working when the rune hit... but now... a flicker of movement blinked in the corner.


    "Signal," I muttered, blinking at it. "Just a bar, but it¡¯s something."


    Xander looked over. "That¡¯s good?"


    "Very. It means we¡¯re getting closer to the road." I squinted toward the horizon. "There¡¯s a recreational zone just off the city outskirts. A club, actually. It¡¯s small, barely legal, and kind of underground. If we make it close enough, I might be able to call for help."


    "You know a lot about shady ces," he said with a side nce.


    I shrugged. "Let¡¯s just say I don¡¯t like being trapped in one ce for too long. Also, I do not have a good history there. It brings back annoying memories."


    "Such as?"


    "Being paralysed and bullied by..." I shook my head. "It¡¯s okay. Lesson learnt."


    Xander¡¯s lips curved slightly. "Clever."

 Chapter 63: It’s Not a Lie

    <h4>Chapter 63: It¡¯s Not a Lie</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 63</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t answer. Not because I didn¡¯t want to, but because I could finally feel my wolf shifting inside again.


    Astra had been quiet since the explosion. Still. Dormant. But now her energy pulsed faintly under my skin, like a heartbeat aligning with mine.


    <i>"We¡¯re close</i>," she whispered, voice shaky but present. "<i>I can feel the city again."</i>


    "We¡¯re going the right way," I told Xander.


    We hiked through another patch of undergrowth. Vines clung to our legs. Burrs caught in my trousers. Sweat slid down the back of my neck, and my body still ached in ces from the earlier hit. But I didn¡¯t stop.


    I couldn¡¯t. Not until we were out of this cursed forest.


    "Who do you n to contact when we reach the edge?" Xander asked.


    "My cousin," I replied without hesitation. "Solstice. She¡¯s the only one who won¡¯t report it to the council or the school until I tell her to. She can get us transport¡ªor at least shelter."


    He nodded. "Good. Keep that watch close."


    "I intend to."


    We reached a small hill, and at the top, I paused, scanning the view below.


    There, just barely through the mist and trees, I spotted the dull shimmer of car lights. Roads.


    And maybe two miles from here...


    "The club¡¯s that way," I said, pointing south. "We just have to make it there."


    Xander looked toward it. "Lead the way."


    He didn¡¯t question me. That was new. But I didn¡¯tment. I just kept moving, faster now, fueled by the single hope that the club would be open and someone¡ªanyone¡ªwould be there to pick up when I called.


    But even as we walked, something tugged at the back of my mind.


    Because this still didn¡¯t make sense.


    The rune wasn¡¯t designed just to explode. It was crafted to <i>take</i>. To <i>disce</i>. That level of magic didn¡¯t belong in a training simtion.


    Which meant someone powerful¡ªsomeone with deep ess¡ªwanted me out of PSA.


    Permanently.


    I nced at Xander again. He wasn¡¯t asking questions, but I could feel them under the surface. Just like I knew he wasn¡¯t telling me everything about that gem he used to teleport us here.


    Fine.


    One step at a time.


    Get to the road. Call Solstice. Get back safely. Then find whoever did this.


    And when I did... They would wish I hadn¡¯t survived that st at all.


    Just as I wrapped my head around those thoughts, Xander¡¯s voice broke my focus.


    "Why were you sneaking out of school the other day?"


    I froze in my steps, but before I could turn to look at him, he changed his question quickly. "No. Do you know of anyone who is willing to take you out in high ces?"


    I smiled and then turned to look at him. Judging from the shock in his eyes, Xander wasn¡¯t expecting that reaction.


    "No. I am just an inconsequential girl in the ying field. I do not know who wants me..."


    I recalled Brielle, her friends, and Titania. But they could not do something like this, right? There was no way someone had figured out my real identity on PSA either. Meaning only a high-ranking person with a clearance level can.


    "Well?" Xander asked impatiently.


    I shook my head. "I just checked. No one I knew could possibly pull that stunt."


    "I get it. Anyways..."


    "Anyways, why did you appear and save me back that night?" I knew better than to let Xander lead with this conversation.


    "Nothing."


    I scoffed. I didn¡¯t buy that shit at all. I tapped my shoes lightly.


    "Okay, then why did you arrive at this school on time?"


    Xander looked genuinely shocked for a second, and then his smirk grew. "That¡¯s because I had an interest in you."


    I frozepletely. I had not been prepared for such an answer; I¡¯m not going to lie. "Wow, that came out..."


    "It¡¯s not a lie," he countered.


    "Okay then, if it is not a lie, then why? I haven¡¯t met you before and you..." Suddenly, a thought ran through my mind, and I lifted my hands as I took a step backwards.


    What if Xander was in on it too?


    Did that make me paranoid or...


    "I know what you must be thinking, but let go of your panic, Valerie, and think. Think clearly."


    I did as he said and checked my thoughts. "Okay, so if you were out to hurt me, you could have let me getsered that night, right?"


    Xander nodded.


    "But... that could also mean you were trying to gain my trust."


    "And?"


    "You were there for me at the simtion, which can make you theirst line of attack but then again... You would have gotten us elsewhere. Why here?"


    "I wasn¡¯t thinking straight when I had to use the teleportation gem."


    I let my hands drop to my side and sighed as I continued walking. Xander followed. "What do you want from me, Xander?"


    He stopped again and this time faced me. His long silver and violet hair flying in the wind. "Because I care about your heritage, Valerie Nightshade."


    My heart skipped several beats within thirty seconds as I stared at him.


    The fear of being exposed ripped at my inside but as soon as it clung to me, a soft voice echoed in my mind.


    <i>"Dragons sense your fear and any emotions. It¡¯s like a scent to them, so be careful when you meet one."</i>


    <i>Mask your emotions! </i>I chanted in my mind and smiled about a minute pluster.


    "What do you want to know?" I finally asked, putting on a brave face even though I was feeling cautious and curious.


    I noticed the appreciative look in Xander¡¯s eyes, and how they lit up in appreciation. "About you, Valerie Nightshade. About your family and the likes."


    My brows knitted. "Be more specific. Why am I...?" I immediately sensed someone¡¯s presence and nced in that direction.


    But Xander seemed distracted or focused on me, not to notice, but I did.


    "I¡¯ll go straight to the point. I believe you are my..."


    "There, a bike!" I announced, cutting Xander off as I stared off into the distance. "There¡¯s our chance to get home."

 Chapter 64: He Came

    <h4>Chapter 64: He Came</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 64</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "There," I said, pointing to the shimmer of headlights in the distance. "A bike."


    It was moving fast, engine rumbling across the tiled road that bordered the forest¡¯s edge. The rider looked familiar, probably heading straight to the. I could practically hear the club¡¯s pulsing bass from here.


    And words could not describe my joy and worry at the thought of getting there again.


    We were close. So close.


    I didn¡¯t wait. I broke into a jog, the underbrush brushing against my legs as hope swelled in my chest like a balloon ready to burst.


    But just as my boots hit the soft earth closer to the clearing, a firm hand gripped my wrist and yanked me back hard.


    I stumbled into Xander¡¯s chest, blinking up at him, but his hand didn¡¯t let go.


    "What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice tight.


    He didn¡¯t answer right away. His eyes swept the trees beyond the road, then flicked down to mine. "Valerie, you have to be careful."


    "I am careful," I said, trying to pull away, but he held me firmly. "Xander¡ª"


    "No," he said sharply. "You¡¯re cautious, not careful. There¡¯s a difference. What if that¡¯s not just a biker? What if it¡¯s a setup? What if they¡¯re here for you again?"


    I stopped moving.


    He was right. I hated it, but he was right. Every instinct in me said go, get help, get out¡ªbut now the same instincts were starting to twist, pulling at me like a warning.


    I was about to suggest we stay low and scope out the area first when the air changed. You don¡¯t always notice it immediately, but when you¡¯ve felt it before, you know.


    The shift in the wind tingled along your spine.


    The drop in temperature when someone powerful was nearby.


    I stopped breathing.


    "He¡¯s here," I said softly, not even turning my head yet. "Xade Xavier is here."


    Xander stiffened beside me and beat me to it.. "And so is Dristan."


    I didn¡¯t need to see them to know. Their auras were unmistakable. Xade¡¯s was a storm in motion, restrained but crackling beneath the surface.


    Dristan¡¯s was colder. Heavier. The kind of presence that pressed down on your chest, not to suffocate... but to remind you that it could.


    And then he came from behind.


    I didn¡¯t hear footsteps. I just felt the weight of the silence crack.


    The crunch of boots against dry twigs was slow and deliberate.


    I turned swiftly when I felt Dristan emerge from the trees, his form cutting through the light like a shadow with teeth.


    His eyes locked on mine, glowing faintly beneath the shade of hisshes.


    I didn¡¯t flinch. But I didn¡¯t smile either.


    "Fancy seeing you two here," he said in a low voice. "Why? What happened?"


    Xander took a step in front of me. "You¡¯rete," Xander stated.


    Dristan shrugged one shoulder. "Didn¡¯t get the invite."


    Xade stepped out from the opposite side, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable but sharp as always.


    His eyes scanned me from head to toe, then flicked to Xander with the kind of intensity that made my wolf stir.


    "You look like hell," Xade said bluntly.


    I exhaled. "Feels like it too."


    "How did you find us?" Xander asked in a casual tone, but with an edge.


    "We tracked the mana residue from the explosion," Xade replied simply. "And then we followed the forest. She left a trail."


    He didn¡¯t say it like aint. He said it like a fact.


    "You¡¯re lucky we did," Dristan added, eyes flicking to the road. "This ce isn¡¯t as empty as it looks."


    Just as he said, we heard the low purr of another engine in the distance.


    Not the same bike, something heavier.


    I felt it too, and Astra stirred inside me, already at alert.


    "Morepany?" I asked, stepping beside Xander again.


    "Possibly," Dristan muttered.


    And for the first time, I saw it. He did not have the same anger that clouded his eye nor annoyance, but this time it was something else in his expression.


    Worry.


    It passed fast, too fast, like he caught it and shoved it back behind the mask he always wore.


    "Let¡¯s move," Xade said. "We¡¯ll take the long route. Cut through the east side of the trees, loop to the back entrance of the club."


    I hesitated.


    But I didn¡¯t argue.


    Because right now, I wasn¡¯t in the mood to trust anyonepletely, but I trusted danger less.


    We turned as one, silently and swiftly moving through the trees again like shadows¡ªXander at my side, Dristan close behind, and Xade covering the nk.


    "Let¡¯s go..."


    Shit!


    An arrow flew past my head so close I could feel the wind it sliced.


    I dropped instinctively, rolling across the underbrush just as two more followed, thudding into the tree where I¡¯d stood not a second ago.


    "Ambush!" Xade barked, already unsheathing his twin des, his entire stance shifting into something sharper. More lethal.


    "How the fuck did they find us?" Xade questioned.


    "They followed you two," Xander responded. "We¡¯ve been safe since, and I was doing an awesome job avoiding any such thing."


    "That¡¯s not..." Xade began but another volley rained in¡ªfast, precise, calcted.


    "Get down!" Xander grabbed my waist, yanking me behind a fallen log as the next three arrows ripped into the dirt where my feet had been.


    I didn¡¯t even get to breathe. The forest lit up now, no longer quiet. Branches snapped as shadows moved.


    And then I saw them¡ªfigures, not students or guards.


    They were dressed like they belonged in PSA, just like the previous attackers, but not one of their auras felt normal. Not the way they moved. Not the way they stood. Controlled. Masked. Too uniform.


    Each wore the same gear, but their faces were covered from the nose down in dark tactical fabric. ck, crimson trim¡ªalmost ceremonial.


    And they were surrounding us.


    "Six in total," Dristan muttered behind me. "That we can see."


    His voice was low but calm¡ªtoo calm. The kind of calm that made your stomach twist.


    "Val, you need to move," Xander whispered. "Stay low, keep left. Don¡¯t get separated."


    "I can fight," I snapped, already drawing the de from my boot.


    "I know," Xander said, eyes locked on the nearest figure. "But they¡¯re not amateurs. Someone sent them for you."


    "Or for all of us," Xade added darkly.

 Chapter 65: Chased

    <h4>Chapter 65: Chased</h4>


    ****************


    ~Valerie¡¯s POV~


    I clenched my jaw, ready to move when the first one lunged. Dristan intercepted mid-air, de out, the sh of steel ringing through the trees.


    And then the fight exploded.


    Xade vanished in a blur of wind magic and momentum, cutting off two attackers who tried to nk.


    Xander surged forward, knocking a masked figure off bnce with a pulse of glowing force from his palm. The man mmed into a tree and didn¡¯t rise again.


    I nced around, keeping my attention sharp on the next target. I couldn¡¯t afford to be caught unaware in this situation, as any hit was deadly.


    There¡¯d be no room for mistakes. I ducked, rolled, and met my attacker halfway. He lifted his hand instantly, wanting to strike first.


    His strike came from above¡ªpredictable.


    I blocked it with the t of my de, twisted under, and drove my elbow into his ribs. He grunted, stumbling, and I swept his leg.


    "Not bad for a target," I hissed, kicking his weapon away.


    He didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he took something from his back pocket and just dropped a smoke pellet at his feet.


    "Cover!" Xade shouted, his voice almost drowned out by the sudden boom of smoke flooding the forest.


    Visibility dropped instantly.


    "Valerie!" Xander called out.


    "I¡¯m here!" I coughed, shielding my eyes and face from the sudden burst of smoke. "Xade? Dristan?"


    I called fully, hoping to get a response, but I did not. "Dris..." A hand gripped mine again¡ªfirm, warm, familiar.


    "Dristan?" I asked.


    He did not answer me either, but his grip tightened on my wrist and he yanked me forward.


    The smoke cleared just enough for me to make out the sharp curve of his jaw and those glowing eyes.


    "Stay with me," he instructed.


    My heart jumped. "Since when do you¡ª"


    "Later," he cut me off. "We need to move."


    We took off in a sprint, ducking and weaving through the underbrush as footsteps thundered behind us.


    "Where¡¯s Xade?" I asked, panting.


    "He¡¯ll find us. He knows the route," Dristan exined without breaking a sweat or breathing.


    I didn¡¯t know why, but in that moment, I believed him.


    Something about the way he moved through the forest like it was his second skin, the way he shielded me without hesitation, told me that no matter what words had passed between us, he would never let harm touch me if he could stop it.


    We ran, but then another question that had been bothering me crossed my mind. Just as soon as I was sure we had given our attackers a reasonable gap, I asked, "How did you find me, Dristan?"


    He hesitated a second before answering. "Xade already told you the story."


    "I do not believe it."


    "Suit yourself but..." I halted mid-race, which made Dritsan frown. He tried to pull me with him, but I stood my ground. "Valerie, not now."


    I did not speak or move.


    "Valerie," Dristan called through gritted teeth. "They could be on to us."


    "Then I suggest you start talking." He nced around a bit frantically. This was something I hadn¡¯t seen when he arrived.


    Dristan Alexander was worried.


    "I do not buy that mana bullshit and I sure as hell know Xander didn¡¯t either. Spill or I go back and take my chances with those killers."


    "You wouldn¡¯t dare." My gaze said it all.


    Of course I would, after all, I was no damsel in distress. I notice Dristan clench and unclench his fist as the veins at the side of his head be more visible.


    But the softness in his eyes told a different tale.


    However, his concern was the least of my worries as his next sentence made my heart skip a beat and anger surge through me.


    "I... I tracked your ne."


    "What?" My hand instinctively reached up to my neck to feel the ne.


    "I put a tracker in your ne."


    Anger coursed through me as my eyes glinted. "Valerie, I..."


    "There they are," one of the attackers called out.


    "Fuck!" Dristan cursed and immediately reached for my hand, pulling me with him. This time I did not hesitate and immediately followed Dristan, running through the bush.


    "Shit!" He muttered some other curse words before we broke into a clearing, and there, thank the gods, was the back entrance of the club.


    Dim lights flickered against the concrete wall, just ahead of a service door. I turned back to see Xander burst from the other side of the trees, slightly winded but whole. "Found it!"


    "Go!" Dristan ordered.


    We all bolted, mming into the door just as it opened from the inside.


    "What the... she..." A voice gawked.


    "No time!" Xander barked. "Lock this door," he ordered sternly. "And no one follows."


    The man hesitated for one second too long, but Dristan¡¯s re fixed that real quick.


    The door mmed behind us instantly, and we waited in silence. I leaned against the wall, my chest heaving, eyes wide.


    "Who the hell were they?" I asked no one in particr.


    Xade stepped out of the shadows behind a crate. "They weren¡¯t just anyone."


    "You knew?" Dristan asked, turning to him.


    "Didn¡¯t know. But suspected."


    He held up a shred of one of their mask ties. A faint symbol was burned into the edge.


    A half-moon over an eye.


    I didn¡¯t recognise it. But something inside me¡ªa part of me buried deep¡ªdid. My blood chilled.


    "That¡¯s not a student faction," Xander said slowly.


    "No," I said, voice hoarse. "That¡¯s an assassin mark."


    Everyone turned.


    Dristan¡¯s eyes narrowed. "You¡¯re sure?"


    I nodded once. "My family trained me on the signs. That mark belongs to a group that doesn¡¯t miss."


    "So why are you still breathing?" Xade asked.


    That was the question, wasn¡¯t it? And I didn¡¯t have the answer yet, but I would.


    I pushed off the wall and wiped the sweat from my face. I nced at the man by the door, then at Dristan.


    "Get me am. I need to call someone," I said.


    "No. I cannot trust anything at this point," he refuted my request, then turned his attention to the man. "I need a car and two bikes, and four guys."


    "What for?" Xander inquired.


    "The car and the people are the impersonators. We ride the bike after they are gone."


    ***************


    ~Author¡¯s POV~


    The forest stood still again, as if nothing had happened. As if blood hadn¡¯t stained its roots and magic hadn¡¯t ripped through its lungs. The birds didn¡¯t sing. Even the wind had tucked itself away in silence.


    But a shadow moved.


    One of the masked figures staggered through the trees, favouring his left side where a de had torn through muscle. His arm was slick with blood, dark against the ck and crimson of his gear.


    Breathing hard, he reached a moss-covered rock and dropped to his knees.


    Gloved fingers dug into a hidden pouch at his side. From it, he pulled a smallm crystal¡ªoval, ck, almost indistinguishable from stone except for the faint thrum of magic pulsing beneath its surface.


    He pressed it to his mouth.


    "Target escaped," he whispered, voice low and rasping from the pain. "Initiating Phase Two."


    There was silence on the other end for a heartbeat, then a reply came¡ªsharper, colder.


    "No. Do not advance. You have beenpromised." The masked man stiffened. "Abort mission. I repeat, abort the mission now."


    "<i>Damn it. Grow some balls,"</i> the man growled as the call ended.

 Chapter 66: Meeting With the Council of Elders

    <h4>Chapter 66: Meeting With the Council of Elders</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 65</strong>


    <strong>~Principal Whitmore¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The blinds were drawn. Every single one. No daylight dared creep through the cracks. I made sure of it.


    The overheadnterns flickered, casting a pale glow against the walls of my office, but even that did little to chase off the cold that had settled in my bones.


    This wasn¡¯t just another disciplinary meeting.


    This was a council summons.


    I stood behind my desk, hands folded tightly behind me, my back straight, my faceposed¡ªevery part of me wearing the practised expression of control.


    But beneath the stillness, something twisted. Cold, heavy dread curled in my gut like smoke that refused to lift.


    The room was filled with apex predators, not just in title, but in aura.


    We were having a meeting via video call. At once, all the screens lit up with visuals of the council of elders.


    We were in a secure virtual meeting, each of us connecting from our respective estates. The council had gathered fast¡ªtoo fast for this not to be serious.


    One by one, the screens lit up on my wall, holographic projections forming a circle around my office like ghosts of power and judgment.


    Alpha Zeno appeared first, seated in his study, draped in gold-threaded tapestries. His suit shimmered faintly with embedded enchantments, and his fingers tapped relentlessly on the armrest of his high-backed chair.


    His expression was tight, jaw clenched, as though waiting for someone to give him a reason to erupt.


    Two screens to the left, Alpha Xavier leaned into his cam feed, whispering to someone off-screen¡ªmost likely Alpha Draven, whose own feed activated a heartbeatter.


    They spoke in quiet tones, strategists to the core; their expressions were unreadable, but their eyes were razor sharp. Calcting. Already preparing for the worst.


    And then... Alpha Alexander¡¯s screen lit up.


    No sound. No greeting. Just cold silence and the cial weight of his stare locking onto me like a de pressed just behind the ribs.


    His background was dim, a library perhaps, but I barely saw it. All I could focus on was that piercing gaze.


    His presence hadn¡¯t dulled at all through a screen. It never did.


    Then came Alpha Storm.


    His image wavered slightly before it settled. Unlike the others, he didn¡¯t hide his nerves. He sat in a sparsely lit office, the southern sigil glowing faintly behind him. His fingers drummed relentlessly against the edge of his desk, jaw tight, eyes flickering between the feeds.


    Storm was worried.


    He had every right to be.


    Of all of us, he was closest to the dragon borders. If this news reached the wrong ears, he wouldn¡¯t be dealing with political fallout.


    He¡¯d be dealing with mes.


    Real ones.


    I cleared my throat, not because I needed to, but because I needed them to listen fully and carefully.


    "I appreciate you all responding quickly," I began, forcing my voice to remain firm. "There¡¯s been an incident."


    Of course, they knew that already. They wouldn¡¯t be here otherwise.


    Still, I activated the illusion rune on my desk. It shimmered in the air between us, forming a projection of the simtion dome, just seconds before the st.


    Then it yed.


    Valerie Nightshade¡ªher figure frozen mid-turn¡ªthen light. A violent explosion erupted, followed by the ground cracking and magic surging.


    Gone.


    The illusion paused on the fractured forest floor.


    My throat was dry when I spoke next. "Twelve hours ago, Valerie Nightshade and Xander Draco went missing. During a live simtion exercise."


    Alpha Storm stood up immediately, voice rising without warning. "You¡¯re saying the Dragon Prince is missing?! Under your supervision?!"


    I didn¡¯t flinch.


    But Alpha Alexander¡¯s silky voice came next. "Please sit down, Alpha Storm. Shouting won¡¯t change it."


    Alpha Storm sat, but his fury simmered like boiling water under ice.


    "If King Davion hears of this¡ª" he began.


    "He won¡¯t," I cut in. "Not yet. Which is why we are here."


    Alpha Zeno was the next to speak, his voice carrying more venom than concern. "And the girl? The Nightshade girl. What¡¯s her part in this?"


    I hated how they all said her name like she was a footnote. An afterthought.


    "She was the target," I said. And when I did, the room turned still.


    It was Alpha Draven who asked, slowly, "What do you mean?"


    I gestured to the illusion again. "That rune was not from our system. It wasn¡¯t just a glitch or an overload. It was embedded into the simtion. Illegally. And it was designed to lock onto Valerie specifically. Not a random trigger. A coordinated strike."


    Murmurs. Curses. A few expressions darkened to suspicion.


    "Why are? And how sure are you it was targeted at her?"


    "Because when she was with another student, she protected him. However, they never pursued that student, even after he left. All focus was on her."


    "She was meant to disappear," I continued. "Or worse. But Xander intervened. He took the full impact of the spell. They both vanished. We don¡¯t know where."


    Alpha Alexander tilted his head slightly. "You¡¯ve lost control."


    That stung more than I let show.


    "Yes," I admitted. "For twelve hours, yes. We don¡¯t know who breached our systems, but someone powerful¡ªsomeone with internal ess¡ªdid."


    Alpha Storm turned to me again. "So let me get this straight. Not only is a foreign prince missing on your property, but the entire situation revolves around a student with no known lineage, a girl we know nothing about?"


    I hated how my next words tasted.


    "She is not ordinary."


    Zeno scoffed. "Clearly."


    "But she is not our enemy," I said quickly, before they could spiral further. "She¡¯s being watched. Protected. Possibly even manipted. That rune was old magicyered in void magic. This wasn¡¯t student-level sabotage."


    Xavier narrowed his eyes. "So what are you doing to fix it?"


    I took a slow breath. "We¡¯ve activated containment protocols. The dome is locked down. Staff are interrogated. All simtion runes are being examined. Publicly, the students are being told that the dome is being recalibrated due to system damage. As for the dragons... we¡¯ve said the prince is on diplomatic leave."


    Alpha Xavier chuckled darkly. "A lie."


    "A necessary one," I said again. "Until we find them."


    Silence hung again, broken only when Alpha Storm leaned forward, his brows knitted as age-old eyes focused on me.


    And when he spoke, his tone was low. "If the dragons find out before we recover their heir, PSA won¡¯t survive this. You won¡¯t survive this."


    I knew that. Gods, I knew that.


    Which is why I made the call that was burning in my chest even as I said it.


    "I¡¯ve enlisted the help of two of the princes. Xade Xavier and Dristan Alexander. Effective immediately."


    Alpha Alexander¡¯s gaze sharpened. "My son doesn¡¯t answer to school politics."


    "He does now," I snapped. "This happened in his territory. If the dragons retaliate, they¡¯ll look at who ruled the field when it happened. His hands aren¡¯t clean. None of ours are."


    Alpha Storm exhaled. "And the girl? Valerie?"


    "She knows nothing. But she¡¯s not clueless either. And if someone doesn¡¯t find her before whoever sent that rune does..."


    I didn¡¯t finish. I didn¡¯t have to. I turned toward the wall where the PSA crest hung, cracked.


    "This school was meant to unify the future leaders of our kingdoms," I whispered. "Instead, someone is using it as a battleground."


    And in the centre of it all was a girl none of them could see clearly, yet.


    But I could.


    And if we didn¡¯t act now, she wouldn¡¯t be around long enough for anyone to find out what she truly was.


    Or worse... They would and then the real war would begin if no one liked what they knew.

 Chapter 67: His Reason

    <h4>Chapter 67: His Reason</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 68</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The club¡¯s back door mmed shut behind us like a final shield between life and death. But there was no time to breathe. No time to process, only time to move.


    Within minutes, Dristan was barking instructions to the worker who had opened the door, his voice sharp and decisive. I watched the man scramble, nodding quickly as he moved.


    Two cars. Four men. All dressed like us. They were to pose as the real team.


    Two bikes for the rest of us¡ªsomething with less noise, fast and untraceable.


    "They¡¯ll head south," Dristan said. "The car will act as our decoy. If we¡¯re lucky, it¡¯ll draw whoever¡¯s still watching away from the club."


    "And we?" Xade asked as he pushed open the side gate that led to the alley behind the club.


    "We go back. Quietly."


    A few minutester, two bikes were rolled out. Xade swung onto one, sleek and matte ck, adjusting the grip with ease. Xander hesitated, looking between him and the other bike.


    "Dristan¡¯s riding with her?" Xander asked tly, already irritated.


    "Do you want to fight him for it?" Xade replied in a dry voice. "Have you not seen it? The way he grabbed the bike when they came out of the club? His grip? His eyes?"


    Xander muttered something under his breath and crossed his arms.


    "He¡¯s angry, Xander," Xade added, his voice lower now. "And right now, the best bet for Valerie¡¯s survival is the one who¡¯d burn the damn world to keep her breathing."


    Xander¡¯s jaw tightened, but he said nothing more. He got on the bike beside Xade and waited.


    When the club doors opened again, Dristan emerged, helmet in one hand, mine in the other. He tossed it to me.


    "Get on."


    There was no room to argue. No point either. I mounted the bike behind him, slid the helmet on, and wrapped my arms around his middle, steadying myself.


    He didn¡¯t speak as he started the engine. Just pulled us into motion, and soon the city¡¯s edge blurred behind us.


    At the next bend in the road, Xade and Xander veered off, taking the south-east highway back toward PSA¡¯s campus. We didn¡¯t follow. Instead, we turned left.


    The road narrowed into a less familiar path. Dristan¡¯s posture didn¡¯t change, but something in the silence between us did.


    It took me a moment to realise what Xade¡¯s words had meant¡ª<i>he¡¯s angry.</i>


    And I was beginning to feel it too.


    "Dristan," I called out, raising my voice just enough over the roar of the bike. "This isn¡¯t the road back to PSA." He didn¡¯t answer. "Where are we going?"


    Another turn. Another road that led away from everything I recognised.


    "Dristan," I said again, louder this time. "Answer me. What¡¯s happening?"


    "We split up to distract the attackers," he replied calmly.


    "Okay... and then we head back to school, right?"


    "No."


    I blinked, tightening my grip around his waist. It was the best logical thing to do with how he was speeding down the road. "No?"


    "Not yet," he said firmly. "I will get you to school... after I¡¯ve deemed it safe."


    I wanted to argue, but what could I say to that? It was the most Dristan-like thing to do. Overbearing. Unrelenting. But also... not wrong.


    So I stayed silent.


    We rode another twenty minutes before we finally pulled into a quiet estate tucked between rows of tall trees. The house wasrge, modern but not shy.


    There weren¡¯t any guards. No visible cameras. But every inch of it screamed secure. Dristan parked the bike at the side of the house, got off, and waited for me to follow.


    I climbed off with the helmet in hand, scanning the surroundings. It was too quiet.


    Without a word, Dristan walked ahead. I followed.


    We stepped into the house through a side door. The interior was clean, dark-toned, and minimal. The air smelled like aged oak and something faintly smoky. Maybe incense.


    Dristan dropped the keys on the small table by the entrance. I watched him, expecting him to say something, but instead, he nced at me, then reached back, picked up the keys again, and shoved them into his pocket.


    <i>Imagine... Trust issues, huh?</i>


    Then, without ncing at me, he said, "Make yourself at home. We leave in three hours."


    "Why?"


    He paused mid-step. "What?"


    "Why?" I asked again, stepping further into the living room.


    "What do you mean ¡¯why¡¯?" He turned to face me, confusion and slight irritation shing in his eyes.


    "Why did youe for me?" I asked, this time more quietly. "You said not to appear before you again. You said you didn¡¯t care."


    He exhaled through his nose and looked away. "I did. And so did you. But here we are."


    His voicecked bite. It wasn¡¯t a jab. Just a simple truth. But it still cut.


    "Here we are?" I shook my head. "You do not get to tell me that when you behaved rudely to me. Do not behave that way with me. So tell me the truth. Why the fuck did youe to get me?"


    Dristan hesitated to speak, but he didter. "Whitmore."


    Just that word alone made me scoff, and I bit down on my lower lip. "So it was all an order and nothing more." I smiled and looked away. "Good to know."


    I turned away from him and noticed him move towards me from the corner of my eye. "Valerie, it wasn¡¯t just..."


    "Just what? Principal Whitmore?" I shot back, stepping toward him. "So I should believe that somewhere in the middle of your ice-cold silence and ring at me like I¡¯m a curse, you actually wanted to do something? You wanted toe find me?"


    His jaw clenched. I saw it. But I didn¡¯t stop.


    "Because from where I¡¯m standing, it feels like you just got dragged back into duty. Like saving me was part of some political clean-up so the school doesn¡¯t lose its shiny reputation."


    "Valerie, I¡ª"


    "No." My voice cracked, and I hated it, but I kept going. "You don¡¯t get to say my name like that. Not when thest time I heard it from you, it cameced with venom. Like I was nothing and I disgusted you."

 Chapter 68: First Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 68: First Kiss</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 69</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I wanted to ignore it. I didn¡¯t want to let him intimidate me or anything, but Dristan moved then. One step forward. Then another.


    I took a step back, not because I was afraid, but because I couldn¡¯t breathe right when he got too close.


    I felt something snapping into ce within me¡ªthe matebond. I tensed as I felt Astra rise within me. I couldn¡¯t let the mate bond manipte me, though.


    "And now what?" I demanded. "You bring me here, keep me in this house like I¡¯m some fragile vase about to break. Like you¡¯re doing me a favour. Do you even realise what it feels like to be tossed around by people¡¯s decisions and still have no idea who¡¯s trying to kill me or why?"


    "Valerie¡ª"


    "Stop saying my name!" I snapped, my voice sounding sharper than I intended. "Say something else. Say anything else. Tell me the truth, Dristan. Don¡¯t just stand there and look at me like I am saying something stupid."


    "That¡¯s because you are, Valerie. Give him a chance," Astra purred in my head, and I ignored her.


    He looked like he wanted to yell. Or m his hand through a wall. Or walk away. But instead, Dristan exhaled deeply. A muscle twitched in his jaw.


    And then he walked right next to me¡ªclose, too close.


    His presence hit me like a wall¡ªcool and thunderous, but not angry. Just... charged. He towered just slightly, his shadow brushing over mine, his scent¡ªstormy and sharp¡ªcurling around my throat like a challenge.


    "Stop yelling," he muttered lowly.


    "No." I shook my head, pulse thudding. "Not until you answer me. Why, Dristan? Why did youe for me if you don¡¯t care? Why even try if I¡¯m just a fucking problem to you? Any other heir could havee so... Or do you have something to do with all this?"


    His eyes flickered, and something in him snapped. A raw intensity red in their depths, and I swallowed, not expecting it.


    I expected him to get angry, seeing as I had instigated his rage. In anger, people lost theirposure, and I was hoping to see one with Dristan.


    However, in the next second, his hands cupped my face. A tremor ran through his fingers. Before I could react, Dristan kissed me.


    I froze.


    There was no warning. No gentle build. No time to catch my breath.


    Just heat, raw fire.


    His mouth moved over mine with a hunger that rattled something deep in my chest, something I didn¡¯t even know was waiting.


    It wasn¡¯t perfect or slow or tender like I had watched in the movies¡ªit was chaotic and possessive and desperate.


    And gods... it burned.


    My heart mmed so loudly against my ribs, I swore he could hear it. My hands rose instinctively, grabbing his shirt like it was the only thing anchoring me to this moment.


    Dristan kissed like he didn¡¯t know if he¡¯d ever be allowed to do it again.


    Like he¡¯d been holding back for too long and finally, finally, let himself lose control.


    My knees wobbled. Astra let out a soft purr of contentment in my mind.


    I barely noticed my own gasp against his lips when his thumb brushed my cheek, grounding me, steadying me¡ªand making it worse, because it was gentle.


    Somehow, in the middle of all that heat, there was tenderness.


    His fingers threaded lightly into my hair. His other hand moved down to my waist, gripping¡ªnot to hold me in ce¡ªbut like he couldn¡¯t not touch me.


    Astra literally leapt for joy in my head, a delighted squeal echoing within me.


    And just when I thought I would lose myselfpletely... he pulled back.


    Not far. Just enough to look at me.


    We stood there, eyes locked, both of us breathing like we¡¯d run miles.


    I blinked, but then again, it was because my brain had just caught up with what had happened.


    Dristan Alexander had kissed me.


    No, not just kissed.


    He¡¯d taken my first kiss. And I... let him.


    My lips still tingled. My cheeks were on fire. And my heart... it wouldn¡¯t stop. It raced like I had run a marathon and fought the battle of my life.


    "I¡ª" I swallowed, unable to finish the sentence. My mouth felt dry, my thoughts scrambled. Why now? Why like that?


    He watched me carefully, like he was afraid I¡¯d bolt. A part of me wanted to.


    "I didn¡¯t..." I started, my voice shaking. "I didn¡¯t expect that."


    "Good," he said roughly. "Because neither did I."


    I blinked again, trying to keep my footing¡ªmentally, emotionally, physically¡ªbut everything felt like it had shifted. The air. The silence¡ªhim and I.


    Dristan stepped back finally, just one step, and that alone made me feel like something had been ripped out of my chest.


    Then he reached up, brushing a finger along the corner of my mouth.


    "You asked why I came," he said quietly.


    "Stop it, Dristan," I interrupted him, not ready for what woulde out next from those soft, possessive lips of his. "I... I don¡¯t want to hear it."


    "Well," he ignored my request and continued. "That¡¯s your answer."


    And for once... I didn¡¯t know what to say. Because even if I didn¡¯t trust him fully¡ªeven if I shouldn¡¯t¡ª


    That kiss didn¡¯t feel like a lie.


    And that scared me more than anything else.


    Seeing as I did not speak, Dristan reached for my hand, and I took a step back.


    He gave me a long look before finally uttering, "If you need to use the bathroom, it¡¯s down the hall, second door on the right."


    I didn¡¯t argue. I didn¡¯t press further. I just nodded. "I can find it," I said. "Thank you."


    And I walked away, feeling everything I had been holding inside weigh heavily on my chest again.


    Because even after all the tension, the fights, and the mix of truths and lies, there was still something unsaid between us.


    And for the first time, I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted to hear what was left to say. But Astra, my stubborn wolf, wouldn¡¯t let me ignore it.


    <i>"Ahhh!"</i> Astra squealed like she had just gotten the best thing in life.


    <i>"Shut it."</i>

 Chapter 69: Taking Her Back

    <h4>Chapter 69: Taking Her Back</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 70</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The bathroom door clicked shut behind me, and for a long second, I just stood there.


    The air inside was warm and smelled faintly ofvender soap. A towel hung neatly on the rack, and there was a clean sink, a in mirror, and a soft white light. It was quiet¡ªtoo quiet. And suddenly, I could hear nothing but my own breathing.


    And the thundering of my heart.


    That kiss.


    I braced my hands on the sink and stared into the mirror. My lips still tingled. My face was flushed. I looked like someone who¡¯d been through a war¡ªand then somehow, in the middle of the battlefield, had her first kiss stolen by thest person she expected.


    <i>Dristan fucking Alexander.</i>


    Of all people, of all times. And right after everything.


    A mix of emotions twisted in my chest¡ªanger, confusion, heat. My thoughts were a mess. Part of me wanted to scream at him again. Another part wanted to kiss him back harder and longer.


    Who was I kidding?


    I liked it even though I was scared to admit it. I never really thought about how I wanted my first kiss to be, thanks to the situation in my life and how I grew up, but still.


    When I met my mates, that thought became far from me. Why? Because I had four and did not think my brain could handle such romance.


    Astra, of course, wasn¡¯t helping.


    <i>"That was perfect,"</i> she whispered dreamily. <i>"So much heat. So much im."</i>


    "Don¡¯t start," I muttered aloud, ring at myself in the mirror. "It meant nothing."


    A pause.


    <i>"I don¡¯t think you believe that," </i>Astra whispered again.


    I sshed cold water on my face but stopped halfway, lowering my hand. I hadn¡¯t even washed up yet. I was just staring. Breathing. Reying it over and over again, like it held some kind of answer.


    Then came the knock.


    "Valerie?" Dristan¡¯s voice was calm and close.


    I opened the door slowly.


    He stood there, expression unreadable, but I caught how his eyes flicked over me quickly, and how his brow pinched just slightly when he noticed I hadn¡¯t done anything.


    "Everything okay?"


    "Fine," I replied curtly, brushing past him.


    He held something out. A bundle of soft, folded clothes¡ªa button-down striped shirt, a pair of white tank tops. They looked fresh.


    "There are clean towels in there," he said. "You should take a bath to rx."


    I arched a brow, still standing there. "Is it safe?"


    He blinked, confusion flickering in his gaze. "Safe?"


    I sighed and rified before his mind went somewhere worse, like he was thinking I meant he was perverted or something else. "I meant... should I really be taking my bath now?"


    For a second, I thought he¡¯d get offended. His jaw ticked, and his arms crossed like he was about to snap something sharp.


    But instead, he exhaled slowly. "Valerie, I wouldn¡¯t do anything to you." I narrowed my eyes. "Okay," he added dryly. "I kissed you, yes, but I¡¯m not the threat here."


    I rolled my eyes. "You think too much."


    He blinked. "Excuse me?"


    "I meant the question wasn¡¯t about you<i>.</i> It¡¯s about being ambushed while my guard¡¯s down. What if we¡¯re attacked again?"


    A ghost of a smirk tugged at his lips, then vanished. "Then I suggest you hurry before that happens."


    "But¡ª"


    "No one followed us here," he cut in, tone firmer now. "This ce is warded. They¡¯d be fools to try."


    He pressed the clothes into my hands. "Go."


    I took them, ncing down briefly. They were my size. Of course. I didn¡¯t even ask where he got them. I didn¡¯t want to.


    All I knew was that they had been worn and washed before due to the absence of abel, and they looked very girlish¡ªdefinitely not his.


    Dristan turned without another word and walked back down the hallway.


    I lingered for a second longer, then finally closed the door and did as he asked.


    ***************


    When I stepped out¡ªclean, hair damp, towel slung over one shoulder¡ªI found him seated at the dining table with his legs crossed. Same nk expression.


    He hadn¡¯t even changed.


    "You didn¡¯t shower?" I asked.


    He looked at me once, then away again. "Didn¡¯t feel like it. Besides, I had already done so before when I came to get you."


    I waited.


    "I¡¯m done. Let¡¯s go," I said tly.


    "No."


    I blinked. "Why?"


    "Because," he said without moving, "I told you¡ªwe let the dust settle."


    "And what do I do while we wait? Twiddle my thumbs?"


    "Sit. Breathe. Try not to punch anyone."


    "Tempting." I tried not to snap at him.


    Then, his phone rang. He checked the screen. "Xade."


    I perked up instantly, my arms folding again as I stared at him.


    Dristan answered.


    "It¡¯s safe now," Xade¡¯s voice crackled through the speaker. I could hear him clearly even from where I stood. "Her attackers are gone. You must bring her back. Whitmore is not happy."


    Dristan leaned back slowly in the chair. "No."


    "Dristan."


    "Why? Because Whitmore cares now? The dragon prince is back. She has her damage control in ce."


    "Dristan, behave."


    "I won¡¯t throw my mate into danger again just to satisfy some agenda."


    I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.


    "She¡¯s my mate too, remember?" Xade snapped. "Just¡ª"


    Dristan didn¡¯t wait. "See youter." Then he ended the call and tossed the phone on the table.


    Silence stretched between us. When he looked up, I was already ring. Arms crossed.


    "What?" he asked.


    "It¡¯s safe," I said firmly. "We are going." With that, I turned and headed for the door, ignoring him.


    Dristan lifted a brow when I nced back and leaned back in the chair again. "And how do you n to do that without the keys?"


    I smirked. "Try me." Then I raised my hand and let my ws slide out. His eyes flicked to them¡ªmild surprise, maybe a trace of amusement¡ªbut he said nothing.


    I closed the gap between me and the door and lifted my hand, fully intending to break the damn thing if I had to¡ª


    "Fine," his voice came from behind me. "I¡¯ll go. I¡¯ll take you back."


    I paused, hand still lifted.


    Slowly, I turned to look at him, keeping my face neutral, even though Astra was already doing her little happy dance again in my head.


    "Better," I said simply.


    And just like that, he stood, grabbed his jacket from the chair, and walked ahead of me, unlocking the door.


    "After you."

 Chapter 70: Discovering Her Secret

    <h4>Chapter 70: Discovering Her Secret</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 71</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The dim glow of a deskmp cast long shadows across the small dorm room, its golden hue barely warming the coldness that lingered in the space.


    Outside the window, the wind whispered secrets through the trees, rustling leaves and stirring curtains, but inside¡ªit was silent. Still. Too still.


    A girl sat at her desk, one leg crossed beneath her, the other tapping restlessly against the floor.


    Her long hair was tucked behind one ear as she stared at the piece of paper before her. Her fingers were stained faintly with ink, and her eyes glinted in the low light.


    On the paper, scribbled in bold letters:


    <strong>"I know who you really are, Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow¡ªSouthern Alpha King¡¯s Heir."</strong>


    The name stared back at her like it had been pulled from some sacred, forbidden archive.


    She tapped her finger again, once... twice... rhythmically, as if weighing the consequences of her next move.


    Then she smiled.


    A small one at first. Gentle. Almost innocent.


    But slowly, it grew¡ªwarped, twisted into something darker. Sinister. A smile born from obsession or envy or perhaps both.


    She leaned back in her chair, her eyes not leaving the paper as she whispered under her breath, "Nice to know your secret, Valerie..."


    Her voice was soft, venomous.


    "Now let¡¯s see what we can do with this when everyone finds out who you truly are."


    She picked up the paper and folded it slowly, pressing the edges down with almost reverent care.


    Then she grabbed a nk envelope, slipped the folded note inside, and sealed it shut with a line of red wax¡ªa precaution. A signature.


    No names. No fingerprints.


    Just a message in the form of chaos waiting to bloom.


    She stood, moving to her wardrobe with calcted grace. From the corner, she pulled out a ck hoodie and slipped it over her fitted bralet and leggings, zipping it halfway as she moved toward the door. Her boots made no sound across the room¡¯s wooden floor.


    The envelope sat tucked in her palm, light as air but heavy with promise.


    With a final nce behind her, she stepped out.


    The dorm hall was quiet, thete hour giving her the perfect cover. She kept to the edges of the hallway, hugging shadows like second skin.


    Her breath fogged in the chilled air as she slipped through side corridors and empty stairwells, knowing exactly when the cameras rotated, when the guards circled the outer quadrants.


    It didn¡¯t take long to cross the outer courtyard and scale the back railing of the school¡¯s west wing. She crouched low, her eyes sharp as they scanned the darkened school hall.


    A shlight beam flickered near the eastern hallway, but she waited, crouched behind a pir until it passed.


    Then, silent as a whisper, she moved.


    Past themon hallway. Past the library wing.


    And finally¡ªto the row of lockers near the senior dorms.


    Locker number 212.


    <strong>Valerie Nightshade.</strong>


    She knelt, checked around her once more, then slid the envelope carefully through the thin vent in the locker door, watching as it disappeared into the shadows inside.


    Her breath hitched slightly in anticipation.


    The trap was set.


    Let the truth whisper loud enough in the wrong ears, and Valerie¡¯s world would burn before she could even see the smoke.


    But just as she turned to leave, her body stiffened.


    A shlight beam swung wide around the corner.


    "Shit," she muttered, eyes narrowing.


    With practiced speed, she darted behind a row of lockers, pressed against the wall, and waited until the guard passed.


    Only when the hallway was silent again did she slip into motion, moving faster now, vanishing down the corridor and out the exit door without a trace.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment the school gates came into view, I felt it¡ªthat mix of relief and dread coiling together in my stomach.


    Home.


    Or something close to it.


    Dristan pulled the bike to a slow stop near the side entrance where no one but faculty and select students usually passed. I swung one leg over and stepped off, my boots crunching softly against the paved stone as I exhaled, unsure if the tightness in my chest was nerves, exhaustion, or... everything.


    "Don¡¯t speak unless necessary," Dristan muttered beside me, climbing off the bike. "Let me handle it if it turns."


    I didn¡¯t answer. Just nodded once. That was all I had left in me right now.


    But even before we could make it up the path, the back gate slid open with a metallic groan¡ªand three familiar figures waited on the other side.


    Xade. Axel. Kai.


    They weren¡¯t in uniform, but their presence was asmanding as ever. Standing like sentinels, like they had been waiting longer than they¡¯d ever admit.


    Axel was the first to move. He didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªhe jogged toward me, his brows drawn tightly together, concern painting every line of his face.


    "Valerie," he said, voice low and urgent. "Gods, you¡¯re really okay."


    He reached for me, not forcefully, just enough to take my arms in his hands and scan my face, like he was making sure I wasn¡¯t just a figment of his guilt and worry. "You¡¯re not hurt? Did they¡ª?"


    "I¡¯m fine," I said quickly, my voice hoarse.


    His jaw flexed, but he nodded. "We didn¡¯t know where you were. When the dome copsed¡ª"


    "I know," I cut in softly. "I know."


    Xade approached next, slower, quieter, his hands tucked in his pockets. His eyes swept over me in one long look, noting everything without saying much. His expression wasn¡¯t as open as Axel¡¯s, but it carried weight all the same.


    "About time," he muttered.


    I arched a brow. "Did you miss me, Xavier?"


    A ghost of a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, but he didn¡¯t rise to the bait. "d you¡¯re in one piece, Nightshade. We¡¯ve had our hands full here without you."


    I didn¡¯t have the energy to ask what he meant, not now.


    Kai stood a few paces back, eyes flicking between me and Dristan.


    He didn¡¯t speak at first. He stepped toward Dristan, gave him a long look¡ªlike brothers sizing each other up after a battle. Dristan didn¡¯t flinch, but I could tell there was something unspoken between them.


    Kai finally pped Dristan lightly on the shoulder before turning to me.


    "You¡¯re fine," he said tly, but I could hear the relief under his words.


    I nodded. "More or less."


    He inclined his head slightly. "Good. Then no rest for you. Principal Whitmore wants to see you."


    Of course she does.


    I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "Let me guess¡ªalone?"


    "Obviously," Xade muttered. "Though I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if there¡¯s a council or five waiting in that office."


    "Fantastic," I murmured, straightening up.


    Dristan shifted beside me. "I¡¯ll go with¡ª"


    "No," Kai interrupted, already walking away. "She asked for Valerie. Alone. You can handle your own lectureter, Alexander."


    Dristan didn¡¯t respond, but I could feel the tension ripple off him.


    I followed Kai¡¯s lead as he gestured toward the main path. Axel gave my arm a final squeeze before stepping back. "We¡¯ll be outside," he promised. "If she pulls anything¡ª"


    "I¡¯ll be fine," I said, forcing a half-smile. "It¡¯s just Principal Whitmore."


    But in my chest, that coil of nerves pulled tighter because nothing about this felt like just anything anymore.

 Chapter 71: Principal Whitmore Knows?

    <h4>Chapter 71: Principal Whitmore Knows?</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 72</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The walk to Principal Whitmore¡¯s office felt longer than usual.


    My boots echoed across the silent hallway, every step tapping into the tension coiled tight in my spine. Thest time I was called into this office, I¡¯d only just arrived at PSA. Back then, I thought that was the beginning of my problems.


    Now I wasn¡¯t so sure where the beginning was... or if I¡¯d even seen the worst of it.


    I paused just outside the tall ckwood doors, hesitating. Inside, I could already feel her presence.


    She wasn¡¯t calm, even though she was trying so hard to be. I knocked once.


    "Enter," she said crisply.


    I pushed open the door, bracing myself.


    The room hadn¡¯t changed. Still pristine and perfect, the scent of aged parchment mixed with floral incense curled faintly in the air.


    The tall windows were drawn, the room softly lit by floating ss orbs that cast quiet shadows across the stone floor.


    Principal Whitmore sat behind her wide desk, her hands folded neatly on top of a slim stack of files. She looked up the moment I stepped in.


    Her expression was unreadable. It always was. "Miss Nightshade," she greeted coolly. "Take a seat."


    I stepped forward slowly and lowered myself into the chair across from her, keeping my back straight, my jaw set. I wasn¡¯t here to cower. I didn¡¯t have the energy to fake politeness either.


    She didn¡¯t speak immediately. She just... studied me.


    Her eyes swept over me like a scan. Noticing the minor bruises on my knuckles and the fatigue that must¡¯ve been in on my face.


    "You look terrible," she said finally.


    "Thanks," I muttered. "It¡¯s been a great day."


    A single brow lifted, but she didn¡¯t smile.


    Instead, she reached for a file and opened it with a flick of her fingers. I couldn¡¯t see the contents, but I didn¡¯t need to.


    "I presume you¡¯re aware," she said, "that your disappearance triggered lockdown protocols across campus?"


    "Yes."


    "Three councilmembers demanded a full investigation. The simtion dome is under forensic review. And the dragon court thankfully did not yet learn of the situation lest they send scouts here to investigate."


    "I didn¡¯t n to get kidnapped in your dome, if that¡¯s what this is."


    Her gaze sharpened. "I¡¯m not ming you. But someone will. You know that."


    I stayed quiet. She sighed, closing the file slowly.


    "Tell me exactly what happened," she said, her tone low now. "From the moment the simtion began. Every detail. Every face."


    I recounted it in full. The odd pairing with Cadet Erik. The masked attackers. The abnormal rune trap. The explosion. The forest. Xander. The ambush. The mark on the mask.


    Her fingers twitched ever so slightly when I mentioned the mark. But she didn¡¯t interrupt.


    "Are you saying someone within PSA¡ªsomeone with ess¡ªcustomised the simtion to target you?" she asked when I finished.


    "I¡¯m saying that¡¯s the only exnation that makes sense."


    A long pause followed.


    Then, for the first time, something flickered in Principal Whitmore¡¯s gaze. Not fear. But something close to... caution. Like a chess yer realising the opponent just made a bold move.


    She stood suddenly and moved to the window, her arms folded behind her back.


    "I want you to be very clear on something, Valerie," she said, her voice quieter now. "If someone inside these walls is after you, we are already at war. And this school is the battlefield."


    I frowned. "So you believe me."


    "Oh, I always believed you," she said, turning back to face me. "What I needed to see... was how far you¡¯d survive. How far they¡¯d go."


    That made my blood run cold.


    "You used me."


    She didn¡¯t deny it.


    "I monitored your file from the day your admission was submitted," she said. "I¡¯ve watched your records, your discipline reports, your cements. You are mated to those four alphas, am I right?"


    I did not know whether or not to deny it or just... thankfully, she answered the question for me. "It doesn¡¯t matter whether you answer me or not. I have what I want. I believe you were targeted for your link to the Alpha Princes."


    My voice came out dry. "Pardon?"


    Whitmore stepped forward, resting her palms against the edge of her desk, leaning in slightly.


    "You shall be protected in PSA. I owe your father that much. I owe every student that."


    I stared.


    She continued, "Because whether you know it yet or not... you¡¯ve just be a piece on the board that too many kingdoms will want to use either... or remove."


    There it was. No lies. No illusions. Just the truth. I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "So what do I do now?"


    Principal Whitmore leaned back again, her expression unreadable once more. "You stay quiet. You y the part. You act like nothing happened, and you let them believe they won."


    "And if they try again?"


    She smiled faintly. "Then you show them who they¡¯re dealing with."


    I exhaled, rising from my seat. "I will be careful and stay alert. Thank you."


    But just as I was about to step away from the chair, she called softly, "Valerie." I paused, hand on the knob.


    "Just a reminder. You may want to watch your back, Miss Nightshade. Someone else already is."


    ****************


    As soon as I left Principal Whitmore¡¯s office, I headed straight for my locker to get my bag and a few books I needed.


    On my way, I met Erik pacing in a corridor, leading to my locker. He seemed to be deep in thought.


    Erik didn¡¯t notice me at first.


    He paced the narrow corridor like a stormcloud with legs¡ªshoulders tense, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets, mouth moving like he was arguing with a ghost.


    His eyes were focused on the floor, jaw clenched in frustration, muttering words just loud enough that I caught fragments.


    "Okay, just say thank you. That¡¯s not hard. Gods, she literally dragged you out of that mess, and you couldn¡¯t even keep your footing. Just say something that doesn¡¯t make you sound like a total idiot. Or useless. Or both."


    I blinked, more than a little surprised. I¡¯d never heard Erik talk to himself like that. He always carried himself like he had all the answers¡ªor at least pretended he did.


    But right now, he looked... normal, not the geek he was. Just nervous, even. Like a kid about to walk into an exam he hadn¡¯t studied for.


    A faint smile tugged at the corner of my lips. I leaned against the wall, watching him quietly, arms folded.


    He kept going, still unaware I was standing ten feet away.


    I bet if I saw this, she would haveughed her entire existence, but then again... he was cute. She might blush instead.


    I smiled at myself. I had grown fond of I and was familiar with her antics. Just the thought of thest time I saw her made my heart clench.


    <i>She¡¯d be worried.</i>


    "And then, ¡¯I¡¯m sorry¡¯¡ªno, not dramatic. Just honest. ¡¯I should¡¯ve had your back.¡¯ Yeah. That¡¯s not bad. Say it like that. Not like a desperate¡ª"


    He finally turned, probably about to pace back the other direction, and his eyesnded right on me.


    He froze.

 Chapter 72: In Her Space

    <h4>Chapter 72: In Her Space</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 72</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Wide-eyed. Pale. Like he¡¯d just caught himself mid-fall and realised the ground was a lot closer than Erik had thought.


    His mouth opened and closed once. Then again. "Val¡ªValerie."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Practising for a drama audition I didn¡¯t know about?"


    His cheeks flushed instantly, and he rubbed the back of his neck like it might help disappear into the floor. "I, uh... no. Just... walking. Thinking. Not rehearsing anything."


    I pushed off the wall and took a few steps toward him. "Sounded like you were. You even had your own little monologue going."


    He groaned softly and dropped his head back for a second. "You weren¡¯t supposed to hear any of that."


    "Well, I did. Especially the part where I ¡¯literally dragged you out of that mess.¡¯ Which, for the record, was a team effort."


    Erik¡¯s gaze dropped to the floor, then back up to me, and when he met my eyes this time, he didn¡¯t look away.


    "Still. I wanted to say... thank you. For getting us out of there alive. I don¡¯t think I even knew how close it got until afterwards."


    There was something different in his voice. No deflection. No cocky mask. Just sincerity¡ªraw and unpolished.


    "I wasn¡¯t exactly graceful in there," he continued, quieter now. "I panicked. I messed up. And you didn¡¯t. You stepped up, and I¡ª" He paused, frowning at himself. "I don¡¯t want to pretend like I did anything helpful. I just... I¡¯m sorry. For being more deadweight than backup."


    I studied him for a moment. His fingers kept twitching at his sides like he wasn¡¯t sure what to do with them.


    His brows were furrowed, and for all his usual smooth confidence, he looked like he was standing under a spotlight with nowhere to hide.


    And that-that made me smile for real.


    "It¡¯s fine," I said, gentler now. "We all freeze sometimes. You didn¡¯t run. That counts for something."


    He blinked, startled. "It does?"


    I shrugged. "Well, it does to me."


    The corners of his mouth curved up, slowly. "You¡¯re being nice. That¡¯s kind of terrifying."


    "I can be nice," I said, mock-offended. "Under certain rareary alignments."


    Erikughed, the tension finally starting to ease from his shoulders. He looked like he wanted to say something else, but a bell rang somewhere down the corridor, announcing either the end of lunch or the beginning of more chaos.


    He nced toward the hallway, then back at me. "Are you okay, though? After everything?"


    I hesitated.


    I wanted to lie. I wanted to say yes, everything was peachy. That I¡¯d just had a run-in with masked assassins, magical sabotage, and a principal who practically admitted I was bait in some twisted political game¡ªand I was handling it fine.


    But Erik had earned the truth. Or at least a piece of it.


    "I don¡¯t know," I admitted. "But I¡¯m still standing."


    He nodded. "Then that¡¯s something too."


    We stood there for another beat, the silence not quite awkward but not entirely easy either. Then I tilted my head toward the hallway. "Walk with me?"


    Erik fell into step beside me as we started down the corridor. He didn¡¯t say much, and I didn¡¯t push it. Sometimes silence spoke louder than all the right words.


    And right now, it said: <i>I¡¯m here. I¡¯ve got your back.</i>


    Even if it had taken him a few bruises and a crisis to mean it.


    When we got outside the buildings, I bid him goodbye and continued on my way before realising I had forgotten to take my bag.


    Just the thought of returning made my shoulders weak.<i> "Fuck it!"</i>


    I just wanted to copse.


    After leaving Erik, I made a straight line for my dorm, cutting through the courtyard where the breeze tugged gently at my hair.


    The afternoon sun had already dipped behind the towers, casting long shadows across the path, and I could practically feel my bed calling to me.


    However, fate apparently had other ns.


    Because leaning against the wall near the ivy-draped arch leading into the dorm halls was Xade.


    Of course.


    His silver hair caught what little light was left, a halo of cold fire around that maddeningly smug expression.


    One hand was tucked casually into his pocket, the other loosely curled at his side. His crystal-blue eyes locked on me the second I appeared, gleaming with something between curiosity and amusement.


    I sighed, my shoulders slumping. "Not now, Xade. I¡¯m¡ª"


    "Too tired to lie?" he cut in smoothly.


    I froze mid-step.


    That damned smirk twitched into something sharper. He pushed off the wall with thatzy grace of his and began walking toward me, slowly.


    The tattoos along his arms peeked out beneath his rolled sleeves, curling like shadowse alive.


    "You look like you¡¯ve been through a war," Xade drawled, eyes scanning me¡ªnot with concern exactly, but something close to it, buried beneathyers of mockery and mischief. "Which, I suppose, you have. Must¡¯ve been some simtion, hmm?"


    I kept walking. "Don¡¯t start, Xade."


    But he didn¡¯t let me pass. He stepped into my path, forcing me to stop just a breath away from him.


    "I¡¯m not here to start anything," he said lightly. "Just curious. You and Dristan... anything you want to share?"


    My breath caught before I could stop it.


    <i>Damn it.</i>


    For a second¡ªjust a second¡ªmy mind betrayed me. The memory surged up before I could shove it back.


    The heat of Dristan¡¯s lips on mine¡ªhis hands at my waist¡ªthat quiet, rare moment of stillness between us in the chaos. Everything... how my mind reeled and made me relive the experience.


    Xade¡¯s eyes narrowed just slightly, a flicker of triumph passing through them like lightning behind a smirk.


    "I knew it," he murmured, voice dropping as he leaned forward. "Something happened."


    I lifted my chin, trying not to let the flutter in my chest show. "We were stuck in the same house. We stayed inside until I chose to leave. That¡¯s all."


    "Oh, is that what we¡¯re calling it now?"


    "Xade." My tone sharpened. "Back off."


    But he didn¡¯t. He stepped in closer instead, so close I could feel the heat rolling off him beneath that calm, coiled exterior.


    He tilted his head, nose twitching slightly as he inhaled. His gaze drifted down, then snapped back to mine.


    "I smell Dristan."


    I crossed my arms. "Yeah, genius. We rode together. Of course, his scent would wash over me."


    His lips curled. "Does that include on your lips?"

 Chapter 73: Yet Another Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 73: Yet Another Kiss</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment those words escaped Xade¡¯s lips, my heart stopped, and for a beat too long, I said nothing.


    And that silence? That was all Xade needed.


    He chuckled under his breath, the sound felt like a dark promise I didn¡¯t want unpacked. "Thought so."


    I clenched my jaw, swallowing words I wasn¡¯t ready to exin¡ªnot to him. Not to <i>anyone</i>.


    Xade just stood there, watching me, eyes glittering with dangerous amusement.


    And I hated that he was right.


    "You¡¯re imagining things."


    "Am I?"


    Rather than answering him, I walked past him. I had no time for this. Unfortunately, Xade had a different idea.


    "Not so fast, Valerie." I halted but did not turn. "You wouldn¡¯t be running if I were lying. Which brings me to the question, why? Was it because you loved it, irrespective of the stoic facade you have on or is it because you hate him or..."


    "Specte all you want, I..." Before I could finish the words I wanted to say, I felt arge hand wrap around my wrist and yank me back. "X-Xade."


    My eyes went wide as I stared him in the eyes, my heart thudding wildly in my chest.


    "Valerie," Xade drew extremely close to me, this time in a voice lower than before, but deeper and rougher.


    My name didn¡¯t sound like an usation in his mouth anymore. It sounded like a plea and a demand.


    He was close. Too close and I did nto like this proximity breach.


    Xade¡¯s grip on my wrist wasn¡¯t harsh, but it was firm¡ªlike he¡¯d lose his mind if I took even one more step away from him. I felt the warmth of his body pressed against the air between us.


    His breath ghosted my skin. His aura, usually calm and calcted, was suddenly unsteady and unpredictable, thrumming like a storm building just beneath the surface.


    "You think you can just stand there and act like none of it meant anything?" he whispered while staring intensely into my eyes like he could see my soul.


    I blinked, trying to steady my breath. "What are you talking about?"


    He scoffed softly, frustrated. "I saw the way you looked at him. I saw you, Valerie. I see you<i>.</i> Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t feel it."


    I tried to pull my hand free, but he didn¡¯t let me go. "Let me go, Xade. You¡¯re making this into something it¡¯s not."


    "No," he growled. "That¡¯s what you¡¯re doing. You pretend like we¡¯re all nothing to you. Like you¡¯re just surviving here, walking around half-alive with your guard up all the time. But we¡¯re not blind."


    I swallowed hard. "I never asked any of you to care."


    "But you want us to," he snapped. "You want me to. You want Dristan, Ace, even that damn dragon. You want us to want you, but you won¡¯t let yourself want us back. That¡¯s not fair."


    My chest tightened. I did not want what he wanted.


    But then again, I wanted it. The mate bond was literally fighting against me, enjoying this closeness between us.


    But how could I, when they were six?


    Xade wasn¡¯t yelling. He wasn¡¯t cold or condescending like usual. His words were hot, raw, and angry¡ªbut beneath all of that... I could feel it.


    Jealousy. Worry. Want.


    "Xade¡ª" I tried again.


    "Don¡¯t lie to me, Valerie," he whispered. "Because I¡¯ll know. I do know."


    "Xade, you are overthinking this. I do not have feelings..." And then, before I could finish my sentence¡ªbefore I could get another breath into my lungs¡ªhe kissed me hard.


    Xade¡¯s lips crashed into mine with none of the hesitation Dristan had shown. No pause. No softness.


    Just pure, pent-up fury and something deeper buried underneath. Something vulnerable and wild.


    My whole body froze. For a heartbeat, I didn¡¯t know what to do. Then... I felt it.


    That spark. That unmistakable pull burning beneath our skin, blooming where his mouth imed mine.


    Xade kissed like he was drowning, and I was hisst breath. Desperate. Hot. His hand slid to the back of my neck, angling my face toward him as he deepened the kiss, as though he could pour all the things he¡¯d never said into that one moment.


    And it was working.


    My knees almost buckled. My heart raced painfully in my chest, thudding against my ribs like it was trying to reach him through me. Every thought in my head dissolved into fire.


    I gasped when he pulled back and broke the kiss, just barely, while his forehead still pressed against mine, breathing in short bursts.


    My lips tingled. My head spun. My wolf was howling inside me, breathless.


    I stared up at him, wide-eyed and stunned, trying to figure out if that had really just happened or if I¡¯d imagined it in the swirl of adrenaline and frustration.


    But I hadn¡¯t.


    His eyes were still locked on mine and his chest heaved. "You¡¯re not just his," Xade said hoarsely. "You¡¯re ours<i>.</i> Don¡¯t pretend like you don¡¯t feel it."


    My throat tightened, words tangling behind the burning in my chest.


    He was serious. And it wasn¡¯t just the matebond talking. It was him.


    He cared.


    And I didn¡¯t know what scared me more¡ª<i>that Xade meant it... or that I felt it too.</i>


    Before I could even speak, he let go of my wrist and stepped back.


    Just slightly. But enough to feel the cold where his heat used to be.


    I didn¡¯t say anything. I couldn¡¯t. I was still reeling from the fire he left behind. In just a span of a few hours, I had been kissed twice and by two different guys, each my mate.


    My world was spinning into something way different than I had imagined.


    Xade¡¯s voice came again, low, tired this time. "You don¡¯t have to choose, Valerie. But stop pretending like your heart¡¯s empty."


    He turned and walked away without waiting for a reply.


    And I was left there, still trying to catch my breath, my lips still burning, wondering how in the actual hell I was supposed to walk back into PSA... after that.


    Two guys... two lips and memories.


    But somewhere in my predicament, Astra was having the time of her life. <i>"Oooh juicy."</i>

 Chapter 74: Worried Roomies

    <h4>Chapter 74: Worried Roomies</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 76</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The hallway leading to my dorm room felt strangely distant, like I was walking through a dream I¡¯d once had a long time ago.


    My boots clicked softly against the tiles, and even though I was back, even though I was technically safe now... nothing felt the same.


    I reached for the doorknob.


    The second I opened the door, voices filtered out¡ªlow, tense, hurried.


    I stepped inside quietly, not ready to announce myself just yet and find out for myself what was truly going on.


    The dorm¡¯s shared living room was lit, but I immediately spotted I pacing by the bookshelf, one hand raking through her hair as she muttered something about maps and blind spots.


    Emerald was at the counter, scribbling on a notepad with intense focus. Astraea, curled up in the armchair with her knees pulled to her chest, looked pale and shaky, her hands clutched tightly around a half-empty mug of chamomile tea.


    "We can¡¯t wait another day," I said sharply, whirling back toward Emerald. "If we move tonight, we might still find a trace of her scent. I can hack the outer perimeter alert rune and scramble it for seven minutes¡ªlong enough for a search."


    Emerald didn¡¯t look up. "And what if we get caught? It¡¯ll trigger a breach alert if we¡¯re off grounds for too long."


    "I don¡¯t care," I snapped. "I¡¯m not just sitting here while Valerie could be out there¡ªhurt. Or worse."


    My heart clenched.


    They were nning an escape... for me.


    Before I could say anything, Astraea¡¯s soft voice broke through. "But what if she¡¯s already..."


    "Don¡¯t," I interrupted firmly. "Don¡¯t say that."


    "She¡¯s strong," Emerald added, finally meeting I¡¯s eyes. "She¡¯s not gone."


    They hadn¡¯t noticed me yet. I just stood there in the doorway, watching them fight for me, worry for me, n for me¡ªand for the first time in what felt like days, my chest tightened with something warm.


    Not fear or anxiety, but awe. In my life, although I had those who cared for me, I had no friends.


    And then I spun around¡ªprobably to snap again¡ªand froze mid-step when her eyes locked with mine.


    The others noticed her pause and immediately turned in my direction.


    The silence hit instantly and all three pairs of eyes widened.


    A second passed and then¡ª


    "VALERIE!"


    They rushed me like a tidal wave.


    Arms wrapped around me from all directions, half-tackling me backwards into the doorway. Someone nearly knocked the air from my lungs. I couldn¡¯t even tell whose arms were where.


    "Oh my gods¡ª"


    "¡ªWe thought you were¡ª"


    "¡ªWhen the dome¡ª"


    "¡ªYou disappeared¡ª"


    "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did someone hurt you?!"


    Their voices ovepped like a chorus of panic and relief.


    Iughed, actuallyughed¡ªbreathless and overwhelmed as I raised my hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, wait! Let me breathe! One at a time!"


    They finally backed off just enough to let me inside.


    I didn¡¯t let go of my arm, though. "It¡¯s good to see you. Gods, it¡¯s good to see you."


    I gave her a tight smile. "It¡¯s good to be back."


    But then I tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly with a glint of curiosity. She looked me over, head to toe, then she smirked.


    "So," she said slowly, "Dristan saved you, huh?"


    I blinked. "What?"


    A beat of silence passed. Emerald¡¯s eyes widened and Astraea¡¯s jaw dropped.


    "How... how did you know that?" I asked, my voice quieter now.


    I raised her eyebrows, clearly pleased with herself. "You went to the house on the hill, didn¡¯t you?"


    I froze.


    My mouth opened to say something¡ªanything¡ªbut I had no words. Several thoughts crossed my mind. Did she know about Dristan and me and the kiss?


    No. She couldn¡¯t possibly have known. She was still thinking I was missing.


    I burst intoughter. "I knew it."


    "But¡ªhow?" I asked again,pletely stupefied.


    She gesturedzily to the outfit I was still half wearing. "The tank top you¡¯re wearing? That¡¯s mine<i>.</i> I left it there a year ago when we visited his family¡¯s mansion during winter break. And the buttoned-down shirt over it? That belongs to his mother."


    Emerald half gasped. "Oh my goddess..."


    I wanted the floor to swallow me. Dristan had given me something so valuable. I did not know how to feel about it right now, considering he had kissed me.


    "Rx," I said, still chuckling. "I¡¯m not mad. I¡¯m just d my cousin got there in time."


    I blinked at her. "Well..." I hesitated, tugging at the shirt self-consciously. "Actually... Xander was the one who saved me from the rune trap first. Then Xade came. Then Dristan helped me escape."


    "You¡¯re kidding." Emerald stepped closer. "You mean even after the explosion, they still came after you?"


    I nodded solemnly, thankful for the change in topic before it wound down to our kiss.


    Astraea finally stepped forward, her voice was quiet. "Come sit. You look like you¡¯ve walked through fire."


    I let them guide me to the couch, grateful for the chance to finally sink into the cushions. I hadn¡¯t realised how exhausted I was until I stopped moving.


    Astraea sat on the floor in front of me, legs crossed. I perched beside me, and Emerald grabbed an extra pillow and sat at my other side.


    And then Astraea, who hadn¡¯t said much all night, looked up and asked the one question that finally made my throat tighten.


    "Tell us everything."


    I inhaled slowly. The words caught in my chest, heavy, tangled with too many emotions.


    But I owed them the truth. At least the pieces I could give.


    "I was paired with a weaker cadet during the simtion," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "But that wasn¡¯t the real problem. The environment started glitching. There were masked attackers. Not students. Not part of the school. The rune¡ªit wasn¡¯t supposed to be there. It wasced with dark magic."


    Astraea leaned in closer. "So it was a trap."


    I nodded. "Xander sensed it. He arrived just before it detonated. He tried to shield me... but we were both pulled into the st. It didn¡¯t kill us¡ªit moved us," I lied, not wanting to expose Xander¡¯s weapon. "Somewhere outside the city."


    "What happened next?" Emerald asked softly.


    "We found our way through the forest. We were tracked."


    I swallowed, ncing at I.


    "Then Dristan and Xade found us while they chased us. Dristan took us to a club, from there we found a way to trick the attackers and then took me to his family¡¯s house to wait out the threat."


    "And then?" I asked, more curious now than anything else.


    I hesitated.


    "Then we came back."


    I didn¡¯t mention the kiss.


    Not yet. That was...plicated.


    Astraea looked down at her hands. "You could¡¯ve died."


    "But I didn¡¯t," I said quickly. "I¡¯m here."


    I watched as silence fell again, but this time it wasfortable.


    I was back. And they were here. And for now, that was enough, even if the storm was only beginning.


    "I am d you are back and all, Valerie, but I have a question." I lifted my gaze to Emerald.


    She was always one who could sense a loophole and I wondered if there was any in my recounting. "Do you have any idea who attacked you?"

 Chapter 75: Spill the Deets

    <h4>Chapter 75: Spill the Deets</h4>


    ****************


    <strong>Chapter 77</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "I don¡¯t know who they were," I said finally, my voice quiet again. "And I don¡¯t know who wants me gone."


    The room was hushed, the kind of silence that prickled under the skin. I¡¯s brows furrowed immediately.


    "Are you sure?" she asked. "Think. Is there anyone in this school who has serious beef with you? Someone you¡¯ve wronged¡ªor pissed off badly?"


    I gave a small, dryugh. "There are plenty. It¡¯s an elite academy¡ªhalf the students here have egos bigger than the mountain it¡¯s built on. But... I don¡¯t think anyone hates me that much."


    That was true. Or... it had been true¡ªuntil I remembered and my body froze mid-thought, eyes distant, breath catching in my throat.


    I didn¡¯t miss it. Her gaze sharpened like a de, focused on me. "What is it?"


    Emerald leaned in slightly. "You remembered something, didn¡¯t you?"


    I hesitated, then nodded slowly. Of course, I could not tell them this might be because of me or the higher-ups, as Principal Whitmore had suggested.


    So instead, I went with the next truth. "A letter. Someone left a note for me a few weeks ago. No name, no signature. Just a message: <i>¡¯You don¡¯t belong here, stray. Go home.</i>"


    Emerald¡¯s mouth fell open in shock.


    "Are you sure?" Astraea¡¯s voice was gentle, but there was a weight behind her words.


    I nodded again. "Yes, I am sure.¡¯


    "Do you have proof?" Astraea questioned, making me suspect why she was asking. But at th same time, she could have been concerned. "I threw it away."


    Astraea exhaled sharply and ran a hand through her hair. "So there¡¯s no proof."


    I frowned at her tone, something defensive rising in my chest. "I didn¡¯t think much of it then. I getments all the time¡ªwhispers behind my back. I thought it was just more of the same."


    Astraea¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, her arms folded. "But you knew this was different, didn¡¯t you?"


    That made me blink. Astraea rarely doubted me like this. It was usually Emerald who pressed for facts and logic and evidence. So why was Astraea suddenly ying the skeptic?


    I gave her a long, questioning look. "Why are you the one doubting me?"


    Astraea blinked at the usation, but didn¡¯t answer right away. "Am I?"


    Before I could answer someone else interrupted. "Okay, okay, let¡¯s just pause here," I pped once, cutting through the tension. "Anonymous letter¡¯s a dead lead unless it turns up again. So¡ªwho else?"


    I shrugged helplessly. "I¡¯m thinking. I don¡¯t know. Nothing¡¯s clear right now."


    I gave me a firm look, then sighed. "That¡¯s enough for tonight. You¡¯ve been through a lot already."


    Emerald stood and stretched. "Come on. You should shower. You look like you¡¯ve been dragged through a war zone. Let us cook something decent for once."


    I nodded, grateful the food most especially. I was.


    "Thanks. I¡¯ll be quick."


    "Nonsense. No one is chasing you in there," Emerald reminded me.


    "Sure thing," I refuted with a nod.


    I turned away with a small smile, leaving them murmuring behind me.


    Inside my room, the moment the door clicked shut, my heart thundered in my chest. I sat down heavily on the bed, holding my breath.


    Astra¡¯s voice suddenly echoed softly in my head. Her voice was calm but insistent.


    <i>"Why did you lie? You told them you threw the letter away. It¡¯s in your drawer, second from the bottom."</i>


    I closed my eyes. <i>"Because I don¡¯t trust anyone right now."</i>


    <i>"Not even them?"</i> Astra asked, quieter now.


    <i>"No,"</i> I replied, jaw clenched. <i>"Notpletely. Not yet. Not until I know who¡¯s on my side and who¡¯s just pretending."</i>


    She didn¡¯t respond immediately. I felt the weight of her disapproval, but I stood by my words.


    <i>"Keep your enemies closer,"</i> I continued silently, <i>"but your friends close too¡ªuntil you know the difference. People betray people every day, Astra. Just because they hugged me doesn¡¯t mean they wouldn¡¯t stab me in the backter."</i>


    Astra sighed. <i>"Fine. But ignoring your mates won¡¯t protect you from the obvious."</i>


    I groaned, already knowing where this was going. <i>"What obvious?"</i>


    <i>"You were kissed by two of your bonded mates. You do remember you have six, yes? So, who¡¯s next?"</i>


    I nearly screamed, smacking a pillow against my face.


    I knew she was holding back her excitement, but Astra had forgotten that she and I were one. I could tell she was majorly excited by what happened with my mates today, even though she tried to be stoic.


    Astra snorted. <i>"You can reject them, sure. But remember, if you¡¯re stuck with them for eternity, why not get to know each one? See if maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªyou like them before your world falls apart again."</i>


    Before I could answer, a knock sounded on the door. I looked up and answered. "Come in."


    I peeked her head in, already smiling. There was something mischievous in her eyes as she walked over, her gaze never leaving mine.


    "I... am I safe?"


    Her smile spilled further into her eyes. "Duh, you are."


    I pretended to sigh but my curious gaze remained trained on her. Right now my antennae was open.


    "You know," she said casually, "Dristan doesn¡¯t take just anyone to the family house."


    I raised an eyebrow. "What are you getting at?"


    Her smirk widened. "Just wondering what really happened between you two. Also, while we¡¯re at it... why can I smell <i>Xade</i> and my cousin all over you?"


    I stared at her. "What?"


    I stepped closer, lifted a hand. "When we hugged earlier¡ªI know their scent. Don¡¯t even try lying. I smelled both of them on you."


    Heat rushed to my face.


    I stood up, grabbed my towel, and started backing toward the bathroom. "He kissed me," I muttered quickly.


    I¡¯s jaw dropped slightly, then lit with triumph.


    And with that, I fled into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me and pressing my back to it like it could block out the world.


    "Valerie Nightshade," I¡¯s half-squealing voice called from outside my door, her excitement building up. "Come out and spill the details."

 Chapter 76: Calling Dristan Out

    <h4>Chapter 76: Calling Dristan Out</h4>


    ****************


    <strong>Chapter 78</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t know how I sessfully avoided I, but somehow, I did.


    One minute, I was in the bathroom, taking the longest shower of my life, letting the hot water burn away the tension in my muscles and the next, when I finally stepped out, towel wrapped tightly around me and heart bracing for a full interrogation... I was gone.


    No teasing voice. No pounding on the door.


    Nothing.


    Just a folded change of clothes ced neatly on my bed, a small sticky note on top with a hastily scribbled: <i>"You owe me the full storyter. Sleep first. ¡ªI."</i>


    I blinked at it, then smiled faintly. Maybe she wasn¡¯t so bad after all.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment I stepped into the Alpha Kings¡¯ house, I felt it¡ªthe sound of voices, the way tension prickled in the air like against my skin.


    My boots thudded softly against the floor as I made for the stairs, fully intending to head straight to my room and avoid whatever mess was brewing downstairs.


    But just as I passed the living room, I saw them.


    Kai, Axel, and Xadezily sprawled across the couches like they had all the time in the world, a half-finished bottle of whiskey perched on the table between them, their voices low and heated.


    They were talking about Valerie.


    "¡ªI¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s not just some random attack," Axel said, his brows drawn tight with worry. "Someone wants her gone for a reason."


    Kai, always the more measured one, leaned back against the armrest, calm even now. "But who? She¡¯s only been here for weeks. She doesn¡¯t have enemies strong enough to pull this off... right?"


    Xade, with that ever-cunning smirk, twirled a coin between his fingers like he didn¡¯t have a care in the world. "Or maybe she does. Maybe someone higher up doesn¡¯t want her surviving the selection at all."


    I gritted my teeth and forced myself to keep walking.


    I didn¡¯t need to get involved. I didn¡¯t want to get involved.


    But of course, Xade couldn¡¯t leave it alone.


    His voice lifted, coated with that false innocence he wore like armour.


    "Dristan," he called out smoothly, like he hadn¡¯t been watching me the entire time. "Aren¡¯t you worried about Valerie too? Or are you still pretending you don¡¯t give a damn?"


    I stopped mid-step.


    Every muscle in my body locked down hard.


    Slowly, I turned, my face slipping into that familiar, unreadable mask, hands sliding casually into my pockets even as tension coiled tight beneath my skin.


    My voice came out low as I ignored the careless drawl. "And what exactly is your point, Xade?"


    Xade grinned like a predator scenting blood. "Don¡¯t y coy with us."


    He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his voice dropping into a mocking, almostzy tone.


    "You acted all cold during the mission, but you never left her side. Even when we were getting ambushed, you wouldn¡¯t let her go."


    My jaw ticked once, a warning he was too reckless to heed. My fingers curled tighter inside my pockets.


    Still, I said nothing.


    But Xade wasn¡¯t finished.


    He tilted his head, a gleam of pure mischief lighting up his eyes, and then he said it¡ªloudly enough that even the walls seemed to listen.


    "Don¡¯t act indifferent if you can¡¯t even keep your lips off her."


    The silence that hit the room was brutal.


    Even the whiskey bottle on the table seemed to freeze mid-rock.


    "What?" Axel and Kai barked at once, both snapping their heads toward me like I¡¯d just announced I was defecting to another region.


    Kai¡¯s expression twisted with something that almost looked like betrayal. "Dristan... is it true?"


    I red at Xade, a deliberate promise of violence in my stare.


    Then I shifted my gaze to the others, keeping my face locked down, unreadable.


    For a heartbeat, I didn¡¯t say a word.


    But my silence was answer enough.


    Axel made a strangled sound between a cough and a disbelievingugh, sinking even deeper into the couch like he needed the furniture to hold him up.


    Kai just stared at me, his brows shooting so high they nearly disappeared into his hairline.


    "Well, shit," Kai muttered under his breath. "Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be the first to crack."


    "I didn¡¯t crack," I snapped, sharper than I intended. The defensiveness in my voice betrayed me before I could drag it back.


    Xade snorted, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Yeah? Sure didn¡¯t look that way when you kissed her like she was yourst breath on earth."


    I shoved a hand through my hair, the movement rough and jerky, turning away before they could catch the rare, unwee heat rising up the back of my neck.


    I hated them. I hated them all for this. And worse¡ªI hated that I couldn¡¯t lie to them.


    They weren¡¯t the real threats I needed to keep Valerie safe from.


    Kai stood slowly, tension rolling off him in waves. He wasn¡¯t smiling anymore. "So it¡¯s true. You kissed her."


    I didn¡¯t answer. I didn¡¯t need to. The truth was already in the air.


    Axel leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his expression serious now. "You better be careful, Dristan. You think you¡¯re the only one feeling it? She¡¯s not just yours."


    That word yours sent a bolt of something sharp through my chest. I masked it quickly, shifting my weight like it meant nothing.


    "She¡¯s not ready for any of this," Kai said quietly, voice cutting through the room. "Not for you. Not for any of us. She¡¯s still surviving. Besides, it¡¯s like you wish to im her for yourself, which was why you went behind our backs."


    I rolled my eyes at them.


    Xade twirled his coin onest time before pocketing it. His grin was gone now, reced by something sharper, colder. "We don¡¯t rush her. We protect her. No matter what it costs."


    Their eyes were on me, waiting for my answer. I stared back at them, my heart thudding once, hard.


    And I nodded once. I was going to protect her att all costs with or without them.


    Without another word, I turned and stalked upstairs.

 Chapter 77: Someone Knows

    <h4>Chapter 77: Someone Knows</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 79</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The morning sun filtered weakly through the sheer curtains, casting long slivers of light across my bed.


    I blinked awake slowly, my body protesting every movement with dull aches.


    Every bruise from the forest fight, every scrape from the escape, every emotional scar from the past twenty-four hours¡ªthey all pulsed just beneath my skin.


    I sat up, rubbing my temples, feeling the weight of everything settle back onto my shoulders.


    <i>Xade¡¯s kiss.</i>


    <i>Dristan¡¯s kiss.</i>


    I heaved a deep sigh as the memories came rushing back¡ªhis hands on my face, the desperate heat of Dristan¡¯s mouth against mine, and then Xade¡¯s grip on my wrist, his mouth crashing onto mine like he couldn¡¯t help himself.


    My chest squeezed painfully at the memory. I shook my head, forcing myself out of bed.


    <i>Focus, Valerie. Focus.</i>


    I was at PSA for a reason.


    I had bigger problems than a few unexpected kisses... and feelings I had no idea how to deal with.


    I went through my morning routine on autopilot, pulling on a fitted ck turtleneck and dark leather trousers before quickly braiding my hair back.


    I nced at the mirror, loving my look. Something practical. Simple. Easy to move in. Easy to breathe in.


    I slung my bag over one shoulder and headed out, my boots clicking softly against the floor of the dorm hallway.


    By the time I reached the main building, the courtyard was already busy. Students moved in clusters, the usual morning chatter filling the air.


    It almost felt normal¡ªalmost.


    I made my way toward my locker, weaving through the crowd, nodding at a few familiar faces as I passed. My mind was already drifting toward Combat & Strategy ss.


    I needed to stay sharp. I needed to remain invisible. But the second I opened my locker, something slipped out.


    A small, pristine white envelopended softly at my feet.


    I froze for a moment.


    The noise around me dulled, like cotton had been stuffed into my ears. For a second, I just stared at it, heart thudding painfully in my chest.


    Slowly, I bent down and picked it up.


    No name on the front. No markings. Just... an envelope.


    My fingers shook slightly as I tore it open. Inside was a single piece of paper. And on it, in sharp, deliberate handwriting:


    <strong><i>"I know who you really are, Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow¡ªSouthern Alpha King¡¯s Heir."</i></strong>


    The world tilted around me, and my blood ran cold. I gripped the paper so tightly it crinkled under my fingers.


    No. No. No.


    Panic wed at my chest, but I forced myself to stand up straighter. I scanned the hallway casually, like I was just another student looking for a friend.


    But everyone around me looked normalughing, walking, chatting, checking their phones.


    No one looked like they had just delivered a death sentence into my hands. I swallowed hard, slipping the note into the front pocket of my jeans.


    <i>Think, Valerie. Think.</i>


    Was it a prank? I wondered.


    The first thought that jumped into my mind was Storm, my cousin. He was reckless at times, and he enjoyed teasing. Maybe he got wind of something and thought it would be funny to mess with me.


    I pulled out my phone with shaking hands and fired off a quick text.


    <strong><i>Storm</i></strong><i>: If this is you messing with me, I swear I¡¯ll kick your ass. Did you leave a note in my locker???</i>


    I stared at the message for a second before hitting send.


    There was no immediate response. Of course. He was probably still asleep, or sparring, or getting involved in another secret errand for Uncle somewhere.


    I tucked my phone away and inhaled deeply.


    I couldn¡¯t afford to let this shake me. Not right now. Not when I was already walking a tightrope between survival and exposure.


    I pressed the locker shut, making sure the click didn¡¯t sound too loud or too sharp. I adjusted my bag and made myself walk toward ss.


    One step at a time. One breath at a time.


    <i>"You¡¯re fine,"</i> I chanted in my head as I walked towards ss.


    <i>"You¡¯re fine."</i>


    But even as I repeated it, my instincts screamed otherwise. Because whoever left that note...


    They didn¡¯t just want to scare me.


    They wanted me to know that I wasn¡¯t invisible anymore. And soon, everyone else would know too.


    ****************


    The walk to Combat & Strategy felt heavier than usual, like every step dragged invisible chains behind me.


    I adjusted the strap of my bag on my shoulder, ignoring the way my fingers kept twitching toward my pocket¡ªthe letter hidden inside, burning against my skin like it had a heartbeat of its own.


    I told myself to focus.


    To breathe.


    To act normal.


    But the closer I got to ss, the more the tightness in my chest grew.


    Today, we were using the arena for our s,s especially since the simtion dome was affected.


    Inside the arena, the walls loomed tall, and the scent of sweat, leather, and faint magic hung in the air. Students were already gathering, stretching, and talking quietly in their groups.


    I slid into the room as unnoticed as possible, keeping my head low and my expression carefully neutral.


    But the second my foot crossed the sparring line, I felt it.


    A gaze. Heavy. Hot. Tracking every step I made. I nced up instinctively and locked eyes with Kai.


    He stood at the edge of the arena, arms crossed over his broad chest, ck training gear hugging his frame like a second skin.


    I noticed that the other Alpha King¡¯s heirs weren¡¯t really here. Only Axel had attended the ss today.


    His jet-ck hair was messily tied back, and his emerald green-gold eyes pinned me in ce with a single look.


    I stopped breathing for half a second. Of all people, it had to be Kai.


    "Partners today," our instructor, Professor Grayson, announced briskly, barely giving us time to argue. "Kai and Valerie. Sparring ring three. Now."


    My stomach twisted.


    Of course. Because the universe clearly hated me today.


    I tightened the strap on my wrist guards and forced my feet forward. Kai waited without moving, his stance casual but deceptively rxed.


    I could feel his eyes scanning me, assessing, reading.


    And damn it, I hated how my pulse reacted, beating harder not from fear, but something far more inconvenient.


    I stopped in front of him, keeping my face nk.


    "You¡¯rete," Kai said quietly.


    "Got held up," I muttered, not meeting his eyes.


    He arched an eyebrow but said nothing more. Instead, he dropped into a defensive stance, nodding once for me to do the same.

 Chapter 78: Something Different

    <h4>Chapter 78: Something Different</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 79</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I obeyed, my body moving on instinct even though my mind was anywhere but here.


    The letter¡ªthe name, my name¡ª<i>Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow.</i>


    I shook my head sharply, trying to dislodge the thoughts, but they clung like wet vines around my brain.


    Kai noticed. Of course he did. He straightened slightly, lowering his hands for a moment. "You¡¯re tense."


    "I¡¯m fine," I said, a little too fast, a little too sharp.


    His gaze narrowed. "You¡¯re lying," he said simply.


    I pressed my lips together, refusing to answer. Inside my mind, Astra stirred.


    <i>"Tell him,"</i> she urged in a soft but firm voice. "<i>He¡¯s your mate. He can help."</i>


    <i>"No,"</i> I snapped back. "<i>Not yet. I can¡¯t. You should know I cannot disclose my identity."</i>


    Trust was not something I could hand out right now. Not with someone clearly ying a deeper, more dangerous game against me.


    "Valerie," Kai said, voice low enough that no one else could hear. "If something¡¯s wrong, you need to tell me."


    "I said I¡¯m fine," I bit out, stepping back into my fighting stance. "Focus, Kai."


    He watched me for a long moment, something flickering in his eyes¡ªfrustration, maybe.


    Concern.


    Then he nodded once, curtly, and the tension between us thickened.


    "Fine," he said. "But don¡¯t expect me to go easy on you."


    The whistle blew and we moved. Kai was fast¡ªfaster than most¡ªbut I met him blow for blow, each strike of fist and forearm reverberating up my bones.


    I weed it.


    The sting¡ªthe sweat¡ªthe ache. They were all a weing distraction for me from the issue at hand.


    It was the only thing grounding me right now. But halfway through the match, something cracked open inside me.


    Kai feinted left, then went in for a grapple¡ªand I reacted.


    Too fast.


    Too strong.


    My palm struck his chest hard enough to send him skidding back several feet across the mat.


    Gasps echoed across the room.


    I stood there, chest heaving, heart mming against my ribs.


    Kai stared at me from where he crouched, wide-eyed, one hand pressed against the floor to steady himself.


    For a second, neither of us spoke. The whistle blew again, signaling the end of the round.


    I lowered my hands slowly, swallowing hard.


    I hadn¡¯t meant to hit him that hard. I hadn¡¯t meant to lose control.


    <i>"You¡¯re not normal anymore,"</i> Astra whispered, but I sensed a mix of pride and sadness. "<i>And you never were."</i>


    Kai pushed himself to his feet, rolling his shoulder out casually like it was nothing, but his eyes never left mine.


    He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but I shook my head sharply and grabbed my bag.


    I needed to get out of there before I did something worse.


    I didn¡¯t even wait for dismissal. I slipped out of the arena as soon as the instructor turned to bark at another group.


    Outside, the hallway felt too bright and too loud.


    I leaned against the wall, pulling out my phone.


    There was still no reply from Storm. "<i>Damn it, Storm."</i> I bit my lip hard enough to taste copper.


    I stared at the empty message thread for a few seconds longer before finally shoving my phone into my jacket pocket.


    I couldn¡¯t count on anyone else to save me from this.


    Not Storm. Not even Kai. I would have to save myself.


    Because if the person who wrote that letter had exposed me once...


    They weren¡¯t finished yet and next time, they might not just send a note.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Inside Principal Whitmore¡¯s office, the world was unnaturally still.


    The heavy velvet curtains were drawn tight across the windows, muting the sunlight into a faint gold glow that barely reached the edges of the dark wooden desk.


    The only sound came from the soft hum of theptop resting before her, its screen ying back footage from the morning¡¯s Combat & Strategy ss.


    Whitmore leaned forward slightly in her chair, elbows resting on the armrests, her chin perched on steepled fingers.


    Her sharp eyes didn¡¯t miss a thing.


    She watched, frame by frame, as Valerie squared off against Kai in the sparring ring. At first, it looked normal¡ªgood form, quick reflexes¡ªnothing she hadn¡¯t seen before.


    But then, Whitmore narrowed her eyes.


    She paused the footage at the exact moment Valerie moved. A sudden, explosive burst of strength¡ªunnatural even for a trained heir¡ªsent Kai staggering several feet across the mat.


    Whitmore leaned back slowly, her lips pressing into a thin line.


    Thebat system¡¯s sensors were supposed to regte the force output of students during matches.


    No one, not even top-tier students, should be able to overpower another like that without something tipping the bnce.


    Magic. Enhanced strength.Or something worse?


    Whitmore didn¡¯t believe in coincidences.


    Her fingers danced across the keyboard, rewinding the footage, slowing it down further. No visible spellcasting. No rune activation. No energy re.


    Just raw, unfiltered power.


    She sat back, tapping one painted nail against her desk in thought.


    Finally, she reached for the smallmunication rune embedded into the corner of her desk.


    With a flick of her finger, she activated the link.


    A soft chime sounded. "I need you in my office, Ms. Heart."


    Momentster, the door clicked open and Ms. Heart, her ever-efficient secretary, stepped inside.


    She wore her usual crisp grey zer and pencil skirt, her sses perched neatly on her nose, a clipboard tucked under her arm.


    "You called, Principal Whitmore?" she asked, her tone as smooth as always.


    Whitmore didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, she turned theptop around to face Ms. Heart.


    "Watch," she instructed.


    Ms. Heart stepped closer, adjusting her sses as she leaned in to observe.


    The footage yed, showing Valerie moving across the arena¡ªthe sharp, lethal grace, the explosive, unnatural strength that knocked Kai off his feet like he was made of paper.


    Ms. Heart¡¯s mouth tightened in surprise.


    When the clip ended, she looked up, her brows drawing together.


    "Am I the only one seeing this?" Whitmore asked, her voice deceptively calm.


    Ms. Heart shook her head slightly, still processing. "No, Principal. That was not ordinary."


    Whitmore leaned forward again, studying her secretary carefully. She didn¡¯t need someone to agree with her fears. She needed someone who would see the bigger picture.


    Ms. Heart¡¯s gaze dropped to the screen again before she finally asked, "What will you do to her? Reprimand her? Inform the Council of Elders or...?"

 Chapter 79: Keep It Quiet

    <h4>Chapter 79: Keep It Quiet</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 80</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The question felt heavy in the air as Principal Whitmore tapped her fingers against the desk thoughtfully.


    She could imagine how the council would react. They¡¯d drag Valerie into endless interrogations, chain her up with suppression cuffs, rip apart every inch of her background¡ªall in the name of ¡¯safety.¡¯


    And if they decided she was a threat, there would be no second chances. She drummed her nails once more, her mind moving quickly.


    "No," she said finally, her voice firm. "I will not act yet."


    Ms. Heart tilted her head. "May I ask why?"


    Whitmore¡¯s lips twitched into a brief, humourless smile.


    "Because if we act without proof, we risk losing something far more valuable than control," she said. "I don¡¯t want to jump to conclusions and assume she¡¯s using magic or viting protocol when we don¡¯t even know the full story."


    Ms. Heart nodded slowly, understanding the weight behind the words.


    "If Valerie Nightshade is truly what I suspect she is," Whitmore continued, "then she¡¯s not just another student. She¡¯s a yer in a game muchrger than PSA¡¯s little politics. And yers like that..." She paused, eyes glittering. "They must be watched and handled with care, discreetly."


    "As you wish, Principal Whitmore," Ms. Heart said quietly.


    Whitmore turned theptop screen back toward herself, reying the footage once more, slower this time.


    "I want eyes on her," Whitmore said. "Subtle. No direct interference unless necessary. And keep your ears open. If anything suspicious reaches the rumour mill, I want to know before it reaches the Council."


    Ms. Heart scribbled something quickly onto her clipboard. "Understood."


    "And," Whitmore added, her voice soft but carrying an edge sharp enough to cut steel, "make sure no one else sees this footage without my express permission."


    Ms. Heart inclined her head respectfully. "It will be done."


    As Ms. Heart slipped out of the office, Whitmore remained where she was, staring at the frozen image on the screen.


    Valerie stood mid-strike, her eyes focused, her body a blur of motion.


    Principal Whitmore¡¯s fingers hovered above theptop for a moment as her gaze and mind drifted off.


    Memories blurred in her mind, her vision getting blurry as she let the thoughts overwhelm her.


    <i>"I cannot let this get out. She¡¯s the child of prophecy."</i>


    <i>"But the others will feel betrayed when they find out."</i>


    <i>"Still, many who do not believe in her would kill her for it. I am her mother. I must protect one of the heirs. I cannot let them know of her powers or her fate."</i>


    Principal Whitmore closed her eyes before she finally shutdown theptop.


    <i>"I have no idea if I am wrong or merely seeing things since she was pronounced dead but I can see the resemnce when I watched that footage. It was the same fierceness as Lady Zara." </i>Principal Whitmore thought.


    "If I am right then this school," she murmured to herself, "may not be ready for what you truly are. And neither, she thought grimly, "were the kingdoms outside its walls."


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I woke to the shrill buzzing of my phone rattling against the nightstand.


    Groaning, I reached out blindly, swiping at it until my fingers curled around the device. I blinked blearily at the screen, my heart sinking the moment I saw Storm¡¯s name shing across it.


    One new message.


    I swiped it open with a thumb, hoping for some kind of stupid joke or confession that he¡¯d been the one behind the locker stunt.


    Instead, Storm¡¯s reply was short. Blunt.


    <strong>Storm: </strong>Not me, Val. I¡¯m in the Eastern Woods training with Dad. What¡¯s going on? You okay?


    My stomach twisted, a knot of dread pulling tighter with every word.


    It wasn¡¯t him.


    Which meant someone else knew.


    I sat up, running a shaky hand through my hair, trying to untangle the mess of fear and panic wing at my chest. The sheets slid off my shoulders as I stood and began pacing the room.


    The note hadn¡¯t been a prank.


    Someone out there knew exactly who I was¡ªwho I really was¡ªand they had no problem throwing it right in my face.


    I didn¡¯t know whether to be furious or terrified.


    Probably both.


    I bit down hard on my lip and stopped pacing long enough to grab my phone again.


    There was only one person I could turn to now.


    Someone who understood the stakes.


    Someone who had never once betrayed my trust.


    I pulled up Solstice¡¯s contact and typed as quickly as my trembling fingers would allow.


    <strong>Valerie: </strong>Sol, someone left a note in my locker saying they know who I am. Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow¡ªSouthern Alpha King¡¯s Heir. What do I do?


    I hit send and stared at the screen like it owed me the world.


    Seconds passed. Then my phone buzzed again.


    Solstice¡¯s reply was fast, almost frantic.


    <strong>Solstice</strong>: Val, DO NOT tell my dad. If he finds out, he¡¯ll yank you out of PSA faster than you can blink. You¡¯ll lose your chance with your mates and your shot at answers. Stay quiet, figure out who¡¯s behind it, but be careful.


    I reread her words three times, each one hammering deeper into my chest.


    I understood what she meant without needing further exnation.


    If Uncle Zade found out that his niece, the Southern Alpha King¡¯s heir was being targeted¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t just pull me out.


    He¡¯d send an army after whoever dared threaten me. And worse... He¡¯d sever my fragile connection to this life I was trying so hard to build.


    I clenched my jaw and typed back quickly.


    <strong>Valerie: </strong><i>I¡¯m heading to ss soon, talkter.</i>


    Before I could second-guess myself, I quickly ran into the bathroom, shwoered, brushe dmy teeth and flew back out. In no time I had finished dressing up, thanks to all my rigorous training with Uncle Zade.


    I shoved my phone into my pocket, grabbed my bag, and bolted out of the dorm room. I waste and the others had long gone. How could I have slept like that?


    The campus buzzed with life as usual¡ªstudents flooding the walkways, professors tapping on their tablets, magical shields shimmering faintly along the courtyard borders.


    Normal.


    On the outside.


    But inside, my heart was racing.


    I moved fast, weaving through the crowds until I reached the south building where Pack Law & Governance was held.


    I barely made it up the steps before spotting them.


    Dristan and Xade, the two guys who had stolen my first and second kiss.


    Both stood near the entrance, looking like dark storms in human form.


    Xade leaned casually against the railing, arms folded across his chest, expression unreadable but somehow still sharp enough to cut.


    Dristan, on the other hand, radiated a heavier sort of pressure¡ªhis gaze flicking across the courtyard with a predator¡¯s focus, jaw tight, shoulders coiled like he was waiting for something¡ªsomeone¡ªto make the wrong move.


    I swallowed, forcing my nerves down as I approached.


    Dristan¡¯s head snapped toward me the moment I got close.


    His eyes, a deeper shade of frost today, raked over me¡ªchecking, assessing, calcting. Whether or not he was making sure I was still breathing I did not know.


    I hated how a part of me warmed under that scrutiny.


    "You¡¯rete," Xade said casually, pushing off the railing to fall into step beside me.


    "I¡¯m here, aren¡¯t I?" I shot back, forcing a slight smirk.


    Dristan said nothing. He just fell into step on my other side, close enough that I could feel the brush of his aura against mine.


    We entered the lecture hall together. Inside, students were already gathering¡ªsome taking their seats, some milling around chatting.


    Professor Dalca entered the ss before moving to the front of the ss and scribbling something on the board that looked way tooplicated for eight in the morning.


    I slid into a seat near the back, dropping my bag at my feet.


    Xade took the seat to my left. Dristan imed the seat to my right.


    Great. Trapped between a wolf and a harder wolf.


    As I pulled out my notebook, I felt Xade¡¯s gaze flick to me briefly. "You look tense," he murmured low enough that only I could hear.


    I stiffened slightly, fingers pausing over my screen.


    "I¡¯m fine," I lied.


    Dristan said nothing, but I knew he didn¡¯t buy it either. I could feel the way his energy shifted¡ªsubtle, but protective.


    Astra stirred in the back of my mind, restless and impatient.


    <i>"Tell him. Tell someone. They would help you."</i>


    I pushed her voice down sharply.


    I couldn¡¯t afford to expose myself more than I already had. Not until I knew who the real threats were. I needed to know whom I could trust.


    They wanted my family dead for a reason. Any news of me being alive would simply be signing my death warrant.


    Professor Dalca¡¯s voice droned in the background, the low rumble of lecture notes and political case studies filling the room, but I barely heard a word of it.


    Not with Dristan¡¯s icy stare pinning me to my seat and Xade¡¯s ever-present smirk twitching at the corner of my eye.


    The worst part wasn¡¯t even them watching me¡ªit was me, feeling every flicker of their attention like it was stitched into my skin.


    Dristan¡¯s gaze was like a weight on my shoulders. Xade¡¯s? It was lighter, more teasing, but no less cutting. Like he knew exactly how off-bnce I was and was just waiting for the moment I stumbled.


    I tried to focus. I tried to anchor myself in the ss¡¯s rhythm.


    Alpha session, responsibilities of heirs, political alignments after formal bonding ceremonies¡ªthings I should care about if I wanted to survive here.


    But my mind kept slipping, fraying at the edges, dragging me back to the crumpled note burning a hole in my pocket.


    <strong>They know.</strong>

 Chapter 80: The Past

    <h4>Chapter 80: The Past</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 80</strong>


    ~Valerie¡¯s POV~


    The words echoed like a drumbeat behind my ribs. I gripped my pen tighter, pretending to jot something down.


    From the corner of my eye, I caught Xade leaning closer. "You¡¯re distracted, little wolf," he whispered. "Care to share?"


    I stiffened and shot him a re sharp enough to cut ss.


    "Back off, Xade," I muttered under my breath.


    The smirk didn¡¯t leave his face. If anything, it deepened. Unfortunately, my sharp tone caught more than just his attention.


    Dristan shifted beside me, his head turning slowly in my direction. His voice, when it came, was quiet but carried an undeniablemand. "What¡¯s wrong?"


    I looked up into those icy blue eyes and felt my stomach twist painfully.


    Nothing. Everything.


    I shook my head and forced out the most casual voice I could manage. "Nothing. Just tired."


    A tant lie. And judging by the way Dristan¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, he didn¡¯t believe it for a second.


    But thankfully, he let it go.


    Still, the walls of the room seemed to close in around me, the weight of two alpha heirs and one devastating secret pressing against my lungs until breathing felt like a task.


    The moment ss was dismissed, I was up and moving before anyone else had even stood.


    I needed space. Air. Distance.


    "Valerie¡ª" Xade called after me, but I ignored him.


    I pushed out into the hallway, weaving through the crowd with quick steps until the familiar archway of the library came into view.


    I slipped inside, my pulse still hammering against my throat.


    The library was dimmer and quieter, perfect for disappearing.


    I found an isted corner tucked behind a shelf of ancient political treaties and slid into the nearest chair.


    Only then, when I was sure no one was watching, did I pull the note out of my pocket.


    I studied it more carefully this time.


    Ordinary paper. Ordinary ink. There was no magical residue or distinct scent.


    Completely normal, which somehow made it feel even more threatening. Whoever had left this wasn¡¯t careless. They were careful.


    I ran my fingers over the handwriting. It was as if every letter had been carved with intent.


    My heart thudded harder. How much did they know?


    Everything or just enough to ruin me? Whichever it was, just knowing my name was huge.


    I swallowed hard and folded the paper back up, tucking it deep into the inner pocket of my jacket.


    I couldn¡¯t afford to panic.


    I stood, grabbing my things quickly. I needed to get back to the ss andter, figure out what my next move would be without drawing more suspicion.


    But just as I stepped into the hallway¡ªI felt it¡ªa prickle down the back of my neck.


    The kind of sensation you only get when someone is watching you. I froze mid-step, blood roaring in my ears.


    Slowly, I turned.


    The hallway behind me was empty. No students or professors.


    Only the soft flicker of light bulbs lining the walls¡ªand the faintest shadow disappearing around the far corner.


    My eyes narrowed and at once my instincts red¡ªchase and catch.


    I tightened my grip on my bag and quickened my pace, my mind already racing through possibilities of who it might be until I reached the turn, there was nobody there.


    I halted, leaning against the wall as my grip on my bag tightened. "Focus, Valerie, focus."


    This was not the goal nor the agenda. It was pure distraction and nothing more.


    Perhaps it was Titania. The girl literally hated me and wanted my life.


    But then, if she were the one, wouldn¡¯t she had announced it already to discredit me? Or... no. I shook my head.


    Titania was tentatively ruled out, leaving me adrift in a sea of uncertainty. If she was the one she wouldn¡¯t do such a thing, knowing then, the tendency of me being closer to the hiers was huge.


    I inhaled again, deeper this time. The air burned like acid down my throat.


    Astra whimpered faintly in the back of my mind¡ªconfused, concerned¡ªbut I shoved her deeper in my mind. She didn¡¯t get to speak. Not now. Not when the ghosts were wing through my chest again.


    She hadn¡¯t seen it. She had no idea the pain I went through as a kid, watching my father take five silver bullets to the chest and still force himself to his feet¡ªbleeding, coughing, teeth clenched¡ªjust to fight off the assassins,ing for me.


    She hadn¡¯t heard the ragged gurgle of his breath as thest one pierced his lung.


    She didn¡¯t watch our mother¡¯s body intercepted the silver de meant for my neck, before four mighty wolves came for her and she shoved me back while her blood poured over thewn.


    <i>"Find Maia, I love you," </i>was all my mother said before focusing on her fight.


    Astra hadn¡¯t seen any of it. But I had witnessed it all. Every single second.


    I had seen warriors I idolized fall to their knees in blood and ash. The brutal killing of my pack members¡ªthose of importance.


    Or was it when they chased after me, right after my mother died and I had ran away, trying hard not to scream even as I hid in the kitchen until Maia¡ªmy little maid of the same age as me, my only friend then¡ªhad grabbed me.


    She had shoved me into the dusty servant¡¯s passage we used to y inbehind the kitchen hearth, whispering, <i>"Don¡¯t make a sound,"</i> before stepping out to face them, wearing my clothes and a hastily fashioned wig the color of my hair.


    How she had conceived such a n, such a sacrifice, was still a mystery, but Maia was more than a maid; she was sharp, intelligent, fiercely loyal.


    <i>"Maia,"</i> I had choked out, and she had offered a small, brave smile.


    <i>"I always said my life was yours tomand, Lady Valerie. I am happy to serve you. Goodbye, and please, survive for us."</i>


    A single tear traced a path down her cheek as she pressed the hidden mechanism, the wall sliding shut, sealing my hiding ce as she stepped into my stolen identity.


    All I could hear was her scream as they gutted her down.

 Chapter 81: Royal Summon

    <h4>Chapter 81: Royal Summon</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 81</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My fists curled, nails digging so hard into my palms they broke skin. Blood welled, warm and angry.


    I shook with the weight of it all.


    Their pain still rang in my ear, and heaven knew how long it took for the nightmares to reduce drastically.


    The world wanted me to forget. To move on. To let time heal me like some kind of salve. But time didn¡¯t heal a goddamned thing. It just gave the pain new ces to hide.


    Astra would never know because I did my best putting up all those walls to block anyone out.


    Not even the witches Uncle Zade brought. Not even the Lycan Priestess¡ªLady Siona who had saved my mother in the past.


    No one. I lived with the trauma, letting it fuel my vengeance and my revenge.


    My breathing turned sharp¡ªfast, my chest rising and falling with each sessful deep breath I took while my mind reyed those gruesome scenes too bad for a kid.


    I wanted to scream. I wanted to rip the walls apart with my ws and let Astra out, let her destroy everything until the world bled like I had. Like Maiaa had. Like Mother.


    But I didn¡¯t.


    Because I couldn¡¯t afford to break.


    Not now. Not ever.


    And no one would ever understand what it cost to stay sane.


    They didn¡¯t see the trembling hands at night. The way I flinched at gunshots in the training fields. The way I couldn¡¯t sleep in silence because silence meant remembering.


    They saw defiance. I saw survival.


    I pressed my back against the cool stone wall behind me, dragging in air like it could drown out the memories. I dragged my hand over my face, wiping the sweat from my brow with a ragged breath. My nails were still bloody. My knuckles scraped raw.


    But the ghosts were everywhere. In the shadows. In my skin and mind.


    The vengeance I carried wasn¡¯t some noble torch. It was a noose. A weapon. A shield. It was the only thing that kept me upright when the weight of what I¡¯d lost tried to drag me down.


    "Valerie Voilet Sapphire Snow," I whispered to myself, my voice shaking like the rest of me. "You¡¯ve been distracted too much from your goal."


    I let the silence stretch, waiting for my body to stop trembling.


    "I need to find the Nightshade Emblem," I said more firmly this time, clenching my bloodied fist. "Fast¡ªbefore I¡¯m exposed."


    Because the closer I got to them¡ªthe Alphas, this academy, the mess of emotions tangled up in the mate bond¡ªthe more dangerous it became. Not just for me but for everyone.


    <i>Let this be a race against time.</i>


    Because if I didn¡¯t uncover the truth before my secrets were ripped from me... maybe the whole kingdom would burn.


    And maybe I would, too.


    <strong>******************</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The notification came at dawn.


    I was halfway throughcing my boots when the knock hit the door¡ªtwo short raps, then a pause.


    Royal cadence.


    Ace groaned from his bed, pulling the covers over his face like he could sleep through a summon from the Lycan Court.


    I already knew what it meant. I¡¯d felt it in the pit of my stomach the moment I woke. A shift. A summons. A disruption I didn¡¯t want but couldn¡¯t ignore.


    Sliding the door open, I came face-to-face with Scorpion. He held himself like every breath he took wasced with purpose.


    "Prince Ash Kaid," he said with a bow. "Her Majesty requests your presence. Both of you."


    I didn¡¯t need to ask why. I already knew.


    Still, I asked. "Where?"


    "The Southern Region. Alpha Storm Zephyr is receiving Her Majesty today. You will apany her."


    Behind me, Ace grumbled, sitting up with hair like a bird¡¯s nest. "Seriously? We had a simtion scheduled."


    I looked at him. "You think the Queen gives a damn about our school calendar?"


    He shot me a look, but didn¡¯t argue. "She¡¯s our mother. Of course she should give a damn," Ace muttered some secondster.


    I turned back to Scorprion. "Tell her we¡¯ll be ready in twenty minutes."


    The door shut, and silence settled between us.


    Ace rubbed the back of his neck. "I was actually looking forward to kicking someone¡¯s ass in that simtion."


    I didn¡¯t answer. My thoughts were already drifting elsewhere.


    <strong>Valerie.</strong>


    I hadn¡¯t seen her properly since the day she tried to break the bond. Since she shoved us away with that look in her eyes, like we were enemies. Like the bond that linked us meant nothing.


    And maybe it didn¡¯t.


    Maybe to her, we were just one more chain trying to wrap around her throat.


    But I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was off. Something beyond the mate bond. Something deeper. Like she was fighting a war none of us could see.


    "I wanted to see her today," I murmured.


    Ace nced at me, brow raised. "Val?"


    I nodded.


    Ace exhaled, grabbing a shirt and tugging it over his head. "Yeah. Me too."


    "But we can¡¯t. Mum wants to see us; we have to leave," I reminded my brother.


    "Yeah. Do not worry; when we return, we can steal some time with our mate. Oh, and tell Mum too. Perhaps she will have an answer to how to get Valerie for ourselves."


    I wanted tough and call him out for his wishful thinking, but I didn¡¯t. Why? Perhaps I was too hopeful. "Sure. Now, let¡¯s go."


    ***********


    The journey south was quiet.


    We sat in the back of the armoured car, watching the world blur by. Mountains melted into valleys. Trees thickened. The air grew colder, thinner, as if it had remembered blood.


    It had been ten years since we¡¯dst visited the Southern Region.


    Ten years since the massacre.


    Ten years since the kingdombelled it as irredeemable.


    We arrived just as the sun crested the hills, casting golden light over the brokennds. The estate stood defiant, now repaired and painted since the massacre, it still stood proudly.


    And on the front steps, dressed in deep emerald robes and nked by guards, stood the <strong>Lycan Queen</strong>.


    Our mother.


    She didn¡¯t smile. She never did when she was here. The South meant too much to her, and too much had been lost.


    Her gaze met mine, and I felt it again¡ªthat weight in my chest I could never quite name when I looked at her, especially when she was this sad.


    I felt guilty, I couldn¡¯t do anything to take her pain away.


    "Come."

 Chapter 82: The Lycan Queen’s Visit

    <h4>Chapter 82: The Lycan Queen¡¯s Visit</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 82</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Come," my mother called out, and for a second, I saw a twitch in her lips.


    "Mum!" Ace forgot himself like the baby he was and ran towards her as she pulled him into a hug.


    I walked up to them with a smile on my face that didn¡¯t quite reach my eyes. "Hello, mother."


    "Ash, my love. So good to see you." Ace pouted, and our mother caressed his cheek softly. "Come, join me. We have much to discuss."


    And just like that, <strong>Valerie</strong>, the simtion, the academy¡ªthey all fell into the background.


    Just like that, we headed for the front door as the guards took a step back. Ace happily rapped on the door while I nced around, taking in the sight before me.


    The Southern Region was no longer the ghost town it had once been, which was good.


    After the tragedy that wiped out most of the Ivory Crescent Pack, thend worked hard to heal. They rebuilt the roads and cultivated the fields while fresh earth and blooming flowers now reced with the scent of ash.


    Even the pack house, once in ruin, now stood tall and modern, shining under the morning sun, rebuilt into a mansion.


    It wasn¡¯t just strong¡ªit was beautiful. Wide ss windows framed by silver stone, open balconies lined with green vines, a towering gate bearing the old pack crest: a crescent moon wrapped in ivy.


    This was still home, even if it no longer felt like it.


    As our mother stepped forward, a soft breeze brushed through her dark hair, her gown rustling faintly.


    The door was opened and a man, probably in histe forties, lowered his head before my mother.


    "Queen Aurora, wee, Your Majesty." Mother¡¯s smile was calm as she nodded.


    "Thank you, Butler Scott."


    "Your Highnesses, wee." He moved to the side to let us in. "The Alpha is in the living room and expecting you. This way."


    "Sure."


    We walked in after him and were led to the right through the door, where the living room was, and an older, sturdy-looking man sat.


    <strong>Alpha Storm Zephyr</strong>.


    His presence was stillmanding, even after all these years. His hair had turned fully silver, but his shoulders remained square, his eyes piercing blue and unblinking.


    I could feel his wolf¡¯s aura even from where I stood. Winter hadn¡¯t dulled¡ªhe¡¯d just buried it under decades of loss.


    As we approached, he stood from his chair.


    "Aurora," he said.


    "Alpha Storm," she replied simply, nodding with a faint smile.


    His eyes flicked toward us, me first, then Ace. "You boys have grown."


    "Still not as tall as you," Ace joked lightly, giving him a mock bow.


    Alpha Storm¡¯s lips tugged, barely. In the war neen years ago, history recorded his valiant prowess alongside that of his son and daughter-inw.


    And till now, one could still feel the powerful aura radiating off him even though it had dulled and was weakened by sadness.


    Then another figure emerged from inside the house. Her hair was dark, streaked with ash, her face graceful, soft in all the ways Alpha Storm¡¯s was sharp¡ª<strong>Luna Star</strong>, his mate.


    "Ace. Ash," she greeted warmly, opening her arms as we stepped into them without hesitation.


    Her hug smelled likevender and warmth, like the South before the blood. "It¡¯s been too long," she murmured. "I almost thought you forgot about us."


    Ace chuckled against her shoulder. "me royal life. They keep us locked in that fortress."


    "Mm. And here I thought wolves needed freedom to grow."


    She pulled back and smiled at us both. "Come inside. You two can get cleaned up. I¡¯ve made your favourite meal."


    I blinked, clearly surprised. "You remembered?"


    "I never forget," she said with a wink.


    Our mother nodded to her. "Take them in, Luna Star. I¡¯ll speak with Alpha Storm alone."


    Something in her voice shifted, and Luna Star noticed. Her smile softened, but she obeyed, turning to lead us toward the house.


    As we passed the open patio, I nced back.


    Mother and Alpha Storm had already settled into their seats as a maid walked in holding a set of teacups and a jug of jasmine tea.


    I didn¡¯t mean to linger. I really didn¡¯t.


    But something in their tone caught my ears as we crossed into the hallway.


    So I paused. Just for a second. Just until I could hear better.


    "It¡¯s been a while, Alpha."


    "Likewise, Aurora."


    "You miss him."


    There was a long pause before Alpa Storm replied. "Always."


    "I¡¯m sorry your son, Snow... died too young," she said softly. "He was so much like his father. Brave. Stubborn. Loyal to the end."


    Alpha Storm exhaled through his nose, but his gaze was distant. "He fought hard for the peace of the kingdom. That alone is good enough for me. He protected those he loved."


    The pause that followed was long and heavy.


    "You still believe in the prophecy?" my mother asked.


    I frowned. <i>What prophecy?</i>


    Alpha Storm¡¯s voice came next, low and sure. "You saw it too, Aurora. The child born of blood and ash... under the Blood Moon Wolf. A girl who would either unite or destroy everything we know."


    Blood Moon Wolf?


    My mother¡¯s voice dropped. "I had a dream of her recently, and since then, every time I close my eyes, I see silver and violet."


    My blood turned cold.


    <i>Silver and violet.</i>


    My mind immediately tried to figure out what they meant but couldn¡¯t.


    "What do you mean, Aurora?"


    "I should be asking you, Alpha Storm. Tell me... Is she alive, then?"


    "And what kind of question is that? You mourned them. You saw their dead bodies." Alpha Storm reminded her. "What sickening game is this?"


    "I don¡¯t know," my mother replied. "It could be a rebirth... or she could be living now without knowing what she is. But one thing I know is the Moon Goddess do not lie, and that prophecy will ur. All I do know is, reincarnation, rebirth or not, we need to find out if your granddaughter, Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow, miraculously is still alive."

 Chapter 83: Her Name

    <h4>Chapter 83: Her Name</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 83</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My heart skipped a beat when I heard Valerie¡¯s name being mentioned there. I swallowed and took a step back.


    Something in me locked up. A single name burned in my chest.


    <strong>Valerie.</strong>


    I turned quietly, slipping back down the hallway before they noticed. I found Ace leaning against the wall near the stairwell, tossing a small red fruit in his hand like he¡¯d never moved.


    "Well?" he asked.


    I swallowed. "Where¡¯s Luna Star?"


    Rather than answer me, Ace questioned. "I knew you were eavesdropping. What did you hear that left you shaken?"


    Just as I was about to answer, he beat me to it, his eyes darkening a bit. "And don¡¯t you dare lie to your twin. I know you. What is wrong?"


    My voice was low, tight. "It¡¯s not nothing, just a visit."


    Ace raised a brow. "Spill?"


    "It¡¯s not in my ce to say or hear. You are free to ask Mumter, but for now, I just need to confirm something."


    His expression shifted into something more serious and sharp. "What about it? You tell me, Ash. Remember, we made a promise to each other. We do not keep secrets from each other. So spill."


    I sighed and met his gaze and said the only thing that made sense.


    "They spoke about thete southern heiress and a prophecy."


    "So?"


    "Mum imed to be having dreams of a prophecy that is linked to her, and she believes the Southern Heiress may be alive."


    Ace studied me briefly. "That isn¡¯t why you look pale, is it? There¡¯s more."


    I nodded and tucked my hands in my pockets. "Her name, though. Her name is Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow."


    Before I could say anything, Ace¡¯s eyes widened. "Valerie?"


    "I don¡¯t know. I do not have any proof, and besides, a name can be used by several people, even those who know each other, but... I do not know why something struck a chord, but I think it¡¯s her."


    Ace shook his head. "No. I doubt it."


    "Is it though? No one has a picture of the Southern Heiress, but we do have one of Luna Zara. Don¡¯t you see a slight resemnce?"


    "But she died," Ace countered, trying to be the voice of reason. "And their hair colours don¡¯t match."


    "Yes, and they believe reincarnation is possible."


    Ace shook his head and began moving back and forth with his hands locked behind him like some old teacher. "Are you sure?" he asked once he stopped pacing.


    "I do not know, and neither does Mum. That is all she has, her spection."


    ***************


    Later that evening, we found ourselves sitting at the royal guest house at the side of the mansion.


    It was a quiet, private dining room and house reserved only for bloodline royalty anytime they visited, Luna Star had exined.


    Our mother had joined us for dinner.


    And by joined, I meant interrogated us with a silver spoon in hand and an arched brow like she was already suspicious.


    She sipped her wine first, quietly. Too quiet.


    "So," she said suddenly, and I looked up from my half-cut steak. "Anything... interesting happen while I was gone?"


    Ace didn¡¯t answer. He was chewing. For me, I kept my head down.


    "Anything at all?" Mum pressed, casually twirling her fork like it was nothing. "Like, say... meeting your mate?"


    We both choked. I reached for my water and nearly spilt it. Ace pounded his chest, muttering curses under his breath.


    Mum¡¯s lips curled. Her eyes narrowed like a wolf scenting prey. "Start spilling."


    We said nothing. Then the mind link snapped open like a whip.


    <i>"Spill, boys. I am your mother."</i>


    I winced. Ace groaned. We hated it when she did that. That was the one state or ce we couldn¡¯t lie because she could feel or see into our minds to know.


    It was something she had learnt, a trick spell a witch taught her.


    <i>"Fine, Mum,"</i> I grumbled through the link.<i> "We found our mate."</i>


    There was a beat of silence.


    <i>"Already?!"</i> she squealed¡ªout loud this time¡ªand pped her hands once, nearly knocking over her ss.


    We both stared at her like we were watching a child, particrly speaking, our younger sister acting spoiled.


    Ace muttered, "You asked us, remember?"


    Mum beamed. "Tell me all about them! Who are they? What pack is she from? Is she noble born? Oh, do I know her family?"


    "Who?" Ace corrected, stabbing at his food like it offended him.


    She paused. Her eyes widened. "You¡¯re mated to the same girl?" We both nodded, and she sped her chest. "Moon Goddess be praised."


    I groaned. "Really, Mum?"


    "What? It¡¯s no surprise! You two always shared everything growing up¡ªyour toys, your swords, your punishments. And don¡¯t think I forgot how you both used to pray for the same mate when you were little."


    I facepalmed. Ace slouched back in his chair like he was rethinking life. We were the ones who asked for this!


    Well, although we asked for the same mate, we never asked the Moon Goddess to share her with other guys as well.


    "Yeah," Ace muttered. "Seems like we weren¡¯t the only ones with that wish."


    My mother¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Wait. What does that mean?"


    Ace nced at me. I shrugged. Screw it. "Well, we¡¯ve already spilled... might as well say the rest."


    She leaned in, eyes practically glittering.


    "She¡¯s... mated to..." I began but Mum cut in.


    "Someone else?" Her voice pitched up like it might shatter the windows as she blinked in surprise.


    "Yup," Ace lied smoothly, pushing his mashed potatoes around. "Just one more."


    <i>Liar.</i>


    "Oh boy," she exhaled. "And how are things among you three?"


    We both shrugged at the same time.


    "She¡¯s still trying to process things, I guess," I said.


    "Well, she should," Mum nodded, suddenly grinning again. "Looks like I¡¯ll have my daughter-inw soon!"


    Ace and I exchanged a look. Neither of us said a word. We did not want to spill the truth about Valerie¡¯s other four mates.


    Then she asked it. "So. What¡¯s her name?"


    I froze.


    Ace did too¡ªmid-bite, fork halfway to his mouth. We didn¡¯t move. Didn¡¯t blink.


    "Answer me," she said softly. "I promise I won¡¯t run a background check. Or... a magical trace. Or summon her wolf spirit." she began to list off the things her crazy mind would have done.


    "You promise?" Ace asked suspiciously.


    She reached over and patted his arm gently, eyes twinkling. "I promise, darling."


    I rolled my eyes. He fell prey easily to Mum¡¯s whim every time. It was getting old.


    In the past, whenever we wanted to hide something from her, be it a wrong we hadmitted or anything, Mum usually found out from her prized, pumpkin goody two-shoes son, my twin.


    I loved Mum, but Ace... he really was the son of her bosom, always acting like thest born when he wasn¡¯t.


    I sighed. "Her name is Valerie. Valerie Nightshade."


    The smile dropped off her face.


    Gone. Just like that.


    Her eyes widened¡ªpure shock¡ªand she sat there frozen, her lips parted, her ss halfway to her mouth.


    "Mum?" I asked, uncertain.


    She didn¡¯t answer right away because my mother¡ªQueen of Lycans¡ªwas staring straight through us like she¡¯d just seen a ghost.

 Chapter 84: Not A Property

    <h4>Chapter 84: Not A Property</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 84</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Back to Present ¨C Starlight City, Prestige Supernatural Academy (PSA)


    We returned two dayster. And the second we stepped onto the academy grounds, heads turned.


    But that wasn¡¯t what bothered me. In my case, as soon as our boots touched PSA ground, I felt it. Something had shifted.


    The air smelled different¡ªheavier and somewhat sharper,ced with tension and the faint sting of old blood.


    Ace walked beside me, conversational as always, but even his smirk faltered.


    "You feel that?" he asked, keeping his voice low.


    I didn¡¯t answer yet because my mind wasn¡¯t here.


    It was still back at the estate.


    Still standing outside the living room door with the weight of a prophecy echoing in my chest and my mother¡¯s words carved into my skull.


    <strong>The Blood Moon Wolf. A girl born of blood and ash. Silver and violet.</strong>


    Valerie.


    My thoughts spiraled straight to that moment¡ªwhen my mother¡¯s smile vanished the second her name left my mouth.


    When everything around us paused like the universe had just connected a thread none of us were ready to pull.


    <strong>Valerie Violet Sapphire Nightshade.</strong>


    Ace had to try and let my mum believe that Valerie was just Valerie Nightshade, a nobody.<strong></strong>In that moment we mind linked, already knowing we had to find the truth and prove to ourselves as well as our mum, she was a different girl.


    Even though deep within me, part of me wanted it to be true.


    Was it really her?


    Everything told me yes. And yet, nothing made sense. But whether it did or not, one thing was now very clear.


    Valerie wasn¡¯t just another girl with a sharp tongue and too much fire in her eyes.


    She was the storm the Moon Goddess had attached to six powerful mates.


    And maybe... just maybe... the South hadn¡¯t fallen after all.


    It had been waiting for her like mum believed.


    Eyes followed us. Some widened. Some narrowed. But all of them screamed one thing¡ªsomething had happened.


    Ace slowed beside me, his posture tense, alert. "This isn¡¯t the usual we-missed-you fanfare."


    He was right. Though we had spent some days here, we had some girls who were already fan girliing at us due to our social media presence and background.


    This wasn¡¯t curiosity either.


    I stopped a co-senior passing by, one of the bigger guys from thebat division. I didn¡¯t even touch him, but when he caught my stare, he jolted like I¡¯d punched him.


    "Hey," I said. "What the hell happened during the past two days?"


    His eyes flicked between me and Ace, and he licked his lips like his mouth had suddenly gone dry. "I¨Cuh¡ªthere was a simtion. A special one, the day you two left."


    "So?" I pressed, stepping in just slightly.


    They all knew Ace and I had fought their Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs, and a few probably knew the reason was Valerie.


    The colour drained from his face when I stepped closer. "Valerie... she was attacked."


    My heart mmed to a stop.


    "What?" My voice came out too sharp and too loud.


    He stumbled over his words. "The dome¡ªit glitched. I heard there were masked men. Real des. She disappeared inside the system for hours before the instructors were able to retrieve her. No one knows what happened in there, but..."


    <i>But</i>.


    My wolf surged, ws scraping just beneath my skin.


    "But what?" I hissed, unable to withhold my anger and agitation.


    He swallowed. "She came back covered in bruises but she was alright. She came back with Dristan and..."


    I didn¡¯t wait to hear more. My feet moved before my brain could catch up.


    "Ash!" Ace barked behind me, but I was already gone, storming across the courtyard.


    Immediately, he mind-linked me.


    "Ash, wait! We need a n!"


    "She was attacked, Ace."


    "I know. But barging in¡ª"


    I cut the link. I didn¡¯t care.


    There were very few times in my life when I lost control. I was arguably always theposed one. Scratch that. I was reckless and impulsive at times but that did not mean I sat back when danger came close to those I cared about.


    Ace, however, had proven to be the steady one¡ªthe calm after my storm.


    And once more, those Alphas had proven to me they were not meant to be her mate.


    Not when I could still see Valerie¡¯s face in my head¡ªmouth bruised, eyes zed, breathing ragged.


    I moved like the world owed me answers, shoving through the halls, following her scent.


    It wasn¡¯t hard. My wolf knew her like breath. I found her just as the first bell rang.


    <strong>Advanced Shifting Techniques ss.</strong>


    The door was halfway closed, her scent thick in the air. I didn¡¯t knock. I mmed it open, and every head turned.


    The room fell silent.


    All eyes on me. Then mine found her.


    Valerie was at the back, hair tied up, gaze locked on her notebook like she hadn¡¯t felt me walk in.


    But she had because I noticed her hand froze, her breath hitched, and her shoulders stiffened.


    I stepped inside, ignoring the stares, my voice cutting through the silence as I came to an abrupt stop in front of her seat.


    "Valerie, are you alright?"


    The words came out rougher than I meant. Like something inside me had cracked.


    She looked up, meeting my gaze. "Ash?"


    I ignored the whispers that exploded around the ssroom.


    I knew what they were saying.


    "<i>The stoic Lycan twin."</i>


    <i>"The one who never spoke to just anyone unless he had to stormed in."</i>


    <i>"Eyes glowing red and asking after a girl."</i>


    "Get up," I said, moving closer.


    Valerie blinked. "Ash¡ª"


    I reached her desk and grabbed her hand.


    She was warm against my skin and still breathing. "I¡¯m fine¡ª"


    "You¡¯re not," I cut in, pulling her gently from the seat. "And I¡¯ll be the judge of that too."


    "Ash, stop. We¡¯re in ss¡ª"


    I didn¡¯t hear her. Not fully.


    Because I was already leading her out, her fingers still in mine, her protest fading the moment I got her into the hallway.


    We reached a quiet corridor before I stopped. The walls here were tall, creating shadows falling just right. No students. No cameras.


    It was safe.


    I turned to face Valerie, heart still pounding.


    "Show me."


    She frowned. "What?"


    "Where you¡¯re hurt." I reached for her arms, checking first before moving to her shoulders and I was just about to check her legs when she tried to pull away.


    "Ash¡ªstop."


    But my hands kept moving¡ªgentle, shaking¡ªmy fingers brushing over the edge of her corbone, searching for bruises.


    I couldn¡¯t help it. "I wasn¡¯t here," I muttered. "I should¡¯ve been here."


    Her expression shifted when I looked back up. She looked at me then¡ªnot the way she usually did, like I was another obstacle to dodge¡ªbut like she saw something real in me.


    "I¡¯m okay now," Valerie assured me softly.


    But she wasn¡¯t really. I could see it in her eyes. Something inside her had changed.


    Before I could say more, a low growl cut through the air behind us like a warning.


    <strong>"Get your hands off her."</strong>


    I turned sharply just to see Kai standing there, fingers clenched as his gaze locked on where my handsy on Valerie.


    His emerald eyes were glowing, his chest rising and falling with slow fury. His wolf burned just beneath the surface¡ªdangerously, waiting to be unleashed.


    He stalked forward, gaze locked on where my hand still touched her waist. Without thinking, I stepped in front of her. My own growl answered his.


    Kai bared his teeth. "She¡¯s mine, not yours."


    I bared mine right back. "She¡¯s not a property."

 Chapter 85: Accused

    <h4>Chapter 85: used</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 85</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "She¡¯s not a property," I snapped, stepping fully between Kai and Valerie.


    His aura red. Mine did too.


    The tension between us was sharp enough to cut through steel. I could feel the warning pulses of power crackling off him, his skin gave off immense heat just like his power but I didn¡¯t care.


    My wolf had already risen to the surface, pacing beneath my skin, ready to rip him apart if he touched her again.


    Kai¡¯s lip curled. "What are you even doing to her?"


    I growled, the sound was low enough for only us to hear but nheless lethal, letting my eyes sh a deep crimson. "Not your business."


    "She is my business," he shot back, jaw clenched.


    "No, she isn¡¯t," I said, barely holding myself back. "Not when she was attacked right under your noses."


    His body tensed, his eyes narrowing into slits. He was offended by those words not because I lied but because it was true.


    If he really was her mate, he would feel my rage and how incapable he was to protect our mate.


    "You¡¯re one to talk. Where were you when she got attacked, huh?" Kai questioned sharply.


    I didn¡¯t flinch.


    I stepped closer and pulled Valerie to my side, feeling her shift slightly against me, though she didn¡¯t resist. Kai¡¯s hand was still locked on her wrist, and I stared him dead in the eye.


    "My brother and I had already left school before the attack."


    "Is that so?" he sneered, eyes scanning my face like he was trying to read something between the lines.


    I narrowed my eyes. "What¡¯s that supposed to mean?"


    Kai crossed his arms and when he spoke his voice was filled with suspicion. "Isn¡¯t it just a little too convenient that the day the Lycan brothers leave school, Valerie is attacked? How do I know you didn¡¯t n the whole thing?"


    I blinked.


    <i>The fuck?!</i>


    My rage surged like a wave snapping free from its dam.


    Valerie stood quietly, caught between us, saying nothing. Her eyes were indistinct, but I could feel her wolf flickering beneath her skin, waiting.


    I stepped forward, my chest heaving. "Because she is my mate."


    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up with challenge. "Exactly."


    My fists clenched at my sides. "Can you stop and listen to yourself for a second, Kai?" I said, voice tight with restraint. "She¡¯s my mate. That means I would protect her with my life. Not harm her."


    Kai didn¡¯t back down. "What if this is all a game to you? What if pretending to care is just part of your act to take her away from here? What if your n failed, so you came back to try again?"


    I stared at him, stunned at how easily the bullshit rolled off his tongue.


    He didn¡¯t believe that. Not really but he hated not being in control and he wasn¡¯t ready to let Valerie go with someone he did not trust.


    Well, the feeling was mutual.


    And Valerie had never been in his control to begin with.


    He finally looked at her then, his voice softening just enough to make my skin crawl. "Don¡¯t believe him blindly, Valerie. Just because he¡¯s your mate doesn¡¯t mean you know him."


    I didn¡¯t let her answer.


    I moved in between them again, blocking his line of sight. "And she should believe you?"


    "Yes," Kai affirmed without hesitation then he shoved me.


    Wrong move.


    I stumbled back half a step and caught myself, red blurring my vision.


    "You should be checked," he growled. "Since you arrived, everything¡¯s gone AWOL."


    "No," I snarled, stepping forward again. "My arrival just exposed how ipetent you all are. I will not stand by while you pretend you¡¯re capable of protecting her."


    That hit home because the next second, his nostrils red, his power rising like a wave.


    "Enough!" Valerie shouted, and the force in her voice made both of us flinch.


    We both turned toward her instantly.


    She was panting, her chest rising and falling fast, but her eyes¡ªher eyes were calm. Steady. In control.


    "I believe you both," she said.


    Kai¡¯s gaze dropped for a second, unsure. I let out a breath I didn¡¯t realize I¡¯d been holding.


    "You see?" I muttered to Kai, a hint of triumphcing my voice.


    "Buzz off, Ash. I¡¯m not Dristan," he shot back, still ring. I wasn¡¯t one who was hushed and obviously neither was he. There was only one way to end this... a fight.


    Before either of us could throw the next punch, a new voice cut in.


    "Exactly," the voice drawled. "You two aren¡¯t Dristan. But you are acting like dummies and untamed animals."


    We all turned to see Axel standng at the far end of the corridor, arms crossed, expression unreadable but filled with irritation.


    He looked at us like we were a pair of kids caught fighting in the sandbox.


    "Rather than fighting like two pups during moonblood, why doesn¡¯t everyone just act civilized for once?" he asked as he walked toward us.


    Valerie blinked in surprise. "Axel?"


    "I don¡¯t have time for posturing and chest-thumping." He stopped in front of her, ignoring both of us. "You okay?"


    She nodded slowly. Then, without asking, he reached for her hand. I didn¡¯t think and neither did Kai.


    We both stepped forward at once, ready to tear him off her.


    But Axel turned, his eyes darkening so fast and so deep that even I paused. His gaze flicked between us¡ªsharp and icy.


    "Back. Off," he said in a low dangerous voice.


    There was something different about him just then. Something calm but terrifying.


    And just like that, he walked away with Valerie, his hand still holding hers gently.


    Neither Kai nor I moved. Not until they disappeared around the corner.


    "Fuck it!" Kai eximed while sinking his ws into his palm.


    I red at him. "Whose fault is that? Now she¡¯s left, you overgrown dog."


    "Says the premature cat. You¡¯re just a cat and nothing more."


    "At least I¡¯ll have nine lives ande for you even after you die," I bit back.


    "Buzz off, dimwit." That was all Kai said as he walked away, leaving me alone.


    I stood there for a long minute, breathing hard.


    Ace appeared secondster, sliding to a stop beside me. "What did I miss?"


    I didn¡¯t answer. I was too busy reying everything in my head.


    And the fact that I, Ash Kaid, had just let someone else walk away with the girl the Moon Goddess had chosen for me.

 Chapter 86: The Cocky Seducer

    <h4>Chapter 86: The Cocky Seducer</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 86</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t say a word as Axel led me away. The hallway stretched behind us, filled with silence I didn¡¯t try to fill.


    My thoughts wouldn¡¯t let me.


    Ashton, Kai and that stupid fight.


    What was I supposed to do? Rejecting them hadn¡¯t worked. Avoiding them had only made things worse. And now, they were at each other¡¯s throats like I was some prize to be fought over.


    Solstice¡¯s voice echoed in my head, <i>"Maybe give them a chance, Vi."</i>


    Even Astra had softenedtely. <i>"You can¡¯t keep pushing them away forever. You¡¯ll break before they do."</i> she had once said. <i>"Give them a hance, get to know them all."</i>


    But how? How the fuck was I suppose to do that?


    I sighed, dragging my fingers through my hair as I tried to shove away the overwhelming thoughts only to blink when Axel¡¯s voice pulled me back to the present.


    "We¡¯re here."


    I stopped walking and spoke absentmindedly. "Where?"


    "Our house," he said simply.


    I froze.


    My eyes lifted to the familiar structure ahead¡ªthe Alpha Kings¡¯ dorm. Thest time I was here... it was when I had copsed at the merchant¡¯s house. Overwhelmed by their scents, my heat had surged, uncontrolled and humiliating as their aura became too much fo rme, that coupled with the poison, I copsed.


    But now...


    My fingers flew to the thin chain around my neck. I touched the ne beneath my uniform cor. It was still there, sttill suppressing my heat and protecting me.


    I had forgotten to inform my Uncle to not make anotehr one, that had found mine but that would have pout many talks in my ear on safety as well as who saved me and the merchant who stole it.


    There was just so much that would have happened. Nd when the thought of having a spare ne just in case, crossed my mind, I threw the thought to the back of my mind.


    Somehow, standing here before the house, I didn¡¯t feel safe, not with the way Axel looked at me.


    "Valerie," his voice broke through again. I could feel the concern edged in his tone. "Are you okay?"


    I blinked, snapping out of it again. My eyes returned to the house. Then I shook my head.


    He stepped closer. "Are you hurt?"


    "Oh no. I... I just..." My voice cracked before I steadied it. "I¡¯m not going in."


    His brows furrowed instantly. "Why not?"


    "I still have ss."


    Axel stepped in front of me, blocking the path with infuriating ease. "You need to rest. You look, tired."


    Yeah I was tired. Tired of all their butting in and control.


    He tinued, hoping to persuade me. "I¡¯ll call in sick for you. No one will question it, not even Principal Whitmore."


    My eyes narrowed and something in me snapped.


    "It must be cute for you guys, right? To make decisions for people like we¡¯re dolls you can move around, a chess piece to use as you wish. Do whatever you want and the world bends around you."


    "Where¡¯s thating from?" Axel asked.


    I hated how they looked down on their senior, particrly th principal and sometimes called her by her name as thoughts he was beneath them, just because they were princes.


    "Valerie¡ª"


    "I am not a project. I¡¯m not some wounded little girl who needs saving. And I would really, really like to be left alone. Okay?" I didnt give Axel a chance to respond and immediately added, "Thank you."


    Having said my piece, I turned to leave but I didn¡¯t get far.


    Axel grabbed my wrist and yanked me back¡ªhard¡ªbut not painfully. Just enough to throw me off bnce. And the next thing I knew, my back hit the wall of the house, and his body was in front of mine, close... way too close.


    "Axel¡ª" I gasped.


    His eyes weren¡¯t soft anymore. They burned¡ªhazel-greenced with gold, swirling with hunger and something darker, wicked.


    He changed. His attitude flickered like some magic trick.


    "Was that the same speech you gave Dristan," he murmured, voice silk and danger, "when his lips were busy memorizing yours?"


    My heart mmed in my chest.


    <i>Wait what?</i>


    His hand skimmed my side, slowly and every where his finger tips touched my skin lit up like fire beneath his touch.


    "Or maybe you said the same to Xade when he kissed you?" he whispered.


    I froze.


    How the hell did he¡ª


    My breath hitched. "Who told you about that?"


    His lips curled into that infuriating smirk. "No one. You just did."


    <i>Shit</i>. I fell into hsi trap. Axel wasn¡¯t called the cocky seducer for nothing.


    "I suspected Xade had done the same," Axel added, eyes gleaming. "But when I heard Dristan kissed you, well... everything clicked."


    I muttered a curse under my breath. <i>Xade that dollophead.</i>


    Axel pressed closer, his body warm andmanding, crowding me against the wall. I could feel the heat rolling off him, his scent wrapping around me like temptation itself¡ªearthy and sharp,ced with spice.


    "There was no way he wouldn¡¯t have tried kissing you," he said softly. "I saw you and Xade that day when you returned with Dristan, from a distance. By the time I got close, you were gone."


    My throat went dry. I couldn¡¯t move.


    Because his hand had moved from my waist up to my jaw, his thumb brushing along my cheek, so gently it made Astra purr in the back of my mind.


    <i>"No, no, don¡¯t even think about it..." </i> I warned her but she was already wing forward, pacing inside me.


    <i>"Let him kiss us. Just once, Valerie. Don¡¯t be stubborn."</i>


    <i>"Shut up,"</i> I hissed internally, but my knees were already going weak.


    "Not fair, Valerie," Axel murmured.


    And then he leaned in.


    His lips brushed mine¡ªnot enough to steal the breath from my lungs, but enough to set everything inside me on fire.


    They were extremely soft, much more than Dristan¡¯s. But that softness mixed with his smirk was dangerous yet it held a certain promise fo satisfaction and more.


    <i>"Give in," </i>Astra purred within me.


    The kiss deepened before I could pull away. His hand gripped my waist tighter, anchoring me to him as his mouth explored mine like he already owned it. Like he¡¯d been waiting and now... he wasn¡¯t asking for permission.


    All it took was one second of weakness when I thought briefly to kiss back and Astra surged, my control on her, snapping.


    She tried to take over.


    My fingers fisted in his shirt as my mind scrambled, as the heat inside me melted thest of my resistance.


    This wasn¡¯t like with Dristan. This wasn¡¯t like Xade. This was Axel¡ªwicked, tempting, terrifying, cocky, Axel Zeno.


    And he kissed like he knew what he was doing, like he knew exactly how to undo me and before I knew what was going on, I kissed him back with the same vigour and urgency.


    Astra did and my mind swirled.


    Axel¡¯s lips moved against mine like he already owned the moment, like he¡¯d been waiting for the right second to strike¡ªand he had.


    He kissed like sin and seduction and promises I wasn¡¯t ready to believe. And gods help me... I kissed him back.

 Chapter 87: Choose Me

    <h4>Chapter 87: Choose Me</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 87</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    It wasn¡¯t like with Dristan¡ªhesitant, sweet, like he wasn¡¯t sure he deserved it and still filled with fire.


    Or Xade, who was raw and hungry, yet sweet.


    No, this was fire and raw hungerced with gentle seduction. Axel kissed me like I was his.


    My fingers clutched him like he was the only thing keeping me from copsing.


    My head spun, heat building beneath my skin. His scent flooded my senses¡ªspice and earth and something darker¡ªand my control slipped.


    Astra surged and I fought to gain control.


    Her voice echoed in my skull, purring. <i>"Let go, Valerie. Let me have this. Just once."</i>


    <i>"No,"</i> I growled internally, even as my body leaned in, even as Axel¡¯s hand moved up my side and his lips imed mine deeper. <i>"No, Astra, stop¡ª"</i>


    But she wed harder, pushing me to give in, dragging my resistance to the edge of a cliff and threatening to shove it over.


    And I almost lostpletely, letting her win until we sensed it.


    A subtle presence¡ªbarely there but close.


    A prickling sensation ran down my spine, like the air had shifted, like I was no longer alone with him.


    <i>"Someone¡¯s watching."</i>


    Myment had made Astra freeze mid-kiss, my lips still parted beneath Axel¡¯s. I took hold of that moment and jerked back to focus.


    My mind spun with the possibility of who it could have been.


    Although it was faint and distant, it was there. I didn¡¯t know if it was Dristan, or Xade, or maybe someone else entirely¡ªbut I could feel eyes on me before it totally disappeared.


    My heart stuttered.


    That awareness was like a p. A cold jolt through the fog Astra had pulled over me.


    <i>No. Not like this. Not when I don¡¯t even know who¡¯s out there watching. Not when this isn¡¯t all me.</i>


    I clenched my fists and yanked myself back¡ªmentally and physically. My grip on Astra snapped tight, shoving her down into silence.


    Her frustrated growl echoed in my skull, but I didn¡¯t care. My mouth broke from Axel¡¯s. I sucked in a breath like I¡¯d been underwater.


    "Valerie?" Axel¡¯s voice was low, confused, stillced with heat. He tried to follow, to close the distance again as his hand reached for my cheek to caress it, but I held up a hand, pressing it against his chest. "No."


    Axel stilled. "What¡ª"


    "I can¡¯t," I breathed, my voice trembling even though I tried to keep it steady. "Not now."


    His brows furrowed. "Why?"


    I didn¡¯t answer right away. My eyes darted past his shoulder, scanning the shadows between the trees, the far edge of the dorm¡¯s courtyard. The sensation of being watched had faded, but the chill lingered.


    "I just can¡¯t," I said again in a firmer voice.


    <i>"I need to be in control of myself. Not her."</i> I tapped my temple lightly.


    "Valerie, talk to me." Axel leaned in again. "I know you fe..."


    "I¡¯m not..." I whispered, cutting him short, the words brushing his mouth, "I¡¯m not ready for this."


    Axel didn¡¯t pull backpletely. His hand stayed at the small of my back, his lips close, but he didn¡¯t press for more.


    "You kissed me back," he murmured in a husky voice filled with restraint. "Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t feel that."


    I did. Gods, I did. That was the problem. I couldn¡¯t deny the matebond and the feelings, gods!


    My jaw tightened. "I didn¡¯t say I didn¡¯t feel anything. I said, I¡¯m not ready."


    My voice was firmer now. My fingers, still clutching his shirt, slowly loosened. Astra snarled in frustration, but I forced her back¡ªclenched my teeth and shoved that wild instinct into a locked space deep in my mind.


    Axel drew back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes. The fire was still there in his gaze, but it had tempered. Barely. "I can wait," he promised.


    I didn¡¯t trust that answer. Not from him. Not with the way his thumb stroked my lower back like he was marking me with each slow caress.


    "No more games, Axel." My voice regained its edge. "You don¡¯t get to seduce answers out of me."


    He grinned¡ª<i>damn him</i>¡ªlike I¡¯d said something amusing. "You didn¡¯t give me answers." And he leaned closer again, his lips brushing my temple this time. "You gave me confirmation."


    I shoved at his chest¡ªnot hard enough to push him away, but enough to break the contact. "If you want to talk, then talk. If all you¡¯re after is who kissed me and when, find a wall and punch it."


    Axel tilted his head, his grin fading into something more serious. "You think that¡¯s all this is?"


    "I know you," I snapped, though my heart was still mming in my chest, still aching from the kiss we¡¯d shared. "You like control. You like knowing where the pieces on the board are. And right now, I¡¯m a piece you can¡¯t predict."


    His expression shuttered slightly. A flicker of something cold passed through his eyes before he schooled it back into that calm, cocky exterior.


    "I never wanted to control you," he said after a pause. "I just wanted you to choose, and hopefully you chose me. I¡¯m a better kisser."


    My lips parted, but no words came. I hadn¡¯t chosen. Not really. Not between any of them.


    Still, I had enjoyed a kiss from three of them. I nced away, shame and guilt swirling in my chest like a stormcloud I didn¡¯t know how to escape.


    "Then stop cornering me like I already did."


    Silence fell between us before Axel stepped back finally, giving me space, though the warmth of his body lingered for some seconds.


    I crossed my arms and bit the inside of my cheek to keep Astra silent.


    "I¡¯m going back." I did not need his approval. It was final, and my feet instantly turned.


    "Valerie," Axel called behind me. His voice was softer now. Almost... unsure. I paused but didn¡¯t look back.


    "I¡¯m not sorry," he said. "For kissing you. But I¡¯ll wait. Even if it kills me."


    I didn¡¯t answer. I just walked.


    He didn¡¯t stop me this time, but with every step away from him, I could still feel the burn of his kiss tingling my lips.

 Chapter 88: Internal Sinful Need

    <h4>Chapter 88: Internal Sinful Need</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 88</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about that kiss.


    Valerie¡¯s lips had burned against mine days ago, and yet the sensation still lingered like it just happened.


    I told myself to forget it. Over and over again. I did not need that distraction, even though I had been the one to initiate the kiss.


    I didn¡¯t deserve it or her.


    I trained harder, sparred until my knuckles bled, and repeated everymandment drilled into me by my father until my ears rang with them.


    <i>Do not lose control.</i>


    <i>Do not show weakness.</i>


    <i>Do not forget your ce.</i>


    And yet...


    Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face. Every time I tried to focus, I felt her hands in my hair, and the sound of her breath caught in her throat. The way her eyes had widened when I kissed her.


    I had kissed her like I needed to. Like I was afraid I¡¯d never get the chance again.


    And she hadn¡¯t stopped me. Valerie had kissed me back.


    And then... nothing.


    No answers. No words. We haven¡¯t spoken about it till now. I could sense she was stressing about something. Deep down I hoped it was our kiss and not. Why? I couldn¡¯t stomach hurting her.


    But then I wanted and needed her. To feel Valerie¡¯s body beneath mine while I showered her with kisses, to hear her sweet moans when my hands roamed her skin and massaged her lovely c-cup breasts and milky thighs...


    I swallowed, taking in a deep breath to calm my body and my desires. Soren was surging with need inside me.


    We both needed our mate, but everything was just too confusing for her, and I hated how Valerie didn¡¯t bother toe to me for help.


    All I got was just distance. It was maddening.


    I decided to go to ss; that way, I could distract my mind from these sinful thoughts.


    Soren had been restless all morning, pacing in circles inside me like a caged beast. It was a constant hum beneath my skin, like lightning under the surface, like I was going to split open if I didn¡¯t find her.


    When I didn¡¯t see Valerie in Psychology ss, I gave up.


    No one questioned when I walked out. No one dared.


    My steps were heavy as I made my way back to the shared house reserved for the Alpha heirs. I wasn¡¯t thinking straight, not really.


    All I knew or wanted then was a cold bath to calm me down and my sweet pill, Valerie. But as soon as I crossed the southern archway of campus to the dorms, Soren stilled. Alert.


    Her faint scent assaulted my nostrils<strong>. </strong>Just ahead.


    "What¡¯s she doing here?" I muttered, slowing down.


    I followed the trail until the house came into view, but my instincts told me not to step out in the open.


    So I veered off, ducking into the row of thin trees that lined the west side of the house¡ªbarely there, but just enough for me to disappear.


    That¡¯s when I saw her.


    Valerie was standing near the wall of the house; no, she was pressed against it.


    And she wasn¡¯t alone<strong>. </strong>She was with Axel.


    I knew it was him even before I saw his face. His scent was always too loud, too smug, and too possessive.


    I crouched, hidden, but my entire body went still the second he leaned in. The moment his lips touched hers, something inside me shattered.


    Soren roared to life, snapping and growling, ready to break free and tear Axel off her, but I managed to swallow every growl and snarl.


    "Let me out," he snarled.


    "No," I said, barely keeping myposure. My ws were halfway out. My jaw locked.


    Because she didn¡¯t pull away, she wasn¡¯t shoving him back like she had stopped meter when I wanted to touch her after our kiss.


    She wasn¡¯t yelling or getting angry. She wasn¡¯t even flinching. Instead, Valerie Nightshade was kissing him back.


    And not just out of instinct, but with feeling.


    <i>"She¡¯s mine</i>," Soren howled. "<i>She kissed us first."</i>


    Yes, we did take it, but somehow Xade announced it and opened the door for the others to go after her.


    I swallowed down the pain burning up my throat, rage twisting through my ribs like a knife.


    But I didn¡¯t move. I couldn¡¯t because no matter how much I wanted to drag her away from him, throw Axel through the damn wall and im her again, I knew what that would look like.


    Desperate. Unstable. And worse¡ª<strong>weak</strong>.


    So I forced myself to stay crouched in the shadows like a goddamn spy, chest heaving, fangs clenched so tightly I thought they¡¯d crack.


    I hated this.


    Not just because she kissed him, but because something in her had changed.


    She wasn¡¯t confused. She was choosing.


    Or maybe she wasn¡¯t choosing anyone and just letting things happen. Letting herself be pulled in all directions while the rest of us unravelled.


    And yet... just as fast as it started, it stopped. Valerie pulled away. Her fingers lifted toward her temple like she was shaking something off.


    I watched her stiffen at first, then her eyes flicked toward the trees¡ªtoward me.


    <i>She felt me.</i>


    I didn¡¯t move, didn¡¯t make a sound, but I knew. Somehow, she¡¯d sensed me. And then she looked away.


    She ced a hand on Axel¡¯s chest when he tried to kiss her again and said something I couldn¡¯t hear. They spoke for a few minutes before she walked away.


    My entire body trembled with the effort not to follow her.


    I pressed a hand to the tree trunk beside me, nails digging into the bark as wood splintered beneath my palm.


    When the house was finally empty, when Axel was gone too, I let out a breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding.


    My heart felt like it had been stomped on and set on fire.


    What was worse was the fact that I didn¡¯t have the right to be angry. I had kissed her. She kissed me back.


    And Valerie owed me nothing. Still, like a love fool always in control, it didn¡¯t stop the ache nor stop Soren¡¯s growl from echoing through my skull.


    <i>"Next time,"</i> he whispered.<i> "We won¡¯t let go."</i>

 Chapter 89: Kieran Killian

    <h4>Chapter 89: Kieran Killian</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 89</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Wee to the Killian Estate," read the bold inscription across the wrought-iron gates ¡ª but no words could prepare anyone for the view beyond.


    Perched high on the lush cliffs of the Middle Belt Territory, the mansion gleamed like a sculpted gem ¡ª marble walls glowing in the morning sun, gardens and fountains unfolding like a living painting.


    Inside, the main lounge was another ce where old-school charm met sleek luxury. A chandelier that seemed almost magical hung from the ceiling, casting intricate patterns on the velvet walls and plush carpets.


    The scent of wood, leather, and a hint of prestige filled the air, but none bothered the person in it.


    At the centre of it all, lounging like a bored panther on the ck suede chaise, sat the youngest heir of the Killian pack, <strong>Kieran Killian,</strong> the only son and second child of one of the wealthiest Alphas in the entire kingdom.


    He looked like royalty dressed down¡ªcasual white shirt, cor open just enough to hint at the scar near his corbone, ck cks tailored to fit perfectly, one leg crossed over the other.


    His midnight-ck hair was tousled effortlessly, his features sharp and coldly striking.


    A single golden ring glinted on his index finger as hezily flipped through a holo-tablet, his expression half-dead with disinterest.


    "Next," he muttered in a voice smooth like silk over steel.


    Standing beside him with poise was <strong>Lucie</strong>, his maid and assistant¡ªa girl with clever eyes and an air of practised elegance. She wore the Killian crest like a badge of honour and held a thin tablet filled with files and intel from PSA.


    Lucie swiped, and the next image flickered across the screen: another male, muscle-bound student ranked high in elementalbat.


    "Samuel Braze," Lucie said in a t tone. "Top of the general psychology ss. Noble family under the Northridge Alliance¡ª"


    "Boring," Kieran cut her off, flipping past the image with a yawn.


    "Understood," Lucie said, adjusting her stance and switching to the next. "Leah Mortise. Ranked third in¡ª"


    "Lucie," Kieran sighed, throwing his head back against the couch dramatically. "You¡¯re not giving me anything exciting. The moment I step into that school, it¡¯ll be the same parade of egos and dullness. This was supposed to challenge me."


    Lucie hesitated.


    She nced at her screen again, then at him as he continued. "Actually, I think I enjoyed the Pro-Gamers International Championship more. I was angry it was dyed into the school calendar, but now it feels like it should have been dyed further."


    "There is one more you haven¡¯t seen," she said carefully.


    Kieran arched a brow. "Aside from the Alpha Princes?" Lucie nodded. "Then why would you hide her from me, hmm?"


    Lucie didn¡¯t reply; she only flicked the screen, and then he saw her.


    The image popped up¡ªa captured frame of <strong>Valerie Nightshade</strong>, not a posed portrait but a mid-action shot.


    Her stance was guarded and tense. Her body turned as if preparing to strike, and her ck hair red like fire in motion. Her eyes locked on something off-frame, sharp and alive with ferocity.


    Kieran sat up straighter.


    "Oh..." he breathed as his eyes narrowed.


    Lucie didn¡¯t say a word, but she instantly noted the shift in his energy.


    He leaned forward as his fingers tapped the screen. "Finally. We do have a beauty."


    "She¡¯s...plicated," Lucie made a note, keeping her voice tight.


    Kieran didn¡¯t look at her. Instead, his interest remained locked on Valerie. "What¡¯s her name?"


    "Valerie Nightshade," Lucie replied reluctantly. "Currently a final-year student. She¡¯s on the radar of several powerful factions."


    "Is she now?" Kieran drawled, keeping his eyes fixed on the screen. I can see why. Not only is she a beauty, but she looks sharp and radiant."


    Lucie swallowed. "She¡¯s not someone you can toy with, Alpha. There are others¡ª"


    "Others?" Kieran¡¯s gaze flicked to her, a smirk pulling at his lips. "You mean the ones already panting after her like mutts in heat?"


    Lucie stiffened.


    Kieran leaned back again, the image of Valerie disyed on the screen before him. "Oh, Lucie... I don¡¯t care who she belongs to or doesn¡¯t belong to. It can be my cousin for all I car,e but I¡¯ve got my eyes set on this one."


    "But she¡ª"


    He raised a hand, silencing her without looking. His voice was low and sure, like an Alpha used to getting what he wanted. "I¡¯ve made my decision."


    Lucie looked away, her grip tightening on her tablet. She bowed her head slightly. "Understood, Alpha Kieran."


    But in her eyes¡ªsharp and dark¡ªwas a flicker of something more. Something that looked dangerously close to jealousy, tinged with a hint of sadness.


    Kieran didn¡¯t notice. Or maybe he did and simply didn¡¯t care.


    His focus was on Valerie, the girl who had finally pulled him out of his boredom.


    "The uing academic year," he said with a slow, wicked grin, "just got interesting."


    Lucie shifted on her feet and lowered her head, trying to keep her feelings at bay.


    Kieran¡¯s eyes remained fixed on the image of Valerie, his smirk slowly fading into a pensive silence. But after a long moment, he spoke¡ªnot to the screen, but to the still figure beside him.


    "You¡¯re quiet, Lucie."


    She didn¡¯t respond immediately. Her posture remained impable.


    Kieran watched her, noting the way she gripped her tablet a little too tightly, the way her mouth pressed into a thin line, and the way her jaw had tightened.


    The smallest shift in her breathing. The nce¡ªtoo quick¡ªshe had given to the screen before schooling her expression and the shadow of something burning behind her otherwise calm face.


    Jealousy.


    Possessiveness.


    Longing.


    All the things she tried so hard to bury under her perfect posture and obedience.


    Kieran smirkedzily and tilted his head slightly. "Look at me."


    Lucie obeyed. Her gaze met his, calm as always. But Kieran had known her too long to be fooled.


    "There it is," he murmured. "That look in your eyes. Jealousy doesn¡¯t suit you."


    Lucie¡¯s grip on the tablet tensed, but her voice remained level. "I don¡¯t know what you mean, Alpha."


    Kieran set the holo-tablet aside and uncrossed his legs slowly, deliberately. Then, with a quiet thud, his boots touched the floor, and he leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees.


    "Come here, Lucie," he said, voice low, curling around the space between them.

 Chapter 90: Take What You Want

    <h4>Chapter 90: Take What You Want</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 90</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Lucie hesitated only a second before obeying, walking toward him in small calcted steps until she stood directly in front of where he lounged.


    "One nce around," he said softly, his gaze sweeping the room. The chandelier above them flickered with enchantment; no one stirred beyond the velvet-draped walls.


    Kieran dropped his legs from the chaise, spreading them wider with deliberate care, offering her a silent, dangerous invitation as if granting ess¡ªbut more than that, giving her a choice.


    He tilted his head, his golden ring catching the light as he gestured loosely. "Kneel."


    The silence between them was electric. Lucie¡¯s breath hitched, her lips parted slightly, as if to protest, but she didn¡¯t.


    With a graceful sweep of movement, she set the tablet aside and lowered herself between his legs, her dark eyes lifting to meet his, seeking the final permission she knew she didn¡¯t even have to ask for.


    Kieran studied her as his smile deepened, dark and slow. He leaned back, legs parting slightly again.


    "Take what you want," he offered, more likemanded, but Lucie didn¡¯t seem to care. She was used to this by now.


    Lucie didn¡¯t move right away. Her gaze flickered across his face, his throat, and the open cor of his shirt. She exhaled, slow and shaking, and for a brief moment something raw passed between them.


    <i>"What I want," she said quietly, "is to be seen. Not used."</i>


    <i>Kieran¡¯s smile faltered.</i>


    <i>For once, he didn¡¯t have a clever response.</i>


    <i>And for the first time in a long while, he looked at Lucie¡ªnot as his assistant, not as his possession¡ªbut as a woman who had been at his side longer than anyone else. Loyal. Sharp. And not nearly as untouched as he had liked to believe.</i>


    "Lucie?" he called her name, breaking her from whatever spellbound thought she was in.


    She looked up, blinking. When Kieran arched a brow, silently asking if she didn¡¯t want it, Lucie¡¯s hands moved carefully, reverently, as if unwrapping a gift she wasn¡¯t sure she deserved.


    Her fingers slid along his belt, unhooking it with a flick, before reaching for the zipper, pulling it down with a soft, metallic whisper.


    All the while, Kieran watched her.


    He had already stretched his senses outward before summoning her¡ªthere were no threats nearby.


    No footsteps in the hall. No prying eyes.


    His parents were away on political business, his sister in the northern estates. The servants knew better than to interrupt when the doors were sealed.


    They were alone.


    And Kieran Killian never did anything by ident.


    As Lucie worked, her hands trembling ever so slightly as her fingers gently stroked the length of his cock. Kieran let his head drop back against the chaise, a low sound vibrating from his throat¡ªa dark, satisfied hum.


    When she finally looked up at him through hershes, her hands still resting lightly against his thighs, Kieran met her gaze with azy, approving smirk.


    "Good girl," he said softly.


    Lucie¡¯s cheeks flushed, but she didn¡¯t look away.


    In fact, her gaze only grew sharper, more determined, as if the praise were the spark she needed to ignite something within her.


    And then, without a word, she lowered her mouth.


    Her tongue found the base of his shaft first, a soft, tentative stroke before moving to the tip, swirling around it in a way that made Kieran¡¯s jaw clench, his lips parting on a silent sigh.


    She took him slowly at first, inch by inch, her eyes closing as if savoring the taste as she took all 8 inches into her mouth and down her throat.


    Kieran¡¯s fingers curled around the chaise armrest, gripping it as his hips lifted slightly.


    He let his eyes slide shut, losing himself to the feel of her tongue sliding over him, the heat of her mouth wrapped around him, the sight of her head bobbing, her blonde curls spilling down her back.


    He could feel himself growing harder and harder, his pulse racing.


    "Mm," he growled, a soft warning. "Don¡¯t stop."


    And she didn¡¯t.


    Kieran groaned, letting himself get swept up in the wave, letting it carry him deeper and deeper until there was nothing but the two of them.


    His head spun, his muscles tensing as she pushed him closer and closer to the edge, until he couldn¡¯t hold back anymore.


    Until he didn¡¯t want to.


    "Fuck," he hissed, the word a curse, a prayer.


    His grip tightened around the armrest, his chest heaving as she quickened her pace. His right hand moved to the back of her head, fisting her hair and pulling her closer, deeper.


    Kieran came hard, the world whiting out for a split second, his body arching, a sound tearing from his throat, something between a moan and a snarl.


    Lucie¡¯s hands never faltered as she took him all the way through it.


    And when it was over, Kieran leaned back against the chaise, chest rising and falling, his head still spinning, a slow smirk spreading across his face.


    He released her, letting his hand fall back to the armrest. He let his eyes drift open, ncing down at her.


    And there it was.


    The flush in her cheeks.


    The glint in her eye.


    The way she bit her lower lip.


    That subtle shift in her scent.


    Kieran¡¯s smile grew sharp and feral, and Lucie couldn¡¯t help the shiver that ran down her spine or the way her stomach twisted with desire.


    "Did you get what you wanted?" he asked in a teasing manner. "Or do you want more?"


    Lucie shivered again, her lips still wet, her hands still resting lightly against his thighs.


    "Yes," she breathed. "Yes, please."


    "Good," he whispered. "Then we¡¯ll begin your training."


    She looked at him, brow furrowed, but the fire in her eyes never faded.


    "My what?"


    Kieran¡¯s gaze darkened. "You¡¯ve been holding yourself back. It¡¯s time to unlock that potential, and to remind you, whom you belong to." His voice was a low,manding growl.


    He sat up, leaning forward, his eyes shing dangerously.


    "This is your lesson. Stand."


    Lucie¡¯s hands twitched, her heartbeat racing, but she obeyed instantly, rising to her feet.


    Kieran didn¡¯t move. "Now strip," he ordered calmly.

 Chapter 91: Master & Maid

    <h4>Chapter 91: Master & Maid</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 91</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>NB: You can skip the Chapter. It won¡¯t take much from the story; it will just give you insight into Kieran and Lucie¡¯s rtionship, which would help future character growth.</strong>


    Lucie blinked, taken aback, but didn¡¯t argue.


    Her hands found the hem of her blouse, tugging it up and over her head, revealing the simple, white bra underneath.


    Her pants came next, unzipped and shimmied off, revealing the matching panties and toned, pale legs.


    Once they were off, Kieran gestured to the chaise, his tone casual, as if he were giving her instructions on which color of tie would best suit his outfit.


    "Sit," he said. She lowered herself onto the velvet cushions, the material cool against her bare skin. Her eyes never left him. "Good girl," he repeated, his voice a low purr.


    Kieran shifted closer, leaning forward, one hand cupping her chin, the other sliding down her neck, tracing a slow path down her chest, past her breasts, along her stomach, until his fingers dipped into the waistband of her panties, tugging them down.


    Lucie¡¯s breath caught, her thighs squeezing together, her body trembling with anticipation but Kieran didn¡¯t rush. Instead, he took his time.


    He stroked her, savoured her, watched the way her face twisted with pleasure, her eyelids fluttering, her mouth parting on a moan.


    "Beautiful," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her jaw.


    Lucie¡¯s hands curled into fists, clutching at the cushion.


    "Kieran," she gasped, her back arching.


    "I¡¯ve got you," he murmured, his hand slipping between her thighs, his fingers finding the spot that made her whole body jolt.


    "Oh gods," she breathed.


    "Yes," he growled.


    He kept going, teasing her, building her up until her entire body was shaking, her skin slick with sweat, her breathing in shallow gasps.


    "You¡¯re close," he said, his lips brushing her ear. "So fucking close. Come for me."


    Lucie didn¡¯t need to be told twice.


    She fell apart under his touch, her body convulsing, her eyes squeezing shut, a cry escaping her throat.


    And when it was over, when she finally came back to her senses, Kieran¡¯s hands were still on her.


    Stroking her, soothing her.


    "That¡¯s my girl," he murmured, his voice low, soothing. "My good girl."


    Lucie opened her eyes, her breath steadying, her cheeks flushed.


    "You still jealous?"


    She bit her inner lips when she realised that he knew she was jealous and lowered her gaze. "I¡¯m sorry," she whispered, her voice raw.


    "Don¡¯t apologise. You deserve this." He traced a finger along her jaw, his expression unreadable.


    He leaned closer, his eyes burning into hers, his scent flooding her senses. "Do you want to please me, Lucie?"


    Lucie nodded, swallowing thickly. "Yes, Alpha," she breathed.


    "Then listen and obey."


    His hand drifted down to her neck, fingers tightening ever so slightly, a warning.


    Lucie shuddered in anticipation. "Y-yes, Alpha."


    He held her gaze, his expression fierce and focused. "Good girl."


    Then, he let go of her, stepping back.


    "Now stand." Lucie did as she was told. She rose, standing before him, her bare body exposed, her chest rising and falling. "Turn around." She turned. "Bend over."


    Her heart was racing, her skin prickling, but she didn¡¯t hesitate. She bent, her hands on the back of the chaise, her head down, her body on disy.


    "Perfect." Kieran stepped forward, his hand running up the length of her spine, his fingers brushing the nape of her neck.


    His other hand drifted down, cupping her ass, squeezing, his fingertips digging in, sending a shiver through her.


    "Do you want this, Lucie?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.


    "Yes," she breathed.


    "Yes what?"


    "Yes, Alpha," she said.


    "Say it," hemanded, his grip tightening.


    "I want you to fuck me."


    "Beg for it."


    "Please, Alpha," she moaned, her legs trembling. "Please fuck me, Alpha."


    "Louder."


    "Please, Kieran, please," she begged, her wordsing out in a rush. "I need you inside me. Please."


    "Mm," he mused, a low chuckle. Then, he leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Ask, and you shall receive."


    And with that, he mmed into her, filling herpletely. Lucie cried out, her hands gripping the chaise, her head hanging low.


    Kieran didn¡¯t give her time to adjust, didn¡¯t slow down.


    He fucked her hard, his grip tight, his pace relentless. She moaned and whimpered, her body shaking, her knees buckling.


    And still, he didn¡¯t let up. He kept going, pushing her to her limits, testing her resolve.


    "Yes," he growled, his voice like steel, his hips pistoning. "Take it." She took it. And loved every second of it.


    Their rtionship may have been different but she loved it because she loved him.


    Her body trembled, her skin slick with sweat, her thighs wet, her breathing in ragged gasps.


    She could feel him inside her, feel the way his cock filled her, the way his fingers dug into her hips, the way his skin pped against hers, the way his teeth grazed her shoulder.


    She could feel the power in his touch, the dominance, the control. She could feel his hunger. And it made her blood run hot.


    It made her crave him more than anything. She pushed back to meet his punishing thrusts while her hand went down between her legs to rub her clit and the other pinch her nipples as she clenched around his cock.


    "Fuck..." she moaned.


    Kieran¡¯s hand reached up and grabbed a handful of her hair, tugging her head back and mming his mouth onto hers, swallowing her moans.


    "That¡¯s it, Lucie," he growled. "Fuck me back."


    His hips sped up, his cock plunging into her harder and faster, his teeth nipping at her lower lip.


    Lucie couldn¡¯t hold back.


    Her orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave, ripping through her body, leaving her gasping and shaking.


    She was barely conscious of Kieran¡¯s fingers digging into her hips, of his snarl against her neck, of his own release flooding her, hot and thick.


    "F-fuck..." she gasped.


    "Good girl," he panted, his voice rough. "So good."


    She slumped forward, her legs weak, her body spent. Kieran pulled out of her, his hands still gripping her hips.


    "Stand up," he said, his voice amand.


    "I... I can¡¯t."


    "You can."


    With a shuddering sigh, Lucie straightened, turning to face him, her chest still heaving, her eyes heavy-lidded.


    Kieran regarded her, his expression inscrutable, and then he leaned in and kissed her deeply. She returned his kiss, tongue swirling around each other, even though she could still taste a bit of herself on his tongue.


    "You¡¯re beautiful, Lucie," heplimented her, his voice softening. "And you did well."


    Lucie blushed, a smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Alpha."


    "When we resume PSA, I expect great things from you."


    "Of course."


    He stepped closer, his gaze never wavering. "I will not ept anything less."


    Lucie¡¯s smile faltered. "I won¡¯t disappoint you."


    "I know," he said, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Because if you do, I¡¯ll have to punish you."


    Lucie¡¯s breath hitched, her eyes widening. "You¡¯d... you¡¯d hurt me?"


    Kieran chuckled, his voiceced with dark amusement. "I¡¯d fuck you senseless."


    "Oh..."


    "Do you understand?"


    Lucie swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "Yes, Alpha."


    "Good." He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple, a tender gesture that felt almost foreign after the intensity of their fucking.


    "Now," he murmured, his voice low and seductive, "go get cleaned up."


    "Yes, Alpha," she whispered.


    Kieran watched as she gathered her clothes, his gaze sharp, assessing.

 Chapter 92: Venting

    <h4>Chapter 92: Venting</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 92</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The p of the ball against the court echoed through the gym, loud and rhythmic, but my mind wasn¡¯t in it.


    Not really.


    Not with the memory of Ash¡¯s hands on my waist, steadying me, or Axel¡¯s lips savouring mine.


    Not with Dristan¡¯s kiss, the kind that haunted my dreams.


    And certainly not with Xade¡¯s hungry lips on mine and his demonic smirk, the one that lit my nerves like a fuse waiting to explode.


    I didn¡¯t know how I made it through the volleyball match without missing every serve. But I didn¡¯t let the team down. Somehow, I held it together.


    Barely.


    Still, I must have slipped up more than I thought, because after our scrimmage, our assistant Coach, Professor Ivan, called me over with a furrowed brow.


    "Valerie, are you alright?"


    I blinked, wiping sweat from my brow. "Yeah."


    He gave me a look. "You¡¯ve been off. It¡¯s okay if you need a break, especially after what happened in the simtion dome."


    I almost said no. Nearly forced a smile and pushed through it like it was nothing or I was some kind of female Avatar Kiyoshi or Yangchen or even Korra, but nah. I was like Aang when he first woke up from the iceberg.


    And maybe a break was exactly what I needed. Besides, this could afford me a chance to make my n and sneak out to find what I needed about the emblem since my search in PSA so far hasn¡¯t yielded any fruit.


    Not like it could drop out from thin air. I needed to belong.


    "Alright," I nodded. "Thanks, Coach."


    I grabbed my bag, slung it over one shoulder, and made my way out. I didn¡¯t head to the dorms right away. My feet had other ns.


    They carried me to the <strong>training arena</strong>¡ªone of the older ones, rarely used thiste. The sky outside had already started bleeding into dusk, casting long shadows through the high windows.


    I stepped inside, dropped my bag near the edge, and rolled my shoulders.


    <i>Time to vent.</i>


    I summoned my aura slowly, feeling it stir beneath my skin as I moved into position. Every strike, every stretch, every controlled burst of power was meant to clear my head.


    But it didn¡¯t.


    Because they followed me in my mind.


    Axel. Dristan. Xade.


    I saw them¡ªuninvited but vivid¡ªin the corners of my mind.


    The steady rhythm of my punches echoed across the empty training arena¡ªjust me, my fists, and the burn in my muscles.


    That was how I liked it until it wasn¡¯t just me anymore.


    I didn¡¯t hear footsteps. I didn¡¯t need to. I felt him¡ªAxel¡ªbefore I saw him.


    He lingered near the far wall, arms crossed, quiet as a shadow. Watching and always watching. His expression was nk, but his eyes¡ªthose sharp, deep red eyes¡ªnever left me.


    "You here to stare or fight?" I called over my shoulder without stopping.


    A beat passed. "Spar?"


    I turned slightly and nodded once. "Try not to whine when I bruise that pride."


    He walked over silently, no arrogance in his gait, just calm control. We circled each other, letting instinct dictate the first strike.


    But before either of us could move, another shift in the air, much colder and sharper.


    I didn¡¯t hear Dristan approach either. He just appeared like a silent storm, stepping into the light, arms behind his back, gaze locked on me. He didn¡¯t say a word.


    He didn¡¯t need to; his presence was loud enough.


    Ash nodded to him, but Dristan¡¯s attention didn¡¯t waver.


    His eyes, calcting, held something else today. He wasn¡¯t just here to train. And then ust when I thought I had been interrupted enough, a soft chuckle followed.


    "Now this is a gathering," came Xade¡¯s voice, smooth as silk and twice as dangerous.


    He strolled in like he owned the arena¡ªhead high, smirk in ce, water bottle spinning in one hand. His eyes raked over me like I was a puzzle he intended to solve.


    "Thirsty?" he offered, stepping into my space and holding the bottle out.


    I hesitated, not wanting to speak but also wanting him to leave me alone, I yielded. Xade leaned a little closer, brushing my fingers a second too long as I took it.


    I swallowed hard¡ªand not from the water. My pulse spiked.


    I hated it.


    "I was supposed to train," I muttered, "not perform for a crowd of bonded idiots."


    But my body betrayed me. My breath hitched when Axel caught my wrist mid-move gently.


    And just like that, they bridged the gap between me and them. My knees wobbled when Dristan¡¯s gaze traced the curve of my shoulder, lingering too long.


    And gods help me, Xade¡¯s smirk lit a fuse in my chest I was trying really hard not to ignite.


    "You shouldn¡¯t push yourself like that," Axel said quietly. "You¡¯ll break."


    "She doesn¡¯t break," Dristan said coolly from behind me. "She bends¡ªthen sharpens."


    "Mm," Xade murmured, stepping in behind me again and when he spoke, his voice was like a low whisper in my ear. "But even sharp things melt under the right heat."


    I whirled around and red at all three of them. "You done posturing?"


    Axel¡¯s gaze softened. Dristan didn¡¯t move. Xade just grinned wider.


    They weren¡¯t done. Not even close.


    I turned back to the training dummy, throwing a hard punch, but winced as pain red in my knuckles.


    Ash was beside me in a second, reaching out. "You¡¯re bleeding."


    "It¡¯s nothing," I said, but he grabbed my wrist again, thumbing over the cut, eyes darkening.


    His touch lingered too long, then Xade appeared behind me, closer this time. One hand reached around, correcting my stance. His chest pressed lightly to my back, heat pouring from him.


    "You¡¯re off bnce," he whispered.


    I should have pulled away but I didn¡¯t.


    Because Dristan was in front of me now, too close to touch, he stepped between me and the dummy, his eyes locked on mine as Xade side-stepped.


    He wasn¡¯t smiling. He was watching me like a predator watching a me.


    For a moment, everything stilled and no one spoke.


    Even Astra stirred in my chest, low and curious.


    <i>"Let them.</i>" Her voice was velvet. "<i>Let them all fight for it. Poor boys. They think they¡¯re in control."</i>


    I sucked in a breath. Every part of me was on fire, and I hated it.


    "This isn¡¯t a fair fight," I muttered, half to myself.


    "Then surrender," Xade purred, lips brushing too close to my ear.


    I turned, just enough to re at him. "Over my dead body."


    But even I couldn¡¯t deny it because it felt dangerously close and the next thing I knew.... Dristan¡¯s hand slid up to my throat¡ª<i>not rough, </i>but just enough to tilt my chin back to kiss me.


    His mouth hovered over mine, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath on my lips. My heart thundered imagining what his lips would feel like even before they made their descent.


    One more second¡ªjust one.


    "Valerie?" The voice snapped the illusion clean apart.


    I blinked hard.


    The illusion vanished like smoke, and I sucked in a sharp breath, realising I was standing there, staring up at the ceiling like a daydreamer caught mid-spell with my head tilted back, neck exposed like I was about to be kissed by a ghost.

 Chapter 93: Re-Match with Stakes

    <h4>Chapter 93: Re-Match with Stakes</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 93</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I cleared my throat quickly, lowering my gaze, grounding myself in the now.


    Kai stood at the entrance, holding a spear in one hand, a confused smile tugging at his lips.


    "I didn¡¯t know you trained here too."


    I cleared my throat and straightened up, quickly stepping away from the centre of the arena toward the edge to see him properly and hope this wasn¡¯t another one of my... dreams or thoughts.


    "It¡¯s a free centre, isn¡¯t it?" I said casually. "Felt like it."


    He walked in slowly, twirling the spear with practised ease. "Got a lot on your mind, huh?"


    I pursed my lips. "Maybe." No way in hell I was saying more than that, even if he asked. How was I supposed to say I was daydreaming about the others casually?


    He scoffed yfully. "Same. Wanna spar it out?"


    I gave him a look that said I was not afraid, but he should be. "What? Want your ass kicked again?"


    Kai grinned. "No. But looks like you¡¯re scared of getting yours kicked, which is why you¡¯re evading me."


    "Me?" I ced a hand dramatically on my chest and scoffed. "Nah." But Kai did not buy it. His eyes still watched me like they saw deep into my skull. "Okay, fine. I¡¯ll indulge you."


    "Better," he dered, tossing the spear aside.


    "Let¡¯s y a game," I dered out of the blue, wanting to make this enjoyable.


    "A game?" Kai raised a brow. "What kind?"


    My grin widened. "Loser pays up."


    Kai narrowed his eyes, half amused. "And what¡¯s the payment?"


    I tried to think. Money wouldn¡¯t affect him much, but...


    Kai beat me to it. "No, payment," he said, stepping into a stance. "Just higher stakes. The loser removes one piece of clothing per round."


    I gawked at his proposal. "Are you a perv?"


    He shrugged innocently. "If you don¡¯t want your clothing gone, then I suggest you pay close attention and not lose."


    I rolled my eyes but couldn¡¯t help the smirk tugging at my lips. "Fine. Best out of three. The loser would be in their underwear by the end."


    Kai winked. "Deal."


    We circled each other on the mat, the weight of everything I¡¯d been carrying pushed aside by the adrenaline rising between us.


    This time, I was going to fight my way. And if he thought I¡¯d lose a single round to that cocky smirk, he was about to be very, very disappointed.


    "Begin." The word had barely left my mouth before Kai lunged.


    I dodged easily, light on my feet, letting instinct guide me. He came again, sweeping low, and I flipped sideways, catching my bnce andnding a clean strike to his ribs.


    I met every strike, every block, but he kept shifting angles, adapting with each move. He caught my leg mid-kick, spun me, and lightly shoved me backwards.


    I stumbled but quickly caught myself, did a flip when he was least expecting and kicked him hard till he slipped and fell to his butt.


    "Point," I smirked.


    Kai straightened, rubbing his side with a grin. "Cheap shot."


    "Effective shot," I corrected, cing my hands on my hips.


    "A deal¡¯s a deal," he said, grabbing the hem of his shirt without hesitation. With one smooth motion, he pulled it over his head and tossed it aside.


    I tried not to stare.


    Emphasis on ¡¯<i>Tried¡¯</i> but I failed. Meanwhile, Astra was already purring in the back of my mind like a cat in heat.


    Kai was bulkier than Axel, Ash and Ace, but not as carved as Dristan. He had that sculpted, athletic build that just worked. Shoulders broad, eight abs sharp enough to slice fruit on, and¡ª


    <i>Okay. Enough.</i>


    "When you¡¯re done staring," Kai said casually, "we can continue, sweetheart."


    I cleared my throat and rolled my eyes, ignoring how heat crept up my neck. "Please. I¡¯ve seen better."


    "Sure," he chuckled. "Keep telling yourself that."


    Round two began with him more aggressive and faster.


    Kai circled me slowly, one hand brushing through his messy hair, the other flexing like he was getting ready to pounce. His grin never left, but his eyes sharpened¡ªno more teasing. Not yet.


    "You¡¯re good," he said in a low voice, "but let¡¯s see how long you can keep it up."


    I didn¡¯t answer. There was no need to.


    The second round began not with a lunge, but with tension¡ªa beat of silence that hung between us, thick with unspoken dare.


    Then he moved.


    Fast. Too fast for most to track, but I was already twisting on instinct, ducking the blur of his arm as it sliced through the space my head had just been.


    He pivoted into a spin-kick, aiming for my ribs this time, and I caught it with my forearm, the impact jarring through my bones.


    The force pushed me back a step, but I turned the momentum into a roll, catching the mat with one hand andunching into a counterstrike¡ªaimed squarely at his jaw.


    He blocked me just in time, arm raised, our skin smacking with enough force to echo.


    Then it got dirty.


    Kai dropped low, sweeping my legs, and I jumped to avoid it, flipping midair. But when Inded, he was already behind me, close, too close¡ªhis hand wrapping lightly around my waist.


    "You fallin¡¯ for me yet?" he whispered as his hot breath brushed my neck.


    I snarled and mmed my elbow back, catching him in the gut. His grunt was satisfaction to my ears.


    But he didn¡¯t let go.


    Instead, Kai used the grip to pull me backwards and pivoted into a tight, brutal shoulder throw.


    My back hit the mat, air whooshing from my lungs¡ªbut I rolled with the impact, legs catching his midsection, and flipped him off me with a vicious twist.


    We both sprang up at the same time, breathing hard, eyes locked, bodies pulsing with adrenaline and heat.


    His lip bled a little and my knuckles stung but neither of us cared.


    Kai lunged again, armsing at me like twin des. I ducked under the first strike, narrowly dodged the second, and used my shoulder to ram into his chest.


    He staggered back. But this time, he grinned wider. "You¡¯re holding back," he said, voice ragged.


    "You¡¯re delusional," I replied before charging forward.

 Chapter 94: Definitely Hard

    <h4>Chapter 94: Definitely Hard</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 94</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Kai caught me mid-strike, twisting my wrist, flipping me halfway¡ªbut I recovered fast, spinning inside his hold and driving my knee up toward his ribs.


    He deflected, barely, then swept my leg again, and this time I didn¡¯tnd clean.


    I hit the mat hard as the breath left my lungs.


    Before I could move, recover from that hit, Kai¡¯s knee pressed to my shoulder, pinning me. His hand hovered just over my throat¡ªnot enough to touch, but the warning was there.


    "Point," he whispered.


    I red up at him, chest heaving, cheeks flushed.


    <i>Cocky bastard.</i>


    He offered his hand. I pped it away and pushed myself up.


    "Fine," I muttered. "One-one."


    He backed off with a smirk, brushing sweat from his brow. "So... your turn."


    My eyes narrowed.


    I took a step back, breathing hard, eyes narrowing. "Well?" he asked, eyes twinkling. "We both agreed."


    I reached for the hem of my top, dragging it off slowly, revealing the sports bra underneath before yanking it over my head quickly.


    The cool air kissed my skin, and I kept my expression neutral even as Kai¡¯s smile faltered, just for a second. I saw his gaze dip, just once, to my creamy cleavage and he swallowed.


    I swore I saw something twitch beneath his waistband. My lips curled at the side.


    Kai looked up, gaze unreadable now. "Cute."


    I gave a mock curtsy. "You¡¯ll need a betterpliment if you want to survive the next round."


    Astra stirred, smug and purring. "<i>He likes what he sees."</i>


    I tossed the shirt aside and dropped back into stance. "Try not to drool."


    "Oh, I won¡¯t," he murmured, but his jaw twitched, said otherwise.


    We circled each other again. The tension between us was thicker now, heavy with unspoken things. Kai moved first again, but I was ready this time. Every block brought us closer¡ªcloser than necessary.


    Then his arm slipped around my waist, pulling me back against his chest as he tried to trip me.


    And I felt it.


    <strong><i>Definitely hard.</i></strong>


    Astraughed in my head. "<i>Oh, he wants us."</i>


    As if catching on, he pushed my back forward from him and released me.


    We stood on opposite ends of the mat again, both of us sweating, flushed, and refusing to back down.


    My chest still rose and fell from thest round¡ªskin glistening beneath the gym lights, and Kai¡¯s eyes?


    Yeah. They weren¡¯t staying on my face.


    His gaze dipped, lingering a fraction too long on the curve of my chest. The sports bra held everything in ce, but I knew what he saw. My cleavage peeked with every breath, and despite his best efforts to stay cocky and aloof...


    He was absolutely affected.


    I swore I saw him shift his stance, subtly adjusting the front of his trousers, not that it mattered anymore.


    Astra snickered in my head. "<i>He¡¯s twitching, Valerie. You¡¯ve got him right where you want him."</i>


    "Eyes up here, Draven," I said sweetly, cocking my head.


    He didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, he slowly lifted his gaze, his voice low and gravelly. "I¡¯m just admiring the view before I take you down again."


    "Confident," I snickered, lowering into my stance. "Let¡¯s test that."


    This time, I moved first.


    Iunched at him with a burst of speed that would¡¯ve caught most off guard, but Kai was no ordinary opponent.


    He blocked my first strike with a solid arm, caught my second punch at the wrist, and twisted his body to drive me back.


    I flipped midair,nded hard, and slid backwards on the mat.


    My knee twinged, but I recovered fast. He was already on me¡ªpowerful and precise. His movements were aggressive, and every strike was calcted to overwhelm.


    I parried a blow meant for my side, spun under his outstretched arm, and caught him in the ribs with a sharp elbow.


    Kai growled, and his body crashed into mine with brute force, lifting me clean off the ground.


    We tumbled.


    His weight pressed me into the mat briefly, just long enough for our faces to be inches apart. His breath hit mine, and for a moment, the fight froze.


    "Getting tired yet?" he asked, lips brushing the shell of my ear before biting on it and I shuddered just from that contact.


    "Never," I breathed back, shoving him off with a powerful kick to his chest.


    Kai rolled, snarled, and came at me harder. He wasn¡¯t just fighting now. He was trying to dominate.


    He grabbed my wrist mid-strike again and pinned me from behind, chest flush against my back. And that¡¯s when I felt it again<i>.</i>


    <strong>Hard.</strong>


    <i>Oh boy... the mighty Alpha Kai Draven, stiff as a rock.</i>


    He was still fighting, but his body had other ideas.


    My brain screamed <i>stay focused,</i> but a wicked part of me responded. Without breaking the hold, I inhaled sharply, muscles locking.


    My hand flew up mid-motion¡ªhalf instinct, half mischief¡ªreaching for my bra strap, letting it slip down my shoulder just an inch, slowly and deliberately of course before I caught it and adjusted it back up.


    Kai¡¯s grip faltered.


    That half-second hesitation was all I needed.


    I ducked out of his grip, spun, grabbed his wrist, used his momentum to flip him and mmed him to the ground.


    Quickly, I straddled him before he could react. My knees pinned his arms down, and I leaned close, face inches from his, just enough so he could hear my voice over his rapid breathing.


    "Submit."


    His emerald eyes burned up at me, wild and dark. He didn¡¯t speak at first. His jaw clenched.


    "Say it, Kai," I teased. "Or would you rather pass out from thigh pressure?"


    He muttered something incoherent.


    "What was that?" I leaned lower, lips near his ear.


    "Damn, girl. I said..." he grunted, eyes narrowing, "fine. I submit."


    I rolled off him like a damn queen and stood over his sprawled form.


    "Now," I said, breathless but smug, "take off your trousers."


    Kai growled under his breath, but a grin tugged at his lips.


    "You¡¯re enjoying this way too much."


    "Rules are rules, Draven."


    He sat up, legs stretched, hands hooking the waistband of his pants. "You want a show?"


    I folded my arms. "Go on then. Let¡¯s see it."


    And God, the bastard made a show of it. Kai stood tall, fingers moving slowly, teasing the edge of his waistband.


    He turned slightly as he dragged his pants down over those thick thighs, like we were at a damn club, not a training arena, revealing firm legs and boxers stretched across his hips.


    He didn¡¯t rush. Didn¡¯t break eye contact. Every movement was deliberate.


    Kai let them fall around his ankles, then stepped out of them with the grace of someone who knew <strong>exactly</strong> what he was doing to me.


    He stood there in snug boxer briefs, muscles flexed, ass tightly toned, smirk firmly in ce, hard on proudly showing, though surprisingly he had softened a bit.


    Astra howled her approval.


    "Better view from down there?" he teased.


    I rolled my eyes, but couldn¡¯t help theugh that slipped past my lips.


    I swallowed. Hard.


    "That¡¯s enough for you?" he asked, voice a little lower now.


    I tried to hide the heat rising to my face. "Barely."


    He stepped closer, towering over me now in nothing but his ck boxer-briefs, chest rising and falling, muscles taut and gleaming under the arena lights.


    "One more match," he challenged.

 Chapter 95: One More Match: The Wish

    <h4>Chapter 95: One More Match: The Wish</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 95</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "One more match," Kai challenged.


    I blinked several times. "What?"


    Was Kai crazy, or was he eager to exhibit his hard-on for me? His voice broke through my train of thoughts. "One more. You and me," he repeated.


    I cocked a brow. "What, eager to go full nude for me?" I tilted my head, biting down a grin.


    His smirk sharpened into something dangerous. "No, sweetheart, not that it would be a bad idea, but no. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s going to lose this time."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes, and this round¡¯s got a new wager."


    "Oh?" I folded my arms, ignoring the fire licking at my skin from how well those boxers fit. "Do tell."


    "Winner gets a wish."


    I didn¡¯t hesitate. "You¡¯re on."


    We circled again, slower this time. He was watching me¡ªnot just my body, but my stance, my breath, the way I shifted my weight.


    It felt like he was reading my movements before I even made them. I had never seen him this serious in a match, especially with me, until now.


    I guess he had more to lose than I did because he was taking down those boxers.


    Iunched first, feinting high before cutting low with a sweeping kick ¡ª and missed.


    <i>Missed entirely!</i>


    Kai was gone from that spot in a blur. I barely saw the move ¡ª just felt the rush of air as he appeared behind me, fingers brushing my shoulder a split second before he spun me around and blocked my counter-blow effortlessly.


    My breath caught. He wasn¡¯t going easy anymore.


    Before, he¡¯d matched my speed. Now, he was showing me what he was really capable of.


    Every strike, every dodge, was precise and lightning-fast. His power came off him in waves ¡ª not wild like Dristan¡¯s quiet storm, or yful like Xade¡¯s cool air¡ª but something unrelenting.


    I struck at him again, faster this time, driving every move I had into it.


    Still, it was not enough.


    Only now I truly understood what my cousin, Storm meant by I should avoid them.


    He parried my hits like I was a sparring dummy. Not because I was weak, but because he was finally fighting like the <strong>North Alpha Heir</strong> he truly was.


    I tried to call on my energy, my control over Earth as the Southern Heiress¡ª to use my aura, my wolf¡¯s strength and subtly use it in my match with him ¡ª but nothing surged.


    Astra was there, purring like an amused drunken entertainer.


    <i>"No powers,"</i> she said. "<i>This one you fight with your body alone."</i>


    <i>"Astra." </i>I grit my teeth and lunged again, but Kai caught me mid-air.


    In one fluid motion, he spun, twisted, and mmed me into the mat¡ªnot painfully, just hard enough that I couldn¡¯t move for a moment¡ªwhich was fucking painful in case he wasn¡¯t aware.


    His arm pressed lightly across my chest, just above my breasts, pinning me.


    I exhaled, my cheeks burning. "You win," I muttered, breathless.


    Kai¡¯s chest rose and fell above me as he smirked down, barely winded. "Of course."


    Iughed, even though my ribs ached. "So, what¡¯s your wish? That I strip down to match you?"


    His eyes darkened, but he shook his head. Before he could answer, I moved.


    Quick as a whip, I twisted my legs around his hips, caught him off guard, and flipped us. I straddled him, hands on his shoulders, hair spilling down around us like a curtain.


    His smirk was back before his hands slid to my hips.


    "You¡¯re sneaky," he muttered.


    "You¡¯re slow." But I never got the chance to gloat because he moved again, faster this time.


    Kai grabbed my waist, rolled us again, and in a blink, I was under him, t on the mat, his weight caging me in.


    Everything happened so fast, I barely blinked as I looked into his eyes. Our bodies were flushed. His chest was pressed against mine, skin hot and his breath heavier than before.


    My breath hitched.


    My breasts pushed against his bare chest with every inhale. His thigh slipped between mine for bnce. I could feel him hard against me, undeniable, twitching slightly.


    Neither of us moved. This was the closest, intimately or unintentionally, I had gone with the opposite sex, save for my cousins, Storm and Solstice, when we went swimming and yed.


    Kai¡¯s eyes dropped to my lips, my chest, and back up. His emerald gaze burned.


    "Valerie," he breathed, voice rough and reverent. "Do you feel this?"


    I couldn¡¯t lie. I nodded once.


    Astra stirred, loud and persistent in my head.


    "The more you deny the bond, the worse it gets. You want him. You want them all. You¡¯ll keep breaking if you don¡¯t give in, and it will be hard not to want them, your mates."


    <i>"Shut up,"</i> I snapped.


    But I couldn¡¯t ignore the heat rolling through me. The way his presence, weight, and need pressed something low and aching inside me.


    Kai looked down at me, breath still ragged, his emerald eyes burning with something raw and unfiltered.


    "My wish," he enunciated, "is for you to kiss me."


    I swallowed hard. There was no teasing in his tone¡ªjust soft, devastating honesty.


    With his jet-ck hair falling slightly into those piercing emerald-green eyes, he looked like every temptation I¡¯d ever sworn to resist.


    And gods, I wanted to give in.


    But the heat between us was dangerous¡ªhis body pressed to mine, his arousal unmistakable. If I kissed him now, if I crossed that line... I wasn¡¯t sure where it would end.


    And that terrified me because I could feel my resolve weakening against the bond.


    Kai¡¯s nose brushed mine. His lips hovered just above mine ¡ª so close I could feel the tremble in his restraint. I shut my eyes as he did his, parting my lips slightly.


    My heart thundered in my chest as I waited for the inevitable. And then... nothing.


    I opened my eyes in time to see him pull <i>back. </i>Kai wasn¡¯t smiling now.


    He looked like he was at war with himself.


    "I¡¯m sorry," he muttered.


    "What?" I whispered, confusion clouding my eyes and senses even as I remained breathless.


    Kai sat up, running a hand through his ck hair, his entire chest rising and falling like he was holding something in.


    "I want you so much," he confessed, in a hoarse voice, a side of him I had never seen. "And I can¡¯t guarantee I¡¯ll hold myself back from iming you if I kiss you now."


    The words mmed into me like a wave. He looked up at me again, and in his eyes, I didn¡¯t just see lust, I saw longing, control snapping¡ªa rare kind of fear.


    "I want you to want me, Valerie," he said quietly. "Want me... like I want you."


    I sat up slowly, stunned into silence.


    Kai grabbed his shirt and started dressing, his jaw tight, his hands quick and rough.


    And before I could form a reply, he turned and walked away ¡ª barefoot, shirt half on, power rolling off him like smoke and leaving me there.


    Aching, wanting, waiting, but thankful.


    And wondering how I could win the fight ¡ª and still feel like I¡¯d just lost.

 Chapter 96: Are You Okay?

    <h4>Chapter 96: Are You Okay?</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 96</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The scent of warm toast, scrambled eggs, and sugared tea filled our dorm kitchen. Morning light streamed through the curtains, catching in I¡¯s curls as she hummed along to the enchanted radio ying an upbeat fae tune.


    Emerald flipped a pancake, her hair tied back, while Astraea lounged against the counter, nursing a steaming mug of coffee that smelled like hazelnut and trouble.


    I sat unmoving at the end of the small round table with a fork in my hand. My eyes were trained on my te¡ªfluffy eggs, half-buttered toast, slices of fruit neatly arranged¡ªand I hadn¡¯t touched a single bite.


    Instead, my mind kept looping back to yesterday evening after volleyball practice. Kai¡¯s breath was against my lips, and his body was pressed to mine.


    The weight of his wish. The ache that had settled so deep I couldn¡¯t breathe right.


    He hadn¡¯t kissed me. But gods, Astra... I wanted him to.


    "Valerie?" Emerald¡¯s voice cut through my daze.


    I blinked. "Hmm?"


    She arched a brow and pointed her fork at me. "We asked what you¡¯re doing after training today. You looked a million miles away."


    I opened my mouth, and the words slipped out before my brain could catch them. "The kiss."


    Every fork froze. The music stopped. Even the pancake mid-air paused before flipping (I imagined).


    "What?" Astraea asked, eyes wide.


    I blinked again. My heart dropped to my stomach. "I¡ª" I swallowed, trying to backtrack, but it was already toote. "I did not kiss me."


    The stunned silence that followed, then...


    I gasped. "You kissed you? Were you using a mirror or did you shift into another form? I mean, I know you¡¯re hot but¡ª"


    "I did not kiss him!" I blurted out, clearly mortified. My voice cracked at the end.


    Astraea nearly choked on her drink. "Him? Who¡¯s he?"


    I leaned over the table with a wicked grin on her face. "So the kiss was that good it¡¯s still ying reruns in your head, huh?"


    I groaned and dropped my head to the table. "Please let the ground swallow me."


    "You can be earthbound," Emerald offers helpfully. "Just open a small hole and crawl in. We won¡¯t judge."


    "Speak for yourself," I said brightly. "I need details. Tongue? No tongue? Was it gentle, rough¡ªdid you make the first move?"


    I grabbed my fork like it might double as a dagger. "I¡¯m not talking about this."


    "Toote, love," Astraea sang. "You already started the fanfic."


    "Ugh!" I sat up abruptly, nearly knocking over my untouched tea. "It¡¯s 7:50 AM! We are going to bete!"


    That got them moving.


    I rushed from the table, ignoring theughter behind me as I darted into my room. My bag sat by the foot of my bed.


    I snatched it up quickly before bolting back out into the main area. "I¡¯m going ahead!" I shouted, already halfway out the door.


    "Tell him we said hi!" I called after me.


    I mmed the door shut behind me, heat creeping all the way up my neck and down to my toes.


    Gods above, I hated my life.


    My feet hit the academy grounds minutester, my breath still uneven from the run, not just the physical sprint, but the mental one reying everyst night¡¯s cursed moment.


    Kai¡¯s eyes, his voice, the way I wanted him. I didn¡¯t know what was wrong with me anymore, but all I needed to know was... I was avoiding them.


    I didn¡¯t notice Ace until he called, "Val¡ª!"


    Nope.


    I turned sharply, pretending I did not hear him call me, and veered off the path, ducking my head and pretending not to hear. My boots hit the grass with a crunch, and I kept my eyes fixed ahead. Fast, clean, silent.


    I turned another corner and ran right into Xander.


    My breath caught. His dark eyes scanned me, lips already parting. Panic red instantly. I did the only reasonable thing I could do at that moment because I couldn¡¯t trust any of them now.


    I ducked behind the stone pir to my right and ttened myself against it like a fugitive in a bad y.


    "Smooth," I muttered.


    I peeked around the column. Xander looked around, confused, head tilting slightly as if he could smell my panic. To be fair, he probably could.


    I waited, holding my breath until his gaze moved on.


    Now.


    I broke into a light jog and slipped into the back corridor that curved around the training wing. My heart pounded like a drumline, and not just from the escape.


    I couldn¡¯t see either of them anymore¡ªno emerald eyes, blue eyes, no golden smirk.


    I kept my head down as I moved through the halls, the energy in the air snapping like static against my skin.


    The Academy pulsed with life¡ªpower humming beneath every footstep, every sideways nce¡ªbut I let it wash over me.


    Finally, I reached the familiar hallway of our ssroom and slid inside.


    The ssroom for Supernatural History was already half full when I slipped inside. I made no sound, but it didn¡¯t stop the sharp weight of four distinct gazes locking onto me.


    Dristan, cold precision, silver-blue eyes dissecting me like I was someplicated code he hadn¡¯t cracked yet.


    Axel¡ªever the tactician, calm but alert¡ªhis posture deceptively casual, but I could feel the way his attention tracked my every move.


    Kai,manding and immovable. His arms were folded across his chest, his jaw tight, and that presence of his¡ªthe kind that made air heavier¡ªwas in full force.


    And then there was Xade.


    He lounged in his seat like the throne was already his, that smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth like he knew something I didn¡¯t. Like he <i>always</i> did.


    I didn¡¯t break stride. Didn¡¯t pause. I just imed my seat in the middle row, slipped out my notes, and opened to a fresh page¡ªno need to rise to their silent provocations.


    Today, Professor Myra was taking us. We usually had two professors for this course. Her voice rang out.


    "Today, we dive into the origin of the Grand ord. The moment when the supernatural races¡ªFae, Shifters, Vampires, Dragons and Mages¡ªchose unity under a blood-forged alliance. And how that alliance was sealed with a symbol..."


    I nced up at the projected sigil¡ªthe mark of the Nightshade Thorn¡ªbut before I could fully grasp it, she shifted the image to a new one.


    "That was the previous sigil, but after a century, it was changed into something better and less dark," Professor Myra exined and I felt my blood boil.


    Since I came to this school, I have not received an answer to my search. I had tried to find some but had received none, and now I came across an ancient emblem that still stirred something in my blood.


    I had almost blurted out the Nightshade Thorn sigil when she returned the image to exin.


    "This, as you can see, has a much darker shade and meaning than the new sigil.¡¯


    That was when I saw it. There was a slight difference between this emblem and the one I saw as a child.


    This had a little rose in the middle. It was almost unnoticeable, but if you look closely, you will see it.


    I sighed, my shoulders slouching as I opened my notebook and took my pen.


    My hand moved before I realised it, pen gliding along the margins of my notebook, sketching the familiar lines I had drawn countless times, each time I felt this way¡ªthis tightness that left me panting the night of the massacre.


    My fingers stilled. I stared at the page a heartbeat too long.


    That¡¯s when I felt it. Eyes were on me.


    Slowly, deliberately, I shifted my gaze sideways. Xade was watching me, not just looking, watching. His head tilted, arms folded, eyes sharp with amusement¡ªand something else, darker.


    "Careful, little wolf," he murmured, voice low and silk-slick. Just loud enough for me. "Some secrets bite back."


    I didn¡¯t blink. Didn¡¯t twitch. I offered him a calm, unreadable smile as I gently closed my notebook, hiding the sketch with a flick of my fingers.


    Let him wonder.


    Xade shifted beside me.


    I could feel his gaze lingering longer, like a tether pulling at something beneath my skin. Like he wasn¡¯t just watching me¡ªhe was trying to read the space between my breaths.


    He leaned forward slightly, voice hushed. "Val¡ªwhat¡¯s wrong?"


    I didn¡¯t look at him. I couldn¡¯t. My fingers tightened around my pen until the stic creaked, and I slightly shook my head.


    Not now or here. The silence between us said the rest. He leaned back, but not all the way. I could still sense the question hanging from his expression like smoke in the air.


    I focused on my notes, though the words on the page blurred and twisted. My mind was still caught somewhere between the past and that faint, aching pull of memory.


    The sigil, the massacre, missing answers. My chest felt tight again, like someone had wrapped invisible vines around it and just kept twisting.


    Then Kai moved.


    I sensed him before I saw him¡ªhis presence always felt like standing too close to a thunderstorm, wild and heavy and impossible to ignore.


    He shifted forward in his seat behind me, his palm brushing lightly against my shoulder. Not a full touch¡ªmore like a tap, a question shaped by skin.


    <i>Are you okay?</i><i></i>


    I didn¡¯t answer. My breath caught, and I froze, still staring nkly at the page. My hand hovered above thest unfinished line of the sigil.


    It was as though the world had narrowed into that one second. His touch, breath close enough that the back of my neck prickled.


    Then...


    "Before we go any further," Professor Myra¡¯s voice rang out, sharp and far too cheerful for what followed, "you¡¯ll all be taking a ss test."

 Chapter 97: Another Discovery

    <h4>Chapter 97: Another Discovery</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 97</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Silence cracked into chaos. "What?" someone yelped.


    "You¡¯ve got to be kidding!"


    "Seriously?!"


    I turned my head slightly and saw nearly half the ss shooting daggers with their eyes.


    Axel actually sighed out loud. Even Dristan¡¯sposure slipped for a fraction of a second¡ªhis brows twitching in surprise.


    Astraea, who had just barely slid into her seat two rows down, groaned so dramatically you¡¯d think she¡¯d been assigned a death sentence instead of a test.


    Professor Myra raised a single brow, utterly unfazed by the outburst. "Oh yes," she said smoothly, as if she¡¯d <i>anticipated</i> the rebellion. "This material will be on your midterms. Think of this as... a kindness."


    A kindness, my ass. I slumped slightly in my chair, dragging a hand down my face.


    Tests were not hard for me but right now my mind was too distracted to focus.


    Next to me, Xade muttered, "Perfect timing. Really gives the morning that special shine, doesn¡¯t it?"


    I didn¡¯tugh. I didn¡¯t even smile.


    My thoughts were still drifting¡ªhalf here, half trapped in the curve of that emblem and what it meant, what it had always meant.


    Even though something in me felt as though the massacre was tied to something or people more than what I knew.


    Perhaps even the alliance. If the answer was yes, why? Why my family, why my parents?


    The version etched in my memories didn¡¯t match this one perfectly. There was something wrong with that rose, something added. Or maybe... something hidden.


    Whatever it was, I¡¯d have to bury it again at least for now.


    I straightened in my seat, flipping to a clean page in my notebook and pulling the test paper toward me as it floated down onto my desk from azy flick of Professor Myra¡¯s wrist.


    "All notebooks, no matter the subject or course, should be tucked in our backpack or tossed to the front of the ss. Your test begins in two minutes. Be ready."


    *******************


    The teststed fifteen minutes. Fifteen long, dragging, soul-draining minutes.


    I finished with time to spare¡ªmy pen moving on autopilot, answering each question with precision, but my head and heart were entirely elsewhere. It took my effort to keep my brain functional.


    I barely remembered what I¡¯d written. Only that the weight in my chest hadn¡¯t left, and neither had the tightness behind my eyes.


    When Professor Myra dismissed us, I packed up quietly and slipped out before anyone could corner me.


    I had a free period and wasn¡¯t in the mood for cafeteria noise or forced conversation. I needed air and space.


    The hallway emptied slowly behind me as I made my way to the far wing of the academy.


    I turned toward the stairwell to the upper floors, where the library tower stretched above the main building. The one ce no one ever bothered you, especially not in the back stacks.


    I slowed as I turned the corner near the windowed alcove and pulled out my phone. I couldn¡¯t ignore my growing curiosity, and I needed answers from my reliable source.


    <strong>Me: </strong><i>Did your dad find anything new on the Nightshade Thorn Emblem? Also... I discovered something in ss¡ªthe original Alliance emblem is almost a twin to the Nightshade emblem, except the rose in the centre isn¡¯t there. Have you seen this version before?</i>


    I stared at the message a moment longer before hitting send.


    The reply came faster than I expected. A blinking three-dot bubble, she gave the shocked emoji before responding.


    <strong>Solstice: </strong> Wait WHAT??? That¡¯s <i>impossible</i>¡ªare you <i>sure</i>?


    <strong>Solstice: </strong><i>Okay, okay, don¡¯t panic. I¡¯ll dig into it. I swear I¡¯ve seen something like that in Dad¡¯s ssified files. Give me a bit. I¡¯ll update you ASAP.</i>


    I exhaled slowly and typed a quick response.


    <strong>Me: </strong><i>Thanks. You¡¯re the best. Just... be careful. And don¡¯t tell anyone else. Not yet.</i>


    She didn¡¯t reply again, but I knew she¡¯d read it when I saw the blue tick go on.


    I tucked the phone back into my pocket, still feeling the faint sting of anxiety across my ribs like phantom ws.


    The corridor ahead yawned into quiet shadow, and I kept walking, letting my thoughts settle¡ªor try to. Maybe I¡¯d draw. Or read. Or just disappear into a corner until the world made sense again.


    But I didn¡¯t make it to the library right away.


    As I rounded the stairwellnding, someone collided with my side.


    "Woah¡ªsorry," I mumbled automatically, stepping back before I saw him... Erik.


    He looked like he hadn¡¯t slept, like he¡¯d run here directly from a nightmare. Pale under the eyes, lips pressed tight, shoulders tense.


    "Val¡ª" he began, eyes darting around the hallway. "Perfect. You are just the person I wanted to see. I need to talk to you, right now."


    My stomach sank. "What happened?"


    "Not here." He reached for my arm and gently tugged me toward one of the side doors. An empty ssroom. The warded kind that blocked magical eavesdropping¡ªusually used for spell practice or containment drills.


    I followed him without asking.


    And as soon as the door clicked shut behind us, Erik ran a hand through his messy hair, pacing once across the room before stopping, his face twisting between panic and disbelief.


    "It¡¯s the simtion logs," he said finally. "I was reviewing data from yourst trial¡ªour simtion test, where the rune trap caught you."


    My heart gave a slow, uneasy lurch. He looked me dead in the eyes.


    "The trap. It was coded." He swallowed and dropped his voice. "It was keyed to <i>your DNA</i>, Val. Not just other shifters but to you specifically."


    Everything went still.


    No air moved in the room. No sound. Just the slow pound of my heartbeat against the inside of my skull.


    "That¡¯s impossible," I whispered, managing the words as best as possible. "That kind of targeting¡ªit would take high-level ess. Deep academy core permissions or... or even council override."


    Erik nodded grimly. "Exactly."


    I stared at him, unable to blink. My voice came out hoarse. "You¡¯re saying someone high set me up?"


    "I don¡¯t know," he said, "but it wasn¡¯t a simtion failure as we all know. It was deliberate. And that means someone knew things they shouldn¡¯t. Whoever wanted to attack you had an inside man."

 Chapter 98: Little Flop Goes Noticed

    <h4>Chapter 98: Little Flop Goes Noticed</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 98</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    It wasn¡¯t entirely big news to me, considering I knew someone wanted me gone¡ªdead gone as well as kept sending me anonymous letters.


    But so far, my suspicions had narrowed things down for me a little.


    The person sending the letter was a student who felt threatened by me, either openly or discreetly.The person who wanted me dead was a different person among he higher-ups with a possible link to a teacher or a student who was skilled in hacking or had ess to high-level clearance.


    Still, that did not stop the walls from seeming like it was shrinking. I took a step back, steadying myself against a desk.


    Outside the window, clouds rolled in¡ªgrey and slow, like the sky had decided to mirror my mood.


    Someone had built a trap with my blood in mind. And suddenly, I wasn¡¯t sure who I could trust anymore.


    At the very least, I knew I could trust Erik, I, the alphas (a bit) and... maybe my other roommates.


    People I didn¡¯t trust? There were many with Titania as number one on the list.


    "I¡¯m sorry someone with high-level ess did this," Erik says again, quieter this time, like the words will hurt less if he whispers them, but they don¡¯t.


    They never did. I would know because all the ¡¯sorries¡¯ and ¡¯ept my condolences¡¯, I got as a child did not spare me the pain or hurt, nor bring my parents back.


    His voice trembled slightly at the edges, but his gaze didn¡¯t waver. "This wasn¡¯t random."


    My hands clench at my sides. Principal Whitmore¡¯s words¡ªthe ones she¡¯d spoken to me in that private meeting days ago¡ªm into my memory like a blow to the chest.


    <i>This wasn¡¯t random. There¡¯s someone on the inside we haven¡¯t caught yet. Someone who¡¯s hiding in in sight.</i>


    Someone had gone far enough to use my DNA.


    "Is there anything else?" I ask, though I was almost afraid of the answer.


    Erik shifted ufortably. "I tried to trace the code pattern¡ªit led to an encrypted node buried in the academy¡¯s private server, but a multiyer firewall protects it. I hit a dead end."


    I exhale through my nose, slow and sharp. "Can you get through?"


    "I can try." He looks down, jaw tightening. "But if I get caught... they trace it back to me, and I don¡¯t have immunity the way you might ."


    My stomach twists with guilt. "Then don¡¯t. It¡¯s too dangerous."


    "I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t," Erik replied, his voice suddenly steady. "Just... let me be careful about it."


    I nodded once. Not because I agree, but because I knew better than to try stopping him.


    "Thanks," I say quietly. "Really."


    "It¡¯s the least I can do after not contributing during our fight and leaving you behind."


    "Thanks still." I smiled at him before nodding.


    We exchanged contact information and WhatsApp ID before leaving the empty ssroom.


    The moment we stepped back into the corridor, the noise of the academy rushed back like a wave I¡¯d been holding off.


    I watched Erik disappear down the hall before turning the opposite way. The walls didn¡¯t feel as safe anymore. Even the air carried a weight now, like every step echoes louder than it should.


    I carried that tension into my next ss.


    Tactical Hunting and Tracking was supposed to be one of my better subjects.


    It was practical and instinctive¡ªhalf wild and half calcted. Today, though, my focus slipped. I missed a cue during a terrain assessment and was tagged by a mimic trap illusion.


    Kai, Axel, and Xade didn¡¯t let it slide.


    "Val, what was that?" Axel said with a crooked grin as we climb the ridge back to the field station. "You let a shade beast sneak up behind you. Rookie move."


    "Think she¡¯s finally losing her edge," Xade added, nudging my shoulder with his. He was trying to be lighthearted, but there was something wary in his nce. "Must be the air. Smells like nerves."


    "Or guilt," Kai mutters under his breath and came too close forfort.


    I stopped walking, which got their attention.


    Kai turned around, his usual sarcasm gone, reced by something unreadable. His emerald green eyes narrow just a bit.


    "What¡¯s wrong, mate?" he asked in a low voice, almost gentle¡ªbut still carrying the rumble of a warning beneath it.


    I look away. "Nothing."


    "You sure?" he steps closer. "Because if someone¡¯s messing with you again¡ª"


    "I said I¡¯m fine," I cut in. It came out sharper than I meant and too raw. But I didn¡¯t backpedal.


    Kai watched me another beat longer, then exhaled through his nose. "Fine. But don¡¯t shut us out. We¡¯re your mates. Whether you like it or not."


    He brushed past me, the faint contact of his arm against mine left a trail of heat that made my pulse jump.


    I sighed. This was not the time nor ce for this and definitely not what I needed right now.


    By the time night crept in, the moonlight had made strange shapes on the dorm ceiling. My sketchbooky open beside me, half-finished drawings of the rose emblem haunting every page.


    I hadn¡¯t even touched my homework and did not feel like it.


    Astra¡¯s curled in my mind was watching me, I could feel it.


    <i>"Val... you need to talk to someone. This is eating you up."</i>


    <i>"You don¡¯t say, Astra." </i>


    <i>"Valerie."</i>


    <i>"Is this out of concern or are you just eager to be with one of them again?"</i>


    <i>"Both," </i> she answered, though I wasn¡¯t too surprised. It was always our mate for Astra.


    <i>"I¡¯m serious. You¡¯re not sleeping. You¡¯re pacing at night. You flinch at shadows. And you¡¯ve been staring at the same damn drawing for hours."</i>


    My hand tightened on the pencil. <i>"I can¡¯t," </i>I whisper<i>. "Not yet. There¡¯s too much I don¡¯t know."</i>


    Astra¡¯s voice softens.<i> "Then talk to your mates. At least one of them."</i>


    I look down at the pages. The emblem stares back, that thorned rose in the centre twisted slightly differently each time.


    I¡¯d drawn it over and over, trying to capture the w, the hidden element, that thing that made it wrong, as though just staring would give me some answers.


    "They might be involved," I muttered.

 Chapter 99: Kieran In School

    <h4>Chapter 99: Kieran In School</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 99</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Astra¡¯s breath caught. <i>"Val..."</i>


    I shook my head. "I don¡¯t know who¡¯s behind this. But whoever it is knew how to use me as bait in a coded trap. That¡¯s not some petty prank. That¡¯s premeditated."


    "<i>But...</i>"


    I cut in, ignoring her words. <i>"Also, if I wrongfully expose my secret to somebody I cannot fully trust and it is used against me, would you then be d to see me in danger?"</i>


    I felt Astra¡¯s aura shift into something warmer.


    <i>"Then don¡¯t trust anyone,"</i> she says softly. <i>"Except yourself. And maybe... me."</i>


    I nod once, barely.


    Later that night, long after the halls go quiet and the moon hangs low behind a curtain of clouds, I stared at my phone.


    There were no new messages from Solstice. My mind was tired and I needed rest. Slowly, I close my eyes and let slip take me away.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Kieran¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The school was loud, much too loud for my liking.


    People talked too much,ughed too much. Moved like they had something to prove¡ªpuffed chests, loud steps, fake confidence dressed in expensive uniforms.


    Prestige Supernatural Academy.


    <i>Prestige.</i> The irony made me smile as I stepped through the grand front gate, Lucie gliding just behind me like the shadow she¡¯d trained herself to be.


    I didn¡¯t need an escort, but I let here anyway because my parents wouldn¡¯t be okay otherwise. People stared more when she was at my side, and I liked being stared at.


    The marble courtyard sparkled under the morning sun, voices echoing off ss and stone. I could already hear the whispers starting.


    <i>"That¡¯s him¡ª"</i>


    <i>"Killian¡¯s heir¡ª"</i>


    <i>"He¡¯s even prettier in person¡ª"</i>


    <i>"And colder too..."</i>


    I didn¡¯t slow my pace.


    Lucie kept up effortlessly, her hands folded neatly in front of her, eyes scanning everything with calcted disinterest. She didn¡¯t speak unless I needed her to.


    We were alike that way.


    A familiar hum of boredom pressed against the back of my mind. The school looked exactly as I¡¯d expected¡ªperfectly clean, overly formal, steeped in tradition and empty pageantry. I was supposed to care. I didn¡¯t.


    Until I saw her<i>.</i>


    She wasn¡¯t the first face I saw¡ªbut the moment my eyes found her, I stopped listening to anything else.


    She was standing in the mid-courtyard. She didn¡¯t see me yet.


    Her hair was like wild firelight, her shoulders squared, and her posture guarded like someone who had been hunted before and knew how to hide the scars.


    Her uniform clung to a body built for movement, not disy. She moved with silent power, unaware of the effect she had just by existing.


    <strong>Valerie.</strong>


    I knew her name before I saw her.


    The holo-image hadn¡¯t done her justice.


    She looked fiercer now. Tired, like she hadn¡¯t slept well in days. But it made her more real. More human and overly dangerous.


    "Is that her?" I murmured, not taking my eyes off her.


    Lucie¡¯s voice was a shade colder than usual. "Yes. Valerie Nightshade."


    I smirked. "Lovely. Finally, someone worth watching."


    "She¡¯splicated," Lucie said tightly.


    "Isn¡¯t that the point?" I tilted my head, watching Valerie move away from two boys trying to get her attention.


    She didn¡¯t look at either of them.


    <i>"Good girl." </i>I mentally noted, but as if Lucie could read my mind, she spoke up.


    "She¡¯s taken," Lucie added.


    I turned to her slowly, just enough to meet her eyes. "Taken?"


    Lucie hesitated. "There¡¯s a rumour that the Alpha Princes are chasing after her."


    "Are they mates?"


    "I have no idea, but what do you think, or why would your cousin be interested in her if that is not the case? Several mates or not, the rumours¡ª"


    "Lucie," I said gently. "You know I don¡¯t care who she ¡¯belongs¡¯ to."


    Lucie didn¡¯t respond and only lowered her head in apology before looking at me.


    So I gave her that look¡ªthe one I knew made people ufortable because it always came with truth.


    "She¡¯s mine now," I said simply. "I want her. I believe she would relieve my boredom."


    Lucie sealed her lips, nodded once. But she couldn¡¯t hide it from me. That flicker in her eyes. That same jealousy and sadness from that day returned.


    I didn¡¯t address it. I never did, because we had an agreement¡ªone I didn¡¯t n on breaking unless she made me.


    As we stepped further onto campus grounds, the atmosphere changed. The students parted like waves, instinct recognising hierarchy even before I opened my mouth.


    Some greeted me, and most just stared. But I didn¡¯t look at them, I only looked at her because Valerie had finally turned her head.


    And her eyes met mine.


    And in that instant¡ªbarely three seconds long¡ªI felt it. It wasn¡¯t like any mate bond they described, nor was it magic. Just a pull that told me she was going to be mine.


    Interesting.


    Valerie Nightshade didn¡¯t blush nor spare me a simple smile. Rather stared me straight in the eyes, studying me.


    And I smiled, just slightly, just enough to make her wonder what I was thinking but al most instantly, she looked away liek I wasn¡¯t worth her time and walked away keeping ehr head high.


    Right then and there, I knew I had finally found that thrill that would make me happy.


    A sadistic smirk spread across my lips as I watched her go¡ªthe kind that most people called maniacal, but who cared.


    "Hehhe... Find me all of her schedules. I want mine to tally with hers."


    "But Alpha, what if your line of study isn¡¯t aligning?"


    I paused, my anger rising and bubbling within me. "And when have studying for all sixteen or fifteen subjects while taking on a professional gaming career ever been a problem to me?"


    Lucie shuddered at my tone. "Next time, make no mistake in thinking I am no match for anything, because if I, Kierian Killian, put my mind to something, I get it done, and Valerie Nightshade is no exception. No matter whates my way, she will be mine."


    "As you wish."


    In order to calm my nerves, I wanted to leave here and go somewhere where I could rest my head, when suddenly a soft voiceced with a sharp, dark tone spoke behind me.


    "So, I see even the new Alpha is mesmerised by Valerie. What a waste."


    My brows twitched. Had shee here to insult my Valerie?


    I turned around swiftly, ready to speak, when my eyesnded on the golden crown on her head, swaying before my eyes.


    <i>Magic. Not just any but Fae magic. Fae Princess.</i>


    My smirk brightened, and judging by her brief reaction, I knew I had seeded in deceiving her.


    "You know, little girl, what would be considered a waste would be you breathing the same air as Valerie Nightshade and sharing the space she can move in."


    Titania scoffed in disbelief, and one of the girls beside her balled her fingers into tiny fists by her side.


    "Apologise. Do you know who you are speaking rudely to?"


    I scoffed a little, taking a step forward to meet them. "Oh, but I do," I said, letting my eyes fall on Titania.


    "Only a fae princess would do something as silly as wearing her crown and masking it with fae magic, instead of simply not wearing it." My gaze darted slowly to the side where her wannabe friend stood. "Someone with such thinking, don¡¯t you think she is a waste to exist, huh, royal flea bag?"

 Chapter 100: Strong Enemy

    <h4>Chapter 100: Strong Enemy</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 100</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Kieran didn¡¯t spare Titania another nce.


    He rolled his neckzily, letting the tension in his shoulders settle as he turned from the courtyard. His shoes clicked softly against the polished tiles, Lucie trailing just behind.


    "We need to go," she murmured, her voice back to its usual poised tone. "Ms. Heart just messaged¡ªPrincipal Whitmore¡¯s arrived. She wants to meet you in his office."


    Kieran¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t shift from the path ahead. "About time," he said simply.


    Lucie nodded, silently matching his pace. Around them, students parted in waves, the air shifting with whispers and barely-contained curiosity.


    As soon as their figures disappeared around the corner, the brightness in the courtyard dulled¡ªnot from shadow, but from something darker.


    Titania stood frozen, her nails digging so deep into her palm that a thin rivulet of blood slipped past her knuckle. Her breath came fast, shallow. Rage curled in her gut like venom coiling in a ss vial, ready to shatter.


    Lellies saw it toote.


    The scent of blood caught her nose just before she saw it, and she immediately stepped forward, lowering her gaze in submission.


    "Princess Ti," she began softly, her voice strained, "I apologise for putting you in such a vulnerable position. You didn¡¯t want to show us your crown today... but we begged. And you only wore it because we insisted, and he... Alpha Kieran insul¡ª"


    "He did not insult me!" Titania snapped, her voice cracking the silence around her like ss breaking underfoot.


    Lellies flinched and lowered her head further, strands of ck hair falling forward like a curtain to hide her expression. Her tanned skin shimmered beneath the morning sun, but she said nothing more.


    Titania¡¯s breathing grew erratic. Her body trembled¡ªnot from fear, but from the sheer weight of humiliation.


    How dare he?


    How dare that smug, sharp-eyed wolf talk down to her like she was some peasant with a stic tiara?


    Her blood boiled. She could feel her magic pulsing beneath her skin, whispering sweet and violent ideas.


    Gritting her teeth, she clenched her fist tighter, ignoring the sting and stares. But just when Lellies thought she was going to be okay, a raw, piercing, unfiltered, ear-blocking scream tore through her lips.


    "Aaaarrrrgh!"


    Gasps rang out nearby as students turned in shock. Some backed away, others simply watched in silence, stunned.


    Titania didn¡¯t care.


    She didn¡¯t care about appearances anymore. Not when her pride had been bruised in front of everyone.


    Not when her magic had gone ignored. Not when someone as arrogant as Kieran dared to look through her... and only see Valerie.


    "Oh, the game is on," she hissed under her breath, chest heaving. Her lips curled into a twisted, sharp and poisonous smile.


    "Alpha Kieran," she whispered, dragging his name through her teeth like it was venom, "your precious Valerie... will be the one to pay."


    Her eyes shimmered¡ªnot with tears, but with a vengeful gleam.


    "She¡¯ll be my scapegoat. Every step she takes, I¡¯ll be there. Every breath she draws, I¡¯ll crush beneath my heel. And when she finally breaks..." her voice dropped to a purr, "I¡¯ll be there to gloat. To let you watch her fall¡ªbecause she dared to offend a princess."


    Titania spun on her heel, her hair shing like sunlight on sharpened des. Her footsteps rang loud and proud as she stormed toward ss, leaving behind only a smear of blood and the ghost of a threat that promised ruin.


    Behind her, Lellies slowly straightened, swallowing the dread that wed its way up her throat.


    This wasn¡¯t about pride anymore. It was about war. And the first blow had just been dealt, but deep down, she was sure Valerie would lose, and when the Alpha Princes saw she wasn¡¯t worth it, they¡¯d withdraw and focus all of their love and devotion to Titania.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The buzz of my phone rattled against the edge of my nightstand, dragging me out of a half-sleep I didn¡¯t remember slipping into. My fingers fumbled for the screen.


    <strong>Solstice [4:32 a.m.]:</strong><i>You were right. The Nightshade emblem is a corrupted version of the old Alliance crest. One was banned after the Blood Pact Rebellion. Someone tried to erase its existence from the archives... but I found a trace.</i>


    Attached was a dim scan of a parchment, fragile with age, its edges ckened like someone had tried to burn it. Right in the centre was a rose, precisely like the one Professor Myra had shown us. But it wasn¡¯t just a rose. Its petals folded into a sigil I didn¡¯t recognise until Solstice¡¯s next message pinged through.


    <strong>Solstice [4:33 a.m.]:</strong><i>Professor Rhys Anderlyn. His name appears three times in connection with the file¡¯s restoration permissions.</i>


    My heart jumped.


    Professor Anderlyn. The soft-spoken, always-neutral History of Magic professor who lectured like he was trying not to disturb the dust, but mostly spent his time in the Library.


    He was thest person I expected to be anywhere near something that reeked of war, bloodlines, and coded symbols.


    And maybe that¡¯s what made it so dangerous.


    ************


    The messages from Solstice haunted the edge of my thoughts all morning.


    Even as I made my way through the winding garden path that split the East and West wings, my phone stayed in my hand.


    The dim light of the screen reflected in my eyes as I scrolled through the ancient scan she¡¯d sent me.


    She¡¯d followed up the image with aplete PDF¡ªa trantion of the half-burnt parchment cross-referenced against pre-Rebellion lexicons.


    I read the first few lines for what felt like the tenth time.


    <i>"Rosebound in shadow, forged in silence. The bearer of this mark holds the key to the fracture."</i>


    Fracture of what? Power? Allegiances?


    My thumb hovered over a footnote Solstice had highlighted¡ªan entry on blood pacts and forgotten heirlines¡ªwhen a sharp, pricking sensation raced up the back of my neck.


    Someone was watching me.


    I slowed my steps in the courtyard. Whispers rippled like water from behind the marble columns nking the pathway.


    <i>"...he¡¯s the Alpha..."</i>


    <i>"From the Killian line..."</i>


    <i>"I heard he arrived this morning..."</i>


    Their voices dropped as I lifted my head. That¡¯s when I saw him.


    He was leaning against the stone balustrade by the fountain, dressed in ck that was too neat to be casual, too sharp to be effortless.


    The early sun cast a silver edge to his blond hair, and even from a distance, his presence was... maic. Not in the way that drew you in¡ªbut the kind that demanded you look. That forced your attention.


    His eyes locked with mine not by ident.


    It was deliberate. He had been looking at me.


    The world didn¡¯t slow, but my thoughts did, just for a moment. His stare didn¡¯t wander, didn¡¯t scan me like a checklist. He looked through me, like he was trying to figure out which piece of me didn¡¯t fit the picture.


    My chest tightened, not with fear¡ªbut with something I couldn¡¯t quite name.


    Arrogance radiated off him like a second skin. He wore it the way some people wore crowns.


    And somehow, he looked like he believed the whole courtyard belonged to him. Like every nce, every whisper was owed.


    Even the Alpha princes didn¡¯t walk like that.


    It wasn¡¯t confidence, entitlement. I didn¡¯t flinch. I didn¡¯t react.


    I met his gaze for a beat longer. Then I shoved him out of my mind. Whatever his deal was, it wasn¡¯t mine.

 Chapter 101: In His Place

    <h4>Chapter 101: In His ce</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 101</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I turned back toward the path, my expression nk. Cold, even. If he was expecting a flutter, a stammer, or a flinch¡ªhe wasn¡¯t getting it.


    I slipped my phone back into my zer, picked up my bag from the bench beside a statue of one of the oldest principals, and walked away without a nce behind me.


    I felt the weight of eyes follow me¡ªsome curious, some confused¡ªbut I kept my head high and pace even.


    The whispers faded behind me.


    I pulled my phone out again.


    Back to the file and to the rose crest and Professor Anderlyn¡¯s name glowing faintly in the linked annotations.


    Let them talk about their new Alpha boy.


    I had bigger things to worry about.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The message from Principal Whitmore came just as I was finishing a morning patrol of the East Wing.


    She never summoned anyone without reason, so I figured something had happened¡ªmaybe another incident in the lower dorms or a rogue spell gone wrong.


    But when I stepped into her office and saw <i>him</i>¡ªleaningzily against the window frame like this school was his personal yground¡ªmy mood dropped faster than a spell-failed broom.


    Kieran Killian.


    Just perfect.


    He didn¡¯t even have the decency to look up right away. Just stared out the window, probably counting how many hearts he nned to break before lunch.


    The same cousin who, years ago, made it very clear that he didn¡¯t respect boundaries¡ªor people. I hadn¡¯t forgotten the way he treated that servant back at the familypound.


    Nor the snidement he made to me during thest Winter Gathering. No one talked to me like that and walked away without consequence. No one except him, apparently.


    "Ah, Xade. Thank you foring," Principal Whitmore greeted, standing behind her antique desk with her hands sped neatly.


    My jaw locked, but I nodded. "You needed me?"


    She gestured between us. "Kieran will be staying. As the Alpha Heir of the Killian bloodline, he¡¯ll be joining the Elite courses and some general electives. I¡¯d like you to show him around. Help him settle in."


    I didn¡¯t even try to hide the incredulous look I shot her.


    "With all due respect, Principal," I said coolly, "I¡¯m not here to babysit a spoiled brat."


    That got Kieran¡¯s attention. He turned, slow and dramatic, that smug smile spreading like oil on water.


    "Oh dearest cousin," he purred, a hand to his chest, fake hurt dripping from his voice, "you wound me."


    Principal Whitmore sighed, rubbing at her temples. "Whatever this is between you two, it¡¯s not my business. Keep it off my school grounds. Handle your family drama outside the school premises. Am I clear?"


    I didn¡¯t respond to Kieran. I kept my eyes on her. "If that¡¯s all, I¡¯ll be taking my leave."


    "Dismissed," she said, already turning to her papers.


    I stepped out without a word, walking past Ms. Heart¡¯s office. Her head popped out briefly, but I didn¡¯t slow down. I just nodded curtly and kept going through the main door, heading toward the courtyard.


    But of course, he followed.


    His footsteps were almost silent, but his presence was loud.


    I was halfway down the steps when his voice rang out behind me.


    "There¡¯s a little strong and brave bean I¡¯ve set my eyes on."


    I stopped walking but didn¡¯t turn or speak. "What does that have to do with me?" I asked, my voice cold.


    "Oh, nothing at all. I just thought you should know," he said airily, "since you¡¯ll have <i>no</i> issue when I go after Valerie Nightshade... and make her my¡ª"


    He didn¡¯t finish because I moved.


    I had him pinned to the wall before he could blink. My hand clenched his cor, lifting him high enough that his boots left the floor, just barely. My eyes met his glowing red ones¡ªand mine turned a shade deeper than ice, burning blue, the colour I rarely let surface.


    I let my aura go.


    Cold flooded the corridor, and Frost bit at the air. The sudden drop in temperature even shimmered the ss nearby.


    "Go near her," I growled, every syble carved in ice.


    He smirked, breath catching slightly. "I can¡¯t say I won¡¯t, cousin. After all, we¡¯re ssmates now. Haven¡¯t you heard? Our schedules match perfectly. Destiny, huh?"


    I tightened my grip, making him wheeze.


    "You¡¯re not thinking this through," he croaked. "Your darling Principal Whitmore is barely two walls away. You really want a fight?"


    I snorted. "It wouldn¡¯t be a fight. It¡¯d be a beating. You wouldn¡¯t even see the first hit."


    Kieran winced, still grinning. "Aw, is that concern I hear? Valerie must really mean something to you."


    "Last warning," I hissed, letting my power surge onest time before¡ª


    A hand caught my wrist mid-swing. "Let it go." The voice was calm butmanding.


    I looked sideways to see Dristan, his eyes an ice blue like mine. It only meant he had heard every word Kieran spoke.


    His eyes met mine with quiet finality. That look of his¡ªthe one that didn¡¯t ask for permission, it demandedposure.


    "He¡¯s not worth it."


    I hesitated¡ªjust a second. Then I blinked and let Kieran drop.


    Hended lightly on his feet, brushing his cor like it was dust and not my fingers that nearly crushed his throat.


    I shoved my hands into my pockets, preparing to walk away when Kieran spoke again.


    "That¡¯s all you got, huh, Xa¡ª"


    <i>POW!</i>


    Kieran¡¯s words vanished in the echo of Dristan¡¯s punch. The blow mmed into his jaw with bone-jarring precision, sending his head snapping sideways as the wall behind him cracked.


    He slumped, dazed, one hand rising weakly to his jaw.


    Dristan exhaled slowly, lowering his fist.


    "Next time," he said coldly, "learn your ce. You may share blood with Xade, but you are not his equal. And I won¡¯t be as merciful if it happens again."


    Then he walked off, leaving Kieran stunned and me barely suppressing a smirk.


    I followed and for the first time all morning, I felt better.

 Chapter 102: Failed Shopping Escape

    <h4>Chapter 102: Failed Shopping Escape</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 102</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    For some reason, I overheard girls discussing the new Alpha and how another new student was joining the sophomore ss.


    I also discovered he was taking all sses¡ªelective, mandatory and core. But what surprised me most was the fact that yesterday he barely showed up for all sses, but the burn of his eyes on my back was something else.


    The notice board near the East Wing cafeteria had be the unofficial battleground for announcements, event posters, and passive-aggressive notes about stolen potions.


    This morning, it drew a crowd like moths to me.


    Astraea dragged me forward, her grip tight on my wrist. "Come on! Move faster, Vee. There¡¯s something new."


    "I¡¯m already regretting this," I muttered under my breath.


    I was already standing at the front, arms crossed, lips pursed as she read aloud from the bold, red-lettered flyer pinned dead center.


    <strong>BLOOD MOON MASQUERADE</strong>


    Hosted by the Academy Student Council


    Theme: Blood Moon


    Masks Encouraged. Dress to Devour.


    Location: Crescent Hall Ballroom


    Time: 8 p.m. till Moonset


    Transport shuttles begin at 6.30 p.m.


    Guest Performers. Open Magic Arena. Fireworks Finale.


    At the bottom, in less elegant penmanship, someone had scribbled, <strong>Rumour has it the Alpha Kings are personally involved.</strong>


    "Oh. My. Stars," Astraea gasped like she¡¯d just been gifted a royal proposal. "This is going to be the party of the century!"


    "I hope it involves fire-dancing fairies again," Emerald said, her gaze glittering. "Last time, one set a professor¡¯s beard on fire. It was a masterpiece."


    I turned to me, beaming. "You have toe, Valerie. Especially if the Alphas are organizing it, that means top-tier everything. Maybe even enchanted champagne, lol." She gave a wink.


    I gave her a dry stare. "Pass. I don¡¯t do fancy masks and magically enhanced hormones."


    "But this could be fun," I nudged me. "A little mystery, a little danger. Maybe even a dance or two. Come on, it¡¯s practically tradition."


    "I¡¯ll think about it," I lied. I already knew where that thought was going¡ªin a prison inside my mind.


    Emerald looped her arm around mine. "Nope. That¡¯s code for ¡¯yes, and I need a killer outfit.¡¯ Let¡¯s go shopping. Today."


    I perked up at that. Shopping meant city ess. City ess meant detours. I¡¯d been nning a stealthy return to the bar near Halebrook¡ªa ce I wasn¡¯t supposed to step foot in again.


    Perfect opportunity.


    "Fine," I said boredly, trying to keep up my charade while hiding my insane delight at what I could do.


    Finally, I will know more about the Emblem and no one could stop me.


    I was already picturing the dark alley behind the tavern¡¯s back entrance.


    They lifted their brows and I could tell they thought I was just delighted in shopping with the girls more, which wasn¡¯t entirely a lie, but duh...


    sses went smoothly that day, and since evasiveness is my best technique, I did not have a kissing encounter today.


    At the close of school, we got ready to leave after rushing back to our dorm to change.


    "I¡¯ll get myself there. You guys go ahead."


    "Actually..." I looked sheepish. "I might¡¯ve... already asked Dristan to drive us?"


    I blinked. "You what?"


    Astraea squealed. "He said yes! Well, eventually. After I told him you wereing." Astraea¡¯s tone changed slightly, but I was too busy with what I had done to care.


    My re turned to I instantly.


    She held up both hands. "In my defence, it worked."


    "No," I said. "I¡¯m still taking my cab."


    Emerald snorted as Astraea looked like she¡¯d been personally betrayed. "You¡¯d deprive us of a road trip with Dristan?"


    "I¡¯d deprive him of one with me," I corrected.


    Before I could plead again, a deep voice cut across the courtyard.


    "Fine."


    Dristan stood a few steps away, car keys swinging in his hand. "If she won¡¯t ride in my car, we¡¯re not going in it. Let¡¯s all hail a cab. Or better yet¡ªpublic transport."


    Astraea turned slowly, like a puppet string had been yanked. "Public what now?"


    "I¡¯m down," I said, far too cheerfully. "Public transport sounds <i>amazing.</i>"


    Emerald burst intoughter while I groaned into her hands.


    And Dristan, he just smiled, but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes.


    I smirked inwardly. Let¡¯s see him dodge his fangirls in that mess.


    Truth be told, exactly that happened.


    The moment we stepped off the transport shuttle in the city square, a small crowd had already formed¡ªlike vultures scenting royalty.


    Dristan¡¯s hood did little to hide the sharp lines of his face or the golden mark at the edge of his neck.


    Girls whispered. One bold brte even tried to pass him her number¡ªon a levitating scroll.


    Fae¡ªI rolle dmy eyes and Astra growled in anger.


    <i>"Down girl."</i>


    "Valerie, he is ours."


    <i>"I don¡¯t mind."</i>


    <i>"Yeah, those words woulde back to bite you, I tell you."</i>


    I shoved Astra to the back of my mind. Meanwhile, I slipped further down the aisle, found a quiet seat between a retired vampire couple and a grumpy cat shifter, and enjoyed the chaos from afar.


    Dristan didn¡¯t sit for the entire ride, though and I loved his despair.


    The boutique I chose smelled like roses and gold coins¡ªsomewhere between luxury and headache.


    Glitter hung in the air like mist, and mannequins floated above us, rotating in shimmering masks and gowns. It was all too much.


    I kept to myself, pretending to browse, while just whiling away time till the others were ready to go.


    I figured I¡¯d use that as an excuse to go shopping in a different store while convincing the girls to return.


    After that, I simply take off to do my business.


    That had been a perfect, foolproof n until one of the attendants handed me a dress.


    Knee-length, backless, deep ck with silver veins in the fabric like cracked obsidian, the neckline plunged low, and the straps were thin enough to disappear once worn. It looked dangerous, but it also looked perfect.


    It also looked like someone had handpicked it.


    "Who chose this?" I asked the girl.


    She pointed toward the sitting area, where Dristan lounged like a king with too much time. His smirk was already irritating, and his eyes locked with mine.


    Without uttering any word to her, I marched straight over.


    "You¡ª"


    He patted the space beside him. "Sit."


    "I don¡¯t take orders from¡ª"


    But his eyes narrowed just slightly, and I knew better than to finish my sentence.


    "If you are going to speak to me, do so like a civilised student and not like some junkie in search of drugs or a nagging mother or wife."


    I sat¡ªgrudgingly.


    "I¡¯m not epting this."


    "At least you didn¡¯t say you are not wearing it." Before I could retort, Dristan leaned in, his breath brushing my ear as he whispered, "If you don¡¯t want me telling your precious friends about our kiss¡ª<i>or</i> the ones with Axel and Xade¡ªyou¡¯ll take the dress. And wear it."


    My blood turned to fire.


    "You¡ªwere spying on me?"


    "If you were doing such outside then it¡¯s not called spying. You wanted the audience and i watched."


    "Why you..." I gritted but Dristan didn¡¯t answer. He just leaned back, smile still in ce.


    That infuriating, smug, punchable smile.


    "Be wise, Nightshade," he said, standing like he hadn¡¯t just ckmailed me with a mouth full of velvet threat.


    I stared at the dress.


    Then cursed him under my breath a dozen different ways. And went to try it on bevause between him a devil and my friends, I wasn¡¯t willing to give them that information just yet.


    "Urgh."

 Chapter 103: Blood Moon Masquerade Party

    <h4>Chapter 103: Blood Moon Masquerade Party</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 103</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I still hadn¡¯t forgiven Dristan.


    On the day of our shopping trip, Dristan hovered around me like some glorified guard dog in a leather jacket, watching every move I made, making it painfully obvious I wouldn¡¯t sneak away unnoticed.


    I¡¯d been this close to ditching them all. But with his looming presence and Emerald¡¯s eyes tracking me like a falcon with caffeine, I ended up in the cab with the rest of them¡ªstuffed between Astraea¡¯s hair and I¡¯s perfume.


    Now, the Blood Moon Masquerade had finally arrived.


    Crescent Hall¡¯s entrance glowed crimson under spellced chandeliers, enchantments floating in the air like rose-scented snow.


    Soft orchestral music gave way to haunting vocals and low drum beats as the night thickened. Every inch of the ballroom was cloaked in velvet and silver, masked students swirling in graceful chaos.


    I stepped inst, behind I and Emerald.


    I¡¯d chosen my own dress, separate from the one Dristan had picked.


    A stormy sapphire blue that kissed my corbone and hugged my waist. The satin was soft but simple, the hem ending mid-thigh at the front and cascading inyers at the back.


    It wasn¡¯t scandalous¡ªbut it showed just enough leg and back to whisper danger without screaming it.


    The sheer sleeves clung to my arms like mist, and a delicate silver chain ran from the low neckline to the base of my throat. My mask, pale silver with etched blue frostwork, revealed more than it hid.


    And when I stepped into the ballroom, I felt it.


    His gaze.


    Ittched onto me like gravity.


    Dristan was already inside, dressed in sleek ck, mask sharp like a raven¡¯s wing. His jaw ticked. I could feel the growl pulsing beneath his breath from across the room.


    I smiled, slowly but deliberately.


    <i>"You think you can just dictate my life, Dristan? Sorry. Such a shame that I don¡¯t follow rules."</i>


    I made my way toward the drinks table, and it didn¡¯t take long. I sensed the shift in energy before I saw him. A shadow moved, fast and quiet. Then suddenly, he was there.


    "Do you care so little about your reputation, mate?" His voice was low, rough but I didn¡¯t flinch.


    "Mate?" I asked slowly, letting the world roll off my tongue. "Reputation?" I tilted my head and scoffed. "Nope, but I should be asking you that. No one knows you¡¯re my mate. Funny how you choked on the word during our little shopping trip thest time like it was poison."


    His eyes red. "Easier to swallow when I haven¡¯t heard it from your mouth either. Are you ashamed of me?"


    Iughed, the sound was bitter and short. "Right back at you, Alpha. Are you?"


    His mask didn¡¯t hide the flicker of something behind his gaze. Something wild and extra territorial.


    Dristan stepped forward. I moved back¡ªonly to find my escape blocked by the edge of the drinks table.


    Quickly, his hand wrapped around my waist before I could blink, pulling me in. Just enough to feel the heat radiating off his skin.


    "You want to test that theory," he whispered, his face so close I could count the gold flecks in his irises, "and get your answer?"


    My breath caught. Dristan¡¯s lips were just there, hovering. My heart mmed against my ribs as he drew closer, his nose already touching mine.


    I gulped, swallowed but found it hard to break away. My first thought was kneeing him in the groin but that would pout a bigger target on my back.


    And then¡ª


    "VALERIE!" Astraea¡¯s voice sliced through the air like a whip of relief. "Dance floor. Now."


    She grabbed my arm without even sparing Dristan a nce. His re could¡¯ve melted walls, but I didn¡¯t care.


    "d your cousin didn¡¯t save me," I muttered, yanking free and fleeing into the swirl of bodies and lights. Because I knew had Ie, she¡¯d have left me there and watched as Dristan took his kiss.


    Crazy girl!


    From the corner of my eyes, far into the shadows near the grand staircase, Kai watched.


    Unmoving. Mask untouched. His eyes locked on me with a fire I couldn¡¯t see, but somehow felt.


    He saw everything.


    Dristan. The almost-kiss. The tension in my fingers.


    And he clenched his fists tighter.


    My attention drifted again when I beckoned to me to try out something and before I knew it, I lost sight of Kai.


    My mind flickered back to that conversation of him wishing that I kissed him, thata nd Drista¡¯s almost kiss, made me wonder what his lips would taste and feel like.


    I swallowed at my improper thoughts.


    I finally caught my breath by the snack table, only to find Axel leaning against the marble pir beside me, dressed in a silver-trimmed vest and no shame at all.


    "Wow," he drawled, looking me over. "I didn¡¯t know vengeance came wrapped in silk and heartbreak."


    "Stop flirting."


    "Not flirting. Admiring," he corrected me. "There¡¯s a difference."


    I didn¡¯t answer, but the corner of my lips betrayed me.


    He grinned wider. "See? That almost-smile? Dangerous. If you wore that with that ck dress from yesterday¡ª"


    "I¡¯m going to hit you with a tray," I said before I could stop myself.


    "Tempting," he whispered. "But you¡¯re not allowed to bruise perfection at a party."


    I rolled my eyes. "So Dristan came to whine and sulk in front of you?" I asked.


    "Nope, little wolf. I saw you from the ss when you walked over to him with the dress but didn¡¯t enter the shop."


    "Interesting. Stalker muh.¡¯


    Axel scoffed but didn¡¯t say much as I escaped again, drifting into the edges of the ballroom until a cool hand tapped my shoulder.


    I turned and saw Xade.


    He held out a hand in mock elegance. "Dance with me, pretty Nightshade?"


    I didn¡¯t trust that smile. But I took it anyway.


    I couldn¡¯t evade all six of them, but I could remain with one to push the others away. And right now, Xade¡¯s cunning seemed less dangerous now.


    The music shifted to a darker, lilting, slow waltz, and Xade pulled me in with practiced ease.


    "Didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see you here," he murmured as he spun mezily. "You look different. Wilder."


    "Don¡¯t get used to it," I replied.


    He smirked, twirling me again. But then¡ªhis hand brushed my chest just slightly.


    Just over the spot where my ney, hidden under the silk.


    I tensed and he felt it but his fingers lingered.


    I narrowed my eyes. "Careful, Xade."


    "Rx," he said, eyes gleaming. "Just making sure you¡¯re still wearing that pretty little charm."


    The air shifted. But before I could respond, someone bumped into the waiter near us. A tray of sparkling crimson drinks flew into the air.


    Andnded¡ªall of it¡ªon <i>me</i>.


    ss crashed. Red soaked through satin and gasps rang out.


    "Seriously?!" I hissed, stepping back, drenched and furious.


    The girl who tripped stammered apologies. The waiter fumbled. Xade grinned like he didn¡¯t hate the chaos.


    But I just stood there, drenched in shimmering wine, dress ruined, mascara starting to bleed.


    And across the room¡ªDristan saw everything.


    His jaw clenched. His mask slipped just enough for me to see the rage simmering beneath.


    Perfect.


    Or not when I saw the face of the girl who had tripped.


    Titania.


    "Oops."

 Chapter 104: Blood Moon Masquerade Queen

    <h4>Chapter 104: Blood Moon Masquerade Queen</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 104</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Oops," Titania said with a twisted smile, her voice as fake as hershes.


    "The fuck,¡¯ I muttered, my anger boiling deep... my fists curled at my sides.


    My gown clung to me like a second skin, soaked and sticky, and I could already feel the fabric stretching from the weight of the wine.


    The cold wetness sank deeper, not just into my dress but under my skin, like venom.


    Astra stirred within me, ready to give her a piece of our mind and I was more than d to give her that freedom.


    Because I knew she¡¯d done it on purpose. I saw the flick of her wrist, the way her smirk bloomed before the tray had even hit the floor.


    But I also saw the crowd. Dozens of eyes, masked but wide. And her little group of minions¡ªpainted and pretty in red¡ªcircling her like she was the moon and they were stars too dumb to shine on their own.


    If I lunged at her now, I wouldn¡¯t just stain the floor. I¡¯d stain my name. An ordinary nameless werewolf assailed the fae princess. That would be the headlines of the school gossip gang.


    And right now, staying low was a priority I needed to keep.


    So I bit down on the urge to p the smug off her face and stayed still.


    Xade stepped forward from my side floor, ready to defend me. But before he could do anything or say anything, I held his arm and pulled him back, shaking my head at him.


    "Don¡¯t,¡¯ was all I could say to him.


    "Valerie, someone has to pay.¡¯


    "Would it be waiter? He wasn¡¯t careless," I said just loud enough for Titania to hear since she was practically eavesdropping judging from her expressions when Xade and I spoke, "however the bitch who hit him was the clumsy one."


    Just then, I appeared out of the swirling crowd. She took one look at me and groaned. "Oh, screw this cursed night," she muttered, grabbing my wrist and pulling me away before I could explode into mes.


    We slipped through a side corridor and into one of thevish restrooms¡ªgold-trimmed, crystal-lit, and currently empty. I locked the door behind us.


    Ignoring her and what she was doing, I hissed as I peeled the soaked fabric off my skin and stared at the stains.


    "Let me try," she offered, dabbing with wet tissues. But the wine only spread.


    "Now it looked like a drunken banshee had mauled me." I sighed, my shoulders slouching. "Of all the people," I grumbled, watching the stains deepen, "Titania had to be the one."


    I tossed the soggy tissue into the trash with a scoff. "She¡¯s jealous. You walked in like a goddess and she panicked. That witch would poison the moon if it meant outshining you."


    I sighed, brushing hair out of my face. "I shouldn¡¯t have worn this dress."


    "Oh, hush," I said, grinning. "You looked hot. Xade nearlybusted, and don¡¯t get me started on Axel. But you know who really looked like he wanted to set someone on fire?"


    My head snapped up.


    "Dristan," she said with a teasing lilt. "And I saw that almost-kiss too, by the way." My cheeks heated up as she added, "I gotta hand it to my cousin, he knows how to make a girl¡¯s heart beat fast and make her blush." She nodded. "Bold move."


    My cheeks heated so hot, I could tell I was already blushing.


    "And girl, the way that you were ready to take his lips...¡¯


    "It wasn¡¯t me," I blurted, too quickly. "He kissed me. They kissed and I didn¡¯t instigate anything. Actually¡ª" I tripped over my words, heat crawling up my neck. "They did and me, not the other way around."


    I¡¯s jaw dropped. Then she burst intoughter, smacking the wall for support.


    "You just exposed yourself, dummy!" she howled. "That was gold."


    I buried my face in my hands. Usually, I was one who could sprout the best of lies even in a critical condition, even though I hated lies, but when it came to my mates and the bond, I was a flustered fool, making silly mistakes.


    "Why do I talk?" I wondered out loud.


    "Oh, Valerie, you¡¯re so cute! Aiiii! So you guys did it? What else happened?"


    I looked away, hoping she would drop the conversation.


    "Spill, Valerie. You know I am the only one in this school who knows you all are mates, right?"


    "So?"


    "Meaning you need a friend to spill the deets to. And I won¡¯t tell. Besides, I cannot harass my cousin for this. His cold heart wouldn¡¯t melt for me¡ªonly you. So... I¡¯m your best ally. So... tell me!"


    A knock echoed sharply against the door. I froze.


    A momentter, her eyes darted over before she opened the door, and Emerald walked in, holding a glossy ck nylon bag like it was the Holy Grail.


    She tossed it at me with a grin. "Got you covered, warrior princess."


    I blinked. "How¡ªwhat¡ªwhere¡ª?"


    "Dristan¡¯s car," Emerald said, flopping into the chair beside the mirror. "I told me to go and meet him to take me to the dorm, that you needed a change. He didn¡¯t even wait for the engine to warm up. Just sped straight to school like the world was ending. I thought we were going to die."


    I and I chuckled, ignoring Emerald¡¯s predicament because it was funny.


    For a girl who looked so strong and unaffected, that did her solid.


    "His hands were so tight on the wheel," she added, eyes wide. "I¡¯m pretty sure the steering almost broke."


    I stared at the bag, then at both of them. "You guys..."


    "Yeah, yeah," I said, waving a hand. "Say thank youter and go get changed."


    Inside the bag was the dress Dristan had picked for me the day we¡¯d gone shopping. Midnight ck, backless, fitted with velvet embroidery that shimmered under light.


    It was bold and haunting, like a whisper from the stars.


    I slipped it on quickly. And when I saw myself in the mirror, I didn¡¯t even recognize the girl staring back.


    She looked taller. Stronger. Not someone who was trying to survive the party.


    Someone who could rule it.


    We walked back to the ballroom together, I on my left, Emerald on my right. The music had shifted into a symphonic rhythm, slow and deliberate, like the heartbeat of something ancient.


    And just as we stepped into view, a spotlight hit me. I blinked, stunned for half a second. My brain did its usual assassin training move and tried to track who had done it when I saw him.


    Dristan stood on the balcony above, mask off, eyes lit like twin wildfires.


    "Wee," he said, voice echoing across the hall, "the Blood Moon Masquerade Queen, everyone."


    Gasps rippled. All heads turned.


    The lights glittered against my new dress, bouncing off the velvet threads like I was stitched from moonlight itself.


    Even the band faltered for a beat.


    My gaze nced over the crowd in search of one person. And when our eyes locked, I had that triumphant smile adorning my lips.


    Titania¡¯s jaw clenched. She stood a few feet away, drink in hand, smile frozen. Her eyes screamed ¡¯<i>What the hell¡¯,</i> but it only fueled my smile.


    Game, set.


    Without saying a word, I nudged me in Dristan¡¯s direction. He had moved.


    I nodded in understanding. I owed him a thanks, at the very least and walked straight toward the man on the balcony who couldn¡¯t stop looking at me like I was the only storm he¡¯d ever wee.

 Chapter 105: Behind The Mask

    <h4>Chapter 105: Behind The Mask</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 105</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t know what I expected when I stepped up to the balcony after that dramatic spotlight reveal, but Dristan standing there¡ªmask discarded, gaze fierce and unguarded¡ªdefinitely wasn¡¯t it.


    I crossed the floor slowly towards him. He watched every step, and for once, I didn¡¯t try to hide how hard my heart was beating.


    When I finally reached him, I lifted my chin, voice calm but sincere. "Thank you... for earlier. For driving Emerald to get the dress. I didn¡¯t expect you to."


    Dristan¡¯s eyes swept over me with a strange softness. "You look beautiful," he said. "More than I imagined you would be in it."


    I looked away, heat rising to my cheeks. "You imagined me in it?"


    His smirk was small. Dangerous. "Of course."


    I swallowed, not knowing what to respond. Of course, he had imagined me in it, which was why he felt it was the best fit.


    Dristan¡¯s fingers traced a slow,zy line down my bare arm, barely touching, just enough to make the hairs on my skin rise.


    "You know," he said, his voice velvet and low, "you¡¯re dangerous in that dress."


    I raised a brow, half smiling. "Dangerous how?"


    His eyes dropped to my lips, then slowly climbed back to mine. "Because it¡¯s taking everything I have not to press you against this railing and find out how your lipstick tastes."


    My breath hitched¡ªjust once¡ªbut he caught it. Of course he did. That wicked little smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.


    "And here I thought you were theposed one," I murmured, trying to ignore the wild fluttering in my chest.


    He leaned in, his nose brushing the shell of my ear. "Only when you¡¯re not looking at me like that."


    My knees went soft. The ballroom spun a little too quickly.


    And just when I thought he might kiss me again... he didn¡¯t.


    He stepped back, letting his absence linger like static on my skin.


    Gods. This boy was going to ruin me.


    I exhaled, suddenly unsure of what to say. "So... what now?"


    He took a step closer. His proximity always did something to me¡ªshortened my breath, set fire to my nerve endings. His face was so close I thought¡ªno, <i>hoped</i>¡ªhe might kiss me again.


    But instead, he murmured, "I want you."


    My heart skipped a full beat.


    I blinked. "How? For a dance or...?"


    His smirk deepened. "How do you think?"


    I had no answer for that. My brain short-circuited.


    "I want to get to know you, Valerie Nightshade. The girl behind the mask." His voice lowered, more intimate than it had ever been.


    "There¡¯s no mask, Dristan," I whispered.


    His hand rose slowly, and he pressed a finger to my lips. "Soft," he noted quietly, his touch lingering. His eyes searched mine like he was memorizing every shift in my expression.


    I gathered my breath. "Then I want the same. I want to know everything about you¡ªnot the Ice Prince, not the Alpha Heir. Just Dristan Alexander, the boy behind the frost. Open up to me, and maybe you get to see all of me."


    Something flickered in his gaze. Something vulnerable and sharp.


    "Careful, mate," he whispered, his voice brushing the skin near my ear. "That sounded suggestive... and it makes Soren want you."


    "Soren?" I arched a brow, surprisinglyfortable with how close we were now.


    He nodded once. "My wolf."


    Almost instantly, his eyes bled from ice-blue to glowing crimson. The shift was sudden, nearly electric.


    Astra stirred in my head and purred, <i>"That¡¯s his wolf."</i>


    <i>"Figured,"</i> I thought back.


    <i>"Then stop staring like you¡¯re terrified and speak to him."</i>


    I licked my lips and lifted a hand to Dristan¡¯s¡ª<i>Soren¡¯s</i>¡ªface. He tensed as I came closer, but didn¡¯t move away. Not fully.


    Then... he leaned into my touch. My fingers brushed his cheek, and a spark burst in my chest so vividly I almost gasped. A full, warm wave rolled through me,plete, real.


    "Hello, Soren."


    His lips barely moved. "Valerie."


    That was it¡ªjust my name. And somehow, it made me smile like a lovestruck idiot.


    "Nice to meet you, Soren," I managed to say after some time.


    "Likewise, mate."


    I could practically hear Astra fuming in my skull. <i>"Stop smiling like a witch in heat and let me take over¡ªI want to meet him!"</i>


    <i>"Bug off, I¡¯m busy,"</i> I shot back internally, pushing her down but her naughtyself wouldn¡¯t behave.


    Her growl echoed, but before I could push her deeper, Soren said something that froze me.


    "I¡¯d love to kiss you."


    Before I could react, he winced hard. A sharp tremor ran through his frame as if something inside him cracked. His eyes flickered violently between red and blue before finally settling back to blue.


    I knew what had happened. Dristan stepped back, breathing hard.


    "What happened?" I asked, stunned.


    He rubbed the side of his temple like he was chasing off the pain. "I¡¯m sorry," he muttered.


    I tilted my head and tapped his chest softly. "Hey... tell me."


    Dristan turned toward me, eyes darker than before¡ªbut calmer now. Stoic. Collected.


    "He wanted to kiss you."


    I blinked. "Was that... wrong?"


    "Yes," he snapped, too quickly.


    "Really?"


    "Yes, Valerie. Because I am the one allowed to kiss you. Not him."


    Iughed softly but kept my voice low. "You¡¯re jealous of your wolf? I bet he¡¯s sulking."


    Dristan smirked faintly. "You have no idea."


    I almost stepped back, the moment feeling a little too intimate, but he didn¡¯t let me. One of his arms wrapped firmly around my waist again, holding me in ce.


    "That doesn¡¯t stop me from kissing you, though."


    "Dristan..." I whispered his name, unsure whether it was a warning or permission.


    He leaned in, his lips brushing just over mine¡ªnot quite kissing, but close enough to drive me mad.


    And just the smell of im, the closeness, the way Soren mentioned my name, made me want to give in fully.


    And then, a high-pitched squeal broke the spell. Our heads snapped toward the sound instantly to see I standing near the doorway, eyes wide and hands sped over her mouth like she¡¯d just watched a forbidden scene from a steamy romance y out live.


    Dristan stepped back, clearing his throat with visible effort. "I."


    She grinned like a fox. "Don¡¯t mind me. Kiss already."


    "No," we both said at once.


    Dristan leaned in onest time, his voice low, barely a whisper against my skin. "Until next time, mate."


    And then he walked off into the crowd, disappearing like mist into shadows.


    Leaving me with I and a heart that wouldn¡¯t stop racing.


    I stared at the spot where Dristan had vanished, my pulse still racing and the ghost of his touch lingering on my waist.


    "Wow," I breathed beside me, pulling me back to the present.


    I turned to her slowly, cheeks flushed, heart still thundering in my chest.


    She grinned like a devil in disguise. "You two were about three seconds away from creating a scandal on this balcony."


    "I was not going to kiss him," I muttered, fanning my face with my hand and failing to cool the burn.


    "Sure... And I¡¯m not addicted to cherry tarts."

 Chapter 106: A Little Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 106: A Little Nightmare</h4>


    <strong>Unedited</strong>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 106</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I looped her arm through mine with a teasing wiggle of her brows. "You looked like you were about to melt. Admit it."


    "I didn¡¯t melt," I said tly, though my voice cracked halfway through.


    I gasped dramatically. "You did! Oh my goddess, Valerie, you melted. You were one sigh away from pulling him into the stars."


    I groaned and buried my face in my hands. "Why are you like this?"


    "Because I live for this drama." She nudged me yfully. "Also, I approve. He¡¯s got that whole tall, brooding, morally ambiguous thing going on. Very hot."


    I roleld my eyes at her. As if he wasn¡¯t her cousin and she wouldn¡¯t support him. "He¡¯s...plicated," I whispered.


    I¡¯s gaze softened for a moment. "So are you."


    I blinked at her, surprised by the sudden shift in tone.


    She smiled. "And maybe that¡¯s why it fits."


    For a moment, I didn¡¯t know what to say.


    So I just let her tug me back toward the ballroom, her energy light and grounding, my heart still beating to the rhythm of a boy who hadn¡¯t even kissed me¡ªbut had already undone something deep in my chest.


    Maybe... I had melted. Just a little.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moonlight nted through the tall windows of the east tower corridor, painting silver shadows across the cold stone.


    Hidden behind the heavy velvet curtains of a secluded alcove, Kieran Killian leaned back against the wall, lips tangled with those of a flushed, breathless girl in a rumpled PSA uniform.


    Her zer hung open, her blouse tugged halfway out, revealing a curve of pale skin and the top edge of herce bra.


    Kieran¡¯s hands moved with ease, palming her waist, slipping beneath the fabric like he owned her body. She gasped into his mouth, breath hitching as he pressed her back against the wall, deepening the kiss until her knees nearly buckled.


    "Kieran," she moaned, clutching at his shirt. "Please... more¡ª"


    He pulled back just slightly, dragging his lips along her jaw, down to her neck. His mouth lingered there, grazing skin with slow hunger.


    She whimpered again, pushing her chest toward him, but Kieran didn¡¯t oblige further.


    Instead, he whispered against her skin, "You beg pretty."


    Her eyes fluttered closed as his fingers traced down her stomach, slipping under her skirt just enough to make her tremble.


    "What do you want?" he asked, his lips curving into a smirk. "Tell me what you need."


    "I... I want¡ª" Her voice cut off with a gasp as his hand moved higher, his palm sliding along her inner thigh.


    "Tell me," he whispered, his tongue tracing the curve of her ear. "Say it."


    "Fuck me."


    She didn¡¯t recognize her own voice, low and husky, dripping with desire.


    Kieran¡¯s lips trailed back along her jaw, finding her mouth once more.


    "You want to get fucked, hm?"


    He teased the hem of her skirt, his fingers grazing thece between her legs.


    "Please," she begged, her voice breaking. "Just¡ª"


    "You think you¡¯re ready for that?"


    She swallowed, her breathing in shallow gasps as his fingers stroked the edge of her panties.


    "Yes," she whispered, her voice wavering.


    Kieran hummed softly, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips.


    "I¡¯m not convinced," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "But if you¡¯re good, I¡¯ll let you convince me."


    Her cheeks burned, but she didn¡¯t move.


    "What do you want me to do?" she whispered, her eyes locked on his, her heart racing.


    His smile was sharp and hungry. "I want you to beg."


    A shiver ran down her spine, heat pooling low in her belly.


    "Please," she breathed, her hands fisting in his shirt, her nails scraping against the fabric.


    "Beg," he growled, his hands gripping her waist.


    "Please," she moaned, her head falling back, her body arching.


    "Again," Kieranmanded, his teeth grazing her neck.


    "Please." But just when it felt like he might give in, he stoppedpletely. "No fun if it¡¯s easy," Kieran muttered, already straightening his cor.


    She blinked, confused, dazed, but before she could protest, Kieran had already stepped away, reaching for the cigarette tucked in his pocket.


    "You¡ª" she started, breathless.


    He lit it with a flick of his lighter, took a slow drag, and exhaled smoke through parted lips. "Get dressed," he said coolly, not even ncing back at her. "You¡¯ve had your fun."


    "But¡ª"


    "Go," he cut her off, voice t.


    Her expression soured. She adjusted her clothes quickly and, humiliated, slipped away into the hallway. Alone now, Kieran tilted his head, letting the smoke curl upward, half-lidded eyes lost in thought.


    His mind wasn¡¯t on the girl. It never had been.


    It was on someone else.


    "Valerie..." he said aloud, tasting her name like a secret on his tongue. A low chuckle escaped his throat. "Now, you¡¯d be a worthy little ything. Can¡¯t wait to see how long it takes to break you."


    A voice¡ªlow and cold as the void¡ªanswered from the darkness behind him.


    "Break her?" the voice drawled. "Interesting choice of words. Reckless. Stupid."


    Kieran tensed and turned slowly, but his smirk didn¡¯t falter. "You cane out, cousin. I hate surprises."


    The shadows shifted. A tall, dark figure stepped into view, his posture rxed but his presence anything but.


    "Dristan," Kieran muttered.


    He remembered thest time they met¡ªhis jaw still ached from the punch Dristan hadnded. But now, standing beneath the dim torchlight, Kieran saw it again. That glint. That unshakable rage simmering under Dristan¡¯s calm exterior.


    "What was that you said about Valerie?" Dristan asked, voice t.


    Kieran lifted his chin. "I don¡¯t see how it concerns you."


    Dristan stepped closer, eyes narrowed. "She¡¯s my mate."


    "And?" Kieran tilted his head, feigning innocence. "You act like that word still means anything."


    In a blink, Dristan was in front of him, mming him hard into the stone wall. Kieran gasped as fingers wrapped around his cor, lifting him just slightly.


    "You want to test that?" Dristan¡¯s eyes began to glow¡ªicy blue shifting to a deep, dangerous red. The temperature around them plummeted.


    Kieran tried tough it off. "You wouldn¡¯t. Not here."


    Dristan smiled¡ªslow and cold. "I won¡¯t need to touch you."


    His eyes gleamed brighter, and suddenly Kieran¡¯s vision blurred. The corridor fell away. The air shifted.


    And he was somewhere else.


    Smoke. Screams. Fire.


    He was standing in the middle of a battlefield he didn¡¯t recognize¡ªblood on his hands, voices crying out from all sides. His limbs were leaden, his breath ragged. Shadows closed in, whispering his failures, his shame. Valerie stood among them¡ªwatching him with cold, disappointed eyes.


    He stumbled back, but there was nowhere to run.


    Nowhere to hide.


    "Make it stop!" he screamed. "Stop it¡ª!"


    The vision shattered.


    Kieran copsed to the floor of the corridor, panting, his face pale, hair clinging to his forehead.


    A single voice pulled him back.


    "You were lucky someone came," Dristan muttered above him. "Next time... there won¡¯t be a warning."


    Footsteps echoed. A secondter, Lucie rounded the corner, eyes wide.


    "Kieran!" she gasped, rushing to his side.


    But Dristan was already gone.


    Smoke lingered where he¡¯d stood.


    And Kieran Killian¡ªheir of the richest pack in the Middle Belt¡ªcould only sit there, trembling. Speechless.


    And shaken.

 Chapter 107: A New Devil

    <h4>Chapter 107: A New Devil</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 107</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>Merchant¡¯s Daughter</strong>


    The gates of Prestige Supernatural Academy loomed like a mouth ready to devour its new arrivals.


    Statues lined the walkway¡ªproud, ancient, and judgmental¡ªwhile banners fluttered above, painted with the academy¡¯s sigil and this season¡¯s motto: <i>Glory to the Chosen. Power to the Proven.</i>


    Marianne adjusted her zer and stepped inside the main courtyard, her boot heels clicking against stone like a heartbeat.


    She didn¡¯t speak to the other two transfer students beside her. She didn¡¯t need to.


    Her amber eyes scanned the open square where students milled in loose clusters. Most wore their weekday uniforms, but on the west side of the courtyard, a group in sleek ckbat gear strode like a living shadow¡ªtight formations, coordinated movements, faces set with the confidence of those who¡¯d tasted real power.


    The senior elite.


    Among them, she saw her.


    Valerie Nightshade. Her father researched her in school and found out her name.


    The girl walked just ahead of the others, sleeves rolled up to her elbows, her hair pulled into a tight high braid.


    There was something almost regal about her¡ªsomething that made people instinctively move aside, even if they didn¡¯t know why. Marianne¡¯s gaze locked onto her like a ma.


    She remembered her.


    She remembered that night.


    <strong>**shback**</strong>


    Her father had been pacing the ruined hallway of their estate, fury clinging to him like smoke.


    Guards groaned on the ground where the Alpha Princes had left them broken. And Marianne had sat frozen in the corner of her father¡¯s office, clutching a nket, the imprint of Valerie¡¯s ne still burning in her mind.


    "You want it back?" Arnold had growled, voice raw with shame and rage. "You¡¯ll get it. I¡¯ll buy your ce in that damned school if I have to."


    "But what if she¡¯s protected?" Marianne had asked, voice trembling.


    Arnold¡¯s jaw had clenched. "Then be smarter. Subtle. No ws. No fangs. Earn her trust. Or someone else¡¯s. And when the time is right, take back what was promised."


    <strong>**shback Ends**</strong>


    Marianne¡¯s jaw tightened ever so slightly as she blinked away the memory.


    Her fingers brushed the pendant hidden beneath her cor¡ªnot the ne she wanted, but a reminder of what was owed.


    And then she bumped into someone. Literally.


    A sharp jolt brought her thoughts crashing back as her shoulder collided with a passing figure.


    "Oh!" Marianne gasped, stepping back quickly.


    A ripple of stillness passed through the courtyard. The girl she had bumped into turned slowly, a crown of faint gold mour flickering over her head¡ªjust enough for those who knew to see.


    Titania the Fae Princess.


    For half a breath, Marianne froze.


    "Princess Titania," said a voice beside her, soft and panicked. "Forgive her, please. She just transferred today. She¡¯s still... awed by the school." Gracie, the assistant rep of the sophomore ss, who had been tasked with showing Marianne the school, quickly chipped in and bowed deeply beside her.


    Titania¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed, assessing Marianne, not in anger, but in interest.


    "Be careful next time," Titania said coolly, her tone bored but not dismissive. "This ce doesn¡¯t take kindly to recklessness."


    Marianne bowed slightly. "Yes, Princess. I apologise."


    Titania looked as if she might move on¡ªuntil she noticed it. Marianne¡¯s gaze had drifted again. Past Titania. Back to Valerie.


    The faintest smirk curled Titania¡¯s lips.


    She turned and walked away, the wind billowing slightly behind her but in her mind, she was already thinking, <i>¡¯Interesting</i>¡ªthe<i> new girl¡¯s got taste in hatred.¡¯</i>


    And Marianne? She stood quietly, her face soft, her posture demure¡ªbut inside her chest, a silent oath burned hotter than ever.


    <i>"Soon. That ne will be mine again. One way or another."</i>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The forest loomed like a beast¡ªwide, shadowed and alive.


    I stood at the edge of the Alpha Forge¡¯s northern quadrant, the wind sharp with cold and the scent of freshly burned wards clinging to the trees.


    All around me, students from different Guilds shifted on their feet, stretching, flexing, checking weapons and bracers. Tension hung in the air like storm clouds.


    Today was the first live-graded trial after the endurance race.


    The Guild Masters stood at the stone dais¡ªa raised tform etched with old runes and veined with glowing blue mana lines.


    Dristan and Xade were front and center, and their bans had been lifted after that disciplinary mess. The moment they arrived, the entire mood shifted.


    "Wee to your first coordinated Guild operation," Principal Whitmore¡¯s voice rang across the clearing, magically enhanced. "The simtion you enter today is modelled after real Alpha rescue and extraction missions."


    My pulse quickened. Afte thest simtion incident, I wasn¡¯t sure they¡¯d be doing anymore simtions anytime soon.


    But then, holding off on the school curriculum would mean letting the bad people set you back.


    I swallowed as I focused on what she said. Every detail was important.


    "We¡¯ve inserted three students into the forest to act as ¡¯abducted targets¡¯¡ªyou will locate, protect, and escort at least two of them back to the fortress within forty minutes. If a Guild fails to do so, your points are docked."


    Gasps scattered among the crowd.


    "You¡¯ll be monitored. The forest is enchanted¡ªbeasts, traps, and war illusions are in full effect. If you¡¯re hit in a lethal zone, your badge will deactivate and automatically extract you. This is not for the faint-hearted."


    "Let the Guilds move."


    And just like that¡ªthe forest swallowed us whole.


    My team¡ªn A, Guild One¡ªraced through the trees with calcted precision. Dristan took the lead, his eyes glowing faintly as he read the enchantments buried beneath the roots. Axel had our nk, and I ran point with I just behind me.


    Somewhere behind, Guild Three had split off. I could feel Xade¡¯s chaos not far from us. And Kai?


    He was out there too, running his own team, and that unsettled me more than anything.


    "I see heat markers north-east," I whispered, her hands flickering over her scanner. "Might be one of the ¡¯targets.¡¯ Or a trap."


    "Doesn¡¯t matter," I said. "We move. Fast."


    We cut through low brush. The terrain was uneven, and the forest floor sloped. I ducked just in time as an arrowunched from a hidden rune trap overhead, embedding into a tree behind me.


    "Snare ward!" Dristan called. "It¡¯s ayered one¡ªsomeone re-coded it mid-activation."


    "That¡¯s not school standard," I said, jaw tight. "Someone¡¯s tampering."


    River Locke growled low in his throat. "Keep moving. We find the target."


    Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen.


    Just when we reached the rocky ledge near the stream, I froze. "Contact! Target downed¡ªleft ridge!"


    We all turned just in time to see a simted student¡ªbruised and bleeding, likely moured¡ªbeing dragged by a shadow beast. Massive, tusked, with molten eyes.


    "I got it!" I surged forward, leaping the ridge as Serena, my teammate, dove in from the side, spinning and shing with a double saber, while Dean Myles threw three daggers against it that rattled its form.


    I moved fast, reaching the student, checking their pulse. "She¡¯s tagged¡ªbadge still active. She¡¯s our point!"


    But just as I turned to signal, a second beast erupted from behind the trees¡ªthis one smaller, faster.


    "Valerie, move!" I yelled.


    Toote.


    I braced for impact, but before it could reach me¡ªlightning cracked through the trees and struck the beast midair. It exploded in a burst of light and ash.

 Chapter 108: Friend or Cousin?

    <h4>Chapter 108: Friend or Cousin?</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 108</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My eyes snapped to the source. Just beyond the treeline, Dristan stood one arm extended, smoke rising from his fingers.


    To the side, Kai stood watching, his Guild following behind him like silent reapers.


    "You¡¯rete," I snapped, even as I gasped for breath.


    "You¡¯re wee," he said smoothly, stepping closer. "I didn¡¯te for the target."


    My heart jumped. "Then what did youe for?"


    Dristan tilted his head. "You."


    I didn¡¯t get to respond.


    From the corner of the trees, another shape moved¡ªfamiliar, too familiar.


    Titania.


    She was supposed to be with the other half of her n. But she stood just off the perimeter, her hair windblown, eyes wide¡ªwatching me.


    And then she suddenly turned into someone. She met my gaze. And for a second, the forest faded.


    I gasped when I recalled that face. I saw her father, my ne¡ªthe smirk from that night.


    A cold spike of memory ran down my spine. As I remembered that fateful night when the alphas had saved me. What was she doing here?


    I grabbed my wrist. "Val, she¡¯s not in our route. She¡¯s not even on the mission. What the hell is she doing here?"


    I couldn¡¯t answer.


    But before anything else could unfold, an rm red in the sky, then a red re shot into the air.


    "Time¡¯s up," Dristan growled.


    I swallowed and shut my eyes. When I reopened them, she was nowhere in sight. We turned. The student was secured. The extraction wards shimmered, and we returned to the starting field.


    By the time we were done with the whole exercise, we all returned for a briefing.


    At the debriefing, Principal Whitmore narrowed her eyes. "One Guild failed to extract any targets."


    She turned slowly. "Guild Three."


    Xade didn¡¯t flinch. "It wasn¡¯t a failure. It was a trap. Someone¡¯s tampered with the simtion code."


    Whitmore¡¯s expression tightened. "I¡¯ll be the judge of that."


    My eyes flicked toward Dristan, who still hadn¡¯t looked away from me.


    And somewhere across the field, Titania slipped into the background.


    I sighed when the meeting came to an end.


    I¡¯d barely gotten to my feet after the debrief when I felt the force of a human missile m into my side.


    "Val!" I¡¯s voice sang in my ear, too bright for how sore my body felt. "Oh. My. Goddess. You didn¡¯t tell me you had your own personal lightning god on speed dial!"


    I groaned, half from exhaustion, half because she was squeezing the life out of me and I didn¡¯t want people eavesdropping on our conversation.


    A few of them already saw what Dristan did to save me. If more people spoke about it...


    Gosh, I might faint from embarrassment.


    "I, seriously. My ribs. Oxygen. Please."


    She pulled back slightly, her face glowing with mischief and excitement. Her curls bounced as she grabbed my arm and spun me around like we were in a ballroom instead of a training field littered with the remains of magical chaos.


    "Did you see him?" she continued breathlessly. "Did you see how Dristan stormed in like a storm-born avenger? That lightning shot? It was straight out of a battle romance."


    "I¡¯m pretty sure I wasn¡¯t in actual danger," I muttered, brushing dust off my gear. "We were doing fine."


    "Pfft." She waved her hand.


    "The air practically caught fire when Dristan said you. Not ¡¯the target.¡¯ Not ¡¯the team.¡¯ Not even ¡¯the girl.¡¯ Just <i>you.</i> That¡¯s not battle protocol. That¡¯s a deration. And you looked like you forgot how to breathe for a full five seconds."


    I shot her a look. "I was startled. You would be, too if someone strolled into the battlefield and dered you the prize."


    She wiggled her brows. "Doesn¡¯t change the fact that you are the prize. And you¡¯ve got princes fighting in your name."


    I sighed, dragging a hand through my hair. I did not know if I was babysitting a child in form of a grown teenage girl.


    "That¡¯s the problem, I. It¡¯s not just Dristan."


    She blinked. "You mean... the others?"


    I nodded slowly. "Kai, Axel, Xade. Even Ace and Ash have been acting weirdtely. They all look at me like I¡¯m thest slice of forbidden cake."


    Iughed. "Val, you are the forbidden cake."


    "Not helpful," I said, rolling my eyes at her. "You should¡¯ve gone into theatre."


    She leaned closer, grinning like the cat who caught all the canaries. "You say that, but you didn¡¯t deny it."


    "What is there to deny?" I huffed. "They all act like they¡¯ve got some im. Some bond. But what am I supposed to do? Share myself between four¡ªor five¡ªalpha heirs? Have a color-coded kiss schedule?"


    I cackled. "Only if it includes themed days. Like ¡¯Touch-Me-Not Tuesdays¡¯ and ¡¯Flirt-Until-Someone-Growls Fridays.¡¯"


    "I," I groaned.


    She grew quiet for a beat, then bumped her shoulder against mine. "Look. I know it¡¯s not simple. It¡¯s messy and tangled and possibly fatal for your emotional stability. But... Dristan¡¯s different."


    I arched a brow at her. "Different how? He¡¯s colder than Kai, moodier than Axel, and scarier than Xade when he¡¯s not even trying."


    "Exactly," she said, her tone softer. "And yet, when ites to <i>you</i>," she made quotation marks with her fingers, "he stops being all those things. He listens. He watches. He defends. You see it, right?"


    I hesitated. "Sometimes."


    "Val," I said, turning to me now. "You ground him. You make him human."


    I didn¡¯t know what to say to that. My fingers tugged lightly at the corner of my wrist brace, a nervous tick I hadn¡¯t noticed had returned.


    "Are you saying this as my friend or as his cousin?" I asked.


    She tilted her head, lips twitching with a reluctant smile. "Both."


    I gave her a look.


    "I mean it," she continued. "As your friend, I want you to be happy and safe and kissed so breathless you forget about any stupid thing or princess. And as Dristan¡¯s cousin? I¡¯ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Like you¡¯re the only truth in a world that¡¯s been lying to him since birth."


    My chest tightened. I looked out across the field where Dristan now stood with his back turned to us.


    "I fear I¡¯ll hurt them," I whispered.


    I was quiet, then reached over and looped her arm through mine. "Then start with the one who looks at you like he¡¯ll break himself first before ever letting you shatter."


    I blinked back the sting in my eyes.


    She smiled at me, mischievous and unrepentant. "Besides, let¡¯s be honest¡ªDristan in a fight is hot, but Dristan in full protective alpha mode? That¡¯s criminally attractive."


    "I."


    "Don¡¯t lie. You thought it too."


    I didn¡¯t reply. Which only made her grin widen.


    "Forbidden cake," she whispered, nudging me. "He wants a slice."


    I groaned again, tugging my hood over my face.


    And still¡ªbeneath the smirk that refused to leave I¡¯s lips¡ªI wondered how long I could keep pretending the answer wasn¡¯t already there, right under my skin.


    She plopped onto the grass, crossing her legs. "Okay, but seriously. What are you going to do?"


    I hesitated. "I don¡¯t know. How am I supposed to choose? What if I hurt someone by picking one? What if I hurt myself by picking wrong? Or what if... what if I¡¯m just not ready?"

 Chapter 109: Bold: Creating Alliance

    <h4>Chapter 109: Bold: Creating Alliance</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 109</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I was quiet momentarily, the weight of my words settling between us. Then she tilted her head, thoughtfully expressing her thoughts.


    "Truthfully, at first," she said slowly, "I used to think having more than one mate would be amazing. All the pampering, all the protection, all the swoony moments." She paused. "But now? All I see is confusion. Pressure. Longing. Jealousy."


    "Exactly," I whispered.


    "You¡¯ve got this, though," she said, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "But Val, dating all of them? At once? That¡¯s not you."


    I exhaled. "I never wanted that. I just wanted to graduate, maybe start a quiet pack library, be a doctor like one of my aunts, or run a business. Not be the center of a mating vortex."


    I giggled, but there was softness in her eyes. "Still. If you had to pick... just saying..."


    I narrowed my gaze. "Are you my friend or Dristan¡¯s cousin right now? And you better pick the former if you do not want me to keep quiet about the details?"


    She gave me an overly innocent smile. "Hehhe, I¡¯ll leave the answer to the moon goddess."


    I groaned again. "I."


    "What?" she said, hands raised. "I¡¯m just saying¡ª"


    "Again," I groaned.


    "For added school of thought and advantage. Dristan¡¯s loyal. Quiet, but when he speaks, it matters."


    "And once again... I don¡¯t need saving," I reminded her.


    "I know," she said softly. "But sometimes... it¡¯s nice to be fought for."


    That silenced me for a long moment.


    Then, trying to lighten the mood, I said, "You just want me to pick him so you get to attend our Moon Ceremony as the VIP cousin with a front-row seat."


    "Guilty as charged," she sang.


    Iughed despite myself. "You¡¯re impossible."


    "And yet, you love me."


    "Against my better judgment."


    She bumped her shoulder against mine. "All I¡¯m saying is... Dristan¡¯s not perfect. None of them are. But I see the way he looks at you."


    I nced across the field where Dristan still stood, back to us now, giving orders to the other n members. His aura still shimmered faintly with leftover magic, and yet... I could feel his awareness of me. Always.


    "I¡¯ll think about it," I said quietly.


    I grinned. "That¡¯s all I ask."


    We sat there a moment longer, watching the rest of the students filter away.


    But deep inside, I knew¡ªthinking about it wouldn¡¯t be the hard part. Feeling was.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Titania lounged on her velvet divan, legs crossed, her silver silk robe cascading around her like liquid moonlight.


    Untouched, a ss of sparkling fruit wine rested in her hand. The lights in her room were low, casting elongated shadows across the walls, and faint magical wards hummed quietly in the corners.


    Her phone floated in mid-air, enchanted to hover just below eye-level as her conversation continued.


    "I don¡¯t care what he thinks," she said coolly, one hand twirling her hairzily. "She¡¯s been a problem since she stepped foot in this academy. If we don¡¯t remove her soon, the heirs will bepletely under her spell."


    A pause. The voice on the other end spoke, her voice muffled by privacy wards.


    Titania¡¯s expression soured, her lips pursing. "Yes, I suspect she is mated to one of them, and I don¡¯t care. But what I do not know is why everyone is hovering around her? They¡¯re mine. I had been drawn to them first. Valerie just... intercepted."


    Her eyes narrowed. "Which makes her a threat I intend to resolve¡ªpersonally."


    A minute passed and the other person continued to speak before finally Titania sighed, her shoulders slouching.


    "Fine. Just keep an eye out for her. I will soon make her the school public whore. Then the alphas would run from her and into my arms."


    As she waved her hand, the phone floated down onto the obsidian nightstand. She flicked her wrist toward the door, her magic reacting in a soft shimmer of gold.


    There was a knock.


    A secondter, the door creaked open with a faint hiss of fae magic, revealing a girl Titania didn¡¯t recognise right away¡ªtall, elegant posture, smooth chestnut hair, her golden eyes polished and sweet.


    She stepped into the room with careful grace.


    Titania didn¡¯t move. "You¡¯re not a servant."


    The girl curtsied with unexpected poise. "Marianne ck. Transfer student. I was told to introduce myself to the Fae Princess."


    Titania arched a brow, curious now. "And why exactly?"


    "I¡¯ve heard a lot about you," Marianne replied, her voice soft and measured. "And I believe... you and I might have simr goals."


    That earned her a proper look. Titania set her ss aside. "Oh? And you are... the transfer student who bumped into me, right?"


    Marianne nodded. "I am."


    "Okay. And what would those goals be?"


    Marianne walked closer but stopped several paces away, just enough to respect boundaries without seeming meek. Her chin lifted, her gaze steady. "You dislike Valerie Nightshade."


    Titania didn¡¯t answer right away. Her mask of calm sharpened into curiosity. "And what makes you think that?"


    "Because I do too," Marianne said simply.


    "Bold ims for a newbie but..." Titania studied her carefully before adding, "So, great. The whole school does, particrly girls. So why should I care?" she asked, her cold eyes trained on Marianne.


    "Not the whole school. The Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs and her roommates."


    "Her roommates?¡¯ Titania asked, amusement flickering in her eyes.


    "Yes."


    "You sure about that?" Marianne narrowed her eyes as Titania¡¯s smirk brightened. "Okay, let¡¯s say I buy your thoughts. So?"


    Marianne hesitated briefly but finally spoke. "Because girls like us can spot ambition where it blooms¡ªeven when it hides under fake humility."


    Titaniaughed softly. "You think yourself ambitious, little shadow?"


    "I think myself informed," Marianne replied.


    "Why? Why should I align myself with you when I have things under control? Honestly, you are of no use to me."


    Marianne bit her inner cheek but nodded. "That is what you think, and if what you say is true, why haven¡¯t you put Valerie in her ce or why haven¡¯t you gotten the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs¡¯ attention? Does your title as a princess affect anything at all, or is it all for show?"


    Titania¡¯s brows furrowed as she immediately clenched her fist and sat upright in her chair, ready to react when a thought struck home, and she contained her rage.


    "What did Valerie ever do to you, a transfer student?"


    Marianne took a step closer. "Valerie caused issues for my family. For my father, specifically. She stole something that was meant for me. And the Alpha Princes protected her."


    Now, Titania straightened.


    "Exin."


    Marianne nodded, stepping a fraction closer. "There was an incident... a misunderstanding, perhaps. My father, Arnold ck, acquired a ne, fair and square. One that should have belonged to me. But the moment Valerie showed up, iming it, everything went to chaos."


    "Typical Valerie," Titania mused.


    "That¡¯s not all. She used us of theft. And the heirs¡ªDristan especially¡ªbelieved her. They tore everything down and nearly killed us. My father was humiliated and threatened to stay silent. But I swore¡ªif I ever got into this academy, I¡¯d get back what was mine."


    Titania¡¯s eyes narrowed. She recalled whispers of an off-campus skirmish, possibly involving a rogue merchant and the heirs going feral. "And make her pay?"


    "Without questioning it."

 Chapter 110: Sports:The Football Match

    <h4>Chapter 110: Sports:The Football Match</h4>


    Chapter Unedited


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 110</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Titania tilted her head. "So, your father got you in?"


    Marianne gave a graceful nod. "Bought every favour he could. Now I¡¯m here. Not just to learn. But to watch. And retrieve what rightfully belongs to me."


    The Fae Princess studied her carefully and then slowly stood. Her aura flickered, power rippling like heat waves beneath her skin. "You speak boldly for someone just admitted."


    "I¡¯m not here to step on your crown," Marianne added quickly. "Only to assist it. I know you want the princes. And Valerie is... in the way."


    Titania stood up and approached her now, steps slow and deliberate. "Let¡¯s make one thing clear. I am not someone who needs ¡¯assistance¡¯ from just anyone."


    "Of course not," Marianne agreed. "But I can move where you can¡¯t. Your title, as advantageous as it may seem, it restricts you like an invincible chain or a cage. You cannot be caught hurting another student as an international student, right?"


    Titania scoffed and lifted her chin.


    "I¡¯m invisible to Valerie. She doesn¡¯t know me yet. I can get close¡ªjoin her little inner circle. All I want is the ne. You can have the rest."


    Titania stared at her for a long moment, then let her fingers trail over the edge of her desk as she thought.


    "You want to take her down from within."


    "Yes," Marianne whispered. "Subtle. No ws. Just truths. Exposed one at a time."


    A silence lingered. Then Titania gave a soft, dangerous smile. "I like you."


    Marianne exhaled.


    "But remember this," Titania added, her voice silk and steel. "This is my war. You don¡¯t make moves unless I say so. You don¡¯t act without my permission. You don¡¯t breathe in her direction unless I deem it useful. Am I clear?"


    Marianne bowed her head, a smile curling at her lips. "Crystal clear."


    Titania turned back to her wine, already considering the pieces on the board. "Good. Then let the game begin."


    And just like that, a new alliance was born. One that would bleed.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The midday sun poured heat across the academy¡¯s vast training field, glinting off the silver ents of our uniforms and casting deep shadows under the bleachers.


    I stood near the center line, adjusting the cuff of my elbow guard, my gaze scanning the growing crowd of students.


    A shrill whistle snapped everyone¡¯s attention to the front.


    Professor Stein stood beside the field, clipboard under one arm and sweat already darkening the cor of his shirt.


    "Due to Professor Graham¡¯s sudden illness," he announced, "today¡¯s football training will bebined. Senior and sophomore years will participate in a mixed scrimmagebat football format."


    The field buzzed with murmurs¡ªsome excitement, more groans.


    Great.


    I nced to my right, where I stood bouncing on her heels, practically vibrating with anticipation.


    Across the pitch, the sophomore-year girls filtered through the opposite gate, most unfamiliar, except for one.


    My gaze caught hers immediately.


    I didn¡¯t know her name instantly, but I heard someone call her Marianne.


    Her features were delicate, pretty even, but it was the confidence in her posture that gave her away.


    Her honey-brown hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and her lips curled in a faint, unreadable smile.


    She wore the standard ck-and-ck gear like she owned it, hands on her hips as her amber eyes swept the senior girls.


    And then her eyes found me.


    She hesitated for only a second, but it was enough. That flicker of recognition was all I needed to confirm what I already knew: she remembered me, too.


    I didn¡¯t flinch, didn¡¯t blink. I simply looked away.


    "Captains up!" Professor Stein called.


    I jogged forward for our team, boots crunching against the turf as she shook hands with a tall sophomore girl whose name I didn¡¯t catch.


    After the coin toss, the teams scattered into position.


    The match began fast.


    Combat football was like regr ser¡ªif regr ser had fewer rules and allowed shoulder charges, light contact magic, and full-on slide tackles.


    Within the first three minutes, I was already dominating. She ducked low under a swing-pass, kicked off the turf, and mmed the ball into the with a twist of her ankle.


    The senior girls cheered. I couldn¡¯t help the grin tugging at my lips.


    She caught my gaze and winked. "C¡¯mon, Val. Don¡¯t let me show you up!"


    I rolled my eyes and charged into the next y.


    The ball shot toward me from the left nk. I received it with a clean side-foot stop and pivoted past two sophomore defenders.


    My instincts kicked in¡ªquick dribble, sharp pass to Emerald, a feint from Astraea¡ªand back to me. My boots flew across the grass as I tore down the rightne.


    I struck cleanly. The ball soared¡ªand mmed into the top corner of the goal. Goal.


    Cheers erupted from the senior ss stands.


    But Marianne wasn¡¯t far behind.


    She wasn¡¯t shy, but she was fast. Quiet. Calcting.


    She didn¡¯t y like a regr sophomore; she watched people. Read them. Waited.


    Later into the match, the score sat at 3¨C1, our lead. I and I had imed most of the goals, but the sophomores were tightening their defense. That¡¯s when Marianne cut through midfield like a de.


    I rushed in, intercepting her. Our boots scraped together as we collided, and for one second, our eyes locked again.


    A sh of that night¡ªblood, pain, her holding my ne¡ªzed through my vision.


    I froze.


    That single second was all she needed. She slid her foot under the ball, pulled it away from my toes, and pivoted cleanly. The crowd gasped.


    But I wasn¡¯t done.


    My anger snapped back into focus. I chased her, shoulder to shoulder, and with a swift sidestep, knocked the ball loose. We both stumbled, catching ourselves mid-sprint.


    Marianne nced at me. A twitch of a smirk crossed her lips. But it wasn¡¯t gloating¡ªit was something quieter. More dangerous. Like she¡¯d tested me... and confirmed something.


    The whistle blew.


    Corner kick.


    Despite the setback, we held strong. I yed like a lightning storm¡ªdodging, spinning, defending.


    And in the final minute, she nailed ast-second curve shot that sank into the bottom left corner of the.


    4¨C2. Victory, senior year.


    We jogged off the field, sweat clinging to our brows, high-fives exchanged all around. My limbs ached, but not more than the tension in my chest.


    As I grabbed my water bottle, my gaze lifted just once more across the field.


    Marianne stood near the edge of her group, head slightly bowed as one of her teammates patted her shoulder.


    But before I could look away, she lifted her chin and met my gaze again.


    Not a challenge, a warning.


    Just a promise.


    And I knew, deep down, this wasn¡¯t thest time we¡¯d face off.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <i>I hated losing.</i>


    Not in the petty, childish way some spoiled Alphas did when they didn¡¯t get their way. No¡ªI hated losing control.


    I hated the quiet ache in my jaw from gritting my teeth too long. I hated how the back of my neck still burned from Dristan¡¯s little "rescue moment" in training today, as if the rest of us were just background noise to his hero theatrics.


    I sat on the edge of the overlook near the dorm cliffs, feet dangling just above the rocky edge. The moonlight carved silver lines into theke below, wind snapping at my cor.


    Beside me, Ace leaned back on his palms, chewing thoughtfully on a licorice stick like this wasn¡¯t bothering him too.


    "Say it," I muttered, drumming my fingers on my thigh. "Whatever smug little thought is dancing around in that crooked brain of yours."

 Chapter 111: Wait To Reap the Spoil

    <h4>Chapter 111: Wait To Reap the Spoil</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 111</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Ace grinnedzily. "You¡¯re brooding harder than a vampire caught in daylight. It¡¯s cute."


    "Piss off."


    "Not until you tell me why Dristan¡¯s living in your head rent-free."


    I turned sharply toward him. "Because he did it again. Just swooped in like a damn dark knight, threw lightning like it was candy, and made Valerie look at him like¡ªlike¡ª"


    "Like she wanted to rip his shirt off and pledge her loyalty?" Ace supplied helpfully.


    I groaned, dragging a hand through my hair. "You¡¯re not helping."


    "I¡¯m not trying to help. I¡¯m trying to keep you from sulking so hard that the cliff gives up and swallows you."


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    Ace sat up straighter, tone shifting slightly. "Ash... you know this isn¡¯t just about him saving her."


    "It is. It is exactly that," I snapped, more forcefully than intended. "Every time I think she¡¯s warming up to me¡ªto us¡ªhe shows up."


    "Is she?"


    "Yes. Brooding and cold and dripping with power. And I know she sees it. She sees him. No matter how hard I try, I don¡¯t have that edge. He seems integrated into her."


    "Why do I hear youining like you¡¯ve given up?"


    Ace was quiet for a beat. Then he spoke calmly. "You¡¯re not a flicker, Ash. You¡¯re the burn that stays. Unlike the others, we have not made our ims with her. We need to show Valerie we are worthy of being her mates too "


    "She doesn¡¯t push him away," I murmured.


    "No. But she doesn¡¯t pull him close either."


    I clenched my fists, the leather of my gloves creaking faintly.


    The memory of Valerie today¡ªdirt on her cheek, sweat on her brow, and still managing to look like a warrior queen¡ªburned into my skull.


    But the way she looked at Dristan after he appeared? Like the world had stopped just for them?


    It twisted something in my gut. Ace nudged me with his shoulder. "So what are you gonna do?"


    I nced at him. "About what?"


    "About her. About Dristan. About this whole twisted game of who-can-save-the-princess-first."


    "She¡¯s not a princess," I muttered. "She¡¯d p you for that."


    "True. But you still want her."


    Silence fell again, longer this time. The wind carried the sound ofughter from the distant dorms.


    After much deliberation, I said, "I¡¯m going to remind her that I don¡¯t need a lightning show to prove I care. I don¡¯t need sparks to mean something. I don¡¯t believe she is a property, and I need her to see that I can be more than what she thinks of me."


    Ace grinned, slowly but dangerously. "There he is."


    "And," I added, standing, "next time Dristan tries to make a scene, I¡¯m going to give him one."


    Aceughed, climbing to his feet beside me. "Now that, I¡¯ll pay to watch."


    "Better make your move on Valerie too."


    Ace leaned back against the wall. "And why should I do that when I just have to sit, watch as you all fight and lose and then I reap the best when she sees what losers you all are." Ace let a softugh, shaking his head.


    I scowled and he lifted his hand. "Of course, you are not among. I can share with you after I win her."


    I sighed, shaking my head as well. "It¡¯s how rxed you are for me."


    "Life is already hard, so why make things even more difficult? I learnt that by looking at Xade and Xander."


    "What has the Dragon Prince got to do with Valerie?"


    "Nothing. I can tell he is not her mate; otherwise, none of us would be alive without so many injuries. We¡¯d be lucky to escape with a few scratches. Dragons are the most possessive of their mates."


    "Okay..." I drawled, folding my hands in front of my chest. "Point taken."


    "So... Xade is cunning and Xander watches quietly, waiting for the right moment."


    "I understand. But with Valerie, would there ever be a right moment?"


    "That is a question I cannot answer but I¡¯m willing to take the risk and not overwhelm her," Ace answered before I could cut in, leaving me speechless.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Thete morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting soft shapes across the desks.


    Although it wasn¡¯t a history ss, it was literature, and it was the one ss with the professor of interest, Professor Anderlyn.


    The light danced a bit on the tiled floor,nding on open books and half-finished notes. One of those quiet, warm mornings almost made you forget how weird and tense things had beentely.


    Almost.


    Professor Anderlyn stood at the front of the ss, writing something on the board in his usual neat, looping script.


    He wore his usual button-up and rolled-up sleeves, and his greying hair was tied loosely at the back.


    There was something old-school about him¡ªlike he belonged in another time. He never raised his voice, never smiled too much, and always looked like he knew more than he was letting on.


    Which was exactly why I couldn¡¯t stop watching him.


    "Today," he said calmly, tapping the board with a ck marker pen, "we¡¯ll be looking at ancient alliance texts¡ªspecifically, the phrasing used during the early Alliance treaties. You¡¯ll notice the structure, tone, andnguage were not just ceremonial, but deeply symbolic."


    I nced around the ssroom. Most students were only half listening. Axel was doodling in the corner of his notes.


    Titania looked bored out of her mind. Ash and Ace were whispering. Astraea, to her credit, was taking notes, while Kieran sat three rows behind me like he owned the ce, his posture too rxed to be innocent.


    I raised my hand slowly. "Professor?"


    He looked up, nodding once. "Yes, Miss Nightshade?"


    I kept my voice light, knowing I was taking the ss subtly in a different direction. "When the original ords were written... were there any symbols that were eventually banned or altered? Say... something like the Nightshade Crest?"


    The room got a little quieter. I heard a chair squeak behind me. Professor Anderlyn didn¡¯t flinch, but I noticed his pause, just half a breath too long.


    He tilted his head, thinking. "The Nightshade Crest," he repeated in a steady voice. "That... is a symbol with aplicated history. Once linked to a lesser-known House during the early alliance. It was removed... mostly for political reasons."


    "Mostly?" I asked.


    His eyes flicked to mine¡ªsharply but I could not read him. "There were whispers of misuse. Of one house trying to modify the sigils for power or influence and one kingdom trying to tie it to blood and something not good for what an alliance stood for."


    "Why? And which house or race did that?"


    Rather than answering me directly, he twisted his answer a bit. "Symbols, Miss Nightshade, are not just decoration. They carry intention."


    There was something in the way he said that. Calm, calcted, but the edge in his tone wasn¡¯t lost on me.


    I leaned forward a little. "But why erase itpletely from the records? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to learn from it?"


    He offered a faint smile, one that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. "Some histories are buried for a reason. And some names... were meant to fade."


    My stomach twisted. That was too specific to be random.


    I forced a small smile back. "Right. Just curious."


    "Curiosity is good," he said quietly. "But remember, Miss Nightshade, in this world... some questionse with answers you might not be ready for."

 Chapter 112: Library Nerd

    <h4>Chapter 112: Library Nerd</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 112</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    There it was again. That feeling.


    He knew, not everything, but something.


    He turned back to the board like nothing had happened, continuing the lecture as if the whole room hadn¡¯t just shifted.


    I sat back slowly, trying to focus on his words, but my mind was already racing ahead.


    Professor Anderlyn wasn¡¯t just a teacher, he was either a piece of the puzzle... Or the one hiding the box it came in.


    ***************


    I didn¡¯t expect the library to be this quiet at dusk.


    Even with the enchantments filtering sound at the archways, there was usually a hum¡ªa whisper of turning pages, the soft creak of chairs. But tonight, it was like the entire building held its breath.


    I pushed the door open slowly and stepped inside.


    I hadn¡¯te here to read. I came for answers. More specifically, answers from Professor Anderlyn.


    I still hadn¡¯t stopped thinking about the way his expression barely changed when I mentioned the sigils in myst ss. Like he already knew what I was fishing for... and wasn¡¯t surprised.


    Not even a little.


    The deeper I walked into the restricted wing, the colder the air became. Runes glowed faintly beneath my boots. Some were meant to repel noise. Others were much less friendly.


    When I reached the far alcove where Professor Anderlyn¡¯s private workspace had been set up¡ªscrolls, neat books, stacked like fragile bones, and dusty old books lined up like soldiers¡ªI slowed.


    He was there.


    So was someone else.


    Ash.


    He sat at the long table, sleeves rolled up, dark hair falling slightly over one brow as he leaned over a worn parchment, his thumb tracing a faded script like he could coax it back to life.


    My gaze flickered to Ash. He looked... peaceful watching Professor Anderlyn.


    Still powerful, yes¡ªhe was built like every Lycan heir I¡¯d ever seen: tall, carved, quiet¡ªbut there was something in the way he read that made me pause.


    It wasn¡¯t intense or brooding. It was rxed, focused, and gentle.


    "You¡¯rete, Miss Nightshade," Professor Anderlyn said without looking up. His tone was t as usual. "Take a seat. I believe you¡¯ll find today¡¯s content... relevant."


    Ash turned toward me then. His eyes caught the warm light close to me before settling on my face.


    "She¡¯s the one you told me you were expecting?"


    He was expecting me?


    My instincts were on alert immediately.


    <i>What the hell was going on?</i>


    "Yes." Finally, Professor Anderlyn lifted his head to look at me. "Although I was beginning to wonder if your little curiosity would lead you back to me for more, Ms. Nightshade."


    The way he mentioned my name hinted strongly at whether he knew something, or it was just pure coincidence.


    I shook that thought away. Solstice would not lie or get the wrong information. This spoke a lot about why none of us at home could find the emblem further after years of searching.


    Those involved covered their tracks very well, and I discovered that one does not find the group but is instead found by the group.


    But till now, I haven¡¯t seen them.


    "Nightshade?" I blinked when Ash called my name softly and stuttered briefly.


    "Umm, yes?"


    "Everything alright, Ms Nightshade?"


    I smiled and swallowed. "Umm, fine, Professor."


    Ash walked forward, stopping not too far from me. "Valerie," he said, his voice lower than usual. "Didn¡¯t expect you here."


    I lifted a brow. "Same. You¡¯re helping Professor Anderlyn?"


    Ash gave a one-shoulder shrug, leaning back slightly against a shelf. "I¡¯ve beening here since my arrival. I like it quiet. Though not everyone knew."


    I hadn¡¯t known that Ash liked books. Or that he volunteered in the library like this. Not that behind all the loud smirks and subtle protectiveness, there was this...yer.


    He gestured to the chairs in front of Professor Anderlyn¡¯s desk. I hesitated, then walked up to him before we slid into it, keeping my expression neutral.


    Professor Anderlyn continued scribbling notes in his ledger, not bothering to acknowledge us again. He was good at that¡ªignoring people until it suited him.


    "So," Ash said, folding his arms as I pulled out my notebook. "What brings you here?"


    "Questions," I murmured, letting my voice drop. "About the old alliances. About what¡¯s been erased."


    Ash¡¯s posture shifted slightly. "Still chasing sigils?"


    I narrowed my eyes. "Still watching me chase them?"


    That earned me the faintest smile. "Can¡¯t help it. You get this look when you¡¯re hunting something. Like you already know where it¡¯s buried¡ªyou just haven¡¯t decided who¡¯s going to bleed for it."


    My cheeks warmed before I could stop them. "Very poetic of you, wolf boy."


    He tilted his head. "Very reckless of you, Nightshade girl. But tell me, what¡¯s with the curiosity?"


    I shrugged. "You said it yourself. Just curiosity. I always had this knack for history."


    Professor Anderlyn coughed softly, giving us a silent warning. We both went quiet but secondster, I leaned in closer to the table, scanning the scroll Ash had been reading.


    It was covered in faded runes¡ªsome I recognised from old relic sses, others... not at all.


    And then it happened¡ªa soft, barely audible hum. My ne warmed against my chest, just for a second.


    Ash noticed it immediately.


    His hand shot out gently, pressing against the scroll before I could touch it. His eyes darted to my ne, then back to the scroll.


    "Don¡¯t," he said in a low voice. "That glow¡ªsomething¡¯s not right."


    I blinked and whispered, "You saw that?"


    "Yeah." His eyes stayed locked on mine. "And I don¡¯t think it was meant for anyone to see."


    He was close now. Not in a suffocating way but in that careful, guarded way that meant he was already thinking through the next three steps.


    From the corner of my eye, I noticed Professor Anderlyn, surprisingly, didn¡¯t interrupt. If anything, I felt like he was listening more closely now¡ªhis pen hovering over the page.


    I stared at Ash, at the way his eyes never wavered, at the fact that he was the only one who¡¯d ever noticed when my ne reacted to magic.


    "You¡¯re different than I thought," I said before I could think twice.


    Ash¡¯s gaze softened, but he didn¡¯t smile. "So are you."


    We sat like that for a few breaths too long.


    Then I pulled back, and so did he, as if the moment had stretched too far and too fast.


    "You¡¯re right," I whispered. "Something¡¯s not right with that scroll."


    Ash nodded. "So we find out what it is. Together."


    I blinked. "Why you?"


    "Because you shouldn¡¯t have to keep digging alone," he said simply.


    "Besides, a little mystery hunt isn¡¯t worth finding alone."


    "You¡¯re just making that up." Before I could speak further, he gently touched his lips to hush me. I wanted to retort when I felt a heated gaze on my head.


    I gulped and turned to the side. Professor Anderlyn¡¯s eyes were glued on me in a way that left me swallowing.


    "Sorry."


    "If you two do not have something better to do, go help me return those books to their respective shelves."


    "Sir, I¡¯m sorry. We..." I felt Ash¡¯s hand on mine under the table, stopping me.


    "Apologies, Professor A. We¡¯ll get to it and not disturb you."


    Ash gestured with his eyes for us to go but I felt grumpy at missing my chance to ask him question.


    We stood up and left, but just as we got to a bookshelf, Ash pulled me to the side, mming my body a bit against a shelf.


    My eyes went wide, but before I could protest, he lifted the scroll between us, and almost immediately, I felt that small pulse again.

 Chapter 113: The Scroll

    <h4>Chapter 113: The Scroll</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 113</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I gasped as the pulse rippled from the scroll again, stronger this time, like it had a heartbeat of its own, not loud but felt.


    Ash¡¯s arm braced around me instinctively, his free hand held the worn parchment. The glowing symbols didn¡¯t pulse like light. They throbbed¡ªa steady flicker, like something was alive beneath the ink.


    My fingers itched to reach for it, but Ash¡¯s grip around my wrist held firm.


    "Wait," he murmured. His eyes never left the scroll. "It¡¯s reacting to you."


    My chest tightened. "To me?"


    Ash nodded once, slowly. "It pulsed when you stepped closer. And when your ne glowed, it did it again. Not for me. Only when you moved."


    A cold whisper curled down my spine. My ne. The one my Uncle said was just a suppressor, a limiter to my pheromones... but if it reacted to this¡ªwhatever this was¡ªit meant the relic wasn¡¯t just suppressing my heat.


    It was connecting to something older.


    "Do you think it¡¯s warded?" I whispered.


    Ash¡¯s brow furrowed. "No. Not in the usual way. It¡¯s not trying to <i>repel</i>. It¡¯s trying to... test. Or maybe..." He paused, voice dropping further, "...awaken."


    I swallowed hard. My eyes scanned the runes. They weren¡¯t like the typical library seals or even the ones etched into the restricted wing¡¯s floor. These were twisted,plex.


    One looked almost familiar, like a blurred version of the sigil in my dream from the past. As soon as I recognised it, I gasped, but I shook off the thoughts immediately.


    However, Ashy caught sight of it.


    "You know something?"


    I shook my head. "No. I just recalled I have a deadline to submit something tomorrow andpletely forgot. I need to head back to the dorm," I informed him.


    I leaned in, just slightly, and the ne warmed again. Ash¡¯s fingers tightened around my wrist.


    "It¡¯s your ne or your bloodline," he said softly. "Has to be."


    I looked at him. "You sound certain."


    "I¡¯m not. But I¡¯ve seen this before. Not exactly this scroll, but simr reactions¡ªonly ever in artefacts meant to find descendants. Sessors. Or chosen vessels."


    The word "vessels" made my stomach knot.


    I reached for the scroll slowly, ignoring the way my fingers trembled. My palm hovered just inches over the faded parchment. The warmth increased¡ªnot burning, but present, like sunlight filtered through ss.


    Ash leaned forward, his voice a low warning. "If you touch it, it might imprint."


    I hesitated. "Is that bad?"


    "Could be."


    "But also..." I whispered, "...could be answers."


    A breath passed between us. And then I touched it.


    The second my skin brushed the parchment, the pulse shifted deeper.


    The scroll glowed faintly and a ripple immediately travelled up my arm to my chest, stopping right at the base of my throat where the ne sat.


    The pendant flickered lightly, with silver-gold light radiating quickly before dimming to its usual dull shimmer.


    Ash stared, wide-eyed.


    "You saw that too?" I breathed more like I asked.


    My pendant was made by witches; as such, it reacting to things shouldn¡¯t have surprised me.


    What bothered me was, what did it react to?


    "I saw everything," Ash affirmed.


    The runes on the scroll shifted¡ª<i>moved</i>, like ink rearranging itself. Not all of it, just a section near the corner. They twisted and reformed into a newer shape¡ªa crest. One I had seen once in Solstice¡¯s dusty grimoires.


    The Emblem.


    "Valerie," Ash whispered, leaning over the table, his eyes scanning the new symbol. "This¡ªthis wasn¡¯t on the scroll before. It wasn¡¯t here when I was reading it."


    I blinked. "Then it was meant for me? Or how did...?"


    Ash met my eyes. "No question about it."


    My heart thundered. I wasn¡¯t ready for this. I¡¯d been chasing clues and forgotten scripts, but this? This was confirmation. The emblem wasn¡¯t just lore¡ªit was living, breathing magic, watching and wating.


    "You okay?" Ash asked.


    I nodded shakily. "Yeah. Just... overwhelmed."


    He nced at the hallway leading back to the front of the library. "We shouldn¡¯t stay here."


    "No." I rolled the scroll carefully. The runes remained visible, like they¡¯d been rewritten permanently. "But we have to take it. This changes everything."


    Ash hesitated. "Professor Anderlyn might notice."


    My gaze flicked to the space where Anderlyn had been. Empty. No scratch of his pen. No shadow across the corner.


    "He¡¯s gone," I whispered.


    Ash turned sharply. "When did he leave?"


    "I... I don¡¯t know."


    Neither of us had heard him leave. And that wasn¡¯t just eerie¡ªit was deliberate.


    Ash¡¯s handnded on the small of my back. "Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll study itter, somewhere safe. Somewhere not under his gaze."


    I tucked the scroll into my coat, wrapping it tight. It buzzed softly against my ribs, like a second heartbeat.


    We moved quickly, slipping through the maze of shelves, past glowing runes and silent wards. No one stopped us and no voices followed.


    But something told me we weren¡¯t alone.


    And as the library doors closed behind us, I had a single, unshakable thought:


    The Emblem wasn¡¯t lost. It had been waiting.


    And now... it had seen me.


    There was so much to tell Solstice.


    By the time I made it back to the dorms, the hallways were quiet. The buzz from the day had finally died down¡ªat least on the surface.


    I spotted Emerald curled up on our living room couch, a book in herp and her eyes half-lidded with sleep. She nced up when I passed, gave a sleepy smile.


    "You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost."


    I managed a smile back. "Close enough."


    She chuckled, already sinking back into her book, "Where are the others?"


    "In their rooms, probably sleeping."


    "Okies. I¡¯m off to bed now," I said as I waved and turned toward my room.


    The moment I stepped inside and locked the door behind me, the pressure hit. That same humming weight beneath my ribs, just barely there, like the scroll still wanted to be heard.


    I crossed the room, tossed my shoes near the corner, and dropped into my reading chair¡ªthe one by the window.


    With a breath, I unwrapped the scroll again, careful not to tear the old parchment.


    But what I saw made my heart jolt.


    The emblem¡ªthe symbol that had rearranged itself in front of me and Ash¡ªwas gone.


    In its ce were the same runes as before. No crest. No shimmer. Just twisted oldnguage that meant nothing unless you could read it.


    "What the¡ª" I whispered.

 Chapter 114: Whispr: Spicy Sauce

    <h4>Chapter 114: Whispr: Spicy Sauce</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 114</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I reached for my phone, snapped a picture, and a text came through before I could even type anything.


    <strong>Unknown Number [9:34 PM]:</strong> Hey, library partner. Gotten to your room safely?


    I blinked, then realized. Ash.


    Still using that encrypted texting line. I didn¡¯t even save the number. I replied quickly with the picture attached.


    <strong>Me:</strong> Look. The symbol¡¯s gone. Same runes as before. Was it just us or a trick of the light? Magic? I don¡¯t know what to think right now.


    The dots on the screen blinked for a moment, then came his response.


    <strong>Ash [9:35 PM]:</strong> Rx. It¡¯s okay. Magic doesn¡¯t always behave. Sometimes it reacts, sometimes it hides. It¡¯ll show itself again. Maybe tomorrow, that¡¯s if what we saw was real. If not, perhaps we were both too engrossed, and it yed a trick of light on us.


    <strong>Me:</strong> On both of us? Can¡¯t be right?


    <strong>Ash</strong>: It can. Just breathe, Nightshade. Sleep first.


    I hesitated.


    Then typed:


    <strong>Me: </strong>Alright. Good night, Ash.


    I was about to close the chat when his reply came in, almost instantly.


    <strong>Ash [9:36 PM]:</strong> Sweet dreams, magic girl. Don¡¯t dream of me too much.


    I rolled my eyes. Typical. There was no reply for him this time.


    Instead, I forwarded the scroll photo and everything I¡¯d written to Solstice, just in case. She needed to see this, too. If anyone could decode it, it¡¯d be her¡ªand maybe her archives.


    I shut off the lights, curled under my nket, and watched the screen until Solstice¡¯s "Delivered" tick finally came through.


    Then, I let sleep take me.


    But not before thinking onest thing¡ª


    If the scroll really was magical and watching, then, had it already chosen me? Or was someone behind the scenes ying a trick on me?


    If they were, doesn¡¯t that mean they were either trying to steer me off course or that it was all really nothing?


    Still, I couldn¡¯t shake the fact that I needed to visit two ces to get my answer.


    The club I entered upon my arrival in Star City and...The club I traced the thief to.


    Either way, there was no going back, and I knew what I had to do¡ªsneak out and not be caught.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    If there was one thing Prestige Supernatural Academy had in abundance¡ªother than overpowered heirs and fae with superiorityplexes¡ªit was drama.


    And apparently, a gossipwork.


    I¡¯d heard whispers about it since my first week here. Nothing specific, just murmurs in the halls, giggles in locker rooms, sudden wide eyes glued to glowing screens, love confessions, school couple, cheer squad, name it.


    But I never bothered to check it out. I figured after the stunt I pulled during my first scuffle with the Alpha heirs, I¡¯d go viral for a hot minute and be forgotten by the week or two.


    <strong>Spoiler</strong>: I wasn¡¯t.


    At least, not until today. The name of the site?


    <strong><i>Whispr.</i></strong>


    One word: the logo was a wisp hovering in front of pink, sexy lips. There were no names. It was just a fire-fueled scandal dressed as daily tea.


    And somehow this morning, my name had managed to w its way back to the top of the trending list.


    I didn¡¯t realise it right away.


    Not when I stepped onto school grounds and everyone froze mid-step. Not when the courtyard fell silent like a curse had been cast.


    But I noticed it when the whispers began, softly, then louder. Then sharpened to full-on side-eyes and low gasps as I passed.


    "That¡¯s her."


    "Check the update on Whispr¡ªshe¡¯s everywhere."


    "Ugh, lucky. I want a storm-born mate, too."


    "Do you think it¡¯s true?"


    "Did he really say that... about her?"


    I blinked, resisting the urge to whip around and demand answers. Instead, I pulled out my phone, scrolled past my school alerts, and there it was.


    <strong>Whispr Trending</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong></strong> ?? <i>Spicy Sauce Alert: PSA¡¯s coldest Alpha King shows his thunderous soft side?</i>


    <strong>"Prince of Lightning goes full knight mode for the academy¡¯s most mysterious girl. Who is Valerie Nightshade, and why did Dristan Alexander risk breakingbat formation for her?"</strong>


    The post had screenshots.


    Grainy stills from the training simtion¡ªme, bruised and catching my breath. Dristan¡¯s hand stretched forward, smoke still curling from his fingers. A quote beneath it:


    <strong>"I didn¡¯te for the target. I came for you."</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong></strong> ¡ªD. Alexander, caught mid-rescue.


    I nearly choked on my own air.


    "This is not happening," I muttered, stuffing my phone back into my bag as if that could make it go away.


    That was when I felt my phone vibrate again. I checked it with the kind of dread reserved for hex results and magical duels.


    <strong>Ash [7:34 AM]: </strong><i>The sun envies your light, yet still dares to rise. </i>


    <i>If only it knew the moon had eyes."</i>


    <i> ¡ªMorning, meheart.</i>


    I blinked. My face flushed.


    I barely had time to respond when another text pinged in.


    <strong>I [7:35 AM]: [LINK: WHISPR.NET/VAL-D-LIGHTNING]</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong></strong>"YOU¡¯RE A FREAKING LEGEND, VAL. HOW DARE YOU NOT TELL ME YOU STARRED IN A ROMANCE NOVEL THIS WEEK?"


    <i>P.S. I am framing that screenshot.</i>


    <strong>Me: </strong>I behaves. You are not framing anything. And wait until Dristan sees this. He¡¯d go ballistic and get it taken down.


    I: You sure about that pumpkin?


    I frowned. What did she mean by that? Wasn¡¯t this the same Dristan who tried so hard to hide the fact that we were mates from the others?


    Of course, he would use his stoic presence to end such rumours.


    <i>"But you and I both know it is no rumour and soon the news of them being mates with you will go viral."</i>


    <i>"Astra, not now."</i>


    I ignored Astra and typed back


    <strong>Me: </strong>Very sure.


    <strong>I</strong>: I¡¯d rethink that again cause Dristan had already seen the news and guess his reaction.


    I paused and inhaled deeply, ready to type my guest when y phone buzzed and with it was a picture.


    I frozepletely.


    Dristan Alexander sat, looking at a phoen and possibly reading something but what was shocking was that pleased smile on his face.


    <strong>Me</strong>: Shit.


    <strong>I:</strong> Yeah baby. You¡¯re going viral.


    I groaned and kept walking, past the courtyard, past the stares, because apparently, I¡¯d gone viral.


    Again.


    Only this time, I wasn¡¯t just the new girl with a temper. Now I was "the girl the lightning prince came for," urgh!

 Chapter 115: Four Alphas Staking Their Claim

    <h4>Chapter 115: Four Alphas Staking Their im</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 115</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I thought I could slip past it. The stares, the whispers, the insane headline now cemented on Whispr¡¯s trending page.


    But apparently, fate¡ªor more likely, chaos¡ªwasn¡¯t ready to let me catch a break, because when I stepped into the Honours Alpha Strategy ss, Dristan was already there.


    Thankfully, every other student wasn¡¯t present, seeing as I got to school and ss 30 minutes before time.


    Seated near the back, dressed in ck like some cursed prince out of a legend, he didn¡¯t look up when I walked in. He didn¡¯t need to.


    He already knew I was there.


    And that alone was dangerous.


    I crossed the room quickly, ignoring the empty seat beside him and sliding into one near the window. My pulse still hadn¡¯t settled since I¡¯s message.


    Dristan hadn¡¯t taken the Whispr post down. He hadn¡¯t denied it. He hadn¡¯t acted like the private, brooding heir who hated attention. No¡ªhe¡¯d smiled. That smile.


    Before I could make sense of it, the door creaked again.


    Kai entered first, tall and silent as ever, his emerald eyes sharp as ss. Xade followed, allzy swagger and loose limbs like he hadn¡¯t just punched a bear earlier that week for training fun.


    And then Axel sauntered in with his silver chain swinging and a smirk already in ce.


    "Ah, the infamous ¡¯lightning rescue,¡¯" Axel announced to the room before even sitting down. "Our icy king goes soft for a girl and breaks the inte."


    Dristan didn¡¯t move. Didn¡¯t flinch.


    Kai¡¯s voice followed smoothly. "Didn¡¯t peg you for the dramatic type. ¡¯I didn¡¯te for the target. I came for you?¡¯ Really?"


    I felt my face heat up.


    "Wasn¡¯t nned," Dristan said simply.


    Xadeughed darkly, sliding into a seat two rows behind mine. "Sure didn¡¯t look like hesitation. If anything, you seemed... territorial. That smoke was for show?"


    Dristan lifted his eyes now, slow and calm and deadly. "I don¡¯t do shows."


    "Well," Axel mused, kicking his boots onto the desk, "Whispr would argue otherwise. You basically gave them a season finale."


    "Why didn¡¯t you stop it from going up?" Kai asked him more quietly.


    Dristan¡¯s gaze flicked to me. "Why would I?"


    My heart tripped.


    "You¡¯re not hiding it anymore?" Axel said, his grin turning sharper. "Big shift for someone who acted like even breathing the word ¡¯mate¡¯ in public was a felony."


    How did they know? Did he act that way with them, too, or did someone like Brielle spill the beans?


    Dristan shrugged once. "I¡¯m not hiding it. I¡¯m iming it."


    Oh.


    Oh no.


    Kai¡¯s posture stiffened.


    "You¡¯re what?" Xade leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand like watching an amusing y. "You think the rest of us will just nod and back off?"


    "No," Dristan said coolly. "I expect you to try. And I¡¯ll break anyone who gets in the way."


    "Bold of you," Kai muttered. "Considering I¡¯ve been holding back."


    "Same," Xade said, smile gone. "But if we¡¯re all ying cards face up now..."


    "Not the same, you¡¯ve kissed her," Axel cut in.


    "And so have you, Axel," Dristan chirped in.


    Since they were all calling themselves out, why not bring it to the table?


    Kai nced around like he was seeing stars for the first time. "I see you all say one thing and wear your testosterone on your sleeve."


    "No one asked you to be a slowpoke, Kai. Get on the train," Axel hissed. "She¡¯s our mate and not just yours."


    "And so?"


    "No rule was ced. I want her."


    "And I do too," Kai stated, like I wasn¡¯t there.


    "Toote," Dristan voiced.


    I exhaled, ready to jump in when Axel beat me to it. "Oh," Axel added, folding his arms behind his head, "you¡¯ll have to try harder than just a lightning storm, champ."


    I didn¡¯t know where to look. Their voices shed like swords behind me, not loud, but sharp. Too sharp.


    "I¡¯m here, remember... And I¡¯m not a prize," I said, turning in my seat. "None of you get to stake ims like I¡¯m a rare magical egg to be hatched."


    Xade¡¯s grin came back. "You¡¯re not a prize, darling. You¡¯re a war. And we¡¯re already fighting it."


    Kai looked straight at me. "This was going to happen eventually. He just made the first move louder."


    Dristan stood suddenly but slowly. He didn¡¯t raise his voice. He didn¡¯t need to.


    "I don¡¯t need her to choose me now," he said. "But I won¡¯t let you act like I won¡¯t fight for her."


    Axel let out a low whistle. "Looks like we¡¯ve got ourselves a real showing."


    Dristan stepped past them, brushing close enough that sparks lifted in the air again. As he passed my desk, he paused, just briefly, and stared at me.


    "I meant what I said," he murmured low enough for only me to hear. "And I don¡¯t regret it. I¡¯m not taking that video down."


    Then he walked out, as casually as he had walked into my life¡ªlike a storm that never asked permission.


    Behind me, the air thickened.


    And all I could think was, I wasn¡¯t just the girl the lightning prince came for. I was the girl for whom the storm was about to start.


    One mind told me to run because I did not want to engage in any conversation with the others, particrly Kai, even though my whole body screamed, ¡¯speak to him.¡¯


    And Astra, as usual, was screaming in my head each time they spoke and staked their ims.


    I needed space. I needed air, and I wasn¡¯t about to get any here.


    Just as I was about to stand, Xade¡¯s voice made me halt. "Little wolf."


    But before he could say anything, three students walked in. Immediately, I felt six extra pair of eyes on me briefly before they went away.


    I was sure they had diverted their gaze to the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs. I looked up and noticed one of them was Emerald as she walked over to my seat.


    "Valerie!"


    I exhaled, mentally thankful for the save.

 Chapter 116: What Would I Destroy First?

    <h4>Chapter 116: What Would I Destroy First?</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 116</strong>


    <strong>~Kieran¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Outside PSA¡¯s central dining hall, the courtyard buzzed with voices and heat,ughter echoing under the arches where students sprawled over stone benches and velvet grass.


    I sat at the edge of it all, shaded beneath a marble trellis heavy with blooming moonvine, my fingers curled around a ss of iced tonic I hadn¡¯t touched.


    Two girls nked me¡ªone on each side.


    Sasha, a high-ranking Alpha¡¯s daughter from Silverde, leaned in close, her perfume sickly sweet, herughter too shrill as she traced idle circles on my arm.


    The other¡ªMayra¡ªwas subtler. She didn¡¯t touch, didn¡¯t speak unless prompted. Her dark hair was a sleek curtain and her eyes were sharper than most. Smart girl. Watched more than she spoke.


    And still, none of it touched me.


    Because across the courtyard, Dristan stood at the centre of a small crowd, effortlessly silent as always yet maic. His posture was calm, and his voice was low. But they all listened¡ªthey always did.


    I watched him.


    I didn¡¯t blink.


    Didn¡¯t smile.


    The rage that I had long since folded away, ironed smooth beneath cool arrogance and calcted boredom, began to crumple.


    I remembered the weight of his palm mming into my face during ourst confrontation, the flicker of superiority in his eyes, and his utter <i>disregard</i>.


    He¡¯d only walked away because Lucie approached. Not because I was weak.


    I had let him go


    But now¡ªnow I watched him stand close to her.


    Valerie.


    He had stood close to her in the simtion arena, face carved in wrath, defending her like a knight carved from stone. And the worst part? She had looked up at him like she saw <i>someone, </i>not just another Alpha heir.


    No.


    She had seen him.


    The jealousy bit deeper than the memory of the p.


    "Something bothering you?" Sasha asked sweetly, tilting her head so her red curls brushed my shoulder.


    I blinked slowly, pulling my gaze away from Dristan and Valerie, who had just entered the courtyard. Her hair was braided today.


    I turned to Sasha, letting my lips curl into a slow, charming grin.


    "Not at all."


    She giggled. "You looked like you were about to murder someone."


    I swirled the ss in my hand. "Just hungry."


    Mayra¡¯s eyes flicked to me. She didn¡¯tugh. Smart girl. Probably knew I was lying.


    Dristan walked past us then. He didn¡¯t look at me. Not once. Not even to acknowledge my presence. But he did nce at Valerie.


    Brief. Subtle. Enough to tighten every muscle in my jaw.


    He hadn¡¯t earned her attention, not like that.


    She wasn¡¯t a prize. But she <i>was</i> mine to notice. To pursue. And he had imed space beside her like it was owed.


    I exhaled slowly. Lucie¡¯s voice echoed in my memory: <i>"You¡¯ll destroy something if you let that fury out the wrong way."</i>


    Maybe I would.


    But the question was, what would I destroy first?


    "I¡¯ll be back," I murmured to the girls.


    Sasha pouted. "Kieran¡ª"


    "I want to be left alone," I stated and tucked my hands in my pockets. I rose to my feet without a second nce.


    I felt the weight of every student¡¯s gaze follow me as I crossed the courtyard silently, shadowing the curve of the building until I reached the northern wing balcony.


    From here, I had the perfect view.


    Valerie sat now, alone under a linden tree, flicking through a book. Dristan hadn¡¯t followed.


    Good.


    He shouldn¡¯t.


    Because soon enough, I¡¯d remind him that thest time he lifted his hand to discipline <i>me</i>, he did so forgetting that I let him walk away.


    And the next time? I wouldn¡¯t be so generous.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The air was too still, too heavy, like it had been holding its breath the moment I stepped into the room.


    Shadows clung to the walls, flickering with a light that had no source, as if the space existed somewhere between thought and reality.


    Everything felt <i>real</i>¡ªpainfully real¡ªbut also...wrong, like I was trespassing in a memory I hadn¡¯t lived yet.


    Kai stood in front of me, close enough that the heat of his body blurred the edges of my thoughts.


    His lips hovered just above mine, parted slightly, his breath warm on my skin. His eyes¡ªbright, impossibly green¡ªlocked on to me with a weight that made my pulse stumble.


    I could feel it between us, that invisible cord that tied me to him. The bond thrummed, alive and pulsing in time with the aching want building beneath my skin.


    I didn¡¯t move. I couldn¡¯t. Every part of me leaned toward him, waiting.


    Then I felt it¡ªthe shift in the air.


    Ace.


    He stepped out of the shadows like he owned the ce, like he always had. That crooked smile curled across his face, half challenge, half invitation, and all trouble. His eyes flicked to mine, glinting with that maddening sparkle that always meant he was about to do something reckless.


    "Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d start without me," he murmured, his voice all velvet and edge.


    He came up behind me, close enough that his chest brushed my back. My breath caught. Kai didn¡¯t flinch. He just watched me, the tension between us stretching tighter.


    And then everything changed.


    The room stilled again, the warmth shifting into something cooler¡ªsharper. My body recognized him before my eyes did.


    Ash.


    He didn¡¯t say a word. He never needed to.


    His presence rippled through the air like gravity, pulling me toward him with quiet certainty. His eyes found mine¡ªthose storm-colored eyes that always looked like they saw too much.


    My breath hitched as he stepped forward, cutting through the space between us without hesitation. His hands found my waist, firm and sure, grounding me in a way that made my knees feel weak.


    I melted.


    No fear. No questions.


    I gave in.


    To the pull of the bond, to the heat spiraling low in my belly, to the way they surrounded me¡ªone in front, one behind, one anchoring me to the moment.


    Kai¡¯s breath skated along my jaw.


    Ace¡¯s fingers brushed my neck, featherlight.


    Ash tilted my chin up with one hand, his gaze still locked on mine.


    I didn¡¯t think. I didn¡¯t resist.


    His lips descended, slow and certain.


    And just before they met mine¡ª


    A blinding sh of light tore through the space. It wasn¡¯t just light¡ªit was <i>sound</i>, a shattering like the crack of ss, like the sky had split apart above us. My body jerked, weightless, spiraling into nothing.


    The room, the heat, the bond¡ªeverything slipped away like smoke through my fingers.


    I tried to hold on. I tried to stay.


    But they vanished, one by one, into the white.


    Ash¡¯s hand was thest thing to disappear.


    Then I was alone.


    I shot upright, gasping, drenched in sweat. My chest heaved. My lips still tingled. My skin still burned with the ghost of their touch.


    Panting. Flushed. Heart pounding like I¡¯d run to the moon and back.


    But the room was quiet. Dark. Real.


    It had been a dream.


    God, it had to be a dream.


    "Shit," I whispered, dragging a hand over my face.


    I was too scared to close my eyes again even though the time was only 4 a.m. I knew there was no evading it.


    The matebond pull was getting stronger, and still I hadn¡¯t epted any one of my mates.

 Chapter 117: Stoking the Flames

    <h4>Chapter 117: Stoking the mes</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 117</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The rest of the day was a blur. By lunch, I just wanted quiet. To not feel the way my skin heated anytime one of them looked at me.


    It didn¡¯t help how Astra was behaving, either. I so desperately wanted to feel their touch, even if it was for a little bit, to quench this....


    I shook my head and the thoughts away.


    I slipped into one of the courtyards tucked behind the greenhouse, which students rarely used or visited. It was quiet and shady looking by this time of day.


    But I didn¡¯t care. However, I halted in my steps when my gazended on a figure not too far from me.


    I wasn¡¯t alone.


    Judging by his unique scent, I immediately recognised who it belonged to¡ªAsh Kaid.


    Sitting under the old willow, he was already there, flipping through a book. When he looked up, his expression softened.


    "Didn¡¯t think anyone else knew about this spot," he stated.


    "I needed air," I replied. My voice was too dry and my skin too warm.


    I didn¡¯t expect it to hit this fast.


    The bond surged suddenly like a wave inside me when I came close to Ash. My heart sped. My hands started shaking.


    I took a step back, ready to give him space and hopefully stop this reaction but instead, Astra groaned.


    <i>"Stay."</i>


    Just one word from her and I was already considering it.


    <i>"Feel it, feel him."</i>


    "I... Ash¡ª" I breathed. "Something¡¯s wrong."


    He was at my side in two strides. His hands gripping my arms as his gaze roamed over me like he had once done when he was worried.


    But that was not the painful thing. The second he did, something inside me sparked like my body and blood lit up.


    His brows furrowed as he assessed me. "Valerie.... Tell me, what¡¯s going on? Are you under the weather?" His hand flew to my neck and forehead. "You¡¯re burning up."


    But when I looked at him, I was immediately transported back to my dream. How they wanted me and how I wanted them in return. No.


    "It¡¯s the matebond. You¡¯re not able to suppress it as well as before."


    I tried to step back, but my knees buckled. Thankfully, he was fast and caught me gently.


    "Ash... I¡ª" My words melted into a soundless gasp. My head spun.


    His hands didn¡¯t move, but his voice lowered smoothly. "Valerie, listen to me. Breathe. In. Out."


    I clung to the sound of his voice. "Think of something cold. Ice. Water. Snow. Not me."


    Myugh came out as a choked breath. "You¡¯re not helping."


    "Good. Focus harder."


    The heat crawled over my skin like wildfire, licking at my spine, burning up my thoughts.


    It wasn¡¯t just desire¡ªit was primal need and overwhelming. The bond wasn¡¯t subtle anymore. It screamed through my blood, and every inch of me responded like it had a mind of its own.


    I clutched at Ash without thinking, my fingers curling into his shirt. My breath came in shallow, ragged pulls, my legs still barely holding.


    His hands never left my arms, but they didn¡¯t wander either. They stayed right there, steady like an anchor.


    He didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t lean in. He didn¡¯t take me in his arms to kiss me, much like Astra was chanting in my head.


    He just stayed by me, just like how Kai had refused to give in and that broke something in me.


    The fire rolled through again¡ªwave after wave, threatening to drown me in heat and longing¡ªbut I clung to the sound of his calm voice as he held me up in his arms.


    Then, just as suddenly as it came, the burn stopped.


    It did not stop slowly or gradually.


    It went out like someone had flipped a switch or extinguished a me. One moment I was melting, and the next... nothing.


    No heat. No pulsing energy. Just... me.


    Cold sweat clung to my skin. My knees wobbled, but I managed to step back, out of his hold.


    I was trembling¡ªshaking, really¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t from the matebond anymore.


    It was because I¡¯d felt secure. In all of that, when I¡¯d copsed into his arms, Ash hadn¡¯t taken advantage of it. He hadn¡¯t even let his hands wander. Not once.


    Which said so much about his character,pared to how he behaved on a regr basis.


    Ash¡¯s jaw flexed as he stepped back, his eyes scanning me once more, like he wasn¡¯t convinced I was okay. "You good?"


    "Yeah," I whispered, even though I wasn¡¯t sure I meant it.


    He gave a short nod. Then, I helped me take a better position and dropped my bag on the pavement.


    "When you are better, please visit the nurse¡¯s office. I need to head out."


    I wanted to protest, wanted to ask him to stay but recalling that dream, I bit back the words and smiled.


    Ash picked his book, without another word, he turned, picked up his book and started to leave.


    His steps were quiet, measured, but right before he disappeared around the path, he paused and nced back over his shoulder.


    "Check your bagter."


    Then he was gone.


    I didn¡¯t understand what he meant¡ªuntil hourster, when I pulled my books out for ss.


    Tucked between two, folded and nearly missed, was a note written in neat, angled handwriting.


    <i>I meant every word. Even if it was the bond talking, I wasn¡¯t.</i><i></i><i></i><i></i><i></i><i></i>


    <i></i> ¡ªAsh


    I didn¡¯t know what to feel. We hadn¡¯t talked so much so...? Was there a hidden meaning behind those words, or did it simply mean he was holding back?


    There was a pinch in my chest, something hot and painful and soft all at once. I stared at the note until I felt my throat tighten and kept it when another professor walked into the ss.


    Later, while walking back toward the dorms, I scrolled through our old message thread without thinking.


    The screen glowed faintly in the dimming light. Nothing new. Just me, reading the words over again, as if I could pull meaning from the spaces between.


    I almost didn¡¯t notice the presence until it brushed by me, cold, too cold for the warm evening. The sunset was still bright, but the brooding being behind me wasn¡¯t.


    I looked up and stopped short.


    Dristan.


    He was standing just off the path, arms crossed, his gaze pinned to the phone in my hand before it lifted to my face.


    His expression didn¡¯t change. Not at first.


    Then he asked in a low and tight voice, "So he¡¯s texting you now?"


    I blinked at him, still catching up. "What?"


    He didn¡¯t repeat himself. Just kept his eyes on me, sharp and unreadable. My grip on my phone tightened when I realised he was indeed peaking.


    "It¡¯s not your business."


    "Funny," he said, not smiling. "Is that what you said when Kai Xade asked you about our kiss?"


    Something inside me curled at that.


    I tilted my head. "Are you... jealous?"


    He didn¡¯t answer. Not directly. Instead, after a beat of silence, he said, "I don¡¯t have your line. Not even once. But he does."


    That¡¯s when it clicked.


    His frustration, the stiffness in his voice¡ªit wasn¡¯t about <i>Ash</i>. It was about being left out.


    And somehow, that made everything worse or better. I couldn¡¯t tell but I didn¡¯t cajole or pamper him either.


    He had several opportunities to ask, but Dristan didn¡¯t.

 Chapter 118: He Made A Mistake

    <h4>Chapter 118: He Made A Mistake</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 118</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t answer Dristan, nor apologise, exin, or make excuses.


    I just walked past.


    But my heart pounded so loud I couldn¡¯t ignore it¡ªnot even after he was gone.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Ever since I¡¯d watched Valerie disappear down that path without a word, I hadn¡¯t been able to settle.


    Not once.


    I paced the length of my room for the tenth time that hour, the wood creaking under my bare feet. The air felt heavy, too thick, like I was choking on silence.


    I hadn¡¯t even bothered with a full shirt¡ªjust joggers and a sleeveless ck singlet clung to my skin, sweat clinging to my neck, but I didn¡¯t stop moving.


    Am I not doing enough?


    The question echoed again and again, and I hated that I didn¡¯t have an answer. I¡¯d shown her my interest.


    I¡¯d <i>spoken</i>¡ªnot just hinted, not like some of the others. I¡¯d told her what I felt, dered it. Loudly. In front of others.


    And still... she walked away.


    My fingers clenched behind my back as I stopped and stared out the window, jaw grinding tight.


    <i>"Just do what is needed and im her already," </i>Soren growled in my head.<i> "Mark her as yours. ept her."</i>


    I didn¡¯t respond right away. My eyes tracked the clouds outside, moving fast like my thoughts.


    "Not so easy. I have my father¡¯s eyes on me."


    Soren groaned, loud and dramatic. "<i>You didn¡¯t think about that before dering openly that you came for her?"</i>


    "<i>I...</i>" I shut my eyes, frustrated. <i>"The others were already circling her like hawks. I couldn¡¯t just sit back."</i>


    <i>"It may not be what you need to fight, Dristan." </i>Soren¡¯s voice dropped lower, more serious. <i>"Ever consider the fact that you were all given to her for a reason?"</i>


    My heart kicked once.


    <i>"So you want me to share?"</i>


    <i>"Will you kill the other Alpha heirs to be with Valerie alone? What about the Lycans?"</i>


    His words struck deep. I said nothing, because for the first time, I didn¡¯t know what I¡¯d do.


    <i>"Exactly."</i> Soren¡¯s voice echoed in the silence. <i>"So think, before you lose her entirely."</i>


    A knock at the door broke my thoughts. I shifted, inhaling. Kai.


    "Come in," I said tly.


    Kai stepped inside, hands in his jean pockets. His ck shirt was open, sleeves rolled up like he hadn¡¯t even bothered to dress properly. His hair was wind-tossed, but his expression was sharper than usual.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting to see him here to be honest


    "You look like hell," he said without preamble.


    I didn¡¯t respond. He walked in anyway.


    "What do you want?"


    "Nothing major," Kai replied, shrugging. "I was thinking of heading out. Patrol or something."


    "Not interested," I cut in.


    He waited a beat. "I meant the club. Blow off steam. Kaiser¡¯s a wreck."


    My brow lifted. "What happened to him?"


    Kai scoffed, rubbing a hand through his hair. "Valerie happened, D. You¡¯re not the only one struggling. I know you want her. She¡¯s your mate too. And if this were a normal world, I¡¯d probably back off for you. But she¡¯s <i>my</i> mate too."


    I didn¡¯t answer at first. My hands stayed buried in my pockets, shoulders tight. I thought I was the only one spiraling over her, but clearly not. The bond didn¡¯t just pull at me¡ªit was dragging all of us down.


    I scoffed. "It¡¯s funny. We¡¯re like this over a girl who was ready to cut us all off."


    "She was overwhelmed," Kai said quickly, defending her without hesitation.


    "I know," I said quietly. "But still."


    "So what are you saying?" Kai asked. "That you¡¯re done?"


    "I never said that." I met his gaze. "I¡¯m not waiting for a chance. I¡¯ll <i>take</i> one."


    Kai nodded slowly.


    "Speaking of which," I continued. "Do you have Valerie¡¯s number? Her chat line?"


    Kai opened his mouth, then hesitated. "You... don¡¯t have it?"


    "Do <i>you</i>?" I asked.


    He scratched the back of his head. "Dude... no. I don¡¯t."


    A new voice cut in from the side.


    "I don¡¯t either."


    We both turned to find Axel standing there, arms crossed, leaning on the doorframe.


    "Seriously?" Kai asked. "Even <i>you</i> don¡¯t have it?"


    Axel shrugged. "We see her so often, I didn¡¯t think I needed it."


    I stared at him. "None of us thought to get it? Seriously?"


    "Wait... only one person might have it," Kai said.


    Dristan and Axel said it at the same time: "<i>Xade</i>."


    They stormed down the hall together, fast and determined.


    When they reached his room and found it empty, Kai frowned. "He¡¯s not in. But I sense him... gym."


    Of course.


    They made their way to the training hall, where the sound of punching bags and grunts echoed down the corridor. Xade was at the far end, shirt off, muscles flexing as he worked through a set of brutal punches.


    He stopped mid-motion when he saw them approaching. He picked up his water bottle, took a long drink, then gave them a suspicious once-over.


    "What?" he asked. "Did the cat get your tongues?"


    He raked a hand through his sweaty hair and leaned back on the bench.


    Kai was first to speak. "We need Valerie¡¯s number."


    Xade blinked. "What happened to her?"


    "Nothing," I replied. "We just need her number."


    Xade snorted, putting a hand to his chest. "What, and none of you have it?"


    We all stared.


    Xade arched a brow, then grimaced. "Okay yeah. That¡¯s... that¡¯s bad. But no, I don¡¯t have it either."


    "What?" we all said at once.


    "I didn¡¯t bother. We see her so much, I figured¡ª" He stopped. "Yeah, that was stupid."


    "<i>Very,</i>" I snapped. "Especially considering the <i>Lycans</i> beat us to it. I saw her texting Ash. And it wasn¡¯t just friendly, either."


    They all stiffened at that.


    Kai growled under his breath.


    "Rx," I muttered. "Losing our heads over it will only make it worse. We look like jealous amateurs."


    "So what do we do then?" Axel asked.


    "I¡¯ll call my brother," Xade said quickly. "He can dig into her student file or something."


    "I¡¯ll try I," I added.


    "Good," Kai nodded. "Let¡¯s get to it."


    <i>Meanwhile...</i>


    I was lounging on her bed, phone in hand, scrolling through a feed she wasn¡¯t really paying attention to. Thete afternoon sun filtered through her curtains, castingzy gold across her walls.


    Her phone buzzed.


    She blinked at the screen. Dristan.


    She sat up straighter. He <i>never</i> called unless it was important.


    Just as she reached to answer, a hand shot over her shoulder and plucked the phone from her grasp.


    She turned with a gasp. "Val¡ª!"


    Valerie answered the call herself.


    "Hello, I. I need your help," Dristan¡¯s voice came through, low and straight to the point.


    Valerie didn¡¯t miss a beat. "No."


    There was silence on the other end.


    Then a clipped, "Send me Valerie¡¯s number."


    "No," she snapped and ended the call without hesitation.


    I stared. "Val¡ªwhat the hell? You could¡¯ve at least <i>asked</i> before answering my call," I snapped.


    "I did you a favour," Valerie replied coolly. "He doesn¡¯t deserve my number."


    I smiled subtly. "Val,e on. He¡¯s trying."


    "<i>Now,</i>" she said, turning, her voice sharper. "He¡¯s trying <i>now.</i> After Ash made a move. After he saw me texting someone else. That¡¯s not love, I. That¡¯s just territory."

 Chapter 119: Seeking Out Her Number

    <h4>Chapter 119: Seeking Out Her Number</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 119</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I opened her mouth, but the re Valerie sent her shut her down quick. Still, I protested.


    "He is an alpha. Territory is kind of our thing."


    "Nope." Valerie tossed I¡¯s phone onto the bed. "No. You¡¯re not giving it to him."


    "Ohe on," I groaned. "He made a mistake, that¡¯s all." I tried to argue.


    Valerie crossed her arms. "Right. That kind of mistake."


    "He¡¯s your mate."


    "So are the rest of them." Doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m handing them my number on a silver tter. Besides, a mate mistake? Yeah. We¡¯ve seen how well that goes."


    "You¡¯re not being fair." Valerie arched a brow. "You¡¯re really not going to forgive him?"


    "He can earn it, not shortcut it." Valerie smiled, though it didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. "And you¡¯re definitely not sending him my number."


    I grumbled. "I should have sent it when I had the chance."


    "Good thing Dristan wasn¡¯t interested enough to get it earlier," Valerie said, snatching up I¡¯s phone again.


    "Where do you think you are going with that, youngdy?"


    A beat passed before Valerie answered, smiling, "I told you not to give it to him," Valerie reminded.


    "And I didn¡¯t," I said, crossing her arms. "But it doesn¡¯t mean I agree."


    Valerie was already halfway to the door. "Now I can¡¯t trust you not to give in. Good thing I don¡¯t need your agreement. Just your silence."


    "Hey! My phone¡ª!"


    "Toote. Your love for Dristan would make you spin." Valerie called over her shoulder as she slipped out of the room.


    The door clicked shut behind her. I stared at the door, fuming. Then she sighed and rubbed her face and fell back on the bed.


    As Valerie disappeared down the hall, she rolled over and reached for her wardrobe. From a hidden drawer, she pulled out a slim backup phone.


    She turned it on, smirking.


    "Fine. You win for now, Val. But I¡¯ve got tricks too."


    Her mind shed to earlier, when Valerie had walked into her room, voice t and unreadable.


    "I need a favour," Valerie had said. "Don¡¯t give Dristan my number. No matter what."


    At the time, I had nodded. Of course, she would protect her cousin. But now... Valerie was cutting ties. Pushing them all away.


    And I wasn¡¯t so sure that was the right move anymore.


    Not if Dristan was finally ready to fight for her.


    "I may not have your number on <i>this</i> phone, Val..." she murmured, typing quickly. "But I can get it. Just watch."


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The call went dead.


    I barely had time to speak when it ended abruptly.


    I stared at the screen for a second longer, not quite believing it.


    Then slowly, I lowered the phone from my ear. The silence in the room pressed in like a weight.


    She hung up on me.


    No hesitation. No stutter. No flicker of softness in her voice. Just a sharp, final "No" and then¡ª<i>click</i>.


    Kai, Axel, and Xade were all watching me.


    "She answered," I said, voice low.


    Kai took a step forward. "And?"


    "She said no."


    Xade blinked. "She <i>what</i>?"


    "She picked up. She knew it was me. And she said, ¡¯No,¡¯ then hung up."


    Immediately, silence descended like a de.


    Axel cursed under his breath and sat down hard on the armrest of the nearest chair. "Okay. That¡¯s worse than I expected."


    Kai frowned. "So she knew it was you and still¡ª?"


    "Yeah," I said bitterly, shoving the phone into my pocket. "She made it <i>very</i> clear."


    Xade exhaled. "We really fucked up, didn¡¯t we?"


    "We didn¡¯t <i>fuck up,</i>" Kai said, though his voicecked confidence. "We just... waited too long."


    "No," I muttered, pacing again. "We treated her like she was just <i>there</i>. essible. Around. Like we¡¯d always have time to figure it out."


    "And the Lycans didn¡¯t," Axel said grimly. "Ash made the first move. And apparently, he did it right."


    "We had <i>weeks </i>to get her number, to talk to her without all the matebond drama," Xade said, rubbing the back of his neck. "And we <i>didn¡¯t</i>."


    "Because we were trying to y it cool," Kai said. "Keep our heads. Do things properly."


    "Properly just got us locked out," I snapped.


    Everyone went quiet again.


    I leaned forward, bracing my hands on the edge of my desk. My arms were shaking and not from anger, though there was plenty of that too. It was the weight in my chest, heavy and wrong.


    "I let her walk away," I said. "She didn¡¯t even look back. And now she won¡¯t give me her number, won¡¯t even <i>hear</i> me out."


    "I didn¡¯t even think she¡¯d hang up," Xade muttered, dragging a hand down his face. "I thought... she¡¯d maybe let you exin."


    "She made a choice," I said. "One we pushed her into. We kept our distance thinking it was smart. Thinking it would make us look in control. We underestimated her."


    "She¡¯s not like the others," Axel said quietly. "She doesn¡¯t wait around."


    A beat passed. Then Kai straightened, his voice hardening. "Alright. Then we stop being passive. Everyone go back to your cliques. Ask for her number."


    "You¡¯re suggesting we <i>beg</i>?" Xade said.


    "No. We strategise. Ask around. Quietly. Discreetly. Someone has to have it. A ssmate. A team member. Someone from the council. Valerie talks to people¡ªshe¡¯s not <i>off-grid.</i>"


    I was already moving.


    "She spends time with Astraea. I¡¯ll go that route," I said, heading for the door.


    "I doubt she¡¯d talk," Xade countered.


    "Are you sure Astraea won¡¯t just hand it over?" Kai asked.


    I paused. "If Valerie told her not to, then no. She won¡¯t."


    "Then what are you going to do?"


    I turned, eyes locked with his.


    "Convince her."


    Immediately, I was on my way when Kai¡¯s voice stopped me. "Convince her? How?"


    "Maybe pay her a visit," I said with a shrug.


    And then Axel spoke next. Although his suggestions were annoying, it was one of the sure bets we had but no. "Or we meet Ash."


    "What?" All of us chorused.


    He shrugged. "We can get it from him, the easy way or the hard way."


    "You cannot bully a Lycan Prince, Axel. Ash¡¯s off-grid."

 Chapter 120: Ask Around

    <h4>Chapter 120: Ask Around</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 120</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>Meanwhile, Outside I¡¯s Dorm</strong>


    I walked fast, jaw tight, trying to hold back the frustration coiled in my chest. Valerie had ignored me.


    But that didn¡¯t mean I was done. The others were likely already splitting up, messaging people, trying to find backdoors into her world.


    The truth was¡ªnone of them had earned the front door yet. And I bet she had equally told the others not to give out her number.


    My phone buzzed again. It was a message from Axel.


    <strong>Axel:</strong><i> I asked two girls from her advancedbat group. Neither has it. Apparently, she uses a private chat line. Not linked to the campuswork.</i>


    Of course she did.


    Kai messaged next.


    <strong>Kai: </strong><i>Searched dorm records. Her file is encrypted. Clearance locked¡ªcouncil level locked. Something¡¯s fishy.</i>


    <strong>Me</strong><i>: Well, Valerie is secretive and fishy lol.</i>


    Even though I said that, I was anything but smiling. It said or spoke a lot. Right from our first meeting, she had always been a mystery.


    I tried researching her and not much came out¡ªsimply put... it was too simple.


    And when someone¡¯s record at the time is so simple, it means there¡¯s something buried underneath and let¡¯s not forget her constant excellent grades and results in activities.


    Someone as simple as that shouldn¡¯t have such a background of training she did.


    She never enrolled in any dojo. She was good¡ªtoo good.


    "She really isn¡¯t ying around," I muttered under my breath.


    Then another message came through.


    <strong>From Xade:</strong><i>Erik says she changed numbers two weeks ago and only gave the information to a few¡ªI, Astraea, maybe one other.</i>


    Only a few<i>.</i>


    <i>"So Erik, someone just there, has her number while we he mates do not? Valerie... tsk you y a dirty game, mate.</i>


    Which meant if I and her roommates did not talk, we¡¯d be at a dead end.


    Well, that settles it. I typed back.


    Me: Ask Erik for her number.


    Xade¡¯s reply was instant...


    Xade: He couldn¡¯t give it.


    Me: Really? Does that dried bumpkin want to get a beating?


    Xade: Rx. We¡¯ll get it from somewhere else. He seems oddly so loyal to Valerie. I didn¡¯t know but it looked like behind the scene, our mate has been busy making stro nga nd loyal alliances.


    Me: Just get me the number.


    Xade: Why not use your informant?


    Me: I would not want a report to my dad...


    I had started typing when I deleted the text and put a bored emoji before adding, "I wouldn¡¯t want to disturb him for something so little; I can get myself.


    Xade: Right. Okay,ter.


    I dropped the phone in my pocket and sighed. Any news that one would be something my father would pick on.


    I was not scared, but I could not trust him to keep his word, and Valerie¡¯s life would be in danger.


    I can¡¯t be around her all the time and I know the others will be but I hate to rely on others to care for my wom... my mate.


    I stopped at I¡¯s room door and knocked twice.


    No answer.


    I knocked again. This time, the door creaked open slightly, and I frowned.


    Empty. None of them was inside. Either they weren¡¯t or just lost in their rooms. I tried calling I again but the call did not connect.


    I know I shouldn¡¯t have been here, in the female dorms but right now I did not care. Stepping out back, I headed into the hallway just as Kai jogged toward me from the other end.


    "She¡¯s not there," I said.


    "She¡¯ll be back," Kai replied. "But she¡¯s going to be suspicious."


    I looked at him. "We¡¯re running out of options."


    "She¡¯s not just dodging us," Kai said. "She¡¯s making a point."


    I didn¡¯t want to hear it. But he was right.


    We were scrambling. And Valerie? She was done waiting.


    Kai and I called the group to check on the others.


    Kai leaned against the hallway wall. "We underestimated her. All of us."


    Xade¡¯s voice crackled over the group call. "Got one lead¡ªReina from Elira¡¯s squad. Trying her now."


    "No leads here," Axel added. "Girls on her team don¡¯t even like talking about her. They respect her too much, maybe because she is good at everything, and Dristan has staked a im. At this point, he¡¯d make her lose friends."


    "Jealous much?" I added.


    "Not now, guys," Kai growled.


    I heaved a deep sigh. We were falling behind.


    And somewhere in that moment, I realized we weren¡¯t just losing <i>ess</i> to Valerie.


    We were losing her <i>trust</i>.


    And if we didn¡¯t fix that soon¡ªwe might lose everything to a damn Lycan.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment Xander caught Xade¡¯s voice down the hall, he slowed his steps. He hadn¡¯t meant to eavesdrop, but when the name <i>Valerie</i> dropped, followed by the low frustration in Dristan¡¯s tone¡ªhis attention snapped into focus.


    They were hunting.


    For her number.


    Xander slipped into the hallway¡¯s corner shadow, arms folded loosely as he leaned back against the wall, unseen.


    He didn¡¯t flinch when the conversation ended, and Xade muttered something to himself before heading off. The second his footsteps faded, Xander stepped out of the dark.


    <i>Fools.</i>


    They circled Valerie like mindless wolves chasing a scent they didn¡¯t know how to track. And none of them had gotten what they were looking for.


    Not even him.


    That annoyed him more than he liked to admit.


    "The guys are right," he murmured under his breath, lips curling into a slow smirk, "but unlike them... I can get it in the blink of an eye."


    Xander moved like a whisper through the corridor, his stride unhurried, controlled. He had already noted where Erik had gone¡ªacross the north wing toward the smaller dorm library.


    It was barely used. Quiet. Hidden. Perfect.


    He didn¡¯t bother knocking.


    The door creaked open, and warmmplight bled across the floor from the centre reading table.


    "I already told you," Erik¡¯s voice called from within, not looking up. "I¡¯m not giving you the number, no matter what you do to me, Xade."


    Xander¡¯s smirk deepened.


    "How unfortunate," he said softly, voice smooth and calm.


    Erik stiffened instantly. His head snapped up, eyes searching the dimly lit corners of the room.


    "Y-you¡¯re not Xade," he muttered.


    "No," Xander replied, stepping forward slowly, boots soundless against the carpeted floor. "Not even close."


    The library wasn¡¯t well lit¡ªjust one flickeringmp and a few rays of dusk spilling through the blinds. But it was enough. Erik¡¯s eyes locked onto him, freezing the moment they caught the faint red glow rising behind Xander¡¯s pupils.


    Xander didn¡¯t rush. He moved with the precision of someone who never had to hurry. His teeth shed in a sharp grin as he stopped just before Erik¡¯s chair.


    "I¡¯d rethink that answer if I were you," he murmured, head tilting slightly, voice barely above a whisper. "And tell me."


    Erik took a shaky breath, his hand trembling slightly on the table.


    "I¡ªI told you. I can¡¯t. She trusted me. She¡ª"


    "Is not here," Xander finished for him.


    His hand came up slowly, fingers long and pale, almost elegant. He gently ced it on Erik¡¯s head like one would console a frightened child.


    Erik¡¯s body went rigid.


    "Wha¡ªwhat are you¡ª?"


    Xander¡¯s eyes pulsed crimson. "Shhh."


    A thin stream of ck crept from his fingers into Erik¡¯s skin¡ªbarely visible, like a trickle of smoke. Erik¡¯s pupils blew wide before turning milky white, breath hitching once¡ªthen stopping altogether. His limbs stilled.


    His mind opened.


    And Xander stepped inside.

 Chapter 121: Getting Scolded

    <h4>Chapter 121: Getting Scolded</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 121</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The hallway was too quiet.


    Kai had gone to check with one of Valerie¡¯s team members again, leaving me alone in the corridor outside I¡¯s wing.


    I sat on the stone bench by the window, elbows on my knees, the silence around me only amplifying the war in my chest.


    Was I a terrible mate?


    The thought had been gnawing at me since Valerie walked away without a word. And no matter how many times I reyed it¡ªher silence, her re, the way she didn¡¯t even <i>hesitate</i>¡ªit all came back to that one painful conclusion.


    <strong>"</strong><i>You¡¯re not going to say it out loud?"</i><strong></strong>Soren¡¯s voice rang through my mind, low and sharp like flint striking steel. <i>"Because I will."</i>


    "<i>Don¡¯t start,"</i> I muttered mentally, running a hand down my face.


    <strong>"</strong><i>You¡¯re acting like a lovesick fool who just got rejected. You¡¯re more than that. We¡¯re more than that."</i>


    "<i>She¡¯s ignoring me. Blocking me out like I never mattered."</i>


    "<i>Do you?"</i>


    <i>I red at him internally. </i>


    <i>"Because you let her feel like she didn¡¯t." </i>His voice turned into a growl.<i> "You made your im. You said the words. But what have you done to prove it?"</i>


    "I¡ª" I hesitated.


    Exactly.


    I hadn¡¯t touched her since the bond red. Hadn¡¯t marked her. Hadn¡¯t even chased after her properly.


    While Ash had moved fast, clear, decisive¡ªI¡¯d held back, too proud, too careful.


    <i>"You waited. You watched. You assumed she¡¯de to you."</i>


    <i>"Because I thought we had time!" I snapped. "I thought the bond¡ª"</i>


    <i>"The bond doesn¡¯t guarantee anything."</i><strong></strong>Soren¡¯s voice was ice now<i>. "Do you think she¡¯ll wait while the others fight for her? While the Lycans burn for her?"</i>


    I closed my eyes.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong.


    <strong>"</strong><i>You said you didn¡¯t want to rely on others to protect her," </i>Soren continued, more calmly now<i>. "Then don¡¯t. You want her to feel safe? im her. You want her to trust you? Show her she¡¯s worth breaking the rules for. Not just the ones your fathers made. Yours, too."</i>


    I felt my jaw tighten. My hands clenched on my knees.


    Soren didn¡¯t stop.


    <strong>"</strong><i>She¡¯s not just a prize to win. She¡¯s not a trophy. She¡¯s the Alpha Queen of us all¡ªeven if she doesn¡¯t know it yet and especially when you can win her heart. So act like it. Or lose her to someone who will."</i>


    My heart pounded harder.


    "<i>I¡¯ll mark her," </i>I whispered aloud, voice low and firm. "<i>Before the others do."</i>


    <i>"Good."</i> Soren¡¯s tone flicked into a calm satisfaction.<i> "Because I won¡¯t let you lose our mate to hesitation."</i>


    Kai returned just then, spotting the look on my face.


    Without speaking much, we moved till we got to the training area and I leaned against the marble pir just outside the training block, arms crossed, eyes fixed on nothing.


    Kai paced beside me, checking his phone every few seconds like the screen would magically spit out Valerie¡¯s number.


    I was still trying to make peace with the fact that we¡ª<i>her mates</i>¡ªwere the only ones in her circle without ess to her. How did we mess up this badly?


    The vibration in my pocket startled me.


    I pulled out my phone to see an unknown number.


    My brows furrowed. "Strange number."


    Kai stopped pacing and nced over my shoulder. "Could be Valerie."


    Without hesitation, I epted the call and brought the phone to my ear.


    But it wasn¡¯t her.


    "You want her number?" the deep voice rumbled, smoothly. "Meet me at thest block of the school building. All of you."


    <i>Click.</i>


    The call ended before I could respond. I stared at the screen, still processing the weight behind those words.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Why aren¡¯t you moving?"


    I blinked. "I¡¯m trying to ce the voice."


    "Does it matter?" he said, already turning toward the path. "Let¡¯s go. We <i>need</i> to make it up to Valerie."


    "Dum-dum," I muttered, falling into step beside him, "he said <i>all</i> of us. That means whoever it is knows she¡¯s our mate."


    "Someone close, then," Kai reasoned. "What if it¡¯s Ash?"


    I scowled. "Then I¡¯d personally punch him."


    Kai groaned. "Didn¡¯t we just talk about not bullying the Lycan prince?"


    "Well... that depends on his face and what mood I¡¯m in."


    Right then, Axel and Xade appeared from the opposite end of the hallway, moving toward us with that careless stride they always wore like armor.


    I didn¡¯t say a word. I turned, already walking toward the meeting spot.


    "What¡¯s happening?" Axel asked Kai, ncing between us.


    "Someone wants to see us," Kai said. "They im to have Valerie¡¯s number."


    Xade halted, his boots echoing sharply. He raised an eyebrow and folded his arms, exuding that typical smirking arrogance that made me want to m him into a wall.


    "Just like that?" he asked. "And we¡¯re all just going to obey?"


    I didn¡¯t turn, but my steps slowed as he kept talking.


    Xade slid his hands into his trousers, slow and smug. "Since when did the mighty Dristan heed a man¡¯s whistle and go running like a dog?"


    My entire body froze.


    In the blink of an eye, I was right in front of him. My aura red without warning¡ªblue mes licking the edges of my vision as raw Alpha energy poured off me like a tidal wave.


    Xade didn¡¯t flinch.


    He looked down for a moment, a shadow of amusement crossing his face. Then he raised his head, and I saw it¡ªthe shift.


    His eyes glowed blue. His own power answered mine, meeting it with equal force.


    The air crackled, growing impossibly tense.


    For a moment, the hallway warped with the weight of our shing presence. Dust stirred from the corners. The wall lights flickered. Even the building seemed to groan beneath the pull of two Alpha kings¡¯ heirs testing the limits of the other.


    "Watch it, Xade," I said through clenched teeth. "You may not understand it, but Valeriees before your ego. I don¡¯t expect you to get it."


    Xade¡¯s voice lowered, his smile now razor-sharp. "Don¡¯t lecture me about mates, Dristan. You think power alone earns you her trust?"


    "She doesn¡¯t need trust from power," I said, stepping closer. "She needs loyalty. Something you treat like a joke."


    "Oh, and you think standing here like a growling mutt proves you¡¯re different?"


    "ENOUGH!"


    Kai¡¯s voice boomed between us.


    He shoved himself between us, his own aura ring hot and thick, mes of crimson flickering around him. "Both of you¡ª<i>stop.</i> We don¡¯t have time for this cockfight. Whoever called us is either a friend or a threat. Save the pissing contest forter."


    Axel joined, his hand gripping Xade¡¯s arm. "Seriously. This isn¡¯t about pride. It¡¯s about Valerie. Focus."


    Xade exhaled and rolled his neck, the blue fading from his gaze. "Fine."


    I stepped back, aura reining itself in slowly like a beast on a leash.


    My heartbeat didn¡¯t slow, but I nodded once.


    We walked in silence after that. No more taunts. No more pride shows.


    Thest block of the school building was quiet, shadows stretching long under the evening sun. The ce was mostly abandoned, used for storage and extra practice rooms. I narrowed my eyes, scanning the empty halls as we arrived.


    "No one," Axel muttered. "Figures. Waste of¡ª"


    Then we felt it.


    A <i>pull</i>¡ªa presence that prickled over skin and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Power. But not like ours. Not Lycan, not pure Alpha either.


    It was something... colder. Older. Commanding.


    And then we saw him.


    He stepped through the far doors like he owned the entire building. Silver hair shimmered under the corridor light, the ends tipped with streaks of violet. His walk was unhurried, but there was nothing casual about him.


    He carried <i>authority</i> like a second skin.


    Xander.


    He stopped a few feet away, the edges of his smile biting.


    "Well, well," he drawled. "Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs... or should I say¡ª" his gaze swept across us, slow and cutting¡ª"Terrible mates."

 Chapter 122: Loser Heirs

    <h4>Chapter 122: Loser Heirs</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 122</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I was sixteen when I shifted for the first time.


    It happened under a blood moon, during winter training in the Hignds, surrounded by cold and silence¡ªand the pressure of legacy.


    Everyone had been waiting for it. The heir to the ckfang Alpha. Son of General Rydor. Expected to be stronger, faster, <i>better.</i>


    And I was.


    The pain of the shift had been nothingpared to the burning in my chest when it was done.


    Soren had risen inside me like a tidal wave¡ªprimal, feral, <i>hungry</i>. His presence took over so quickly, so violently, that I lost all sense of time.


    The elders called it a "perfect bond" between human and wolf.


    But that night, when I returned to my room¡ªbones aching, skin slick with sweat, voice raw from howling¡ªI saw something that changed everything.


    I saw my mother.


    She was sitting in the corner of the room, half-shadowed, her face turned toward the window. Her long braid fell over one shoulder. Her hands were folded in herp like she had been sitting there for hours.


    She didn¡¯t look up when my father entered behind me.


    Alpha Alexander¡ªAlpha of the Ironfang Pack. Cold eyes. A voice that never needed to be raised to be feared.


    "What are you doing here?" he asked her.


    "I wanted to be present for our son¡¯s first shift," she said softly.


    His face twisted.


    "Your presence was not requested."


    Her fingers tightened in herp. "I am his mother<i>.</i> That should have been enough."


    "It¡¯s not."


    I stood frozen. My limbs still burned from shifting, my head spinning, but I couldn¡¯t look away. I should have spoken. Should have moved. Should have said <i>anything</i>.


    But I didn¡¯t.


    My mother stood slowly, chin lifted with all the grace and dignity the Luna title carried. But there was a bruise blooming on her neck¡ªdark and fresh. A gift from thest argument they¡¯d had.


    She said nothing more. Just nodded and walked out of the room without meeting my eyes.


    I remember the way my father looked at me then. Prideful. Distant. Like I was a piece of armor he had finally forged into shape.


    "You¡¯ll be stronger than me one day," he said. "You¡¯ll know how to use your mate bond when the timees."


    But all I could think about... was her bruise and the silence she left behind.


    Later that night, I sat in front of the mirror, shirtless, still feeling the burn of the shift deep in my bones. My reflection looked older. Harder. My eyes shimmered with new power, but I didn¡¯t feel powerful.


    I felt broken.


    Soren stirred for the first time since the shift. His voice was quiet in my mind.


    <i>"We¡¯ll never be like him."</i>


    "I swear it," I whispered aloud.


    <i>"We¡¯ll never mark someone unless it¡¯s real. Unless we can protect it."</i>


    <i>"We¡¯ll never own what we can¡¯t cherish."</i>


    And from that night on, I kept my vow.


    I wouldn¡¯t mark lightly. I wouldn¡¯t let instinct decide who I took. I would never brand someone with my im if I couldn¡¯t offer them the safety my mother never had.


    Even when I met Valerie¡ªburned for her, <i>ached</i> for her¡ªI still waited.


    Because I was afraid.


    Afraid of the Alpha in me.


    Afraid of the man I might be if I let power control me over the mate bond like it did my father.


    <strong>~Back to Present~</strong>


    But now... Now I was starting to see what Soren had warned me about.


    <i>"You waited because you thought it was noble,"</i> Soren had said. <i>"But sometimes, waiting is just another way to run."</i>


    And maybe I had because of my fears, but I wouldn¡¯t anymore, not after tonight.


    I was going to fight for Valerie, my father being a hindrance or not. I am an alpha and not his puppet.


    I blinked back when Kai¡¯s growl rumbled beside me like thunder cracking through still air at Xander¡¯s insult.


    The sound snapped me back to the present, reminding me that Xander was standing just feet away, his insult clear. "Hello, Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs... or should I say... <i>Terrible Mates.</i>"


    I stepped forward instinctively, the urge to silence him rising in my chest, but Xander only lifted a brow, clearly amused.


    There was no fear in him. No respect, either. Just blunt disdain and the kind of confidence you didn¡¯t fake.


    He was mocking us.


    "You¡¯re bold for someone not involved," Xade muttered from behind me, voice low and dangerous.


    Xander¡¯s head tilted slightly. "Not involved?" he echoed with a quietugh. "You think just because I¡¯m not bound to her, I¡¯m not allowed to care?"


    Xade scoffed. "So what, this is some kind of protective crush? You here to win her favour?"


    Xander¡¯s eyes glinted. "No. I¡¯m here because someone should be reminding you of how badly you¡¯re screwing up."


    He took a step closer. "You¡¯re mates¡ªher mates. The ones fate chose. And yet you stand around sulking, fighting each other, ying power games while she walks away from all of you."


    "Watch it," I growled, feeling Soren stir beneath my skin.


    Xander ignored me. "She¡¯s been pulling away for weeks, but none of you noticed. Why? Too busy arguing over who gets her first? Too proud to kneel when it mattered?"


    "Enough," I said coldly, my voice steel now.


    But he wasn¡¯t done.


    "You call yourselves Alphas," he went on, arms folding behind his back. "And yet none of you have done the one thing that matters to a mate¡ª<i>show up.</i> You didn¡¯t listen. You didn¡¯t protect. You didn¡¯t ask what she needed."


    I swallowed hard, jaw tightening. Every word hit home like a de.


    "Valerie may not be mine," he continued, gaze flicking to each of us in turn, "but I value her more than to let a pack of spoiled royal brats pretend they know what love is."


    The insult stung more because it wasced with truth.


    Then, without another word, Xander pulled a small folded piece of paper from his pocket and flicked it toward me.


    Itnded at my feet.


    Valerie¡¯s number was written in bold, sharp lettering.


    But I didn¡¯t pick it up.


    I couldn¡¯t yet.


    Xander turned to leave, the sound of his boots clicking against the tile echoing in the empty hallway. Then, just before the doors, he paused and looked over his shoulder.


    "Do you really think her phone number is the right way to solve this?"


    Before I could answer, Axel stepped forward. "I doubt you¡¯d understand, since she¡¯s not your mate."


    Xander¡¯s smirk deepened, but this time it wasn¡¯t mocking¡ªit was something darker.


    He nced at us from the corner of his eye. "Butpared to you four, I have a stronger bond with her."


    The air shifted.


    "So think again, wolf boy. I¡¯m no Lycan prince."


    And then it happened.


    Scales shimmered across his arms, trailing from beneath his rolled-up ck sleeves¡ªsilver and faintly iridescent.


    Small horns curled up from his temple like polished des. And in the next breath, a light burst from his back¡ªa pair of wings unfolded.


    Massive. Silver-veined. Majestic.


    They red once, and then¡ª


    "So long, loser heirs."


    With a rush of wind, Xander lifted off the ground and soared upward through the open archway above us, vanishing into the sky like a phantom.

 Chapter 123: All of You

    <h4>Chapter 123: All of You</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 123</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The silence that followed was deafening.


    The number still sat at my feet, untouched.


    Kai stared after the fading streak of light in the sky, then looked at me. "What do you say we call her and try to talk? Hopefully, she¡¯ll listen. Or..."


    "Or we chat her privately. Individually," Axel said, his voice quiet, more thoughtful now.


    Xade exhaled and looked at me. "What do you think, Dristan?"


    I didn¡¯t answer right away.


    My eyes were locked on that small piece of paper. It might as well have been a lifeline¡ªor a de.


    Finally, I looked up. "I need to see Valerie."


    Kai blinked. "Let¡¯s call her out?"


    "No." I shook my head. "She¡¯s not in the dorms."


    They all frowned.


    "What do you mean?" Axel asked.


    I nodded once. "Xander left more than her number. He left a trail. A clue. I could smell her on him."


    All their eyes snapped to me.


    "She was with him?" Kai asked, incredulous.


    "Yes," I said. "But not like that. I know Valerie¡¯s scent. It was recent, strong. But mingled with something else¡ªpine, damp earth. Forest."


    Xade raised his head, catching on. "East wing."


    "She¡¯s in the eastern woods," I confirmed. "Probably near the training de."


    Kai¡¯s fists clenched. "Let¡¯s go. Before she leaves."


    We didn¡¯t hesitate.


    No more dys.


    No more waiting.


    Valerie was slipping through our fingers¡ªand I wasn¡¯t going to lose her again without a fight.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The wind was gentle today.


    I leaned back on the cool stone beneath me, one leg stretched out, the other bent, as I bnced atop therge moss-covered rock nestled in the east wing¡¯s forest clearing.


    The sky above me was brushed with streaks of orange and soft gold, and the sun was beginning its descent.


    It was peaceful, too peaceful. I did not know how to navigate and handle four of them, to be honest.


    I had no reason to feel unsettled... but I was.


    I stared at the clouds with narrowed eyes, ignoring how my chest tightened.


    "You¡¯re being too hard on them," Astra whispered, voice fluttering in my head like the breeze through the leaves. "Dristan especially."


    "He needs it," I replied tly. "They all do."


    Astra huffed. <i>"Still, maybe give them a break? They¡¯re trying."</i>


    I scoffed under my breath. "Trying toote. And too wrong. I¡¯m not going to chase after a man, Astra. Not even a mate. If he doesn¡¯t use the brain the Moon Goddess gave him, then he¡¯s of no use to me."


    She whined, a soft ripple of protest. But I wasn¡¯t done.


    "Don¡¯t defend Dristan," I said firmly. "I need them to learn. If the Moon Goddess marked me as their mate, then she better expect them to grow into it."


    Astra quieted.


    I let my head tilt back again and let the silence stretch. Until I felt it.


    Heat¡ªshifting power, familiar auras approaching.


    I didn¡¯t move yet and waited till their footsteps broke into the clearing, slowly at first. The pressure of their presence settled around me like a shadow falling over light.


    I finally lifted my gaze.


    Dristan stood in the front, nked by Kai, Axel, and Xade. He looked... different. Intent and purposeful in a way.


    His voice cut through the forest. "Hello, Mate."


    I blinked. That word... <i>Mate</i>.


    He didn¡¯t say Valerie or you. Just one word, and it silenced everything inside me.


    Even the others nced at him, startled. For once, none of them interrupted.


    I sat up straighter, watching him. "Are you here to talk or just good at titles?" I asked coolly.


    Kai stepped forward first, his hand out slightly. "We came to say we¡¯ll do better. We... messed up. We admit that."


    "We¡¯ve got your number now," Axel added quickly. "We¡¯ll respect your space but we also want to talk¡ªproperly this time."


    I stared at them, then at the paper in Kai¡¯s hand. My expression didn¡¯t change.


    "For a bunch of guys who im to be brilliant strategists and cunning," I said, sliding off the rock and dusting my hands on my ck jacket, "you¡¯re all dumb when ites to women."


    Xade blinked. "Excuse me?"


    "You really think it¡¯s about the number?" I said, turning slowly to face them all. "You think giving me a call and saying let¡¯s try better and chat will fix this?"


    They were quiet now.


    I folded my arms, levelling them with a look.


    "If this is how you handle things¡ªrunning in a pack only after the prey¡¯s halfway gone¡ªthen I¡¯m d we haven¡¯t marked each other."


    A few of their faces twitched. Kai looked away. Axel flinched slightly.


    "There¡¯s still so much to learn," I said sharply. "And the worst part? You haven¡¯t even started."


    I turned, already done with the conversation.


    "If you¡¯re not ready for a mate, don¡¯t waste my time either, trying to im or kiss me."


    I had taken two steps and turned when Dristan¡¯s voice called out.


    "Valerie¡ªwait."


    I paused but didn¡¯t turn. I just waited.


    But all I got was silence, cold, deafening silence.


    Then... a collective gasp.


    I slowly turned, brows furrowing to see what had happened to shock the others.


    And stopped cold.


    Dristan was on <strong>one knee</strong>.


    His head was bowed, blond hair falling around his face, lips parted slightly like he was working through words he never thought he¡¯d have to say aloud.


    The others stood back, silent, almost stunned.


    He looked up at me, and the intensity in his eyes knocked the wind from my lungs.


    "I¡¯m sorry," he said, voice low but steady. "I haven¡¯t been the mate you deserved. I let pride, fear, all of it, get in the way. He was right. It is not about the number, nor can getting your line fix this mess. We¡ªI, did not prioritise you well."


    He shifted, still kneeling. "And I know I can¡¯t speak for all of us, but I want to try. I want to know you better. We want to. Not just chase what the bond tells me to want."


    I stared at him.


    "And if you¡¯ll let me¡ªlet us, we ¡¯ll do it right this time," he added. "No marks. No assumptions. Just time and real effort."


    Something inside me cracked.


    The corner of my lips lifted into a slight smirk, but it softened into something tangible. Something warm.


    I stepped closer, tucking my hands in my jacket pockets.


    Then I smiled¡ªwide, genuine, and eyes gleaming.


    "I forgive you, Mate."


    I did not wait for Dristan or the others to say anything before pivoting on my heels and walking away peacefully.


    No one spoke or said a word; they all seemed dumbfounded.


    Astra¡¯s voice whispered as I turned. <i>"That was beautiful, Val. I¡¯m proud of you."</i>


    I exhaled softly. <i>"They needed to feel it, not just hear it. That¡¯s their second chance."</i>


    <i>"You really think they¡¯ll use it well?"</i>


    I didn¡¯t stop walking, just tucked my hands deeper into my pockets. "They better. If they mess it up again, I won¡¯t wait for a third."


    A pause, then Astra giggled. <i>"Spoken like a true Alpha Queen."</i>


    I smiled slightly, boots crunching the leaves beneath me.


    However, I paused a couple of steps afterwards, and without turning, I lifted my chin toward the sky, letting the moment¡¯s weight settle.


    "All of you."


    I didn¡¯t need to see their faces to know I¡¯d just shaken their entire world.

 Chapter 124: First Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 124: First Confrontation</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 124</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I yawned, still tired even after waking up at 6 a.m. today. The morning air inside the dorm felt still, crisp, like the world was holding its breath.


    I adjusted the strap of my schoolbag on my shoulder and stepped into themon area, half expecting it to be empty.


    But as I turned toward themon area, I caught sight of I perched on the kitchen counter, barefoot and hugging a warm cup of coffee like it was a lifeline.


    She looked rxed, her dark curls pinned up messily, a soft smirk ying on her lips as her eyes found mine.


    "Morning," I said cautiously.


    She didn¡¯t reply at first. Just sipped her coffee. That smile still lingered, and I could feel it¡ªthe knowing in her gaze.


    "What?" I asked finally, narrowing my eyes as i ced my bag on the counter and took a seat beside her.


    I set her cup down and stood up slowly, walking toward me.


    "Saw my phone yesterday night," she said casually. "Saw the call log. Checked with Dristan."


    I tilted my head, unsure where she was going.


    Her voice dropped just a touch. "He said you forgave them."


    I blinked. "Well¡ª"


    Before I could say another word, she dropped her mug and pulled me into a quick, tight hug.


    "Thanks," she whispered into my ear.


    I froze for a beat, then rxed. "It wasn¡¯t about them," I murmured. "It was about me."


    She nodded as we moved back. "Still. You did what most wouldn¡¯t."


    I gave a half shrug. "They deserved a lesson. Not exile. It wasn¡¯t just asking about my number. They never felt the need to have it in the first ce, and your cousin got jealous and acted entitled with me. Not cool."


    Iughed, sipping thest of her coffee before setting it in the sink. "For the record, the world¡¯s holding its breath for how they¡¯ll screw up next."


    I smirked. "So dramatic."


    She leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "So what¡¯s your next move, and how do you n on handling them. Min you, alpha males are very possessive, territorial and..."


    "I¡¯ll survive." I picked up a ss and took some water. "Where¡¯s Astraea and Emerald?


    "Astraea¡¯s not around¡ªshe went to visit her cousin. Princess Titania. Said she needed rity."


    "Makes sense." I nodded. "Emerald?"


    "In theb early. She said she had to check on a sample with Professor Kenric before ss."


    I shifted my bag on my shoulder and nced toward the door. "We should head out too if we do not want to bete."


    "You haven¡¯t had breakfast, Valerie," I called out, stopping me from leaving.


    "You need to take cereals like a normal growing child at least."


    I stared at her inly as though I were seeing a ghost or something.


    "What?" I asked


    I smiled. "Don¡¯t y the mother role right now, I."


    "Well, if I don¡¯t take care of you, who will?" I smirked and shook my head.


    "Come on, gulp something down.


    I shook my head. "Fine."


    As I quickly ate my cereal, I¡¯s voice carried on.


    "So... you want to ho on a date with them or you are still observing?"


    "Observe."


    "Hmm... okay... yeah. Before someone else finds a way to hijack your attention."


    If only she knew.


    ****************


    The halls were quiet when I arrived at ss, but that silence didn¡¯tst long.


    As I stepped into the lecture room, my steps slowed just a fraction. He was already there.


    Kieran.


    Ever since the first time I caught him staring at me, he and I haven¡¯t crossed paths. Well, we¡¯ve seen each other but haven¡¯t had a hearty discussion with him.


    Reclined back in the corner seat like he owned the ce, legs stretched, arms crossed behind his head with thatzy arrogance he wore like cologne.


    His blonde hair was slicked back today, with a few strands falling across his forehead in a careless way. His eyes¡ªthose unsettling, molten hazel ones¡ªtracked me the moment I entered.


    He smiled.


    Of course he did.


    Slow. Sharp. Dangerous.


    He said nothing. Not right away. Just let his gaze trail, from my face to the curve of my shoulder to the way I gripped my bag a little tighter.


    He was ying.


    <strong>Kieran always yed.</strong>


    He didn¡¯t need to touch me to get a reaction¡ªhe <i>was</i> the reaction.


    I made my way to a seat two rows ahead, refusing to acknowledge him. If I fed the fire, he¡¯d only burn hotter.


    Still... I could feel him lean forward.


    "Morning, Sunshine," his voice finally purred, soft enough that only I could hear it.


    I didn¡¯t turn. "Pick a new target, Kieran. I¡¯m not in the mood."


    "Who said anything about targeting?" he replied, feigning innocence. "Maybe I just wanted to greet my favorite ssmate."


    I exhaled slowly. "You¡¯re pushing your luck."


    He chuckled, a low sound that curled around my spine. "Wasn¡¯t it you who said we all need to learn something? Maybe I¡¯m here for the lesson."


    I turned halfway, giving him a cold nce over my shoulder. "Some people need to learn respect first."


    He leaned forward, resting his chin on one hand, smile unfazed. "And some people need to admit when they like the attention."


    That earned a full eye roll.


    "Dristan warned you, didn¡¯t he?" I asked tly.


    Kieran¡¯s grin widened, his eyes sparking with mischief. "He did."


    "And you¡¯re still here?"


    "I¡¯m always where I¡¯m not supposed to be, darling. Makes things more interesting."


    My jaw clenched. But I refused to give him the satisfaction of an emotional reaction. That¡¯s what he wanted¡ªchaos, friction, <i>tension</i>.


    Kieran thrived in it.


    I turned back fully in my seat, ignoring the way he was now subtly tapping his pen against the desk in an idle rhythm.


    He was making a point.


    He wasn¡¯t going anywhere.


    And while I hated to admit it...


    Part of me didn¡¯t know if that was a good or bad thing.

 Chapter 125: Stressful Warm Up

    <h4>Chapter 125: Stressful Warm Up</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 125</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t like crowds, but I liked watching her in them.


    Valerie had just taken her seat, spine straight, chin lifted, and every inch of her reading was <i>not today</i>. Still, her silence screamed louder than most voices. And I¡¯d heard enough.


    The scent reached me first from the hallway¡ªlovely apple scent, warm skin, something sharp and feminine. Valerie.


    Then another scentyered over it.


    Kieran, of course.


    I stepped into the lecture hall, and right on cue, his voice drifted through the space.


    "¡ªMaybe I¡¯m here for the lesson."


    His tone wasced with that usualzy charm, the one that oozed arrogance and amusement like it was some damn cologne he couldn¡¯t wash off.


    I watched, unseen for a moment, as Valerie didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t melt. Didn¡¯t y into it.


    That was good, but even still, Kieran didn¡¯t know when to back off.


    I moved forward.


    One step. Then two.


    The sound of conversation dipped and a few heads turned. By the third step, all eyes were on me.


    I ignored the other students¡¯ ssroom tension and the whisper that swept through the back row like wildfire.


    I didn¡¯t look at Kieran, not even once. The entire time, my attention¡ªmy gaze was fixed on Valerie.


    Her eyes caught mine before I even opened my mouth. Valerie blinked, slowly, and I saw that wall she always wore twitch¡ªjust a crack. Barely there.


    But I noticed.


    I always noticed her.


    I stopped beside her desk, slipped one hand casually into my pocket, the other brushing my hair back with a slow, deliberate gesture.


    My body cast a shadow across her desk, blocking Kieran¡¯s view, and I let the silence stretch, just long enough for the tension to curl.


    Then I leaned down slightly, keeping my voice low.


    "Next time you make my heart stutter, warn me first, will you?" I murmured softly enough for only her to hear.


    I heard someone gasp from the second row.


    Valerie blinked again. And that mouth¡ªthose lips¡ªtwitched. Barely.


    But it was there.


    A reaction. I was dying so hard to im them and kiss them so hard she¡¯d forget the feel of the others¡¯ lips on hers.


    I straightened, a smirk tugging at my mouth. "Meet me after school."


    I didn¡¯t give her time to respond. I didn¡¯t want to because, knowing Valerie, she¡¯d want to do something or say something to refute.


    So instead, I turned, shoulders rxed, slipping both hands into my pockets now, and walked out.


    Still, I didn¡¯t nce at Kieran once. Didn¡¯t need to.


    The best way to show dominance isn¡¯t through words. It was through the silence that follows when you¡¯ve already won.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>Forest Clearing ¨C Guild One Training Grounds</strong>


    The sun filtered through the canopy in golden threads, casting patches of dappled light over the forest floor.


    The scent of sweat, earth, and raw determination lingered heavy in the air as Guild One m members moved through thest stretch of their endurance run.


    By the time they finished, Valerie¡¯s breathing was ragged as she finally slowed near the clearing¡¯s edge, where a wide stream ran beside the training trail.


    Her ck sleeveless shirt clung to her skin, soaked with sweat and damp strands of ck hair stuck to the sides of her face.


    She was used to pushing herself¡ªthis wasn¡¯t new¡ªbut the instructors had turned things up today.


    Three words¡ªharder, longer and faster.


    She bent forward slightly, her hands resting just above her knees as she caught her breath. Then, without a word, she dropped to a squat beside the stream, cupped some cold water, and sshed it onto her face.


    Another breath. Then another before calm returned, slowly.


    She dipped again, this time running her wet fingers through her hair, tilting her head back and letting the drops trickle down her neck.


    As she leaned forward again, her shirt shifted¡ªand something slipped out.


    Her ne.


    The delicate silver chain hung low, and at the end dangled a small, tear-shaped gem. The gem was iridescent, blue-grey, like storm clouds caught in crystal.


    It glinted in the light just for a second before she quickly tucked it back beneath her shirt.


    Valerie exhaled again and straightened, just as footsteps approached.


    "Val!" I¡¯s voice cut through the distant shouts and grunts of others sparring. "You alive out here or just pretending to drown in the river?"


    Valerie turned as I jogged up, her own shirt damp and streaked with mud. She looked like a hot mess, but her grin was somehow smug.


    "Barely alive," Valerie muttered, brushing her hair back. "I was hoping for a second to breathe."


    "Well, tough luck. Next session¡¯s starting. Two-manbat drills. They¡¯re pairing us."


    Valerie raised a brow. "Really? Not that I care who I am paired with again at this point, after simtion,."


    I frowned a bit as she nudged Valerie¡¯s shoulder. "Because I already told them we¡¯re a team, and I am not letting you leave me alone to fight one of these testosterone-junkie heirs."


    A soft and genuineugh slipped out of Valerie¡¯s mouth. "Fine. I¡¯ll carry you through it."


    "Rude," I said with mock offence. "Let¡¯s go before they make us run anotherp."


    Together, they walked toward the next station, boots crunching against the forest soil.


    But just a few paces behind the nearest tree... someone watched.


    Marianne.


    She stepped slowly from behind the thick bark, her eyes narrowed¡ªnot at Valerie, but at what had just slipped from beneath her shirt.


    The ne.


    The one she had on her when Valerie came to snatch it back. Her breathing slowed, and her fingers twitched at her side.


    "Soon..." she whispered. "Soon it shall be mine."


    Her hand clenched into a tight fist, knuckles whitening until her skin nearly split from the pressure. She was so fixated that she didn¡¯t hear the footsteps behind her until it was toote.


    "Remind me," came a sharp, crisp voice, "what a sophomore is doing out here, far from ss during senior year¡¯s training hours?"


    Marianne stiffened.


    Frozen.


    Emerald stepped out from behind another tree, her arms folded over her chest, green eyes sharp with suspicion. Her presence was quiet, but her tone carried weight.


    "Speak," Emerald said. "What business do you have with the senior training ground?"


    "I¡ªI was just..."


    "Answer me," Emerald warned. "Before I walk you to the principal¡¯s office myself."


    Marianne¡¯s head lowered, lips parting, but no words came. Her brain scrambled for something¡ª<i>anything</i>¡ªto say.


    Then another voice entered.


    "It¡¯s because I called her here."

 Chapter 126: Guild One: Sparring

    <h4>Chapter 126: Guild One: Sparring</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 126</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Both girls turned fully at the sound of the familiar voice.


    There, standing in soft white and violet robes, her presence radiant and unmistakable, stood <strong>Princess Titania</strong> of the Fae Court. Her golden hair was braided into a thick crown, delicate leaves woven through the strands.


    Emerald¡¯s eyes widened instantly.


    "Princess," she greeted quickly, dipping her head.


    "Hello, Emerald," Titania replied, her tone light. "I asked her to meet me. Forgive the interruption to your schedule."


    Emerald straightened. "In that case... I¡¯ll leave her to you."


    Titania gave her a small nod. "Much appreciated."


    With that, Emerald gave Marianne a warning nce before turning on her heel and disappearing into the trees.


    Titania turned to Marianne.


    "Come. We have much to discuss," she said coolly, her gaze unreadable.


    "Yes, Princess," Marianne murmured.


    As they walked away together, the air shifted and Emerald halted to look at the duo.


    Whatever Titania wanted from her wouldn¡¯t be simple, and whatever Marianne was nning... seemed to be already in motion.


    ¡¯Should I warn Valerie or watch her first?¡¯ Emerald thought as she turned around full and left.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile... When Valerie and I stepped onto the training grounds, most of the n was already gathered in a loose semicircle.


    The clearing was filled with murmurs, footwork drills, and the asional burst of raw energy as someone practised a hit or a dodge.


    Valerie adjusted the strap of her tank and wiped thest of the water from her face with a towel I had handed her.


    "Think it¡¯s sparring?" I asked as they slowed their pace.


    "I hope not," Valerie muttered. "Not when I¡¯m barely holding my legs together."


    "Shut it," I grinned. "You love this stuff."


    Valerie gave her a half-smirk, but said nothing more. She ahd to admit, she did love it but then, aside the attention on her just for her grades and how ood she was inbat, Valerie was trying to pretend whenever she can to hide her skils.


    But then againwhen she thought about them being graded, she just couldn¡¯t afford to fail as she never did since birth.


    Just then, <strong>Dristan</strong> stepped forward from the other end of the field. He was dressed in full tactical ck, no sleeves, no smile, just pure authority.


    His golden blond hair caught the sunlight, messy from his earlier drills, but his gaze was sharp and cutting.


    The murmurs fell away instantly.


    He stopped before the assembled group, eyes scanning across the rows. n A. n B. His people.


    Then he spoke.


    "Listen up."


    One word, and it locked everyone into silence.


    "The next phase is a sparring test with teams, one-on-one. Strength, awareness, and adaptability will be judged. Even as teams, each of you will be scored¡ªthis goes on your final Guild ranking. Consider it your mini test scores."


    I whispered, "Knew it," and Valerie elbowed her gently.


    Dristan¡¯s gaze flicked toward them, but only for a second.


    "You¡¯re to pick your partner now. You have one minute. n A and B, cross-pick if you need to. No repeats. Go."


    The field erupted with motion¡ªhands reached, names were called, alliances formed in seconds.


    Valerie barely turned before I hooked an arm through hers. "Obviously."


    Valerie smiled. "Don¡¯t cry when when you get knocked out because of me."


    "You wish," I grinned.


    Within a minute, the partners stood side by side. Some looked smug, some nervous, and some were already sizing each other up.


    Dristan began walking along the line slowly, deliberately. His expression was unreadable, but something in his eyes made a few backs straighten and shoulders rise.


    Then he stopped.


    He looked forward, hands behind his back, voice like velvet dipped in steel. "Now turn to face your partner."


    Everyone obeyed, ncing at one another with curiosity and mild confusion.


    Then Dristan¡¯s lips curled into a devilish smirk.


    "Lower your heads."


    Brows furrowed, but most obeyed again, casting confused nces to the ground.


    "Good," Dristan said smoothly. "Now lift them¡ªbecause the person standing before you is not your teammate."


    A collective inhale swept through the field. "They¡¯re your opponent."


    Shock followed.


    Eyes widened. Some swore. Others just blinked in disbelief.


    Dristan stepped back, arms crossed loosely. "Today, you fight your ¡¯teammate.¡¯ One pair at a time. First name up¡ª"


    An instructor handed him a clipboard.


    He scanned it and read out. "Rowan and Maddox. You¡¯re up."


    Cheers erupted as the two stepped forward.


    The match was fast, fiery, and messy. Rowan had speed. Maddox had power. In five minutes, the decision was clear. Maddox overpowered Rowan and pinned him clean.


    "Next," Dristan said, ncing down. "Valerie and I."


    Both girls stepped forward. Valerie cracked her neck once. I tightened her gloves.


    "You sure about this?" I asked, one brow raised as they took their ces in the center of the ring.


    Valerie smirked. "Not at all."


    The signal was given.


    They moved.


    I came in quick, fast footwork, using her agility to her advantage. She struck low first, sweeping at Valerie¡¯s ankle, then rebounded and aimed high.


    Valerie blocked both with smooth, sharp motions. Her defence was tighter. Her power was more grounded.


    I grinned, ducked low, andunched herself into a spin-kick. Valerie leapt back just in time, her braid flying over her shoulder.


    "Show off," Valerie muttered.


    "I learned from the best," I quipped as she quickly tipped her chin in Dristan¡¯s direction. "He is the best."


    "I bet."


    They shed again¡ªValerie now taking the offensive. She jabbed, spun, and twisted.


    I blocked two strikes, slipped under a third, and countered with a sharp elbow to Valerie¡¯s ribs. It connected¡ªbut just barely.


    Valerie¡¯s eyes glinted.


    She grabbed I¡¯s forearm, pivoted, and flipped her over her hip.


    The crowd gasped as I rolled to her feet before she could hit the ground t.


    They circled again. Sweat rolled down their brows, both panting now. Valerie¡¯s arms gleamed with effort, but her stance never wavered.


    I charged again, and this time, it is going high. Valerie anticipated it. She dodged, sidestepped, and swept I¡¯s legs from beneath her, making I hit the ground with a grunt.


    Taking full advantage of the situation, Valerie pinned her.


    One, two... three.


    The whistle blew.


    "Winner¡ªValerie Nightshade," the instructor announced.


    Valerie stood and offered I a hand. I took it,ughing breathlessly. "I want a rematch after breakfast next time."


    Valerie smiled. "Bring coffee and we¡¯ll talk."


    As they walked off the field, the murmurs began again, louder this time¡ªwords like <i>firm</i>, <i>cold</i> and <i>unshakable rendered the air</i>.


    But Valerie didn¡¯t hear them. She only nced toward Dristan. And he... was already watching her.

 Chapter 127: Summoned Like a Wolf

    <h4>Chapter 127: Summoned Like a Wolf</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 127</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>Meanwhile... </strong>Titania walked ahead, keeping her posture poised and regal despite the wild terrain. Marianne struggled to keep up, her boots sinking slightly into the mossy forest floor as they entered a quiet grove¡ªbathed in soft violet light, a ce that felt... suspended from time.


    When Titania finally stopped, she turned with a fluid sweep of her arm and looked down at Marianne.


    "Show me what you saw."


    Marianne hesitated, then reached into the folds of her sleeve and produced a rough sketch, hurriedly drawn. On it was the <strong>tear-shaped</strong><strong>gem¡ªt</strong>he ne. She had traced its outline from memory.


    Titania took it, staring at the image for a long moment.


    Then her lips parted.


    "It¡¯s real."


    Marianne frowned. "So... the rumours¡ª"


    "Are no longer rumors." Titania¡¯s voice turned quiet but cold. "That ne belonged to Valerie after she stole it from us. Which means it likely contains more than we know ot seem to protect."


    Marianne swallowed. "A core fragment?"


    Titania didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she stepped closer.


    Marianne¡¯s heart pounded.


    Titania¡¯s eyes darkened. "If you want it so badly, then I suggest you change strategy.."


    Marianne¡¯s jaw tightened. "So what do you want me to do?"


    Titania leaned in, voice cold as frost. "Watch her. Stay close. And when the timees¡ªretrieve the ne."


    "And the girl?"


    Titania¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. "We only need the relic."


    Marianne blinked. "But... what if she unlocks it?"


    Titania¡¯s smile was razor-thin. "Then she¡¯ll die for what she doesn¡¯t understand. You, be prepared and leave the rest to chance and proper nning."


    "As you wish."


    "Good,¡¯ Titania called out from the side before walking off. "Next time, be subtle."


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Later That Evening ¨C Dormitory, Room.


    Immediately after I arrived from ss, I only wanted to take a nice, cold bath to rx my nerves.


    Training was hard and nice, but what I truly wanted to do was shift.


    My first shift had not been so painful as it should have been, and it did not scare me to want it to happen again.


    Other than that, Astra wanted so much toe out and enjoy herself. I felt bad keeping her in but we were in a school filled with prying students and thest thing i wanted was for them seeing my streaked wolf.


    I undressed quickly and stepped into the bathroom.


    The steam from the bathroom still clung to the walls as I stepped out minutester, towel wrapped tight around my chest, my skin flushed from the heat.


    I reached for my robe, pulling it on slowly while drying the ends of my damp hair with a smaller towel.


    My phone vibrated on the bed beside my folded clothes.


    I blinked once when I noticed the caller ID was an unknown number.


    I frowned, unlocking it.


    <strong><i>Meet me at the back gate. Near where you and I entered the other day. Alone.</i></strong>


    No name showed up in the contact... but I didn¡¯t need one.


    <strong>Dristan.</strong>


    Just beneath the message, he added a second line.


    <strong>Dristan: </strong><strong><i>You already know who I am, I presume, mate.</i></strong>


    My brows shot up.


    I rolled my eyes, grabbed my phone, and typed back quickly:


    <strong>Me: </strong><strong><i>Meet you for what?</i></strong>


    The reply came fast.


    <strong>Dristan: </strong><strong><i>You¡¯ll see when you show up.</i></strong>


    I sighed and stared at the message.


    He was frustrating.


    And yet... I was already wearing my bra and undies, pulling on a hoodie over my head and grabbing my shoes.


    Something in my gut told me to go. It wasn¡¯t about curiosity¡ªit was instinct.


    Maybe even... hope.


    When I stepped outside, the sunset was still beautifully disyed across the sky, and the breeze was crisp, hinting at oing rain.


    I found him exactly where he said he¡¯d be.


    Leaning back against the side of his matte ck car, hands in his pockets, eyes half-lidded like he hadn¡¯t a care in the world.


    His shirt was dark, sleeves rolled up, and that familiar devil-may-care smirk curved on his lips the moment our eyes met.


    I stopped a few feet away, crossing my arms.


    "What¡¯s the meaning of this?" I asked, motioning toward him with my phone. "Summoning me like I¡¯m some wolf to your whistle?"


    Dristan¡¯s smirk only widened. "Come on, Val, get in. We¡¯re going out."


    My brows rose. "Where?"


    He shrugged, pushing off the car casually. "It¡¯s a surprise."


    I folded my arms tighter. "Nope. If I don¡¯t know where, I¡¯m not going anywhere."


    I turned, fully ready to walk away.


    Then a gust of wind blew through the trees, lifting strands of my hair into the air.


    And suddenly, Dristan¡¯s hand was on my wrist.


    Before I could register it, he¡¯d tugged me back with swift precision, and I spun right into his chest.


    Warm, hard muscles and steady breath.


    My hands pressed against him instinctively, but I didn¡¯t shove him. I didn¡¯t move. My breath hitched as I tilted my head back, and our eyes locked.


    I had wanted to protest and look him in the eyes while I defied him but suddenly, everything stilled.


    I saw Dristan¡¯s gaze flickered down to my lips. Slowly. Like he was drinking in the memory of them.


    In the same way, I remembered how close we¡¯d gotten before.


    The bond hummed between us, and my chest rose with his. Dristan¡¯s pupils dted. Then, just when I thought he¡¯d pull back...


    "Screw it," he muttered.


    And his mouth crashed against mine.


    The kiss was nothing like the first brush of lips I imagined he¡¯d try.


    It was hot, fierce and all-consuming.


    His hands slid up to cradle my jaw as his mouth moved over mine with devastating hunger.


    My fingers clutched at his shirt before I could stop them. I felt him smile into the kiss, like he¡¯d expected resistance and got surrender instead.


    He deepened it, tilting his head slightly, his lips coaxing mine open. The moment I did, parting my lips for him, Dristan¡¯s tongue slid against mine, and my knees nearly buckled.


    This was no polite mating kiss.


    This was a <i>im.</i>


    This was Dristan¡ªAlpha Heir, warrior, and suddenly, a man who didn¡¯t want to wait anymore.


    When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine for half a breath. Our breaths were ragged, shared between the inches of air that now separated us.


    His voice was lower than I¡¯d ever heard as he stated firmly. "I¡¯m taking you out on a date."


    And with that, he stepped back, eyes gleaming like the moon itself had just answered him.

 Chapter 128: A Date

    <h4>Chapter 128: A Date</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 128</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Later That Night ¨C Somewhere Beyond the Border


    I was still trying to calm my heart by the time we hit the border road. The kiss lingered on my lips. And right now, I want more.


    And Dristan... he didn¡¯t say a word after it. He just opened the passenger door for me like he hadn¡¯t just wrecked my brain. Like he hadn¡¯t turned my bones to silk with one move.


    Now, we were driving. Fast.


    The wind whipped past the half-cracked windows. Trees blurred under the rising moonlight. Every few seconds, I found myself ncing at him from the corner of my eye.


    One hand on the wheel, the other on the armrest, Dristan was calm. Too calm.


    But I could feel it¡ªjust beneath the surface.


    His wolf was purring.


    Finally, he spoke. "You¡¯re awfully quiet."


    I exhaled, turning my head to the window. "You¡¯re the one who kidnapped me, remember?"


    He chuckled. "You came willingly."


    "That¡¯s not the point."


    He said nothing, but I could see the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth again.


    We pulled into a long, tree-lined driveway. No guards. No gates. Just wilderness... and moonlight.


    At the end of the road sat a small wooden lodge with ss walls that caught the stars and made them part of the building itself.


    Lanterns glowed warmly along the path, and soft string lights flickered beneath the overhang.


    I blinked.


    "Where is this?"


    "Private property," he said, cutting the engine. "Ie here when I need to think."


    He came around and opened my door.


    I stepped out cautiously. The air was cooler and crisper here. The scent of pine, cedar, and something faintly floral lingered in the breeze.


    Dristan led me inside. The interior was rustic, yet elegant¡ªa firece crackled at the far end.


    Floor cushions and fur throws were strewn across the low lounge. A single table was set for two near the tall window that looked out over a darkke.


    He gestured for me to sit after pulling oyt a chair for me and I did.


    Immedidtaely I sat, Dristan took his seat too.


    "I didn¡¯t n a five-star meal," he said as he poured two sses of wine from a bottle already breathing on the table, "but I figured we could do without an audience."


    I took the ss silently.


    Dristan sat across from me, legs slightly spread, arms resting on the table. His posture was open, but his eyes were searching mine deeply.


    "You¡¯re still guarded," he said after a sip.


    I raised a brow. "You dragged me out here and kissed me like you were starving. Of course, I¡¯m guarded."


    "I kissed you," he said smoothly, "because I¡¯ve been holding back since the first day you and I kissed. And furthermore when I saw Axel kissed you. I¡¯d always wanted to kiss you again and wash the taste of their lips from yours, leaving only mine in your memory."


    I blinked, caught off-guard with how things went. "That was not exactly romantic. If you¡¯re expecting me to say otherwise, I won¡¯t."


    Dristan¡¯s smile eased onto his features. "I don¡¯t need to. "It was powerful. And that stuck."


    I looked away, trying to bury the warmth creeping into my cheeks.


    He leaned forward just slightly, the candlelight throwing golden shadows over his face.


    "What are you afraid of?"


    I stared at him but my mind was focused more on the question that left those sulent lips of his.


    The question hung in the air like smoke. Unspoken things curled around it¡ªthings I couldn¡¯t name.


    Was it my mother¡¯s death? My parents were killed like worthless animals, the raid, the smell of


    Finally, I shrugged. "I don¡¯t know. Maybe I¡¯m not afraid. Maybe I just don¡¯t trust you."


    That didn¡¯t rattle him. Not even a little.


    Dristan reached for his ss again, swirling the liquid slowly. "I get it," he said. "You probably do not trust the most dangerous mate, or you simply don¡¯t trust easily. You push back. You test. That¡¯s fine. I just want you to know I¡¯m not here to pass a test."


    "What are you here for, then?" I asked, voice low.


    He set the ss down and held my gaze.


    "You."


    My breath caught.


    "The real you. Not the girl the instructors praise. Not the mate the bond demands. Not the warrior, the ranked, the untouchable."


    "Just... Valerie."


    I didn¡¯t move. I didn¡¯t blink.


    The silence between us thickened, but this time it wasn¡¯t awkward¡ªit was electric.


    Still, I didn¡¯t speak. My fingers tightened slightly around the stem of the ss. I could feel Astra humming beneath my skin, restless. She wanted to trust him.


    But I... couldn¡¯t. Not yet.


    He saw it.


    I knew he did, not like I was hiding that fact from him or anything. And still, he didn¡¯t push.


    Dristan stood slowly, walking to the window.


    His voice came quieter this time. "You don¡¯t have to give me answers tonight. Or even tomorrow. Just... let me earn the right to ask them."


    I turned my face away, my eyes burning. Not from sadness or fear but from how damn gentle he was.


    Gentleness was always the most dangerous thing because it makes you want to open your door.


    And that¡¯s how things get stolen.


    He turned back around and offered his hand.


    "Come on. I want to show you theke before the fog rolls in."


    I hesitated briefly and then I took it.


    His fingers were warm and strong as they curled around mine. It was familiar but still unknown.


    And as he led me outside, hand in mine, I realised one terrifying, thrilling thing¡ªI wanted to know him, Dristan Alexander, more too.


    <strong>¡ª</strong>


    <strong>Lakeside ¨C Private Retreat Grounds</strong>


    The night air wrapped around us like a second skin¡ªcool, still, and alive with the whisper of leaves and distant water ripples. Dristan¡¯s hand was still in mine, warm as he led me down a small slope toward thekeshore.


    The stars above split across the sky in thousands, more than I ever saw from the school¡¯s campus grounds.


    The moon sat high, silver and solemn, casting light that danced across theke¡¯s surface like liquid ss.


    He didn¡¯t say anything at first. And I didn¡¯t rush to fill the silence.


    It was... nice. Peaceful in a way I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. No duty. No bond pressure. No rivalry.


    Just him.


    Just us.


    "It¡¯s beautiful," Iplimented, hoping to break the awkward tension, but Dristan¡¯s reply made it even more so.


    "Just like you."

 Chapter 129: Painful Memories

    <h4>Chapter 129: Painful Memories</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 129</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>South Region ¨C Golden w Pack</strong>


    The gates of the Golden w estate creaked open as Zade¡¯s ck Range Rover rolled onto the gravel path, and thete sunset light gleamed faintly off the sleek vehicle.


    The estate itself stood tall¡ªa fortress of prestige and tradition, tucked deep in the southern woods.


    The air was thick with pine andvender, a scent his ancestors once deemed calming to warriors before war.


    Zade didn¡¯t feel calm.


    Not today.


    He pulled to a stop in front of the pack house, where two omega maids waited dutifully at the steps, hands folded neatly in front of them.


    One of them stepped forward. "Alpha Zade, wee home. You have a visitor waiting in the main room."


    He raised a brow, pushing his sunsses up into his thick, blond curls. "Visitor?"


    The second omega gave a small nod. "Lady Tempest."


    His expression shifted, a faint, nostalgic smile tugging at the corner of his lips.


    Tempest.


    It had been a long time.


    "Thanks," he murmured as he stepped out of the vehicle, adjusting the dark jacket over his shoulders.


    He moved with that smooth, casual power that came naturally to him, as if his very presencemanded the wind to hold its breath.


    As he entered the main room, he saw her before she turned.


    Tempest¡ªbarefoot, regal as ever in a flowing burnt orange kaftan, her natural curls wild and unbothered, gold hoops dangling from her ears. She turned the moment she felt him enter, her smile stretching wide as her eyes lit up.


    "Hello, Tempest."


    "Zade!" Tempestughed, walking forward to embrace him tightly. "It¡¯s been what, brother-inw¡ªtwo years since we¡¯ve seen each other?"


    Zade chuckled, shaking his head as he returned her hug with one arm. "Always the drama queen. It¡¯s been just a year and a few months."


    Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she stepped back. "And I¡¯m the drama queen? Zade, back in the day¡ªeighteen years ago, or even ten¡ªwe saw each other all the time. Me. You. My twin, your wife. The kids. Snow and¡ª"


    "Zara," Zade finished for her, his smile slowly fading into something quieter as his gaze lowered.


    "Yeah." Tempest¡¯s voice dropped with his.


    Zade sighed, shoulders visibly heavy. "I know. But times changed and..."


    "And you secluded yourself from the family, Zade," Tempest cut in, not unkindly, but honestly. "Yes, Zara was your sister. But Snow was my little brother. And Aira? My twin. I didn¡¯t just lose a brother and sister-inw. I lost my family. And you... you just disappeared."


    He ran a hand over his jaw, jaw tensing. "Tempest, it hasn¡¯t been easy. I lost Zara twice now."


    "I know. By the way, where is Aira?"


    Zade shrugged lightly before letting his gaze nce around. "Don¡¯t look at me like that, Tempest. I just got home."


    She blinked. "So did I."


    They stood in silence for a beat.


    Just then, one of the omega maids slipped into the room, bowing her head respectfully. "Alpha, Luna Aira is in her workshop. She¡¯s painting and didn¡¯t want to be disturbed."


    Zade nced toward the hallway that led up the stairs. His shoulders softened just slightly.


    "She still paints?" Tempest asked, surprised. Her voice dropped with something almost hopeful. "I thought she stopped after Snow and Zara..."


    "She did," Zade cut in before she finished the words, dismissing the maid with a small nod. "But she picked it up again about a year ago. Since then... she¡¯s been painting more than ever."


    Tempest¡¯s brows furrowed. "What does she paint?"


    Zade gave her a small smile, something sad behind it. "Come. It¡¯s better if you see it yourself."


    Without another word, he led her to the staircase, the two of them walking up the stairs side by side.


    Tempest¡¯s fingers brushed the bannister, the golden etchings catching in the morning light. Memories floated between them¡ªoldughter, family dinners, whispered gossip after long pack meetings.


    At the top of the stairs, Zade stopped before a white double door. One hand reached for the handle.


    "Shouldn¡¯t we knock?" Tempest whispered.


    Zade shook his head. "She told me once: ¡¯If you have to knock, you¡¯re not family.¡¯"


    With that, he pushed the door open gently.


    Tempest stepped inside first, her feet sinking into the thick carpet.


    Then she froze.


    For a moment, the Zephyr heiress didn¡¯t move, nor did she speak as her mouth fell slightly open, eyes wide as they swept across the room.


    The walls were covered in canvases¡ªsomerge, some small. But all... unmistakable.


    Paintings of Snow, Zara and Valerie or as Zara used to call her¡ª<i>Violet</i>.


    There were dozens of portraits, each capturing a different moment in time. Aira had painted them as though she were trying to preserve every expression, smile, and shade of sadness they ever carried.


    Snow¡¯s grin was warm and mischievous, Zara¡¯s fierce, knowing eyes, Valerie¡¯s childlike face¡ªgrowing older with each canvas, her silver hair with blue and violet streaks fading into the tip of her hair, and her piercing gaze, stubbornly set to her jaw.


    Tempest¡¯s hand flew to her mouth, a soft gasp escaping.


    Then came the tears.


    They rolled silently down her cheeks as she stepped forward, reaching out but not daring to touch.


    There was a series of paintings lined up in the corner¡ªValerie as a toddler sitting on Snow¡¯s shoulders. Another, Zara holding her as a baby wrapped in silver linen.


    And one in particr¡ªValerie in the rain, looking skyward, face blurred like Aira had painted it from memory, but couldn¡¯t quite grasp Snow¡¯s daughter¡¯s expression.


    Zade stood silently beside her, watching the emotions ripple through his sister-inw.


    "She never stopped loving them," he said softly. "Not for a second."


    Tempest wiped her cheek roughly. "She paints to remember."


    "To keep them alive," he added.


    Tempest turned, her voice cracking. "Does she... does Valerie know she¡¯s remembered like this?"


    Zade didn¡¯t answer. His expression turned unreadable. "I don¡¯t think Aira would know how to show her. Not yet. But she¡¯s trying. This is her way of speaking."


    There was a long silence between them.


    Tempest stepped closer to one particr painting¡ªZara and Snow seated on a garden bench, their fingers intertwined, Valerie asleep between them.


    "They look so happy," she whispered.


    "They were," Zade replied, eyes softening. "Before everything shattered."


    He looked at Tempest then. "She¡¯s not just painting for them. She¡¯s painting to remember."


    Tempest turned to face him.


    "She will," she said firmly, voice steel through tears. "And when she does, we¡¯d better be ready to receive her smile and sadness."


    Zade¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. "I will."


    Follow current novels on freewe(b)novel.c(o)m

 Chapter 130: Tempest’s Concern

    <h4>Chapter 130: Tempest¡¯s Concern</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 130</strong>


    <strong>~Aira¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Golden w Estate ¨C Upper East Wing


    Just as I rose from the edge of the stool, wiping my fingers clean of faint blue paint, I heard voices.


    Familiar ones¡ªsoft, heated, threaded with years of unspoken weight. I stepped out from behind therge canvas of Valerie and her father, heart already tightening.


    "Autumn is overly joyed at your presence," I said, my voice floating across the hall. "She misses her twin wolf, sister."


    They turned¡ªZade and the one soul who knew me best. Tempest¡¯s eyes sparkled as they met mine, and the way her face lit up, I forgot the ache in my chest.


    "Being d doesn¡¯t even begin to describe what Summer feels¡ªor what I feel," Tempest said, her voice already thick. "How¡¯s my favourite twin doing?"


    I gave a watery chuckle, brushing my braid behind my shoulder. "Considering I¡¯m your only twin, I¡¯d say I¡¯m better now that I have seen you."


    And just like that, we closed the space between us. No hesitation. No pause. Our arms wrapped tight, our cheeks damp with tears that burned too softly to stop.


    We didn¡¯t speak for a long time. Didn¡¯t need to.


    When we finally pulled back, Zade raised a brow and crossed his arms, the corner of his mouth twitching.


    "You two are worse than Solstice."


    Tempestughed, brushing away a tear and pushing his shoulder yfully. "Speaking of which¡ªhow are my little niece and nephew, Solstice and Storm? Where are they hiding?"


    Zade shrugged. "Storm¡¯s still away on that internal mission¡ªdigging into the corruption mess in the Ministry. Solstice, on the other hand..." he exhaled, "just being her usual mischief-filled self. I swear, she moves more like you than either of us."


    "She should," Tempest grinned. "I raised her to be a little firestorm, a tempest in a sea. Quick to act, even quicker to speak."


    "I honestly don¡¯t know between her and Valerie who influences the other more," Zade muttered.


    That made me smile. "I¡¯d say Valerie. She¡¯s a chip off the old block. That child has this way of bending people with her voice, just like her father, Snow, did. And that soft force of nature? She inherited it straight from Zara."


    Tempest¡¯s face dimmed slightly. "How is Valerie, by the way? I haven¡¯t seen my young niece since..."


    "She¡¯s no longer with us," Zade said carefully, watching her expression.


    Tempest¡¯s eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"


    "She¡¯s alive," Zade cut in. "But not home. She¡¯s enrolled in PSA. On a mission. To dig into Nightshade Thorn Cult."


    The silence that followed was sharp.


    Tempest¡¯s stance shifted¡ªdangerous, ready. Her hand shot forward and gripped Zade¡¯s cor. "Are you insane? Zade, seriously, what the heck is wrong with you allowing that? That would mean exposing her to the very people who hunted her and her parents! I can¡¯t allow it!"


    I stepped in quickly. "Tempest." She turned to me, jaw tight. "It wasn¡¯t his fault. Valerie insisted."


    "That¡¯s why you¡¯re her guardians!" she growled. "To stop her from doing things like this. She already died once in this world. I won¡¯t watch it happen again. Not under my watch."


    Zade held Tempest¡¯s gaze unafraid of her tantrum. "She¡¯s going to seed because she¡¯s stronger than any of us realised. And because she believes in the cause. She¡¯s the child of prophecy, isn¡¯t she?"


    "And what if that prophecy turns on her?" Tempest snapped. "She could be seen as a threat. The other Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs won¡¯t hesitate if they feel her power grows too far. You know what the prophecy says¡ªshe could remake the kingdom... or destroy it. I will not let the same powers Zara gave freely be used against her daughter."


    "They won¡¯t," I said softly.


    Tempest shook her head. "How can you be sure?"


    "Because Valerie knows what¡¯s at stake," I whispered. "Even if she doesn¡¯t know everything yet."


    That made Tempest pause. "Does she even know about the prophecy? Her powers? How have you kept them sealed since she turned ten? How the very ne imed to stop her heat, is the one thing stopping her from being who she really is?"


    Tempest¡¯s eyes turned to Zade again.


    His jaw tightened, voice cold. "No. Who she is, anyone finding out would mean her neck is on the line.¡¯


    "It is already on the line,¡¯ Tempest retorted sharply.


    "Still... she doesn¡¯t. And for her sake, she can¡¯t. Not with the other heirs watching her every move. That ne dampens her magic. Keeps her safe. She must not know."


    Tempest stepped back, chest heaving.


    "For your sake, Zade, I hope it stays that way," she muttered. "Because if something happens to her, how do you think I¡¯ll exin that to our parents? They still mourn Zara. Snow. Valerie. All of them. And yet they don¡¯t know... they don¡¯t know their granddaughter is alive. Not even your mother, Luna Zaria, who has been made to lose her only daughter twice now, knows."


    I reached for her hand, squeezing gently. "I know the burden you bear, sister. I carry it too. That¡¯s why I never told you in the beginning. To spare you the pain."


    Tempest gave a sadugh. "You nearly made me kill you that day. I¡¯d been mourning her for three years before I saw her in this house. Alive. And unaware."


    She touched her chest and blinked away a tear. "The hole they left never healed."


    I felt it too. Deep. Raw. But I didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, I smiled faintly.


    "Come," I said, needing to shift the air. "Let¡¯s go see Solstice. I know she¡¯d love to see you."


    "Where¡¯s my little niece at? I do not want to be the bearer of sad news here any further."


    The training dome, as usual," Zade stated.


    We headed toward the dome together, the three of us moving as one.


    But when we arrived¡ªthere was noughter. No stomp of boots. No mischievous girl with her braid flying behind her.


    Just silence.


    And a cold chill curled down my spine.


    Zade frowned first. "She¡¯s not here?"


    We checked every corner of the dome. There was no sign of her, no scent.


    Panic started to set in. Tempest was the first to run. I followed.


    "She could be in her room,zing around." But when we got there, Solstice¡¯s bedroom door was ajar.


    Her scent was there¡ªstrong, fresh¡ªbut fading fast. The covers were rumpled. Her boots were gone.


    And on the bed, folded carefully, was a note.


    Panic set in instantly as I recalled that very moment a couple of weeks ago when Valerie did the exact same things and ran away, and Zade picked it up.


    I could already swear that was what was happening, but then again, while Valerie was a headache, Solstice¡¯s mischief was even worse, and she loved ying games like this.


    I swallowed as I clenched my fist, praying it was just a prank and nothing more.


    But then, Zade turned towards us, his face turned pale. He didn¡¯t need to read it aloud. I saw the words from where I stood.


    <strong><i>I¡¯m sorry, Dad. Mum. I have to go.</i></strong>


    My heart stopped.


    Zade turned slowly to face us, eyes unreadable.


    "She¡¯s gone," he said quietly. "Solstice has run away."

 Chapter 131: She Doesn’t Know

    <h4>Chapter 131: She Doesn¡¯t Know</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 131</strong>


    <strong>~Aira¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>Golden w Pack¡ªSolstice¡¯s Bedroom</strong>


    The world tilted slightly when I saw that note. Just a slip of paper. Folded neatly. No weight to it.


    And yet, it felt heavier than all the grief I had ever swallowed.


    I moved first.


    Past the bed frame. Past the window, she always kept it half open. Her scent still lingered in the air¡ªhoneysuckle and wild spice.


    My fingers brushed the note from Zade¡¯s hands. The edge trembled in my hand as I took a much closer look at it. My breath held.


    <i>¡¯I¡¯m sorry, Dad, Mum. I have to go.¡¯</i>


    That was all.


    Eight words.


    Eight damn words!


    I clutched it tighter, something sharp pressing behind my ribs. My legs gave slightly, and I lowered myself to sit on the edge of her bed, blinking fast.


    Gone.


    My little girl was gone.


    Zade turned away, his fists clenched so tight I thought his knuckles would split. His jaw worked back and forth, like a storm building inside him.


    And Tempest... her voice cracked softly.


    "No..." She stepped into the room beside me, disbelief washing across her face. "She didn¡¯t even say where?"


    Zade mmed his hand into the wall. Not hard enough to break it¡ªbut hard enough to shake the painting nearby. "Dammit!"


    "Zade," I whispered. "Stop."


    But even I didn¡¯t believe the calm in my voice. Because inside, I was unravelling.


    It had only been moments, and yet the fear was already wing at me.


    Solstice wasn¡¯t like other girls. She was spirited. Wild. A spark wrapped in skin andughter. But she wasn¡¯t reckless. She was careful in her own messy way. She¡¯d never just vanish.


    Unless she thought it was worth the risk. Unless she thought... she had to.


    To save someone important? Valerie or Sorm?


    "She went after Valerie," I murmured, staring at the edge of the note again. "I know it."


    Tempest looked at me. "You think she followed her?"


    "I don¡¯t think. I feel it." I touched my chest lightly. "A mother knows."


    Zade turned back to face us. "But why now? Why leave without a word¡ªno exnation, no location?"


    "She¡¯s never been subtle," I whispered. "But she¡¯s never been quiet either. This... this silence is a cry."


    Tempest rubbed at her eyes. "And you¡¯re certain it¡¯s about Valerie?"


    "She¡¯s been watching her more. Asking questions. Even when we thought she was distracted, she was always aware." I stood slowly. "And with the way Valerie¡¯s magic stirred recently... Solstice must¡¯ve sensed it too."


    "Wait, what? Valerie¡¯s magic stirred? Howe no one said anything? We could have gone to meet Siona. Siona knows, only she knows how to tame that child."


    I looked down, not ready to meet ehr eyes.


    As a family, we agreed to do this revenge plot together and that included Tempest, my husband and kids but now, Solstice had been absorbed and was only concerned with Valerie¡¯s safety that she had done so many things just to distract us from Valerie while they did their thing.


    But not telling Tempest of this new development with Valerie was bad.


    Zade cursed softly and ran a hand through his curls. "I should¡¯ve seen thising."


    "No," I said, reaching out to ce a hand on his arm. "We both should¡¯ve. We gotfortable. Forgot she¡¯s not a child anymore."


    Tempest¡¯s voice dropped low. "Where would she go?"


    Zade¡¯s eyes flickered. "She¡¯s smart. She won¡¯t go straight to PSA. She¡¯ll follow Valerie¡¯s trail quietly. Hide in the shadows. She¡¯s trained for this."


    "And if someone finds her before Valerie does?" Tempest asked.


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    Because I¡¯d already thought of that.


    If Solstice walked into the wrong hands, if she was recognised, if they realised who she was¡ªValerie¡¯s cousin, Snow¡¯s niece¡ªshe¡¯d be as good as bait.


    Tempest moved to the window, staring out toward the eastern ridge. "You said Valerie still doesn¡¯t know about the prophecy. Doesn¡¯t know who she really is."


    Zade nodded. "And it has to stay that way. At least for now. Not until the other heirs can be trusted."


    "And what if Solstice tells her?" Tempest turned, expression grim. "You know she would if she thought Valerie was in danger."


    Zade and I exchanged a nce.


    She would.


    Of course, she would. Because that¡¯s who Solstice was. Unshakable. Fierce. Loyal in ways most never understood.


    And a danger to herself if she thought protecting someone she loved was worth the cost.


    "She¡¯s still just a girl," I whispered.


    "And that¡¯s why we made sure not to tell her about it either."


    "She¡¯s your daughter," Tempest said softly, walking back toward me. "And Zara¡¯s blood runs through both those girls. Stubborn doesn¡¯t even begin to describe it."


    Zade exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I¡¯ll alert the patrol units. She can¡¯t have gotten far. I¡¯ll check the rail lines and send word to the southern gate. If she tries to go underground or through the merchant caravans, we¡¯ll find her."


    "And if we don¡¯t?" I asked.


    He didn¡¯t answer.


    Not because he didn¡¯t want to but because he knew the truth as clearly as I did.


    If Solstice didn¡¯t want to be found, she wouldn¡¯t be.


    A silence fell over the room again, heavier now¡ªthe kind that settles into the bones, waiting for something to break.


    I moved toward the small bookshelf by her bed. Her sketches were still stacked messily there. A few drawings of her training staff. A crude, half-finished one of Valerie¡ªeyes too big, mouth caught mid-smirk.


    I ran my thumb over it, tracing the pencil lines.


    "You better find her, Valerie," I whispered to myself. "Because if anything happens to Solstice... I won¡¯t survive another loss."


    Tempest stepped beside me and gently pulled me into her arms. Her hand rubbed circles on my back, grounding me.


    I hadn¡¯t cried yet¡ªbut I would. I could feel it burning behind my ribs. Not yet.


    We still had to move. Still had to act and had to believe.


    "She¡¯s going to be okay," Tempest whispered.


    I nodded slowly, pressing my lips together.


    "She has to be." And then my gaze darted to Zade. Just as his eyes locked with mine, I said, "Call Storm. Have him find his sister.¡¯

 Chapter 132: More Than Thrice

    <h4>Chapter 132: More Than Thrice</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 132</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    We stopped at the edge of the water where smooth stones made the shore glisten.


    Dristan let go of my hand and stepped forward, crouching to pick up one of the stones.


    He tossed it once between his fingers, then sent it skipping across the water with a flick of his wrist.


    Three skips. Four.


    I folded my arms over my chest, trying not to smile. "Show off."


    He turned, a slow grin spreading across his face. "I¡¯m multi-talented."


    "I¡¯ve noticed," I muttered, looking away before I said something dumber.


    He stepped closer, and my breath hitched again.


    Why did he always do that? One step and I was... <i>off-bnce.</i>


    "Valerie."


    I nced up.


    His eyes weren¡¯t yful anymore. They burned low¡ªhot, molten gold flickering behind the icy blue.


    "Let me in."


    His words were quiet, making my chest tighten as I swallowed. "You already are, aren¡¯t you?"


    He shook his head. "Not fully. I want you. Not what the bond pulls. Not what your wolf wants. I want what you choose to give."


    Dristan moved closer. Too close.


    I didn¡¯t back away. And when he cupped my cheek again, I let him.


    His thumb brushed the edge of my jaw. He leaned in slowly, giving me time¡ªtime to push him away.


    I didn¡¯t.


    I tilted my face up instead.


    And this time... when he kissed me... It was <i>soft.</i>


    Not rushed. Not desperate. Just... slow, like he was learning me through his mouth.


    And gods... I let him.


    My hands slid up his chest, curling into the cor of his shirt as his lips coaxed mine open again.


    The kiss deepened¡ªunhurried, sensual, filled with a hunger that simmered just under the surface.


    He held me like I might break.


    And for once, I didn¡¯t want to be strong. I didn¡¯t want to lead.


    I just wanted to feel<i>. </i>When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine. Our breath was tangled. Our heartbeats were wild.


    "Dristan..." I whispered.


    His fingers traced a slow line down my spine.


    "I¡¯m not trying to im you tonight. Or mark you. Or rush you. I just wanted you to know."


    I leaned into his hand, his touch, letting his skin caress my cheeks, my voice quieter than a sigh. "I do, Dristan. I know."


    I smiled at him, loving this moment and allowing myself to feel cherished like an idiot even though it went against all I said before.


    <i>For once. Just this once.</i>


    ¡ª


    The ride back was... quiet. Not ufortable, not cold. But heavy.


    I sat in the passenger seat, my hoodie sleeves pulled halfway over my hands, fingers fidgeting idly with the hem of my hoodie while the road passed in silver shes under the moonlight.


    Dristan didn¡¯t speak¡ªand neither did I.


    Dristan¡¯s right hand rested close to the gearshift but never reached for mine.


    I could feel him ncing at me.


    Once. Twice.


    I didn¡¯t turn because if I did... I didn¡¯t know what I¡¯d say.


    My chest still burned with the echo of his mouth on mine. The way he kissed me back there... it wasn¡¯t just about desire.


    It was the kind of kiss that unraveled the edges of whatever walls I¡¯d built. Oneyer at a time.


    The kind that makes you wonder what else you¡¯ve been hiding from.


    And that terrified me more than anything else because he had kissed me thrice, and I let him.


    Worse... I wanted him to.


    When we finally pulled up near the rear dorm entrance, Dristan killed the engine but didn¡¯t move.


    The headlights dimmed slowly, casting us in a glow of half-light.


    Dristan didn¡¯t move to open the door right away. He just sat there.


    Watching me.


    I turned, ready to say thank you or something awkward, when he leaned forward slightly and I changed my mind.


    I reached for the handle and his voice cut me off.


    "Wait," he said quietly.


    I paused, ncing back.


    His fingers brushed the side of my arm, his voice quieter now¡ªsofter than I¡¯d ever heard it.


    "Can I kiss you?"


    I blinked, caught off guard.


    There was no arrogance, no dominance, just words and a question.


    One that waited for me to answer.


    My throat tightened. "Yeah... you can."


    He didn¡¯t waste a second.


    This kiss was gentler¡ªwarmer. Like a promise written on skin.


    His hand rested lightly on the side of my neck, thumb brushing just beneath my jaw. The heat between us was slow-burning, not wild. It didn¡¯t demand. It asked.


    And I gave. But it stole my breath just the same.


    When we parted, his forehead touched mine briefly, our breaths mingling in the dark.


    "Good night, Valerie," he whispered. "And thanks for today."


    When he pulled away, he didn¡¯t say another word. I just opened my door and waited until I got out.


    I stood there for a second, looking back at him. For a moment, the silence between us was better than speaking.


    Then I turned and walked inside.


    And the moment the door closed behind me... I exhaled like I hadn¡¯t breathed in hours.


    The silence consumed me immediately. I wasn¡¯t back yet, and the room was still as I left it.


    The towel from earlier was still draped over my chair. My bag was still by the door.


    I moved on instinct, peeling off my hoodie and my boots, and slipping into something lighter¡ªa simple cotton top and shorts. My skin still held the phantom feel of Dristan¡¯s hands.


    I copsed back onto my bed, finally alone.


    Finally... quiet.


    The pillow caught the faint scent of rain and earth¡ªprobably from Dristan¡¯s jacket when he¡¯d pulled me close.


    I closed my eyes.


    But I couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Too much pulsed beneath the surface¡ªheat, confusion, that damn kiss.


    I walked to the mirror, reaching for my brush.


    But paused.


    The ne.


    It had slipped back out again, lying against the hollow of my throat. The tear-shaped gem shimmered faintly under the soft light of the bedsidemp.


    I frowned.


    Was it... glowing?


    I stepped closer to take a better look and it was.


    A soft, pulsing light¡ªdim, like a heartbeat. I reached up, fingertips brushing over it, and the second I touched the gem¡ª


    A shockwave of energy burst through my chest.


    I gasped, staggering back a step as the room seemed to shift around me. The mirror vibrated. The floor seemed to pulse.


    My breath hitched.


    Then¡ªmy fingers tingled.


    My skin burned, and suddenly my eyes glowed.


    Brilliant silver, bleeding into gold at the edges, flooding the room with light.


    Astra stirred violently.


    "What is this?" I whispered aloud, shaking.


    The ne glowed brighter, and something inside me shifted; something woke up.

 Chapter 133: All of You

    <h4>Chapter 133: All of You</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 133</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Night had barely fallen when I found myself staring into the mirror. Again.


    The moonlight filtered through the dorm blinds in quiet slivers, lighting up one side of my face while the other remained in shadow.


    The day was long, filled with sparring drills and too many stares I didn¡¯t want to return. But what made my day most was my time with Dristan.


    But now, with the silence of the building and my roommate still out, I let my guard drop.


    Just a little.


    I touched the ne absently. The gem was quiet now¡ªno pulse, no heat¡ªbut still, something about it tonight felt heavier around my neck.


    My reflection didn¡¯t look asposed as I felt. Or maybe I didn¡¯t feel thatposed either.


    Just as I was about to step away, my phone buzzed on the bed, breaking the silence.


    I turned slowly, surprised when I saw the caller ID.


    Caller ID: <strong>Solstice</strong>


    A small smile curved on my lips. Finally.


    I picked it up and answered. "Took you long enough to call, Storm junior."


    Her voice came through the other end with all the sunshine it always carried. "Hello, couz. I¡¯ve got a surprise for you."


    "Really?" I asked, smiling fully now. "What kind of surprise? Did you find something new in our research? Or heard something?"


    "No, silly," sheughed, and I could almost hear her grin. "Look out your window."


    I froze.


    My brows furrowed, and I nced toward therger window beside my bed.


    "No," she added quickly, "your other window."


    ...The one across from my closet.


    I paused, blinking slowly. How did she¡ª?


    Shaking my head, I walked across the room and pulled the curtain aside.


    And my jaw nearly dropped.


    "Solstice," I breathed into the phone.


    She was standing outside, by the edge of the courtyard wall¡ªdressed in full ck, a hoodie pulled low over her head, ck jeans and boots making her look like someone straight out of a rogue-wolf spy novel.


    Her arms spread out as she smiled brightly. "Missed me?"


    I gawked. "Solstice, what the actual hell are you doing here?"


    She chuckled into the phone. "Rx, no one saw me. I have stealth mode. I¡¯ming up."


    "Wait, what¡ª? Solstice¡ª!"


    But the line cut off before I could say anything else.


    I pulled the curtain wider, watching her already moving like a shadow toward the building¡¯s side stairwell.


    Of course, she found a way in.


    Of course, she didn¡¯t care that this was a restricted school for heirs and prodigies and political targets.


    Solstice had never followed rules. Not once. And gods help me, I had no idea what wasing next.


    I didn¡¯t know what surprised me more¡ªthat Solstice had managed to sneak into an elite academy without tripping a hundred wards and patrols... or that I wasn¡¯t more shocked.


    Because honestly? This was so very her.


    By the time she reached my door, I already had it open, waiting, arms folded, brow raised, heart still racing.


    She grinned widely, unapologetically, her ck hoodie hiding half her face and the smirk I knew was there anyway.


    Without a word, I grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her inside my room, shut the door and went to close the general door before someone else saw her.


    I went straight into my room after ensuring the girls weren¡¯t hidden somewhere. Door locked. Curtains drawn.


    "Okay, first things first," I said, spinning around to face her. "How the hell did you escape from home?"


    Solstice flopped onto my bed like it was hers, arms spread. "Duh, Valerie. It¡¯s me. If I could help plot your great escape from Golden w, what makes you think I can¡¯t pull off one of my own?"


    I narrowed my eyes. "That¡¯s beside the point. Does Uncle Zade or Aunt Aira know you snuck into PSA?"


    Her smile twisted slightly.


    "...Okay, yes¡ªbut not exactly."


    I folded my arms across my chest, not letting up. I needed to be the big sister that she needed right now.


    Someone to teach some sense into her head, I hope and not get sucked into her games and pranks.


    "Start spilling. What exactly do they know, and what exactly are you hiding?"


    Solstice pushed up with a sigh, sitting cross-legged on the mattress and pouting like a child caught mid-prank.


    "Well... I was supposed to register here either this semester or the next, depending on how the mission schedule yed out. I just... moved it up. Early entry. elerated. With a little help from your favourite cousin."


    I stared at her, unimpressed. "You did all that so you could y spy with me?"


    She grinned. "So I can spend more time with you and help you figure things out. Also, to keep your clingy Alpha mates off your back."


    "Shh!" I hissed, darting to the door and checking it again. "Don¡¯t go shouting that around. And I do not need help with them. I already got that covered."


    Solstice raised a brow, clearly amused. "No? Is that because you think you¡¯ve already picked one? Or is it that you¡¯re just ¡¯sooo sure¡¯ you¡¯ve got this thing with Dristan figured out already? And by covered do you mean with his lips covering yours or..."


    I blinked. "Solstice Aqua Zade Gold, have you been stalking me?"


    She gave me the most innocent expression she could muster. "Not stalking. Observing. I happened to be around. Saw him drop you off. And let¡¯s not forget... kiss you. Let me guess he stole your first kiss, huh?"


    My breath caught. "Y-you, saw that?"


    "Front row seat," she sang smugly. "Whole car moment. Looked like something out of a romance drama, if I¡¯m being honest. It was cute, but he needs more edge. He is being careful, I know, I could tell but oh well."


    I didn¡¯t know what to say. My cheeks burned hotter than they should have and my eyes bulged out of their socket.


    "Okay... what¡¯s your problem with him?" I muttered.


    "Problem?" Solstice shrugged. "If you weren¡¯t my cousin, I would have said get down and dirty and you guys should fuck already since your hormones and his testosterone is screaming that."


    "Solstice!" I mouthed my shock and she brushed it off with a shrug.


    She pulled her hood down and shook out her hair. Long blonde waves tumbled around her shoulders, and right in the centre was a bright blue streak.


    "I have no problem. You¡¯re the one acting like a love-struck puppy when you¡¯ve still got five other connections to explore. Carefully, might I add."


    I exhaled. "Yeah, but¡ª"


    Solstice waved a hand. "Nope. I¡¯m not here to y Aunt Tempest 2.0. I¡¯m your best friend and your favourite cousin, and I missed your stubborn face."


    I gave her a look. "Stealing Storm¡¯s ce now?"


    She gasped. "Oh, please. He hasn¡¯t dragged you into half as much trouble as I have. He¡¯s the one trying to steal my ce. Now¡ª" She opened her arms wide with a pout. "Are you going to hug me or what?"


    I sighed, but the tension in my chest eased as a slow smile crept up my face.


    "You¡¯re insane."


    "Insanely loyal," she corrected.


    I walked toward her, arms open, and she met me halfway.


    We crashed into a tight hug¡ªyears of mischief and pain andughter stitched between us like invisible threads.


    "Like hell you didn¡¯t miss me," she whispered near my ear.


    My throat closed up for a second. "I missed you," I murmured. "All of you."

 Chapter 134: Little Memories

    <h4>Chapter 134: Little Memories</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 134</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The warmth of her arms still lingered when I felt the tug of memory... a sh, bright and soft.


    I remembered another time, years ago, maybe when we were both around ten.


    We¡¯d just finished sneaking into the Moonberry Festival¡ªwithout tickets.


    It had rained the night before, turning the whole field to mush, and Solstice had dared me to race her across the mud while everyone was distracted by the fireworks.


    We were barefoot. Wild. Laughing like banshees.


    "You won¡¯t do it," she¡¯d said, grinning with a mouth full of caramel.


    "I just did," I shot back, lifting my muddy foot.


    We were chased by a guard, scolded by a high-ranking elder, and grounded for two weeks.


    But we spent every single day of that punishment camped out in the attic of the old pack house, ying cards by candlelight and plotting our next "brilliant" escape.


    Even then, she was a storm I didn¡¯t want to run from¡ªthe cousin who dared the world and pulled me into the whirlpool with her.


    Just like now.


    I pulled back from the hug, eyeing her suspiciously. "So... you really forged documents to get into PSA early?"


    Solstice blinked innocently, brushing invisible lint off her hoodie. "Well. I wouldn¡¯t say forged. That sounds so... illegal. I prefer the term elerated my eptance."


    "Solstice." I gave her the cold re, but deep down, I was proud of how her mind worked and her talents¡ªtalents that would soonnd both of us in trouble.


    "Fine. Maybe I edited a few application dates. I knew I¡¯d get in anyway¡ªit was just a matter of speeding things up."


    I stared at her, unimpressed.


    She smiled wider.


    I groaned. "Does your mom even know you left early?"


    Her face twitched. "She might¡¯ve had an inkling... eventually."


    "Eventually?"


    Solstice sighed, pulled away from me and flopped backwards onto my bed. "Okay, okay. So... Aunt Tempest came to visit. I saw her text to Mum about stopping by to greet us."


    I raised a brow. "And?"


    "I moved the alert she sent to mom¡¯s phone to archive before it pinged. It was easy, sloppy and easily hacked."


    I covered my face. "Solstice!"


    She peeked up from where shey, grinning like the cat that ate the entire pantry.


    "You think escaping while Aunt Tempest is in the same house is possible? Nah, girl. That woman¡¯s nose is sharper than mother¡¯s intuition. I had to bolt before she went full Bloodhound on me."


    I dropped beside her, staring at the ceiling.


    "And you didn¡¯t think to at least wait until your room at the school was ready?"


    Solstice shrugged. "Even my hotel. I had booked it in advance but that was ted for next week or a couple of days out."


    I raised a brow.


    "Well... I did try. But the nearby ones were booked solid. The closest avability was tomorrow. I had already shifted my transport and forged my ss pre-approval letter. I couldn¡¯t dy again."


    I exhaled through my nose. "So... let me guess. You have nowhere to sleep tonight?"


    She winced, then smiled sweetly. "You have a cosy room, and I brought my own nket."


    I gave her the most tired look I could muster. "One night. Just one. But tomorrow morning¡ªup early, out fast, and blend in before anyone starts sniffing around."


    She saluted. "Scout¡¯s honour."


    "You were never a scout."


    "Well... rogue¡¯s honour then."


    I rolled my eyes. "You better not get me in trouble for this."


    "Me?" She pressed a hand to her chest, feigning to be hurt. "Val, you wound me."


    I leaned over, poking her side. "And tomorrow, we¡¯re talking about what you meant when you said you were here to help keep my mates in check."


    "Oh, that?" Solstice chuckled. "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got a whole n. Phase one? Starts with keeping you emotionally unavable."


    "Solstice¡ª"


    "I¡¯m kidding! Mostly, well before they start burying their faces between your legs to eat you out."


    My eyes flew open before I groaned and buried my face into a pillow.


    "Who spoiled you?"


    "Inte, movies."


    It was going to be a long night.


    But... I didn¡¯t mind it.


    Not with her here. Not with her mischief and chaos.


    Because somehow, with Solstice around... I always remembered how to breathe again.


    ¡ª


    I blinked my eyes open to the faint sound of humming.


    The room was dim, warm, dim light slipping in through the blinds, and I thought¡ªbriefly¡ªthat I¡¯d dreamt everything.


    Until I sat up and nearly choked on my own breath.


    Solstice stood directly in front of the mirror, wrapped in nothing but my white towel, her damp hair cascading in long blonde waves down her back.


    She was brushing through itzily, her reflection humming a familiar Zephyr luby under her breath.


    "What are you¡ª?" I croaked, voice still heavy with sleep.


    She turned, smiling brightly and unapologetically. "Morning, sleepyhead. You snore, by the way."


    I flopped back onto the bed with a grunt. "Do not."


    "You do. Just a little. Like a tired wolf pup."


    Before I could argue, I let my eyes fall shut again. "Give me ten more minutes..."


    But when I opened them again, the towel was gone¡ªand Solstice stood by the window, fully dressed.


    And by fully dressed, I meant in <i>my</i> clothes.


    Her hoodie was zipped halfway, revealing the familiar white tank top beneath it.


    My white tank top.


    The one with the faded <strong>V&S</strong> initials inked in silver¡ªa gift we made for each other when we were fourteen and plotting to run away and build a floating castle.


    "That¡¯s mine," I muttered.


    Solstice looked over her shoulder,pletely unfazed. "I brought them for you from home, remember? A little nostalgia. But now that I¡¯m officially crashing PSA... couldn¡¯t help myself."


    "You¡¯re unbelievable."


    She grinned in a way that made her look so darn right adorable. "Unapologetically."


    "Are you ready to go?" I asked, sliding off the bed.


    "Almost. Just hoping you¡¯d walk me out."


    I paused, looking at her again.


    She looked older suddenly. Not by years, but by how she stood¡ªshoulders squared, eyes holding a hint of seriousness beneath the usual sparkle.


    I exhaled and nodded. "Yeah. I¡¯ll walk you."

 Chapter 135: Seeing Her Off

    <h4>Chapter 135: Seeing Her Off</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 135</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I quickly dressed in ck leggings and a fitted tank top, slid my phone into my back pocket, and crept out into the hallway.


    The dorm was quiet this early¡ªmost students were still snoring through their rms. Luckily for me, my roommates or dormmates were quietly sleeping in their room, and not one of them was in themon living area.


    I peeked around the corner, listening carefully when I opened the door.


    Clear.


    I turned back and waved her out.


    Solstice padded over to me in silent steps, her boots light, her hoodie drawn up over her head.


    She moved like a shadow. Just like how all our training had be second nature to us. It was slightly rming how good she was at sneaking.


    We made it past the main dormitory building and toward the far side of the academy. The eastern path curved just behind the courtyard and led straight to the older fence, one with a panel that came slightly loose if you knew where to pull.


    We didn¡¯t speak, just kept walking, the gravel crunching lightly beneath our feet.


    When we reached the spot, Solstice turned to me with a smile.


    I didn¡¯t smile back. Instead, I pulled her into a hug.


    Her arms wrapped around me instantly, tighter than I expected.


    "Be safe," I murmured into her hair. "And try not to draw attention to yourself. This ce is... different."


    "I¡¯ll blend," she whispered. "Promise."


    I pulled back and looked her in the eyes. "If you get caught, you run. You disappear. You don¡¯t argue, don¡¯t stall. Just go. I am fine. I will be fine," I added before she could argue.


    She nodded, solemn now.


    Then, after a beat, her voice softened. "Miss you, Vi."


    My throat tightened as I bade her farewell. "See you."


    Solstice stepped back, ducked beneath the panel, and easily slipped through the narrow space.


    I watched her until she disappeared behind the edge of the building.


    Then I stood there for a moment longer, listening to the silence she left behind.


    Just me... and the space she filled so effortlessly.


    ¡ª


    I stayed there a moment longer after Solstice disappeared, the early morning breeze tugging gently at my hair.


    The air felt clearer somehow¡ªlighter.


    But also... lonelier.


    I turned and began heading back toward the running trail that wrapped around the academy¡¯s eastern edge. It was one of the few ces I could think without someone breathing down my neck or trying to decode me.


    I didn¡¯t n to run far. Just enough to quiet the storm of thoughts racing through my head.


    Halfway through the second curve, I slowed to a jog, letting my muscles loosen, my steps settle into rhythm.


    I breathed in pine, dew and damp soil. The kind of scent that whispered home and danger at the same time.


    Then I felt a strange presence charging the air. I didn¡¯t need to turn around to see who it was.


    "Trying to outrun your problems again, Vee?"


    I didn¡¯t stop. Just smirked to myself. "What gave me away, Ace?"


    The sound of sneakers meeting gravel fell into rhythm with mine, just a little too perfect.


    "Your gait," Ace replied smoothly, slipping up beside me. "When you¡¯re thinking too much, your right footnds harder. Almost like you¡¯re trying to stomp the earth into submission."


    I nced sideways at him. "Didn¡¯t peg you for the observant type."


    That was a lie. If there was anyone who was observant, it was him and not Ashton, Xander and not Axel, Xade and not Kai.


    He shed that cocky half-smile, hair swept back in that messy-on-purpose way that made it impossible to tell if he was serious or ying. "You don¡¯t know half the things I pay attention to."


    I rolled my eyes, even as my heart did something weird in my chest. "Let me guess, you followed me?"


    "Nope. I was already running. You just happened to jog into my path. Fate, maybe." His voice dropped into that teasing, velvet tone. "Or maybe you just couldn¡¯t stay away."


    I scoffed and pushed ahead. "Keep dreaming, Lycan Prince."


    Ace, let me move ahead¡ªjust a little¡ªbefore picking up speed and matching me again. "You¡¯re always this prickly in the morning, or am I just special?"


    I opened my mouth for aeback, but my foot caught a slick patch of moss just before the edge of the path.


    "Shi¡ª!"


    The world tilted, my bnce shifted, and gravity decided to pull a fast one on me.


    But I didn¡¯t hit the ground.


    Strong hands wrapped around my waist mid-fall, catching me before I could crash face-first into the dirt.


    My breath hitched, my palmsnded t against his chest, and I froze.


    Ace¡¯s body was warm, firm¡ªmuscle coiled beneath his dark training hoodie. He smelled faintly like citrus and leather, and something that made my wolf stir.


    "Careful," Ace murmured near my ear, his voice low and almost... concerned?


    For once, the cocky lilt was gone. I looked up, and for the first time in a while, Ace wasn¡¯t smirking.


    His gaze met mine¡ªwarm brown eyes sharp with something unreadable, something... real.


    "I¡¯m fine," I muttered, pushing off him.


    He let go, but not immediately.


    When I stepped back, he didn¡¯t chase the moment. Ace stood there, hands tucked into his pockets, eyes studying me like he was trying to figure out a puzzle he suddenly wanted the answer to.


    "You sure?" he asked.


    "Yes."


    A long beat passed. Then he shrugged, smile curling back into ce¡ªbut not quite as smug. Softer, maybe. "Still. Guess I¡¯ll have to run behind you from now on. Just in case you trip again."


    I arched a brow. "You think I need a babysitter?"


    Ace gave a slow,zy grin. "Nah. I just like the view."


    I groaned, pushing past him. "You ruined the moment."


    "I make moments," Ace shot back yfully, falling into step beside me again. "And trust me, you¡¯ll remember that one."


    Damn him because he was right. I would.


    "Umm... I gotta head back and prepare for ss," I said, excusing myself and leaving him alone.

 Chapter 136: Valerie’s Fear

    <h4>Chapter 136: Valerie¡¯s Fear</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 136</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment I pushed open the dorm room door, I knew something was off.


    It was too quiet, more like too synchronised.


    All three girls¡ªI, Emerald, and Astraea¡ªwere seated by the kitchen counter like they were in the middle of some witchy intervention.


    Each one had a mug in hand. No one sipped. They just stared like I was thest puzzle piece they¡¯d been dying to p into ce.


    "Uh," I blinked, kicking off my sneakers. "Did I miss a meeting or something?"


    "Where have you been?" I asked first in a casual tone, but her eyes were a little too curious.


    I wiped at the sweat on my brow. "I went for a jog. Nothing major. Why? Aren¡¯t we allowed that anymore?"


    A beat of silence passed over everyone before I tilted her head slightly. "Hmm. Did anyonee to the dorm before you left?"


    My brows furrowed. "No? Why?"


    She shrugged. "I just... I thought I heard some noise. Voices or something."


    I froze for a second.


    Shit.


    Solstice.


    My heartbeat stumbled a little, but I smiled quickly, pushing the thought away. "Oh! That was me," I lied, way too smoothly. "I was on a call with my friend. Early riser."


    I put on the perfect smile, recalling one of the fun moments Solstice and I had as kids.


    I hummed thoughtfully, then gave a small nod like she believed me. I wasn¡¯t sure if that was good or bad.


    "I¡¯m gonna take a quick shower," I added, slinging my hand towel over my shoulder and heading toward my room.


    "Didn¡¯t you just shower this morning?" Emerald¡¯s voice floated after me. "I heard the bathroom running earlier."


    I froze again¡ªmid-step. I almost forgot our rooms were just a wall apart.


    Damn it.


    I had forgotten Solstice¡¯s very loud shower.


    I blinked once, twice, trying to remember how I¡¯d yed that out in my mind. "Did I?" I repeated dumbly.


    The silence was awful.


    Then Iughed, nudging Emerald yfully. "Em, she just went jogging. Even if she bathed earlier, she¡¯s probably all sweaty now."


    "Oh. Right," Emerald muttered, sipping her tea again.


    I offered a sheepish smile, mentally thanking the moon for I. "Yeah. Exactly. Sorry, I forgot. I¡¯ve got so much on my mind."


    "So much," Astraea echoed, finally looking up from her seat. Her brows arched just a little. "Or... someone?"


    I looked at her, scrutinitsed her to make sure those words didnte from jealousy of some sort.


    I paused, opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out.


    That was all it took¡ªthree girls. One moment. Total silence.


    I could feel it¡ªthe shift in their mood, like they already knew what I hadn¡¯t said.


    "You know I smell him on you, right?" Astraea said softly, but her eyes sharpened. "Ace. One of the Lycan twins."


    My stomach dropped. I¡¯s mouth parted slightly. Emerald blinked at me.


    "We can tell," Emerald added. "Where his hands were. Where his scent lingered. So, unless you n to lie again, maybe exin?"


    I opened my mouth, then looked at I instinctively.


    Her expression wasn¡¯t angry. But it wasn¡¯t... easy.


    She looked almost disappointed. The kind that said she wasn¡¯t mad, just quietly sad and probably because I did not end up with Dristan instead.


    I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "Girls, I tripped. He caught me. That¡¯s all. I didn¡¯t realise his scent would cling so strongly. We barely spoke afterwards."


    Emerald smirked. "You sure you didn¡¯t cling back?"


    "Em," I said gently.


    Astraea just kept watching me, like she didn¡¯t quite believe it but wasn¡¯t ready to push further.


    I didn¡¯t me them. The tension between Dristan and the others was alreadyplicated. Add Ace into the mix, and this wasn¡¯t just a trip-and-fall moment anymore.


    But I had no intention of justifying something that wasn¡¯t even a thing.


    "Anyways," I said firmly, brushing past them, "we¡¯ve got a big day ahead. General training. Full guild engagement. I¡¯m not about to waste energy defending a non-event."


    Emerald snorted. "Non-event, huh? I¡¯ll bet Dristan doesn¡¯t think so."


    I didn¡¯t flinch this time. I just looked her dead in the eye and said with a smirk, "Then he should step up."


    That shut them up.


    I turned and walked toward my room, still clutching my towel, heart beating far louder than I liked.


    Because they weren¡¯t wrong.


    I could feel Ace¡¯s presence still clinging to me¡ªnot just his scent, but the heat from where he held me. The subtle way he looked at me.


    And as much as I tried to brush it off, it was... something.


    I didn¡¯t know what yet, but it was something. I¡¯d be a fool to think there was nothing there. Ace was my mate too, and just like his brother and the other heirs, they all want me.


    And maybe that scared me more than falling.


    Or maybe what truly scared me is how I was going to let six men, six possessive alphas, ravage my body with their sexual desires.


    This should be fun... not!


    I didn¡¯t want to scream and got into the shower instead while my chest heaved at the thought of what the Moon Goddess possibly meant with that.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>PSA Academy¡ªFront Courtyard & Main Hall</strong>


    Solstice walked through the front gates of PSA like she¡¯d done it a thousand times before.


    Her hoodie was zipped halfway, light grey fabric blending effortlessly with the faint mist that lingered over the courtyard.


    Her sneakers made no sound as she stepped onto the white stones, and her face was angled slightly down, not too shy or confident¡ªjust enough mystery to be ignored.


    And she wanted to be ignored.


    Today wasn¡¯t for standing out. Today was for slipping in.


    She passed through groups of students without drawing a single lingering stare, except one¡ªfrom a shy-looking boy leaning against the east pir, nose deep in a map of the school.


    Vampire.


    She knew it from the scent: old blood, cool, pale skin, and barely interacted. Though not all Vampires did that, he stood out.


    Solstice paused, gave a soft smile that bloomed gently at the corners of her eyes, and tilted her head. "Hey," she said sweetly. "Good morning. It¡¯s my first day. Could you point me toward the principal¡¯s office?"

 Chapter 137: Silver Aura (Solstice Aqua Gold)

    <h4>Chapter 137: Silver Aura (Solstice Aqua Gold)</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 137</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    He blinked, caught off guard, clearly not expecting a stranger, much less a pretty one, to talk to him. "O-oh, yeah... It¡¯s right down that hall, left at the painting of the council founders. Big brass door, you can¡¯t miss it."


    Solstice grinned. "Thanks." She leaned in conspiratorially. "You¡¯re a lifesaver."


    He flushed¡ªbarely noticeable, but she caught it¡ªand she extended her hand with a casual flick of her fingers. "Got a name?"


    "N-Navin."


    "Nice," she said, gently taking his phone from his grip and inputting her number. Then she called her line and smiled. "If I get lost again, I¡¯ll call the hero." She handed it back, winked, and turned on her heel.


    He was still standing there, stunned, when she disappeared around the corner.


    Inside the school¡¯s central hallway, Solstice kept her head down, smile gone, expression returning to that calcted calm. She reached the brass double doors and knocked once.


    "Come in," came a voice from inside.


    Solstice stepped into a neatly organised office. Behind therge wooden desk sat Ms. Heart, PSA¡¯s long-time secretary of the Principal. Her fingers paused mid-typing when she looked up.


    Solstice offered a bright, rehearsed smile. "Hi. Silver Aura, reporting in. Transfer student."


    There was a flicker¡ªjust a flicker¡ªof suspicion in Ms. Heart¡¯s eyes. But the woman said nothing.


    Instead, she reached for a folder beside her and slid it across the desk with a perfectly painted nail.


    "Dorm assignment, campus map, locker code, and ss schedule."


    Solstice epted it all gracefully. "You can change the locker code to suit anything you want or leave it as it is."


    "Thanks, but who will do that?"


    Ms. Heart shrugged. "You¡¯d be surprised how manyzy students we have that does that."


    "In that case, theyck the concept of privacy." Ms. Heart finally looked up, but Solstice¡¯s smile was bewitching as she hummed and stepped back.


    But as she turned, Ms. Heart¡¯s voice followed her like a breath of cold wind. "The principal seems to be making a lot of exceptions this year."


    When Solstice turned, Ms. Heart looked up. "Everything alright?"


    Solstice gave a smile that was just shy of genuine. "I guess I¡¯m just... lucky like the other selected few," Solstice stated to prove to her that she had heard all her words.


    Ms. Heart didn¡¯t respond.


    Solstice exited the office without another word. She didn¡¯t head to the dorm.


    Instead, she detoured toward the South Locker Wing. She found her locker¡ªexactly where it was supposed to be, thank you forged floor n¡ªand ced her folder inside, leaving only her ss schedule and phone in her hoodie pocket.


    Then she made her way toward her designated ssroom.


    There were whispers the moment she walked in. Not loud ones. But just enough to notice.


    A new face. A stranger with cool confidence and a walk that suggested power, not nerves.


    Her gaze swept across the room once, ignoring the onlookers, her so-called ssmates, then locked on her target.


    <strong>Valerie.</strong>


    The girl sat in the back row, half-curled into her seat, a thick ck-covered book open on herp. Her legs were crossed, and one finger tapped against the page like the silence around her was more precious than oxygen.


    Solstice walked past rows of tables, murmurs trailing behind her like shadows.


    When she reached Valerie¡¯s row, she didn¡¯t hesitate.


    She stopped in front of her cousin, extended her hand for a handshake, and said with a smile that lit up her entire face: "Hello. My name¡¯s Silver. Silver Aura. Nice to meet you."


    Valerie lifted her eyes slowly. No emotion flickered across her face. Not shock or confusion.


    Only a smirk that was far too tired for a teenager. "Wee to PSA."


    Then she dropped her gaze back to her book... and didn¡¯t take her hand.


    Immediately, murmurs resounded all around them, but Solstice didn¡¯t let it faze her and continued, "I want to be your friend," she said quietly, her voice still soft and warm.


    Valerie didn¡¯t look up.


    "Good luck with that," she replied, flipping the page.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t need to look up to know it was her.


    The moment she walked into ss, the energy shifted slightly, but enough, like a breeze that didn¡¯t belong on a still day.


    From the corners of my eyes, I noticed heads were tilted and whispers stirred. Some boys leaned forward. Girls squinted, already judging.


    And I felt it in my gut.


    Solstice.


    But I didn¡¯t raise my head. Not at first. I let here to me. Knowing my cousin, she couldn¡¯t resist.


    When she stopped before my desk, as I had guessed, I turned one page of my book as if that was all I cared about¡ªa deliberate pause. A subtle tension curled behind my ribs.


    What witchery will she do?


    Then she spoke. The voice light was crisp and far too bright for the room.


    "Hello, my name¡¯s Silver. Silver Aura. Nice to meet you."


    I finally lifted my eyes, slowly, calmly. Not a single ripple of emotion crossed my face.


    Of course, she¡¯d use a fake name.


    Of course, she¡¯de in like this, bold and smiling like she hadn¡¯t broken every rule in the book.


    I gave her a look that said, ¡¯<strong>Don¡¯t y with me¡¯,</strong> but instead I smirked and said, <strong>"</strong>Wee to PSA," I said tly.


    And I didn¡¯t take her hand.


    Let the ss stare. Let her feel the cold shoulder. That was the game we were ying, wasn¡¯t it? Pretend to be strangers in front of strangers. I could do that all day.


    However, that big-headed fish, she didn¡¯t back down.


    "I want to be your friend."


    Cute but all I could say was, "Good luck with that," I replied without looking up again.


    I didn¡¯t mean it cruelly. But I also didn¡¯t mean it kindly. I meant it like a warning.


    She knew how important this mission was. And since she wasn¡¯t using her real name either, she had to y her cards right.

 Chapter 138: Becoming Friends

    <h4>Chapter 138: Bing Friends</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 138</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment ss ended, I didn¡¯t move right away. I let everyone file out first, let the crowd buzz past while I sat still, waiting¡ªcalcting.


    When I finally rose from my seat, I caught a glimpse of Solstice still talking to some redhead by the lockers. Laughing. As if we hadn¡¯t just had the most tense fake introduction of our lives.


    I walked past her. I didn¡¯t say a word, but my heart... It beat just a little too fast.


    Because, as much as I hated to admit it, a part of me was d she came. And that was the part that scared me the most.


    Solstice was mischievous, chaos personified, and I... just as bad. So, having two of us together in the same ce was a walking disaster.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong>PSA Cafeteria ¡ª Lunchtime</strong>


    Chatter filled the cafeteria at lunch break, trays clinking, andughter bouncing off the ss-panelled walls.


    Valerie carried her tray with one hand, the other scrolling through her messages as she scanned for an empty seat, preferably one far from the Lycan twins and Dristan¡¯s usual crowd.


    Before she could choose a corner to vanish into, I waved her down from the middle table by the far wall, already nked by Emerald and Astraea.


    Valerie narrowed her eyes.


    "Over here!" I called, smiling.


    Valerie sighed and made her way over.


    The moment she dropped her tray on the table and sat, Emerald spoke up, fork mid-air. "You know, for someone whoins about being avoided, you¡¯re not great at making friends."


    Valerie blinked. "That was random. Where¡¯s thating from?"


    Astraea smiled knowingly. "You brushed off the new girl this morning like she tried to steal your soul."


    Valerie raised a brow. "I didn¡¯t brush her off. I redirected her hand and ignored the overly sunny energy. Big difference."


    "Val," I said gently. "You were once the new girl, too."


    Valerie scoffed at their words. They had no idea what was at y here, and she could be a fool and act all weing, which would raise eyebrows.


    Not like many weren¡¯t already raised since the new girl came for her.


    "Exactly why I did it," she answered tly. "No one weed me. No one smiled or offered a seat. I had to learn the hard way not to be a target."


    She speared a piece of meat with her fork.


    "I¡¯m just paying it forward. Just not in a bad way. I wasn¡¯t in the mood for that all sun energy."


    "You¡¯re impossible," Emerald muttered.


    "Delightfully so," Valerie added with a small smirk.


    But before any of them could say more, a familiar voice rang out, soft and sweet. "Hi again."


    All three girls turned, all but Valerie who rolled her eyes internally.


    Solstice stood just beside the table, her tray bnced against her hip, and her hoodie zipped halfway down to reveal a in tank top underneath. She looked almost shy, her head tilted slightly, her smile uncertain.


    Valerie¡¯s brows lifted slightly.


    Oh, she was good.


    A white lotus with actual talent even better than most of those stupid white lotuses from online novels. She was an actual Queen in the acting industry. Too bad her Aunt Aira refused to let Solstice go to acting school.


    Valerie knew that had she been alive with her parents, her mother, Zara would have happily introduced Solstice to Zaria, Valerie¡¯s grandmother, the beautiful, ageless actress.


    Solstice¡¯s gaze locked on Valerie. She didn¡¯t greet the others¡ªjust her.


    A moment passed. Then Valerie said, "Why me?"


    Solstice tilted her head. "What?"


    Valerie leaned back in her chair. "Why approach me? Why not them?" Valerie tilted her head towards I and the others, who were actively listening.


    At that, Solstice¡¯s smile faltered just a little. Her gaze slid across I, Emerald, and Astraea. She gave them a small nod, polite and soft-spoken.


    "I just... I heard you were thest new female admitted into the senior year. I thought you might understand how it feels. I don¡¯t really want to be alone here," Solstice admitted.


    Her voice wasn¡¯t dramatic. No quiver. Just soft honesty¡ªand maybe that¡¯s what made it work.


    Valerie blinked once, twice.


    Damn. She¡¯d upgraded from bratty cousin to emotionally maniptive freshman in record time.


    "Well..." Valerie reached into her jacket and pulled out a small white handkerchief. "If you want to cry on your first day, here. Be my guest."


    Solstice blinked, confused.


    Valerie added, "But if you want to be friends, try not to glue yourself to me. I hate gum."


    Solstice grinned at that, but before she could say anything, I elbowed Valerie sharply. "You¡¯re being too harsh."


    Valerie raised a brow. "Am I?"


    "Yes," I said, then turned to Solstice with a bright smile. "Hi. I¡¯m I Storm, daughter of Alpha Chris Storm. Valerie¡¯s friend and roommate."


    Solstice brightened. "Nice to meet you, I. I am Silver Aura."


    Emerald reached across the table next. "Emerald Drake. Warrior ss, senior year and Valerie¡¯s roommate and friend." She rolled her eyes at Valerie but smiled at Solstice in approval.


    Valerie tsked. Funny how Solstice easily bought the sceptical Emerald.


    "Astraea Kane," Astraea added. "Cousin of Princess Titania, roommate and friend of Val."


    Solstice¡¯s smile grew. "Wow. Nice to meet you all, Emerald. Astraea."


    She shook each of their hands with a warm but not overbearing grip.


    I pulled out a chair beside her. "Sit. Have lunch with us. We¡¯re all friends here."


    Solstice gave a little bow of gratitude. "Thanks." She set her tray down and easily took the seat, already blending in.


    Valerie watched, half-impressed, half-suspicious. Solstice was smooth. A little too smooth.


    After a few moments, I nced at Valerie with a teasing smile. "You gonna introduce yourself too, or leave her wondering?"


    Valerie sighed. "Fine."


    She nced sideways at Solstice, who was watching her like a hopeful puppy disguised in silk and street smarts.


    "Valerie Nightshade," she said casually, then added with a dry smile. "Apparently, the final boss of the new student approval."


    Solstice¡¯s lips curved. "Thanks for epting me."


    Valerie gave her a slight nod and returned to her food.


    But her eyes didn¡¯t miss the spark of victory in Solstice¡¯s smile as she dug into her meal.


    She had yed her role well. Too well.


    And that only made Valerie more certain¡ªher cousin hadn¡¯t juste to PSA for support or friendship.


    She¡¯de with a purpose. And sooner orter, Valerie hoped to figure out what that purpose was.

 Chapter 139: Walking Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 139: Walking Disaster</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 139</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I spotted her from across the courtyard.


    Solstice. Sitting on the ledge of the old five-story East building, legs dangling like she had no fear of heights¡ªor gravity.


    I swear, my cousin had a talent for chaos.


    I clicked my tongue and immediately turned, pushing through the side entrance of the crumbling structure. No one really came here anymore. It was one of the oldest buildings on campus, mostly shut off for renovations that never seemed to happen.


    Of course, she¡¯d choose it.


    The stairs groaned beneath my feet as I made my way up, the scent of dust and wood polish lingering in the stale air. I reached the rooftop in less than ten minutes.


    And there she was.


    Still seated at the edge. Like a princess in a twisted fairy tale. Wind tugging at her hoodie, her blond hair streaked with blue, dancing across her shoulders.


    "Solstice," I snapped, striding toward her. "Are you out of your mind?"


    She looked back over her shoulder and beamed. "Hey, cousin."


    "Don¡¯t ¡¯hey cousin¡¯ me." I stopped just a few feet from her. "What the hell was that back there? In ss. In the cafeteria. You pulled some stunt."


    She slid off the ledge,nding easily, her footstep barely heard, a mischievous grin ying on her lips.


    "I yed my cards right. No one suspects we know each other. And you did too, cousin."


    "And what about when people start to notice our ¡¯sudden¡¯ closeness?" I folded my arms. "That¡¯ll raise more suspicion than silence."


    Solstice tilted her head like she was confused. "What closeness?"


    I clenched my jaw. "You know what I mean."


    "Do I?" she teased, hershes fluttering innocently. Too innocently.


    I stepped closer. "Solstice Aqua Gold. Behave. This mission is too important to risk."


    She rolled her eyes but didn¡¯t move back. "Exactly why I¡¯m here. To have your back. I don¡¯t trust half the beasts walking around this school. Someone¡¯s out for your head, Valerie. And we both know who they¡¯re tied to¡ªThe Nightsh¡ª"


    I pped my palm over her mouth before she could finish. "Not aloud," I hissed. "Solst... Silver. We agreed. Do you want to get us both exposed?"


    She pulled back slightly, scowling under my hand until I let go.


    "Fine," she muttered. "But you do need me."


    I exhaled through my nose, trying not to snap. "What I need is for you to not draw attention to yourself."


    She shrugged. "So far, you¡¯ve done an excellent job blending in. I¡¯m just here to keep things on track. Help you stay focused."


    "Huh." I folded my arms tighter. "You mean ¡¯take over,¡¯ right? Because I seem pretty focused to me."


    "You call dancing in an alpha¡¯s arms while he smothers you with kisses, being focused?" She gave me the eye. "Duh, cousi, sorry to say but that spells distracted. Imagine if dad found out."


    My gaze darkened. "Solstice, behave. Except you want our stay at PSA toe to an abrupt end."


    She gave me a side nce, smirking. "No. No more pretending, Val. Just you and me. Like always. You¡¯ll get your revenge, and we¡¯ll go back to the pack together. Clean and quiet. No distractions."


    My stomach twisted. "And my identity?" I asked, keeping my voice low.


    Solstice shrugged again. "Up to you."


    "And my mates?"


    Her eyes narrowed, the corners of her mouth tightening. "Distractions. You don¡¯t need them. Not now."


    I didn¡¯t answer. Not because I agreed, but because I didn¡¯t have the words yet to exin to her how wrong she was.


    She stepped closer. "You¡¯ve been distractedtely. Let me help you stay on task."


    "No." I stepped back. "I¡¯ve blended in. I¡¯ve yed this game long enough to know how the board works now. You haven¡¯t. You just got here, and you¡¯re already acting like you own the mission."


    She lifted a brow. "And your big n to uncover Nightshade Thorn?"


    "I have a lead."


    Her eyes lit up. "Tell me."


    "No," I said simply. "Not yet. Not until I know you¡¯re not going to barge into this with too much heat. You need to lie low, Solstice. Keep your head down. Or we both burn."


    She looked like she wanted to argue. But then she nodded¡ªslowly, clearly reluctant, but she did.


    "You¡¯ll be watched," I added. "People here are observant. You can¡¯t afford a slip. Not until I get more information. And especially not until Uncle Zade and Aunt Aira find out you¡¯ve snuck into PSA."


    Solstice snorted. "They won¡¯t. Not if you don¡¯t tattle."


    I turned without answering.


    This conversation was over.


    But in my head, one thought echoed louder than the rest.


    <i>She thinks she¡¯s my best asset. She wasn¡¯t. She was a walking time bomb.</i>


    And if I wasn¡¯t careful, she¡¯d take more than just the mission down with her.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I sat alone in the council chamber, the seat beneath me creaking faintly as I leaned forward. The room was silent¡ªtoo silent.


    It was built for power ys and precision, but right now, it felt like a fuse waiting to burn or a pressure cooker.


    My phone screen glowed in my hand as I stared at it.


    A photo.


    Silver Aura, so she was called.


    A new student.


    An unfamiliar face, already circling familiar territory. There was a single line beneath the image: <i>"We don¡¯t know who she is or what she wants. But the first people she went for were Navin... and Valerie."</i>


    My jaw clenched as I narrowed my eyes at the message. I expected this, but the timing was... off... too perfect.


    I didn¡¯t reply.


    "Interesting, isn¡¯t it? Silver Aura."


    Instead, I lifted my head toward the tall, arched window.


    There he was¡ªRiven Alucard.


    Perched like a crow on the ledge, one leg bent up, boots pressed against the polished windowsill, arm drapedzily across it, while his waist-length ck hair danced, rattled by the wind. The picture of apathy¡ªor calction.


    Probably both.


    "I see you got the update," he drawled, not turning. But I could hear the smirk in his voice. "Valerie Nightshade... looks to me like your little mate¡¯s stirring the waters again¡ªlike a problem ma of some kind."

 Chapter 140: The Hunter On Campus.

    <h4>Chapter 140: The Hunter On Campus.</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 140</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I said nothing.


    "New girl shows up, heads straight for her. You know what happens if she proves to be a threat, right, Dristan Alexander?"


    I stood, slipped the phone into my pocket, adjusted my ck sleeves, tucked one of my hands in my pocket, and squared my shoulders.


    Then I turned, facing the entrance, keeping back to him. My voice was calm, controlled, and lethal. "Remember who runs the student council."


    "That wasn¡¯t an answer to my question."


    I finally turned my gaze on him. A smirk pulled at Riven¡¯s lips. I could see it in the reflection of the ss as Riven kept his gaze outside.


    My voice dropped. "I heard you just fine, Riven Alucard. "Valerie Nightshade is under my protection. She won¡¯t be a problem."


    "And if she is?" Riven prompted, his tone lighter than it should¡¯ve been.


    A beat passed as Riven¡¯s fingers tapped his knee.


    I finally turned my body, slightly, just enough to let a sliver of power bleed into the air. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, brushing up against my aura like a silent growl beneath velvet.


    "You let me worry about her," I said quietly. "Concern yourself with the rest of the school."


    Riven shrugged, still reclining. "But she¡¯s brought in the biggest buzz this year. You know what a gem like that bes in a ce like this?"


    Then, softer: "She¡¯s too loud to stay hidden, Dristan. And if your precious Valerie is drawing enemies again... she¡¯ll burn for it."


    Before he could finish the thought¡ª


    That was it.


    My aura red.


    A sharp, suffocating wave of power burst outward, cracking through the silent room like a warning shot. The ss windows shuddered. Not a full release. Just a taste.


    I let Soren push forward into my eyes, letting that electric red glow shimmer at the edge of my vision. Just enough for him to remember who he was talking to.


    "Behave, Vice President Alucard," I growled, in a low voice and final. "You won¡¯t get a second warning."


    Riven tilted his headzily but didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t blink.


    Instead, a soft chuckle peeled from his lips, smooth as velvet and twice as mocking. "Protective much," Riven mused aloud, sliding his gazezily toward me. "How sweet."


    I turned my back and walked out, the echo of my boots cutting through the silence.


    <i>"Let himugh. Let him watch." </i>Soren echoed in my mind.


    Valerie Nightshade isn¡¯t just my mate. She¡¯s mine to protect. And anyone who thinks she¡¯s easy to pick off was about to find out just how ruthless I can be.


    Behind me, I could still hear the echo of Riven¡¯sugh and mutter, "Let¡¯s see how long that shieldsts, Alpha."


    ¡ª¡ª


    I hadn¡¯t even made it halfway down the corridor before my phone buzzed in my pocket, making me halt. I didn¡¯t check it immediately.


    My mind was still partially tethered to the conversation with Riven¡ªhisughter still echoed faintly in my skull like an itch I couldn¡¯t reach.


    I had to look into this year¡¯s transfer students and eptance and what was happening.


    PSA was a school that was strict and based on merit, and for Alphas¡¯ and betas¡¯ children, it trained the best of the best.


    I understood the royal transfer students. It was part of the alliance treaty. I understood Valerie Nightshade, but I did not understand Mariane¡¯s.


    But when the vibration continued¡ªtwo short pulses followed by one long¡ªI knew exactly who it was.


    I pulled out my phone. No name, just a number saved under a three-digit code.


    <strong>A23 ¨C Father¡¯s Beta.</strong>


    I answered on the third ring. "Yes."


    The Beta¡¯s voice came through, cool and clipped. "Alpha Alexander requests your presence immediately."


    I exhaled sharply, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "Tell him I¡¯m upied at the moment."


    There was a pause¡ªthen came the words that made me freeze mid-step.


    "He¡¯s already here in PSA. No excuses, Young Master."


    My entire body went still.


    "What?"


    "On campus grounds," the Beta repeated, his tone grim. "He entered ten minutes ago under clearance through the Northern Gate."


    My pulse kicked into high gear. "Who authorized that?"


    "He did. Himself. He is an Alpha and a council member, of course, no one would dare reject an entry clearance. They founded PSA, remember? Not even your principal can."


    Of course he did.


    I clenched my jaw, shutting my eyes briefly. Thest time my father paid a visit without notice, the school nearly went into lockdown.


    Thest time I visited him and in respect to Valerie, she almost lost her life.


    And this time... this time, Valerie was here. He could not see her¡ªnot yet, not like this.


    My hand tightened around the phone as I nodded but when I realised he wasn¡¯t seeing me, I added, "I¡¯ll be there," I bit out.


    "I shall inform him. He¡¯ll send a direct location shortly."


    The line clicked dead before I could respond.


    I shoved the phone into my pocket and broke into a brisk walk, pushing down the urgency that mmed through my veins like a second heartbeat.


    Soren stirred in the back of my mind. <i>"You know what this means."</i>


    I did.


    <i>"You must not let him see Valerie. Take hr off his radar. Protect our mate at all costs."</i>


    <i>"I will."</i>


    Alpha Alexander rarely moved without purpose. If he was here in person, it wasn¡¯t just to check on his son.


    <strong>He was hunting something. Or someone.</strong>


    And I¡¯d be damned if I let him find Valerie first.


    <i>"Track him,"</i> I muttered to Soren, slipping through a side corridor as I moved toward the east end of campus.


    <i>"Already ahead of you," </i>Soren growled back. "The old scent trail¡¯s fresh¡ªcinnamon, oakwood, and control. He¡¯s close."


    I moved faster.


    My thoughts were a storm¡ªValerie¡¯s face shing in my mind, the way she smiled sometimes without meaning to, the sharpness in her voice when she was annoyed, the weight of her body pressed against mine when I kissed her during our date.


    I didn¡¯t just want to protect her from my father. I needed to.


    Because if he saw her and sensed who she was¡ªwhat she was¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t hesitate.


    He¡¯d ruin everything.


    And Valerie... Valerie would never forgive me if I stood by and let that happen.


    <strong>I wouldn¡¯t.</strong>


    Not now, not ever.


    I turned the next corner with fire in my veins, my senses already narrowing, sharpening toward one scent¡ªhis scent.


    The hunter was on campus.


    But the wolf in me¡ªhe¡¯d be the one doing the hunting today.

 Chapter 141: Nightmare From the Past

    <h4>Chapter 141: Nightmare From the Past</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 141</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    sses had been painfully long today.


    My brain had absorbed just enough information to pass a test but not enough to quiet the whirlwind spinning in my chest.


    There were too many pieces. Too many threads to pull. And none of them were leading me to what I truly needed¡ªanswers.


    So I did what I always did when my mind refused to shut up.


    I walked.


    There was no n, no path¡ªjust my boots against the cracked tiles and gravel of PSA¡¯s winding paths.


    My hands tucked into the pockets of my hoodie, head slightly lowered, I moved past the training domes and out toward the East Courtyard.


    The air was calm and quiet out here. Not many students ventured this far, especially not during hours after lectures, which made it the perfect ce to think.


    I was already nning tonight¡¯s escape. Another night out. Another whispered name in the underworld where secrets traded hands faster than currency.


    Someone had to know about Nightshade Thorn. Someone had to remember that name.


    I would visit that club, talk to the bartender, and hopefully get a good clue before I leave. I must report something to Uncle Zade before he starts questioning my time here.


    Solstice was right, no matter how much I hated admitting it.


    But then... I stopped.


    Something shimmered in the corner of my eye¡ªchrome, gleaming under the weak sunlight.


    A car and not just any car, but a <strong>Rolls-Royce Phantom</strong>.


    Parked with quiet arrogance at the side of the courtyard, like it owned the space it sat on. Matte ck. Tinted windows. And just ahead of it, two figures stood talking, backs turned chiefly to me.


    My steps slowed, and of course, at once, my curiosity piqued.


    Who the hell had permission to bring that kind of car onto school grounds?


    I took a small step forward, intending to circle closer along the courtyard wall. Just to get a better look.


    That¡¯s when I felt it, the first presence.


    It was heavy. Dominating andmanding in the way only an Alpha could be. It slithered into my senses before I evenid full eyes on the man. My jaw tightened as my heartbeat kicked up violently.


    Then the second presence hit me, and my knees almost buckled.


    Familiar, old¡ªtoo old and deep. And worse, too deadly.


    My breath caught.


    <strong>No...</strong>


    Nd before I knew what was happening, I was no longer in PSA¡¯s East Courtyard. My brain, my mind was transported back into the past, to a ce I ran from for ten years.


    The ce that gave me chills and nightmares and fuelled my vengeance.


    I was ten years old again.


    Standing in a pitch-ck tunnel behind my home. My lungs filled with smoke and my heart beat like a war drum. I could still feel the stone of the passage walls, rough under my small fingers.


    The ce my maid had shoved me inside. She hadn¡¯t followed. I¡¯d waited. I¡¯d begged her under my breath toe with me.


    But she never came and told me she was meant to do this.


    Like hell that mattered when killers were ravaging our home, and I could not do anything about it.


    Like hell I cared about them when they had taken the two most essential parts of me from this world.


    Her screams pierced through my eardrums as I shut my eyes, crying through it all while closing my lips.


    Andter, when I thought it was safe toe out, the house caught fire instead. They were burning the estate. Burning the Zephyr bloodline like we were nothing but rot.


    I had crept out slowly, carefully. My hair was sticky with soot, and my dress was torn. My lungs still burned, but I had to see. I had to know if it had ended and find my parents.


    That¡¯s when I heard the voices.


    Three men. Speaking in low, deep tones in the clearing beyond the back garden.


    But it wasn¡¯t their words that haunted me.


    It was him¡ªthe man who turned.


    His presence alone made my bones freeze like my soul had been dragged too close to the edge of something ancient and evil.


    I¡¯d hidden behind the trees. Just barely.


    But I saw his eyes, unholy red eyes. Like no wolf¡ªor anything of this realm-I had ever known.


    And somehow, he sensed me because in that moment, he whipped his head slightly in my direction. Slowly.


    That cold chill, that overwhelming dread¡ªit settled in me then. And never left.


    I hid for a breath and then I ran, ran as fast as my feet could take me.


    I didn¡¯t look back, but I never forgot how I ran until my legs gave out and I copsed.


    And now... Here. Now, that same pressure and aura washed over me again.


    It was no longer in memory but present, real and breathing. I blinked hard, snapping back into reality just in time to feel eyes on me.


    I looked up to see Dristan staring intently at me with those cold eyes.


    <i>¡¯What was he doing here?¡¯</i> I wondered. He wasn¡¯t the one with that presence, but how did he know him?


    Dristan had turned toward me, eyes sharp, face unreadable. Like he hadn¡¯t just spent days warming into my world with stolen kisses and soft apologies.


    My heart thudded hard against my ribs. He saw me.


    I lifted my hand to wave. I tried to smile, do something, and not stand awkwardly afterst night¡¯s sweet kisses.


    But then, just as I was about to wave and smile like aplete idiot, he turned away.


    Just like that. Dristan Alexander dismissed me as if I didn¡¯t exist.


    There was no warmth, no flicker of recognition, or anything fromst night and the two nights before.


    Where was my jealous Dristan? Where was the man, the alph,a who had made my heart flutter like a mesmerised fool?


    Nothing.


    Just... nk.


    He returned to the man he was speaking to.


    <strong>The source of the presence.</strong>


    As if that was not enough, his shadow stood there, regal and tall, only partially visible, but every part of me screamed in warning.


    That was him. The man from the woods, from my nightmare.


    From my past.


    Still cloaked in silence. Still drowning in power.


    And then, another surge of aura mmed into me. I could barely breathe.


    My instincts took over. I spun on my heel and ran just like I had done ten years ago and that unfortunate, cursed night.


    The world blurred as I ran. Trees. Benches. The curve of the building. I didn¡¯t stop until I reached the west wing¡¯s garden wall and copsed behind it, chest heaving.


    My knees buckled as I leaned back against the stone.


    My vision shook. My throat burned. <strong>That was him. That was the man from ten years ago.</strong>


    I pressed my hand to my chest, trying to still my heartbeat. I had learned to live with the nightmares, the fear. But facing him again?


    And Dristan?


    <strong>Why was Dristan with him?</strong>


    Why... did he look at me like that?


    I pressed the heel of my palm into my eyes. Everything was starting to spiral again.


    And this time, I didn¡¯t know if I could outrun the fire.


    Had they found me?

 Chapter 142: Deep Seethed Pain

    <h4>Chapter 142: Deep Seethed Pain</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 142</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    It was already twenty minutes yet... I still had constant shes of that night. Pain had a way of hollowing things out.


    Like it carved you from the inside, piece by piece, until all you had left were the echoes of everything you were trying to forget.


    So I hid.


    I didn¡¯t return to my dorm after sses, and I didn¡¯t go to the library, the cafeteria, or even the rooftop, where I sometimes sat with Astraea or I.


    I slipped and disappeared through the side paths until I found my way to the <strong>training centre</strong>, picking up my training outfit.


    I met two students there who were training in hand-to-handbat. I slipped inside and hid in a quiet corner, masking my scent to escape being seen.


    After about forty minutes, they packed their bags and water cans and left. I waited, inspected the arena for another ten minutes to ensure no one wasing.


    Once I was sure, I made my way to the training ring at the centre, picking my weapons, a bow and arrows.


    No one was there. It was perfect for letting loose.


    The lights had already gone off in most of the arena. But I didn¡¯t need them. I wasn¡¯t here to see. I was here to release.


    I started with archery.


    My fingers wrapped tightly around the bowstring, my eyes fixed on my target post, drawing back repeatedly.


    The leather grip of the string burned against my skin, but I weed the sting.


    <strong>Thwack.</strong>


    Every arrow I released pierced the centre of the target with ruthless precision¡ªone shot for the wolves that burned my home.


    I inhaled, letting the ragee back, and weed the feelings of deep pain as I drew another arrow.


    <i>Another arrow for the council of Alphas that imed they didn¡¯t know and buried the incident iming it would weaken the kingdom when Uncle Zade had presented the matter to them ten years back.</i>


    <strong>Thawk!</strong>


    Another for the red-eyed man who still haunted me and another... for the mate who didn¡¯t look back.


    I kept going until my arm ached.


    Then I switched.


    Kicked off my shoes and made my way to the boxing corner. The floor was cold, but I didn¡¯t feel it.


    I wore my boxing gloves and mmed my fists into the padded bag, sweat already beading down my back.


    Each punch came harder and faster than thest as I bounced on my feet, my toes holding me firmly. Then I kicked, letting my leg sweep up with deadly precision as I had been trained to do.


    My breath came in ragged bursts but none of what I did seemed to quench the fire inside of me.


    No matter how many times I went at it, no matter how my muscles burned, nothing couldpare to the pain.


    The way my dad fell. The way my mother screamed for me to run, trying to protect me as those shes came down on her... her eyes, her smile...


    Everything poured through me in torrents and then¡ª


    I screamed.


    Not words or names, just pure <i>rage</i>. Then I hit again and again.


    And again.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I¡¯d been going at it. Time had blurred, like everything else. But when a <strong>click</strong> echoed in the distance and one of the <strong>far lights flickered on</strong>, I still didn¡¯t stop.


    I didn¡¯t even look up. I kicked harder, imagining that the boxing bag was a giant, my enemies, my thorned problems were all giants I needed to punch till they were no more.


    Let them watch.


    Let whoever it was see how shattered I had be because maybe, just maybe, I didn¡¯t care anymore.


    I med myself over and over again. I questione din my mind, why had I survived and they had not?


    The punching bag swung back toward me, and I met it with another blow, my knuckles raw now, my breath rasping.


    Then warm, strong arms suddenly wrapped around me from behind.


    I gasped, twisting hard in instinct¡ªmy elbow cocked back, ready to strike whoever it was. I spun fast¡ª


    But he caught my wrist. Held it, and before I could fully understand what or who had me, he pulled me into him.


    I froze as his scent assaulted my nostrils.


    <strong>Kai.</strong>


    His eyes met mine¡ªnot glowing, not harsh. Those emerald green eyes were there, holding my gaze quietly, like a storm feels just before it rains.


    I didn¡¯t speak, and neither did Kai.


    Instead, my breath hitched, and my knees began to tremble beneath me. My throat burned. My chest felt too tight. I had been holding it all in¡ªeverything¡ªand now, it spilt.


    Hot tears rushed down my cheeks quietly.


    Kai¡¯s arms wrapped tighter around me, holding me like he¡¯d known I would fall apart the second someone touched me gently.


    And I did.


    I screamed again¡ªbut this time into his chest. His shirt soaked up the sound. His body anchored me. His earthy, clean scent with a faint trace of frost settled in my lungs like something safe.


    Kai said nothing for a while. Then, his deep voice came low, barely above a whisper as if scared I¡¯d run when he spoke. "I saw you... earlier. In the courtyard."


    I stilled.


    Kai¡¯s hand moved up to cup the back of my head. "When he looked away. You looked like someone had gutted you."


    I clenched my jaw, but didn¡¯t respond. That was not the reason for my outburst, though it looked that way.


    "I just needed to make sure..." His breath paused. "Is that why you¡¯re crying? Did Dristan hurt you?"


    My fingers curled into his shirt. Still, I said nothing.


    Not yes or no. All I gave was just silence.


    Kai didn¡¯t press. He just looked down at me, sadness flickering in those normally unreadable eyes.


    Then, he leaned in slowly, so slowly and in that moment, his lips brushed against mine, barely touching. Just enough for me to feel the question in it.


    A moment passed but Kai respected my boundaries and waited, ghosting silently over my lips. My heart skipped several beats and in the next second... I kissed him back.


    Not because I wanted to punish Dristan or out of confusion or even out of pity but because for that moment, I saw <strong>my pain</strong> in Kai¡¯s eyes.


    Like he¡¯d lost something too.


    And when our lips finally met¡ª<i>fully</i>¡ªit was soft and rough all at once.


    His hand slid to my waist, gripping tight like he needed the kiss as much as I did. My arms wrapped around his neck as his lips moved over mine, gentle at first... then deeper.


    Hungrier.


    But still... sad.


    There was no heat in this kiss. No lust. Just <strong>need</strong>. Two broken things finding warmth.


    His mouth opened against mine, coaxing me to forget, to breathe, to lean into thefort he was giving.


    And I did.


    For once, I let someone hold my grief.


    When the kiss broke, our foreheads stayed pressed together, our breath shared between the inches of air between us.


    His hands rested on my hips. Mine gripped the sides of his jacket.


    "I¡¯m here for you," he murmured, voice rasping softly near my ear. "Anytime. No matter what."


    I swallowed.


    My tears had stopped, but my heart still ached. Still, I whispered, "Thank you."


    Kai pulled me in again, tucking my head under his chin as his arms enveloped me once more. And we just stood there¡ªno words, no exnations.


    Just two wolves in the quiet. And for the first time since seeing those red eyes again...


    I didn¡¯t feel like I had to fight alone.

 Chapter 143: Nightshade Searching Nightshade

    <h4>Chapter 143: Nightshade Searching Nightshade</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 143</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Sneaking out of PSA wasn¡¯t hard. Not with Solstice preupied, charming her new roommates.


    Thankfully, I didn¡¯t spill more than what I mentioned earlier. She was my cousin, but sometimes, only a secret kept with one remains a secret.


    I didn¡¯t tell her I was leaving. She¡¯d want to tag along, and this... this wasn¡¯t something I could risk with her ir for the dramatics.


    This wasn¡¯t just curiosity anymore.


    It was personal.


    The streets were quieter tonight, cloaked in soft fog and the hum ofte-hour city noise. My hoodie was drawn low, and I kept to the side alleys as I made my way toward the old club where I had gone to in search of my ne.


    That ce¡ªit wasn¡¯t ordinary. There was something off about it, and I was going to find out what.


    I slipped through the side door like I belonged there.


    The scent of smoke and alcohol clung thick to the air. Music vibrated faintly through the walls, but the bar was slightly emptier than before. Perfect.


    I spotted the same bartender from thest time¡ªslick hair, sharp hands that was an expert in his service, and eyes that darted too much for someone paid to look cool.


    I stepped up to the bar, casually.


    "Hey,¡¯ I said coolly.


    He blinked and took half a step back. "You... you came back?"


    "We meet again," I said coolly.


    I slid a folded bill onto the counter. "Rx. I just want to talk."


    He hesitated, and I dropped another bill.


    Then his fingers twitched as he wiped them clean on a white napkin. "What do you want?"


    I leaned in, keeping my voice low. "I¡¯m not gonna beat around the bush." He nodded, pressing his lips together and pushing it to the side. "Tell me about the <strong>Nightshade Thorn Emblem</strong>."


    That name changed him.


    He stiffened immediately, shoulders going rigid as his mouth pressed into a thin line. "Where did you hear that?"


    "That¡¯s not your concern. Just answer."


    He opened his mouth, words trembling on the edge of his tongue. "The Nightshade Thorn you seek¡ª"


    "I don¡¯t know which of these I should be more concerned with," came a familiar voice behind me and I froze.


    My spine stiffened.


    Shit! No. No, no, no.


    I turned, already knowing that scent¡ªdark pine and controlled power, wrapped in a storm.


    <strong>Dristan.</strong>


    His eyes met mine, but they were as cold as ever and they burned, not with heat, but with some emotion I couldn¡¯t ce.


    His arms were folded across his chest as he stepped forward, his presence swallowing the entire corner of the club.


    "And that is?" I asked, trying to act unaffected.


    "The fact that you snuck out of school..." he paused, tilting his head slightly, "or the fact that you¡¯re asking about the <strong>Nightshade Thorn Group</strong>."


    My breath hitched briefly and the memory of the courtyard reyed in my mind. My eyes narrowed on his appearance, all ck trousers, an inner shirt and a leather jacket.


    He¡¯d have fitted in a spy movie if his golden blond hair had not singled him out.


    <i>Way to blend in, Drist.</i>


    "So you do know them?"


    "That depends," he answered casually, his gaze flickering around beforending on my head.


    "On?"


    "On why you¡¯re looking for them," he said, stepping closer.


    I shrugged. "Nothing serious. Just curious."


    He gave me a look so sharp I almost flinched. "Your surname is Nightshade," he said pointedly. "And yet you¡¯re looking into a group with that name as if it¡¯s nothing? That¡¯s suspicious, even for you."


    "Think what you want," I retorted and looked away, taking my attention back to the bartender, turning fully, but Dristan extended an arm, stopping me.


    "What now?" I rolled my eyes.


    "Tell me why you¡¯re interested."


    I leaned against the bar, lifting my drink slowly. "No. Pass."


    "Valerie."


    I nced at him through myshes. "Why don¡¯t you tell me why you¡¯re here first? What, you followed me? Or are you always lurking behind people¡¯s backs?"


    "Is that the tone you use to interrogate people?"


    "Why? Is it working on you, oh great, cold-hearted Alpha King heir?" I whispered just for him in a reverent manner, but I bet he couldn¡¯t miss the venom and heat in my tone.


    He smirked. "Yes."


    The word hit harder than it should have. His eyes gleamed slightly as he added, "So next time you need to ask questions,e to me."


    "Why?" I snapped. "So you can bury the truth?"


    "Pardon?"


    Before I could snap again, he stepped forward, grabbed my arm, and turned me gently but firmly to face him.


    "Tell me the truth. Why are you here?"


    My mouth opened, but the lie caught in my throat.


    "I..." I swallowed when he gazed at me deeply, and I could almost swear I saw his eye colour change but they reverted to their blue ones. "I once read about the group. Saw it online once. I thought I¡¯d chase the mystery. It... helps me forget."


    "Forget what?" he asked softly.


    "From..." I hesitated, then sighed. "From you."


    His eyes darkened. There was suspicion there."So I am your distraction."


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    He lifted my chin with two fingers, forcing my eyes back on his. "Why?" Dristan whispered,. "You feel this, too. Don¡¯t you?"


    His nose brushed mine. Too close and intimate.


    It was dangerous. Quickly, my brain tried to use anything to distract myself and him. Then I recalled and angerced my voice.


    I tried to stay still. Tried to keep my voice calm.


    But Dristan¡¯s proximity¡ªhis touch, his voice, the way he looked at me like he saw more than I was ready to give¡ªrattled something inside me.


    And it made me mad.


    "You¡¯re really doing this?" I asked, my voice low but sharp. "Now?"


    He tilted his head, confusion flickering in his eyes.


    "Earlier today, you acted like I didn¡¯t exist. Cold. Ice-cold. Like I was nothing."


    His eyes narrowed slightly.


    "And now you¡¯re here," I continued, my throat tightening. "Following me. Getting close. Touching me. Like none of that happened. So which is it, Dristan?" I shoved at his chest, just enough to put space between us. "Was I beneath you then, or are you just bored now?"


    His jaw flexed. "That¡¯s not what it was."


    I folded my arms. "Then what was it? Hm? Because I¡¯m really trying to understand how you go from ignoring someone like they¡¯re trash beneath your boots to looking at them like this."


    He hesitated¡ªjust for a breath¡ªbut I saw it.


    "It¡¯splicated," he finally said, too calmly.


    Iughed, the sounding off humourless. "Of course it is." I shook my head. "That¡¯s a very convenient word for men like you, isn¡¯t it?"


    Dristan stepped forward again, expression darkening. "I wasn¡¯t trying to hurt you."


    "But you did." My voice cracked softly. "You didn¡¯t even look at me. Like you were ashamed of me being there."


    His eyes snapped up to mine. And this time, the silence between us was heavier. I held his gaze anyway, even when it stung.


    Because I wasn¡¯t going to pretend tonight not when I was chasing ghosts.


    Not when he was standing there, acting like he could reach into my chest and rearrange everything I¡¯d barely held together.


    His hand twitched at his side like he wanted to reach for me again.


    But I stepped back.


    And for once... he didn¡¯t stop me.


    "So tell me, what do I feel? Your shame of me or...?"

 Chapter 144: Gun Fire

    <h4>Chapter 144: Gun Fire</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 144</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I tried to speak further, but my voice caught in my throat. My mouth was dry, my throat patched. I hissed and Dristan closed the gap quickly, holding me again.


    "Valerie? What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing. Let go." I swallowed, feeling his scent wash over me, soothing my pain. I tried to step back but Dristan wouldn¡¯t let me.


    His eyes locked on mine again, searching, silently asking what was wrong.


    At that moment, my brain said the only thing it could mutter as I stared into his blue eyes. "My lips¡ªmy throat¡¯s dry and¡ª"


    I didn¡¯t know why I told him that. My thoughts were jumbled up and my... but before I could register what was happening fully, Dristan¡¯s mouth was on mine.


    It wasn¡¯t hard or angry. It wasn¡¯t desperate either.


    It was soft, but as quickly as it came, I broke away quickly. I turned back to the bartender like nothing happened.


    "I need a drink," I said lightly.


    Dristan stared at me, his jaw tight but he did not say anything.


    I took the ss, smiled faintly, and over-tipped the bartender with a wink. Dristan raised an eyebrow, but didn¡¯t speak.


    Then, suddenly, Dristan¡¯s gaze sharpened."Shit," he muttered.


    "What?"


    "They¡¯ve seen me." His voice dropped to a whisper. "And they¡¯ve seen you with me."


    My eyes widened. "Who?"


    Dristan stepped closer, grabbing my hand. "The group I was tracking. They know my face. Now they¡¯ve seen yours."


    "So?" I asked.


    "We kissed."


    "I didn¡¯t kiss you," I argued. "We almost kissed," I corrected.


    "Technically my lips were on yours. And from their angle, it won¡¯t matter. They¡¯lle for you."


    I lifted my brows. "Incase you haven¡¯t noticed, I can handle myself," I stated.


    "Like you handled yourself during the simtion?" he snapped back. "This isn¡¯t a debate, Valerie. You¡¯re leaving with me. Now."


    I grumbled, muttering some curses unde rmy breath as I grabbed my drink and downed it.


    Dristan stared at me. "Seriously?"


    But I inoed him and set the empty ss down, tapped the counter, and hissed, "<strong>Information</strong>."


    The bartender leaned in. I could notice the nervousness and how cold sweat trickled down the side of his face. "<strong>Blue Willow</strong>," he whispered. "That¡¯s where you¡¯ll find what you¡¯re looking for."


    Before I could ask more, Dristan tugged my wrist and yanked me from the bar. "Let¡¯s go," he said, his voice tight.


    Behind us I noticed the figures moving and this time... I didn¡¯t argue.


    The night air was cold and damp when we burst out the side door of the club, my boots skidding slightly as I tried to keep up with Dristan¡¯s long strides.


    "Move!" he barked sharply with authority.


    I didn¡¯t argue. Not when I saw them¡ªfive men in dark suits, already piling into a ck jeep parked across the alley. One of them looked directly at Dristan.


    And then my gaze caught the nuzzle of a gun gleaming under the moonlight. My heart skipped a beat as I tried to call out to Dristan when the sound rang out.


    <strong>Bang.</strong>


    The gun fired.


    "Run!" Dristan growled, grabbing my arm and pulling me to the side as bullets ripped through the air, hitting stone, brick and metal.


    We sprinted, weaving between buildings, and dove into the thick cover of the trees just behind the alley.


    I stumbled once, nearly falling, but Dristan he caught me and pulled me behind the wide trunk of an old oak. The bark bit into my back, but I didn¡¯t care.


    There was danger lurking. He held me, his body hovering over me as he pressed a finger against his lips to hush me.


    We waited but still, the men did not stop.


    I could hear them moving through the sparse forest, as footsteps pounded in a different direction. They hadn¡¯t seen where we¡¯d gone yet, which was good. It could buy us time for an escape.


    I tried to calm my breathing¡ªtried and failed.


    Seeing this, Dristan pressed his body closer, pinning me between the tree and him as we hid in the shadows.


    His hand rested on the tree behind me, his other braced on his thigh. We were so close his chest rose and fell against mine with each breath and my brrasts were pressed softly on his.


    My heart pounded so hard, I was certain he could hear it.


    He tilted his head, leaned in slightly.


    "Your heart¡¯s beating too fast, Nightshade," Dristan whispered.


    I swallowed thickly. "Yeah, we just ran for our lives."


    "That¡¯s something small for you, mate. What is it really?" His voice was lower now. Deeper.


    I opened my mouth to say something sarcastic, something to break the moment.


    But then¡ª


    Two more men came jogging down the path not too far from us. I froze. Dristan¡¯s eyes flicked up, instantly alert.


    His hand slid up, covering my mouth. He leaned in until his face was inches from mine.


    <strong>"Shhh."</strong>


    The warmth of his palm against my lips did nothing to help my heart rate. His breath brushed my cheek, and our eyes locked.


    I didn¡¯t dare move.


    The men passed. Slowly. One of them paused for a second¡ªjust long enough to make my skin crawl¡ªthen kept moving.


    Only when their footsteps faded did Dristan lower his hand but he didn¡¯t move away.


    His eyes were still locked on mine. His gaze flicked down¡ªlingering on my mouth. I felt the moment it happened. That shift. That slow, dangerous pull between us.


    Dristan swallowed hard as the mate bond pull became stronger.


    My chest rose against his. I didn¡¯t know which of us moved first. Maybe it was both but then, his head dipped slightly, just brushing his lips over mine in a ghost of a touch¡ªtesting¨CWaiting.


    I didn¡¯t stop him unliest tim at the bar. Taking hol of the opportunity, DriSo he kissed me.


    It wasn¡¯t like before. There was no hesitation this time. No sharp retreat or calcted pullback. It was hungry and heated.


    And I responded.kissed him back¡ªharder. I kissed Dristan.


    The sparks that lit up between us could¡¯ve lit a battlefield.


    My hands tangled into the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. His fingers gripped my waist, sliding up beneath my hoodie and tank top as he dragged his hand along my skin.


    I gasped feeling the intrusion for the first time.


    The brush of his bare fingertips sent heat exploding through me. His palm ttened against my lower back as he deepened the kiss.


    Gods, his mouth...


    It was like being swallowed whole and set free at the same time. It was breathtaking.


    For a moment, I forgot all about where we were and why we were hiding as I let myself be swept up by the kiss and the bond pulsing inside us.


    But then¡ª<strong>Bang!</strong>


    A gunshot rang out, closer than before.


    We dropped immediately. Dristan twisted mid-motion, throwing his arm over my head and taking us both to the forest floor, cradling me with his body.


    My breath hitched.


    He didn¡¯t even hesitate. "Stay here," he said firmly, eyes wild with a different kind of fire. "I¡¯ll be back."


    I watched as Dristan leaned down and pressed a hard, fast kiss to my lips. "Do not be rash. I¡¯ll be back," he cautione dand with that, he was gone.

 Chapter 145: Caught

    <h4>Chapter 145: Caught</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 145</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t dare move as Dristan instructed.


    I heard it¡ªevery scream. Every half-choked breath. The thuds of bodies hitting the ground, a grunt, a hiss and then silenceplete, deafening silence.


    Until a shadow moved.


    There, just beyond the trees, I spotted one of the men who had chased us. He was masked and tiptoeing low to the ground with his gun raised.


    He was stalking toward Dristan who had his back turned, crouched over another body, possibly inspecting him for any identification.


    My blood ran cold.


    I could smell it from here¡ªsilver bullets but how did Dristan not perceive it or see him? Was he too engrossed in what he was doing or?


    I threw caution to the wind and moved silently.


    Just as he trained his aim, I stepped out from the shadows. He didn¡¯t know I was behind him until it was toote.


    I gripped his shoulder, twisted and snapped his neck.


    The crack was clean. His body dropped like a rag doll, and the bullet fired¡ªwild, off target.


    Dristan stood the second he heard it. His eyes whipped toward me just as the body crumpled. He rushed forward, eyes wide.


    "You¡ª" He stopped, looking at the man at my feet, then at me.


    "You killed him," he said slowly.


    I raised an eyebrow. "No. I knocked him unconscious... aggressively."


    He stared at me.


    "I promise, he¡¯ll be out for hours."


    Dristan just blinked, either he was confused, or just scared for me or about me, I did not know.


    I stepped past him, brushing my shoulder against his. "That¡¯s your gift for tonight. Now we¡¯re even. Do not speak of this night," I stated rather sharply as I moved.


    Thest thing I needed or wanted was for word of me seeking out Nightshade Group to be out. I knew he was cleaver but I just needed to make sure before he told the other heirs.


    He turned slightly. "Which part? The Nightshade... or the kiss?"


    I halted mid-step, keeping my back to him. My fingers curled tightly at my sides.


    But I said nothing and instead, walked away.


    Behind me, I heard the low chuckle of a wolf who¡¯d tasted fire and now craved the burn.


    "I¡¯ll take the first," he called after me, "but not thest, mate."


    I didn¡¯t turn back but I knew Dristan was still watching.


    Just like he always did and it scared me that part of me... that liked it.


    ****************


    I barely made it back to the campus grounds by nightfall, as the half moon, cast long silver rays over the Eastern Wall.


    All the while, I had thoughts of Dristan, our kiss, Kai¡¯s kiss... I sighed when I remembered Kai. I did not know what had happeed to him but I felt deep pain from him, one filled with regret.


    Just the thought drifted my mind to the alpha heirs¡¯ blue eyes and the reason behind it.


    The air was cold and crisp, and I hugged my hoodie tighter around me as I scaled over the old back gate andnded quietly on my feet.


    "Finally in," I muttered thinking I was in the clear.


    Until¡ª


    "I wonder what it is that carried you out of school, Ms. Nightshade."


    The voice sliced through the air like a de wrapped in velvet¡ªsmooth, deep, butced with something that made the hairs on my neck rise.


    I froze. I had never heard that voice before and that spoke a lot since I most recalled the voices of people who spoke to me.


    Who was he? And what was he doing here?


    Was it Xander?


    It couldn¡¯t be. Xander¡¯s voice and sense and the way I sense and feel him is basically... nonexistent with this person.


    And worse, I didn¡¯t recognize the presence that followed it.


    Slowly, I turned.


    And whne I looked up, my eyes held the figure of the guy who stopped me.


    He stood bnced atop the metal rail of the back fence like he was born there¡ªeffortlessly graceful.


    His ck coat billowed slightly in the breeze, flowing down to his ankles. He didn¡¯t look like any student I¡¯d seen before.


    His hair was long, pitch ck and glossy, trailing behind him in waves that shimmered under the dim light. His skin was pale¡ªsmooth, and sharp around the jawline. And his eyes... gods, those eyes.


    Blood... sucking... red.


    They were cold and hot as hell but inside they burned like ice, knowing. And locked directly onto mine.


    I swallowed hard, my mind scrambling.


    "Give me one reason," he said, now stepping down from the fence with cat-like elegance, "why I shouldn¡¯t taze you and report you for sneaking out of school grounds?"


    His voice was calm, yet everything about him screamed authority¡ªand danger.


    My fist curled at my side, the lie slipping out before I could stop it. "I wasn¡¯t... sneaking. I was with Dristan."


    His brows rose slightly. He didn¡¯t look surprised. More... amused.


    "Dristan?" he repeated, tilting his head as if trying to assess the weight of my words. "As in... Dristan Alexander?"


    I nodded and too quickly I might add.


    <i>Calm down, Valerie. Calm down. You¡¯ve been in these situations before and you have scaled through. A lie of this mgnitude shouldn¡¯t phase you at all.</i>


    Except that it did.


    First, I had no idea whom I was lying to and second... Dristan?


    I was lying and using Dristan whom I had just ignored, not even Kai or...


    The guy hummed under his breath, still watching me with that unnerving calm. "Shall I call him and confirm that story?"


    My heart skipped. I knew most people wouldn¡¯t dare try. But this man? I had the growing suspicion he absolutely could and Dristan wouldn¡¯t find him annoying much.


    I shut my eyes briefly, managin to mmy racing heart and fear while putting on my best stoic, yet unique face for evading interrogations.


    And just as I was about to decline, he added casually¡ª


    "As Vice President of the Student Council, it¡¯s well within my rights to verify such a im. And since he is the President of said council..." he trailed off and pulled out his phone, holding it up as he walked forward. "It is only fitting that I do."

 Chapter 146: Riven Alucard

    <h4>Chapter 146: Riven Alucard</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 146</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <i>Valerie, y your game.</i>


    I smiled subtly and nodded. "I wouldn¡¯t want to make you evade your duty."


    He hummed and then added, "Tell me¡ªwhere is he now, if you were supposedly with him?"


    "We... we split up," I replied, reaching for calm andnding somewhere near desperation. "He had other things to take care of and said I should head back first."


    "Mm," he murmured, ncing down as he scrolled through his contact list. "Convenient."


    It was only then I realized who he was.


    <strong>Riven Alucard.</strong>


    The name whispered between Guild leaders and older students like a forbidden spell.


    I¡¯d overheard stories in the dorm¡ªhe¡¯d been on some elite exchange program in Elven kingdom, trained in diplomaticbat, espionage, and supernaturalw.


    He had returned just days ago. And now here he was, catching me red-handed.


    He tapped on an icon and lifted the phone to his ear. I held my breat through and through every ring.


    <i>Come on, Dristan... pick up. Please pick up...</i>


    After three rings, I heard the faint buzz of a voice.


    "Yes?" Dristan¡¯s familiar voice answered, slightly hoarse¡ªprobably from the mess earlier.


    Riven¡¯s eyes never left mine. "Apologies for the early call, Mr. President," he said smoothly. "I ran into your mate outside the school gates. She says she was helping you on patrol."


    There was a pause on the other end. Then Dristan¡¯s voice came, a beat too smooth.


    "She was."


    I blinked.


    Riven arched a single elegant brow. "Ah. I see. Is that why she¡¯s returning alone at 12:45 a.m.?"


    "Change of ns," Dristan replied. "She was dismissed earlier. I stayed behind."


    "I see. Thank you for confirming." Riven didn¡¯t press. But just when I thought he¡¯d end the call he asked, "One more question if you please."


    Dristan¡¯s grumpy groan followed. "Ask."


    "What clothes is she wearing?"


    I swallowed. Had Dristan payed any attention to my outfit while he was staking the bad guys?


    I heard a bored sigh and then he replied. "First of, I had alpha business to take care of and I do not have time for this. I am in the middle of an interrogation. I do not need another from my Vice."


    "Answer, Dristan. Simple words then youc an go back to your investigation."


    But rathe rthan y along, Dristan scoffed. "If you want details thn, details you shall have."


    I had no idea what game Drisan was going to y but I held my breath nontheless.


    "Perceive her Vamp. She has my scent stered all over her lips and waist but assuming you are not perceived as a pervert who goes about sniffing students at night."


    I watched as Riven¡¯s jaw clenched but he kept his cool and replied. "No. I am only following protocol."


    "If you really want a picture..."


    I could imagine Dristan leaning backzily in imaginary chair, his voice cool and slow, like he was relishing every word.


    "She wore a ck hoodie with her name¡ª¡¯Val¡¯¡ªprinted in white across the chest, fitted ck trousers. A designer chain glinting at her waist like a secret. Her hair was loose, messy from the wind. And her lips?"


    Just the wzy he drawled thest part, I could swear he was smirking, his eyes probably holding that gleam.


    Her cheeks? Still flushed pink from where "


    "Still swollen when I left her, obviously from where my lips got a little too familiar with hers. She tasted like fire and defiance¡ªsweet, but sharp when she kissed back. Warm, breathless, and entirely mine... for that moment."


    Dristan inhaled and I felt my cheeks just burn recalling the intensity of what we shared.


    "My hand," Dristan continued, "was on her jaw, her fingers in my jacket, and when our tongues met..." He paused, just long enough to make the silence sting. "She forgot whatever it was she was mad about. And for that minute, she melted into me like she belonged there."


    "That¡¯s enough," Riven interrupted, his tone clipped. "Thank you, that¡¯s overly detailed, as expected."


    Dristan smiled faintly. "You asked, Riven. And given your calibre, I thought I¡¯d make it less boring."


    "Tsk. You are President."


    "And she is my mate. No rules applied to that and we weren¡¯t on..."


    "I made a mistake calling you," Riven stated before Dristan took the opportunity to do more.


    He ended the call with a soft click and slid the phone back into his coat pocket. His eyes narrowed slightly before he looked down at me.


    "Dristan covers for you well," he said in an unreadable tone. "But next time you make him lie for you, make sure it¡¯s worth it."


    I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.


    That was no lie and he knew it. Well some of it wasn¡¯t an entire lie, especially the kiss , the part the dimwit aid he¡¯d proudly tell about.


    At least he did not speak of the Nightshade Thorn. But then Riven wasn¡¯t dumb... Taking me for Patrol was too much.


    If Dristan desired me, he could have done so anywhere else.


    I sighed, ignoring the thoughts.


    "Come," Riven added, gesturing toward the building. "I¡¯ll escort you to your dorm."


    "I can find my way," I said, voice firmer than I felt.


    "I insist."


    We walked in silence, the soft crunch of gravel under our feet the only sound between us. Despite everything, I found myself ncing at him from the corner of my eye.


    There was no doubt in my mind¡ªthis man was dangerous.


    But oddly, not in the way most were. He didn¡¯t want to hurt me but he could<strong>.</strong>


    And he¡¯d never have to raise a finger.


    When we finally reached the dorm gates, he stopped.


    His gaze flicked toward me again, unreadable. "You¡¯re lucky tonight. Dristan kept your secret. I won¡¯t pry... this time."


    I nodded once.


    Then he added in a softer voice but still sharp, "He told me you were trouble."


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "But even trouble," he said, stepping back, "deserves to be escorted home. Goodnight, Ms. Nightshade."


    And with that, he turned and vanished into the night shadows, coat trailing behind him like smoke.

 Chapter 147: Weapon of Destruction

    <h4>Chapter 147: Weapon of Destruction</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 147</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I stood there for a moment, hand gripping the dorm handle.


    My heart hadn¡¯t stopped racing from Dristan¡¯s too-good reveal, from Riven¡¯s suspicion and from the truth I was burying beneath lies and half-smiles.


    But I¡¯d barely made it back, and now I had bigger problems because Riven Alucard, the Vice of Vice, knew my name and that was almost as dangerous as the truth I carried.


    <i>I swear, Solstice gonna kill me.</i>


    <i>"That¡¯s only if you tell her, right?" </i>Astra purred within me. <i>"What she doesn¡¯t know won¡¯t hurt her."</i>


    *****************


    The world shimmered in soft gold, bleeding into pink as twilight cloaked everything in magic.


    I stood barefoot in the centre of an expansive marble terrace, surrounded by shadows¡ªbut not the kind that frightened. These were warm, familiar, like a presence.


    No... it was all six of them.


    I turned¡ªand they emerged from the shadows one by one, taking their usual form.


    Kai was smirking as always, with his arms folded, and a glint in his eyes dared me toe closer.


    Xade was next,zy and coiled like a predator, eyes unreadable and lips curled into something dangerously charming.


    Axel leaned against a stone pir, quietly and calmly, but the moment his gaze found me, everything else dulled.


    Then came Ash, tall, aloof, and regal. But when our eyes met, I saw the crack beneath the surface.


    And then Ace, the gentle, cute soul, whose eyes held reverence when he saw me.


    Dristan was thest to step out of the shadows. He was wearing the outfit I saw him in yesterday evening.


    He didn¡¯t smirk, nor did he move fast. He just looked¡ªand my breath caught. There was something in the way he saw me. Like I was the very thing he was made to ruin and worship all at once.


    They circled me suddenly with something less of threats nd more of a dance.


    Immediately, hands reached towards me from all angles they were in. One brushed my jaw. Another touched my waist.


    Someone¡¯s fingersced into mine¡ªgently but firmly¡ªand with a swift spin, I turned right into someone¡¯s chest.


    Before I could breathe, hungry lips crashed onto mine, deeply taking advantage of my gasp to slide his tongue in and kiss me deeply.


    His tongue swept into my mouth and I gasped, not from surprise but from recognition. One of them. All of them. Their tastes blurred, like every part of them belonged to me and I to them.


    But then the air shifted, and the light dimmed. And the marble beneath us shattered suddenly. We were no longer standing on PSA grounds.


    Darkness cracked through my reality like a whip. The sky above turned red, then ck. A sound split the world in two, and suddenly I wasn¡¯t in that terrace anymore.


    I was back to that painful moment ten years ago.


    The fire, the screams, the blood and the dead bodies.


    I stood frozen in the secret tunnel¡¯s exit, watching my home burn. My throat was raw, the smoke choking me as the mes danced over shattered windows and broken walls.


    My maid¡¯s bodyy a few feet away, lifeless. She¡¯d taken the blow meant for me. And when I went in search of my parents, I heard them.


    Male cruel voices,ughing in mockery, pointing at the mess and destruction.


    And then <i>him.</i>


    A presence that sucked the warmth from the air. I didn¡¯t see his face, but I saw his <i>eyes</i>. Blood-red. Unforgiving. They turned toward me like he <i>knew</i>.


    I ran.


    Through the woods. Over broken roots. My legs ached, but I kept running¡ªuntil the earth shook.


    I was no longer a child, now standing as a grown girl. I spun on my heels, looking for an escape.


    I stumbled, falling to my knees as the ground cracked beneath me. Fire burst from the splits, mes rising, chasing me, swallowing me whole, but they didn¡¯t burn me.


    They curled around my skin, wrapping me in searing heat, then... hardened.


    Stone.


    Obsidian rock.


    A shell formed around me, but when I looked down, the earth opened further, and beneath the rock, moltenva boiled.


    The liquid looked angry, furious, mirroring the anger and pain inside me and then I saw them.


    The people I cared about, my parents, family, pack members, Uncle Zade, Aunties, and then... my mates.


    One by one, they began to fall. Their bodies twisted in the air as they dropped into the molten pit: Kai, Xade, Axel, Ash, Dristan, and Ace.


    Each of them¡ªreaching for me. Each of them¡ªburning.


    But I couldn¡¯t move. I couldn¡¯t help because, from where I stood, it seemed as though the destruction stemmed from me.


    My stomach tightened, my heart ached as pain surged through me¡ªraw, unrelenting, and deeper than flesh.


    It burned from my chest outward, radiating through my veins like poison and mebined. I felt it in my bones, my teeth, my tongue, my very breath.


    My hands trembled as I looked down at them¡ªsmall cracks forming across my skin like lightning carved in flesh. Lines of ember light glowed from beneath the surface, flickering in rhythm with the molten fire below.


    "No..." I whispered, staggering back a step. My voice trembled. "This isn¡¯t real."


    But it was. I could feel it¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just a memory. <i>It came from me.</i>


    Theva wasn¡¯t rising because of them. It wasn¡¯t even rising because of him, the red-eyed monster in my past.


    It was me.


    The rage. The grief. The loss. The agony I had swallowed down every day since that night. It was boiling out now, alive and dangerous, tearing open the world in front of me.


    "No, no, no¡ª"


    The obsidian shell around my body cracked violently, shards breaking off and disintegrating into ash.


    Wild mes erupted from my back, not wings but something <i>wild</i>, something <i>alive</i>¡ªfire that wanted to consume the world.


    My eyes stung, and when I looked up, I saw the reflection in the molten pit.


    My eyes lit with me.


    Pupils swallowed in gold, then red, then something else, aplete purple and ck with freckles of blue in them.


    I was a monster... a monste that brought about the end.


    A scream wed up my throat. "No! Stop! Please!"


    But the fire didn¡¯t stop. It surged again, and this time, it <i>pulled</i> the people I loved down with it.


    I watched them fallpletely¡ªmy mates¡ªburning and screaming, their hands reaching for me....


    My feet were locked to the ground. My power had rooted me there, my agony chaining me in ce.


    And I knew this wasn¡¯t an enemy¡¯s curse. This was me<i>. </i>I was a weapon of destruction.


    Suddenly, my reflection stood before me, in a form I no longer recognised, smiling like a devil. Before I could say or do anything, it reached out, to grab my face.


    I screamed, a sound so guttural, so feral... "NO!"


    But it didn¡¯t stop. Theva rose, the screams faded and the world caved in. And then, I woke up, gasping.


    Sweat clung to my skin. My sheets were tangled around my legs. My heart hammered like it was trying to rip its way out of my chest.


    The room was dark, the silence too loud.


    And I couldn¡¯t shake the taste of ash from my mouth or the burn still lingering beneath my ribs.


    Before I could stop myself, fresh tears rolled down my already stained cheeks.

 Chapter 148: Call in Sick

    <h4>Chapter 148: Call in Sick</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 148</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <i>No... No... No...</i>


    Tears kept streaming down my cheeks, and my head was pounding. My chest felt tight, like something heavy had settled inside it overnight and refused to move.


    I sat in bed, clutching the nket like a shield, the remnants of my dream still burning behind my eyes.


    Theva. The screams. The mes that didn¡¯t hurt me, but devoured everything else.


    It was too real, too loud and too familiar. For more than thirty minutes, I sat there, not doing anything much but just letting the memories of the dream rake through my mind.


    Suddenly, a sharp buzz pulled me out of the haze, and my phone lit up on the nightstand. I reached for it with trembling fingers.


    It was a message from my cousin, Solstice.


    Solstice: <i>Hey... Are you okay? I just... I don¡¯t know. I have this irky feeling that you¡¯re not alright. Shall Ie over? Text me back when you get this.</i>


    I stared at the message for a long second. My lips parted, but no sound came out. How did she know? I never told anyone, nor did I sleep in her room or scream in my dream.


    But somehow, whenever something was bothering me, Solstice always knew. Before I could respond, another notification popped up from an unknown number.


    I frowned and clicked on it.


    <i>¡¯I felt something from the bond. Valerie, tell me you are not still hurting. ¨C Kai.¡¯</i>


    My breath caught as my mind was instantly transported to her little time in the training arena and our kiss.


    Kai.


    I hadn¡¯t had a mate before, but it made me feel warmly embraced when he said that.


    He felt it. The ache in my chest, the weight, the fear and somehow, just knowing he noticed¡ªknowing he cared¡ªmade my throat tighten all over again.


    A part of me wanted to go to him, crawl into the space between his arms, and just rest there. Astra even purred within me to leave my room now and visit him, and I would have given in and added another message, note in.


    <strong>Dristan: </strong><i>I just arrived back at school. Can¡¯t wait to see you. I¡¯lle find youter."</i>


    I stared at the message. Not because it was unexpected, but because my heart didn¡¯t react the way it usually did.


    And deep down, something told me it was because of that dream. And right now, I couldn¡¯t do anything about it, nor did I know what it meant.


    The mes still clung to my skin, even in waking, as I padded my way to the bathroom and back. The smell of smoke still filled my senses, and the sight of their faces as they fell.


    I didn¡¯t want to see any of them.


    I set my phone down and pulled the covers up over my head, letting the darkness smother me a little longer.


    I could still hear my own scream ringing through the dream. Could still feel the moment I realised I was the very thing I¡¯d been running from.


    I shut my eyes and inhaled. I wasn¡¯t going to school today. I couldn¡¯t face any of them¡ªnot with this storm still inside me.


    So I did the only thing that made sense.


    I grabbed my phone again, opened the PSA Student Portal, and filled in the short form.


    <i>Excuse for Absence: Illness</i>


    <i>Duration: One day</i>


    I hovered over the "Submit" button for a second... then hit it.


    <i>Call in sick.</i>


    That was the story today. Because if I had to look one more person in the eye and pretend I wasn¡¯t cracking from the inside out¡ª


    I wouldn¡¯t survive it.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Xander¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The ssroom was empty.


    Not just in the physical sense¡ªno students, no murmurs of gossip, no scratching pens¡ªbut empty in that strange, weighted way that happened only when you carried too much in your head and the silence just... echoed it back louder.


    I sat by the window, one leg propped over the other, arms loosely crossed over my chest. Thete morning sun bled through the ss panes, spilling pale golden light across the empty desks.


    I should¡¯ve been at training. Or somewhere pretending to care. Instead, I was here. Thinking.


    Her face came back to me easily, too easily.


    Valerie.


    I recalled that day... the day her mates had angered her. The way her voice cracked¡ªnot loud, but quiet enough that it cut sharper.


    <i>"You don¡¯t even know me,"</i> she¡¯d said. <i>"None of them do. Yet they are all trying to im a girl they haven¡¯t even asked a single question about. Do I like tea? Do I hate peaches? What makes me cry? You just want me because of fate."</i>


    I remembered watching her, the anger in her eyes and the fire in her voice. But beneath all that was hurt.


    She wanted to be seen. To be loved, not possessed. Not imed like some object. And I hadn¡¯t med her then or now.


    I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk and staring out the window at nothing in particr.


    <i>"You think about her a lot."</i>


    Z¡¯s voice¡ªalways sleek, always perceptive¡ªcurled in my head like smoke.


    "She¡¯s hard not to think about," I murmured under my breath.


    The dragon inside me chuckled in a low, unbothered rumble. <i>"What is it, then? You like her?"</i>


    I didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, I let my fingers trace random lines across the wooden surface of the desk.


    "When she¡¯s near me, my chest feels... alive. Like something is awake that¡¯s been asleep a long time," I admitted. "But when she¡¯s not near, it beats even harder. It¡¯s like the distance makes it worse. I hate it. And I crave it."


    <i>"So you¡¯re in love with her."</i>


    I smirked. "That¡¯s a big word, Z."


    <i>"A true word."</i>


    I leaned back in the chair, my head tilted toward the ceiling. "I can only answer that if it¡¯s true that she isn¡¯t who we think she is."


    <i>"And if she isn¡¯t?"</i> Z asked more seriously now. <i>"If she turns out not to be your sister? Not your blood?"</i>


    A slow, smooth smile dangerously spread across my lips. "Then I¡¯ll go for her myself."


    There was no hesitation. No second-guessing it. If Valerie Nightshade wasn¡¯t tied to me by blood... then she was tied to me by something deeper.


    And I was ready to find out exactly what.

 Chapter 149: Worried Mates

    <h4>Chapter 149: Worried Mates</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 149</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Midday light filtered through Lecture Hall Five¡¯s tall windows, casting quiet nts of gold across the desks.


    Inside, the room was packed. The students sat upright, half bored, half curious, as the tall man at the front paced slowly before the board.


    Professor Draven.


    He was dressed in a fitted, tailored grey suit with a silver lining and a pocket watch always clipped at his side. The man turned, his emerald green eyes sweeping the room with bored authority.


    "Before we begin today¡¯s lesson on diplomatic bnce between central and bordend packs," he began smoothly, "I¡¯d like to note that Ms. Valerie Nightshade has reported herself ill and won¡¯t be joining us today."


    At once, there was a ripple through the ss. Some heads turned. Some whispers stirred. But one figure reacted instantly.


    Dristan.


    He stood from his seat in the third row, the legs of his chair screeching lightly against the floor. His face was unreadable, but his eyes¡ªsharp cial blues¡ªred with something subtle and intense.


    Without a word, he turned and walked out.


    Professor Draven paused, his eyes narrowing at Dristan¡¯s rude interruption, his lips twitching slightly with amusement, but he said nothing.


    In the fifth row, Solstice stiffened. Her fingers clenched the edge of her desk as she watched the Alpha Heir of the West disappear through the doors. She almost rose¡ªalmost followed-but Valerie¡¯s warning echoed in her mind:


    <i>"Eyes will be on you. Don¡¯t draw attention to yourself."</i>


    So instead, Solstice forced herself to stay seated.


    Barely a minute passed when another chair scraped. This time Axel stood up, dipped his head before the Professor and left.


    Then Ash did the same, followed by Xade. One by one, the rest of the Alpha heirs stood and followed after Dristan.


    No exnation. No hesitation. Like they¡¯d all heard the same silent bell and moved to the same call.


    Even the students who usually pretended not to care were wide-eyed now.


    Only one remained.


    Kai.


    He sat rigid, jaw locked, his fingers tightly gripping his pen. His uncle, Professor Draven, arched a brow at him, amusement fully visible now.


    But Kai did not move. "Alpha Heirs... Arrogant dummies," Professor Draven muttered before nodding and turning towards the rest of the ss.


    Kai didn¡¯t move and let the ss continue at first but inside, his wolf pushed forward anxiously.


    Kaiser could feel her absence. Like a hole in his chest that refused to close. He wanted to see her. Nd Kai was sharing in that sentiment too. They needed to know their mate was okay.


    Kai felt his wolf growl inwardly and tried to restrain him. He had sensed something at night and knew she wasn¡¯t okay but he decided not to trust his instincts and let Valerie be.


    And now... she was sick and he was here. But unlike the others, he knew better than to defy his uncle publicly.


    Not only would his father be involved, but he was conflicted about whether or not the alphas wanted their fathers to be aware of their mate.


    Still... the pull was too strong.


    Without contemting it further, Kai stood slowly.


    Professor Draven¡¯s voice was t. "Kai."


    Kai looked down at the desk, then up, face passive, voice almost too even. "Sorry, Uncle. A scheduling sh," he lied. "Another ss I cannot afford to miss."


    The lie was thin and transparent but Draven let him go.


    Kai turned and exited quickly, leaving behind a room full of murmuring students and a professor who only chuckled quietly to himself.


    Outside the hall, the corridors were already whizzing with the echo of footsteps¡ªDristan¡¯s heavy stride, as he walked faster than the rest to find Valerie.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I had just managed to convince my body to stop trembling from that damn dream when a knock came at the door.


    It was firm and sharp but I didn¡¯t move. Thest thing i wanted wa sany disturbance and if Emerald or the other shade to check up on me, I just did not want to meet with anyone.


    Whoever it was could go away.


    But they didn¡¯t.


    There was a beat of silence, and then the unmistakable <i>snap</i> of a handle breaking echoed through the suite.


    "What the hell¡ª" I sat up as the main door creaked open.


    Heavy, confident footsteps followed, growing louder, bolder, until they stopped right outside my bedroom.


    My name was literally engraved on a wooden que beside the door¡ªthank you, school¡ªand it took him two seconds to figure it out.


    The door swung open and there he was.


    Dristan Alexander, in all his dark glory. Dressed in a ck shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and storm-blue eyes that flicked straight to me like they had a radar.


    I jolted upright and red at him. "Are you insane? What happened to knocking? This is a girl¡¯s dorm!" My voice came out sharp as I scolded him.


    He leaned casually against the doorframe, utterly unbothered. "I did knock."


    "Then what the hell do you call that?" I pointed toward the broken front door.


    He gave a careless shrug. "No answer. Figured you were sleeping or dead."


    "What if I was naked?" I snapped.


    That did it.


    Dristan¡¯s eyes darkened slightly¡ªlike I¡¯d said something dangerous¡ªand his lips curled into that slow, wolfish smirk that never failed to make my stomach do backflips.


    "Then damn, that would¡¯ve been a sight to behold," he said lowly, voice deep and rough with amusement. "And as your mate... I¡¯d have happily been your curative pill."


    I grimaced, not wanting to think about what sick thoughts he was concocting in that brain of his. "Ugh, you¡¯re sick."


    "Only for you."


    I groaned and pulled my nket tighter. "Why are you here, Dristan? Don¡¯t you have ss or some summit to lord over?"


    Dristan stepped closer. "Didn¡¯t feel worth it. Not with you curled up in bed like this, hiding from your mate or was what I saidst night powerful enough to keep you bedridden?"


    My heart stuttered. I hated how easily he could say stuff like that like it wasn¡¯t a big deal. Like I didn¡¯t already feel raw and frayed.


    Then he sat beside me just like that and close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating off him.


    Dristan reached over before I could stop him, brushing my hair gently from my neck. His fingers grazed my skin as he leaned in and sniffed.


    Then he pulled back, frowning.


    "You¡¯ve been crying," he said softly. "What¡¯s wrong?"

 Chapter 150: Bothered, Naughty Mates

    <h4>Chapter 150: Bothered, Naughty Mates</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 150</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My throat tightened. I opened my mouth, ready to lie¡ªsomething flippant, anything¡ªbut I didn¡¯t get the chance.


    Because just then¡ª


    "Valerie!"


    A voice screamed my name, and before I could answer, another voice followed sharply. Then ast, loud and clear.


    "Vi, you in here?"


    Before I could react, the suite door creaked again¡ªbecause clearly no one believed in locks anymore¡ªand Axel, Ash and Xade strolled in like they owned the ce.


    My eyes widened. I stared at the ceiling, debating whether I should leap out the window or fake aa.


    Instead, I just... face-palmed.


    "What the actual fuck," I muttered. "Is this a harem meeting I missed the memo for?" I said louder, ring at all three of them now crowding my room like it was some kind of royal visitation.


    Axel looked sheepish.


    Xade grinned. "So... this is what sick looks like, huh?"


    "It looks good on you," Ashplimented.


    "You¡¯re not helping."


    Dristan rose to his feet, stepping in front of me like a shield. "She doesn¡¯t need an audience."


    "She doesn¡¯t need you hovering either," Xade shot back.


    "Don¡¯t push me," Dristan warned.


    Oh hell. Testosterone levels were rising. And I hadn¡¯t even brushed my damn hair. No sooner had their verbal challenge urred than Ace came into my room, his eyes softening when he saw me.


    "You¡¯re okay."


    "Yeah, I..."


    "What¡¯s he doing here?" Axel asked.


    "What are both of them doing here?" Xade questioned.


    "None of you should be here at all."


    "Enough," I growled, sitting up straighter, hands on my hips. "What is wrong with you people? Is there some mate radar I don¡¯t know about that goes off the second I skip ss?"


    Axel lifted his hands in surrender. "We were worried."


    "Well, now I¡¯m really feeling better," I snapped, throwing them a look. "Ecstatic, even."


    They went quiet.


    Dristan exhaled slowly. "We¡¯ll talkter," he said, staring at me with something that wasn¡¯t anger but definitely wasn¡¯t peace either.


    Then he looked over his shoulder. "All of you¡ªout."


    And like that, the battle lines were drawn.


    And I was smack in the middle of it. In pyjamas. With dream-sweat still drying on my neck.


    I threw my hands in the air in utter surrender. <strong>Perfect.</strong>


    No sooner had I done that than a message popped up on my phone screen. I picked up my phone to check it when I saw Uncle Zade¡¯s initials on her screen.


    I swallowed, my grip on the phone getting stronger. I clicked on the message icon and opened it.


    Just as my mind predicted it was concerning Solstice. She was missing nd furthermore, Uncle Zade was preparing toe to my school.


    <i>Shit!</i>


    <strong>Zade</strong>: Solstice has vanished. She didn¡¯t leave warnings or state where she was headed. I aming. I¡¯ll reach the school this week in search of her. If she¡¯s there and hiding, you¡¯ll help us bring her home.


    I quickly typed a response, my fingers tense and tried to dissuade him.


    <strong>Me</strong>: No. Please don¡¯te. I have eyes here. Storm cane instead. I¡¯ll dig up something. Just¡ªdon¡¯t risk exposing my position, and you could send Storm to check my school instead. If they see you here, they¡¯ll know. Please trust me."


    Uncle Zade¡¯s message stared back at me like a warning re.


    My throat dried.


    Before I could send another text, a second message buzzed in.


    I cursed under my breath and typed fast. My thumb hovered over the send button just as I felt it.


    A presence, not loud or aggressive. Just... there. I lifted my gaze¡ªand my breath caught.


    Kai stood in the doorway, tousled hair falling into his face, emerald eyes looking lost and worried all the same, and his jaw clenched like he was holding something back, and that something sat heavy in the air between us.


    I opened my mouth to speak, probably to wee him or tell him not to worry, but Kai didn¡¯t wait.


    With a single, confident step, he crossed the room, climbed into my bed with his knee, held my face in his hands and kissed me.


    It wasn¡¯t rough or demanding. It felt silent and desperate all the same. His lips crashed onto mine like he needed the contact to breathe, like the ache he felt in the bond had grown too loud to ignore.


    I froze¡ªonly for a moment¡ªthen melted into it.


    Kai¡¯s hands gently held my face. I tasted warmth and something raw beneath it. Was it pain or fear?


    And something else.


    When he pulled away, his forehead leaned against mine. His breath was shallow. None of us spoke as we stared into each other¡¯s eyes.


    Because I didn¡¯t need to, not when his eyes told me more than his mouth ever could.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Kai¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I stood by the hallway, watching one heir after another pour out of Valerie¡¯s room like goddamn dogs sniffing for blood.


    Ash left first. Then Axel, followed by Xade and even Dristan, stormed out looking like he wanted to punch something¡ªbut not before tossing a re toward anyone who dared look at her door.


    I¡¯d stayed hidden by the corner, not from fear, but from restraint. I didn¡¯t want to go and get into a fight with Dristan if he somehow had made Valerie not see us.


    Kaiser¡ªmy wolf¡ªwas pacing, restless in me.


    <i>"She¡¯s hurting."</i>


    <i>"I know."</i>


    <i>"We should go."</i>


    <i>"We can¡¯t," </i>I cautioned him, but he wouldn¡¯t listen.


    <i>"We will. Now."</i>


    I didn¡¯t argue anymore.


    The second Dristan disappeared around the bend, I pushed forward. The hallway was still. The tension in my chest wasn¡¯t.


    I reached her door, didn¡¯t knock. I just stood there for a breath, collecting myself, and then I walked in.


    She looked up the moment I entered. Her face was pale. Her eyes were rimmed red. But she smiled at me like I was a lifeline. It wasn¡¯t a big smile, but it was real.


    That was all it took. I closed the distance between us and kissed her. Not because I nned to but because my heart and soul demanded it.


    And Kaiser howled for it.


    I wanted my mate, needed my mate.


    And because Valerie needed it, even if she didn¡¯t say it out loud.


    Her lips moved softly under mine, hesitant, then certain¡ªlike she¡¯d needed the connection just as badly.

 Chapter 151: Confess

    <h4>Chapter 151: Confess</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 151</strong>


    <strong>~Kai¡¯s POV~</strong>


    When I finally pulled away, I rested my forehead against Valerie¡¯s and just breathed.


    "You came," she whispered.


    "Of course I did," I murmured. "I will always. I apologize foringte. I..."


    "It¡¯s okay. I just... I¡¯m tired, yes, and I wanted to be alone."


    "So I should leave?" I asked and she shook her head.


    "Honestly, I wasn¡¯t chasing my mates away, but I just... I don¡¯t think I want you guys to see me this way, and besides, those fishes just barged in, leaving me unprepared."


    "Oh..." I paused, then stepped back a little. "I am sorry for barging in."


    Valerie parted her lips to speak but suddenly remained speechless. "No, I am not ming you. I guess you came after the storm had settled. I¡¯m okay."


    "So you don¡¯t want me leaving now?"


    I watched as Valerie shook her head before answering, "No."


    "Okay then." I let my lips lift a bit on the side. My voice dipped lower as my gaze focused on her hands rather than her face. "That¡¯s what terrifies me."


    She looked up at me. "What does?"


    "This thing between us. The matebond. It¡¯s strong and loud. But it¡¯s not just that, Valerie. It¡¯s you. You¡¯re in my thoughts constantly. I see you when I close my eyes. I feel you... even when you¡¯re not around."


    Her lips parted, but I wasn¡¯t done.


    "And tonight¡ªit was deafening. Somehow, your pain and scream... I felt it in my chest like a de. I couldn¡¯t stay away."


    She stared at me, stunned into silence.


    I swallowed. "And it kills me that I don¡¯t even know what caused it."


    Valerie reached out, hesitated, then took my hand in hers.


    "I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening either," she whispered. "But something inside me is breaking. Something is burning. And I¡¯m scared that no one will be left when it finallyes undone."


    I squeezed her fingers gently. "I will."


    She looked at me fully, like she wanted to believe that. I could see the doubt in her eyes and the pain etched across her face. Whatever it was, she felt it yesterday and today... It was definitely not easy for her, and it was painful.


    I didn¡¯t say anything more because I¡¯d mean it again tomorrow. And the day after that. No matter what broke.


    No matter what burned. I would still be here.


    "Thank you, Kai."


    "Don¡¯t thank me. Just..."


    I paused, staring into he lovely blue eyes like they were sucking me in.


    <i>"Just give me a chance to love you, Valerie."</i>


    As much as I had said those words in my head, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say it out loud because I would be a fool if I said I didn¡¯t smell Dristan over her.


    He was doing so much to stake his im over our mate, and the rest of us were letting him.


    I summed up the courage. Whether or not she loved Dristan and wanted to be with him, we should also let her know how we feel.


    <i>"You should tell her how you feel about her, Kai. You love her. You love Valerie Nightshade. You love our mate, you stupid human," </i>Kaiser scolded me.


    I smiled to myself. Kaiser had a mouth on him when he became grumpy.


    <i>"What are youughing at, you dimwit?"</i>


    At once, my expression changed and I red daggers at him in my mind. <i>"Watch it or I won¡¯t ever let you shift. Behave."</i>


    <Kaiser: tsk, author, why didn¡¯t you pair me with Dristan than this hooman?>


    <Author: Umm, your names match? And he needs you to knock some sense into him?>


    <Kai: Really now?>


    <Kaiser: What? Did she lie?>


    "Umm Valerie..."


    Suddenly, a message came into her phone pulling her attention away. She read her text and then after some seconds she looked up and dropepd her phone.


    "Yes?"


    "Umm, nothing."


    <i>"Chicken."</i>


    I ignored Kaiser, but then Valerie stood up and smiled at me. "Umm... I need to take my bath and visit the clinic. They¡¯d want to check you know."


    I nodded. "Yeah. Can I wait for you outside and apany you?"


    Valerie smiled, but she shook her head. "You shouldn¡¯t skip any more sses because of me, and so should the others. I¡¯ll be fine, Kai."


    Standing up, I smiled at her dismissive tactics. "Okay, you be safe."


    Valerie¡¯s smile was all I needed. I moved closer, wrapping one hand around her waist and then the other up the side of her neck to cup her cheeks.


    I was sure my eyes were filled with desire and love, but I did not care. I had held back for long. And with her standing here, all I could think of was her lips¡ªthose soft, sweet lips pressed against mine.


    "I love you."


    I muttered those words, and before she could process what was happening, my eyes fluttered closed and my lips pressed against hers.


    Her lips were soft.


    Warmer than I remembered, and far more yielding than I expected. She didn¡¯t push me away¡ªshe responded. Slowly, uncertainly... but she answered.


    Valerie¡¯s hands hovered between us at first, then rose to my chest. Her fingers curled lightly into the fabric of my shirt, as if grounding herself, as if torn between pulling me closer or holding me at bay. But she didn¡¯t stop me.


    And that was all the permission I needed.


    I deepened the kiss.


    My mouth moved gently at first, but the longer she stayed with me, the harder it became to stay gentle.


    My hand moved from her waist to her back, pressing her just a little closer.


    My other hand cradled the side of her face like she was ss, I didn¡¯t want to shatter¡ªbut couldn¡¯t stop touching.


    She made a soft sound against my lips¡ªa mix between surprise and surrender¡ªand I swear it was the most beautiful thing I¡¯d ever heard.


    Kissing her didn¡¯t just make my chest ache.


    It made my entire world tilt.


    She tasted like mint and heat, like something I wasn¡¯t supposed to have but had waited years for anyway. My heart thudded in my chest so loudly, I feared she¡¯d hear it.


    Or maybe I wanted her to. Perhaps I wanted her to know what she did to me. She could ruin me with a nce, and rebuild me with a kiss.


    She pulled back first, just a breath away, and I paused, forehead still resting against hers, both of us panting. We were unsure of what had just happened, but we didn¡¯t regret it.


    Not even a little.


    "I shouldn¡¯t have done that," I whispered, even though my hands still held her.


    Valerie¡¯s eyes opened slowly, heavy-lidded and uncertain. "But you did."


    "I did," I echoed, brushing my thumb along her jaw.


    "And I kissed you back," she added, voice softer now and more vulnerable.


    I nodded once, lips twitching upward. "You did."


    We paused for a brief moment and then Valerie stepped back, just slightly, enough to let the distance settle again.


    I took the hint. I let my arms drop gently, giving her space. "Thank you," I said quietly.


    "For what?"


    "For not pretending that didn¡¯t mean anything."

 Chapter 152: Eavesdropping: I Love You

    <h4>Chapter 152: Eavesdropping: I Love You</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 152</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Valerie said nothing, but she didn¡¯t have to. How she looked at me¡ªlike she wanted to say everything but didn¡¯t know where to begin¡ªwas enough.


    I nodded once and stepped back toward the door.


    "I¡¯ll see youter," I said reluctantly.


    "Kai?"


    I stopped with my hand on the knob and nced over my shoulder.


    "Yes?"


    Valerie¡¯s lips parted, but for a moment, no words came. Then she just smiled faintly. "Thank you for being here."


    I knew it wasn¡¯t love yet but she kissed me back voluntrarily... it was hope and I¡¯d take that over silence any day.


    I gave her onest look, I hoped told her everything I didn¡¯t dare say¡ªand then I walked out.


    My heart still raced as I stepped out and my lips still burned and Kaiser, for once, was silent.


    But I felt him smile.


    Kaiser didn¡¯t have to say anything .Because for the first time in weeks, I wasn¡¯t confused.


    I was sure. I was in love with Valerie Nightshade.


    And no matter who else stood in my way, I wasn¡¯t walking away.


    Just as I walked away from the dorm and turned in the direction leading to the Alpha Heirs¡¯ personal house, I heard a deep voice from behind me.


    "So, I see you¡¯ve stepped up, huh? I love you?"


    Inwardly, I was shocke,d but I let my expression remain neutral. "I never took the great Dristan Alexander as a spy."


    I felt his body stiffen and added, "if you are so sure of yourself and have nothing to do, you wouldn¡¯t be bothered about what I told Valerie."


    "Be careful, Kai."


    I arched a brow at him. "Really, Dristan... Or do you forget that she is not just yours, nor mine, but our mate?"


    Dristan was about speaking when I lifted my chin. "Save it and let Valerie make her decision on who she wants."


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Solstice¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Professor Draven¡¯s voice was droning.


    "...power dynamics in hybrid-led councils differ slightly when werewolves are in direct opposition to vampiric political factions due to..."


    I stopped listening.


    My pen tapped uselessly on the edge of my notebook as my gaze flicked toward the ssroom door. The boys had all left in some dramatic parade of testosterone, and Kai had held out longer than most¡ªbut even he had cracked.


    I¡¯d seen it in his knuckles, the way they gripped the table.


    The bond had called to him.


    And I wasn¡¯t surprised, not after the dream I¡¯d had about Valerie.


    I nced at the clock.


    Sick or not, I needed to check on her. But I wasn¡¯t stupid. Draven may be ancient and obsessed with war diplomacy, but the man had a memory sharper than silver and a temper to match.


    So, I raised my hand.


    "Professor? I need to use the bathroom."


    He gave me a brief, distracted wave. "Be quick."


    Oh, I would.


    I thanked him, then bolted the moment I hit the hallway, made a beeline for the girls¡¯ restroom, and locked myself inside. I waited¡ªfive, six, seven long seconds¡ªthen flushed the toilet, washed my hands, and stepped out like a student ying by the rules.


    Check one: Alibi.


    But I wasn¡¯t done.


    I detoured back to the dorms, slipped inside long enough to grab a sanitary pad¡ªjust in case someone asked why I left ss again. Easy excuse. Undeniable. And no one dared question bleeding women.


    Check two: Backup alibi.


    Then I was out the door again.


    I moved quickly, quietly, crossing the courtyard and cutting through the shaded side path of the dorm building. The same path I¡¯d seen Kai disappear into earlier.


    Something had drawn him to her, and something in my chest said I needed to see why. I knew he was her mate, but I needed to be sure she was safe too and not slipped to one of the heirs.


    I paused at the edge of Valerie¡¯s dorm window, heart hammering in a way it had no right to.


    I shouldn¡¯t be doing this. But I did.


    Slowly, I peeked through the half-open window and what I saw stopped my breath.


    Kai stood over her bed, his forehead resting against hers. Valerie¡¯s eyes were closed, but her hand was in his.


    Then he kissed her. Not a light kiss, it was long and I... I thought she was given Dristan a chance?


    I blinked. My chest... twinged.


    It wasn¡¯t jealousy. Not exactly. I knew Valerie and Kai had a pull toward each other, and hell, if anyone deserved softness andfort, it was her.


    Still... watching her melt in his arms when she¡¯d just been in pain¡ªit did something to me.


    Because it reminded me that she was in pain and whatever she was dreaming about, whatever she was hiding, it was getting worse.


    I leaned closer to the wall, silent as breath, and caught his voice.


    <i>"This thing between us. The matebond. It¡¯s strong and loud. But it¡¯s not just that, Valerie. It¡¯s you. You¡¯re in my thoughts constantly. I see you when I close my eyes. I feel you... even when you¡¯re not around."</i>


    His words poured into her like balm. I felt them as if they¡¯d been said to me. But they weren¡¯t.


    And yet... she needed them. She needed him.


    My fingers curled against the wall. I didn¡¯t hate him for it.


    But I hated that I didn¡¯t know how to protect her from what came next because I knew something she didn¡¯t: my dad wasing.


    And if he saw her like this¡ªbonded, tangled with Kai and the rest of them¡ªit wouldn¡¯t just be her identity at risk.


    It would be her mission and that would affect Valerie significantly.


    <i>"I¡¯ll always be here," </i>Kai said softly.


    As much as I wanted to go away, I listened until she shooed him off. That¡¯s when I turned away. I didn¡¯t need to see more.


    I¡¯d gotten what I came for. Valerie was alive and hurting or not, since she now found sce with her mates. And she was too deep in something none of us could stop.


    So I took one step back from the window, drew in a deep breath, and whispered to myself, "Looks like I¡¯ve got clean-up duty again."


    Before I knew what was happening, I heard the faint sound of lips, and I knew what that meant. I paused, turned and looked again. They were kissing each other.


    Subconsciously, a smile crept up on my face as my cheeks pulled to the side.


    <i>"What¡¯s wrong with you, Solstice. You should stop helping Valerie and not be so lovey-dovey sick for her," I scolded myself. </i>


    But then, as I was about to walk off, casually¡ªhead high, shoulders squared¡ªas if I hadn¡¯t just witnessed the only person I swore to protect fall harder than she was ready for, when I heard a sonorous, stern voice call my name.


    "Solstice Aura Gold, why have you been eavesdropping on my conversations?"


    I gulped, my shoulders tensed and straight as my brain thought of the possible lie to give.


    "I¡¯m waiting, Ms. Silver Aura?"


    Valerie wasn¡¯t supposed to know I saw, and she would have thanked meter. For what I was about to do but now... I was going to exin thing to her.


    Gulp

 Chapter 153: Caught Eavesdropping

    <h4>Chapter 153: Caught Eavesdropping</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 153</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The second the door clicked shut behind Kai, I was swallowed by silence.


    It wasn¡¯t peaceful orfortable. It had a haunting quiet filled with the echo of his voice.


    <i>I love you.</i>


    I hadn¡¯t moved. Not really. My fingers still tingled where he held them, and my lips still throbbed faintly from the weight of his kiss. And I... I couldn¡¯t stop reying it.


    Not just the kiss.


    But everything he said before it.


    He looked at me like I was all that existed in that moment. Like the pain I was hiding didn¡¯t make me broken, but sacred, like I was a war worth waging.


    My throat was dry, my chest too full. I couldn¡¯t name what I was feeling¡ªit wasn¡¯t just guilt or fear. It was... confusion, longing, anger at my past and dread.


    And something deeper. Something that had no name because I wasn¡¯t ready to give it one.


    It was filled with the rhythm of my heartbeat and the storm of thoughts swirling in my head.


    He felt too real.


    And part of me hated how much I wanted to hold on to that feeling.


    I closed my eyes for a breath. Then I opened them again and called softly, "Solstice Aura Gold, why have you been eavesdropping on my conversations?"


    I did not get a response from her and added, "I¡¯m waiting, Ms. Silver Aura?"


    I waited... and then¡ªright on cue¡ªa faint rustle came from the window.


    I looked down just in time to catch her silhouette halfway climbing through it.


    Her foot was on the ledge, one hand gripping the frame, the other holding onto a bottle of juice like it was her life source. She froze the moment our eyes met.


    "Seriously?" I deadpanned.


    Solstice shed a sheepish grin. "What? I thought you¡¯d still be with Loverboy. Figured the window was safer."


    "Use. The. Door," I said tly, lifting one brow in warning. "Like a normal person."


    "Normal¡¯s boring," she muttered, but she hopped back down and made her way around.


    I sighed, exhaling as my shoulder slumped. Now, I had to fix the door that Dristan Fucking Alexander, broke. A secondter, she knocked.


    I didn¡¯t even move. "It¡¯s open."


    The door creaked, and Solstice slipped inside with exaggerated caution, like I was going to pelt her with a fireball or something.


    Solstice stepped in, closing the door behind her like a guilty cat caught in a pantry. She had her hair tucked under her hoodie again, and her boots were far too clean for someone who just ran here. Yeah, I could smell the sweat right away.


    She looked at me with her usual half-grin, but this time, it didn¡¯t stick.


    "Hey..." she said, ncing around the room as if expecting to find Kai still here. "Cosy."


    "Cut the crap," I said, finally sitting up straighter on the bed. "Were you spying on me?"


    Her smirk flickered. "Spying? Wow. That¡¯s... rude."


    "Then answer me honestly," I said. "What were you doing outside my window?"


    Solstice blinked. "I was on my way to thedies¡¯, okay? And I thought I¡¯d stop by, see how you were doing."


    "From the bushes?"


    "I felt an alpha¡¯s aura. I didn¡¯t want to walk into something I couldn¡¯t walk out of."


    I stared at her. "That¡¯s a lie."


    She shrugged, smiling wider now. "Not a full one."


    I didn¡¯t buy it, not for a second. But I was tired. Emotionally drained. And whatever her reason was for creeping around my window, it wasn¡¯t the worst thing on my te.


    "Fine," I muttered, sitting back down. "Let¡¯s pretend I believe you."


    Solstice took the chair beside my bed, sat cross-legged like she was about to start a campfire story, and leaned forward.


    "So..." she drawled. "Wanna talk about the kiss?"


    I groaned and rolled my eyes, dragging a pillow over my face. "No. I want to pretend it didn¡¯t happen."


    "Oh, honey." Herugh was way too satisfied. "You kissed him back."


    "I¡¯m still trying to forget that part."


    "Sure you are," she grinned.


    I narrowed my eyes. "Do you want to be murdered in your sleep?"


    She snorted. "You love me too much. But still it was like in the movies."


    "I was emotionally vulnerable," I tried to exin and find a reason as to why I was like that with Kai.


    "Sure," she said with a shrug. "Vulnerable enough to make out like your lives depended on it."


    I threw the pillow at her, but Solstice ducked.


    Then I sighed, dragging my fingers through my hair. "I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing anymore."


    She sobered a bit at that. "Then don¡¯t figure it all out today. Just... start somewhere."


    I groaned and finally leaned back, my head thudding softly against the headboard.


    Then, as if the universe had been waiting for theedic relief to pass, my expression shifted. I grabbed my phone and held it out to her.


    I bit my bottom lip. "Yeah, about that. We have a bigger problem."


    Solstice tilted her head. "You mean besides the fact that you¡¯re slowly building a mate harem?"


    I ignored her and watched as her brow furrowed. She took it and read the screen. The grin vanished.


    <strong>Uncle Zade</strong>: Solstice has vanished. She didn¡¯t leave warnings or state where she was headed. I aming. I¡¯ll reach the school this week in search of her. If she¡¯s there and hiding, you¡¯ll help us bring her home.


    Solstice paled slightly, her posture suddenly stiff.


    "He¡¯sing here?" she asked, her voice tight.


    I nodded. "And he thinks you¡¯re missing."


    "I¡¯m not missing. I¡¯m in school!"


    "Yeah? And does he know that?" I snapped. "Because he¡¯s already triggered a pre-arrival scan and surveince alert."


    Her eyes widened. "He wouldn¡¯t..."


    "He would," I confirmed. "He¡¯s not just your dad, Solstice. He¡¯s also one of the former military strategists of the Southern Pack. If he sets foot on this school, especially now, it¡¯ll mess everything up. Including my mission."


    Her face hardened. "So what do we do?"


    I sighed and stood, pacing now. "I¡¯ll try to stall him. Buy some time. I already told him to bring Storm instead. I can manoeuvre your brother. Tell him you¡¯re here to help or something. But you have toy low."


    "No more window peeping?" she joked half-heartedly.


    I shot her a look. "No more anything."


    She nodded once, all humour gone. "Got it."

 Chapter 154: Jealous Dristan

    <h4>Chapter 154: Jealous Dristan</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 154</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Solstice stood, brushing imaginary dust from her jeans. "I¡¯ll go grab my official ss log and drop it in the records office. If he checks, there¡¯ll be proof."


    "Good. And... thank you."


    She paused at the door. "For what?"


    "For not saying anything earlier. About the kiss. About me being a mess."


    Her lips curved slightly, and she winked. "Please. I live for mess."


    Just like that, Solstice was gone, but the kiss still lingered even with the room empty again.


    Kai¡¯s words, warmth and presence seemed to have been stered all over


    <i>"I love you."</i>


    I let my fingers trail along my lips.


    And for once, I didn¡¯t feel like a weapon. I felt wanted.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I¡¯d always been good atpartmentalising¡ªsplitting myself into the wolf, the heir, the leader. Emotions had their ce, locked tight in the corners of my mind.


    Until her.


    Valerie Nightshade hade in like a quiet war I never sawing. And now she was everywhere¡ªin my head, under my skin, between my ribs.


    Even now, as I paced across the marble floors of the student council annexe, I could still taste her kiss.


    <i>Our</i> kiss.


    The one I never nned. The one I shouldn¡¯t have given her¡ªnot when I¡¯d purposely turned cold on her just hours before.


    But I¡¯d had my reasons. I always did.


    The memory of my father¡¯s arrival yesterday came like a fist to my gut.


    Alpha Alexander.


    He hadn¡¯t said much when he arrived on PSA grounds, but themand in his presence said it all. He¡¯d dropped the assignment without even blinking.


    "Star City. Underground movement. Suspected smuggling ring. You¡¯ll go in quietly and eliminate the problem. No loose ends. And no distractions."


    I knew what he meant. Valerie was the distraction.


    So I¡¯d kept my distance. When I saw her crossing the courtyard earlier that day, my chest had pulled tight, but I ignored it. I turned my back like she was nothing.


    That was the worst lie I¡¯d ever told.


    She didn¡¯t chase after me¡ªnot that I expected her to¡ªbut what I didn¡¯t expect was how it would feel when she masked her scent, when I couldn¡¯t find her after the conversation with my dad.


    And I looked. Gods, I looked.


    I hadn¡¯t even realised how badly I¡¯d wanted to exin until I couldn¡¯t. And then when I came to the bar, I was hoping to finish the mission quickly and return to school to speak to her.


    Of all the cursed ces, she walked into that one.


    I¡¯d been watching the suspects from the shadows, about to intercept the exchange when I caught her scent¡ªfaint but unmistakable. And then I saw her.


    Valerie.


    ck jeans. ck tank. Leather jacket. Fire in her eyes. She looked like danger and desire all rolled into one.


    My heart¡ª<i>my fucking heart</i>¡ªstumbled. I¡¯d seen her in her uniforms, seen her bruised and furious in training, but never like that. Never so... herself.


    And the worst part? She didn¡¯t even flinch when she saw me. Her eyes slid right past me like I was just another shadow in her path.


    That should¡¯ve made it easier. But instead, I felt something I hadn¡¯t felt since I was fourteen and fighting for the attention of an older Alpha, my father.


    I got to Valerie, asked her what she sought, but she yed it cool like it was nothing. I had my suspicions, though, but still yed along.


    One thing led to another, and all I wanted to do was kiss her, kiss the life out of her.


    My head went through all the moments with Valerie.


    When Professor Draven announced her absence, I didn¡¯t think. I just stood and left. I didn¡¯t care if it was disrespectful. Let him report me to the Council. Let my father hear of it. I did not bother. All I could think of was that Valerie, my mate, was hurt.


    She wasn¡¯t in ss. She wasn¡¯t okay. And none of them cared the way I did, not like this.


    But when Kai didn¡¯t leave right away, when he hesitated... and then he left too¡ªI felt it.


    I had sensed his presence when we were leaving the dorm and knew that that sly bastard was going to see her, but unlike the others, I had taken a detour and returned.


    Then came the scent. Not just his presence, but his im, Valerie¡¯s scent was on him too.<i>.</i>


    I knew what that meant. He kissed her.


    And unlike me, she had probably let him willingly.


    I gritted my teeth and mmed my locker shut so hard the hinges rattled. The walls cracked a little.


    Good, let everyone feel it because jealousy wasn¡¯t something I allowed myself often. It was ugly and undignified.


    But it was mine now, curled in my chest like a second heart. And I didn¡¯t n to hide it. Part of me needed her to see and feel what she was doing to me.


    Valerie Nightshade wasn¡¯t just another mate. She was mine even if she didn¡¯t know it yet or if she kissed someone else.


    Because I¡¯d tasted her, I¡¯d make sure it wouldn¡¯t be thest time.


    "Ohh... did someone offend the mighty Dristan Alexander?"


    My eyes darted to the sound of the voice only to see Riven Alucard standing not too far from where I was in the boys¡¯ changing room.


    "Beat it, Alucard."


    Riven didn¡¯t budge. Of course, he didn¡¯t. That smirk of his widened like he was sipping the tension in the air like wine.


    "Jealousy," he mused aloud, pushing off the wall with azy roll of his shoulders, "smells awful on you, Alpha."


    I turned fully, the crackle of my aura rolling like thunder behind my eyes. "Watch your mouth."


    He didn¡¯t flinch. "Please. You¡¯re one scent away from going full feral in here." He stepped closer, his voice dropping. "What¡¯s the matter? The little Nightshade didn¡¯t save her lips just for you?"


    A low growl slipped from my throat before I could help it.


    "Easy," he drawled, hands up like he was innocent. "I¡¯m not the one who kissed her. Or got kissed. That would be the sweet one¡ªKai, was it?"

 Chapter 155: Kissing Scandal

    <h4>Chapter 155: Kissing Scandal</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 156</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My fists clenched. Riven hadn¡¯t been there. He didn¡¯t see the way she looked at me before I kissed her. The way she melted, even if only for a second.


    Riven¡¯s eyes gleamed red, just faintly, like a flicker beneath the surface. "Funny, isn¡¯t it? You walk around like she¡¯s already yours, but the second she findsfort elsewhere, the wolf in you panics. That bond¡¯s messy, Dristan. Unpredictable. Not the kind you can control."


    "I don¡¯t need to control her," I bit out. "Valerie¡¯s not a puppet."


    "No, but you hate that she chooses something other than you. You hate that it¡¯s not you she ran to when her world cracked."


    I stepped forward, closing the space between us. "Say her name again, Alucard, and I¡¯ll give the Council something to discuss besides policies and titles."


    Riven¡¯s smile only widened, and that was the worst part. He wanted me to snap. He wanted me to slip.


    But I wouldn¡¯t, not here.


    Still, before I walked past him, I leaned in low enough for him to hear every syble.


    "Valerie will choose me," I said. "Not because of fate or bonds but because I¡¯ll stand beside her through whatever happens."


    I did not wait for his reply and walked away before the fire in my chest made me do something I¡¯d regret.


    Because gods help me, if Kai touched her again, I wasn¡¯t sure I¡¯d stop myself next time.


    He was possessive, but so was I.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The morning sun was anything but kind.


    By the time I dragged myself out of bed and into fresh clothes, somewhatposed but still drained, I¡¯d already decided to face the day.


    Avoiding the world wasn¡¯t helping, and thest thing I needed was to fall further behind while everyone whispered behind my back for missing ss.


    What I didn¡¯t expect was to walk into hell the moment I stepped into the hallway.


    Eyes were everywhere.


    Some tried to look away when I met their stares. Some didn¡¯t bother hiding the amusement on their faces. Others whispered like I wasn¡¯t standing right there.


    The stares didn¡¯t stop when I entered the ssroom either. They grew louder like an avnche rolling over everything I thought I¡¯d braced for.


    I didn¡¯t speak until I found my usual seat, shoulders stiff and eyes forward, ignoring the burning gaze on the back of my head.


    Just when I thought I¡¯d lock my head or have it buried in my book...


    "Valerie."


    I lifted my head and turned sharply in the direction of the voice.


    I, Emerald, and Astraea stood over me, all three wearing matching expressions of concern¡ªand something else. Something tighter. A little shocked and or a little unsure.


    "What¡¯s going on?" I asked, while keeping my voice low.


    Emerald sighed, then slid her phone into my line of sight.


    It was open on the school gossip site.


    <strong>PSA Scandal Alert</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong></strong><i>Valerie Nightshade, the oh-so-enigmatic new transfer, seems to be faking illness just to get her tongue down someone¡¯s throat. Or multiple someones. ssy, right?</i>


    Beneath the text was a grainy video.


    I clicked it.


    The sound was off, but I didn¡¯t need audio to see what yed out. It was me...


    And Kai, in my room.


    Kissing.


    I sucked in a breath.


    The angle... the lighting... The way it zoomed. Someone had filmed us from the window.


    "That¡¯s not all," I said quietly, swiping left.


    A second post.


    <strong>Double Dipped? Valerie Nightshade strikes again¡ªthis time with Dristan Alexander, PSA¡¯s golden boy.</strong>


    My blood went cold.


    Another video started to y. It showed me in Dristan¡¯s car. The kiss, the tension, the way his hand cradled my jaw, and the obvious intimacy between us.


    It was all there. Posted. Shared. Already flooded withments.


    I saw the caption.


    <strong>One wolf, too many cors. Someone tell her this isn¡¯t a breeding academy.</strong>


    Thements section was worse.


    <i>"Fake sick just to get dick."</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>"Is she trying to collect the whole Alpha set?"</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>"Kissing one mate today, another tomorrow... ssic ho energy."</i>


    I snapped the phone shut, my stomach rolling.


    My ears buzzed and my chest burned.


    This... this wasn¡¯t just gossip. This was war.


    "Val¡ª" I started.


    But I didn¡¯t hear her.


    Because just then, the ssroom door opened and Titania sauntered in like the queen of venom herself.


    As usual, her entourage nked her, and she wore an outfit far too regal for a school setting¡ªcrimson lips, sleek ponytail, and a wicked gleam in her eyes that told me this wasn¡¯t a coincidence.


    "Oh, look who decided to show up," she purred, pausing right at my desk. "Did you get enough rest? Or were you too busy ying mate tag with the Alpha Heirs?"


    I stiffened, not trusting myself to speak.


    She smiled wider.


    "I mean, faking a sickness just to ride one mate¡ªthen swinging into the next one¡¯sp? Bold. Even for you."


    "Back off, Titania," Astraea snapped.


    Titania barely blinked. "Why? It¡¯s all public knowledge now. I mean, isn¡¯t it fair the rest of us get to watch, too? She clearly doesn¡¯t like privacy."


    Emerald stood up for me. "You¡¯re disgusting."


    Titania leaned closer, letting her eyes locked with mine as she ignored Emerald. "No, darling. I¡¯m just better at the game. You? You¡¯re a joke. A thirsty little wolf trying to climb her way into power one mate at a time."


    I didn¡¯t respond.


    Not because I didn¡¯t have a thousand words poised in my throat.


    But because if I opened my mouth, I would scream or rip someone¡¯s head off.


    Titania smirked and turned on her heel, tossing her hair. "Careful, Valerie. You might run out of lips to kiss before the week ends."


    She slid into her seat as if she hadn¡¯t just burned the air around me.


    The ssroom buzzed with more whispers and I clenched my fists beneath the desk.


    My eyes burned red with rage but I refused to cry. Not here. Not in front of them. No one knew they were my mates, so... no one knew anything aside i, my mates, Xander and Solstice.


    Just then, my phone vibrated in myp again.


    I ignored it.


    Another vibration.


    And then¡ª


    <strong>Ding.</strong>


    The school¡¯s speaker system crackled to life overhead.


    <strong>"Valerie Nightshade. Report to Principal Whitmore¡¯s office immediately."</strong>


    A hush swept through the room but rathe rthan cower, I stood, slowly. The scrape of my chair against the floor was the loudest sound in the room.


    I didn¡¯t look at anyone¡ªnot Titania, not the boys, not even my girls¡ªas I walked out.


    Not until I was in the hallway, alone, and the door shut behind me. Only then did I let my shoulders sag and let myself breathe.


    My chest heaved, and I pulled out my phone. Dozens of notifications. Missed calls. Texts from Solstice, Kai, Dristan¡ªeven Axel.


    <i>"Are you okay?"</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>"Ignore them. They¡¯re assholes."</i><i></i><i></i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>"Valerie, please. Let me see you."</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>"We¡¯ll handle this."</i>


    I muted the phone. None of it mattered. Because now everyone saw me, not as a threat or an enigma.


    But as a scandal.


    And Principal Whitmore was calling. Gods knew what awaited behind that door.


    But I wasn¡¯t going to break yet. Atr least not until I made sure whoever recorded that video... and leaked it...


    Paid in blood.


    The hallway stretched out ahead of me like some kind of twisted runway, every step toward Principal Whitmore¡¯s office echoing louder than it should have.


    I wasn¡¯t walking¡ªI was bracing.


    Bracing for judgment or for shame, for that cold pit of humiliation that hadn¡¯t left my gut since Emerald showed me that damn video.


    Then¡ª


    "Val!"


    I stopped.


    Solstice.


    She jogged up from one of the side halls, a textbook in hand, strands of her blonde hair with that blue streak flying loose from her braid. Her eyes scanned me instantly, taking in the stiff line of my shoulders, the tension in my jaw.


    "Is it true?" she asked, breathless.


    "What part?" I muttered. "That someone recorded me kissing one of my mates? That it went viral? Or that the principal now wants to see me for it?"


    Her eyes widened. "You¡¯re trending?"


    I gave her a look.


    She winced. "Okay. Too soon."


    I let out a breath that sounded too much like augh. "Sol, someone posted me kissing Kai. Then posted a second video¡ªof me and Dristan. I¡¯m being called the PSA Slut of the Month and I haven¡¯t even been here a full term."


    Solstice¡¯s mouth fell open. "What the actual¡ª"


    Before she could finish her sentence, footsteps pounded behind us, heavy and purposeful.


    And then¡ª


    "Valerie."


    Dristan¡¯s voice came loud behind me, making me stiffen again.


    His scent came first, then the heat of his presence as he stepped into view. His hair looked wind-swept, like he¡¯d been running¡ªor pacing.


    His blue eyes locked onto mine immediately, but then flicked to Solstice, who hadn¡¯t moved an inch from my side.


    "I need to speak to you," he said to me.


    I didn¡¯t answer. My lips just stayed shut. I wasn¡¯t sure what words wouldn¡¯te out bitter.


    Solstice arched a brow, her arms crossing slowly. "You can speak right here."


    Dristan¡¯s eyes narrowed. "This doesn¡¯t concern you."


    "It does," she replied smoothly. "Especially when it concerns my new close friend. And when you act like you¡¯re the only one affected by what happened."


    I blinked at her, surprised she wasn¡¯t even pretending to budge.


    Dristan didn¡¯t even hide the way his jaw clenched. "Silver or whatever your name is, this isn¡¯t the time. I need a moment with her. Alone."


    "No," she said simply.


    Seeing as I wasn¡¯t chasing Solstice, Dristan moved closer, his gaze fixed on me. "Valerie, for courtesy¡¯s sake and out of respect for you, tell her to beat it. This is between us."


    I looked at him, really at the storm in his eyes, at the frustration tightening his shoulders.


    I wanted to tell him to leave but I didn¡¯t. Instead, all I said was this, "I¡¯m on my way to the principal¡¯s office," I said tly. "Whatever you have to say, save it. Unless you¡¯re going to tell me you¡¯re the one who posted those videos."

 Chapter 156: Disappointment

    <h4>Chapter 156: Disappointment</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 157</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Dristan flinched at that. Good.


    Because right now, I couldn¡¯t handle the confusion¡ªhis warmth one moment, and his cold indifference the next. Not when I had the entire school whispering behind my back.


    Dristan stepped closer anyway, his voice lower. "I didn¡¯t post anything. You know I wouldn¡¯t."


    "I don¡¯t know anything right now, Dristan," I whispered, staring him down. "Except that Silver is here. You weren¡¯t, none of you are."


    That hurt him. I saw it as his eyes darkened.. Dristan may have wanted to say something but I did not give him a chance further.


    "I got to go."


    "I¡¯m here now."


    His words were tooe as Solstice stepped in then, hand lightly touching my elbow. "Come on, Val. You¡¯ve got bigger problems than post-stakeout guilt."


    Dristan scowled. "She needs to hear me out."


    "Later," I said, already turning away. "Right now, I have to hear what Principal Whitmore has to say. And if I¡¯m getting kicked out over this..."


    I let the sentence die and Solstice walked with me, not looking back once but I could feel Dristan¡¯s eyes on my back.


    He was probably watching, burning even and regretting maybe seeing as I was caught on camera with him but it was toote for maybe.


    Because the war had already started. And I was still standing in the centre of the battlefield and nobody, not even one of my goddamn mates came out to im me and make this scandal go away.


    I did not n to be iming them like a desperate fool, wing at lost straws to save herself and look more pathetic. No.


    All I wanted was peace and my revenge.


    Quickly, I took out my phone when another message popped up. Solstice wanted to look but I didn¡¯t give her any chance and instead pulled away, telling ehr I¡¯d meet her in ss.


    She fumbled, grumbled obviously but I had that space.


    As soon as I got to the stairs leading down to her office, I halted and read it.


    It was a message from Erik.


    <strong>Erik</strong>: Hey Val, I will soon get ess to the truth about the simtion and sorry about the scandal. I know you didn¡¯t do it. It could be a video or photoshopped.


    My lips pulled back in a beautiful smile.


    <strong>Me</strong>: I did.


    <strong>Erik</strong>: What?


    <strong>Erik</strong>: Umm, okay... It¡¯s not bad.


    <strong>Me</strong>: Smiles.


    <strong>Me</strong>: I¡¯m cool. I don¡¯t regret anything. Thanks.


    <strong>Erik</strong>: Happy to help.


    I was going to end the message there, tuck the phone in my pocket and peacefully head to see Principal Whitmore when a thought crossed my mind.


    <i>Erik can help!</i>


    <strong>Me</strong>: If you really want to help, then... dig into this post... who sent the videos viral?


    <strong>Erik</strong>: Oh, that will be easy. I will...


    For a minute, I saw Erik typing on the chat, but then he stopped, and there was no more news from him.


    I shrugged, trying not to overthink it, and walked down anyway, ignoring the few stares I got.


    I reached the final step leading to the Principal¡¯s wing, my fingers still tight around my phone. Erik hadn¡¯t replied after promising to look into the leak.


    Some of me worried, but I tucked that fear away forter. Right now, I had more pressing problems¡ªlike getting my name dragged through the dirt on every damn gossip site at PSA.


    I stepped into the hallway just outside the office and was immediately met with the frigid stare of Ms. Heart¡ªPrincipal Whitmore¡¯s ever-faithful, ever-judging secretary.


    She sat behind her desk like a woman sculpted from disapproval, sses perched low on her nose, lips pressed into a disapproving line as she nced up at me from over a neatly stacked file.


    "Ms. Nightshade," she said dryly, not bothering to hide the disdain in her tone.


    "Ms. Heart," I returned with a tight, fake smile.


    Her mouth twitched like she wanted to say more, like a passive-aggressive p on the wrist was already forming on her tongue.


    But she didn¡¯t get the chance.


    "Send her in," came Principal Whitmore¡¯s sharp,manding voice from within.


    Ms. Heart nodded stiffly, motioning toward the double doors. "You may enter."


    "Thanks," I muttered, pushing through.


    The door clicked shut behind me, and the weight of the school¡¯s judgment pressed down like fog.


    Principal Whitmore sat behind her heavy mahogany desk, her sleeves rolled to the elbows, fingers sped in front of her like she was already disappointed in whatever I was about to say.


    Her hair was drawn back into a high, severe bun, and her eyes pinned me before I could even greet her.


    I wore something simple today¡ªa long-sleeved white shirt untucked from my pleated navy skirt, a loosely knotted tie at my cor, and dark knee-high boots that clicked faintly against the polished floor.


    I didn¡¯t bother dressing like the perfect student today. My head was already messy.


    I smiled weakly, dipped my head slightly in respect, and stepped forward. "You called for me?"


    Her expression didn¡¯t shift. "I did." She folded her hands tighter. "Tell me, Ms. Nightshade. Why exactly did you skip school yesterday? Was it because you were ill?" Her tone was clipped, but something underneath it simmered.


    I kept my voice calm. "I wasn¡¯t feeling well."


    "Oh?" Her brow rose. "Not well enough to attend ss, but well enough to entertain a male visitor in your room?"


    My mouth went dry. As annoying as it was, she was right to a certain degree.


    She leaned back, fingers steepled beneath her chin. "So tell me. Which part of this trending story is true? The illness... or the dick?"


    My eyes widened at her bluntness. I blinked, my heart thudding against my ribs.


    "Excuse me?"


    "You heard me," she said smoothly, almost too coldly. "Fakes being sick for a dick¡ªthe rhymes are..."


    She did not finish her sentence but instead returned her cold stare to me.


    "The entire campus is buzzing about how you called in sick only to spend your day kissing the Alpha heir in your dorm. In the same breath, a second video of you with another one of them in his car surfaces. The phrasing making the rounds online is that you skipped ss to ¡¯get dicked down.¡¯ Care to correct that narrative?"

 Chapter 157: Owned and Claimed 1

    <h4>Chapter 157: Owned and imed 1</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 158</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I inhaled sharply, clutching the edge of my tie. "Ma¡¯am, I didn¡¯t get any... I didn¡¯t sleep with anyone."


    Whitmore arched a brow. "No?"


    "No," I said firmly. "I haven¡¯t."


    "Yet," Principal Whitmore finished for me. "Answer me this, did you kiss Kai?"


    I knew where this was going, but answered anyway. Yes."


    "And did you kiss Dristan?"


    I nodded at her. "I kissed Kai. That¡¯s true. And yes, I also kissed Dristan. But that¡¯s it. Nothing else happened. And even if it did, that doesn¡¯t make me a criminal."


    "Perhaps not a criminal," she murmured. "But a distraction? Most certainly. You¡¯re the new girl, Valerie. The one everyone already had their eyes on. And now, here you are¡ªflitting between heirs, giving the council more reason to monitor this school and more headaches for me."


    I bit my lip.


    "You¡¯re in a very delicate position," she continued. "The council knows the heirs are drawn to you. I know that. And I¡¯ve tried to be... understanding. But this? This crosses the line of discipline."


    I forced my shoulders to stay straight. "I... What would you like me to do?"


    "Simple." Her tone sharpened. "Control yourself. Maintain your boundaries. And don¡¯t tarnish this school¡¯s name further with public disys of affection."


    My chest squeezed. "So I¡¯m supposed to pretend none of them exist? That I don¡¯t have a connection with them?"


    "You can have your connection in private," she snapped. "But not on my campus. You¡¯re still a student here. This is not a lovers¡¯ retreat. This is PSA."


    I bit back the urge to roll my eyes. "Noted."


    "I also found out the heirs left ss after hearing of your illness."


    "They were worried," I said tightly.


    "They were reckless," she countered. "And you fed into it. You knew what would happen."


    "I never asked them toe," I muttered. "I just... wanted space."


    She clicked her tongue. "You say that. But are you really setting boundaries, Valerie? Or are you ying with fire?"


    That stung.


    And then she leaned forward, her voice suddenly colder. "Tell me. Did you sleep with any of them?"


    My eyes shot up. "No!"


    She stared at me, long and hard, as if trying to detect a lie. "They may be your lovers, but if you think I will let PSA turn into some hormonal circus, you¡¯re wrong."


    "I never nned for this to happen," I said through clenched teeth.


    "Doesn¡¯t matter what you nned." Her words cut sharper now. "It¡¯s happening. And you need to fix it. Fast."


    I nodded stiffly.


    "You have three days of detention starting tomorrow. You¡¯ll report to the western wing under staff supervision. Maybe a little space from your lovers will help you reflect."


    My fists clenched, but I did not. "Yes, ma¡¯am."


    I turned to go, my pride already bloodied¡ªbut then she called again. "Oh, and Valerie?" I paused. "Try not to sully PSA¡¯s name further."


    I slowly looked over my shoulder. "Right. Assuming I don¡¯t get killed under PSA¡¯s roof and your so-called surveince."


    Her brows pinched, but I gave her a half-bow before she could respond and turned away.


    I walked out with my head high and my blood simmering, even though I wanted to scream.


    If this was how PSA protected its students... I was better off protecting myself.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    ~Afternoon ss~


    A sigh escaped my lips as I walked into the training grounds. The sky above was a dull grey, heavy with thick clouds, and I could smell the raining.


    <i>¡¯Just fall and wash away all of these stupid feelings,¡¯ </i>I muttered to myself.


    The air felt tense, not from the weather but from whispers. Everywhere I turned, it followed me: the looks and the half-hidden smirks.


    The outdoorbat session was supposed to be just another senior year drill, but today, it felt like a stage... and I was the unwilling performer.


    I stayed focused on my warm-up routine: stretching, shifting my weight, and breathing. Astra¡¯s voice echoed in my mind, urging me to stay calm and keep my emotions in check.


    But even her tone felt tense, as if she were struggling to keep control.


    I had just begun another stretch when a sharp shoulder mmed into mine.


    I stumbled but didn¡¯t fall. My reflexes snapped to attention fast enough, and I twisted around quickly, my eyes shing.


    Brielle.


    Barbie-wannabe deluxe, with pink gloss, perfect blonde curls, and the ws of a feral cat itching for blood. Her mouth curled in that smug, snake-like grin.


    "Oh, sorry," she drawled in a fake-innocent apology. "Didn¡¯t see you there, Nightshade. You¡¯re so... basic in that outfit, you sort of blend into the dirt."


    I narrowed my gaze. "Beat it, Brielle. I don¡¯t have time for your games."


    Brielle tilted her head. "What¡¯s wrong? No alphas to shield you today? Or are they still trying to figure out how you managed to juggle two dicks in one day?"


    Laughter rippled from behind her.


    "Like hell you can talk to me like that," I snapped.


    "Oh, please." Another voice joined in¡ªTitania. She strutted over like she was auditioning for the role of Mean Girl Supreme with a sweet, venomous voice.


    "We all knew you were nothing more than a gold-digging little wolf. Latching onto the heirs because you¡¯re scared of being average. Except now... you¡¯re exposed."


    "You do not want to find out what I¡¯ll do if you don¡¯t walk away now," I growled.


    "Find out what?" Brielle sneered. "That you¡¯re a cheating whore who thought she could two-time the heirs? And what¡ªseduce them into protecting you again?"


    "Must¡¯ve used magic," another girl sneered from behind. "How else would all six fall for the same pathetic omega?"


    "Witch!" someone else jeered. "No wonder she¡¯s always glowing. Probably hexed them with a potent love potion."


    Moreughter followed from around me. Then fingers gripped my hair, quickly my handstched onto my head, holding the wig in ce before she could yank it.


    Pain spiked through my scalp, but thankfully, I ensured the wig was sewn in cases of these scenarios.


    Brielle.


    Before I could twist, another shove hit me in the side, a foot mming hard against my thigh, close to my groin.


    I gasped, stumbling back, as Brielle let go of her hold on my hair, fury wing at my chest, Astra howling inside me.


    <i>"Valerie, let me out, let me rip off their heads,"</i> Astra growled in rage. <i>"Let me show them how much of an omega I am, these miscreants."</i>


    I tried to force down her killing intent, ready to attack by myself when a guttural growl shattered the air.


    One.


    Then another.


    And another.


    Then another.


    Six.


    Lightning shot through the sky as the air cracked.


    Power exploded across the field in waves as six growls echoed like thunder, vibrating the ground.


    Heads whipped around and then came the seventh sound¡ªan unearthly roar.


    All eyes turned upward as wind gusted through the clearing. Massive silver wings pped behind Xander as a pair of beautiful horns adorned his head in his natural form.


    Xander hovered in the sky above them, ring daggers at them.


    Brielle dropped her hand and fell backwards, her face was pale, her breath caught in her throat. She wasn¡¯t alone.


    The rest of the ss backed away.


    But not fast enough.


    Dristan¡¯s voice cut through themotion. "There¡¯s no bewitching."


    Every student turned toward the alphas, who were now walking toward me. Their eyes had turned blue, and their faces were fierce.


    Dristan stepped forward. "Let it be known¡ªValerie Nightshade is my mate."

 Chapter 158: Owned and Claimed 2

    <h4>Chapter 158: Owned and imed 2</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 159</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My eyes went wide as several gasps echoed around me. Whispers turned to silence, and even the air paused.


    "What?" Gasped followed, and Titania blinked.


    "And mine. She is my precious mate," Kai added in a firm voice, stepping to my other side, clenching his fist as all the guys surrounded me, blocking our ssmates from advancing.


    "Mine too," Xade stated coldly, ring down at every girl who dared speak against me.


    "She¡¯s my mate as well," Axel growled, stepping forward, the edge in his voice sharper than steel.


    Ash came next. "And ours. Bound by fate," he said, nked by Ace, whose crimson eyes were lit like fire.


    "She belongs to us," Ace dered, softer, but the weight of his voice silenced everyone.


    Titania¡¯s mouth opened... and stayed that way. She fell to her knees, unable to process the truth she¡¯d just heard. "No.... no way. I... I should have known."


    Brielle let out a tiny choking sound.


    "Valerie Nightshade is mated to us all, blessed by the moon goddess," Dristan dered. "And I swear, henceforth, disrespecting her is an equal disrespect to us all. And let it be known that I intend to find the culprits who ndered my mate."


    Kai continued, his voice rising, "whoever ndered her name¡ªonline or in person¡ªwill face the full wrath of the Heirs of PSA."


    "There will be no escape," Axel added, his fists clenched. "We will press charges," he stated, his eyes trained on a few cowering students near the back.


    "And I¡¯ll enjoy punishing everyst one of you," Xade dered, his voice low and lethal.


    "To the point you¡¯d wish you were never born," Acepleted as his eyes glinted evilly.


    "Because, Valerie Nightshade is ours and not a whore," Ash chimed to let everyone know.


    Astra practically preened in my head.


    But me... I stood there, heart thudding wildly, surrounded by six zing auras, and every single eye now trained on me like I was the moon itself.


    I did the only thing I could think of. I turned and ran.


    But then, the world around me blurred.


    I wasn¡¯t crying, but I wasn¡¯t breathing either. I had to get away before I broke in front of everyone.


    But I didn¡¯t get far because a hand gripped my wrist gently but firmly.


    I looked up to see Xander staring at me.


    He hadn¡¯t spoken and hadn¡¯t stepped in earlier. But now, as the storm behind me still rolled in growls and murmurs, he stepped forward and blocked my path.


    "Valerie."


    My name from his lips was a whisper and a thunderp.


    I froze because something inside me clicked, and all I wanted to do was stay protected in his arms or evade him and run too.


    While my mind still processed what was happening, Dristan was there in a breath¡¯s air. His arms wrapped around my waist. He didn¡¯t give me time to run again as his fingers slid up my side, then cradled my head, lifting up my face to look at him.


    "You all want a show?" Dristan muttered. I swallowed, unsure of what he wanted to do, and then he kissed me.


    Right there. In front of everyone.


    His mouth crashed into mine¡ªhungry, possessive, desperate. My body jolted like a live wire.


    The noise faded. My heartbeat roared in my ears, and for a second, I forgot the stares.


    Then he pulled back, barely an inch, his breath warm against my lips.


    "I love you," he said with a softness that far superseded anything I had ever known and just as certain, like he¡¯d known it all along.


    My lips tingled. My heart rattled in its cage. He looked at me like I was his anchor¡ªlike the storm inside him would settle if I just said something.


    But I didn¡¯t.


    Not because I didn¡¯t feel it.


    But because everything was too much¡ªthe crowd, the eyes, the weight of being kissed like a prize, right after being treated like a scandal.


    "Dristan..." I whispered. "This isn¡¯t how I want it."


    He blinked, and a flicker of pain appeared in his eyes, but he nodded. "I don¡¯t n on giving you up either."


    I didn¡¯t even have time to respond before Kai stepped forward and Drsitan stepped aside, letting Kai take his ce.


    Kai brushed a strand of hair behind my ear as his other hand reached for mine. I didn¡¯t pull away, but I noticed a flicker of hesitation or a nervous nce in his face.


    His fingers lingered, gently, as his eyes searched mine.


    Kai was brave, feisty, naughty, loving, caring, and possessive, but he still looked all too... adorable.


    "You¡¯re mine," he whispered, "my heartbeat, Val..." his voice was softer than the wind. "Do you believe me, Val...?"


    I barely nodded¡ª


    "Oh goddess, does she let all of them say that?" someone muttered off to the side.


    My stomach tightened. The moment cracked. I should¡¯ve turned away, but I didn¡¯t. I leaned in anyway, chasing a second of calm inside the storm.


    Instead, I looked at Kai, really looked. Kai wasn¡¯t pushing. He was asking. I exhaled, my fingers tightening slightly around his. "Yes," I breathed.


    And when he leaned in, I met him halfway.


    His kiss was softer, but no less real. There were no sparks this time¡ªthere was steady heat and want grounding me to him. And I let myself have it¡ªjust for a second.


    "She¡¯s seriously kissing another one?" someone hissed, not even trying to whisper.


    My cheeks med. The air thickened, and suddenly, I wasn¡¯t just kissing him. I was on disy. Judged, picked apart.


    I stepped back, breathless, and before I could speak¡ª


    "I told you, she¡¯s ying them all," Brielle¡¯s hushed voice spat from the sidelines.


    My heart thudded louder than before¡ªnot from the kiss.


    I turned toward her, but Xade stepped between us. His growl shut the rest of the field up. But the damage had already threaded through my skin.


    Xade¡¯s voice followed next, pulling me toward him. "Ignore trash talks," he smiled. "I¡¯ve been aching for this moment, Val... I need to know what your lips feel like when you¡¯re not confused."


    "Xade..."


    Astra purred in my mind, happily encouraging me to kiss him.


    <i>"Kiss him," </i>Astra hummed, ws curling in my chest. <i>"You know you want to."</i>


    "However, not here. Not like this. I¡¯ll wait until it¡¯s real, just between you and me, it¡¯ll feel like a dream."


    Xade¡¯s lips brushed over mine, ignoring everyone¡¯s stares. I was beginning to melt, my heart, Asta. The matebond was starting to take effect, and I found myself leaning in and wanting them.


    <i>"Why now?"</i>


    Ash¡¯s hand caught mine. "You didn¡¯t think you¡¯d escape us, did you?"


    And Ace, ever gentle and cute, took the other side. "I want you too, mi amore," he said softly, eyes full of fire.


    "And don¡¯t think of leaving me out, sweetheart," Axel voiced...


    My head swooned, and I tried to pull away. I couldn¡¯t kiss all of them out here. That would only make the rumours look true, but the noise around us returned.


    Somewhere, I heard someone mutter, "Of course she lets them all kiss her..."


    My face burned. The whispers. The eyes. The heat in my chest was turning to ash.


    "Enough," I said sharply, raising my chin before Axel could take another step.


    "Val¡ª" he started.


    "No," I cut in. "You don¡¯t all get to decide for me now." A breathless silence settled, the kind thates after a p.


    I stepped back, brushing a stray curl behind my ear. "If you want me, mean it. But I won¡¯t be kissed just to prove a point and not in front of your wannabe fans."

 Chapter 159: Detention

    <h4>Chapter 159: Detention</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 160</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I did not give anyone a moment to catch their breath as I pulled awaypletely. And as I disappeared from the crowd, all I could hear were my own footsteps and the burn of eyes that had already judged me.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if I¡¯d ever recover from it.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Detention~</strong>


    By the end of the school day, I¡¯d almost convinced myself the whispers would die down. Perhaps, just perhaps, people would let the scandal breathe.


    They didn¡¯t.


    The stares still burned. The murmurs still crawled along the hallways. And now, I was being punished for breathing wrong, too.


    I walked into the detention ssroom, keeping my head high even when I wanted to vanish through the floor.


    Professor Glenda¡ªsharp-eyed, steel-boned, and already annoyed¡ªdidn¡¯t wait long before she too joined the rest of the students out of spite or good old gossip.


    "Ah, Miss Nightshade," she said, voice dripping with judgment. "Nice of you to join us. I trust the paparazzi didn¡¯t follow you all the way in?"


    I said nothing. Just crossed the room, slipped into a seat at the back, and pretended she didn¡¯t exist.


    Instead, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my tiny, barely noticeable earbuds and shoved them in.


    Music. That¡¯s what I needed. Just something loud enough to drown out the noise or calm enough to suit my soul.


    I chose loud.


    The ssroom buzzed faintly. Others scribbled in notebooks, scrolled through tablets, or whispered gossip they thought I couldn¡¯t hear. I didn¡¯t care.


    At least, I didn¡¯t... until the door creaked open again.


    A hush swept the room like a de. All the girls snapped to attention. Even the air changed.


    I didn¡¯t look up until I heard the heavy, confident steps. Their scent assaulted my nostrils first before anything else.


    Dristan and the others.


    Six shadows poured into the room like royalty crashing a funeral. The Heirs¡ªeveryst one of them¡ªwalked in like they owned the damn ce.


    My music died in my ears. Slowly, I removed one earbud and looked up.


    Whispers sparked instantly. "Are they here for her?"


    "They really followed her?"


    "This can¡¯t be happening..."


    Professor Glenda¡¯s lips pursed so tightly they nearly disappeared. "Why are you here, Alphas?" she asked in a deceptively calm voice.


    Dristan stepped forward, arms folded. "We¡¯re joining detention."


    "You weren¡¯t given detention," she said tly. "And this is my ssroom. If you do not mind, leave. Now."


    Axel gave her a slow, easy smile. "Now, now, Professor. Don¡¯t be shy. We just wanted to support our... ssmate."


    "Support," Xade echoed, voice like velvetced with danger. "We couldn¡¯t let her suffer alone."


    "Miss Nightshade has enough heat on her," Kai added. "We thought we¡¯d... help even it out."


    Professor Glenda narrowed her eyes. "Leave. Before I give you a reason not toe back."


    "Oh?" Axel cocked his head and leaned on the nearest desk. "And here I thought someone with a wedding band wouldn¡¯t mind a few extra men staying close. Or are you just jealous?" He winked.


    Professor Glenda¡¯s eyes gleamed like drawn steel. "Excuse me?"


    "That skirt is not PSA regtion," Xade added, ncing pointedly at her legs. "Not that I¡¯mining."


    Ace gave a soft chuckle. "You don¡¯t scare easily, Professor. I respect that. Shame about your temper."


    The room froze, and as if that wasn¡¯t bad enough, Dristan smirked and snapped his fingers. Lightning crackled on his fingers and straight to the desk. Immediately, the desk splittered into two.


    "Hmm, something smells burnt in here." His gaze left Professor Glenda¡¯s and went straight to the desk. "Oops. I was just, you know, dusting my nails?"


    My eyes darted between the Professor and Dristan and then back again. I could see the moment Professor Glenda¡¯s control snapped.


    She growled, actually growled in a subtle, low voice, trying to keep her temper. Then she stalked to her desk, picked up her roster sheet, and scribbled something furiously across it.


    "Fine," she said, voice cold as frost. "You all want detention?"


    She pointed to each one of them with her pen. "Then congrattions. You have it."


    "For how long?" Dristan asked, not the least bit apologetic as his gaze flickered, to me.


    "Three days," I mouthed, unsure what game they were ying.


    "One week." Professor Glender voiced her opinion, her eyes zing. "Seven days. No skips. No swaps. You show up, you sit down, and you shut up. Any vition and I¡¯ll have you reported to the school board. Do I make myself clear?"


    They all stood there, smug and unbothered, as if detention were a personal spa day.


    Kai gave azy salute. "Yes, ma¡¯am."


    "Crystal," Xade added, grinning as he pulled out a chair next to me and sat without asking.


    Dristan didn¡¯t speak. He just moved beside me and lowered himself into the seat like it was <i>his</i> seat. Like I was his to sit beside.


    The others followed suit, filling the row around me until I was boxed in like some kind of goddess in a shrine made of stubborn, arrogant alpha males.


    Professor Glenda turned her back to the ss, muttering something about "lunatics" under her breath.


    I slowly pulled my earbud back in¡ªonly one this time¡ªand hit y. But I wasn¡¯t listening anymore.


    Because now... I was <i>watching</i>.


    And I had six reasons around me not to pretend I didn¡¯t feel something deep and stupid blooming in my chest again.


    Although it wasn¡¯t love, I could not deny how dangerous it was, especially each time I looked to my side to see Ash and Ace there.


    Since when did they form an alliance or something?


    Weren¡¯t they at each other¡¯s throats?


    Ash smiled sweetly at me... "Hey."


    I barely looked at him before returning my attention to the book on top of my desk when I felt something poke me.


    I looked to my side and saw a piece of paper in front of me, and my brows furrowed. Lifting my head, my eyes locked on a smiling Ace.


    "My superwoman, sorry about the recent mess."


    I wanted to speak to him and respond that it was okay when Dristan¡¯s voice rang behind me.


    "I get jealous, my love."

 Chapter 160: Friendly Opinions

    <h4>Chapter 160: Friendly Opinions</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 161</strong>


    <strong>~Solstice¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Students were already rising from their seats, bags slung over their shoulders, half-hearted chatter filling the lecture hall like smoke after a fire.


    I didn¡¯t move right away.


    I stayed seated at the back, fingers clenched around my notebook as I had my eyes fixed on the floor with one single thought and naem racing through my mind.


    Gods.


    Valerie.


    The scene from earlier¡ªDristan kissing her like she belonged to him, Kai pulling her in right after¡ªkept reying in my head. The way she froze. The way people stared. The things they whispered.


    I wanted to go in and talk back to them but she wouldin it was out of character for the persona I was keeping in school.


    But still, I hated that they called her names and I had already thought of a good revenge n to carry out on those losers.


    BrielleTitaniaEstelleWannabe Mavis and lots more.


    Still they were secondary or tertiary in the list of my problems because if even for a second, a second of that had been recorded...


    It would be disastrous if word went out.


    I pulled out my phone and thumbed through encrypted apps, opening a chat window under a hidden contact.


    <strong>Me:</strong><i>We might have a leak. Anything filmed at Training Combat¡ªtake it down. Now. Scrub the source. I don¡¯t care how you do it.</i>


    I watched the screen, tension coiling in my gut before I hit send to a friend of mine.


    My father¡ªgods help me¡ªwould have a field day if this footage slipped out of PSA¡¯s closedwork.


    Forget Valerie¡¯s mission. She¡¯d be dragged home by force or worsebelledpromised.


    "Don¡¯t let him find out. Not yet," I mentally chanted.


    A message pinged back.


    <strong>Contact:</strong><i>Already on it. But it¡¯s spreading fast. We can¡¯t contain the rumors.</i>


    I muttered a low curse, then pocketed my phone just as the rest of the ss began to clear out. I stood, adjusting my jacket and pulling my expression into one of calmness, detached like dad taught me.


    It didn¡¯tst long after I had stepped out of ss when my name rang out from someone¡¯s lips.


    "Silver!"


    I turned to see Astraea, Emerald, and I weaving through the hallway crowd toward me. Their faces were flushed with curiosity and something a little too eager.


    Astraea¡¯s eyes sparkled like gossip was her pre-workout as she called out my name once more.


    "Silver here."


    "Well?" she said before she even reached me, looping her arm through mine like we were best friends. "Was that real? Please tell me it was staged. Like a prank or... I don¡¯t know, an early performance for the Spring Festival?"


    Emerald gave her a look. "You really think six Alpha Heirs would risk their reputations for a performance?"


    I tilted my head. "You were there, weren¡¯t you?"


    "We were," Astraea said quickly. "Well, I wasn¡¯t¡ªshe was busy charming the Physics professor into making her his little assistant." She said it with a grin.


    I smiled faintly. "Guilty but not charming, charming. Professor Stein, is one of the best with awards. A rmendation from him would get me into top universities. So..." I shrugged.


    "Let¡¯s hope that¡¯s just it and you aren¡¯t falling for your lecturer," Emerald cooed and rolled her eyes.


    "Duh, no. Who the heck would do that? I¡¯ve got eyes for someone else. I just haven¡¯t seen him since his return." I watched as I beamed and then Emerald bit down on her lips while looking away guitily.


    <i>Uhun? Why would she do that?</i>


    Even though I had been here briefly, I always took note of people¡¯s behaviours and actions to read them. Unlike Valerie, I took a ss in psychology.


    "They really did it, huh?" Emerald asked, more serious now. "Dered her their mate. In front of everyone."


    I shrugged, keeping my voice light. "She¡¯s in detention now."


    "That¡¯s it?" Astraea asked. "That¡¯s all you¡¯re going to give us?"


    "What more do you want? She got dragged through hell this week, and now she¡¯s dealing with detention and the entire school breathing down her neck. It¡¯s her mates, duh."


    I did not say, and Astraea immediately picked up on that. "Why have you been silent, I? Dristan is your cousin. Howe you never knew?"


    I swallowed and bit her lower lip. "Well..."


    "Wait..." Emerald, Astraea and I all stopped. "You knew?" Her eyes shied away from us in guilt.


    While the others were perplexed, I was stunned that Valerie had opened up to someone other than me.


    I neither refuted nor epted our allegations, making Emerald cross her arms and give her a suspicious stare. "And you just happened to know about all of this? The kisses? The Alpha heirs? All six?"


    A beat passed and then I blinked. "Wait. Six<i>?</i>" Her voice cracked on the number looking genuinely confused.


    Astraea and Emerald froze.


    "You knew," Emerald said, pointing at I. "You so knew. Don¡¯t lie."


    "I didn¡¯t!" I stepped back, her hands up. "I swear¡ªI didn¡¯t know it was six! I just... overheard Valerie talking to the Alphas her second day here. She didn¡¯t even see me. That¡¯s how I knew she was mated to some of them. Not all six!"


    Astraea¡¯s jaw ticked. "And you didn¡¯t think to tell us?"


    Her question might have been uncalled for but I had no idea how their clique were before my arrival, so I did not butt in.


    But I frowned. "It wasn¡¯t my secret to tell, okay? I didn¡¯t even know if it was real. Besides, I felt bad for her."


    That made them pause and rethink their attack. It was obviously going to get worse, allowing them to judge her like they were saints.


    I nodded slowly. "She¡¯s got the entire school watching her. Judging her. I think she¡¯s earned a little mercy."


    Astraea exhaled but didn¡¯t speak.


    We were halfway down the hall when <strong>Emerald¡¯s phone buzzed</strong>. She stopped walking. Her mouth parted slowly, and her fingers trembled slightly as she turned the screen toward us.


    A video yed in front of us. And it was crystal clear who was in it.


    <strong>"Alphas Intercept Detention for Their Love¡ªValerie Nightshade"</strong>

 Chapter 161: Detention 2

    <h4>Chapter 161: Detention 2</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 161</strong>


    <strong>~Solstice¡¯s POV~</strong>


    A recording from earlier today. The one I¡¯d tried to stop.


    Thements were already toxic. Dozens. Maybe hundreds.


    I covered my face with one hand and groaned. "Oh, gods. Not again." The others stared at me.


    "What?" Astraea asked, narrowing her eyes. "You sound like you knew this would happen."


    I straightened, recovering quickly. "No. I¡¯m just... pitying her. It¡¯s brutal being new at PSA. Trust me, I¡¯ve been there. You make one wrong move, and the wolves start sharpening their teeth."


    "Then maybe," Astraea said coldly, "she should¡¯ve thought of that before cozying up with six Alpha Heirs."


    Her voice sliced through the moment like ss. And just like that, the conversation abruptly ended.


    Without another word, Astraea turned and strode down the hallway. Emerald looked after her, then exchanged nces with I before following.


    Only I lingered.


    "She¡¯s not what they say, you know," she said softly. "I don¡¯t believe what Astraea says. Valerie is a good girl. She is just caught in an intricate web."


    I looked at her.


    "I believe that," I said. "But belief doesn¡¯t stop people from tearing someone apart."


    We stood there for a second before I nodded and left.


    I stood alone, hands in my jacket pockets, trying to calm the storm brewing behind my ribs.


    I had to protect Valerie no matter what, even if she didn¡¯t know how close the fire was and if I had to lie to keep her safe.


    Because I was the only one who knew just how dangerous the truth was.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment the desk splintered beneath my palm, I knew what I was doing.


    And I didn¡¯t care.


    Let her give us detention. Let her scream bloody murder. It was worth it to sit beside Valerie. My mate. Our mate.


    She didn¡¯t look at me at first¡ªhell, she barely flinched when the wood snapped¡ªbut I saw the tension in her shoulders. The slight rise and fall of her chest. She was holding it in. Everything.


    Guilt twisted in my gut, hard, at what I had done to her and put her through.


    I deserved that silence. Maybe even her retreat. But gods, sitting here, inches from her, her scent curling into my nose like sunlight through stormclouds¡ª<i>I would¡¯ve punched five more desks</i><i>just to have this.</i>


    Valerie had one earbud in that the Professor couldn¡¯t see, but I noticed it, my ears caught the sound of the music.


    Fine. If she wasn¡¯t ready to talk, I¡¯d wait. But I wasn¡¯t going to pretend I didn¡¯t feel what I felt. Or act like her silence didn¡¯t scrape against every inch of me.


    Ever since she blew me off to go see Principal Whitmore, nor speak to me when that girl, Silver or what he rname was, spoke rudely to me, Soren had ben prawling at the back of my mind.


    And when they circled her in training ss¡ªheck I never wanted to be in ss but because of her, I attended¡ªI did not want to butt in, believing Valerie would once again tell me she did not need my help and that would sting more.


    But when things got out of hand and Brielle kicked her... I lost it.


    I never spoke to the other sbaout this but as if on cue, every one of us stormed right there, even the lycans.


    I sighed, recalling how she drowned the heat on my confession but epted Kai. Was I losing to him? Were we all losing to him?


    Tsk.


    And then there was Xade. That sneaky bastard definitely would want to have her after school hours.


    I was itching with jealousy just thinking about it and Soren wanted to kill the others to keep her to ourselves.


    Ash leaned over and murmured something to her, but Valerie Nightshade barely flicked him a nce.


    Ace, of course, passed her a note.


    The little bastard always had a way with soft things. He was charming. Sweet. Andpletely not above slipping in when everyone else was fighting for her gaze.


    Valerie read it. I saw the corner of her mouth twitch¡ªnot quite a smile, but something softer than before.


    My chest tightened.


    "I get jealous, my love," I said from behind her.


    Her head turned slowly and for a second I gulped, as a drop of sweat rolled down teh side of my face.


    Finally, her gaze met mine¡ªsteady, sharp, that same icy, stoic, unreadable expression.


    "You don¡¯t say," Valerie whispered.


    I leaned back in my seat, keeping my voice low, just for her. "I do. Especially when someone else makes you look like that."


    She rolled her eyes, and something inside me eased. Even her irritation was better than the nothing she gave me earlier.


    "I didn¡¯t ask you toe here, Dristan."


    "No," I admitted. "You didn¡¯t. But I don¡¯t need an invitation to stand by you."


    She blinked at me, and for a moment, she looked tired. Not angry or stubborn. Just... tired.


    "You stood by me at the end of the line, not the start of the fight. Besides, since when did Dristan Alexander admit she has a mate?"


    "I did it to Riven, didn¡¯t I?"


    "I thought that was your ego elevating," she retorted rather sharply.


    I must say it stung but, I did not give up. "Valerie..."


    "And the store? The clothing store and theft incident wgere you barely muttered the word mate to me in front of the others?"


    I sighed and brushed a hand ove rmy face. "It¡¯splicated, Valerie."


    "Sorry, Alpha, I do not doplicated."


    "Is that why you ignored me when I told you I loved you?"


    "Did you mean it?" Valerie fired and I swallowed.


    "Ye..." before I could speak again, she cut in.


    "Or was that just your poor performance in getting Kai and the others to know you own me?"


    "That wasn¡¯t it."


    "Then why im me and cause another scandal?"


    I was shocked by her words. Howe I was med when Kai, her dearly beloved Kai, did the same thing too?


    I fell silent. "You can¡¯t answer? Is that because I am right or is it because you know they all look up to you?"


    Her words sliced cleaner than ws. I didn¡¯t even try to deflect. I nodded once. "You¡¯re right."


    That earned me a longer nce, something unreadable dancing in her expression.


    "You are right, Valerie. That was immature of me, or so you may think, but I¡¯d do that again in a heartbeat anytime. But if you wouldn¡¯t have me... too bad, you can¡¯t have Kai either."


    Her brows furrowed as she looked at me, but I withdrew the next second, letting my stoic expression return as I looked straight at the board.


    Across from me, Xade kicked back in his chair, arms behind his head like we weren¡¯t in detention and hadn¡¯t just provoked a senior professor into an emotional breakdown.


    "Val, want me to set something on fire for you?" he asked casually.


    Valerie shook her head at him. "Oh, I see only Kai and Dristan are favoured." Before she could say anything, Xade whistled low. "Wow. We¡¯re really doing the brooding silent war thing in detention, huh?"


    "That¡¯s why it¡¯s called detention, Xade," Axel corrected, earning him a smile from Valerie.


    Valerie looked at each of us, one by one. Her eyes didn¡¯t linger long, but I saw it¡ªthe flicker of something behind hershes: a little less tension and more breath.


    Professor Glenda cleared her throat dramatically at the front of the ss. "Would someone like to exin to me why this is suddenly a meet-cute session?" I sighed, but no one answered her.


    "If I wanted to watch teenagers flirt poorly, I¡¯d turn on the news," she said sarcastically.


    "Not flirting," Kai called. "Courting."


    "Even worse," she stated. "Now, silence."

 Chapter 162: The K Knight

    <h4>Chapter 162: The K Knight</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 163</strong>


    <strong>~Kieran¡¯s POV~</strong>


    It was alreadyte evening, and the sun nted through the ss wall of my dorm, bleeding gold across the white marble floor.


    A breeze stirred the sheer curtain beside my bed, catching the edge of my coat draped over the chair. It was quiet¡ªcalm in the way that always came before something cracked.


    I was stretchedzily on the edge of the bed, half reclined, arms folded behind my head. Not tense, not rxed, just... waiting.


    Lucy stood beside me still as a statue, hands sped in front of her, head bowed a little low. She¡¯d been trained well. Not just in silence, but in observation and in obedience and hesitation.


    Which is what she was doing right now.


    I broke the silence with a drawl. "So it turns out that Ms. Nightshade is none other than my dear cousin¡¯s mate."


    Lucy shifted slightly. "Master... not just your cousin. All the Alpha Kings¡¯ heirs and Lycans heirs too."


    I chuckled keeping my voice a bit low and bitter. "Yes. Right. The girl¡¯s practically a walking moon-blessed blessing at this point. Or so they believe."


    My gaze flicked to the ceiling. "But even gods bleed when they¡¯re held by the wrong hands."


    Lucy didn¡¯t speak which was smart.


    I leaned up just slightly, turning my eyes on her. They were steel now, no hint of thezy smile I wore in public. "It doesn¡¯t matter who¡¯s mated to her."


    There was a pause.


    Then a wicked curl twisted my lips upward.


    "My target remains my target," I said, each word deliberate. "And right now, Valerie Nightshade needs a knight in shining armor. One who isn¡¯t her mate."


    "Master¡ª"


    "She needs someone," I continued, "who¡¯s not tangled in fated bonds. Not wing for her out of instinct or possessive heat. No... she needs someone who appears calm and is safe, trustworthy."


    Lucy¡¯s fingers twitched. She knew what wasing.


    I smiled wider. "This is my opportunity to rise in her trust. So... find me the Gossip Witch."


    Her brows pinched just slightly. "You mean..."


    "Yes, the one who runs the gossip blog on PSA and give her the video."


    "The video?"


    "Yes. The one you got for me." My tone wasn¡¯t sharp, but it was final.


    Lucy¡¯s throat moved as she swallowed. "Forgive me, Master. But... why involve her?"


    My gaze slid to her slowly as a cold shimmer cutting through the warmth in the room. "Because, Lucy. To erase one scandal... you must give them a better one to feed on. Tghe mass wants juicy gossip."


    I sat upright then, letting my elbows rest on my knees. My voice dropped an octave.


    "Let them eat something juicier. Something... scandalous enough to erase Valerie¡¯s name from the top of the page."


    Lucy fidgeted. "Who are you nning to ruin then, Master?"


    I reached for my ss of chilled wine, took a slow sip, and then reclined again, one leg propped over the other.


    "Titania Estre Sage."


    The words dropped like knives into the silence.


    Lucy¡¯s breath hitched. "The... Fae Princess?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "My Lord, that could¡ª"


    I turned my head sharply, silencing her with nothing but a re and her next words caught in her throat.


    "You remember our first interaction with her, don¡¯t you?" I asked mildly, swirling the wine in the ss. "How she looked down on Valerie like she was the dirt beneath her crystal shoes?"


    "I do, Master."


    "She mocked Valerie,ughed. But no one¡¯s clipped her wings yet." I raised my brows, feigning thought. "It¡¯s time someone did."


    Lucy hesitated, eyes wide. "But... the Fae Courts¡ª"


    "I said expose her."


    The room dropped to silence. Even the wind outside seemed to stop.


    Lucy nodded slowly. "Yes, Master."


    "Good girl."


    I reached into the drawer beside my bed and pulled out a sleek ck drive. "Here¡¯s what you¡¯ll use. Send it anonymously. Use the Witch¡¯s channel. Let it circte by sunrise."


    Lucy stepped forward to collect it, eyes cast downward.


    "And Lucy?"


    She paused mid-step. "Yes, Master?"


    "If you do this well... I¡¯ll reward you. With your desires."


    Her breath caught again, but she didn¡¯t speak. Not until I gave her a nod.


    Then she bowed, and slipped away like smoke from my room.


    I leaned back once more, staring at the ceiling as the day faded to dusk.


    Titania would fall. Valerie would look for someone untouched by fire and I would be right there¡ªclean, unmarked, and already holding out my hand.


    Because sometimes, to y the knight... You had to light the castle on fire.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Solstice¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The air was quieter here¡ªcooler too, away from the hawks of PSA¡¯s suffocating eyes and the buzzing gossip.


    It was the same side building Valerie had slipped into before to warn me when I had watched the skies.


    I found her there after searching for her for a while.


    She stood near the back wall, leaning against the frame like she wasn¡¯t still the most talked-about girl on campus and hadn¡¯t just been kissed in public by half the Alpha Heirs and her name wasn¡¯t still trending on the school¡¯s underground gossip app.


    But even from behind, I could see the weight in her posture. The stillness that wasn¡¯t calm¡ªit was restraint.


    "Val..." I called softly as I stepped closer. "Are you okay?"


    She didn¡¯t answer.


    "Look, I know it¡¯s a lot," I tried again. "The videos, the whispers, the damn detention stunt¡ª"


    "Blue Willow."


    I blinked, pausing mid-step. "Huh?"


    She finally turned to me, her eyes sharp¡ªclearer than I expected after the emotional wreckage of the past few days.


    "Blue Willow," she said again. "That¡¯s the lead I got. From the Nightshade search. Two nights ago."


    I froze. It wasn¡¯t the answer I thought I¡¯d get from her. And certainly not the shift in tone.


    "You were searching...?"


    "I never stopped." Her voice was t. "Even when they kissed me. Even when the rumors started. I still kept my eyes on the truth."


    A jolt of relief punched through my ribs, but it was tangled in something else¡ªguilt.


    "You¡¯re not losing focus," I whispered, almost to myself.


    "No," Valerie said ndly. "I¡¯m not."


    "But... what are you going to do?" I asked, stepping closer.


    She looked down at her hand. She was holding something small¡ªfolded paper? A note? Then slid it back into her coat pocket without exining.


    "I¡¯m going to research Blue Willow. Dig deeper into it. And then I¡¯ll go back to the club."


    My stomach dipped. "The club? The same one you went tost time? Alone?"


    Valerie¡¯s eyes shed. "Yes."


    "You¡¯re nning to sneak out of PSA again?"


    She didn¡¯t answer with words. Just lifted her brows like it was obvious.


    I exhaled hard. "Valerie, if you get caught¡ªespecially after the scandal¡ªthere¡¯s noing back from it. You¡¯re already on thin ice."


    "I won¡¯t get caught," she said, calm and sharp as steel.


    I folded my arms. "How can you be so sure?"


    A ghost of a smile touched her lips. Not warmth¡ªstrategy.


    "Because the final-year students have a sanctioned partying up. Off-campus, all-night rave in Star City. Everyone will be too busy being drunk or making out in dark corners to notice one girl slipping away."


    "You¡¯re using the party as cover? What about the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs?"


    "I¡¯m borrowing their chaos," she corrected softly.

 Chapter 163: Onto Her

    <h4>Chapter 163: Onto Her</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 164</strong>


    <strong>~Solstice¡¯s POV~</strong>


    There was a pause between us. I wanted to tell her no. I wanted to drag her back to the dorms and lock her inside until the storm passed. But looking at her¡ªthis version of Valerie, forged through scandal and silence¡ªI knew I couldn¡¯t stop her.


    "You¡¯ll go alone?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.


    "Would you stop me if I said yes?"


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    Valerie sighed and looked out the cracked window. Outside, wind pushed through the trees like a warning. "I don¡¯t have time to wait for this school to calm down. I need to know the truth. Blue Willow came up in encrypted files tied to my family name. That can¡¯t be a coincidence."


    I swallowed. "Do you think it¡¯s a person? A ce?"


    "I think it¡¯s a front." Her voice turned colder. "A name someone is using to hide whatever¡¯s left of the Nightshade legacy."


    My throat tightened. "You really think your family¡¯s enemies are hiding in a club?"


    "I don¡¯t know," she said softly. "But I¡¯m going to find out. With or without backup."


    I stared at her. This girl¡ªthis storm in human skin¡ªhad more conviction than anyone I knew. Even when the world pressed its heel to her throat, she didn¡¯t flinch. She calcted.


    And maybe that¡¯s what scared me the most.


    "Val... promise me something."


    She looked back at me, tilting her head.


    "Don¡¯t shut the alphas out just to protect them."


    Her gaze darkened. "It¡¯s not about protecting them."


    "Then what is it?"


    "It¡¯s about not letting anyone else write my story before I find thest Chapter myself."


    The words rang in the silence.


    I stepped back. "Okay. I¡¯ll cover for you the night of the party. Make sure no one notices."


    Valerie¡¯s gaze softened slightly. Not thanks. Just... acknowledgment. The kind only she could give.


    "Solstice?"


    "Yes?"


    "Tell the others nothing. Not until I say."


    "Not even Kai?"


    "Especially not Kai," she said.


    That surprised me. I thought with the bond they had grown, she would want to confide himter.


    But I nodded because I knew, if Valerie was going back into the dark... She didn¡¯t want to be followed and as much as I wante dto follow her, one of us needed to cover for the other.


    "Alright. Also, what do we do about Big bro, Storm and Dad?"


    Valerie exhaled before turning fully to face me, with he rhands locked behind her. "Like I said, we tell him the truth. That¡¯s the only way out of this even though Uncle Zade and Aunt Aira would be worried sick."


    I sighed, knowing it wa shard for her to lie to my parents but it was needed. "Okay, in that case, we need to move fast with Nightshade Thorn."


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The student council office was unnaturally quiet today. Everyone had been busy with the affairs of school.


    And the other heirs, Axel, Kai and Xade were busy doing Gods-know-what.


    My fingers flipped the edge of a report as my eyes skimmed line after line of disciplinaryints, most of which I¡¯d memorized by now. But a different documenty tucked beneath the stack.


    An envelope.


    Cream-colored. Stamped with the Gold Pack crest.


    I frowned and reached for it. This wasn¡¯t addressed to me¡ªbut to Principal Whitmore.


    <strong>Confidential ¨C Regarding Missing Kin.</strong>


    The seal had already cracked slightly, probably from being shuffled too much. Justification enough for me to look inside.


    I unfolded the page.


    <i>Principal Whitmore,</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>It hase to my attention that my daughter has gone missing under my roof, and we have traced her steps as far as the PSA Academy. We believe she may be enrolled under a false name. Due to internal threats and ongoing political tension, her safety is imperative. I will be arriving in person soon to conduct a quiet search.</i>


    <i>She escaped barely a week or two ago, early spring. She is seventeen. A beautiful blonde haired with sparkling blue eyes. Please assist with discretion.</i>


    <i>Sincerely, Alpha Zade Gold.</i>


    My eyes narrowed.


    A week or two ago. Blonde hair. Seventeen.


    I leaned back in the chair, the leather creaking beneath me as I reread the time of escape again. That detail¡ªit settled somewhere sharp in my chest. Because only a handful of students had joined the academy during that window or before.


    There was Kieran Killian, there was Marianne, there was a few other students but the only one fit the profile even remotely was...


    Silver.


    Silver Aura.


    At the time, her transfer was brushed off as ate-exchange student from the Central Houses, brought in on schrship.


    It was quiet, efficient but slippery.


    Now that I thought about it¡ªshe had no clear origin. No pack ID, no full lineage on file, and always stayed just a step away from the spotlight.


    My jaw clenched. I stood up from my seat.


    This wasn¡¯t just about Alpha Gold¡¯s daughter anymore. If Silver was truly the missing girl¡ªthen Valerie had someone incredibly dangerous close to her. Someone pretending to be a friend.


    For all we know, she could be on a mission in disguise. And from my recollection, Valerie and I¡¯s friend group were the ones she formed close contact with upon arrival.


    If that is not suspicious coincidence then...


    I strode toward the tall council windows, ncing out on instinct and that¡¯s when I saw them.


    Two figures standing alone on top of the old east building, the one rarely used. I squinted. The breeze tugged at the taller girl¡¯s hair¡ªdeep shade of ck under thete afternoon sun.


    Valerie.


    And beside her... was someone else. A muscle ticked in my jaw.


    "Oh, Valerie and..."


    My voice trailed off as my mind began working backward. The day Silver arrived to her records, her timing, the too-perfect integration. There was no mistakes and no traces either.


    The math wasn¡¯t hard.


    She was the only student who matched the timeline¡ªand now she was getting too close to someone I already knew too many people wanted dead.


    Valerie was already walking on fire with the gossip, the alphas, the danger of my father. She didn¡¯t need someone wrapped in secrets beside her.


    I took onest look at the rooftop before stepping back and straightening my shirt cor.


    Time to dig. Quietly.


    If Silver Aura was who I now suspected... she wasn¡¯t just a mystery.


    She was a threat.


    And if she had anything to do someone trying to hurt Valerie, I¡¯d expose her myself no matter how close Valerie let her get.


    For all I know, my father could use anyone to get to her.

 Chapter 164: New Scandal

    <h4>Chapter 164: New Scandal</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 165</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    If I had thought for even a second that the scandal circling my name would die down by morning, I was dead wrong.


    I barely stepped past the front gates when the buzz hit me¡ªhushed voices, wide eyes, phones being shoved in faces, girls whispering in corners and guys either gawking or pretending not to care.


    Except... they weren¡¯t looking at me anymore.


    They were looking at her.


    Titania Estre Sage.


    The Fae princess. High-cheekboned, perfect-skinned, silver-tongued royal who walked through PSA like she was too sacred to breathe the same air as the rest of us.


    However, today, she looked like she¡¯d been pped by the gods.


    Her eyes were ssy. Her stride uneven. And the moment they saw her, students leaned in to whisper just loud enough for her to hear.


    "Did you see the video?"


    "I heard she paid someone to leak Valerie¡¯s clip."


    "She called herself noble blood and look¡ªcaught trying to sabotage a matebond case?"


    "Disgraceful."


    "She¡¯s gonna be expelled, right?"


    "I heard she tried to sleep with one of the Heirs and got rejected. Twice."


    "She also tried approaching the Kiin Hier but he too did not pay her any heed. She¡¯s been vengeful since I bet."


    "I heard it¡¯s been longer than that. She¡¯s just jealous."


    Each word sharpened like tiny arrows. I didn¡¯t need to ask what happened. The guilt and venom on Titania¡¯s face told me someone had just thrown her off her perfect pedestal¡ªand hard.


    And it had nothing to do with me.


    But she didn¡¯t care about logic. As soon as she saw me, that was all it took.


    "You bitch!" Titania snapped, marching straight toward me like a storm with glitter. "You vile, scheming, insecure piece of nothing¡ªthis is your doing, isn¡¯t it?!"


    I blinked. "Excuse me?"


    "You leaked that fake video! You humiliated me!"


    Behind me, another round of whisper went on.


    "She deserves it."


    "She once called Valerie a mutt."


    "Didn¡¯t she say Valerie slept her way to the top?"


    "She insulted Valerie yesterday before everyone knew she was mated to the alphas."


    "Aish, lucky bitch. I wish I was the one," another girl saod, making eye contact with me.


    "Metto. God, I want Alpha Kai."


    "I want both Alpha Xade and Alpha Dristan then maybe Alpha Axel. Gosh, she is so lucky it makes me mad."


    I shook my head internally. They could wish all they wanted, but actually living it... was hell.


    I turned back to Titania just in time to see her eyes glisten with rage.


    "You were upset the attention was on you," she seethed, "and now you¡¯re trying to make me the viin¡ª"


    I took a slow and calm breath. "Newssh, darling. You did that all by yourself."


    "You little¡ª" Her hand flew through the air, but I was already done ying.


    I caught her wrist mid-swing and held it tight and let the murmurs around us sharpen like razors.


    "Have some grace and ss, princess," I said coolly, pushing her hand away like she was beneath even the effort to restrain. "You¡¯ve already disgraced your kingdom enough."


    The burnnded before my actual p did. It cracked across her cheek cleanly and swiftly.


    The crowd gasped. Some even pped as Titania stumbled back, hand flying to her face. Her lip trembled. "You... you hit me."


    "I did," I said. "And the next time youe at me with your tantrums, remember this¡ªI don¡¯t waste energy on insects unless they crawl too close. Then I¡¯ll lift my leg to squash their royal ass under my feet, got that?"


    Titania stood frozen, face red, tears clinging to the corners of her eyes. But I didn¡¯t wait for hereback.


    I spun on my heel and walked away, leaving her to stew in her royal wreckage because I had more important things to do¡ªlike training.


    Or trying to feel normal again for five minutes.


    The locker room was quiet when I stepped inside. Thank the stars.


    I changed fast¡ªsliding into ck joggers and a fitted tank, tying my hair back in a high ponytail. I sshed cold water on my face and stared into the mirror.


    For a second, I didn¡¯t see the girl from the gossip threads. I saw me.


    Then I heard the door creak open behind me.


    I stepped out, half-expecting it to be Solstice or one of the Heirs. But before I could get two feet outside, a hand caught my arm¡ªgently, firmly¡ªand pulled me off the path, into the shadowed gap between the locker room and the gym wall.


    My back hit brick hard enough to make me tense. My heart jumped as I looked up.


    "Kieran?!" My voice wasced with more irritation than shock.


    He was leaning casually against the wall, like this wasn¡¯t weird or unsettling at all. Tousled blond hair. Ice-blue eyes. A smirk yed at the corner of his mouth that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes.


    "Sorry for the surprise," he said in a low tone. "I figured we could talk without an audience."


    I blinked at him. "You nearly gave me a heart attack. What the fuck do you want?"


    "What I want is you, Valerie."


    I held back teh need to scoof,ugh or curse and just shook my head. "You know what... you¡¯re sick."


    Without waiting for him to say more, I attempoted to leave but kieran¡¯s hand rested on my left shoulder, pushing me back.


    As easily as it would have been to twist his hand and pin it at his back was so tempting I had to restrain that urge.


    "Fuck off."


    "No, I meant what I said."


    "As does having six mates. And as cute and tiresome that is, I do not need another rich wannabe trying his luck. So if you do not have something better to say, move the fuck out of my bloody way!"


    I red daggers straight at Kieran¡¯s eyes, daring him to do much as disobey me when suddenly he fished out his phone from his pocket and held it up in my face.


    The screen showed Titania.


    Red-faced, screaming. A clip cut and spliced perfectly, ending with a blurred voice admitting she orchestrated a scandal.


    My eyes widened a bit. "That¡¯s... that¡¯s what they posted?"


    Kieran tucked the phone away and leaned in, his smirk widening. "What I posted. Now, was your earlier speech any way to thank your savior?"


    Follow current novels on freewe(b)novel.c(o)m

 Chapter 165: Training Match

    <h4>Chapter 165: Training Match</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 166</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I ignored Kieran¡¯s words for a minute and focused on the scandal. Although I overheard that Titania did something bad, I didn¡¯t bother about it.


    What concerned me was how he obtained information about her to expose her and take the heat off me.


    And what¡¯s more was what his angle was. In a selfish world, people did not do things freely because they wanted to.


    My head spun. "You did that, exposed her?"


    Kieran¡¯s smile waszy, like he hadn¡¯t just flipped PSA¡¯s social hierarchy on its head for fun. "She crossed you. She deserved it. You¡¯re wee."


    I stepped back instinctively, putting just enough distance between us so I could think.


    "But... why?" I asked, this time quieter. "What¡¯s your angle?"


    He tilted his head slightly, those cial eyes scanning my face like he was filing away every twitch, every shift in emotion.


    "I like seeing bullies fall," he said with a careless shrug. "Especially when they aim at someone interesting."


    There was something about the way he said interesting. Like it didn¡¯t just mean unique¡ªit meant <i>dangerous</i>, <i>unpredictable</i>, <i>alive</i>.


    Like I was a game he was still learning the rules to.


    "I didn¡¯t ask for a knight in shining armour," I stated.


    "Good." Kieran took a step forward again, keeping his gaze steady. "Because I¡¯m not wearing armour."


    He tapped the side of his head. "I wear strategy. And right now? Helping you helps me."


    Before I could push him for what that meant, he brushed past me. His shoulder barely grazed mine, but the static in the air between us was undeniable.


    "If you¡¯re ever ready to return the favour," he said without looking back, "you know where to find me. And Valerie, my favours are always unique."


    I swallowed, thinking of what he meant and when I lifted my eyes to look at him and respond, Kieran was nowhere to be seen.


    He had disappeared into the hallway like a ghost of trouble.


    I exhaled slowly, my heart still galloping in my chest.


    <i>Damn him.</i>


    ***********


    The afternoon sun bled gold across the field as I stepped out of the main building, blinking against the re.


    It was already past lunch break as I stepped into the main courtyard, and the atmosphere shifted. Not in a scandalous way. In a way that suggested <i>something big ising</i>.


    Whistles rang out in the air.


    Cleats thudded, andughter rolled like waves from the ser pitch.


    I had just wanted to walk off my lunch in peace but of course, peace was no longer something the universe allowed me.


    "There you are," Solstice called, jogging over with a wild glint in her eyes. "You¡¯rete!"


    I blinked at her. "Late for what?"


    She hooked her arm around mine and started dragging me toward the field like a possessed cheerleader on a mission. "Afternoon sports, remember? Kingdom Cup prep. The boys are doing their first inter-house trial."


    "I¡¯m not on the boys¡¯ team."


    "No, but <i>we</i> are next," she grinned. "The girls¡¯ team is watching their match first. Then it¡¯s our turn. Coach said we¡¯re alternating rounds."


    "Wait¡ª<i>our</i> turn?" I stopped dead in my tracks. "Solstice. What are you talking about?"


    She grinned brighter.


    Oh no.


    "You signed me up?" I asked, voice sharpening.


    "Yup. Two days ago. During your scandal meltdown. You needed something positive attached to your name. Something headline-worthy that didn¡¯t involve lips or Lycans."


    "Are you out of your¡ª"


    "Trust me," she said quickly. "It¡¯s a win. PSA¡¯s gossip page <i>lives</i> for this kind of redemption arc. You show up, you dominate, and you bury Titania¡¯stest sabotage attempt six feet under."


    I scowled. "I didn¡¯t agree to this."


    I was just about to walk away when Solstice¡¯s voice called out. "What¡¯s the matter? Scared of Titania? Or did you lose your edge?"


    That did it.


    I slowly turned to face her, smirk curling my lips as I noticed her cocked brow. "Fine. I¡¯ll join."


    Solstice beamed like I¡¯d just crowned her Empress of PSA. "Knew it."


    Just then, the sharp st of a whistle pierced the air, silencing the sidelines. The match had started.


    And gods help me, I almost forgot how lethal a field full of Alpha Heirs could look.


    I followed Solstice to the shaded bleachers, slipping into a seat as students swarmed around. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, especially when the lineup of both teams hit the turf.


    <strong>Team A:</strong> Dristan, Xade, and four other seniors.


    <strong>Team B:</strong> Axel, Kai, and another four from the senior years, each having a good athletic build like the heirs.


    My gaze locked on the two captains first.


    Dristan¡¯s expression was stone¡ªfocused, sharp, and predatory.


    And Axel was more rxed, but that loose posture screamed <i>trap</i>.


    Kai rolled his shoulders like he was walking into a fight instead of a game, while Xade bounced on the balls of his feet, wolf-grinning already.


    The crowd leaned in as the referee tossed the ball into the air.


    And then everything exploded.


    Axel lunged first¡ªfaster than a blink, clearing half the field in two strides.


    Dristan intercepted with a kick so clean the ball snapped midair like a whip and flew toward Xade, who executed a perfect flip-twist pass to their left wing.


    Someone shrieked behind me. No one even cared that it was practice. It looked like war dressed in ser uniforms.


    "What the hell," I muttered, watching as Kai zipped through two defenders with a speed that was not legal in any realm.


    "Super-soldiers in cleats," Solstice murmured with awe.


    Axel caught Kai¡¯s heel pass and dropped low, spinning under Xade¡¯s block beforeunching the ball toward the like it owed him money.


    The goalie barely blinked before it mmed into the.


    <strong>1¨C0.</strong>


    Kai turned toward the stands, grinning cockily, eyes searching for something or someone in the crowd till theynded on me.


    He was searching for me.


    I smirked and folded my arms. "Show off."


    Dristan didn¡¯t take the hit well.


    I watched his jaw clench from here. The next round started, and he <i>snapped</i> into action like a switch had been flipped.


    This time he didn¡¯t pass.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate.


    He <i>stormed</i> through the midfield like the ball was an extension of his soul. His aura pressed like gravity, forcing yers to scramble just to stay standing.


    The only one who could keep up?


    Axel.


    They collided mid-sprint¡ªshoulder to shoulder, raw strength against raw instinct.


    The crowd gasped. But it was Dristan who held his ground, shoving through the block andunching the ball so hard I <i>felt</i> the rattle from the bleachers.


    <strong>1 ¨C 1.</strong>


    Game. On.


    The next twenty minutes were chaos.


    None of the other yers could hold a candle to them. By the third rotation, the match had devolved into a four-man war.


    The rest of the teams had all but stepped back, bing unwilling spectators in their own game.


    Xade was fire andughter, darting like aet, while Kai slithered through openings that didn¡¯t exist, his hair sticking to his face like sweat-kissed silk.


    Axel and Dristan went blow for blow¡ªtwo kings in a sh of wills.


    But Dristan...


    He was ying like it mattered, like this wasn¡¯t about sport.


    It was about proving something.


    And every time he scored, his gaze flicked¡ªalmost imperceptibly¡ªtoward me.


    Until finally, after another stunning heel pass from Xade and a lethal slide-shot across the field at thest two seconds...


    A loud whistle blew, signalling the end of the match.


    <strong>4 ¨C 3.</strong>


    And Team A, Dristan¡¯s team, came out victorious.


    The crowd lost it. Even the referee looked breathless.

 Chapter 166: Blue Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 166: Blue Eyes</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 167</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The jubtion that rang out felt like a genuine victory, thanks to the lovely match that was yed.


    As for me... I couldn¡¯t tear my eyes away.


    My gaze flickered across the field to the heirs before settling on Dristan. Unlike the others, he did not celebrate or cheer.


    Instead, he turned slowly, lifted his gaze straight to mine... and smirked as though conveying a silent message, like he knew exactly what he¡¯d done.


    Then his gaze drifted from mine to his side. I followed his line of sight to where Kai stood.


    This had been a game to show off to their mate, who did best, and sadly, Kai lost. Although they were all my mates, I would have preferred a draw to silence whatever future brawl would happen.


    ***********


    By the time the whole training march was over, the sun had dipped lower. Golden light filtered through the high hedges, casting long shadows that danced across the stone benches where my girls were already gathered.


    Emerald, I, and Astraea had imed their usual corner¡ªhalf shrouded in ivy but definitely fully shrouded in gossip.


    "Hey Val," I greeted as I sat beside them.


    I had been distant since the scandal and avoiding everyone but today, I just needed to mingle.


    "Hey girl, how are you?" Emerald asked, shifting to give me space.


    "Thanks."


    "Are you still feeling down after shaking the whole school?" Astraea questioned, and I smiled.


    "Nah. She didn¡¯t just shake the school," Emerald was saying with a wicked grin. "You steamrolled it."


    I nodded solemnly, tucking a strand of soft blonde hair behind her ear. "Titania¡¯s still trending. And not in a good way."


    "I heard two fae dignitaries from her court reached out for an apology from you but you shooed them away," Astraea added, sipping from her enchanted bubble tea like she hadn¡¯t just dropped a political bomb.


    Immediately, all three turned toward me.


    "What?" Emerald and I voiced in unison.


    My brows creased as my gaze darted between them. I shrugged lightly. "Hey, I did not meet any diplomat. All I got was Titania being Titania this morning."


    "I heard she had tried to hit you," I said tly. "You pped her across a courtyard and then walked away like a goddess."


    "She had iting," I muttered, brushing nonexistent dust off my joggers. "Though I did not p her across the courtyard."


    But Emerald wasn¡¯t letting go that easily. "Still. That clip¡¯s already got six edits, two fan ounts, and a remix." Her green eyes sparkled with mischief. "Also... you kissed two of them Alpha heirs."


    I hummed, keeping my gaze fixed on the hedge¡¯s shadows.


    Because that wasn¡¯t what had been ying in my head for thest forty-eight hours.


    The ps, gossip and whatnot were the least of my worries. What had been shoving its way into my mind was their eyes.


    Kai. Dristan. Axel. Xade.


    All four of them had their eyes shining blue like I had seen on several asions, but when I saw them march with the Lycan Heirs that day and the colour difference, it struck me again.


    Why did all the heirs have it, but I didn¡¯t? And these eyes weren¡¯t characterized by your natural colour but by grief, status or pain.


    A shimmering, soul-deep, sky-split shade. But I saw it.


    Each time their emotions peaked¡ªwhether it was lust or fury or something darker¡ªthat unnatural light bled through.


    It wasn¡¯t instinct. It was a memory.


    And I couldn¡¯t get it out of my head.


    "Hey." I bumped her shoulder into mine. "Earth to Vi."


    I blinked.


    And then I blurted it out.


    "What happened to them?" My voice cut across the air like a thread pulled too tight out of the blue. "The Heirs. What gave them those blue eyes?"


    The silence that followed was deafening.


    Even the wind held its breath.


    Emerald¡¯s teasing smile faltered. I¡¯s hand froze mid-motion. Astraea slowly set her drink down, fingers clenched tighter around it than necessary.


    None of them looked at me.


    I swallowed. "Guys?"


    Still nothing.


    "I¡¯m serious," I pushed. "That glow¡ªit¡¯s not natural, even for werewolves. It¡¯s too... sharp. Too haunted."


    I¡¯s lips parted, but no sound came out. Emerald looked suddenly fascinated with her nails.


    Then Astraea finally spoke.


    "I don¡¯t know about all of them," she said softly. "But I know about Axel."


    My spine straightened. Emerald leaned in instantly. I did the same, even though I wondered why.


    "How?" I asked.


    Astraea¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t meet mine. She looked out over the garden, like the story lived somewhere in the breeze.


    "His sister," she said, barely above a whisper. "She died."


    The words hit like a cold gust.


    Astraea took a breath, then continued. "He was fifteen. She was sixteen. Her name was Arabelle. They were on a peace tour through the western borders, meant to build alliances between the River Pack and the Moonborn Pack. But something went wrong."


    Emerald¡¯s brows furrowed. "An ambush?"


    Astraea nodded. "Enemy pack. Rogues¡ªferals. No symbols. No banners. Just death. They were supposed to guard the diplomatic envoy. Axel¡¯s father was there, and so were senior warriors. But the ambush hit hard. Fast."


    Her throat worked like she was swallowing broken ss.


    "I read that Axel was pinned down. Cornered. The attackers had spells¡ªones meant to seal shifting. He couldn¡¯t change. He was helpless. But Arabelle... she ran into the open."


    My heart clenched.


    "She didn¡¯t hesitate. She didn¡¯t scream. She just... shoved him out of the way. Took the blow meant for his neck."


    "She died on the field?" I asked, my voice barely a breath.


    "No," Astraea whispered. "She bled out while Axel held her. Half-shifted. In his arms. He was screaming. Calling her name. He couldn¡¯t stop it."


    The silence that followed was thick.


    "His wolf unlocked that moment," she said finally. "A rare phase. One triggered by trauma, not rage or moonlight, but guilt and loss."


    "Is that what turns their eyes?" I asked. "Grief?"


    "It¡¯s deeper than that." Astraea finally looked at me, and her brown gaze shimmered. "The blue eyes mark a wolf who¡¯s touched death and still walks. Who¡¯s crossed something most don¡¯t survive."


    Emerald swallowed, looking shaken. "So it¡¯s not just strength... it¡¯s scars."


    Astraea nodded once. "Axel never talks about it. No one does. But if all four of them share those blue eyes..." she trailed off.


    "Then all four of them," I whispered, "have lost something they can never get back."


    This chapter is updated by freew(e)bnovel.(c)om

 Chapter 167: The Question, Why?

    <h4>Chapter 167: The Question, Why?</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 168</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Everyone sat in stillness and suddenly, I didn¡¯t feel so victorious anymore because while the world saw gods with sharp jaws, handsome, brutal, powerful... I saw boys who had bled in silence.


    And I couldn¡¯t stop wondering... what did each of them lose? And why did it feel like their grief was drawing them closer to me?


    I never knew they experienced their personal suffering like I did but hearing about Axel really changed my perspective.


    Astra whimpered internally.


    <i>¡¯I was right when I said you should speak to them."</i>


    I wanted to argue my reasoning with Astra but I was too weak to do so.


    I bid the girls goodbye, not bothering to continue the conversation as I headed for the changing room. I needed to freshen up and go for my final ss before detention.


    *************


    Detention let out just after six.


    The sky had darkened slightly, dusk bleeding into the stone pathways like spilled ink. Students moved in clusters¡ªsome heading to dorms, others whispering about the Heirs, Titania, and me.


    Always me.


    As I stepped out of the west wing, my shoulders slouched. Detention today was surprisingly uneventful.


    I had expected the heirs to act in different ways, but surprisingly, I saw them bing serious for once.


    I did not know what to say to that and minded my business. As soon as I stepped out of ss, someone called my name.


    "Val¡ª"


    A hand reached out, fingers brushing mine as I was pulled to the side by the wall.


    Kai.


    His presence always carried a certain intensity like magical heat that left my body tingly and aching for his touch.


    Intense in a way that could seduce even shadows. But right now, his touch felt too direct¡ªtoo open.


    "I¡¯ll walk you back," he said, his voice softer than usual. His emerald green eyes flicked to mine.


    I pulled back gently. "Thanks, but I¡¯m good."


    I noticed the sh of hurt in his eyes. "Was this because of the match earlier on? That I lost?"


    "No."


    "Then, Valerie..."


    Before he could answer, someone else appeared behind him.


    Xade.


    He leaned casually against the stone pir, arms crossed, that ever-present smirk dancing on his lips. "If you¡¯re turning Kai down, then I¡¯m definitely next in line."


    "I¡¯m not a shuttle to be fought over," I said tly, but with a small smile to soften the blow.


    "I can carry you, though," Xade grinned. "One hand. Over the shoulder. Princess-style."


    "Tempting. But no."


    I stepped past both of them with a gentle shake of my head, and that¡¯s when I saw Axel.


    Leaning against the far wall, one boot propped against the stone, hands in his pockets. He wasn¡¯t talking, wasn¡¯t watching¡ªhe just existed in a quiet sort of storm.


    The light from the windows cut across his jaw, outlining the sharp lines of someone who knew pain intimately and wore silence like armour.


    My feet moved before my thoughts caught up.


    "I¡¯ll have Axel walk me back," I said suddenly.


    It wasn¡¯t loud, but it was loud enough. Every head turned.


    Ash blinked, his brows lifting. "Wait, what?"


    Ace¡¯s eyes narrowed with something intense while Dristan¡¯s entire stance froze, like someone had rewound the tape mid-battle.


    "What?" Ash repeated again, slower. "You want Axel to¡ª?"


    I tilted my head, feigning innocence. "Yes. Is that a problem?"


    Ash chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "No, no. I just¡ª"


    "If Lycan boy doesn¡¯t have a problem, I do," Xade spoke up. "I mean, we are offering and Axel, who is just chill there, gets the golden cup?"


    "Is this apetition?" Xade was about speaking when I cut him short. "Well, maybe you should learn to be chill, too."


    Kai chuckled lightly. "Let her be, Xade."


    Ash, on the other hand, leaned forward slightly, his grin turning coy. "You and I were supposed to meetter. I was hoping for a little more of your time."


    I smiled. "Then I¡¯ll catch you at our usual ce. Later."


    A beat of silence passed, one too long.


    Dristan¡¯s eyes darkened. "Usual ce?"


    "You have a secret meeting spot with Ash?" Ace asked.


    My smile grew. "I didn¡¯t say it was a secret."


    Dristan¡¯s mouth twitched, not into a smirk but into a slight frown. He was trying not to show possessiveness over me, especially after every one of them had imed me openly,


    "Valerie¡ª" he started.


    But I was already walking, my shoulder brushing Axel¡¯s as I passed.


    Axel didn¡¯t say anything. He just fell into step beside me, silently matching my pace with ease.


    We walked without speaking for a while, just the crunch of gravel beneath our shoes and the hum of twilight wrapping around the academy like a veil.


    When I finally nced at him, Axel¡¯s gaze was forward, posture rxed, hands still tucked into his jacket pockets. His walk was unhurried, head tilted slightly like he was listening to music only he could hear.


    The faint smirk on his lips wasn¡¯t mocking¡ªjust... there. As if the world amused him in ways no one else saw.


    "I didn¡¯t expect you to agree," he said finally.


    "To walk me?"


    "To pick me."


    I shrugged. "You looked like you needed the air and probably a listening ear."


    Axel didn¡¯t respond, but his shoulders shifted slightly, like I¡¯d touched something deeper than I meant to.


    "You always walk like you have secrets," I said lightly.


    He arched a brow. "That¡¯s because I do."


    Augh slipped from my throat. "Of course you do."


    "You sound like you¡¯re surprised."


    "I¡¯m not. You give off that vibe."


    He tilted his head toward me. "Which one? The devastatingly handsome mystery prince vibe?"


    "More like the trouble-making heir who flirts too much and hides behind sarcastic vibe."


    Axel grinned. "Touch¨¦."


    We kept walking, shoes crunching softly against the gravel path.


    "What about you?" he asked after a pause. "What¡¯s your vibe, hmm? Femme fatale? Ice queen? Rebel with seven agendas?"


    I smirked. "I¡¯m still figuring that out."


    "Let me know when you do. I want exclusive rights to the reveal."


    I shook my head with a softugh, then nudged him lightly with my shoulder. "What about you¡ªlikes, dislikes, favourite murder weapon?"


    He gave me a slow, crooked smile. "Hm. Let¡¯s see. Likes: night runs, cold water, fast cars, and girls who ask dangerous questions."


    My brow lifted. "That¡¯s oddly specific."


    "I could go deeper, but I don¡¯t want to scare you."


    "I¡¯m not that easy to scare."


    "Good," he murmured.


    A breeze slipped between us, and my smile faded slightly. I nced at him again.


    "Do you have siblings?" I asked, softer now.


    The shift in his expression was subtle, but it was there.


    "No," he said, simply.


    I blinked. "None?"


    He nodded once, still facing forward. "Only child."


    "But... are you sure?"


    That earned me a quick side nce. "Pretty sure. Unless someone forgot to mention a twin hiding in the attic."


    I tilted my head. "So no adopted siblings either? Or... maybe a cousin who¡¯s like a sister?"


    Axel sighed, but not with annoyance. Just... thought.


    "I have a cousin. Female. We¡¯re close. Grew up together. But no siblings. Not by blood. Not by bond."


    His voice stayed casual, but there was a hint of something deeper, hidden beneath the smooth surface.


    We turned down a quieter path as the gardens to our left whispered in the wind. "Can I ask you something?" I said softly.


    Axel gave a faint nod. "You can ask."


    "Will you answer?"


    "That depends." The edge of my lip curled up.


    This was how he worked. Guarded. Watching every word as if it were currency. I wondered if he knew how easy it was to read someone who tried so hard not to be read.


    "I want to know you," I said inly.


    That made him pause, really pause and halt.


    Axel nced at me then with his clear and sharp eyes. I couldn¡¯t quite read him exactly. What had gotten him down?


    "Why?"


    "Because you¡¯re my mate," I said simply. "And not just by some cosmic ident or ancient design. You¡¯re part of my orbit now." I winked.


    Even I knew I sounded cheesy, but I was trying to make memories.


    "So I want to understand your silence. Your smirks. The way you stand back and let the others take centre while you hold your weight from the shadows."


    Even while I spoke, Axel¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave mine. He did not answer me immediately.


    I was about to press again when he beat me to it.


    "Alright," he said, smirking as he slowed his pace and turned slightly toward me. "Let¡¯s skip the scenic route."


    I blinked. "What?"


    He leaned just a little closer, his voice dropping an octave. "Tell me what you really want to know, Valerie."


    "I¡¯m just curious¡ª"


    "No, you¡¯re circling something," he said, still smiling, but his eyes sharpened slightly. "You didn¡¯t ask about my favourite colours or if I snore. You went straight to bloodlines and missing pieces."


    I hesitated.


    He stepped in front of me now, stopping my path with nothing but a gaze and the quiet strength in his stance.


    "Where are you going with this?" he asked.


    I looked up at him. The breeze brushed a lock of hair into my face, but I didn¡¯t move it.


    Instead, I exhaled.


    "Fine," I said quietly.


    I stepped closer, the distance between us closing. His breath ghosted across my cheek, but I didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t break.


    I met his gaze with mine, letting my voice stay steady. Honest. Real.


    "I want to know exactly how each of you got your blue eyes."

 Chapter 168: Emotions Gone Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 168: Emotions Gone Wrong</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 169</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Axel¡¯s smile vanished like a light had been blown out.


    I studied his expression, watched for anything that I could tackle home withter, but after what seemed like eternity, Axel leaned back, gaze drifting upward, and exhaled slowly.


    "Are you sure you want to know it?"


    I nodded, though something inside me had already curled tight in warning.


    "Well, mine was different from the others as you may have already guessed."


    I gave a silent nod and waited.


    "Sure." His voice was low. "It wasn¡¯t during training. Or some ceremony. It was on an alliance tour. Just me, my father, and a few elders from the Western council. We were passing through the Sable Cliffs, forging treaties with the River packs and Moonborne Packs."


    His words came carefully, like ss pulled from old wounds.


    "We were ambushed," he said. "No warning. Just blood and silence breaking like thunder."


    I swallowed, feeling the weight of his voice as he continued. But I blinked and hesitated. Axel told the story like Astraea had said, carefully exining every detail.


    But something was not right when I heard him say his friend.


    "Wait," I said softly. "Wasn¡¯t it your sister who died?"


    Axel stopped.


    His jaw twitched as he turned his eyes toward me, and I immediately regretted the question.


    "Is this your story to tell, Valerie?" he asked, his voice still calm, butced with something sharper. "Or are you going to keep believing the outsider versions?"


    "I¡ªI¡¯m sorry," I said quickly. "I didn¡¯t mean it like that."


    Axel paused for a moment longer. Then, with a short breath, he chuckled lightly and bumped my shoulder.


    "Rx. I¡¯m kidding. Mostly."


    I stared at him, eyes narrowing. "You are impossible."


    "That¡¯s been said." He nced ahead again. "But no, I didn¡¯t lose a sister. I don¡¯t even have one as I said. The world thinks I lost a sister because of how deeply it affected me but in truth, the Saline Rose Pack¡¯s Alpha didn¡¯t want news of his daughter¡¯s death spreading. So people thought it was my cousin, Arabe."


    My mouth opened a little, shocked. "Then¡ª?"


    "It wasn¡¯t her," Axel said, voice quieter now. "We let people believe what they would. The one I lost... was Sapphire."


    He looked down at his hands, fingers curling slightly like memory still lived in his palms.


    "She was my childhood sweetheart," he said, softer. "My first love."


    My breath caught. "Oh."


    "She was a few months younger than me," he added. "Not my mate. Not yet. But I was sure¡ªso sure¡ªthat when she turned eighteen, she¡¯d bear my mark. I felt it."


    He blinked rapidly, then exhaled.


    "She was light and filled withughter. Clumsy on two feet, perfect on four paws. And gods... she loved climbing trees. Said it helped her think."


    I felt my throat tighten.


    "We were attacked," Axel continued. "I was cornered. A de to my neck, a spell freezing my shift. I didn¡¯t see her until I smelled her. Her scent always hit before her voice. She¡¯d run in. No warning. Just..." he swallowed. "She took the hit. Jumped right between me and the de."


    Silence pressed heavily around us.


    "She died in my arms," he said. "Bleeding, gasping, and still smiling."


    I turned toward him fully, but he was already looking up at the sky.


    "She was my first kiss," he said, blinking hard. "My first love." He hesitated.


    "My first sex."


    I stilled. "First sex? Didn¡¯t that happen when you were fifteen or¡ª?"


    Axel shook his head, his voice raw now. "No. On her sixteenth birthday. She made me promise. Said it was all she wanted for her birthday."


    He sniffed, swiping the corner of his sleeve against his cheek like he relived that beautiful moment.


    "She died three months after."


    Shock rippled through my chest. My lips parted, but I didn¡¯t know what to say. "I... I¡¯m sorry," I finally whispered. "I didn¡¯t know it was..."


    "That painful?" he cut in, turning toward me. Something dark shed in his eyes at that moment. "When you go asking for people¡¯s scars, Valerie, be ready for what bleeds out. You¡¯re not just pulling up stories. You¡¯re reopening graves."


    I flinched. "I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª"


    "Why?" he demanded. "To make us more human? To convince yourself we¡¯re not monsters?"


    My breath caught, and painced through me. "No," I said quietly. "I never thought that. I cared, Axel. I wanted to connect."


    "You don¡¯t need the past to connect," he muttered, shaking his head. "You just need to show up now. You don¡¯t have to go digging up the bones to hold someone¡¯s hand."


    His voice was sharp and final. Those words hurt me and suddenly, I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    "I¡¯m... I¡¯m sorry."


    "Sorry, Val," he scoffed, painced in his voice. "You sure? Because you seemed pretty eager to dig up dirt just now."


    "That¡¯s not fair, Axel."


    "Then why, after locking lips with Dristan and Kai willingly, did you choose me to talk and then straight you went digging?"


    "Axel..." I shut my eyes. I wasn¡¯t looking for dirt. All I wanted was a way to connect because deep down I thought I had finally found that mate I could open up to about my past, who I really am.


    "Fine," I said, standing. "You¡¯ve made your point. I made a mistakeing to you. I made a terrible mistake reopening your lover¡¯s memories. Forgive me if I decided to connect with you wrongly."


    I waited, gave him a chance to speak but Axel didn¡¯t. Instead, he looked away, his eyes glued to the sky above.


    There was no attempt to stop me or to look at me or say anything.


    Pain stitched into my chest, blooming sharp and fast. I turned away, tears burning behind my eyes. "I made a mistake. But don¡¯t push me away like I came here to hurt you."


    Still, there were no words from him... nothing.


    I turned and walked away. My boots hit gravel as I headed back the path we came until I saw him.


    <strong>Xade.</strong>


    He was leaning against the wall near the corner of the greenhouse, arms crossed. Watching.


    His blue eyes locked on mine as I stormed past. But I didn¡¯t get far. Xade caught my wrist in one clean motion, pulled me into his arms before I could protest.

 Chapter 169: Didn’t Know...

    <h4>Chapter 169: Didn¡¯t Know...</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 170</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I tried to pull back from him but couldn¡¯t. "Let go," I demanded. Still Xade didn¡¯t let up.


    Instead, he wrapped both arms around me, holding me firm against his chest as he whispered, "Shhh,."


    Xade buried his face in my hair as his hold tightened. "It¡¯s okay. Please don¡¯t fight me, Val. Just... calm down."


    I struggled once more but he didn¡¯t budge. I did it again, twice and then sagged.


    Xade¡¯s scent, warmth and fragrance all unravlled me until the silence and then I broked. A soft, choked sob escaped my throat before I could stop it.


    Xade pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. His fingers brushed my cheek, wiping the tears away with a tenderness I didn¡¯t expect.


    "Don¡¯t do that," he said softly. "Don¡¯t bottle it up."


    I blinked up at him, heart still stinging when Xade eae kissed my eyelids. A simple, fragile press of lips that made everything still.


    "Let¡¯s go somewhere quiet," he whispered against my skin. "I¡¯ll take care of you."


    *************


    <strong>~Axel¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Valerie¡¯s voice still rang in my ears. "I want to know exactly how each of you got your blue eyes."


    It should have annoyed me.


    Another girl poking at sealed wounds. Another person trying to understand things they weren¡¯t meant to. But it didn¡¯t.


    Instead, it all ached deeply.


    Because she wasn¡¯t asking for gossip. She wasn¡¯t looking to collect pieces of me like puzzle parts to hold power.


    She asked like she felt the edges of something sharp inside me¡ªand wanted to dull it with her presence.


    And gods help me... it worked.


    Even as I stared at her, the glow of the nightflowers making her eyes brighter, softer¡ªI felt the pang in my chest twist sharply.


    Because I had forgotten.


    <strong>Today.</strong>


    <i>Of all days</i>, I had forgotten what today was.


    I had spent the whole damn morning smirking at Dristan and winning him during the practise Training march... until we lost. Spent the day stealing nces at Valerie, dodging Coach Rainer¡¯s constant yelling on the field...


    It was all good but it wasn¡¯t until before detention that I I remembered what this date meant, as I stared at it on the board.


    I swallowed when it struck me. All my attention had been fixed on Valerie that Ipletely forgot.


    The others had sensed it and whispered behind me but I did not care. This was supposed to be a sacred day but I forgot.


    And when she had asked me to apany her, I just did not argue though i suspected somrthing at y.


    And when she asked me about my family and then about our experiences, it felt liek she knew what it was and wanted to break me from it.


    The sun dipped and her voice reached into the core of me when she apologized after I told her the most painful memory I had, after I lived all of that in my head.


    It was like a brutal way to remember Sapphire.


    In anger I had acted out and pushed Valerie away. Acer purred within me at my dismissal but I felt hurt to even want to call her back.


    <i>"She didn¡¯t do it on purpose," </i>he tied to exin.


    <i>"How sure are you?" </i>I questioned Acer back.


    <i>"Because I felt her pain."</i>


    My heart skipped a beat at hisment. Had I overdone it? I shoved the thoughts away and I let another tear slip down my face as I lifted my gaze back to the Moon.


    Xade didn¡¯t say much as he led me through the back path behind the training fields, into a narrow corridor tucked between two unused dormitory buildings.


    It was quiet here. A lone bench sat beneath the canopy of a drooping tree, its leaves still wet with dew even though the sun had set.


    This was his hiding ce. It felt like the kind of ce that knew how to keep secrets.


    He let me sit first, didn¡¯t press, didn¡¯t crowd. Just stood nearby, letting the silence wrap itself around us.


    Then, softly, he said, "Forgive Axel. He doesn¡¯t know what he¡¯s doing."


    I turned to look at him, brows raised. "No. I¡¯m pretty sure he meant every word."


    Xade let out a quiet sigh. "He didn¡¯t." His voice dropped even lower. "Forgive me for eavesdropping... I wanted to talk to you, and I¡¯d been following when I heard you two pass by. Then I heard... everything."


    "Yeah... hmm." I tried to keep my voice even, but the shame had already started creeping in. My chest tightened, a familiar ache starting just behind my sternum.


    Xade crouched beside me now, his eyes thoughtful as they met mine. "You may not have realised it, Valerie. Maybe you asked those things in good faith. Maybe you just wanted to connect with Axel... I get that."


    "I didn¡¯t mean to hurt him," I whispered. "I never did. I just... wanted to understand him. I wanted to get close to him. And maybe I was stupid in how I went about it but... I swear it wasn¡¯t from a bad ce."


    "I know." He nodded gently. "I believe you. I do. But it also means that you didn¡¯t know."


    I frowned, confused. "Know what?"


    Xade looked away, the weight of his words already clear in the tightness of his jaw. "That today, October 14th, is the day Axel lost his childhood sweetheart. Her name was Sapphire."


    The air left my lungs all at once. My mouth went dry. "What...?"


    "She was murdered today," Xade said, voice heavy with the kind of sorrow that belonged to shared grief.


    His words thudded through my mind, one after the other like drops of rain striking a hollow drum. I remembered the haunted look in Axel¡¯s eyes, the strain in his voice, the silence after my question. Oh god.


    I had <i>done</i> that.


    "I didn¡¯t know," I said, voice breaking at the edges.


    Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I hated that I was crying again, hated that I was making this about me, but guilt had sharp ws, and it had sunk deep.


    "I¡¯m sorry," I croaked.

 Chapter 170: Another Guilt

    <h4>Chapter 170: Another Guilt</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 170</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Xade finally looked me in the eyes again after I had looked away to hide the pain and saw the state I was in.


    His hand was gentle as he wiped away a tear with the back of his finger. "Oh, Valerie... shhh, don¡¯t cry."


    "I didn¡¯t mean to reopen anything for him. I thought I was just asking questions."


    "I know." His tone was soft. "But that¡¯s why you need to know us. All of us. Not just the smiles and battle scars but the things that truly made us¡ªpainful as they are."


    "No," I shook my head weakly. "Axel¡¯s was already too much. Too raw."


    He gave a small smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. "And yet, it was what shaped him. You may¡¯ve heard the nickname¡ª<i>The Cocky Seducer."</i>


    <i>I paused, unsue if I wanted to answer that buta fter a few seconds, I nodded. </i>


    "Yes. After Sapphire, he stopped believing in love. He flirted. He charmed. But he never let anyone in again... until he met you."


    I stared at the ground, the weight of that confession hitting harder than anything else. I had wondered, of course. Axel always kept people at a distance, except me.


    Yet he was the school¡¯s most favoured yboy. I actually thought he just created the persona but...


    "Also, did you notice that the ones he even gives his time to are just mostly blondes now?"


    "Why is that?"


    "In the past he usually hated mingling with girls with blonde hairs because they reminded him of Sapphire but after a year plus, someone, his cousin talked some sense into him a bit."


    I exhaled. "So he changed?"


    "Nah, knowing Axel, he didn¡¯t. That is why I said a bit. He only picked up the part where he shouldn¡¯t let her memory hold him back."


    "W-why are you telling me this?" I asked quietly.


    "Because it¡¯s only fair," Xade said. "You wanted to know about our blue eyes, right? Why we have them? Maybe it¡¯s time I told you mine."


    "You don¡¯t have to," I said quickly, cing a hand on his arm. "Really. You don¡¯t owe me that."


    But Xade only gave a sad smile. "I do. Because maybe it¡¯ll help you understand that none of us came out of this untouched. And that pain has a way of bonding people even when love feels impossible."


    He stood, took a breath, and stepped back just enough to let the night air fill the space between us.


    I di dnot know what to say anymore to that and just listened.


    Maybe I really did need to know, maybe this was the way I would connect bette with thema nd share my story too.


    "It was a mission," he began, voice calm but hollow. "We were sent in to recover hostages¡ªa routine strike on an old rebel holdout. I had gone ahead when I sensed something wrong with the mission spy we had. The info had a loop hole. So, I went to check it out."


    I held my breath, waiting for the next part of the story.


    "Well, I got lucky. We were double crossed and nowm, the rogues were going to escape. I called in, told my father where they were and the truth about our spy. Rather than let me engage, I was ordered not to do anything, to stand down."


    "And you felt bad and med yourself, or?"


    Xade shook his head and when he looked at me again, I saw the clear glint of pain in his eyes.


    "I was supposed to stay back, wait for clearance. But I saw an opening. I thought it was the right call. They, they were going to escape. I just couldn¡¯t sit back and watch them treat them anyhow."


    He paused, his jaw tightening. "It was a trap."


    The wind rustled the leaves above us. Neither of us spoke.


    "They had children inside. Two. Not even five years old," Xade¡¯s voice cracked now, and he blinked rapidly. "My advance gave them just enough reason to detonate early. I remember the st. I remember the sound. I remember..."


    He didn¡¯t finish the sentence.


    "I carried one of them out," he said, barely audible. "But she was already gone. Her twin died in the rubble. I... I did that."


    I couldn¡¯t breathe. My heart twisted in my chest as I reached out instinctively, cing a hand on his shoulder. His body trembled.


    "The pain, the me, the guilt... the lifeless body in my hands as their mother stood, dazed, shock written all over her face as she stood there, looking lifeless, my father¡¯s disapproving stare... the wailing and the blood..."


    Xade swallowed and looked away, staring into nothing as though he could see something.


    "It just happened, the guilt became too much, the deep deethed pain... I had promised the parents there to save their children, but to have lost two... That was it all. My eyes turned blue as if they were some badge of honor. But all I saw when I look in the mirror was their faces. I saw what I cost."


    I pressed my lips together and stood, then wrapped my arms around him tightly. Xade froze for half a second¡ªthen crumpled forward into my embrace.


    We didn¡¯t speak, just stayed there, letting the pain and silence ease off. And maybe, for just a while, we weren¡¯t two broken people but two pieces finally starting to understand one another.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Kai¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I saw Valerie before the shadows fully settled across the training field and the stars had a chance to cut the sky open.


    I saw Valerie in someone else¡¯s arms¡ªhugging Xade.


    They were standing near the a trail, half-shrouded by trees.


    Valerie held him. Arms tight around his back. Xade was hunched forward, face pressed into her shoulder like he didn¡¯t trust the air to keep him standing.


    Her hand moved slowly over his back in soothing circles.


    I should¡¯ve looked away. Should¡¯ve kept walking.


    But my feet didn¡¯t move. Not a damn inch. My heart clenched as something cold and sharp sunk into my chest like ws.


    <i>"Kai..."</i> Kaiser¡¯s voice rippled through my head. "<i>She needed someone. He was there. That¡¯s all."</i>


    "I should¡¯ve been there."


    <i>"You couldn¡¯t be. You didn¡¯t know and neither did she."</i>


    I stared at the two of them¡ªhow broken he looked, how calm she was trying to be for him. It burned. It festered. And worst of all... it <i>ached</i>.


    "She¡¯s ours too, Kaiser."

 Chapter 171: Less Worried

    <h4>Chapter 171: Less Worried</h4>


    **************


    <strong>Chapter 171</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <i>"She¡¯s not a prize, Kai. Let Valerie breathe, please. Just be there."</i>


    I clenched my fists, fingers curling tighter than I meant to. Kaiser was right, but how was I to hold on... How was I to pretend like my heart, body and soul did not want her so much right now?


    The ground beneath my boots felt less steady with each passing second.


    "I¡¯ll text herter," I muttered.


    <i>"Better to say it in person."</i>


    "I don¡¯t know if she wants that."


    <i>"She does."</i>


    "I hurt her too, remember?"


    <i>"You didn¡¯t mean to."</i>


    Neither did Axel.


    That thought came out of nowhere and just like that, he appeared.


    The footsteps behind me, the soft crunch of gravel, followed by a hand resting on my shoulder.


    "Easy," Axel said.


    I didn¡¯t turn or flinch. We stood there in silence for a full minute, both of us staring at the scene below like it was a battlefield we¡¯d already lost.


    "I didn¡¯t mean to do it," Axel said quietly.


    "Still, you did," I replied. "It doesn¡¯t matter now, does it?"


    "I know."


    I finally turned to him. There was something brittle behind his usual smooth expression. Like ayer had been stripped back, and what remained was still bleeding.


    He made to walk past me.


    But I stopped him.


    "You messed up, Axe," I said, voice low. "I don¡¯t think she meant anything bad."


    He stilled for a second, then turned, just slightly, enough for me to see the bitter curve of his smile.


    "I know I was an ass."


    "Good. Then make it up to her."


    He didn¡¯t answer at first, but slowly, Axel nodded. "Yeah. I will."


    Axel walked off into the night, hands shoved deep in his pockets, like one having the weight of too many memories trailing behind him.


    As for me, I stayed rooted there, watching Valerie finally pull back from Xade, wiping her face with the sleeve of her jacket. She said something¡ªsoft, impossible to hear¡ªand Xade just nodded.


    He looked much calmer now but deep down, I wasn¡¯t.


    I wanted this time with her too... but even I knew better. My past wasn¡¯t something so light... and just like Axel and Xade, I too had burned.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    By the time Xade escorted me back to my dorm, the air had cooled enough to raise goosebumps on my arms. I said nothing for most of the walk. Neither did he.


    Maybe we both needed the silence.


    When we reached my door, he stopped beside me, one hand still tucked in his jacket pocket, the other grazing the back of his neck.


    "You sure you¡¯re good?" he asked, his voice softer now, almost shy beneath the usualyers of charm and trouble.


    "I will be," I replied, turning the key in the door.


    He gave a small nod but didn¡¯t move. His gaze lingered on my face longer than it needed to, like he was trying to memorise my expression before letting me go.


    "Thank you, Xade," I added quietly, ncing back at him.


    The corner of his lips lifted. "Don¡¯t thank me yet. You owe me a favour."


    "I don¡¯t recall signing a deal."


    He grinned, backing away. "Then call it a pending contract. One I¡¯ll collect when you least expect."


    I rolled my eyes. "You¡¯re incorrigible."


    He winked. "And you like it. Goodnight, little wolf."


    "Nighty night, Silver King."


    Xade winked, then he turned and walked off, hands in his pockets, the swagger back in his steps. However, I noticed that his shoulders were slightly more rxed than they had been at the beginning of the night.


    I stepped inside my room and shut the door behind me, letting the quiet settle around me like dust. Only then did I let out the breath I¡¯d been holding.


    The moment I dropped my bag on the floor, my phone buzzed against the desk.


    I nced at it to see that it was a message from Storm. That was sensitive enough and screamed important.


    So no matter how tired I was, I reached for my phone and unlocked it.


    <strong>Storm:</strong><i>We both know Solstice. She wouldn¡¯t pull a move like this without you knowing. What she did... You know, right? So tell me, where is she? Why did she run to?</i>


    I had stared at the text far longer than I should have, fingers hovering over the screen like I owed him an answer. Maybe I did.


    But Solstice trusted me. And trust was something I didn¡¯t gamble with.


    He was right. Usually, she didn¡¯t do anything without dragging me into it¡ªor at the very least, giving me a heads-up. But this time?


    She vanished.


    No warning. No clever hint in the form of a charm note or a snide voice memo. Just... gone. I should¡¯ve reported it.


    I knew the rules. But between my loyalty to her and that of my uncle, as well as the chaos my life had be, I chose silence and protected her.


    I inhaled and typed back.


    <strong>Me: </strong><i>You¡¯re free toe down to school and find out yourself, Big Cousin.</i>


    His reply hade fast.


    <strong>Storm:</strong><i>I¡¯ll definitely be there tomorrow or the day after.</i>


    Of course, he would. Storm wasn¡¯t one to sit on the sidelines. And when it came to Solstice, he was more protective than even Uncle Zade. She was his kid sister after all.


    I hadn¡¯t replied after that. I had tossed the phone onto my bed and stripped out of my uniform, more agitated than relieved. The pressure was mounting¡ªrumours, secrets, boys, and now family.


    I didn¡¯t need this kind of spiral. Not again, but I wasn¡¯t stupid either.


    Something about tonight still sat wrong with me. It wasn¡¯t just the breakdowns or the pain I¡¯d seen in Axel or Xade.


    Just as I was about to take my bra off and reach for my towel, my hands stopped halfway.


    When the scandal video resurfaced in my thoughts, I found myself standing half-naked, staring at the open window as if it had personally betrayed me.


    Immediately, my mind started working out all the angles from which that video could be recorded¡ªthe lighting, the timing.


    And then it hit me.


    The footage hade from outside. Not a corner, not a reflection. <strong>Outside</strong>. A straight view in.


    My heart skipped.


    I hadn¡¯t noticed it before¡ªthe subtle angle, the distance that suggested a mini cam, likely rigged across the building at just the right height. Somewhere discreet but direct.

 Chapter 172: Thoughts

    <h4>Chapter 172: Thoughts</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 172</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My breath tightened as my mind circled back to the people possibly around that time and my mind locked on Solstice.


    No. She wouldn¡¯t, I immediately dismissed. She might be reckless, but not careless, not with me and definitely with something this sensitive.


    Solstice knew better than to involve me in a scandal that could lead Principal Whitmore, which would involve Uncle Zade and expose Solstice.


    She was ruled outpletely.


    Still... I had no proof. And the not knowing only gnawed deeper.


    I thought about those who hated me... Titania came to mind next. But she was a front-line attacker. Loud. Obnoxious. She liked destruction, she could im, not sneak attacks. She would want the world to know she was behind a hit, right?


    I needed to confirm, though.


    I know Kieran got the proof of her sending those videos to create a scandal... but I was pretty sure she would have been in ss.


    Solstice told meter of how the heirs left the ss at the mention of my sickness; she made no mention of Titania. I was pretty sure my mates wouldn¡¯t as well.


    So who else did it? Brielle?


    She had motive. She had connections.


    But still¡ªsomething didn¡¯t add up. The leak came out too clean. The editing, the timing, the audio cut. That was professional-level sabotage, even with me and Dristan¡¯s kiss.


    I crossed to the window and opened the curtains just enough to peek outside again, scanning rooftops, trees, even the statue of Saint Halgar near the west quad, just behind the old security outpost¡ªa perfect line of sight¡ªa direct angle into my dorm window.


    <i>Bingo.</i>


    A perfect spot.


    From there, someone could easily mount a lens, a mini cam maybe enchant it to filter through spells or disguise as part of a pipe or even a bird¡¯s nest.


    That¡¯s how they got it. The scandal, the clip, the <i>timing</i>. It wasn¡¯t luck. It was premeditated.


    The thought made my stomach twist as the realisation struck harder than I expected, like the cold air that kissed my bare skin the moment I stepped away from the window.


    I shut the window with more force than I meant to and yanked the curtains closed, watching the soft fabric fall back into ce and swallow the view of the world outside.


    Tsk... I let my guard down.


    Whoever did it¡ªset that camera¡ªknew exactly what they were doing. That wasn¡¯t just petty school drama. That was nned sabotage.


    I gritted my teeth, exhaling slowly.


    I undressed the rest of the way, tossing my clothes into the basket without much care. My limbs moved automatically, but my mind was still racing. Wrapped in my towel, I padded barefoot into the bathroom, the cold tiles stinging my feet.


    I turned on the shower and let the steam rise while adjusting the temperature. It didn¡¯t take long before the water reached that perfect bnce between hot enough to sting and warm enough to soothe. I hung my towel on the hook and stepped in, pulling the shower cap over my hair, then finally stepped under the water before letting the water rush over me.


    The first ssh was always the hardest. Cold, sharp, shocking. But it onlysted a second.


    Soon, warmth spread across my back, rolling down my arms, my legs, easing some of the tension lodged deep in my bones.


    It felt good. Almost too good.


    Still, even with the heat licking across my shoulders and chest, I couldn¡¯t rx. Not fully.


    My thoughts circled. The way Axel¡¯s voice had cracked when he spoke about Sapphire. The way Xade¡¯s eyes dimmed as he recalled the screams of children he couldn¡¯t save.


    I always thought knowledge gave you power. But no one warns you how heavy that power feels when it¡¯s soaked in someone else¡¯s sorrow.


    I had seen a piece of both of them that wasn¡¯t supposed to be mine. Not yet. Maybe not ever.


    I¡¯d hurt them both. Not on purpose¡ªbut hurt was hurt, regardless of the intent behind it.


    And even if they didn¡¯t hate me for it, I hated the version of myself that had done it. I didn¡¯t ask questions to reopen old wounds. I just... wanted to understand them.


    A heavy sigh slipped from my lips, curling with the steam around me.


    I stood under the water longer than I needed to. Long enough for my fingertips to wrinkle. Long enough for the world to go quiet except for the steady patter of drops on porcin.


    Then, slowly, I reached up, tugged the shower cap free, and tossed it aside.


    And finally, I peeled the wig off.


    It slipped away like silk, revealing the truth beneath it¡ªmy truth. My hair spilled out in a wet, silver cascade, falling down my back and past my hips like moonlight.


    And at the end... There they were, two colours, faded but still visible. Silver fading into streaks of deep blue and violet like twilight trapped in strands.


    I stared at them¡ªthe remnants of a n Solstice and I never finished.


    We were supposed to dye it together before I travelled to PSA to hide my identity, just like my contacts.


    I recalled the mistake I had made before I left home. It was war before I finally agreed to let Solstice dye my hair.


    I had prepared to do it the night before my departure, just to enjoy the shine of my real hair... But when Uncle Zade caught wind of my n to leave early, he refused to let me go two days before my birthday, so I ran away instead.


    Our dye n was forgotten. So I stuck with the wig I had on. And the dye stayed behind in a ss bottle on my dresser. Until now, I hadn¡¯t done justice to my hair.


    I thought of visiting the market with Solstice and having her buy the dye for me, bicker over vendors and ingredients, and pretend, just for a few hours, that we were still normal, then she could help apply it as per our original n.

 Chapter 173: Set Her Up

    <h4>Chapter 173: Set Her Up</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 173</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My thoughts drifted to the day of the scandal and how one of the girls had yanked at my hair during training the other day, when the scandal was at its peak, was a risk I did not wish to take next time.


    Some days, I did weak sewing or stitches to hold my hair in ce tightly.


    I sighed and leaned against the cold tile wall, letting the water run over me. It washed down my face, neck, and shoulders, soaking my hair.


    It should¡¯ve felt peaceful. Cleansing. But I felt the weight instead.


    Like all the things I never said were clinging to the edges of every drop.


    I tilted my head back and closed my eyes, trying to ground myself.


    The truth was, I missed Solstice, sneaking into my room at night and sharing a bed with me when she felt alone or got scared of a thunderstorm.


    How ironic that her favourite and only brother bore Storm.


    I missed her loudugh and annoying ns. I missed the way she always knew what I was about to say before I said it.


    I sighed for the umpteenth time. <i>You have so much to do, Valerie.</i>


    For one, I needed to figure out that scroll Ash and I found in the library and why it reacted with my ne.


    Also, leave school with Solstice twice, once for Blue Willow and the other for the dye. And then focus on getting into Nightshade Thorn.


    No more distractions or boys. No more blue eyes and broken confessions.


    I turned off the shower and stood still for a moment, listening to thest few drops drip from the nozzle. Then I stepped out, grabbed my towel, and wrapped it tightly around myself.


    My feet moved on autopilot back into the room. I paused by the vanity to do my facial routine when my eyes caught sight of the scroll.


    My fingertips ran over the edge of the scroll tucked beneath my books, and then nced at the mirror again.


    I was tempted to pick it up and do some digging again but decided against it.


    Tonight was for my brain to take a break.


    I reached for my phone from the desk when the screen lit up with another message.


    <strong>Storm:</strong><i>You may be a big sis to Solstice, but she is my sister, too. Always remember we need to do what¡¯s best for her.</i>


    I tossed the phone onto my bed and rolled my eyes. Like I said, overprotective.


    "And she¡¯s my best friend, Storm," I muttered to myself as I applied my facial cleanser. "Her well-being is my top priority."


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Titania¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The room was too quiet except for the sound of my pacing feet.


    My heels clicked sharply against the marble floor of my dorm, each step harder than thest. The velvet curtains had been drawn, the lights dimmed, but I felt no peace in the shadows.


    None.


    "Disgraceful," I hissed under my breath. "Humiliating. Mortifying!"


    My magic trembled beneath my skin, barely contained. My hands clenched and unclenched, the air around me pulsing with fury as a red aura seeped out from my body.


    I should¡¯ve been the one crowned with attention. I should¡¯ve been praised. Adored. Not shoved to the bottom of every damn gossip thread while she¡ªthat mangy, moon-blessed mutt¡ªwalked around like some tragic heroine.


    Valerie <i>bloody</i> Nightshade.


    "I¡¯ll kill her," I growled. "I swear I will pluck her name out of every mouth and burn it from every book in this academy if it¡¯s thest thing I do."


    A nervous shift sounded from the corner of the room. I turned sharply.


    Marianne stood there, stiff as a pole.


    "Marianne..." My voice was soft now, like velvetced with poison. "You said you could help."


    She swallowed and straightening quickly. "I¡ªI did."


    I arched a brow, slowly approaching her like a predator circling a wounded deer.


    "Yet..." I drawled, "Do you call this helping?" I spat, gesturing wildly. "Do you call me being sabotaged in front of the entire school¡ªexposed¡ªmocked¡ªhelping?!"


    "I had no idea it would backfire," she said quickly, shrinking slightly. "She¡ªshe assured me that the video wouldn¡¯t be traced. That the whispers would stick and people would hate Valerie, including the alphas, and you¡¯lle out on top¡ª"


    "Silence!" I thundered. "Oh, I came out on top alright, just in the worst way."


    Marianne flinched. For the first time, the bravado she always wore like a second skin cracked. Her chin dipped slightly as she looked up at me, afraid to meet my eyes.


    My lips curled in disdain.


    "You want to ride in my shadow, you want power, yes?" I asked, voice dropping low again. "Then prove your worth. Because if you can¡¯t fix this, I will cut you from the equation and move on with my ns without you."


    A tense silence followed.


    Then Marianne¡¯s mouth opened slowly. "There... there are other ways," she offered. "We could craft something else. Maybe... a fake love letter. Something from Valerie. We hack into her phone. nt it. Send it to someone dangerous."


    I narrowed my eyes, intrigued despite myself. "Go on."


    Marianne¡¯s eyes lit with new life. "How about Kieran Killian?" My mood soured immediately. "No... better still, to the Vice President of the Student Council¡ªRiven Alucard."


    Now that got my attention.


    "Riven..." I murmured. A slow, wicked smile crept across my lips. "Now that would be... delicious."


    "They say he¡¯s cold. Distant. Untouchable. It would spark every kind of rumour if Valerie were suddenly caught... messaging him. Even more if we could arrange a meet-up."


    "Where her mates could catch her," I finished for her, a dangerous glint in my eyes.


    Marianne nodded eagerly. "Exactly. Imagine what it would do to her already-shaky image. Her alphas would explode. People would believe anything at this point. We just need the right timing. The right evidence."


    A slow hum built in my throat. "This is good. Very good."


    Marianne¡¯s shoulders rxed but I wasn¡¯t done.


    "There¡¯s one more thing I need you to do for me," I said, turning away and walking toward the window.


    "Anything, Princess."


    I looked back over my shoulder, my voice sweet like dripping honey.


    "Use your father¡¯s connections. Dig deep into Valerie Nightshade¡¯s past."

 Chapter 174: Rejected Roses

    <h4>Chapter 174: Rejected Roses</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 174</strong>


    <strong>~Titania¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Dig deep into Valerie Nightshade¡¯s past, all about her, everything. The one she so desperately wants to keep buried. I doubt she¡¯s a mere omega like people im. And... she¡¯s just too good in training. There must be something."


    A slow, delighted grin began to spread across Marianne¡¯s lips as she caught the meaning.


    "And find me everything," I said, stepping toward her again. "The dirt. The darkness. The secrets. The lies. I want every skeleton her family tried to burn and bury."


    "She¡¯ll be ruined," Marianne promised.


    "I don¡¯t want her ruined," I corrected smoothly. "I want her shattered. I want people to look at her name and spit. I want her mates to be so disgusted that they reject her themselves. I want Principal Whitmore to regret ever enrolling her."


    "As you wish... Princess."


    I turned my back to her, arms crossed behind me as I stared at the glowing city beyond the ss.


    "Good," I whispered. "Now leave me."


    And Marianne did¡ªsilently, quickly, like a shadow scurrying back into the night.


    Valerie had no idea what wasing next.


    Let her wear her smile for now. I would be the one to wipe it from her face forever.


    Just then, I got a ping from my phone. I nced at it in my hand... It was a message from my dearest cousin.


    Just who I need right now.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Lucy¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The cafeteria was lively¡ªtoo lively for my taste. Forks clinked against trays,ughter rose in pockets, and the stench of over-sweetened iced tea mixed with meatloaf nearly made me gag.


    Kieran, however, sat across from me with his usual regal boredom, half-stirring the untouched food on his te. He hadn¡¯t spoken a word since we walked in, but I knew better than to assume he was distracted.


    He was calcting.


    Always.


    I followed his gaze, knowing it would lead me to her before my eyes evennded.


    Valerie Nightshade.


    Of course.


    She had just walked in, hair tied in that annoyingly effortless way, cheeks flushed from whatever ridiculous errand she had been running. And¡ªbecause the universe enjoyed mocking me¡ªshe wasughing.


    Laughing.


    With Silver Aura, of all people¡ªher fellow newbie.


    I saw the tension flicker across Kieran¡¯s jaw first, then his fingers slowly curled around the edge of the table before he leaned back, exudingzy power, and tilted his head toward me.


    "Have some roses sent to Valerie," he instructed


    I blinked. "Pardon?"


    He didn¡¯t look at me. Just continued watching her. "Red ones. Not cheap. The best kind. I want to court her."


    For a second, I didn¡¯t move.


    Then my voice slipped out before I could catch it. "Kieran... why her? You know what she¡¯s entangled in. Why would you go to such lengths when her mates¡ª"


    He turned his head slowly. His stare was ice over fire.


    One word... Deadly.


    I shut up immediately.


    My throat tightened as I lowered my gaze and forced a nod. "Understood, Master."


    With trembling fingers, I reached for my phone and tapped the order in. Lovely, imported roses to be delivered before the end of the school day. Each petalced just as he preferred.


    "It¡¯ll be here by the seventh bell," I whispered.


    Kieran stood up then, eyes still locked on his target. "Good," he said simply, then turned and walked away confidently like a man already owning the future.


    I stayed seated.


    I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    Not when I was helping him chase the one girl who never looked his way. The one girl who, even now, had everything I wanted¡ªand didn¡¯t even seem to care.


    ****************


    The flowers arrived precisely when expected.


    A pristine white box, sealed in gold ribbon as I carried it through the hallway. Everyone stared. Of course they did. They always stared when it came to Kieran Killian or his maid running errands for him.


    I found her just outside the study wing. Valerie was pulling a book from her locker, Silver trailing a few steps behind, clearly mid-conversation.


    Perfect.


    "Valerie," I called.


    She turned. The moment her eyesnded on me, her posture tensed.


    I walked over and offered the box. "From Master Kieran."


    She looked down at it, then back at me without being courteous enough to ept them.


    It irritated me. This was a girl Kieran had finally had interest in since the girl who broke his heart. If only she knew how so many would be overjoyed to be in her position.


    But then she had the alpha heirs for mates. Still, I had no idea why the thought of letting her go irked Kieran so much.


    Wasn¡¯t she nothing more than his new ything?


    Valerie lifted her gaze to meet mine and in the t cold voice one could use when offered roses, she said, "No."


    I blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Excuse me?"


    "I said no," she repeated, clearly annoyed. "Take them back."


    My fingers tightened on the edge of the box.


    Ungrateful. Spoiled. Stupid girl.


    I shoved the roses into her locker shelf, let them fall beside her books.


    "You should learn to appreciate what¡¯s given to you," I hissed, unable to mask the venom anymore. "Kieran¡¯s done more for you than you even realise, even more than your so-called mates. And yet..."


    She raised a brow. I scowled. "You¡¯re not worth it."


    And I turned on my heel, muttering a curse under my breath, as I stormed off, not wanting to be anywhere near her.


    I also needed to report to Master Kieran.


    Luckily, I saw him leave a ssroom and as soon as he spotted me, he turned in my direction, his brows creased.


    I stopped in front of him, ready to report back, but I clearly didn¡¯t get far when the sound of footsteps behind me was fast. Aggressive. Valerie caught up before we walked away.


    "Kieran!" she barked, and my stomach dropped.


    Oh no.


    I turned just in time to see her shove the flower box into his chest, hard enough that the petals fluttered between them.


    "What the hell is this?" she snapped.


    Kieran blinked at her, slowly, like he had been waiting for this exact moment. "A gift," he said smoothly.


    "From someone I didn¡¯t ask anything from," Valerie snapped back.


    He didn¡¯t seem fazed.


    "That¡¯s why it¡¯s a gift, genius. Besides, if I only gave what was asked," he murmured, stepping closer, "then where would the fun be in my love pursuit?"

 Chapter 175: Roses to Ravaging Rage

    <h4>Chapter 175: Roses to Ravaging Rage</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 175</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Valerie scoffed. "If you had the decency to do it yourself, then maybe your thought would have counted."


    "Oh if I did, would you have epted them?" Kieran smirked.


    "No. You will save me the sweat of catching up with you and I would have rejected you right on the spot."


    Valerie did not wait for more of his speech and immediately turned to leave, but Kieran was not having the disgrace or rejection.


    He grabbed her wrist too fast and firmly.


    My heart clenched at the sight. If only he¡¯d ever fight for me... he wouldn¡¯t need to fight nor be insulted, nor would anyone assault him.


    The moment Valerie¡¯s hand tried to jerk away, he twisted her around, caging her against the wall with his body.


    The flowers hit the floor and I froze in fear of what he could and would do.


    Kieran leaned in, his voice a soft purr. "You really should be careful, Valerie. You might make me think you like ying hard to get."


    "Get off me," Valerie hissed, eyes zing.


    His mouth tilted in a smirk. "Or what?"


    Valerie couldn¡¯t issue another round of threats when Kieran leaned in to do the one thing I hoped he wouldn¡¯t¡ªkiss her.


    But he never got the chance as Valerie¡¯s knee shot up hard between his legs.


    Kieran let out a strangled gasp and doubled over instantly, one hand gripping his groin as the other braced against the wall.


    I blinked.


    She was breathing heavily, arm raised in warning.


    My pulse pounded in my ears.


    "You don¡¯t get to touch me," Valerie growled, but Kieran refused to back down. Recovering fast, he took a step forward, closing the gap between them, and that was when everything exploded.


    A shadow blurred across the hall¡ªfast, merciless¡ªand mmed into Kieran¡¯s side, gripped him by the cor and sent him flying.


    Kieran¡¯s back hit the lockers with a loud, sickening thud.


    My mouth hung open as I resisted the urge to scream. Kieran would hate that I butted into his fight even though everything in me was screaming, get him away.


    And I was right to do so. The aura emitted by his attacker was deadly.


    "What the¡ª" Kieran choked out, clutching his ribs.


    Then, before he could stand fully or recover from the attack, a fist collided with his face. Instantly, bones cracked and blood sprayed on the cold tiles.


    Kieran dropped again with a scream, his nose bent at a wrong angle.


    My heart skipped, my chest tightened.


    "Who the hell¡ª" he gasped, voice muffled, but he barely had time to speak as his face was met with another punch, this time from the side.


    The force of it mmed his face sideways, and he hit the floor hard.


    Several gasps¡ªscared voices¡ªechoed from around as the hallway instantly became filled with students, too many to count, each frozen, wide-eyed, and pouring out from every ssroom to witness the scene.


    I screamed, unable to hold it in any longer as two figures stood over Kieran¡¯s crumpled form for fear of what they¡¯d do to him.


    No one dared move an inch to intervene, and everyone stood still.


    I looked up to see their faces¡ªfaces I recognized¡ªRiven and Dristan.


    Riven had attacked first, flying in from nowhere to tear Kieran from Valerie. Then as if on cue, Dristan had finished it.


    Both of them radiated power, aura ring like a sr re. The colour of their auras, blue and red, casting a mist around them.


    Energy pulsed from them in thick waves, pushing some students to the floor. ss cracked in nearby windows. A locker door twisted off its hinge.


    The sky rumbled as lightning immediately sparked off Dristan¡¯s hand, snaking through his arm, and within two seconds, his entire body was charged with lightning.


    He clenched his fists, waiting patiently and impatiently for Kieran to rise to continue from where they had stopped, and I knew without a second thought that should he do so, Kieran would be dealt a ghastly blow, if not fatal, depending on Dristan¡¯s mood.


    And right now, that was over the charts.


    Dristan was not entirely the worst of my... of Kieran¡¯s problems. Standing beside Dristan was the Vice President.


    Known for his deadly nature, unlike Dristan, who was bound by his Alpha King heir status. Riven Alucard was anything but not merciful.


    His eyes riveted from blue to sharp red, his fangs out, his ws ready for the killing, and the next thing I knew, his feet lifted in the air as he hovered over Kieran.


    "Get up, scum!" Riven thundered before even Dristan could say anything.


    I never knew why he¡¯d butt in or get this angry, more than any sighting of him had ever suggested or I¡¯d ever seen.


    Valerie Nightshade was never his mate. So why was he this way when he did not know what had happened between her and Kieran?


    He wasn¡¯t possessive. No one had ever seen Riven involved with anydy. In fact, his crushes dared not let him know, else they¡¯d be crushed.


    So why?


    I got my answer when Riven thundered, the second Kieran half rose, his body still hunched over as blood dropped from his nose to the ground.


    His nose must have broken really well if it wasn¡¯t healing.


    "How dare you force yourself on a woman who doesn¡¯t want you?!"


    That was when it dawned on me... No wonder when they said Riven¡¯s human mother had been raped to death, and he had retaliated by killing those involved, humans and vampires alike, brutally.


    It was said to have been a death only bestowed on people by a monster¡ªa beast. I had heard the news, but thought it was maybe a sick rumour spread just to make people dread him.


    But I was surely mistaken.


    "Answer me!" Riven thundered again.


    Ignoring Riven¡¯s question, Dristan took a step forward, his eyes were no longer their usual shade of blue but a dangerous blue that spoke of only death.


    He grabbed Kieran by the cor, lifted his fist, and aimed for his face as sparks of lightning radiated over him.


    Kieran chuckled, smiling like a madman. "What? Too concerned that your mates want another man? Well, too bad. I was going to enjoy ravishing her lips and..."


    Dristan was done listening. His hand moved down, impaling Kieran¡¯s face and sending him crashing down. He moved again, and this time with Riven.


    I threw caution to the wind and dove right in, screaming, "Stop!!" as the blows came crashing down.

 Chapter 176: Trampled Loyalty

    <h4>Chapter 176: Trampled Loyalty</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 176</strong>


    <strong>~Lucy¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Riven and Dristan didn¡¯t move at first. Their fists were still clenched, and their auras crackled like thunderstorm clouds refusing to dissipate.


    Kierany crumpled at their feet, blood dripping from his nose, mouth, and the corner of one eye. He groaned, trying to push himself up, his breathing ragged and broken.


    But after Dristan threw that punch... I knew once that he would not be given a second chance as Dristan¡¯s aura alone pressed him to the ground.


    Then both guys charged. That was when something in me snapped.


    I didn¡¯t know when or how I ended up on the floor, my knees crashing against the cold tiles, my palms spread t as I lowered my head.


    Tears poured freely now¡ªhot, humiliating, unstoppable.


    I was trembling.


    "Kieran..." I choked, but he didn¡¯t even look at me.


    So I looked up instead at Dristan, at Riven, still towering, still dangerous, their hands inches from my face and body.


    "Please," I whispered. "Please... forgive him."


    Still no movement. The hallway was dead silent except for my sobs and the distant echo of a camera shutter. Someone was recording. Everyone was watching. My shame, my loyalty, all of it wasid bare but I didn¡¯t care.


    Kieran¡¯s life was on the line.


    "I¡¯m begging you..." My voice cracked again as I bowed lower, my forehead nearly brushing the floor. "He didn¡¯t mean to hurt her. Please... spare him."


    My throat burned. My cheeks were soaked.


    Dristan let out a slow, low grunt. I knew that sound. It meant his wolf¡ªhis beast¡ªwas pulling back.


    I didn¡¯t dare look up again until I heard the electricity in the air flicker out, like someone had turned off the storm. The atmosphere thinned just enough to breathe again.


    Still, the weight in the air didn¡¯t leave. It only shifted.


    Dristan finally moved.


    But not toward me.


    I saw his boots move past where I knelt, opposite us. I dared sneak a peek to see him stop right in front of Valerie, who stood frozen.


    Without asking, without a single word, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.


    She flinched¡ªbut didn¡¯t pull away. And then he turned, dragging her gently but firmly through the crowd.


    Gone.


    Everyone parted for them like shadows chased by lightning.


    Riven lingered just a moment longer. His face was cold, his eyes still glowing with rage, but he didn¡¯t say a word.


    He turned too. Snickered once under his breath.


    Then walked away, his ck boots echoing down the corridor like a judge leaving after the verdict had been passed.


    The moment he vanished, my body crumpled.


    I turned quickly¡ªso quickly my hands slipped¡ªand crawled over to where Kierany, blood staining his shirt, jaw crooked.


    "Kieran," I whispered. "I¡ªI¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t know they¡¯d¡ª"


    He lifted his head slowly, eyes gleaming with fury. And then, without warning...


    <i>Crack.</i>


    The sound echoed like thunder against the lockers.


    Pain bloomed hot across my cheek as my head snapped sideways, stars bursting behind my eyes as a hot, stinging p connected with my cheek.


    I blinked, stunned. My breathing caught.


    His voice followed, sharper than the strike. "Piece of shit," Kieran spat. "Who asked you to interfere?"


    I stared at him in horror, the words sinking deeper than any blow.


    Blood stained his teeth as he sneered down at me like I was filth beneath his boot. His hand still hovered in the air as if daring me to speak.


    I couldn¡¯t because not a single sound came out.


    I had stayed there. I had waited to help him and...


    Had I not intervened, his face would have been battered and they wouldn¡¯t care. I saved him from further humiliation.


    I helped him and stopped him from being killed because even I knew he was no match for an Alpha Heir, let alone an angry one, plus a bloodthirsty Vampire.


    And all I got was a p.


    He cursed under his breath. "You¡¯re useless. You couldn¡¯t even get a simple job done. What gave you the right to touch me or intercede?"


    "Kie... Master Kieran..."


    POW!


    Another hot p followed as I tried standing up, sending me back down. I swallowed the cry that threatened to escape my lips and blinked.


    "Do you think I am weak, huh? Do you think I need a girl fighting my battles for me?"


    I nced up, feeling even more hurt than before.


    Master Kieran hadn¡¯t always been like this in the past...


    <i>"You used to call me your ¡¯little shadow,¡¯ remember? You said I was the only one you trusted."</i>


    But now...


    Kieran stood, wobbling slightly, then shoved past me, ignoring the people still gathered, watching, whispering.


    And I... I stayed kneeling on the floor.


    Not because I couldn¡¯t get up.


    But because I didn¡¯t know how to stand after something like that, after choosing him and betraying my pride for him and being pped like a dog.


    The whispers turned louder. The phones came back out. But I didn¡¯t care anymore. The sting in my cheek couldn¡¯tpare to the pain in my chest.


    I had begged for him.


    And he punished me for it.


    Tears welled in my eyes again, but this time, I didn¡¯t wipe them away. Everyone could see what a person he was and how he repaid loyalty.


    <i>Still, why did it hurt so much in my heart?</i>


    ******************


    ~<strong>Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    His grip wasn¡¯t gentle, but it wasn¡¯t cruel either. It was deliberate, tight, like he needed me to understand something he couldn¡¯t say aloud.


    Kieran¡¯s hands had been forceful, entitled. Dristan¡¯s? They held anger, sure... but not malice. Never malice.


    He didn¡¯t speak.


    Neither did I.


    Not until we were far from the crowd, tucked beneath the archway between the back gardens and the old east wing.


    Now that we were here, the silence pressed in heavier than before, filled with all the things we hadn¡¯t said.


    Dristan finally let go.


    I turned to face him, arms crossing over my chest more out of reflex than defiance. My heart was still racing, though it was not from fear, but from how close that hade to turning into something worse.


    Kieran. Riven. The crowd, the whispering... everything.


    Dristan looked away first, his jaw clenched so tightly I heard his teeth grind.


    He raised his hand slightly, as if he wanted to touch me, and then paused. Then let it fall¡ªhis hand twitching.


    "He was going to kiss you," he stated in a low and raw voice that made my heart skip a beat from the raw anger and... wait, was that from pain instead?

 Chapter 177: Heartfelt Emotions

    <h4>Chapter 177: Heartfelt Emotions</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 177</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I blinked. "He didn¡¯t."


    "Doesn¡¯t matter," Dristan snarled.


    "Yes, it does."


    Dristan¡¯s eyes snapped to mine. "Not to me."


    For a second, I couldn¡¯t breathe. There it was. Not a confession, but something close enough to burn¡ªpure pain.


    "He hurt you," he added. "And if Riven hadn¡¯t gotten there first... Gods... who knew what that mongrel would have..."


    "I could¡¯ve handled him," I voiced. "You saw that."


    "You shouldn¡¯t have had to."


    That shut me up. I couldn¡¯t retort because, no matter how much I wanted to justify things and not look deeply into his pain, or why he was getting angry after ignoring me the other day with no exnation whatsoever, I couldn¡¯t deny that I saw his pain, as in as day.


    Dristan¡¯s breathing was heavy now, controlled like he was holding something hard back. His fingers twitched again at his sides, thest traces of lightning still pulsing under his skin like a heartbeat.


    I stepped closer, unsure of myself and what I was going to do as I tried not to remain grounded in the moment, even though what my wolf and the bond wanted was for me to be there, for him, with him.


    "Thank you," I started with that.


    Dristan shook his head. "Don¡¯t thank me for doing what your mates should¡¯ve done five seconds earlier."


    "I meant... for being there, for everything. For fighting for me and pulling me out."


    His lips parted slightly, and something flickered in his gaze¡ªalmost like guilt. Or pain.


    "It is my duty as your mate and..." There it was again, that hesitation. Then out of the blue, he whispered, "I hate the way he looks at you. Like he¡¯s entitled to something that isn¡¯t his."


    I swallowed, my own voice softening. "And what if I don¡¯t know who I belong to yet?"


    Dristan¡¯s jaw worked, and even though he didn¡¯t say anything, his silence said everything.


    So I changed the subject, gently.


    "Riven surprised me," I admitted. "He looked ready to kill."


    Dristan exhaled sharply and leaned back against the ivy-covered wall. "His past makes him... less forgiving."


    "His past? What exactly happ¡ª"


    "Ask him yourself," Dristan cut in, eyes narrowing slightly. "He¡¯ll talk to you. Maybe."


    The way he said it¡ªmaybe¡ªwasn¡¯t out of doubt. It was out of jealousy.


    "He doesn¡¯t speak about it, but he might do so for you, given as he was willing to let the school see that side of him in broad daylight."


    I felt the burn of his stare even when I looked away.


    And I realised something.


    For all the power Dristan carried¡ªfor all his status, legacy, and sharpmand¡ªhe was still a boy who feared being second to a ghost, to a monster, or worse... to someone like Kieran.


    I stepped forward again, reached out, and let my hand touch his, just for a second.


    He didn¡¯t pull away and neither did I.


    "This isn¡¯t just about Riven or Kieran, is it?" He looked away but I did something rather shocking for him.


    I held Dristan¡¯s chin and turned his head back in my direction, daring him to look me in the eyes.


    "Hey, you can tell me you know."


    The hesitation flickered in his eyes, but his lips said a different thing. "I love you, Valerie. I told you I loved you, but you pushed it aside and you never took my side. But Kai tells you he does and you are over him. I..."


    I lowered my gaze, letting him pour out his feelings and his frustration.


    "Do my feelings mean nothing to you?" I snapped my head up, the words failing me. "I guess I do not," he assumed again and that broke my heart.


    I may have been terrible at showing feelings as I grew up knowing only pain and training for my revenge.


    I had never had a boyfriend and did not understand rtionships. A part of me did not want a mate now because I did not want a distraction, but the Moon Goddess had other ns.


    And now I stood here with six of them, each looking at me with adoration and love, as if I held the answer to their dear life when I held nothing but confusion.


    "Your silence says it all. If it was Kai..."


    That was it. Astra whined in my head, but the only thought I had was to correct that thought. I cared about them all, even if I didn¡¯t show it.


    I leaned in, stepping on my toes as I pressed my lips to his, initiating the kiss this time.


    His lips tasted of storm and restraint, like thunder waiting to be released but forced to behave for me.


    The kiss was wild and raw, scorching in a way that had nothing to do with lust and everything to do with the ache between us.


    Dristan kissed like someone who¡¯d waited too long. Who had too many words and no safe ce to say them. So instead, he poured them into me, through each slow movement of his mouth over mine.


    And I let him.


    I matched him.


    And maybe, for that moment, it didn¡¯t matter that I had ruled off boys only the day before or that my heart wasn¡¯t fully sure of anything.


    All that mattered was us.


    When we finally pulled apart, our foreheads brushed. I felt his breath ghost against my lips as if he was trying to find something to say but the words refused toe.


    His voice cracked first. "I¡¯m confused."


    Myshes fluttered. "You¡¯re not alone. I¡¯m confused too."


    He pulled back a little more, just enough for our eyes to lock again. Something in his gaze flickered, like doubt giving way to desperation.


    "But that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ve rejected you, Dristan," I added. "I just... I didn¡¯t know what your feelings really were. You¡¯ve always been... hard to read. Controlled."


    Dristan raked a hand through his hair and stepped away, dragging in a deep breath like he¡¯d been holding it since the kiss started.


    "You have no idea, do you?" he muttered, almost to himself. "I... I love you, Valerie. I¡¯ve said it before, but I guess words don¡¯t carry much weight now."

 Chapter 178: Vulnerable and Loved

    <h4>Chapter 178: Vulnerable and Loved</h4>


    <strong>NB: Song: Running Out Of Roses by n Walker & Jamie Miller</strong>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 178</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    He looked away for a heartbeat, then back at me with a storm behind his eyes.


    "But when I saw him... Kieran... try to force himself on you¡ªtry to kiss you like he had any right to¡ªyou don¡¯t understand what that did to me."


    His jaw clenched, voice tightening.


    "I¡¯m usually the calm one. The one who thinks before he strikes. But that moment? I lost it. All I could think about was what if I hadn¡¯t gotten there in time. What if he had touched you inappropriately?"


    He stepped back toward me, closing the distance again.


    "I can¡¯t handle that, Valerie. I know I messed up. I know I¡¯ve been distant. But that¡¯s not because I don¡¯t care¡ªit¡¯s because I care too much. I can¡¯t control this. I¡¯m trying, but it¡¯s driving me crazy."


    His voice broke slightly. "The thought of someone else touching you¡ª"


    I ced a hand on his chest, stopping him before he could spiral further.


    A small smile curved my lips. "But that¡¯s inevitable, isn¡¯t it? I will be touched by others... whether you like it or not."


    He closed his eyes and nodded slowly. "I know. I know, Vi. You have other mates. I¡¯ll have to share. And that terrifies me more than anything."


    When he looked back at me, his vulnerability was so bare it cut deeper than his anger ever could. "But the Moon Goddess... she has her reasons, right? Even if I don¡¯t agree with her damn methods."


    My smile grew softly, not to mock or tease him but jist because he looked cute.


    Tender.


    "I believe that too," I whispered.


    Dristan stared at me, like he couldn¡¯t believe I was still here, like he half-expected me to walk away again. And when I didn¡¯t, he let his breath out slowly, the corner of his mouth twitching.


    "I still hate the idea of you kissing someone else."


    I tilted my head. "So don¡¯t watch."


    He huffed augh at that. A real one. And just like that, the storm broke a little inside him.


    "I can¡¯t be selfish," he said quietly. "Because if I let this take over me, I¡¯ll turn into someone else. Someone worse."


    I furrowed my brows. "You¡¯re scared of the others?"


    "No," he said instantly, shaking his head. "The real danger isn¡¯t Kai, or Xade, or even the lycan twins. It¡¯s me."


    That made me pause. My brows pulled together tighter. "Why would you say that?"


    But instead of answering with words, Dristan stepped in closer.


    His hand reached up to cradle my cheek gently¡ªgods, so gently¡ªand then he leaned forward.


    A kiss but not on the lips. Instead, he kissed my forehead.


    Then slowly, my right eye, then moved to my left, down to the bridge of my nose before kissing both cheeks.


    The edge of my jaw.


    Every touch was deliberate, reverent, as if he were memorising me¡ªnot just the outside, but everything I carried inside.


    And then he paused just before my lips, waiting, asking without asking.


    I didn¡¯t stop him. I couldn¡¯t.


    He took that as his cue and closed the final space between us.


    This kiss was deeper. Hungrier. His tongue slipped between my lips, tasting me like he¡¯d starved for this, and I opened to him, letting him in, weing him fully.


    My hands gripped the front of his shirt, holding on like he was the only thing keeping me grounded in this world.


    The moment expanded between us.


    And I knew that even if I wasn¡¯t ready to choose¡ªif I couldn¡¯t promise him forever alone just yet¡ªthis moment was real.


    When we finally broke apart again, I could barely breathe. And neither could he.


    But we smiled.


    Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps broke us from our little romance. I turned just in time to see her run in, panting.


    "Oh my... Valerie, I have been looking for..." Solstice paused, blinking when she saw Dristan and me together. "...you."


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Kieran¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Fuck..." I muttered, spitting blood into the small silver basin beside me.


    The taste of iron lingered on my tongue. My nose was still crooked¡ªdespite the nurse¡¯s attempts to set it straight¡ªand one of my mrs felt loose.


    I could barely breathe through my left nostril, and the swelling around my eye was spreading like a damn storm cloud.


    The fluorescent lights above buzzed softly, almost mocking in their stillness. I grunted again, leaning closer to the mirror above the sink.


    What stared back at me wasn¡¯t the polished, cocky heir everyone fawned over.


    It was a wreck.


    Blood crusted along the corner of my mouth. My bottom lip was split. Bruises were already forming on my cheekbones and jaw. The worst part wasn¡¯t the damage¡ªit was the look in my own eyes.


    Unfiltered, unforgivable fury.


    The nurse had left a moment ago to get a healing serum from the restricted wing. Not that it would fix what had really been broken today.


    My pride.


    "Fucking Alucard," I growled under my breath.


    He was fast. Too fast. That bastard didn¡¯t even give me a second to react before driving his fist through my face.


    And Dristan?


    That overpowered Alpha heir had cracked something deeper than bone in one of my ribs when he smashed my face and body to the ground.


    They both had.


    Because it wasn¡¯t just about the bruises or the blood or even Valerie¡¯s knee to my groin. It was the way she looked at me afterwards.


    Like I was beneath her. Like I was filth and that stung more than anything else.


    I mmed a fist into the sink edge, pain shooting through my knuckles, but I didn¡¯t care.


    All I cared about was my n for the future. The look in Riven and Dristan¡¯s eyes was something I¡¯d remember.


    For now, I¡¯d let them think they¡¯d won. Allow Dristan to hold her wrist and walk away like some knight. Let Riven pretend he was her dark, twisted protector.


    "You¡¯ll see, Nightshade," I murmured, jaw tightening. "Since this is how you repay my kindness with Titania, you¡¯ll all see."


    Then I straightened, wiped the blood from my mouth with the back of my hand, and smirked at my reflection¡ªdistorted, broken, but still me, dangerous.


    ***********


    Love this book, kindly leave a review,ments, and gifts!

 Chapter 179: Judgment

    <h4>Chapter 179: Judgment</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 179</strong>


    <strong>~Lucy¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t know how long I stayed on the floor after Kieran left.


    Ten minutes? Fifteen? Twenty minutes.


    Maybe more.


    When I finally stood, my legs wobbled. My cheek still burned. My ears were full of echoes of whispers, judgment and that p.


    I didn¡¯t cry again. Something colder than tears had taken over.


    I picked up the discarded flowers Valerie had thrown and crushed them in my hand without thinking. The thorns pricked me. I let them.


    They didn¡¯t hurt as much as he did.


    My feet moved on their own, guiding me back to my dorm. The hallway was mercifully empty now like students had scattered like crows after a fire. No one wanted to look me in the eye.


    Not like I wanted pity. What I wanted was Kieran¡¯s lo...


    No. I didn¡¯t even know anymore.


    I mmed the door to my room and leaned back against it, heart pounding like it wanted to escape.


    My reflection in the mirror caught my attention. My hair was a mess. My makeup smeared. And on my cheek¡ªthe imprint of his hand, pink and obvious.


    <i>"You begged for him,"</i> a voice in my head hissed.


    <i>"You humiliated yourself. For what?" </i>my wolf questioned me sharply. I had been determined to ignore her, but to what end or gain?


    She was telling us the truth, but it did not matter, not even my insides screamed for Kieran. To have him kiss me like he used to when he fucked me, to have him want me, like he wished to Valerie, to have him ravish me like he does all his ythings...


    But that was my body.


    My heart wanted something else. To be his through and through and have him want me as his chosen mate, but I was asking for too much, wasn¡¯t I?


    A tear slid down my cheeks at how stupid I was.


    <i>"Scold yourself, belittle yourself as much as you want. It won¡¯t change anything if you don¡¯t treat yourself better and demand that he treat you nicely as well. Behave like a bitch, and that¡¯s what you get."</i>


    Crystie hissed. My wolf had always been sarcastic toward me. She called me weak when she could, she did not want to interact most times and left me alone to myself.


    I couldn¡¯t me her, though. I, too, did not like how pathetic I had be because of my master.


    <i>"Why?"</i> I cried, asking her.


    <i>"Why what?"</i>


    <i>"Why do you treat me this way?"</i>


    Crystie scoffed.<i> "Maybe when you stand up for yourself and find a guy worthy of you, then I will give you the respect you deserve. If not, then take my voice of reasoning as you please and ignore me."</i>


    A scream tore out of me.


    I grabbed the nearest ss¡ªan old perfume bottle¡ªand hurled it across the room. It shattered into a hundred glittering pieces, like me.


    Like everything.


    I slid down the wall until I was on the floor again, hugging my knees. My breath was jagged. My throat sore.


    "He didn¡¯t even look at me," I whispered to no one.


    He never had. Not the way he looked at Valerie.


    The way he wanted her. Touched her. Fought for her and risked everything for her.


    And what was I?


    A tool. A delivery girl. A pawn. A fool.


    I buried my face in my arms, feeling the sting of rejection deeper than the p.


    After some minutes of crying...something darker crept into me. A whisper that didn¡¯t sound like mine.


    <i>"You were loyal."</i>


    I shook my head. It was my mind ying games on me.


    "<i>You gave him everything. And now... he¡¯ll provide you with nothing in return."</i>


    That wasn¡¯t fair.


    And if I had to watch him chase after her again... I didn¡¯t know what I would do next.


    "For one at least, make sure Valerie Nightshade suffers for this humiliation."


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Riven¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I dropped my bag and sat at the edge of the b in the oldboratory. My chest still heaved from all the pent-up anger. One I hadn¡¯t nned on letting out or in.


    I hadn¡¯t meant to stop.


    I was heading to ss. Nothing special. Nothing important.


    Until I saw them.


    Valerie and Kieran.


    From where I stood at the far end of the corridor, I had a clear line of sight. My enhanced hearing picked up every word, even though I tried not to listen, even though I tried not to care.


    She wasn¡¯t mine. She was Dristan¡¯s mate.


    Still, something about the way she spoke¡ªcalm, fiery, brave¡ªheld my attention longer than it should have.


    And Kieran... gods, that arrogant, smirking bastard.


    I told myself I¡¯d just pass by, that I¡¯d ignore it. That it wasn¡¯t my business. And I had almost seeded. Almost... I was nearly halfway turned around...


    Then I saw it.


    His hand caught her wrist. His body caged hers against the wall. Her eyes widened, then narrowed¡ªfighting, resisting.


    And just like that, I wasn¡¯t in PSA anymore.


    I wasn¡¯t neen, the son of a Council Leader. I wasn¡¯t the Vice President of anything.


    I was sixteen years old again. Standing in a dark corridor of the main estate. Hearing muffled screams. Smelling blood. Feeling powerless.


    My mother.


    My mother was a damphir¡ªhalf-human, half-vampire. Not "pure" by their standards. But she was beautiful. Bright and unapologetically so. My father loved her fiercely.


    But his enemies didn¡¯t.


    They wanted to make an example out of him through her.


    So they took her. Six men. Six monsters, two human bastards and vampires alike. They vited her, tortured her, and when they were done, they killed her¡ªand filmed the whole process.


    Then sent the recording to my father as a warning.


    A mockery.


    I remember his roar. The way the screen cracked under his aura as it yed. I remember the sound of my own screaming when I saw her dead body.


    But what came after?


    Retribution.


    I hunted down every one of them. I tore them apart. Bone by bone. w by w.


    The vampire girl they offered him as a ¡¯recement¡¯dy? I gutted her like an animal. Sent her heart back wrapped in silk.


    "If my mother cannot sit beside my father in the daylight... then no other woman ever will," I swore.

 Chapter 180: Suspicions

    <h4>Chapter 180: Suspicions</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 180</strong>


    <strong>~Riven¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The Vampire King never punished me. He never said a word when I was reported. I had wiped a quarter of his council members.


    And so, when I saw Kieran lean in to force himself on Valerie, I saw that same terror begin to flicker in her eyes that had once filled my mother¡¯s dead, mortified eyes¡ªsomething ck broke loose inside me.


    I didn¡¯t even blink.


    One second I was still, and the next... I was on him.


    I grabbed him by the cor and flung him off her like trash. I didn¡¯t care how many were watching. Didn¡¯t care what title he held or what punishment woulde for touching the nephew of an Alpha King.


    He would never do that to her. Not Valerie or anyone.


    My fist met his face with a satisfying crunch. Blood flew. His nose shattered.


    I saw red, not anger but bloodlust. I felt the aura before I saw him.


    Kieran had opened his mouth to speak, but Dristan was already beside me, his fist mming into Kieran¡¯s jaw.


    We didn¡¯t speak or need to, our rage spoke for us and it was loud.


    But even I knew if I kept going, if I let that part of me loose again, there wouldn¡¯t be a body left for the Council to question.


    So I pulled back barely enough when his maid interfered. I could never be seen hitting a defenceless woman, but that was not to say I wouldn¡¯t hit one who was an armed enemy.


    Valerie watched us from the side, staring widely like she had seen a ghost or something.


    Shock. Fear. Maybe something else I couldn¡¯t name, and just that sight brought an unfamiliar pain twisting in my chest like a flickering pain.


    I turned away before I could name it. Before it grew teeth and made a fool of me.


    My shoulders slumped as I recalled a beautiful memory of my mother. And recing her was Valerie¡¯s defiant face.


    I couldn¡¯t stop the smirk that curled at my lips, sharp as broken ss.


    "If you keep looking at me like that," I murmured. "I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll do to you, Nightshade..."


    I tilted my head back, licking the blood from the side of my hand.


    "...or how many bodies I¡¯ll be forced to drop just to keep you safe and by my side."


    I walked off then, disappearing into the hallway.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The second I saw her, my mood shifted.


    Silver.


    That¡¯s what they called her. Pretty name. Masked girl. Too pretty and too loud. Furthermore, she is too familiar with Valerie.


    She halted when our eyes met in beyond the east arch, a box of something in her hand¡ªbooks or trouble, likely thest.


    My brows pulled together on instinct. Not that I had proof. Not yet. But something about her grated at me the same way a crooked de did.


    Sharp. Dangerous. Pretty but not clean.


    Valerie noticed. Of course she did. Her attention was a string I never stopped feeling tug at my chest, especially the day she challenged me.


    She should have been squashed buit she was Valerie¡¯s friend.


    I ignored Silver for a beat and turned to tuck a loose strand of Valerie¡¯s hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger just a second longer than I should have.


    That moment¡ªthe calm after chaos¡ªI didn¡¯t want to share it with Silver or with anyone.


    I didn¡¯t like that girl.


    I didn¡¯t trust her. There was something off about her energy. Something... fractured. And the way she always hovered close to Valerie, smiled too widely, slipped in and out of ces she had no business being.


    Every instinct in me screamed she was hiding something. And whatever it was¡ªI didn¡¯t want it around Valerie.


    "You good?" I asked her softly, ignoring Silver entirely.


    Valerie gave a small smile. "Yeah."


    But her voice was tight. Shaky, maybe. Still riding the edge of what had happened earlier with Kieran and the crowd. I wasn¡¯t done tearing him apart, and my rage was pulsing but Valerie had stopped me with that kiss.


    That single kiss had ripped through every rational thought in my head like wildfire through dry wood.


    I could still taste her on my lips.


    "I should go," Silver said then, snapping me out of the spiral. She didn¡¯t even nce at me. Her eyes went straight to Valerie like I wasn¡¯t even standing there.


    I didn¡¯t answer. Didn¡¯t nod. Didn¡¯t blink.


    She brushed past me, and I caught the faintest whiff of something sharp beneath her perfume¡ªash and ozone. Spell remnants.


    I didn¡¯t like that either.


    When she was gone, I tilted my head just enough to look at Valerie again. "You know her well?"


    Valerie gave a small shrug. "She¡¯s... new."


    Valerie¡¯s reply was too casual and overly careful.


    And Valerie? She didn¡¯t do casual unless there was a reason. Unless there was something-or someone¡ªworth protecting.


    Interesting.


    I leaned a little closer. "I don¡¯t trust her."


    "I know," Valerie murmured.


    I raised a brow. "That obvious?"


    "You don¡¯t trust anyone close to me, Dristan."


    "But I do trust I."


    "She is your cousin. It doesn¡¯t count."


    Dristan arched a brow. "It does, after all, Xade¡¯s cousin is that scumbag, Kieran. And he doesn¡¯t just not trust him, but like him as well."


    "True." Valerie smiled, but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. "Well... You look at So... Silver like you¡¯re ready to bite."


    My ears caught the name mistake, and she smiled it off. As well, I only nodded. "I¡¯m considering it."


    Herugh came out quietly and unexpectedly. It did something to me. Loosened a coil in my chest that I hadn¡¯t realised was there.


    "She¡¯s just... Silver," Valerie said after a beat, but her tone wasced with something deeper. Guarded.


    Noted.


    I didn¡¯t press but I logged it.


    My mind didn¡¯t let go of things easily. Especially not when they¡¯re near the girl I¡¯m learning to breathe around.


    The girl who kissed me back, who let me hold her hand, touch her lips, and taste her.


    Gods, the taste of her... I wanted more. All of it. Again.


    <i>"Save that thought for when you actually eat our mate out, and have her scream,"</i> Soren corrected, and I smile in my mind already seeing it happen.

 Chapter 181: Flirting Gone Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 181: Flirting Gone Wrong</h4><subtxt> fre¨¥NovelFire</subtxt>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 181</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    But not now. Right now, I need to keep her safe from Kieran, my father, the council of Alphas, and their whispers, and maybe even from her new best friend.


    "Come on," I said, finally sliding my fingers between hers. "You look like you need a distraction."


    "And what would that be?"


    "A nice treat, a meal, swimming and rxing."


    "Huh... Dristan, it¡¯s the middle of school hours."


    "So...?"


    My smile dropped and I sighed. "I can take a sick leave for you."


    "And get another tagline like faking being sick to get dick?" I watched her fold her arms across her chest.


    "Well, it would be lovely to see you do that?"


    "Which aspect, a blowjob or a blow job?"


    My brows creased, and I did not quite get her wicked teasing until I saw her clenched fist.


    "Oh... no... no... no..."


    "Oh yes... You wanted a blow job, right?"


    I shook my head, lifting my hands in front of me as she stalked closer, and I retreated backwards.


    "Vi, stop it. No one wants their dick punched."


    "You sure?"


    My back hit a tree trunk, and I looked down. By the time I looked back up, Valerie was smiling evilly at me as she took another step forward.


    I swallowed, smirked and then held her waist, pulling her body to mine. Shocked, thanks to my sudden change in personality, she did not expect it.


    I stared into her eyes and said, "Yes, I am sure. I know your lips wrapped around my dick would do such a tremendous job but I¡¯d rather eat you out and have you screaming than have you suck me."


    Valerie blinked up at me, her face a mix of surprise and something much more wicked. I didn¡¯t give her time to answer.


    I leaned closer, my breath brushing the shell of her ear as I murmured, "Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re not curious. I see the way your thighs clench when I talk like this."


    Her fingers twitched at her side, but she didn¡¯t pull away. That smirk was still there¡ªsly and beautiful.


    "I think you mistake curiosity for pity, Dristan," she whispered sweetly. "It¡¯s cute that you think a few hot words will get my legs to spread."


    I chuckled, feeling the sound vibrating between us. "Oh, no, love. I don¡¯t want you to spread them because of my words. I want you to want me, need me and beg for it... Desperately."


    "You¡¯re cocky."


    "And you like it."


    Valerie rolled her eyes and leaned in until our lips nearly brushed. Her hand snaked up to my chest, fingers resting just above my pounding heart.


    "One day," she said slowly, "you¡¯re going to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, and I¡¯m going to be forced to tie you to a chair and leave you there¡ªhard and alone."


    I groaned slightly at the image, tasting her lips. "And you think that¡¯s a punishment?"


    She arched a brow. "I think you¡¯d lose your mind."


    "Only if you straddle me and whisper filthy things in my ear while doing it."


    She shoved lightly at my chest,ughing despite herself. "You¡¯re insane."


    "And you¡¯re trouble."


    Valerie stepped back, but I kept my hands on her waist, refusing to let go.


    "I should get back," she said, though she didn¡¯t sound convinced.


    I tilted my head. "One hour. Just one hour with me. Let me take you somewhere off-campus. No scandals. No cameras. Just air, food, and me spoiling the hell out of you."


    She bit her bottom lip like she was considering it and I knew she was.


    "You¡¯ll behave?"


    "Absolutely not."


    "Then why would Ie?"


    "Because I¡¯m the only one who sees the part of you that¡¯s dying to stop pretending you don¡¯t need a break."


    Her eyes met mine, searching, and for a moment, everything stilled. The yfulness dropped just slightly, enough for truth to slip in between the cracks.


    She let out a breath. "Fine. One hour. Not."


    I grinned. "Make it two, and I¡¯ll let you punch meter."


    "Deal."


    The next second, Valerie pulled back only to pivot andnd a punch in my gut. "What the..." Another punch followed as she moved away from me.


    "I said not, and you made a deal, on it, mate."


    "And the punches?" I called out, watching her leave towards the next turn, but Valerie paused, nced at me and added...


    "You¡¯ve been a bad, bad boy."


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Just as I turned around the corner, still half-grinning from the punches Inded on Dristan, a voice sliced through the air behind me, soft but sharp.


    "You seem distracted not to have noticed me."


    I nearly jumped.


    I turned, heart skidding for half a second¡ªonly to see a familiar figure casually pulling away from the wall half-covered in creeping ivy and shadows.


    Solstice.


    Correction¡ªSilver.


    Arms crossed, brows arched, expression unimpressed. The usual.


    "They¡¯re distracting you," she said tly.


    "They¡¯re my mates," I countered, blinking. "I¡¯m not distracted."


    "Are you?"


    Her gaze narrowed slightly, sharp enough to make me frown.


    I took a few steps toward her, arms folded. "Okay, answer me this... were you just hiding behind bushes spying on me and Dristan, or did you actually have something important to say?"


    Solstice¡¯s lips parted like she wanted to bite back with something snarky, but instead, she let out a long, dramatic sigh and looked away, pouting.


    Seriously?


    "That¡¯s it?" I pressed.


    "I don¡¯t get to be worried about you," she mumbled, "especially after all that happened, and then have you ignore me for a guy?"


    "Not just any guy, Sol. He¡¯s Dristan. And he¡¯s my mate."


    "Still a guy, in my book."


    "Are you jealous?" I teased. "Because I thought that title belonged to the alphas."


    Her pout deepened.


    "What would you have me do? Chase him away for you?"


    "Yes," she said quickly, staring me down. "Absolutely."


    "And draw suspicion to our ¡¯too-close-to-be-random¡¯ rtionship?"


    "I¡¯m your be¡ª" she choked on the word, biting her lip and ncing away.


    I sighed, moved closer, and wrapped my arms around her.


    Solstice stiffened¡ªonly for a second¡ªthen slowly, hesitantly, she held my hand in return.


    "I just don¡¯t trust them," she said. "I trust no one. Only family."


    "Understood," I smiled. "And thanks foring to get me."


    She smirked. "Always got your back, cousin. Oh, and... you¡¯re trending. For something good. Also, the Principal just walked in... for Kieran."


    My grin turned feral.


    "Isn¡¯t that great?" she added, smug.


    "Delightful," I said.

 Chapter 182: The Ministry’s Visit

    <h4>Chapter 182: The Ministry¡¯s Visit</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 182</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    After Solstice and Valerie returned to the school buildings for ssrooms, she informed Solstice of Storm¡¯s visit.


    Although Solstice seemed tense, she rxed soon enough and awaited ehr brother¡¯s visit.


    It did not take long after most of the usual uproar in school had dissipated for them to arrive.


    The sleek ck car bearing the Ministry of Education¡¯s seal rolled through the tall gates of Prestege Supernatural Academy.


    Every guard and assistant at the entrance straightened instantly. Few ever walked the grounds of PSA without reason, but when the Ministry sent someone, it was cause for whispers.


    And this time, they sent Storm Gold.


    Dressed in an official charcoal suit, he blended with the group of dignitaries and ministry observers.


    The moment the head ambassador turned to make polite introductions with the school¡¯s administrator, Storm cleared his throat softly and took a half-step back.


    "I¡¯ll take a walk around the premises," he said coolly. "Familiarise myself with the environment before the assessments begin."


    The ambassador gave him a nod of approval. "Of course, Inspector Wynter. We¡¯ll reconvene in the main hall at the hour¡¯s end."


    Storm dipped his head in thanks before slipping away, his polished boots gliding across the marbled floors as he moved out of the main lobby.


    The moment he was alone in the shadow of the west tower, Storm pulled out his phone and typed a message.


    <strong>Storm:</strong><i>I¡¯m at the school. We need to meet.</i>


    It took barely two minutes for Valerie¡¯s reply toe in.


    <strong>Valerie: </strong><i>Courtyard behind the music hall. Five minutes.</i>


    Storm didn¡¯t reply. He didn¡¯t need to.


    He made his way there swiftly, his sharp eyes scanning everything¡ªstudent formations, posted schedules, and hidden surveince corners¡ªas if he were still in a field operation.


    Technically, he still was.


    Though he wore a minor disguise¡ªsimple charm to shift his appearance just enough from the sharp Gold heir he truly was¡ªthere was no hiding his aura. Not from her.


    Valerie was already waiting when he reached the edge of the music courtyard, arms crossed loosely over her chest. Her hair caught the breeze, ck and silky, her posture rxed.


    The moment she saw him, though, her lips pulled into a smirk. "You think a charm disguise would fool me?"


    Storm raised a brow. "It worked on the others, did it not?"


    She shrugged. "Maybe, but we have faes in this school, remember?"


    "Try it, but I wasn¡¯t up for the disguise outfit. I got so busy putting this together¡ªthe ambassador¡¯s visit.


    Valerie stepped forward and hugged him. It wasn¡¯t stiff or formal like how they used to do in family gatherings¡ªit was firm, real, like a moment she needed.


    Storm didn¡¯t hesitate to hug her back, holding Valerie tightly against him.


    He pulled back slightly. "I smell a male on you, Vi."


    Valerie¡¯s brows creased briefly. "Well, I tripped on my way and a male caught me. That¡¯s why," she lied, but Storm did not buy it.


    "You sure?"


    "Yeah, why would I lie?"


    Storm raised a brow at her. "Maybe because I can smell more than one strong male alpha scent on you. And not just any, but Dristan Alexander¡¯s. He¡¯s more prominent."


    Valerie¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but just as she was to answer, Storm lifted his hand to stop her.


    "Whatever it is you¡¯re doing is your business. All I can say is be careful nd don¡¯t bring a pup back home so soon."


    Valerie¡¯s eyes went wide. "Storm!"


    "What? You¡¯re already an adult¡ªconsensual age. So yeah, having sex amongst teens is not new. I won¡¯t be a prude. All I will say is use protection, be sure of whoever you give your heart to and be careful. Your mission matters more than any of these guys. No matter how much of a sweet talker they are."


    "Like you, huh," Valerie teased. "Rx. I haven¡¯t even had sex or a boyfriend ever."


    "Yet," Storm corrected before she could say much. Exhaling, he asked, "Where is she?" in a quiet voice. "Where¡¯s Solstice?"


    Valerie sighed and stepped back. "I don¡¯t have Solstice with me... but¡ª"


    She lifted her hands to either side and made a subtle motion.


    A momentter, the bushes nearby rustled and someone stepped out from behind the courtyard¡¯s marble pir.


    Long blonde hair, bright, cunning blue eyes. That faint aura of mischief even the best training couldn¡¯t wipe clean.


    Storm¡¯s entire frame stiffened.


    His mouth opened, and he turned to Valerie. "You lied," he said tly, turning a furious re at Valerie. "I¡¯m going to call Father."


    Valerie raised a hand instantly. "Storm, wait. I have Silver Aura," she said calmly. "And I believe you should hear her first, before you judge or take action."


    Storm hesitated, his conviction cracking under his younger sixers¡¯ expectations.


    His fingers hovered near his phone, his shoulders tense. But then Solstice gave him that same wide-eyed innocent look she used when they were kids¡ªwhen she wanted extra dessert, or when she broke the garden fountain and med it on the cat.


    Storm exhaled slowly. His shoulders dropped just a little.


    "Father was right, and so was I, and everyone. You two together are trouble. They¡¯ve been worried sick, you know. I have been worried sick."


    Valerie¡¯s face lit up in a soft smile. "Hello, Brother," Solstice said, her voice quieter than usual, gentler.


    For a moment, he said nothing. Just stared. And then, finally, he opened his arms.


    Solstice didn¡¯t wait. She ran forward and wrapped him in a tight hug, burying her face in his shoulder like she hadn¡¯t done since she was thirteen.


    Storm stood still for another second before sighing heavily and embracing her back.


    "What are you doing here?" he asked in a low, firm voice


    Solstice pulled away just enough to look him in the eye. "Simple. I¡¯m here to help Valerie."


    He blinked. "Help her do what?"


    "She doesn¡¯t have anyone here she can trust with her secret. Not fully," Solstice said. "She needs someone on her side. Someone to help her figure out where Nightshade Group is hiding¡ªand who¡¯s involved. And you know I¡¯m the best at uncovering secrets."


    Storm looked from Solstice to Valerie.


    Valerie spoke next. "I¡¯ve been careful. I didn¡¯t want anyone knowing who she really was¡ªnot even her roommates. But with everything escting... I need her."

 Chapter 183: For Her

    <h4>Chapter 183: For Her</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 183</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Storm folded his arms, scrutinising them both with that intense older-brother stare that once made Solstice confess to sneaking into the war room at thirteen.


    "You¡¯re ying a dangerous game, both of you," he muttered. "And if Father finds out¡ª"


    "He won¡¯t," Valerie countered rather sharply. "Not from me. And not from you."


    Storm exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You two are going to get me killed."


    Solstice smiled. "That¡¯s the spirit."


    After a long pause, Storm finally gave a single nod. "Fine. I¡¯ll help. But if either of you do anything reckless¡ªagain¡ªyou¡¯re answering to me before Father."


    "Deal," Valerie said.


    Solstice crossed her fingers behind her back. "Totally."


    Storm didn¡¯t want to know what that meant. He just turned and scanned the courtyard again, now with more intent.


    "Start talking," he said. "Who do we suspect, and what¡¯s the n?" Valerie and Solstice exchanged nces. "What?"


    "Well, no n or no suspect," Solstice started.


    "What?"


    "Huh, well.. I may have a lead, though. Solstice and I are nning on using the break to sneak out again."


    "What happened to sneaking out on a typical day? You two are trained at infiltration, or have you forgotten?"


    Solstice gave Valerie the ¡¯I told you so¡¯ nce, and she red daggers at her.


    "More like distracted," Solstice muttered, and Valerie held back the urge to smack her across the head.


    "I haven¡¯t, Storm," Valerie quickly defended herself.


    "Then what? Exin it all to me."


    "I... Well, I have an issue."


    "What issue?"


    "Boy issue," Solstice chipped in.


    "Solstice Aura Gold, I swear if you interrupt me one more time, you will regreting to PSA." Waves of aura swirled around Valerie as she pressed her lips into a thin line.


    "Storm..." Valerie drawled, "...yes, I have a boy problem, but not in the way that you think. Riven... the Student Council Vice President, has his sharp eyes everywhere, making it hard."


    "But you are sharper, aren¡¯t you?"


    Valerie nodded. "I am."


    "Then that is enough. You would do what needs to be done as discreetly as you can."


    "I will. You do not have to worry."


    "Good girl." Storm turned towards Solstice. "And you, behave. Do not cause trouble for Vi. And Valerie, please, be safe. Look out for each other. I love you both."


    Both girls nodded and walked closer to him, enveloping him in a big hug.


    "Father would know soon enough, but I will need to talk to him personally. Mother can¡¯t go through this stress."


    Solstice lowered her gaze and nodded.


    "Besides, mother¡¯s pregnant."


    At once, Solstice lifted her head. "What?"


    "Yes. We found out yesterday. She was stressed, and she copsed as a result." Pain and fear flickered in Solstice¡¯s eyes. "Hey, Sol... it is alright. I will inform Dad next week and ease the news carefully."


    Valerie nodded as she lightly pressed Solstice¡¯s shoulder.


    "Alright. Thank you."


    "Okay, girls, I need to leave now. Take care of yourself."


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Axel¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The video had gone viral before lunch ended. Not just across our ss group but school-wide.


    Every damn screen, every damn corridor¡ªit was all eyes, whispers, and heavy silences trailing behind Valerie like chains.


    And yet, when I spotted her in the south courtyard with Emerald, Astraea, and I, she looked calm. Too calm.


    She didn¡¯t nce my way once.


    I wanted to walk up to her¡ªpull her aside, apologise, say something, anything¡ªbut I didn¡¯t. It was not because I was scared, but the shame froze me in my gut and the reminder of how I¡¯d acted that night.


    So instead, I turned on my heel and made my way toward the Alpha King¡¯s Building. If anyone knew how to reach Valerie right now, it would be Xade, Kai and Dristan.


    But Dristan was much of a dominant, possessive puppy, which should have been Kai¡¯s thing, but Kai suddenly has be low-key, a possessive softie for Valerie.


    Xade was the one who had been with her that day and could better understand what her decision was after I messed up.


    At the very least, he wouldn¡¯t judge me for trying.


    I found him just outside the building, loosening the cor of his training shirt, hair damp from sweat, while his guild members all filed away. He looked like he was done for the day¡ªor trying to be.


    "Xade!" I called out.


    He nced back, blinking against the sunlight before arching a brow at me. "Axel."


    I jogged closer. "Have you seen Valerie?"


    Xade shrugged,pletely nonchnt. "Nope."


    That made me frown. "Don¡¯t you want to know how she¡¯s doing? Especially after the issue with Kieran, whom I haven¡¯t seen since to give him a piece of me."


    "Maybe he is getting punished by Principal Whitmore," Xade saidzily as he tucked his hands into his pocket, his silver hair falling over his left eye.


    "I already nned to check in on Valerieter," he said, starting to walk again. "Figured she¡¯d be busy with one of you lot first. Thought I¡¯d catch her after the heat dies down. That way it is quieter."


    The ease in his voice didn¡¯t help my nerves. I rubbed the back of my neck, hesitating before I finally exhaled and slouched onto the stone bench near the walkway.


    "I..." I didn¡¯t know where to begin.


    Xade turned, narrowing his gaze. "What? You still scared to face her after blowing up on her the other night?"


    I winced.


    "Yeah, you were a real jerk," he added bluntly.


    "I know." I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to look up at him. "I just¡ªseeing that video, seeing Kieran try that shit¡ªgods, Xade, I should¡¯ve been there."


    "But you weren¡¯t," he said in a t tone.


    My chest ached.


    "And when you were there, what did you do?" he continued. "You snapped. You made her feel guilty for caring."


    "I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª"


    Xade raised a hand, cutting me off. "Don¡¯t exin it to me, Axel. I¡¯m not the one who cried after you med her."


    Those words sank in deep. I closed my eyes for a second, letting the guilt sweep over me again.


    Xade sighed, finally walking over and leaning beside me on the bench.


    "She mes herself, you know," he said, softer now. "For asking. For pushing. Even though she was trying to understand us."


    I looked over at him, swallowing. "I want to talk to her. I want to set it right."


    "You think saying sorry will fix it?"


    "No." I shook my head. "But it¡¯s a start."


    Xade went quiet. Then he pushed off the bench, stretching slightly as he cracked his knuckles.


    "I¡¯ll set something up," he said.


    I blinked. "You will?"


    "I¡¯m not doing it for you," he added immediately, smirking. "Hell, if anything, I should be d. That¡¯s one less mate in the race."


    I groaned but he was right. He didn¡¯t owe me anything.


    Xadeughed lightly, but I could feel his sincerity. "But I¡¯m doing it for her. So she stops walking around with that look like she broke something she can¡¯t fix."


    I nodded, pushing to my feet. "Thanks, man."


    Xade grinned. "Don¡¯t thank me yet. You still gotta face her. And if you mess up again, I¡¯m not stepping in next time."


    "Fair," I muttered.


    "Okay, I¡¯ll try to get her toe to the house. Now go prepare your speech."

 Chapter 184: Set-Up

    <h4>Chapter 184: Set-Up</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 184</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    As soon as we arrived home, I took a bath and changed into some fresh clothes. Once done, I took a moment to style and set my hair, applied my cleanser and cream, sprayed my antiperspirant deodorant, and applied a few perfumes to freshen my scent.


    The second the sun began to dip low, painting the sky in streaks of molten orange and crimson, I pulled out my phone and stared at her name.


    <strong>Valerie.</strong>


    I stared a beat longer before hitting the call button.


    I knew it was a gamble. She¡¯d probably ignore me. She had every right to.


    But she didn¡¯t. Thankfully, Valerie picked up on the third ring.


    "Xade?" Her voice was cautious, not annoyed or warm, just neutral.


    That was better than I expected.


    I leaned against the back patio rail of the Alpha Heirs¡¯ House and smirked. "Hey, little Nightshade."


    A pause. "Xade."


    "What? Ain¡¯t you happy to hear from me? Well, at least you picked. I was beginning to wonder if you had actually blocked or ignored me."


    "What do you want, Xade? We both know you didn¡¯t call just for this."


    Straight to the point. I liked that about her. Even when she was mad at the world, she didn¡¯t y dumb.


    "I need a favour," I said, keeping my tone as light as possible, even if what I wanted wasn¡¯t.


    "I thought you were calling to check in. Is that the favour?"


    "Kind of and yes," I admitted. "But not entirely, really." Another pause. I let the silence sit just long enough before adding, "Truthfully, I was worried about you, but I heard your knights came to the rescue."


    "Don¡¯t be a douche, Xade."


    I chuckled lightly. "Forgive me, but I need you toe over to the Alpha House."


    "No," Valerie voiced instantly.


    "Val... There¡¯s something I want to show you."


    That got her attention briefly.


    Her voice turned wary. "This better not be one of your jokes, Xade."


    "No jokes. No traps." I softened my tone. "Just something I want you to see. It won¡¯t take long. You have my word. I¡¯ll even bribe you with juice and choctes and... you know the good kind."


    "What am I? Twelve or a baby, Xade?"


    "My baby, little wolf."


    There was a heartbeat of silence as I waited for her reply. Then Valerie muttered, "If this turns out to be stupid, I¡¯m going to make you wear diapers."


    I barked augh. Gods, I missed her mouth when she was angry with all four of us.


    "Deal."


    She hung up without saying goodbye¡ªtypical Valerie.


    I stood there for a moment longer, pocketed my phone, and then turned toward the house. Axel would owe me for this.


    But I wasn¡¯t doing it for him.


    I was doing it for her.


    *****************


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment I stepped into the Alpha Heir House, I regretted it.


    Not because anything was wrong¡ªyet¡ªbut because the ce felt... charged. And familiar. Too familiar. The scent of them, their energy lingering in the air like tension waiting to snap.


    And Astra was immediately purring in satisfaction just from inhaling their scents.


    Xade met me at the door, that trademark silver hair tousled and wild. "You made it."


    "You sound surprised," I said, folding my arms.


    "Just impressed." He grinned. "Come on. Let¡¯s get you something to drink."


    I followed him in, keeping my guard up as I took in the sleek, modern interior of the house. It was cleaner than myst visit and warmer, too.


    He handed me a cold ss of honey-berry tea. One of my favourites. How did he know?


    "You okay?" he asked, finally settling across from me in the living room.


    "I¡¯ve had worse days," I replied.


    "I¡¯m sorry about earlier," he said suddenly. "With Kieran. I should¡¯ve been there sooner."


    I shrugged. "You were there when it mattered with Axel. You pulled me out."


    "But thai time..."


    "This time, another mate did it. "


    "Yeah, still doesn¡¯t make it okay.


    "You all cannot always be present around me, so I understand and I am grateful for that."


    Xade¡¯s gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary before he set his ss down.


    "For you, always."


    I smiled back at him.


    "Well, now that we¡¯ve got drinks and awkward apologies out of the way," I said, cing my cup on the table, "what did you want to show me?"


    He stood.


    I frowned instantly. "What¡¯s going on?"


    "Don¡¯t kill me," Xade muttered, raising both hands in mock surrender. "Just... hear me out."


    I stood too, but before I could say another word, a soft footstep echoed from the hallway behind him.


    And then, Axel walked in.


    He stepped into view from behind one of the doors. His red hair was messy, his jaw clenched, and his hazel green eyes locked on me with a somewhat sad or guilty expression, whcihever one it was.


    My heart stilled.


    I turned sharply to Xade. "You set me up."


    His grin faltered, but only a little. "Yeah... But for a good cause."


    "I swear¡ª"


    "Valerie." Xade raised his voice gently. "Please. Not for him. For me. Just listen. Just... let him talk."


    I bit my lip, jaw tense. Everything in me wanted to walk out. But the ache behind Axel¡¯s eyes... the regret painted so vividly across his face...


    And then memories of that day came rolling back at once. I had caused him great pain that day, but still... I had sighed. "Fine. Five minutes."


    Axel took a slow step forward. "Can we talk in my room?"


    "I¡¯m staying here."


    "Please, little wolf,¡¯ Xade pleaded for him, even though I wanted to knock some sense into both of them.


    "Fine, lead the way."


    "Okay." Axel smiled a little, and we left Xade behind.


    We moved¡ªawkwardly¡ªtoward the upstairsnding. I stopped at the open balcony, looking out at the descending sun, the school grounds beyond the trees.


    "This is far enough," I said softly.


    His lips pressed into a line. He hesitated, then nodded, then leaned against the railing beside me.


    The silence between us stretched long and tense.


    Finally, Axel broke it.


    "I messed up."

 Chapter 185: Alpha Mode Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 185: Alpha Mode Jealous</h4>


    <strong>Chapter Unedited</strong>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 185</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I said nothing.


    "I acted like you were picking at a wound just to hurt me. But the truth is..." he inhaled. "You were trying to understand me. To connect."


    Still, I said nothing. After all, I exined it all to him before, but he did not pay me any heed.


    "I let grief twist me into someone I hate. I loathed how I treated you, my love. And when you asked¡ªso innocently¡ªit cracked something open that I¡¯ve spent years trying to bury. I-I¡¯m sorry, Valerie~"


    The wind whispered around us.


    "I should¡¯ve told you the truth from the start. About Sapphire. About how I lost myself that day. But instead, Ished out at the only person who gave a damn."


    I nced at him then, eyes narrowing. "Why now, Axel?"


    He turned to face me fully. "Because I want to fix it."


    "And what if I don¡¯t want it fixed?"


    His throat worked. "Then I¡¯ll respect that. But I needed to say it to you in person."


    The silence returned. But this time, it wasn¡¯t cold.


    "I med myself too," I admitted quietly. "For asking and for pushing."


    "You shouldn¡¯t have to carry that," he said. "You carry too much already. I should not burden you with my pain."


    Something about how he said that made my heart ache a lot. I looked up at him. "I forgive you. I did not me you, but I¡¯m not ready to just throw it all away. I still... I hated myself for hurting you, and that doesn¡¯t just go away."


    "I¡¯m not asking you to. I¡¯m asking you to let me try again. Starting now."


    I stared at him, searching his face¡ªreally searching. For a moment, I didn¡¯t see the cocky flirt everyone else saw.


    I saw the broken boy behind the grin¡ªthe boy who lost someone and never healed. And in a way, I understood that more than I wanted to admit.


    "Okay," I said finally. "Try."


    Axel¡¯s expression shifted¡ªjust slightly¡ªbut enough to see the weight lift from his shoulders.


    "Thank you," he whispered.


    I turned away from the view, finally letting myself exhale.


    We didn¡¯t hug or kiss it out.


    We just stood there, two wounded souls staring into a quiet sky¡ªmaybe not whole, but not alone either.


    And for now... that was enough.


    I wanted to connect with him through our shared pain, but his actions only made me realise I could not share my secret with him.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The second I stepped into the Alpha House, my senses sharpened.


    Her scent.


    Vani and wildberries with a faint trail of magic.


    Valerie.


    She was here.


    I didn¡¯t need Xade to confirm it, but I still asked, eyes already scanning the space. "Where is Valerie?"


    Xade barely had time to smirk before I was climbing the stairs.


    I didn¡¯t care for games.


    And when I reached the topnding and turned the corner¡ªmy wolf bared its teeth.


    She was there.


    So was Axel.


    Standing far too close.


    Their bodies angled toward one another, heads tilted just right, her arms crossed but not retreating.


    He leaned in¡ªfingers casually sliding along her waist.


    <strong>Her waist.</strong>


    My jaw clenched, fists curling by my sides. Heat rushed to my chest and head.


    Don¡¯t kill him.


    Don¡¯t kill him.


    Axel spotted me first, of course. His gaze met mine over Valerie¡¯s shoulder¡ªand that damn smirk stretched across his face.


    "Dri," he saidzily, "just in time."


    Then the bastard had the audacity to lean in and press a kiss to Valerie¡¯s lips.


    Quick.


    Soft.


    Barely even a peck.


    But it didn¡¯t matter.


    The sound of blood rushing in my ears was louder than the thud of my heartbeat. My entire body tensed, and I took a sharp step forward¡ªbut before I couldy hands on him, he stepped back, released her waist, and winked.


    <strong>Winked.</strong>


    "Later, little moon," he murmured to Valerie and strode past me, brushing my shoulder on purpose.


    I nearly turned, nearly grabbed him by the cor and mmed him into the wall, but Valerie¡¯s hand on her chest made me pause.


    She hadn¡¯t stopped the kiss.


    She hadn¡¯t pushed him away.


    My wolf snapped inside me, ws scratching the surface, begging for a release.


    I turned to her. "Come with me."


    She raised a brow. "Dristan¡ª"


    "Now," I growled, my voice low but not loud, because I couldn¡¯t trust myself if it was.


    Without another word, I took her hand, guiding her down the hallway and into my room.


    I didn¡¯t m the door. I closed it. Gently.


    Then I turned, pacing the room like a caged beast.


    Valerie just stood there by the door, arms folded, one foot tapping lightly like she was waiting to see if I¡¯dbust.


    I wasn¡¯t going tobust.


    I was going to <strong>explode.</strong>


    "Why did you let him kiss you?" I blurted, turning to her.


    "It was a peck, Dristan," she replied coolly, strolling further into the room and perching herself on the edge of my bed. "You going to lose your mind over a hello kiss?"


    "Yes," I said instantly. "If it¡¯s from him."


    She sighed and crossed her legs. "He¡¯s my mate."


    "<strong>So am I!</strong>" I snapped, then immediately dragged a hand through my hair and exhaled hard. "Gods, this is insane."


    "I didn¡¯t n it, Dristan. He wanted to talk. He apologized. I listened. That¡¯s all."


    "No, that¡¯s not all." I pointed toward the door. "He touched you. He kissed you. And I just had to stand there like a¡ªlike a¡ª<strong>bystander</strong> while he unted it."


    "Would it make you feel better if I shoved him down the stairs after?"


    I paused. Blinked.


    I tried to stay mad.


    But Iughed.


    A short, sharp bark ofughter that made her lips twitch.


    "Oh, trust me," I muttered, "I fantasised about a lot worse."


    Valerie tilted her head, clearly amused now. "Like?"


    "Like yanking him off that balcony and seeing how far a wolf can fall with a bruised ego."


    She chuckled, shaking her head. "You¡¯re so dramatic."


    "<strong>I¡¯m territorial.</strong>" I stalked toward her slowly. "I¡¯m not used to sharing. Especially not you. Not your time. Not your smile. And definitely not your lips."


    She didn¡¯t move as I reached her. Just looked up, watching me with that same look that made my chest ache¡ªlike I meant more to her than I knew what to do with.


    I reached out and cupped her cheek. "I know I can¡¯t stop it. I know you have other mates. I respect that. But gods, Valerie... it¡¯s driving me insane."


    Her eyes softened.


    "I know," she whispered.


    "I want to be better," I said. "But when I see someone else with you¡ªeven someone I trust like Axel¡ªI don¡¯t think straight."


    "I don¡¯t expect you to be perfect," she murmured. "But I do need you to trust me."


    "I do."


    "Then stop pacing like a wild animal," she teased, tugging lightly on my shirt. "Sit with me."


    I sank down beside her, hands bracing on either side of her thighs.


    "I¡¯m sorry," I murmured. "I didn¡¯t mean to go alpha mode."


    Valerie smiled gently. "I kind of like alpha mode."


    I raised a brow. "Dangerous thing to admit."


    Before she could argue, I leaned in and kissed her¡ªslow this time, unhurried. No rush, no urgency. Just lips meeting lips in quiet honesty.


    She kissed me back.


    And I melted.


    Because in this moment, she wasn¡¯t kissing Axel.


    Or Kai.


    Or any of them.


    She was kissing <strong>me.</strong>


    And I¡¯d be damned if I let myself forget it.

 Chapter 186: Sharing Valerie

    <h4>Chapter 186: Sharing Valerie</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 186</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The kiss was slow, unrushed but deep, like a secret Dristan didn¡¯t want to let go of.


    His hands were on my waist, his breath warm against my lips, and for a moment, the storm that was my life faded into nothing.


    I let myself feel it, feel him. The rawness, need, the silent confessionced in every soft drag of his mouth against mine.


    I shut my eyes, allowing myself to enjoy the moment when he door creaked open.


    I tensed instantly and Dristan stiffened too, our kiss pausing mid-breath.


    "I swear, Dristan, if you forgot we have that¡ª"


    Kai.


    My eyes flew open just as his voice cut off and I turned my head toward the door. He stood frozen on the threshold, a folder in one hand, lips parted like he¡¯d just walked in on something he wasn¡¯t supposed to see.


    Which... he had.


    His gaze moved from me to Dristan and back again. Something shed in his eyes¡ªhurt? Jealousy? Pain? I didn¡¯t know. But it made my chest tighten.


    Kai blinked once, then turned, muttering, "Excuse me."


    I almost called after him¡ªalmost¡ªwhen he suddenly stopped. His jaw tightened.


    Then, with a growl, he turned back around and marched straight toward us.


    "Kai?" I breathed.


    "What are you¡ª"


    He didn¡¯t let me finish.


    One hand grabbed mine, firm but not painful, and the next thing I knew, he was pulling me up from the bed and into him.


    "Kai, what the hell?" Dristan growled, immediately gripping my other hand, yanking me halfway back toward him.


    But Kai didn¡¯t even look at him. He leaned down to my level and kissed me hard right in front of Dristan.


    My brain short-circuited, my eyes widened and my body locked.


    The warmth of his lips shed with the cold shock of the moment, and I couldn¡¯t even react fast enough.


    "Back off," Dristan snarled the second he regained his voice, yanking me back into him. "She¡¯s mine now."


    "I don¡¯t recall her choosing anyone," Kai shot back, his voice low and lethal. "She¡¯s our mate."


    "She did."


    "I haven¡¯t chosen!" I snapped before anyone could say more, tugging my hands free. "Gods, you two act like I¡¯m not even standing here!"


    Kai smirked, stepping to the side. "You heard her. You can¡¯t keep hoarding her like the rest of us don¡¯t exist."


    "She belongs with me," Dristan hissed, shoulders tight. "You had your chance. She was done with you."


    Kai shrugged. "You sure it wasn¡¯t just you hoping that? Becausest I checked, you weren¡¯t the Moon Goddess."


    "Maybe not," Dristan snapped back, "but I¡¯m the one she¡¯s with now."


    "And yet you still look like you¡¯re seconds away frombusting just because I kissed her." Kai¡¯s smirk deepened. "Who¡¯s insecure now?"


    The tension spiked like lightning in the room¡ªraw, wild, and dangerously close to chaos.


    That was when Xade strolled in with Axel in tow, both of them eyeing the scene with equal parts curiosity and amusement.


    "Well, well..." Xade drawled, stepping between us and gently dragging me behind him like I was some ss relic. "Looks like things are heating up."


    "Perfect time to share," Axel added casually, licking his lips. "I mean, the Moon Goddess didn¡¯t bond her to just one of us for a reason."


    "If she¡¯s willing," Xade said, voice more serious now, his blue eyes watching me closely, "then why not?"


    "I¡ª" Axel started.


    "Stop<strong>!</strong>" I yelled, the word tearing out of me like a whip across the room, freezing all of them.


    All four of them turned to stare at me like I was thest steak in a wolf den.


    My heart pounded like a war drum.


    "I¡¯m still here, gods damn it! Not one of you even asked me what I wanted!" My eyes burned as I red from one face to another. "You can¡¯t just all kiss me like that without even warning me and then expect me to sit here and y goddess of your little territorial pissing contest."


    Kai¡¯s mouth parted, but I held up a hand. "No, don¡¯t. I swear, if one more of you tries to touch me like I¡¯m some prize to pass around, I¡¯ll break your fingers."


    There was a beat of silence.


    Then Kai had the audacity to smirk again. "So... are you saying no to the idea of taking us all at once?"


    My breath caught.


    Dristan let out a low groan beside me. Xade¡¯s eyes darkened, and Axel¡ªgods help me¡ªtilted his head with a grin that could melt panties.


    A shudder rolled through me. My entire body flushed at the thought, and I hated how they all noticed.


    Kai grinned. "You¡¯ll have to choose one day, honey. And if you don¡¯t... well, sweetheart, you¡¯ll have to take us all."


    "You can handle one, and I will be the one," Dristan said.


    "I¡ªI-I... just forget it. You guys aren¡¯t thinking well."


    "Oh, but we are, Valerie, and we each want you," Xade stated.


    I looked up again but regretted it instantly as they all had those hungry, predatory eyes.


    "Just... forget it. You all can go fuck or kiss yourselves but count me out. I¡¯m leaving."


    I turned back once, my face hardening, about to storm out. But I stopped at the door, breathing heavily.


    Then I reached out and grabbed Axel¡¯s hand. He blinked before the others could react.


    I met his gaze steadily. "I forgive you. I hold no grudge. You¡¯ve earned that much. So..." I exhaled, then smirked. "Lead me out of this house, lover boy. Then you cane back and finish your boys¡¯ date."


    Axel chuckled, clearly trying not tough as he nced at the others.


    "dly, little moon."


    And just like that, I walked out of that den of male testosterone.


    ****************


    After spending some time with Dristan and the guys, I returned downstairs, Axel leading the way, and soon I was out of the house.


    The evening that followed was uneventful, thankfully. No drama. No testosterone-driven chaos. Just me, my books, and a much-needed silence that didn¡¯te easily these days.


    I buried myself in revision, surrounded by notes and textbooks, hoping that between chemistry, little enchantments and runic forms, my brain wouldn¡¯t slip back to the madness of earlier.


    By the next day, I convinced myself everything had cooled off. Mostly.


    sses were tolerable, the kind of slow pace that teachers used when they didn¡¯t want to ruin us before a major assessment. With term grading evaluations around the corner, everyone was either high-strung or in zombie mode.


    I had just stepped out of chemistry ss, where I caught the tail end of a very suspicious conversation between I and some upper-ss vamp boy. Something juicy, definitely, but I kept my lips sealed for now.


    As I joined the trickle of students down the hallway, my phone buzzed in my skirt pocket.


    I pulled it outzily, expecting a text from Solstice or maybe Storm, but the screen showed something... odd.


    <strong>Unknown Number.</strong>


    My brows knitted as I tapped it open, only to be met with a suspicious text.


    <i>"I got your message. Meet me at the south courtyard in five minutes, and I shall give you my answer."</i><i></i>


    <i></i> ¡ªR.A.


    My steps slowed.


    R.A.?


    My thoughts ran a mile trying to figure out which friend I had bearing the name R.A. in this school until my head finally figured it out.


    Riven Alucard?

 Chapter 187: Complicated Girl

    <h4>Chapter 187: Complicated Girl</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 187</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I blinked hard and reread the message. Then again.


    No, no, no. I hadn¡¯t messaged him. I would remember doing something that suicidal. I don¡¯t recall ever having his number or collecting it.


    There was no older message from before, only Riven¡¯s reply.


    Frowning, I quickly exited that message thread and opened my message log. I searched for his name and found a message with his name on it.


    I tapped back, only to see there was a text from me to him.


    I prayed it was a glitch or a prank by Solstice, but no.


    There it was, clear and damning:


    <strong><i>Riven,</i></strong>


    <i>I¡¯ve been thinking about you... more than I probably should.</i>


    <i>Ever since that day¡ªyou know the one when you stepped between me and Kieran like I was something worth protecting... like I mattered.</i>


    <i>That moment did something to me.</i>


    <i>It made me see you, not just the silence or the danger, but the man behind it all.</i>


    <i>Maybe it¡¯s reckless, maybe it¡¯s wrong... But what if it¡¯s not?</i>


    <i>So here it is. No masks. No games, pressure, or expectations. Just a beginning... if you¡¯re willing. I want to try.</i>


    <i>Just you and me. </i>


    <i>Meet me in private? Let¡¯s see where this leads."</i>


    My heart dropped to my stomach.


    "I didn¡¯t write that..." I whispered, eyes darting around like someone would jump out and yell <i>¡¯Gotcha!¡¯</i>


    I could feel my pulse thudding at the base of my throat. My wolf stirred, confused and mildly rmed.


    Who sent this?


    Why?


    And how the hell did they hack my phone?


    "Oh shit," I muttered, gripping the phone tighter as the countdown in my head began.


    Five minutes.


    Riven Alucard.


    South courtyard.


    My thumb hovered over the message thread, eyes wide as my brain scrambled to process what I was seeing.


    There it was¡ªbold, clear, and unmistakable.


    WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. HELL.


    My pulse thundered in my ears. My first instinct was to scream at Solstice¡ªbecause if anyone had ess to my phone and a ir for mischief masked as "help," it was her.


    But even she wouldn¡¯t go this far.


    Would she?


    I cursed under my breath and nced around. People were filtering out of ss in droves. Laughing. Talking. Acting like the world hadn¡¯t just flipped me into a rom from hell.


    I reread the text. This wasn¡¯t just a casual ¡¯hey, let¡¯s hang,¡¯ it was heartfelt and poetic¡ª-way too poetic.


    Not something I would have ever sent¡ªnot without dying from internal cringe.


    And now... Riven.


    RIVEN.


    The <i>Vice President of the Student Council</i>.


    The icy, untouchable, sharp-tongued enigma who barely said two words to anyone unless it involved murder or policy enforcement.


    And now he thought I was confessing?


    I had exactly four or no, three minutes and thirty-five seconds to decide if I was going to pretend it never happened or face it like a grown wolf with minimal pride.


    Spoiler: Pride was already on life support.


    And I had no idea what I was walking into.


    But then again, my first thought was not to go, and maybe, just maybe, if I ignored Riven, he¡¯d think I was just ying, or that I meant someone else.


    At the same time, the memory of the day came rushing back, and I swallowed an invincible lump in my throat.


    "Oh shit."


    My feet started moving on instinct, and before I knew it, I was headed toward the south courtyard. Every step felt like walking the nk.


    I reached the wide-open space just behind the greenhouse, and sure enough, there he was.


    Riven Alucard.


    Standing beneath the trees in a pool of golden light like a cursed prince from some twisted fairytale.


    The ck uniform was pristine. Tie loose. Expression unreadable.


    His eyes met mine the second I stepped into view.


    There was no smile, or confusion just... interest.


    Oh gods.


    "Valerie Nightshade," he greeted in that sweet, low and smooth voice, like chilled honey. "You came."


    I wanted tough. Or faint. Or do both at the same time. Instead, I forced a smile that probably looked more like a grimace.


    "Uh... yeah," I said. "About that message¡ª"


    "You were brave," he cut in. "I wasn¡¯t expecting it."


    I blinked. "I¡ªwhat?"


    He stepped forward, gaze not once leaving mine. "Most people avoid me. I like that you didn¡¯t."


    I blinked again,pletely thrown off by the <i>genuine</i> softness in his tone.


    "I... I think there¡¯s been a misunderstanding," I blurted before I could stop myself.


    His brows lifted.


    Crap.


    "I mean," I stammered, "I didn¡¯t¡ªuh¡ªI don¡¯t remember sending that. I think someone might have hacked my phone or¡ª"


    He tilted his head, and for a moment, I thought I¡¯d offended him.


    "I see," he said slowly. "That exins the sudden courage."


    Now <i>that</i> offended <i>me</i>. "Excuse you?"


    Riven¡¯s lips twitched. Was that a smirk?


    "It¡¯s alright," he said. "Whether it was real or fake, I epted the invitation."


    "And why would you do that?" I asked, arms crossing. "You barely speak to anyone. Why ept something like that?"


    His eyes darkened slightly¡ªnot in anger, but curiosity. "Because it¡¯s you."


    My heart mmed into my ribs.


    "Me?"


    "You¡¯re the only one in this school who looks at people like you¡¯re trying to read their soul. You see things. That¡¯s rare."


    I didn¡¯t know what to say to that.


    He took another step forward, and my breath caught.


    "I don¡¯t know what this is either, Valerie," he said. "But I¡¯m willing to find out."


    I... gods help me, I actually blushed.


    But before I could respond, a buzz in my pocket reminded me of reality.


    A text.


    From Solstice.


    <i>"Don¡¯t be mad. It was me. And yes, I watched from the roof. You¡¯re wee."</i>


    I groaned aloud.


    Riven raised a brow. "Problem?"


    "Just..." I sighed. "Family."


    He nodded. "Ah. The kind that meddles with romantic prospects?"


    "You have no idea."


    Riven gave the faintest chuckle. "So, what now?"


    I hesitated, then offered a small smile. "Now... we gotta go our separate ways."


    To my surprise, Riven did not say, "And if I want to learn about you instead?"


    I smirked. "Then I hope you have time. I¡¯mplicated."


    "I likeplicated," he murmured, motioning to the bench under the tree.


    And somehow, despite the chaos and the awkward text confession... Even ones involving fake love letters and emotionally unavable vampire royalty....


    I was confused and needed a break.

 Chapter 188: new day

    <h4>Chapter 188: new day</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 188</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I did not know what to say to him. I wanted to deter him off but it looked like whatever love letter that was, had prompted more than just a mistake to Riven.


    If he was ying a game, I had no idea and if not...


    I sighed and half turned to him. "Just forget what you read, Riven. I need to head to my next ss."


    I tried to brush it off lightly.


    Just as Riven turned his head slightly, like he was about to say something else, a sharp p split through the air behind me.


    "Wow," came azy voice soaked in mischief. "Now this... this I didn¡¯t expect."


    I didn¡¯t need to turn to know who it was. Ash Kaid.


    He strolled toward us, arms folded, smirk dialled to maximum irritation. His dark brown hair was tousled, and his eyes flicked between me and Riven with far too much interest.


    "You meeting him now?" he asked, nodding toward Riven with exaggerated confusion. "What happened? Finally decided you had had enough of us wolves?"


    Riven, to his credit, didn¡¯t blink. Just watched Ash with that same cold curiosity or more boredom.


    "Not your business, Ash," I said, trying not to sound defensive.


    Ash arched a brow and tilted his head, voice lighter but still sharp. "Not my business? Valerie, we¡¯re your mates. You making romantic appointments with the school¡¯s bloodsucker prince is very much our business."


    Riven¡¯s eyes glinted with mild amusement, maybe. "Bloodsucker prince," he repeated in a tone I couldn¡¯t quite ce.


    "I didn¡¯t mean it like¡ª" Ash started, but I cut in.


    "Stop," I snapped. "You don¡¯t get to talk about him like that. He saved me."


    "Ohhh," Ash drawled, nodding slowly. "So that¡¯s what this is. Heroplex turned crush."


    I clenched my jaw. "No, Ash. I¡¯m allowed to talk to people. Riven¡¯s not just¡ª"


    "Not just what?" he interrupted. "Not just cold, deadly, emotionally unavable?"


    "I could say the same about you!" I snapped.


    "Whoa," came another voice as Ace joined us, hands shoved into his pockets. "Did I miss a memo, or are we having a <i>Mate-Off</i> in broad daylight now?"


    He walked up beside Ash and gave Riven a once-over. "You know, if you want her, maybe actually <i>talk </i>to her next time instead of stalking."


    "I didn¡¯t stalk her," Riven said quietly.


    "Didn¡¯t deny the <i>want her</i> part, though," Ace muttered.


    "Okay, this is getting ridiculous," I groaned, massaging my temple. I just did not want to expose the lie that Solstice did, if she did it. I needed to figure it out then I could exin it better to Riven.


    Because denying sending that would only look pathetic, or so I thought.


    Thest thing I wanted was my mates finding out either and Solstice getting more heat on her for trying to set up their mate with another.


    I mean it was already a miracle that Xander wasn¡¯t staking a im ove rme, but having another man, aside that stupid Kierana nd my mates, chase me would be disastrous.


    I nced at Riven. He looked like he would be trouble if he joined them.


    As if on cue, Kai and Axel rounded the corner, voices carrying, already mid-conversation.


    "Valerie?" Kai called, eyes scanning until he spotted me... then locked on Riven.


    "Another mate or...?" Axel muttered under his breath. "Can the Moon Goddess give us a break, already?"


    Did they just think it was about them?


    I threw my hands up. "Alright, I¡¯m out."


    "Val¡ª" Kai began.


    "No," I said, cutting him off. "This is not happening. I am not about to stand here while all of you throw alpha tantrums because I dared breathe next to someone who wasn¡¯t you."


    "Riven isn¡¯t¡ª" Ash started.


    "I KNOW!" I snapped. "I know he¡¯s not one of you. That¡¯s the point! He doesn¡¯t smother me. He doesn¡¯t try to own me."


    Riven remained silent through all of it, but the way he tilted his head, the faint glimmer in his eyes¡ªI could tell he was watching <i>everything</i> and enjoying it all.


    I turned, stomping off without looking back. "I need a break from all of you."


    But before I left, my nced back at Riven, deciding to just call it off anyways, before my mates found out and think I did it.


    "I did not send that. Someone must be messing with me... us."


    Confusion flickered over their faces but I did not waste another second there and hurried away.


    ***************


    Later, in the dorm...


    The door clicked shut behind me, and Solstice didn¡¯t even look up from where she was lounging on her bed.


    "Hey," she said casually, flipping a page in her notebook.


    "You lied."


    That got her attention. She sat up, brows arching.


    "What now?"


    "You sent the Riven message," I used, waving my phone in her direction. "Don¡¯t pretend you didn¡¯t."


    Solstice blinked once. "The what now?"


    I marched to her bed, ring at her as her confused expression further worsened. "You said you lied."


    Solstice shook he rhead. "No, Val. You said you lied. I never agreed to anything."


    I paused, inhaled and took out my phone. Quickly, my fingers worked on my sceen and I pulled up the message and shoved it under her nose.


    She stared at it. Then slowly... shook her head.


    "I swear on Mother¡¯s tea garden, I didn¡¯t write that."


    "Then who did?! You¡¯re the only one who touches my phone."


    "I didn¡¯t send this, Vee. That¡¯s... not even my phrasing. I¡¯d never say those words unironically."


    I narrowed my eyes. "Then exin this."


    I shoved her another text, the one she admitted to writing the letter.


    From Solstice.


    <i>"Don¡¯t be mad. It was me. And yes, I watched from the roof. You¡¯re wee."</i>


    Her eyes went wide briefly before she shook her head and chewed her lip. "I mean... could be a hack? Or a spell? Some mor glitch? But this wasn¡¯t me."


    I stared at her, then the phone, then her again. Something didn¡¯t sit right with all these. And if my phone was hacked, as well as hers... then...


    "Meaning they hacked both our phones."


    Immediately Solstice brows knitted. "Who¡¯s the bitch or witch¡¯s pet that did that?"


    "I don¡¯t know but we need to find out. Cause right now, I have a hot Vampire breathing down my neck."


    Her eyes went wild. "Wiat... by hot, do you mean the Hot as fuck vampire, Vice President Riven Alucard?"


    Iface palmed already regretting the words I said judging by the growing smirk on her face.


    And then it hit me like a spark in the dark.


    My eyes widened. "I know how to find out who did it."


    Solstice leaned forward, bing serious. "Who?"


    My grip tightened around my phone as I turned on my heel. "Beta Ryan."


    Solstice blinked. "Uncle R...?"


    "The same," I said cutting in.


    And with that, I grabbed my bag, shoved the phone in my hoodie pocket, and stormed toward the door.


    Solstice¡¯s voice followed me. "Wait¡ªhold up! You mean Dad¡¯s b..." she mped her lips shut from exposing too much, but it did not stop her. "Vee... he always teases me.."


    I didn¡¯t stop as I called out, "He misses your trouble, too but yes, i need answers. I am going."


    **********


    Hey guys! I made another video for this book; the song and lyrics were created for the book... it¡¯s on TikTok under my pen name Baevida or on Ko-fi.

 Chapter 189: Gamma Ryan

    <h4>Chapter 189: Gamma Ryan</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 189</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I barely had time to adjust my clothes before bolting out of the school gates.


    The moment I hit the sidewalk, I pulled out my phone and booked the fastest cab I could find.


    As soon as the cab arrived, I slid in and instantly took out my phone. My fingers flew over the screen as I typed.


    <strong>Me:</strong><i>On my way to the hotel west saw. Need to talk. Urgent.</i>


    The message was for Ryan¡ªmyst hope at sanity. Or, more urately, Uncle Zade¡¯s Gamma, who somehow always knew just enough to stay useful and irritating at the same time.


    I turned my head¡ªand groaned out loud.


    Solstice.


    Sitting right beside me in the backseat of the cab, her feet already propped on the edge like she owned the ride.


    "Hey," she said cheerfully. "Not letting you do this alone."


    "I told you to stay back," I said, slumping against the window. "Like... verbally. Directly."


    She shrugged. "And I verbally, directly ignored you."


    "You¡¯re insufferable."


    "Thank you," she smiled sweetly. "Now buckle up. We¡¯re riding into conspiracy territory."


    I shut my eyes and sighed.


    One day. Just one day of peace. That¡¯s all I wanted.


    My phone buzzed again, pulling me out of my internal meltdown.


    <strong>Ryan:</strong><i>Not at the hotel. I¡¯m nearby, in town. Meet me at the Seabrook Hotel. Room 602. Tell the front desk you¡¯re my niece and they¡¯ll let you through.</i>


    Seabrook Hotel? Was he switching hotels like socks now?


    I nodded to the cabbie and gave him the new location. Twenty minutester, the car slowed in front of the ss-and-gold entrance of Seabrook Hotel. ssy. Quiet. Expensive, in that shy way.


    Solstice hopped out first, pulling up her hood. "Okay. Try not to punch any bellboys, alright?"


    "I¡¯m not you," I muttered.


    The lobby was quiet when we stepped in. Polished tile, warm lighting, a firece crackling in the far corner. A bored-looking concierge perked up when I approached.


    "I¡¯m here to see Ryan, Room 602. I¡¯m his niece," I said quickly.


    His eyes scanned the screen in front of him. "Ah, yes. Mr. Callen said to expect you."


    A pause, then a nce at Solstice. "And this is...?"


    "She¡¯s with me."


    The guy hesitated for a second¡ªprobably clocking her ¡¯Definitely not a student¡¯ look¡ªbut waved us on. "Sixth floor. Take the elevator to your left."


    "Thank you," I said before dragging Solstice along.


    The elevator doors closed and Solstice immediately leaned against the wall, arms crossed.


    "I forgot how sketchy hotel elevators smell," she muttered.


    "You chose toe."


    "I choose many mistakes. Keeps life exciting," she said with a half shrug.


    The elevator dinged, and we stepped out into a plush hallway. We barely made it to Room 602 when the door swung open before I could knock.


    Ryan stood there, grinning like the world hadn¡¯t just gone up in smoke.


    He looked the same¡ªmessy ck curls, tan skin, a shadow of stubble on his jaw, and that charming, sly smile that said <i>I know things you don¡¯t.</i>


    "Ladies," he greeted smoothly. "Still haven¡¯t died yet, huh?"


    He pulled me into a brief hug, then ruffled Solstice¡¯s hair like she was five.


    "Stop doing that," she muttered, swatting his hand.


    "I missed your grumpiness."


    He stepped aside, gesturing us into the suite. It was sleek, clean, and filled with just enough ¡¯dangerous bachelor¡¯ energy to make me wonder how many weapons were stashed around.


    We sank into therge sectional, and Ryan sat across from us, one leg slung casually over the other.


    "Alright," he said. "I assume this isn¡¯t a social visit."


    "No," I replied. "We came to ask about... Blue Willow."


    For a second, something passed over his expression¡ªtoo quick to read. Then he gave a low whistle.


    "Well, well. Someone¡¯s been digging deep."


    "So you know it?" I leaned forward.


    He nodded. "I¡¯ve heard of it."


    My heart jumped in joy. That was a big step forward. Then he continued.


    "But it¡¯s not a ce."


    I deted.


    Ryan chuckled. "Sorry to kill the adventure vibes. But Blue Willow isn¡¯t a club, a person, or even a secret passageway. It¡¯s a password."


    "A password," I echoed, staring at him like he just told me Santa us had a criminal record.


    "To ess anything Nightshade-rted," he continued. "Encrypted files, hidden safehouses, magical wards, you name it. Blue Willow is the verbal key to many doors, but only if you know which doors exist."


    I groaned and threw my head back on the couch. "So... dead end."


    "Not quite," Ryan said, rubbing his chin. "What else have you uncovered?"


    I straightened. "I traced a few threads. There was a data burst three weeks ago from PSA¡¯s server linked to a Nightshade contact. I tried to follow it, but it rerouted. And recently, I picked up a repeating glyph mark that traces back to a Thorn hideout in the past century."


    Ryan blinked. "You found a Thorn glyph?"


    "Yeah."


    "Where?"


    "On the back of a textbook in the PSA archives. It¡¯s faint, faded, but Solstice and I traced it."


    Solstice added in. "We think it was a dropped clue. Meant for someone with a tie to Nightshade to find. Or at least to see if anyone would spot it."


    Ryan nodded slowly, impressed. "Not bad. That¡¯s more than most agents have managed."


    "Then help me," I said. "I need ess. Anything¡ªpeople, files, contacts. Whatever gets me closer to answers."


    "You¡¯re serious about this."


    I met his gaze. "I¡¯ve been serious from day one."


    Ryan leaned back in his chair. "Alright then. I¡¯ll reach out to someone. There¡¯s a contact of mine who used to be stationed near one of the old Thorn hideouts. If anyone knows what ¡¯Blue Willow¡¯ might be linked to... it¡¯s him."


    Relief washed through me, but it was cautious. I¡¯d gotten this far only to hit brick walls at every turn. This time, I had to be smart.


    Ryan stood, walked over to a small safe built into the wall, and pulled out a sleek silver key card. He handed it to me.


    "Use this if you ever get to a locked door that feels... wrong. Sometimes, Nightshade barriers don¡¯t need locks¡ªthey need trust."


    I took it slowly. "Thanks."


    He nodded, then smirked. "Oh, and Val?"


    I looked up.


    "If you need to make a scandal disappear next time, just tell me first. Saves me the trouble of watching you get ndered."


    Solstice crackled beside me.


    "And six mates, even I didn¡¯t see thating," Ryan said softly with a smile like he knew more than enough of my personal life.


    "You saw that?" He nodded, an answer I already knew but I was too stunned and decided to ask.


    "And Uncle Zade?"


    "Some things are better left unsaid."

 Chapter 190: Blamed: A Little Scandal

    <h4>Chapter 190: med: A Little Scandal</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 190</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Some things are better left unsaid."


    I respected Gamma Ryan even more when he uttered those words. "Thank you."


    "No need to thank me, Valerie. It is your business. I cannot be a male gossip and tell him. As long as it does not affect your mission. Besides, having a dating life would also draw unnecessary suspicions from you."


    "Don¡¯t encourage her, Ryan," Solstice scolded as she sat cross-legged, arms folded in front of her chest.


    Ryan nodded. "Although..." his attention returned to me. "Is this a blessing in disguise or a curse for being a naughty troublemaker?"


    Solstice cackled beside me, clutching her stomach as sheughed hard.


    I groaned and buried my face in my hands. "You... whose side are you on, Gamma Ryan?"


    Ryanughed. "Kid, you know I love you dearly. Of course, I am on the side ofedy."


    Solstice¡¯s voice rang out once more. I shot her a re and she nodded, lifting her hands in mock surrender.


    "You two are impossible."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Ryan¡¯s suite was warm, but the cold rity in my chest had finally settled. Information always did that to me¡ªlike I could breathe again.


    Even if the answers weren¡¯t immediate, at least I had something.


    He offered us some snacks from home, we ate, thanked him and left after a while.


    Solsticeined about her legs cramping up in the cab and cursed Ryan under her breath for being too cryptic, but she didn¡¯t ask to go back to school.


    That was the thing about Solstice. Sheined. She rolled her eyes. But when it mattered, she was there.


    I texted Erik to cover for us, just in case any patrols noticed we were missing. The guy had helped me many times. Additionally, he enjoyed finding excuses to stretch his hacking skills.


    By the time we slipped through PSA¡¯s main gates, the first bell hadn¡¯t even rung. Technically, we weren¡¯tte. Barely.


    However, the atmosphere was different. Sharper. Like the eye of the storm had just passed, and everyone was waiting for the next thunderp.


    Solstice immediately took out her phone, scrolling through God-knows-what, and then she gasped.


    Titania¡¯s scandal had hit the gossip boards like wildfire. The second one in less than a week¡ªonly this time, it wasn¡¯t mine.


    Footage, voice memos and a long, scathing thread breaking down her insults about the other Fae courts.


    Someone had uploaded it all with high-def audio and snidementary. She was roasted, grilled, and served to the wolves.


    But if you thought that would humble her?


    Think again.


    As Solstice and I crossed the courtyard, talking, Titania stormed toward us from the opposite path, chin high, eyes rimmed with red, but her mouth twisted in fresh rage.


    This time, I did not see her with any lingering minions, which got me wondering if she thought she was capable of making that fight happen.


    "You just couldn¡¯t help yourself, could you?" she snarled, nting herself in front of us, her voice louder than necessary. "Having six mates wasn¡¯t enough? Now you¡¯re sneaking off to hotels with strange men, too? Is that your alibi after trying to tear me down wrongly?"


    Okay, she was definitely trying to toss me my way and create a scandal for me. Too bad I wasn¡¯t interested.


    The few students around us perked up like pigeons at dropped breadcrumbs.


    Solstice blinked, then scoffed. "Oh goddess, not this again."


    "Ignore her," I muttered.


    Solstice didn¡¯t. "No. Actually, Valerie, no. Who do you think you are calling a slut, little royal roach?"


    The courtyard stilled.


    Titania¡¯s face twisted. "Excuse me?"


    "You heard me," Solstice snapped, stepping in front of me. "Just because Valerie has the dignity to ignore your tantrums doesn¡¯t mean I will."


    "How dare you kingdom bumpkin think youc an talk back to roy¡ª" Titania took a step forward, lifting her hand as if to p Solstice, but¡ª


    My hand shot up, catching her wrist in mid-air.


    A hush rippled through the onlookers.


    I didn¡¯t just hold her wrist. I twisted it slightly, just enough to unbnce her, and then smacked her hard.


    My hand connected with her cheek, loud enough to echo. Gasps filled the courtyard like a chorus.


    Titania stumbled back after I released her, a hand flying to her face, her mouth trembling in disbelief¡ªa second disgrace.


    It was one thing to insult and hurt me but it was another thing to hurt my only family. My eyes turned red as I stepped forward, inhaling deeply.


    "Who were you calling a kingdom bumpkin, huh, kingdom slut?"


    I ignored Solstice¡¯s rage and stopped before Titania. "Can you, for once, just once, have some grace and ss, Princess. You¡¯ve already disgraced your kingdom enough, must you disgrace our school name too?"


    "You..." she sputtered. "You are the one disgracing the school name by sleeping around with men in expensive hotels."


    "And you somehow have what? A fabricated proof to suit your lies?"


    I rolled my eyes at her baseless ims. Since she wants to prove that she spies on me, then she should.


    Her brow creased. "It¡¯s not fabricated. I saw you. I had someone follow you and this..." before she could issue another insult, Solstice lifted her hand as if to unch her and Titania flinched.


    "Is that so...? So, should I report you or sue you for invasion of privacy?"


    "Like hell you can. I know you did it. Admit it. Admit that you fabricated lies against me."


    At this point, I just didn¡¯t care anymore. "Throw tantrums. Wail if you must, you¡¯re good at that, Princess. At least that throat and mouth would be put to good use other than with a dick inside. But don¡¯t pretend I¡¯d waste time plotting your downfall. You¡¯re not worth the oxygen it takes to speak your name."


    Her mouth opened, then closed again. No words came out.


    Solstice made a sound that was somewhere between augh and a scoff. "Next time, keep your insults and your hands to yourself. That face won¡¯t survive another upgrade when she ps some sense into you. Well, that¡¯s if I don¡¯t help her first."


    I didn¡¯t look back as we walked away because I was sure the rumours would fly.


    Let ¡¯em write a new headline: <strong>Fae Princess pped by Alleged Slut</strong>


    Catchy, wasn¡¯t it? Titania was good at that, too.


    We barely made it to the dorm courtyard when it happened.


    A shadow dropped from above with a thud, smooth, calcted, andnded in front of us with feline grace.


    Solstice yelped and jumped behind me, while I instinctively tensed, shifting into a half-ready stance.


    The figure straightened as the scent assaulted my nostrils. I groaned in realisation.


    "Really?"


    Riven Alucard, PSA¡¯s icy Vice President of brooding mystery, stood there with his hands in his pockets like he hadn¡¯t just jumped off a second-floor ledge for dramatic effect.


    His blue eyes flicked between us. "Ladies."


    Solstice recovered first, snorting. "What is it with you vampires and your obsession with rooftop entrances?"


    I resisted the urge tough, but furthermore, after that whole letter-writing spectacle, oh shit...


    I forgot to ask Ryan about the hacking of our phones and who sent those love texts.


    <i>"Urrghh! How could I forget?"</i>


    Riven ignored Solstice, his gaze settling on me as a small smile flickered in his eyes.


    "Hello, crush. Where have you been?"


    Solstice blinked and then went wide-eyed as I remained rooted in ce.


    <i>Oh shit! Not him too! </i>

 Chapter 191: Shocking Truth

    <h4>Chapter 191: Shocking Truth</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 191</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I tried to recover, ignoring Riven¡¯s question by asking one of my own. "What are you doing here?"


    I watched to see if Riven would flinch or do something, but not even a blink as he answered me. "I could ask you the same."


    His tone wasn¡¯t cold. Not exactly. Just...ced with that unnerving stillness he always carried¡ªinterest buried under ice. "I was looking for you."


    I blinked. "Okay... I am here now. What for exactly?"


    Riven did not say much. "To check up."


    "To check up or were you keeping track of me?"


    He didn¡¯t deny it. Of course, he didn¡¯t.


    "You have six mates," he said evenly. "And more enemies than friends. I think someone should."


    Solstice, standing beside me like my emotionally reactive backup generator, let out a loud snort. "Wow. Stalker logic. Cute."


    Riven¡¯s eyes slid to her, unreadable. "Your friend knows the risks. You don¡¯t."


    Solstice bristled, looked like she was ready to throw hands¡ªor maybe a well-aimed verbal nuke¡ªbut I raised one palm, stopping her.


    "I had something to handle," I said tly.


    His gaze didn¡¯t budge from mine. "Hotel business, then?"


    My stomach twisted. So he knew. Of course he did. Nothing slipped past a vampire with too much time and sharp instincts.


    I drew in a breath. "It wasn¡¯t what you think."


    "I don¡¯t think anything yet," he replied. "Besides, I shouldn¡¯t care too much."


    "Shouldn¡¯t care?" I asked. "Interesting for someone who has a crush."


    Riven tried speaking but stopped. I was teasing him and trying to keep the conversation focused on him.


    "Hey. I did not mean it that way. Yes, I care, but not to pry into your business."


    "But I was tracked."


    "I was curious and just... maybe trying to figure you out."


    But it looked like you were walking straight into a trap."


    "I wasn¡¯t," I said, trying not to sound defensive.


    Riven pushed off the wall he was leaning against and walked towards me, his movements like liquid shadow. "Then why didn¡¯t you tell anyone where you were going?"


    "Because I also have business to attend to," I shot back. "And sometimes, Riven... I just need to do things myself."


    His jaw ticked¡ªbarely¡ªbut I caught it. Just a flicker like something tight behind the eyes.


    "Next time," he said, softer now, "at least leave a trail."


    Solstice arched a brow. "Why? So you can follow it?"


    "No," Riven said, but his eyes never left mine. "So you don¡¯t disappear. Again. I heard what happened in the simtion. We wouldn¡¯t want you going missing. What if I wasn¡¯t around, huh?"


    "Then why hasn¡¯t the culprit been found?" Solstice snapped.


    Riven didn¡¯t answer immediately as a beat of silence passed, then another.


    "We¡¯re still investigating," he said finally.


    Solstice scoffed. "How convenient. Is it just because she¡¯s not a royal? Or do the school board need another invitation to care when it isn¡¯t one of theirs bleeding out?"


    The air went still. I didn¡¯t know what to say to that.


    Riven didn¡¯t answer right away either. His eyes flicked toward me again, colder now, but not cruel.


    "I¡¯m not your responsibility," I said after a moment.


    "Maybe not," he murmured. "But you¡¯re interesting."


    Solstice groaned behind me. "We are not doing cryptic vampire flirting right now, are we?"


    Riven smirked, just faintly. "I would love to, but she¡¯s tired. I wouldn¡¯t want my advances to go to waste. Besides, I love a strong woman. I would love to see you try to put me off."


    Subconsciously my lips stretched at the side, then he added, "Good luck at Guild One training, Nightshade."


    "Thanks," I said, guarded but polite.


    His expression shifted again, thoughtful. "Be careful. Your enemies might strike when your guard is down."


    "Let them," I replied. "I¡¯ll be expecting it."


    That earned me a flicker of amusement. He nodded once, then melted into the shadows between the columns, vanishing with a rustle of fabric like mist.


    Solstice stared after him, then looked at me. "Do you have some secret pheromone I don¡¯t know about?"


    I rolled my eyes. "Don¡¯t start."


    "I¡¯m just saying," she said, nudging my side with her elbow. "First the six Alpha heirs, now the vampire vice president with a jawline sharp enough tomit war crimes? Girl, you are a public safety hazard."


    My lips twitched despite myself. "Let¡¯s go change. Before the field eats us alive."


    But she didn¡¯t move.


    Solstice had stopped walkingpletely, her eyes locked on something. I followed her gaze¡ªto my chest.


    My ne.


    "What is it?" I asked. "Sol?"


    She looked like she¡¯d seen a ghost.


    "Oh no," she murmured, smacking her forehead. "How the hell did I forget this? With all the scandals, the assassins, and the drama¡ªgods, how?"


    I stepped in front of her, brows drawn. "What the hell is wrong with you?"


    Her eyes lifted to mine, ssy, wide, filled with something deeper than guilt.


    "Valerie," she said, voice cracking slightly. "There¡¯s something I should¡¯ve told you. A long time ago."


    My heart picked up. "Solstice, what?"


    Her eyes dropped to the ne again, then back to my face. "Valerie Snow... you have powers."


    The words hit like a p and something clenched in my gut.


    "I... I figured," I whispered. "Like elemental powers, like the heirs."


    Solstice shook her head. "No. Not like the heirs. They have one, but you, Valerie, you were born with more."


    I reeled. "That¡¯s... that¡¯s not possible. I do not even have one of the said powers when the others have theirs, so how?"


    "It is possible, Val," Solstice said softly. "I did not get to hear the rest of the conversation when I eavesdropped on our parents¡¯ conversation, but I know it is possible."


    This was too much. No matter what she said... I did not know what to think or say.


    I was right all along, but what are my powers? And if each heir was an elemental, representing a single element, did that make sense to have more than one?


    My mouth was dry. "But what has that got to do with the ne? Why are you looking at it?"


    "Isn¡¯t it obvious?" Solstice asked, stepping closer. I held my breath, not knowing what to expect anymore.


    I did not want to guess because I could be wrong, so I waited for her to speak. It is shielding you, shielding it."


    I stumbled back half a step. My mind raced, piecing together what was going on. But then her next words gutted me.


    "And I¡¯m sorry," Solstice whispered, "but... there¡¯s no heat, Valerie. There is no pheromone."

 Chapter 192: Heat or No Heat

    <h4>Chapter 192: Heat or No Heat</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 192</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The world stopped for a moment as my brain tried to process the information.


    "What?" I breathed a few secondster.


    "There¡¯s no heat," she repeated, blinking fast. "Valerie, you..."


    I thought I had absorbed the news, but still, the world tilted¡ªnot like a spin or a sway, but like the ground beneath me shifted just enough to make me question if it was ever solid.


    "What?" I breathed, though my lungs barely worked. "What did you just say?"


    Solstice didn¡¯t flinch. Her voice came gentler now, but no less serious. "There¡¯s no heat."


    I stared at her, the words sinking in slowly, like syrup down a drain. Too thick to make sense at first.


    "No heat?" I repeated, blinking fast. "What does that even mean?"


    Solstice bit her lip. "I mean... you know how most heirs¡ªespecially females¡ªstart to emit a kind of... signature warmth? A signal that their elemental magic is reaching maturation? You don¡¯t have that. I thought it was the ne suppressing your heat, like how it blocks your scent. But it¡¯s not. Valerie, there was never any heat to begin with."


    I opened my mouth. Closed it again. My eyes dropped to the ne at my corbone.


    The pendant glinted faintly under the sunlight filtering through the courtyard windows. The silver chain nestled into my skin like a promise¡ªor a prison.


    "You¡¯re sure?" I asked, voice low.


    Solstice hesitated. "Yes. I didn¡¯t want to say anything before... but after what I just saw¡ªhow it reacted¡ªit¡¯s not your heat it¡¯s hiding. It¡¯s something else. Something bigger."


    My chest hollowed like someone had scooped it out. The scroll. The ne. The weird reactions. And now... this.


    My hand reached up, fingers brushing the cool metal. "Is that why it pulsed when I saw the scroll?" My voice cracked. "Has it all been a lie?"


    Without waiting for an answer, I turned on my heel and walked off. Solstice called my name, footsteps pping the tile behind me, but I didn¡¯t stop. I couldn¡¯t. Not with my mind spinning like this.


    Everything felt fake.


    Everything felt rigged.


    I mmed open the front doors of our dorm lodge, startling Emerald, who was lounging by the counter with a smoothie cup in hand.


    "Whoa," she blinked. "Did someone die?"


    I didn¡¯t answer. I marched straight past her to my room door. I and Astraea both peered out from their rooms down the hallway.


    "What¡¯s going on?" I asked.


    "Everything okay?" Astraea followed up, eyes narrowing with suspicion.


    Solstice, ever the charming diplomat, tossed them a smile. "All good! Just girl stuff."


    Before either of them could dig deeper, we slipped inside my room, and I shut the door behind us with a firm click.


    I didn¡¯t speak. I just crossed to the drawer beside my bed, yanked it open, and pulled out the scroll¡ªthe same one Ash and I had uncovered from the library archives.


    It was still as I left it and looking dormant. I ced it carefully on the table. Solstice hovered near the wall, arms crossed tightly.


    "You sure you want to do this now?" she asked.


    "I don¡¯t know," I said honestly. "But I have to."


    I pulled the ne from beneath my shirt. The moment it came free and hung in the air above the scroll, the stone at its center began to glow¡ªa soft blue, dim at first, then pulsing brighter.


    Nothing happened right away.


    Solstice squinted at it. "Huh. Should anything be happening?"


    "Give it a second," I muttered.


    "I mean, you¡¯ve been holding that thing up like a priestess for five minutes and the scroll¡¯s still in naptime."


    "Silver¡ªget back."


    "But I just¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the ne red.


    A rush of heat mmed through my body¡ªsharp, sudden, real. It was like being dropped into hot water without warning. My breath hitched.


    The scroll beneath us began to shift. The runes rearranged themselves again, sliding and twisting like snakes across the page.


    Solstice gasped audibly beside me. "Holy goddess..."


    Right there, in front of us, the symbol emerged.


    The Nightshade crest. A thorny sigil surrounded by a pale white rose¡ªdelicate, deadly, beautiful.


    The sigil glowed softly on the parchment, etched into it like living ink. My body had gone still, frozen in time.


    Solstice waved a hand in front of my face. "Val?"


    No response.


    "Valerie!"


    She reached for the ne, gripped it and tried to yank it away from my chest. The moment her fingers touched it¡ª


    Boom.


    A st of energy knocked her backward, sending her crashing into the wall with a gasp.


    The glow vanished.


    I blinked, disoriented, the warmth still echoing in my chest. "Silver?"


    I scrambled to her side as she groaned and sat up, rubbing her back. "Okay. That... sucked."


    The knock came almost immediately.


    "Everything okay in there?" I called out.


    "Sounded like someone body-mmed a bookshelf," Emerald added.


    I stood and wiped my palms on my thighs. "We¡¯re good!"


    "That was Silver," I said as I opened the door slightly, keeping them from seeing too far in. "She tripped trying to do a ballet dance to cheer me up."


    There was a pause, and then Emerald chuckled. "Of course she did."


    "You need to be more careful, Silver," I added, amused.


    "Tell me about it," Solstice called from behind me, groaning exaggeratedly.


    Once their footsteps faded down the hallway, I shut the door again.


    Solstice sat up straighter now, face serious. "Valerie... you need to take that ne off. It¡¯s dangerous. You could¡¯ve passed out. You could¡¯ve hurt someone."


    "Off or on," I said softly, "I have to keep it."


    Her brows furrowed. "Why?"


    "Because the heirs fought to return it to me. If I suddenly stop wearing it, they¡¯ll know something¡¯s wrong. Suspicion will spread. I¡¯m not ready to exin this yet¡ªnot until I understand what it means."


    "You want to cover this up?"


    "For now," I said. "Until I find out what this power really is. Until I know who I am."


    Solstice¡¯s mouth opened as if to argue, but she stopped. She looked at me¡ªreally looked at me¡ªand nodded.


    "Okay," she said, quietly. "But you¡¯re not doing it alone."


    I squeezed her hand. "I know."


    She tried to lighten the mood with a smirk. "Still no heat, though."


    "Not helpful."


    Sheughed anyway. I looked back at the scroll, at the sigil still glowing faintly.


    "Heat or no heat," I whispered, "this ne stays."

 Chapter 193: The Assessments

    <h4>Chapter 193: The Assessments</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 193</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The sun was already high when we gathered at the academy¡¯srgest training field. The air buzzed with tension,petition, and the weight of what was ahead¡ªAssessment Test One.


    Students from every senior-year guild were spread across the field like a shifting sea of uniforms and nerves. The instructors paced at the front of the line, their clipboards out, expressions unreadable.


    Today wasn¡¯t just a regr test.


    It was our first formal assessment in preparation for the Alpha Games. A test of strength, control, tactics, and teamwork.


    And even though the announcement said "team-based," everyone knew only individual excellence mattered in the end. Four students would be awarded top cement¡ªtwo from each side during team matches.


    "All students to the great hall for theory testing. You have one hour," Professor Lyndal announced, her voice amplified across the grounds.


    Chairs scraped. Feet shuffled, and we moved.


    Theory was... brutal. Questions on runicbat, magical suppression tactics, wolf-hybrid shifts, Faebat forms, energy regeneration under duress¡ªif you could name it, it was in the packet.


    I flew through most of it, but my mind kept drifting.


    Because something felt off, my body had been acting strangelytely. Not in the usual ¡¯I just had six guys im me¡¯ way, but something internal.


    My chest was warm, my fingertips tingled, and every now and then, the edges of my vision blurred just enough to make me blink twice.


    Still, I pushed through.


    After exactly sixty minutes, we were called outside again.


    Guild banners pped along the sides of the field, and faculty members lined the perimeter with solemn expressions.


    Thebat arena had been expanded, clearly customised for this specific event. Stone markers, elemental barriers, and even a few summoned terrain obstacles dotted the field.


    "Today¡¯s assessment is based on capture-and-hold stylebat," Professor Lyndal announced. "You will be ced in mixed-guild squads of four. Your objective: capture your opponent¡¯s g and maintain possession. Coordination and individual prowess will both be evaluated. This is not a simtion."


    Thatst partnded hard. Real terrain. Real hits. Real consequences.


    Our names were called.


    My team: Me from Guild 1, Brielle from Guild 3, Titania Sage from Guild 4, and Emerald Drake from Guild 2.


    I groaned internally. Of course.


    Opposing us were I from Guild 1, Sirius Jade from Guild 2, Astraea from Guild 3, and Marcus from Guild 4.


    Great.


    I moved to stand with my team, mentally preparing for the worst. Brielle gave me a fake smile. Titania didn¡¯t even bother. Emerald nodded at me, at least.


    "I assume I¡¯m not the only one interested in actually passing this," I said, adjusting the straps of mybat gear. "Let¡¯s try not to fail."


    "No one made you team leader," Brielle snapped.


    "We¡¯re literally assigned teams. Someone has to coordinate. Unless you prefer losing?"


    Titania scoffed. "Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Are we supposed to work together so you can shine and win? What¡¯s next? You¡¯ll ask for apuse after taking the g?"


    I sighed. "Look. You don¡¯t have to like me. But if you mess this up, we all lose."


    "I¡¯d rather lose than hand you another spotlight," Brielle muttered.


    "Good," I bit out. "Then try not to get hit in the face, because I won¡¯t be catching you."


    "Can you guys just put aside your differences for thirty minutes and let¡¯s win. No rule says if the other team do poorly, we all four won¡¯t be selected," Emerald cautioned them.


    "Tsk, you¡¯re just like her, trying to boss us," Brielle snickered.


    We barely had time for more snackyments when the whistle blew.


    Game on.


    Our g was ced behind ayered stone wall. Their g, across the opposite end, behind a summoned barrier of shifting wind. We¡¯d have to fight to reach it¡ªand fight to keep ours.


    We moved forward in formation¡ªor tried to.


    Titania broke off to the left immediately. Briellegged behind, pretending to adjust her de. Emerald groaned and kept by my side.


    "Idiots," she muttered under her breath.


    "Don¡¯t waste your breath. Just watch the nk."


    We didn¡¯t even make it halfway across the field before the enemyunched.


    Sirius came at us first, charging ahead with the speed and confidence of someone who thought he¡¯d already won.


    His fists clenched, knuckles white, and I swore for a second I saw a spark an illusion, maybe¡ªjust muscle memory from years of training with energy.


    However, no one was using their powers today. That was the rule. That was the test¡ªstrength, reflex, strategy. Nothing supernatural allowed.


    Still, he moved like lightning, and I was the wall he crashed into.


    I met him mid-run, intercepting with a high block that jarred all the way to my shoulder. We locked briefly, body to body, breath to breath, before I twisted and shoved him off to the side with my full weight.


    Then Astraea came. Fast and quiet, her form precise¡ªyears of private instruction in every step. She veered right, toward Titania.


    And Titania, the goddess of arrogance herself, stood frozen like she didn¡¯t expect to be targeted first.


    "Titania, move!" I shouted.


    But she didn¡¯t. Her body was locked in that deer-in-headlights way that made me swear under my breath. So I moved instead.


    I pivoted sharply, ignoring the protesting burn in my thighs, and lunged to her side. Astraea¡¯s twin batons came down in a sh of steel.


    I caught one with a cross block, let the other skim my arm, and used the opening to shove Titania backwards, just out of range.


    That was when Marcus entered the field like a battering ram.


    He moved with brutal force, no finesse¡ªjust raw momentum. His de gleamed under the sun, and it swung down toward me like a guillotine.


    I parried with my short staff, the impact sending a bone-deep tremor through my arms. He was strong. Stronger than I expected. But I held my ground, jaw tight, heels rooted.


    Then it happened again.


    That <i>warmth</i>.


    That odd hum in my chest, subtle at first. Then stronger. Buzzing. Expanding. Like something was building beneath my skin.


    My vision pulsed. Just for a second. Like the world blinked.


    I did not understand what was going on... but this wasn¡¯t me doing anything. This was something happening to me.


    My feet shifted to the ground, and I struck again, but the earth didn¡¯t feel stable. It felt... wrong.


    The whistle had barely finished echoing when chaos erupted.


    Sirius charged first¡ªpredictable. Fast, heavy-footed, and cocky. I lunged forward to meet him head-on, our des nging with a sharp ng that jolted my bones.


    He grunted as I spun and knocked his stance off-bnce, sweeping his leg and sending him crashing onto the dirt with a thud. That should¡¯ve been enough to send a clear message to the rest of my team. <i>Focus up, or fall.</i>


    But when I nced back¡ªBrielle was twirling her de like it was a runway prop, not a weapon. Titania was adjusting her gloves. Again.


    I turned, fuming. "Are you both <i>seriously</i> doing this right now?"


    Brielle huffed, not even looking at me. "I was <i>about</i> to engage."


    "Engage with what? A mirror?" I snapped. "Your job was to guard the damn g and cover Emerald. You¡¯re too busy checking if your lip gloss survived the breeze!"


    Titania rolled her eyes with a slow, theatrical ir. "Oh, I forgot we were all here to worship the almighty Valerie today. You take one guy down and now you¡¯re captain of the gods?"


    "Enough," I growled. "If you two had spent <i>half</i> the energy training that you do ying petty dress-up and sabotage, maybe we¡¯d actually function like a team."


    Titania took a step forward, her voice low, venomous. "Remind me again, how many guys did you let mark you this semester? Six? Seven? Or do you not count after they stop answering your texts?"


    Emerald froze beside me. Even Brielle raised a brow.


    My jaw clenched so tight it hurt. "Say that again."


    Titania smirked, eyes glittering with cruel amusement. "Sluts don¡¯t make good alphas, you know. No matter how loud they scream in bed."


    I took one threatening step toward her, fists shaking. "You want to see loud? Try me."


    "<i>Girls!</i>" Emerald cut in sharply, voice tense. "This isn¡¯t the time!"


    But it was toote. I could feel it. The anger, the humiliation, the pressure inside me spiking like a needle. Every insult, every dismissive smirk¡ªit all boiled inside me, waiting for release.


    And then¡ª


    A shout from across the field snapped our heads around.


    Brielle, who had <i>finally</i> taken position near the g, had stopped mid-run and was tugging at her hair in frustration.


    "Oh my goddess," she whined. "This humidity is making my curls copse into my face! I can¡¯t <i>see</i> like this¡ªugh!"


    "What the hell are you doing?!" Emerald yelled.


    But before Brielle could fix her hair¡ªor shift, or lift her weapon¡ªI appeared like a whisper on the wind. She tackled Brielle to the ground with terrifying grace, her de shing once, twice.


    Brielle didn¡¯t stand a chance. She hit the dirt with a shriek and stayed down.


    "Brielle¡¯s down!" Emerald barked, moving to reposition.


    I stood frozen for a heartbeat, watching I sprint off toward our side again.And that was it. Something inside me snapped.


    The rage, the anxiety and suffocating frustration. It surged through me like a wildfire.


    I turned back toward the field, and my knees nearly buckled.


    That pressure again, like my skin was on fire, like a force was pulling me down, deep under the soles of my boots.


    Like the earth itself was bracing for impact and then a sharp crackling sound rendered the air.


    A thin, jagged fissure split outward beneath me. The sound echoed like ss breaking underfoot.


    Heat rushed up furiously. The kind of heat that licked at your bones and reminded you you were alive.


    And then¡ªfire.

 Chapter 194: Tossed In Time

    <h4>Chapter 194: Tossed In Time</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 194</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Tiny flickers danced at the edge of the fissure like they had a mind of their own. They were barely there, but enough to make everyone stop.


    The whole field went still.


    Emerald froze mid-strike, her eyes locked on the glowing crack behind me. The enemy team pulled back slightly, everyone distancing themselves from the chaos on the ground, even the stoic instructors stood from their chairs on the sidelines.


    My breathing was uneven now. Shaky. Not from exhaustion, but from the unfamiliar force surging through my limbs.


    The warmth spread further, curling along my spine, making my fingertips tingle like static. I clenched my fists, trying to suppress it, but it was no use.


    I stumbled back. My boots skidded against dry dirt, but my focus wasn¡¯t in control anymore. My body burned, though not from fever but with something... <i>waking up.</i>


    "What the¡ª" Emerald stepped toward me, her face pale. "Valerie!"


    I didn¡¯t answer. I just couldn¡¯t. The sound was louder now, pounding like a second heartbeat in my ears.


    Another crack opened beneath my feet, wider this time. Glowing orange veinsced through the dirt, and smoke curled up in thin, ghostlike tendrils.


    It wasn¡¯t just heat. It was raw, dangerous, unfocused power.


    I tried to step away, but my foot caught the edge of a raised stone outcrop near our g. I lost bnce and fell hard.


    Pain exploded in the back of my skull the second my head collided with a stone. The sky spun, my eyes blurred as the heat surging within me began to fade.


    Thest thing I saw was the shimmer of heat rising from the earth, warping the field in waves. The firelight flickered like it was watching me.


    Then suddenly, all I saw was ck. The kind of darkness that didn¡¯t just swallow sight, but thought.


    ***************


    Voices floated all around me, ovepping like the hum of a thousand winds whispering secrets at once.


    They were muffled at first¡ªstrange, familiar, too many to decipher. My head felt light, as if I was drifting through the space between memories and dreams.


    Then, slowly, everything else faded... until one voice rose above the rest. Clear. Warm. The one voice I had always longed to hear again for so many years.


    "Oh stop it, Snow. I like it. Violet and Sapphire."


    The rest of the world hushed. My chest tightened.


    "We agreed on one name. Howe you are giving her two more names?" my father replied, his tone a mix of amused exasperation and quiet affection.


    "Isn¡¯t it obvious?" she smiled, eyes locked on something or someone.


    Me.


    My heart clenched. I blinked slowly and realised where I was... or at least where my mind had taken me.


    I was a baby.


    Or at least, I was inside the body of one¡ªbut my consciousness, my thoughts, were still my own.


    It was like standing at the edge of a movie screen, watching from the side but feeling every heartbeat, every breath, as though it were mine.


    "Ohhh... shhh, baby girl," my mother cooed softly, cradling my tiny body against her chest. "Don¡¯t you just love your name, honey? Sapphire, Violet, and Valerie."


    Dad groaned, dragging a hand down his face in the ssic Snow style. "Just why?"


    "Because her eyes bear two colours just like yours and mine," Mum said proudly. "Blue from me and violet from you."


    "Zara, when you say it like that, you make it sound like Davion birthed her, too," Dad grumbled, trying to keep a straight face but failing as his lips twitched into a smirk.


    "But he did, didn¡¯t he?" Mum beamed. "She has your hair colour too¡ªand his. Silver, with streaks of blue and violet fading into each other at the tips. It¡¯s rare and beautiful just like our daughter. She has powers, too, just like you and him. I was blessed, Snow. Violet is..."


    "Valerie," Dad corrected gently as he leaned down to touch my tiny cheek. His eyes, usually cold and calcting, were warm with something fragile and rare love. "But you also have powers, Zara," he added softly.


    "Well, Sapphire," Mum finished with a smile, sticking to her original name like the stubborn, radiant woman she always was.


    Dad gave up with a small huff. "Fine. You win, Zara."


    "Of course I win. I¡¯m your wife and your mate, remember," she said, brushing her knuckle against his jaw. "Persuasion is one of my strong suits, Snow. And my powers or not... she¡¯s a special child."


    "I love you," Dad whispered, brushing his forehead against hers.


    "I love you, too."


    He kissed her, and she kissed him back with so much gentleness it made my tiny baby heart ache. If I wasn¡¯t trapped in a baby body, I would have said the biggest "an" ever.


    When they parted, Mum looked down and smiled at me. I cooed and reached up with chubby little hands, my fingers wiggling in her direction.


    She leaned forward so I could press my fingertips to her cheeks. Her skin was warm, and her aura... it felt like home.


    "It¡¯s settled, Violet," she said softly. "Your name shall be Valerie, Sapphire, Violet, Snow."


    "Snow?" Dad raised a brow, amused but curious. He looked so young then. Handsome. No wonder Mum was always looking at him like he hung the stars.


    "Yes. I want her to bear your name instead. No offense, but I prefer Snow to Zephyr."


    He tilted his head, considering. "What about your surname, Gold?"


    "Just like how Davion has an influence in your life and hers, I want yours to be loud in hers. So yes¡ªV.S. square... or V.S.V.S."


    Dad blinked. "VVSS?"


    "Oh, stop it, you two. V.S. is okay," came a teasing voice from the side.


    Both my parents turned, eyes softening as a familiar presence entered the room.


    "And wouldn¡¯t you just be the best aunt to her, Tempest?" Dad asked.


    "Of course." Aunt Tempest¡¯s heels clicked lightly against the tiled floor as she approached. "She¡¯s just too beautiful. I shall be the best godmother."


    Mum chuckled, a sound that always made rooms brighter. "Huh... You¡¯re her aunt, and E is her godmother."


    "Nonsense," Aunt Tempest replied dramatically, flipping her hair. "Who says I can¡¯t be both?"

 Chapter 195: Painful Sweet Memories

    <h4>Chapter 195: Painful Sweet Memories</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 195</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Dad grinned, his teasing tone returning. "Your temper¡¯s too hot. I¡¯m afraid Valerie will take after you."


    Aunt Tempest gasped in mock offence before her expression softened. "That¡¯s why Aira will be a godmother too. Hot and cold. No offence, sweet sis."


    "None taken, Tempest," said another voice, cool and serene. Aunt Aira came into view, kneeling beside Mum¡¯s chair. "Isn¡¯t that right, Vi baby?" she added, pinching my cheek softly.


    "Sure," Mum said, smiling down at me.


    "And that¡¯s why having three godmothers is no big deal. It simply means she¡¯s loved," a fourth voice or fifth¡ªI lost count after Mum and dad, hehe¡ªcame out loudly as she walked closer.


    "Wee, E," Mum greeted sweetly as Aunt E moved closer with a baby bump in her stomach.


    "You guys finally settled?" Eughed, brushing her fiery curls out of her face.


    "Well, it was a cute fight," came a rich, deep male voice.


    Soon, I was surrounded¡ªwrapped in a circle of warmth,ughter, and love. Familiar faces leaned close. Cherished.


    Golden God¡ªDad¡¯s assassin friend, also known as Xavier Kael. Dare Devil¡ªmy father¡¯s right-hand fighter, known as Uncle Ravyn Aragorn, who always smelled like steel and danger.


    And then there was Uncle Jupiter Damien, the shadowy intel king with endless connections. And finally, Uncle Zade Gold, my mother¡¯s only brother, who had once sworn to kill anyone who made me cry.


    "I¡¯ll call her Valerie," Uncle Zade dered, siding with Dad.


    "I¡¯ll call her Violet," Uncle Jupiter added, clearly siding with Mum.


    "I¡¯ll go with Sapphire," Xavier added with a sly grin, knowing he picked in between.


    "I¡¯ll call her baby Val or baby Vi," the voice that warmed me most during my pain-filled days, Storm¡¯s.


    "Hey, little Storm. You will be her big cousin," Dad cooed as he lifted him in his hands. Although big now, Dad always treated Storm as his own child.


    "Daddy Snow, I love my baby sis."


    "Yes, as you should. You¡¯ll be getting one more, too. Look, your mum will give birth to a baby."


    "Yay. I will have more little sisters to y with."


    "And to protect. You are their older brother. Never forget?"


    They all looked at each other, then burst into light-hearted bickering that I couldn¡¯t understand in baby talk¡ªbut it warmed me.


    Then, just like that, the colours began to fade. One by one, the smiles disappeared. The room grew quiet. The light dimmed until there was only memory and silence.


    I stood in my mind¡¯s eye again, a spectator to my own past, watching as the years sped by in bursts¡ªhidden behind masks, sheltered by lies, kept from the very people who once held me with such fierce love.


    And then came the day of my parents¡¯ death. The world turned cold instantly, silent, still.


    And in that haunting stillness, everything disappeared... until only a white light remained.


    It beckoned to me and I reached for it.


    And just like that, I was yanked back into the present. Warm air brushed against my face. Hushed voices buzzed nearby.


    "Stop raising your voices," someone whispered. "You¡¯ll disturb her sleep."


    "She¡¯s awake..."


    A shadow shifted and then seven pairs of eyes surrounded me.


    Their expressions were mixtures of stunned, relieved, overwhelmed, worried, and concerned.


    "And she¡¯s crying," someone said gently.


    Tears streamed down my cheeks¡ªand I didn¡¯t even know why.


    Maybe it was because I¡¯d felt that love again.


    Or maybe because... I¡¯d remembered what it felt like to be whole from a memory I never knew I had.


    Not by my full control, but more tears streamed down my cheeks and neck as I cried.


    For a long time, the only memory that was distinct as clear as day in my mind was the death of my parents and nothing more.


    The others had be a blur... all until today, until now, when I saw the beautiful moment Storm always told me about.


    "Valerie, stop... stop crying, honey," Dristan¡¯s cool voice broke through the fog in my mind.


    And the only thing it yielded was warm wetness sliding down my cheeks before I even knew what was happening. I wasn¡¯t sobbing, just... weeping. Silently.


    Because the first thing I remembered was love and then loss and now more love but with a thought that anyone close to me would experience the same end¡ªdeath.


    "Shhh, hush, hush, love," Kai cooed just like my parents had done as he caressed my cheek softly. "We¡¯re here. We¡¯re all here, don¡¯t be scared. Nothing can ever happen to you."


    "He is right," Ash added. "You do not have to fear, Valerie. We would always protect you."


    Their concern was evident in the different expressions on their faces. I blinked slowly, heart thudding and mouth dry, as I wiped the tears away.


    And then my lips parted. I couldn¡¯t stop the whisper that fell out.


    "...Mum?"


    Everyone froze. None of the guys said anything for a moment before slowly, they all exchanged nces.


    "Mum?" Ace voiced. "Is she having some kind of concussion?"


    "I hope not. I know she hit her head, but her wolf¡¯s powers should facilitate her healing."


    I shook my head and attempted to sit up. Quickly, hands were on m,e trying to help me up.


    It was a wonder that no nurse was with me and instead my mates became my doctor and nurse.


    "Where am I?" I asked after adjusting to the bed.


    "You¡¯re in the school¡¯s hospital," Xade answered.


    "And the nurse?"


    "She stepped out because of their little grumbling and worry," Axel informed me.


    I tried ignoring their stares and asked the one question guing my memory. "What happened?"


    "The part of the earthquake or the part of your copse?" My gaze darted to the voice, where Riven stood at the foot of the bed.


    "Both."


    My mates moved back a little, and everyone nced around themselves before answering.


    "You copsed, and we rushed to the scene. You were quickly brought to the clinic, and your body was hot. We do not know what happened," Kai exined.


    "Spections are going on, though. Others believe you caused the crack in the ground," Ace informed me.


    "And, others believe it was a quake, but we cannot exin the mes, given that there¡¯s no active volcano nearby," Riven added.


    "But what concerns us most is this," Dristan voiced as he leaned closer. "Valerie Nightshade, do you have powers?"

 Chapter 196: Saved... and Challenged

    <h4>Chapter 196: Saved... and Challenged</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 196</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <strong><i>"Valerie Nightshade, do you have powers?"</i></strong>


    I blinked when Snow asked the question.


    It wasn¡¯t a smart move on my part, not when I was surrounded by people who weren¡¯t stupid¡ªno, far from it.


    These weren¡¯t ordinary guys. They were Alpha heirs, sons of some of the most powerful bloodlines in our realm.


    A quake like that wouldn¡¯t just randomly happen and vanish into thin air. They knew it. I knew they knew it.


    But I had to lie. I had to try.


    For now, I could only hope and pray that my answer, flimsy as it might be, would be enough to push past their suspicions.


    Because I was bound by onew¡ªone terrifying, absolute truth that governed my entire existence:


    <strong>Do not let anyone know the truth about you.</strong>


    If I told them I had powers¡ªreal powers that could shift earth and manipte forces beyond understanding¡ªthen my secrets would unravel.


    Who I really was woulde to light. My past, my bloodline, my enemies... all of it.


    And until I found out who those enemies were, I couldn¡¯t let this news go out. Not even to them.


    "Hey, Val," Xade and Ace said softly at the same time, their voices in perfect harmony. Their tone was calm, like they were speaking to a wounded animal, like they didn¡¯t want to scare me off.


    "You can tell us," Ace added, his icy blue eyes filled with so much concern it nearly made me cave.


    "We can help you," Xade followed, eyes searching mine like he was willing to carry the burden if I just gave him a name to fight.


    I wanted to believe them. I really did.


    But Kai blinked slowly from the corner, like he was analysing me and reading me.


    Dristan held my gaze; the intensity in his eyes was almost too much to bear. It was like he could see into my very soul¡ªand for a moment, I felt naked under that stare.


    And Riven... gods, that Vampire was worse than all of thembined. His crimson gaze pierced me like he already knew the truth and was just waiting for me to say it out loud.


    He didn¡¯t blink, and I almost thought he didn¡¯t breathe. He just watched.


    I bit the inside of my cheek.


    No. Not yet.


    "I..." I parted my lips, ready to speak¡ªto lie, or maybe even confess.


    But then the door burst open, crashing against the wall with a loud bang.


    "Valerie!" A familiar voice rang out¡ªworried, breathless.


    Thank the stars.


    Solstice.


    Every head whipped around as she froze in the doorway. Her bright energy faltered under their stares, but she held her ground.


    "Valerie?" she repeated, her eyes bouncing between me and the Alphas like she¡¯d walked into a sacred ritual.


    She looked unsure for a second, wondering if this was the right time¡ªbut then our eyes met, and I blinked three times in quick session.


    <strong>YES.</strong>


    She caught it.


    Her lips curved slightly to the side in acknowledgement. Message received.


    She stepped further into the room, walking confidently to stand at the foot of my bed. Her gaze flickered over the room, assessing the charged tension hanging in the air.


    "Alphas," she said with a nod.


    A few of them groaned under their breath. Some muttered something inaudible. None of them moved.


    Solstice didn¡¯t care.


    "Umm, I know you guys care," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "but Valerie needs air. Do you all mind stepping out for some minutes, please? Let her breathe."


    "Get lost," Dristan snapped coldly.


    "Huh, nope," Solstice shot back with the same energy.


    "She¡¯s our mate," he growled. "She needs us right now. Not you."


    Solstice raised an eyebrow and folded her arms with a look that could freeze time. "Well, I¡¯m her friend. A female friend. Unlike you lot. You all only care about who gets her, not how she feels or what she needs. So here¡¯s a wild idea¡ªhow about you take a chill pill, actually court her properly, get to know her, take her on a damn date maybe, and behave like decent gentlemen?"


    I winced slightly at the explosion that followed her words.


    "But until then," she added firmly, "do not dare question my friendship with Valerie."


    "I already did," Dristan voiced.


    "Maybe do a better one then."


    I could feel the way their anger simmered. Some of them were clenching their fists. I knew if they let their Alpha aura slip, even a little, it would crush her. She didn¡¯t have a wolf to push back like them.


    So I spoke up, voice dry but calm. "Please, guys. She¡¯s concerned. And I¡¯m guessing none of you have let anyone in since I copsed?"


    "Nope. Just the nurse," Solstice answered, ring at them with that same fiery protectiveness.


    A guilty silence followed.


    Kai was the first to move. "As you wish, Valerie." But even his voice wasced with reluctance.


    "But we¡¯ll be the ones taking you back. And tonight, you¡¯re sleeping at our house," Dristan added, leaving no room for negotiation.


    I caught the slight tension in Riven, Ash, and Ace. They clearly wanted to argue but didn¡¯t. Maybe because, deep down, they agreed it was safest for now since they were staying in Dorms.


    "Fine," Solstice sighed. "As you wish. But don¡¯t eat her."


    The guys blinked.


    "No promises, kiddo," Dristan smirked. "But I¡¯ll definitely be having her."


    I opened my mouth to warn him, but before I could, he turned sharply, walked back to my bed, and pressed a kiss to my lips.


    It was firm, possessive and carried a clear message.


    "We still need to talk, Nightshade," Dristan whispered.


    Immediately, jealousy kicked in, and the others followed like clockwork.


    "Be safe and think of me, little wolf," Xade enunciated, pecking my lips softly.


    "No, think of me," Axel countered, aiming for my cheek.


    "I love you," Kai added, and unlike the others, his kiss was deep¡ªhis tongue brushed briefly against mine before he pulled back, leaving my heart thudding in my chest.


    I swallowed thickly.


    "You¡¯re not leaving us out," Ash said. "Ace and I will get our kiss. Something deep and meaningful. But until then¡ªforget the rest of them."


    He pecked me near the corner of my lips, and I blushed despite myself as his hair brushed my cheek.


    Ace leaned in, brushing his knuckles against my forehead. "My first kiss with you ought to be beautiful," he said, "so I call first before Ash. Rest well, and think only happy thoughts and not of these wolves."


    He kissed my forehead, lingering just a moment too long.


    And then there was Riven.


    He didn¡¯t kiss me. Didn¡¯t touch me. He only smiled quietly, dangerously, and maically.


    "I will earn the right to be yours," he said. "And I will have you be mine. I shall steal you from them all." All the guys rolled their eyes.


    "Get to the back of the line, Vamp," Kai voiced.


    Riven ignored him and added, "I¡¯ll always be watching, Nightshade. No one will harm you while I live."


    His eyes shed blood-red as he stepped back.


    And then they all left together. A line of Alphas retreating reluctantly, casting final nces as they went.


    As soon as the door clicked shut, Solstice turned, locked it, and pressed her back against it.


    Both of us exhaled in unison.


    "That," she said, sliding to the floor dramatically, "was way too close."


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh softly, even though my voice shook at how close I was to giving myself away.


    It was the most alive I¡¯d felt since waking up.


    "So, shall I inform Storm?"

 Chapter 197: Sobbing

    <h4>Chapter 197: Sobbing</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 197</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I wasn¡¯t ready to let anyone know about the mistake I made.


    It wasn¡¯t just about guilt¡ªit was deeper than that.


    It was fear. Doubt. Shame.


    The kind that sinks its ws into your bones and whispers all the worst-case scenarios until your stomach knots in on itself.


    If no one from my family had ever told me I had powers¡ªif they¡¯d gone as far as to hide it from me¡ªthen that could only mean one thing: <strong>revealing it would do more harm than good.</strong>


    I shook my head slowly, my gaze fixated on the clean, white sheets covering me. "We can¡¯t," I whispered. "We cannot make them worry any more than they should."


    "True," Solstice agreed with a nod as she came to sit beside me. Her presence had always been a balm to my chaos.


    There was silence for a moment, only the faint ticking of the wall clock breaking it.


    "Solstice," I finally spoke softly. "Tell me. What was the result for our team? Did we win or...?"


    "It was called a draw," she replied, tucking her hair behind her ear, "since the time was up before they could make a proper judgment."


    I nodded slowly. "And who were the four chosen?"


    "You were one of them," she said, giving me a weak smile. "I, Astraea, and Emerald were the other three."


    I blinked in surprise. "The others... they failed?"


    She gave a small shrug. "They just didn¡¯t stand out enough aside from being terrible and Titania couldn¡¯t use her powers"


    I let the information sink in. I should¡¯ve felt proud¡ªI was chosen. But all I felt was dread. Because what if I was chosen for the wrong reasons? What if they saw something... unnatural?


    "What do you think Principal Whitmore and the others thought of what happened?" I asked quietly.


    Solstice¡¯s lips pursed in thought. "Honestly..." she paused, then exhaled. "They suspect something. But I¡¯m already thinking of a way to exin it¡ªto make it look like a natural urrence. Maybe say it was an earthquake caused by... I don¡¯t know the disturbance I¡¯ll use yet, but I¡¯ll think of something."


    My brows shot up. "An earthquake?"


    "I know it¡¯s a stretch," she admitted. "But it¡¯s better than them thinking you¡¯re some uncontroble ticking bomb of power."


    I opened my mouth to respond but stopped when she leaned closer, lowering her voice slightly.


    "Val... why did your powers awaken just now? You¡¯ve had that ne for months. Why now?"


    I frowned and thought back,bing through every detail of the past few days. It didn¡¯t make sense¡ªnothing triggered it. Not really. Until...


    "My ne," I said slowly, eyes widening. "Could it be that?"


    Solstice narrowed her gaze. She looked unsure at first, but something in my tone must¡¯ve convinced her. "You think the ne was affected somehow?"


    "I believe it¡¯s being tampered with," I murmured. "The scroll we saw... the magic it carried... something about it felt like it was targeting that ne. Or maybe me. Or both."


    "Then maybe you should remove it?"


    "No." I shook my head immediately. "Look at what just happened. I have no control over anything, Sol. I can¡¯t risk taking it off. If I do, and the powers surge again... I could hurt someone. Or worse."


    She sighed and dropped her shoulders, the frustration and helplessness in on her face. "And look how far we¡¯ve gone. So far, yet no leads. Nightshade seems non-existent. It¡¯s like we¡¯re searching for a needle in a haystack."


    I smiled softly and reached out, gently cupping her cheek. "Even a needle in a haystack can be found... if you use the right ma. As long as it exists, nothing is truly hidden under the sun."


    Her expression softened, and without warning, she threw her arms around me.


    The silence between us turned warmer, filled with unspoken emotion. Then I felt it¡ªthe wetness on my shoulder¡ªher soft sobs.


    I tried to pull back, but she clung to me tightly.


    "Vi," she cried. "I was so scared. When I saw you lose control... when I saw the earth split beneath you¡ªI thought you¡¯d be swallowed whole. I could feel something different inside you. It was like... like watching someone I didn¡¯t know."


    "Shhh," I hushed her, rubbing slow, calming circles across her back.


    "I can¡¯t lose you," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You¡¯re my only sister. I can¡¯t."


    Her tears soaked into my hospital gown, but I didn¡¯t care. All I could do was hold her, let her cry, and remind her, without words, that I was still here.


    We stayed like that for a while. Just two broken girls holding each other together in a world that refused to make sense.


    Then, a knock came at the door.


    Solstice jolted upright and quickly wiped her face. Her eyes were still red, but her posture was steady.


    We exchanged nces, uncertain of who might be on the other side.


    "Go check," I said, gesturing lightly.


    She nodded and stood, walking over. As soon as she opened the door, I saw the familiar figure and a soft smile tugged at my lips.


    "Hello, Valerie. I... how are you?" Xander asked.


    "Xander," I greeted warmly. "Come in."


    Solstice stepped aside, giving him space. She smiled at me briefly and mouthed, <i>"I¡¯ll give you two some privacy. I¡¯ll get you a drink."</i> Then she disappeared through the door.


    Xander approached the bed and sat beside me, gently taking my hand in his. His touch was warm and steady.


    "You scared us all, you know," he said, voice low. "When the quake happened... I thought... I thought someone had triggered another simtion. That maybe... someone was trying to hurt you."


    My heart squeezed at the fear in his eyes.


    "I don¡¯t know," I said truthfully.


    <i>"It didn¡¯t feel like someone was doing it to me. It felt like... it came from me. Like something inside me cracked open."</i>


    Even though I had voiced that internally, it felt good to express it out loud. If only I could.


    Xander¡¯s brow furrowed. "Valerie, do you think someone is after you? Really?"


    I hesitated, then shook my head. "I don¡¯t know what to think. Everything feels... off."


    Xander gripped my hand tightly. "I¡¯ll get to the bottom of it. I promise you, I won¡¯t let anything happen to you again."


    A small, grateful smile formed on my lips. "Thank you."


    We sat in silence for a moment, just staring at each other. There was something unstated between us¡ªa flicker of something deeper.


    I didn¡¯t know why but I felt my body feel safe near him and wanted to lean in for a hug.


    Xander licked his lips and shifted slightly, his eyes holding mine. The tension that sparked made me look away quickly as my heart raced.


    "I huh... Where¡¯s Silver?"


    "Oh, she went to get me something to drink. Would like one too?"


    "No. I am okay." Xander cleared his throat and stood, brushing imaginary dust from his pants. "Get well soon, Valerie."


    "I will."


    I watched him as he walked to the door and paused, giving me onest nce before disappearing into the hallway.


    No sooner had he gone than the nurse popped her head into the room. "Oh you¡¯re up."

 Chapter 198: Principal Whitmore’s Concern

    <h4>Chapter 198: Principal Whitmore¡¯s Concern</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 198</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    ~Principal Whitmore¡¯s Office~


    "Keep it together, Zoey," Principal Whitmore muttered to herself as she paced her office, voice low but tight with tension. "You¡¯ve handled worse. This school has survived worse."


    Her heels clicked sharply against the tiles, the only sound breaking the tension in the room.


    Therge windows behind her desk let in narrow beams of afternoon light, slicing across the polished surfaces and casting fractured shadows that danced along the bookshelves and filing cabs.


    But even the golden rays did nothing to soothe the pressure pressing down on her chest.


    Her expression was drawn, every muscle around her mouth held in ce like a dam against the rising wave of anxiety. Each footstep, each breath, betrayed the weight now sitting squarely on her shoulders.


    This wasn¡¯t just about school anymore.


    It was about power, politics and survival.


    If the Council of Alphas caught wind of what had urred during the assessment tests, particrly the incident centred around Valerie Nightshade, it would be disastrous.


    Investigations. Suspensions. Interrogations.


    Possibly even school closure. It would look like gross negligence on her part¡ªunfit to lead a school filled with the most powerful heirs in the supernatural realm.


    Her entire leadership could be called into question. Her uing campaign for Regional Director? Dead in the water.


    And in the middle of it all... was Valerie Nightshade.


    Whitmore clenched her jaw and pressed her fingers against her temple. Her phone buzzed again in her hand. She answered without a greeting.


    "Yes?"


    She paused, nodding as the voice on the other end began to speak¡ªan anxious report from the local geological division.


    "No recorded fault line activity," the voice continued, "but there was a spike in heat signatures and minor tremors registered at the coordinates of the academy. Could¡¯ve been a small surface quake or¡ªfrankly, we¡¯re not sure."


    "Could it happen again?" Whitmore asked quietly.


    "Unlikely, unless something triggers it again. But we¡¯ll keep monitoring the area."


    She exhaled sharply as she ended the call and dropped her phone onto the table with a soft tter.


    Then she turned to her left, where Ms. Heart stood silently in the corner, her expression guarded, as a sleek ck tablet clutched tightly to her chest.


    "What report do you have for me?" Whitmore asked.


    Ms. Heart stepped forward. Her heels barely made a sound as she kept herposure. "I apologize for whatever inconvenience this is bringing you."


    "That¡¯s okay," Principal Whitmore replied with a tight smile, rubbing the bridge of her nose.


    "It is my responsibility as the principal to ensure that things are done correctly and that the students are living in the best possible conditions. I have parents calling me back and forth, asking about their kids¡¯ safety. I¡¯ve been through worse. So?"


    "I understand," Ms. Heart said, unlocking her tablet. "Here are the findings from our school¡¯s magical board. It is... inconclusive. Some believe a dormant power is at y. Some believe it is external interference, and some argue it could be a natural threat."


    Principal Whitmore¡¯s gaze sharpened as her fingers drummed lightly against her desk. "And you, what do you believe?"


    Ms. Heart hesitated for a second, then nced once more at the data on her screen. "Personally... I believe it could be elemental. Possibly fire or earth. But the odd thing is, none of the Alpha heirs currently enrolled have confirmed mastery over earth magic. No one can control Earth as it is not their element."


    "And fire?" Principal Whitmore interjected quickly.


    Ms. Heart gave a slow nod. "While Kai Draven was simply spectating at the time, one cannot definitively say if he influenced the oue or... aided Valerie Nightshade¡¯s team."


    A long pause stretched between them, and Principal Whitmore crossed her arms.


    "No," she said atst. "I believe that is incorrect. We had Fae among the duelling teams. Elemental energy could havee from one of them. Some of them are tied to nature¡¯s pulse¡ªforest, earth, and the like."


    "You¡¯re thinking the students rigged it themselves?" Ms. Heart asked carefully.


    Whitmore shook her head. "No. They didn¡¯t. Which raises the next question a detective would ask: What if it wasn¡¯t them at all? What if it wasn¡¯t an ident or a spell gone rogue? What if it was a witch¡¯s attack¡ªan outside interference¡ªmeant to distract us? Break our focus?"


    Ms. Heart blinked. "A diversion?"


    "Exactly," Principal Whitmore muttered. "If we were to believe that theory, then something or someone was trying to keep our eyes away from their true goal."


    "And if it wasn¡¯t that?" Ms. Heart tilted her head.


    "Then we¡¯re looking at another theory," Principal Whitmore murmured. "One that worries me even more."


    She looked up slowly.


    "It could¡¯ve been an attack on Valerie Nightshade. One that was designed to look like a freak disaster. If you noticed, the tremors... the fire... the disruption... all of it was centred where she stood."


    Ms. Heart¡¯s lips parted in realization. "She could have died."


    "We¡¯re lucky all she got was a minor head injury. A few secondster or a stronger surge and..."


    "We could¡¯ve lost her," Ms. Heart finished grimly. Then she lowered her voice. "But... what if it was her? What if Valerie caused that?"


    The air in the room shifted.


    Principal Whitmore went still.


    Then, unexpectedly, she let out a shortugh. "No. That¡¯s not possible. She¡¯s not an heir. She doesn¡¯t have witch¡¯s blood. She has no connection to any of the ancient magics we monitor. And most of all¡ªwhat would she gain from doing something like that after already winning?"


    Ms. Heart nodded slowly, her voice steady. "You¡¯re right."


    Whitmore inhaled deeply and straightened. "So. Inconclusive. That¡¯s what we go with. And for now... we keep this off the Alpha Council¡¯s radar."


    "But shouldn¡¯t they be informed?" Ms. Heart asked, frowning. "If there¡¯s an imminent threat¡ª"


    "Maybe. But if I tell them now, it¡¯ll be my neck on the line," Whitmore said firmly. "It would reflect ipetence... especially this close to my campaign for regional director. I can¡¯t afford that kind of stain."


    Ms. Heart nodded obediently. "As you wish, ma¡¯am."

 Chapter 199: Seeking Help

    <h4>Chapter 199: Seeking Help</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 199</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Good. Keep your eyes peeled, especially on Valerie. I want a full record of her magical vitals, output, mood swings, everything. She¡¯s central to this¡ªwhether she knows it or not."


    Ms. Heart lowered her head in silent agreement and exited the office.


    The moment the door shut behind her, Principal Whitmore let out a long breath. Her posture slumped for the first time in hours as she moved toward her desk and sank into the leather chair behind it.


    Her eyes fell to the golden namete on the desk.


    <strong>Zoey Whitmore, Headmistress of Prestige Supernatural Academy</strong>


    She ran a hand slowly over the metal te, her thoughts spiraling.


    Suddenly, unbidden, her memory drifted back to years ago, when she was still a junior teacher.


    The day she overheard a whispered conversation behind closed doors.


    A baby. A bloodline hidden. A prophecy spoken in hushed tones.


    She never forgot the voice speaking, Zara Zephyr and even though she still believed she was right, she could also be mistaken<strong>.</strong>


    Although the prophecy and the words spoken that day seemed scattered, she was now beginning to see meaning in things.


    ¡¯The first ever six-bond mates in history.... Is this prophecy or disaster waiting to happen?"


    Whitmore¡¯s eyes narrowed, a slow chill prickling her spine.


    "What exactly is going on," she murmured to the empty room, "and who are you truly, Valerie Nightshade?"


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Kieran¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Ever since that fateful day when my advances had been pped¡ªboth figuratively and quite literally¡ªagainst my face, I had kept my distance from most students.


    It wasn¡¯t entirely by choice.


    After the incident, Principal Whitmore had summoned me to her office, her re sharp enough to cut ss. I had barely stepped through the door before she motioned toward the chair in front of her desk.


    "Sit," she said in that cool, clipped tone she reserved for discipline cases.


    I hadn¡¯t even fully settled before sheunched into it.


    "You have stirred up enough trouble in this school tost the entire semester," she snapped, mming her pen down on the desk. "But forcing yourself on Valerie Nightshade¡ª<i>that</i> is where I draw the line."


    I tried to keep calm. "I didn¡¯t force anything. I was¡ª"


    "You tried to kiss her without consent. After she has <i>six</i> mates. And two more boys still hovering around her like moths to a me." Her eyes narrowed. "You thought you could just... join the list?"


    "I just wanted to court her," I said, jaw clenched.


    "Court her?" she repeated, leaning back in disbelief. "Why not go ahead and suggest that every guy in PSA should try courting Valerie Nightshade? Maybe we should turn the entire campus into a queue for potential suitors!"


    That stung.


    "She¡¯s mine," I growled before I could stop myself.


    Principal Whitmore stood abruptly. "<i>No,</i> she is not. She belongs to no one¡ªand especially not to you." Her tone was sharp and final.


    "Let me remind you, this is my school. <i>My rules.</i> I don¡¯t tolerate possessiveness, obsession, or stalking. You¡¯ve just earned yourself two weeks¡¯ detention, plus another two weeks ofmunity service. Maybe that¡¯ll help you reflect on your behaviour."


    The memory still burned in my chest. The embarrassment. The fury. The way she had spoken to me, like I was some obsessed boy who couldn¡¯t take rejection.


    But I wasn¡¯t done. Not yet.


    Despite the punishment, despite the stares and whispers in the hallway, I knew one thing: if I wanted any shot at being seen in a better light again, I had to apologise to Valerie.


    Genuinely and publicly.


    But with Dristan, Riven, and the other heirs orbiting her like satellites around a, getting close to her now was nearly impossible.


    So, I decided to try myst option.


    After scribbling the final words of a handwritten letter and sealing it with wax, I turned to my right.


    "Lucy," I called.


    She stepped forward quietly, hands sped in front of her. "Master?"


    "Deliver this to Xade. Make sure he reads it. Not the other heirs, or even a friend, just him and I want him to call me after."


    Lucy didn¡¯t argue, but her feet hesitated before she turned.


    "Is this... about Valerie Nightshade?" she asked softly.


    My jaw tensed as I met her gaze, my voice dark. "That¡¯s not your concern. Do your job and get going."


    She bowed quickly. "Apologies, Master," and turned on her heel to leave.


    I waited.


    And waited.


    Thirty minutes crawled by with agonising slowness until finally, my phone buzzed on the side table.


    I didn¡¯t even look at the caller ID. I already knew.


    "Speak," Xade¡¯s deep, cold voice came through.


    "Do not forget we¡¯re rted, cousin. You don¡¯t have to treat me like I¡¯m some stranger."


    "You are a stranger," Xade shot back. "Especially after what you did to Valerie."


    "I didn¡¯t do anything," I said quickly, defensively.


    "Right. Because people intervened, if I¡¯d been there, I would¡¯ve made you regret everything. You should thank the stars I wasn¡¯t."


    I clenched my jaw but bit back the urge to retaliate.


    "Rx, rx. I¡¯m sorry, okay?"


    "Save it," Xade cut in sharply. "I shouldn¡¯t be the one you¡¯re apologizing to."


    "Exactly why I called."


    There was a pause. Then, a sharp exhale. "What?"


    "I want to apologise to Valerie¡ªand I need a way to do it."


    "Not my problem."


    The line went dead.


    "Dammit," I muttered, staring at the disconnected call.


    I redialed. No answer. I called again¡ªstill nothing.


    On the third try, the call connected. But before I could speak, Xade¡¯s voice cut in sharply, "If you don¡¯t want me to punch you through this phone, Kieran..."


    "Just hear me out," I said quickly. "Please."


    Silence followed as Xade¡¯s breathing becgan to slow.


    Then a tired sigh. "You¡¯ve got one minute."


    "Thank you, it¡¯s all I needed," I rushed. "Xade, I want to throw a party this weekend in Valerie¡¯s honour. Public. ssy. I¡¯ll apologise to her in front of everyone."


    "She doesn¡¯t care for show-offs."


    "I know. But maybe... maybe if she hears it from me, in front of everyone, she¡¯ll know it¡¯s genuine."


    Xade didn¡¯t respond.


    "Please, just tell her. Ask her toe. Beg her, if you have to."


    "Give me one reason why I should help you out, Kieran?"


    I leaned forward, lowering my voice. "Because I know something that might help you win her."

 Chapter 200: Using Her As Bait

    <h4>Chapter 200: Using Her As Bait</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 200</strong>


    <strong>~Kieran¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Xade did not need to say it. I knew I had his attention as well as his curiosity.


    "What is it?" he asked rather gruffly.


    "One word," I stated sharply. "Dristan."


    Xade scoffed in disbelief. "You¡¯re joking. This was a total waste of time. Bye."


    "Wait! Just listen¡ªDristan¡¯s been hypnotizing students. I¡¯m not making this up. I was a victim. Ask Avery. Ask Brielle. They¡¯ve both felt it too. Something¡¯s off with him."


    "You expect me to believe that one of the Alpha heirs is dabbling in dark magic?"


    "I don¡¯t expect anything," I said coolly. "But maybe you¡¯re too scared to face the truth."


    There was silence on the line again.


    Then, finally, Xade said, "Fine. I¡¯ll cut you a deal. But not a word about this to anyone."


    "Oh, cousin," I said smoothly. "This is your territory. Your jurisdiction. Your region. Keep the students safe. That¡¯s your job. I¡¯ve got no interest in ying hero, nor do I have use of his information."


    "Yet you used it to broker a deal."


    "Because you are you. The only one who can make this work."


    He clicked his tongue. "Where is this party?"


    "Killian residence. Since students are allowed to leave campus this weekend due to the midterms and public holidays, we¡¯ll start around six. End by ten. Gives enough time for everyone to be back by eleven, no curfew break."


    "Fine. I¡¯ll handle it. But remember¡ªkeep your mouth shut."


    "Promise," I said with a smile. "Oh... and Xade?"


    "What now?"


    I hesitated just long enough to make it matter. "I... I like your mate."


    The silence that followed was heavy, dangerous.


    Then Xade¡¯s voice came off low and lethal. "Say that again, and this call will be thest thing you ever do."


    He hung up before I could say another word.


    I stared at the darkened screen, my pulse still racing. I should¡¯ve stopped myself from saying thatst part.


    But it was true.


    I liked Valerie Nightshade¡ªmore than liked. At first, she was supposed to be my next ything, but after seeing her a few times, it blossomed into something more.


    There was something about her¡ªmaic, haunting¡ªthat made me feel alive. I wasn¡¯t like the others. I didn¡¯t want to dominate her or im her like property.


    That was me before, but now I want her to choose me. And if it meant throwing the grandest apology party PSA had ever seen¡ªso be it.


    Let the music begin.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    It didn¡¯t take long before the announcement was trending on the school gossip site. "Midterms¡¯ Celebration Bash"¡ªeven the name sounded ridiculous.


    But of course, students flocked to it like moths to a me. It had Kieran¡¯s signature all over it¡ªloud, shy, and begging for attention.


    Now, all I had to do was get the Alphas to attend. That wouldn¡¯t be hard. The moment they sniffed an unsanctioned party, they¡¯d show up out of responsibility¡ªor curiosity.


    They¡¯d also want to make sure nothing spiralled out of control.


    However, the real challenge wasn¡¯t getting people to attend.


    It was Valerie Nightshade herself¡ªmy mate.


    Valerie wasn¡¯t one to fall for grand gestures, especially when they shoved her into the spotlight. She preferred shadows, quiet corners, and control over chaos.


    And this party? It was chaos on a silver tter.


    Still... I had no choice.


    Kieran¡¯s warning about Dristan still reyed in my mind. I hated that I was using Valerie as bait, hated that I was dragging her into something she didn¡¯t ask for.


    But if there was truth to what Kieran imed¡ªif Dristan really had been using dark magic to hypnotise students¡ªthen I needed answers.


    Fast.


    The worst part? Kieran wasn¡¯t the only one. Avery. Brielle. They¡¯d hinted at strange encounters, too. My instincts told me something wasn¡¯t right.


    I¡¯d have to investigate carefully and quietly.


    It was already evening. The warm golden glow of the setting sun stretchedzily over the estate walls.


    The mansion was quiet for now, anticipation lingering in the air. I was waiting for Valerie, we all were.


    Silver had texted Dristan that Valerie was finally being discharged. Without hesitation, Dristan and Kai had left to pick her up.


    I¡¯d excused myself for a while when Lucy came to deliver Kieran¡¯s letter. Now, all that remained was the most delicate part of the n¡ªconvincing Valerie toe.


    I was walking back toward the main room when the sound of Dristan¡¯s car echoed from the long driveway.


    Everyone looked up, and after about a minute, the door opened, and there she was.


    Valerie.


    Her presence silenced everything around us. Dressed in soft, loose clothes and a thin jacket, she looked paler than usual in just the few hours since we saw her, but no less stunning.


    A little tired, a little wary¡ªbut still Valerie. Her gaze swept over us as she stepped towards the porch slowly.


    We all stepped out to greet her¡ªme, Axel, Kai, and Dristan.


    "Wee back," Kai said first, smiling faintly.


    "Good to see you, Vee," Axel added with a two-finger salute.


    Dristan didn¡¯t say anything. He walked beside her silently, staying close, protective.


    "d you¡¯re back on your feet," I said, and her gaze flicked to me briefly.


    Valerie nodded, epting greetings from the others.


    Instead of heading to the spare room prepared for her, Valerie shook her head. "I¡¯ll stay in the living room for now," she said. "I¡¯m not tired enough to sleep. Just... want to rest."


    No one objected about that.


    Valerie curled into the corner of the couch, pulling a throw nket over herp. The fire in the hearth crackled low, casting a warm orange glow across her face.


    She looked fragile there.


    "Are you hungry?" I asked after a few minutes of silence had passed.


    She didn¡¯t respond right away. "Maybe."


    I returned with a tray a few minutester¡ªsimple warm pasta, bread rolls, a ss of juice. Comfort food. Something easy.


    She looked at the tray as I set it on the coffee table, her expression unreadable. "Thanks."


    "Eat slowly," I said, lowering myself onto the seat beside her. "You still need rest."


    She took a bite and chewed slowly. "It¡¯s good."


    For a while, the room was filled with soft clinks of her fork and the fire¡¯s asional hiss.


    Riven and Xander dropped by shortly after to greet Valerie, and after about twenty minutes, they announced that they were returning to their dorm.


    Ash and Ace came a few minutester with some extra things Valerie had forgotten from the infirmary, but they too didn¡¯t linger long.


    Within thirty minutes, it was just the four of us left¡ªme, Dristan, Kai, and Axel.


    I watched the way Dristan sat so close to her, his arm resting behind the couch like a silent im. Valerie didn¡¯t seem to mind. But she didn¡¯t lean into him either.


    Eventually, I stood. "Valerie."


    She looked up, her eyes a little heavy now.


    "The fifth heir¡¯s room is cleaned and ready. No one¡¯s using it, and it¡¯s the quietest in the house. You can rest there tonight. If you¡¯d like."


    She hesitated. Dristan looked at her, about to speak¡ªbut she beat him to it.


    "Okay," she said quietly. "Just for tonight."


    Dristan didn¡¯t waste a second.


    Before she could move, he had already stood, scooped her up in a bridal carry, and began walking upstairs.


    "Seriously?" she muttered.


    "You said okay," Dristan replied, smirking a little. "This is faster."

 Chapter 201: Asking Her

    <h4>Chapter 201: Asking Her</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 201</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The rest of us just watched him carry her away like she weighed nothing¡ªtypical Dristan.


    "Dristan, you better sleep in her room with how you are monopolizing our mate," Axel enunciated, and Dristan chuckled.


    Once they disappeared upstairs, the rest of us dispersed slowly. Axel left to make a call. Kai returned to the music room. I lingered.


    Two hours passed.


    Most of the house had gone quiet again. But something pulled at me¡ªan instinct I couldn¡¯t ignore.


    I made my way upstairs, stopping in front of the fifth heir¡¯s door.


    It was surprising how everything just fell into ce beautifully and easily with Valerie being here and staying here.


    She was meant for us and right now, if she loves it and Principal Whitmore agrees, then she would make an addition to our quad.


    My hand hovered on the knob. And for a moment, I wasn¡¯t even sure why I was doing this.


    Yes, I wanted to check on her, then use the opportunity to discuss the party or simply to confess something.


    I threw those thoughts away to the back of my mind, and as soon as I opened the door, Valerie¡¯s voice came immediately, stopping me cold.


    "I¡¯ve been expecting you."


    I froze, halfway inside. Valerie sat on the edge of the bed, still in her oversized hoodie like she¡¯d been waiting for this, waiting for me.


    "Valerie."


    I didn¡¯t know why I was hesitating at her door. Scratch that. I did, but the truth was that Valerie Nightshade had a way of knocking the wind out of people without even trying.


    And after everything that happened today¡ªher copsing on the field, the way she¡¯d barely looked at any of us since¡ªI wasn¡¯t sure if now was the right time to deliver the news of Kieran¡¯s party without actually mentioning Kieran.


    I know she¡¯d kill me for itter but she may also want to protect Dristan. However, how do I y a good friend and mate without risking the whole idea of her going if I told her the truth?


    But something told me I needed to tell her now that she wasn¡¯t surrounded by her other mates, especially Dristan and Kai.


    Ronan was in on it too, wanting me to spill the deets to our mate.


    <i>"Stop being a pussy and just go in," </i>he chided, and I smiled.


    I opened the door slowly, already preparing some half-assed excuse if she looked too tired but her voice stopped me mid-step.


    "I¡¯ve been expecting you."


    I froze.


    She was sitting at the edge of the bed like she¡¯d been waiting. Her voice wasn¡¯t sharp or cold. It was soft¡ªlike the kind of softness that made you want to confess things you weren¡¯t ready to say.


    "You¡¯re not surprised?" I asked, trying to sound casual. I wasn¡¯t sure I pulled it off.


    "I¡¯d be more surprised if you didn¡¯t show up."


    I let out a soft chuckle. Not the flirty kind. Not the one I used to disarm people. This one was smaller, but just as quiet.


    I stepped inside, shut the door behind me, and shoved my hands deep into my pockets. Not because I was cold. Because I didn¡¯t trust them not to fidget.


    She patted the bed beside her. I sat carefully, not too close. My usual confidence had fled the second she said my name.


    Damn.


    "You okay?" she asked, tilting her head. That knowing look in her eyes was too sharp, too kind. Like she saw right through the sarcasm I hadn¡¯t even bothered to use tonight.


    "Of course. Why wouldn¡¯t I be?"


    Silence.


    Just the faint tick of the wall clock, and her eyes on me.


    "I¡¯ve been watching you since I came," she said. "And you¡¯ve seemed... different."


    I scoffed. "Different how?"


    "You haven¡¯t made a single sarcasticment. No flirty jab. Not even a wink. You¡¯ve been weird."


    That made meugh, dry and short. But I didn¡¯t deny it.


    She was right.


    "Fine," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "You caught me."


    Valerie waited¡ªlike she always did, like she knew there was more.


    I sighed and looked away, out the window. "I wanted to ask you something. And I didn¡¯t know how to say it without sounding like aplete idiot."


    She didn¡¯t blink. "Try me."


    "I want you toe to a party with me tomorrow."


    There. Said it.


    Valerie blinked. "A party?"


    I nodded. "Yeah. It¡¯s mid-terms. There¡¯s a party. Off-campus. I figured... you¡¯ve had enough stress tost two lifetimes, and I¡¯m not exactly great at pep talks, so..." I trailed off, then added, "It might help you unwind. Dance. Drink. Laugh. Maybe remember you¡¯re not just the girl everyone wants a piece of."


    She didn¡¯t answer right away. Just asked, "Where is it?"


    That caught me. I hesitated. "Outside the school."


    Her eyes didn¡¯t narrow. Her voice didn¡¯t raise.


    She just said, "You don¡¯t need to be so fidgety about things. I¡¯ll go."


    I blinked. "Wait, really?"


    She smiled¡ªbarely, but it was real. "Yeah."


    I let out a breath I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d been holding. "Huh. I thought you¡¯d shoot me down. Or throw something."


    "You still can try to bribe me," she said, lips twitching. "But it¡¯ll take more than drinks and bass drops."


    Now that¡ªthat was the Valerie I knew. I grinned. "Challenge epted."


    We talked after that. Nothing earth-shattering. But it meant something.


    She told me she hated mint chocte. I told her I once broke a chandelier trying to impress someone. Sheughed¡ªhead thrown back, eyes shining¡ªand for a second, the world felt right again.


    Like all the chaos didn¡¯t matter as long as that sound existed.


    Eventually, I stood.


    "I¡¯ll let you sleep," I said, brushing my knuckles across her jaw, slow and gentle. I didn¡¯t linger.


    "Big day tomorrow. Dress hot. Or don¡¯t. I¡¯ll be watching either way."


    She muttered, "Stalker," under her breath, but she was smiling.


    At the door, I paused. Looked back.


    "Val?"


    She nced up.


    "I¡¯m really d you said yes."


    "We¡¯ll see about that."


    I smiled as I locked the door behind me. And that was it¡ªno grand ending or kiss. Just a weight was lifted, and more pressure was put on me regarding her future reaction tomorrow.


    <i>"Idiot," </i>Roanana hissed.


    <i>"I¡¯ll live with that."</i>

 Chapter 202: Nightshade Thorn

    <h4>Chapter 202: Nightshade Thorn</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 202</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I did not need a soothsayer to know that something was wrong with Xade and the party he had asked me to join. It was almost as though he did not want me to know.


    Two thoughts crossed my mind as to what was going on with him.


    One: Was this a surprise?


    Two: Or was this something I would not like?


    Whichever scenario yed out, I still agreed. Why? Because I still needed to speak to Gamma Ryan and have him unhack my phone and Solstice.


    I smile with Riven as though nothing is wrong to avoid any more issues going on, but I needed to know whom I was going to punish.


    That night was uneventful, as I hoped, and even though I knew the earthquake came from me, a part of me was d to be in their midst.


    But something about being the fifth heir, staying in my room, made me remember Mum and Dad and our home.


    After texting Solstice about the party, she informed me that she knew as well. We tried nning how to escape the party and leave to find Ryan before sleep finally imed me.


    <strong>*************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Deep beneath the neutral fa?ade of PSA¡¯s administration wing¡ªbeyond the mirrored doors and moured floors¡ªthere existed a corridor few ever dared walk.


    It had no official name. Hidden by ancient spells and psychic veils, it belonged to a group with no official standing, yet whispered power.


    In a chamber lit by a single suspended orb of shifting violet and gold light, two figures stood before a throne-like chair carved into obsidian stone.


    "So, what report do you have concerning thetest disturbance in the Academy?" the man¡¯s deep voice rang out, and the two people before him trembled slightly.


    "Mind you, it had better be good, as PSA is getting hot." He drew azy nce around, stopping on the first person, ady. "Ms. Heart."


    The first, a woman cloaked in elegant ck robes with silver trim, bowed slightly. Her brown hair was braided tightly and adorned with charms shaped like crescent des.


    Her voice was precise, clear, and clipped with control.


    "Principal Whitmore continues to downy the incident. Officially, she ims Valerie Nightshade is merely another student with enhanced instincts¡ªnothing more. But..." She paused, casting a sidelong nce at her partner.


    "I suspect she knows more than she lets on. Possibly even her full potential."


    Beside her stood a tall, lean man with greying hair and pale eyes. His hands were folded behind his back like a soldier who had once seen war but now preferred knowledge as his battlefield.


    "And you? Professor Anderlyn, what can you say? Do you dispute Ms. Heart or...?"


    Professor Anderlyn was a schr of forbidden texts and the keeper of several restricted wings within the school and library.


    He stepped forward. "I believe she may possesstent abilities. I witnessed it myself¡ªweeks ago, in the library archives."


    The masked figure did not speak. Only the hum of magic from the light orb filled the silence.


    "She entered the western wing alone, but was Prince Ash of the Lycan Kingdom," Anderlyn continued. "Touched one of the sealed scrolls on my desk, and the scroll pulsed and reacted to her. They left my table, but I followed them and saw it all happen. A flicker connected the scroll with her ne, and it changed form."


    "You allowed this?" the figure asked. His voice was low, ancient, echoing slightly, and distorted by the enchantmentsyered into the room. The red glow behind his mask pulsed like a heartbeat.


    "She took it before I could stop her," Anderlyn replied, a flicker of frustration in his tone. "But she does not know what she has yet. She didn¡¯t recognize the emblem. Not fully."


    The air thickened. Even the orb dimmed for a heartbeat.


    "And you didn¡¯t think I should know? It¡¯s been weeks!" His voice thundered, and arge gust of wind slithered past them, sending chills down their bodies.


    "I¡¯m... I... I¡¯m sorry, Dark Master."


    "I should punish you severely, but I shall let it slide because I want your eyes on her every move. I want to know what she does, who she meets, and how she is connected to the disaster."


    They both bowed their heads in reverence. "Yes, Dark Master."


    The figure exhaled softly and added in a much colder voice. "Do you think she will find us?"


    Ms. Heart cleared her throat. "It¡¯s difficult to say. But she is curious. Umonly so for someone her age and station. She¡¯s already shown signs of disobedience... and raw intelligence."


    "She is unruly," Professor Anderlyn admitted, "but not foolish. She could be useful."


    The figure didn¡¯t move. Not for several moments.


    And then he rose.


    Both Ms. Heart and Anderlyn immediately dropped to one knee, their heads lowered in reverence.


    The full form of the masked figure was obscured still¡ªhis body cloaked in shadows, power radiating off him in steady, invisible waves.


    The mask itself was unlike any modern material¡ªruned and smoothed with markings from a long-forgotten tongue. Two eyes glowed crimson behind it.


    "If it is confirmed," he said atst, voice almost too calm, "that Valerie Nightshade possesses power... true power..." He let the words linger, then finished, "...then she is no longer just a student."


    Ms. Heart lifted her gaze slightly. "And if she does?"


    The figure turned, barely tilting his head. "If she does... invite her to <strong>Nightshade Thorn </strong>as our honoured student. We could use powers like that."


    A silence followed¡ªone heavy with expectation and threat.


    He continued. "It is about time we made use of a student like her. She may be the piece we¡¯ve been waiting for. One born of earth and me."


    Ms. Heart and Professor Anderlyn nodded.


    "As youmand," they said in unison.


    The chamber dimmed as the figure turned back to the shadows. His presence withdrew like the tide, but the pressure lingered in the bones of the two people he left behind.


    Professor Anderlyn rose first, exhaling carefully. "She will find it eventually."


    Ms. Heart didn¡¯t disagree. "She¡¯s already knocking on the door. We may just need to direct her or offer her the key directly."

 Chapter 203: The Party 1

    <h4>Chapter 203: The Party 1</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 203</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Right from when I left her room until this evening, my mind has not been settled with Valerie.


    I kept reying all the ways she would growl andin to me or about what I did and preparing myself for the worst.


    Valerie sat beside me in the passenger seat of my car, and for the first time in a long while, I couldn¡¯t hear the engine over the rhythm of my own heartbeat.


    She looked... devastatingly beautiful.


    The thigh-high fitted white skirt hugged her just enough tomand attention but not scream for it.


    Her ck jacket framed her shoulders in that perfect off-duty warrior look, and those boots¡ªdamn. They weren¡¯t just footwear. They were a message: don¡¯t mess with me unless you want to be wrecked.


    Her hair spilled over her shoulders in loose waves, catching the dim light from the streetmps like strands of ink soaked in moonlight.


    I cleared my throat and offered a half-smile. "You look incredible, Val. All of you do."


    From the backseat, Silver gave a dramatic sigh. "Finally, some recognition. And here I thought we were just seat ornaments."


    "I¡¯ve always appreciated your sparkle, Silver," I replied smoothly.


    I, seated next to her, didn¡¯t speak. She¡¯d been staring out the window since we left the dorms. She was dressed in a deep, above-the-knee emerald gown, slit high on the thigh with a back so low it was practically illegal.


    But the tension in her shoulders said tonight wasn¡¯t just about dancing and drinks.


    I nced at Valerie again. She tilted her head and offered a tiny smile, then turned to look at her friends through the mirror as the Killian residence came into view.


    As soon as we pulled through the wrought iron gates, I stiffened. Her voice was soft but sharp. "Oh no."


    I turned toward her slightly. "What?"


    I didn¡¯t answer me, nor did Valerie speak about it either. So I shut the fuck up and focus on my driving.


    It wasn¡¯t until we stepped out that I finally got another response from I. She gasped slightly and bit her lower lip.


    "The ce is big," Valerie noted, her gaze roaming the building. "Is this... someone¡¯s house?"


    I chuckled, trying to keep it casual. "You could say that, but yes."


    "I see."


    Silver, ever chirpy, immediately locked arms with Valerie and pulled her forward, leading them inside before I could lock my car doors.


    I, on the other hand, still hadn¡¯t said a word. As Valerie and Silver started walking toward the entrance. I didn¡¯t follow.


    Instead, she grabbed my arm and yanked me to the side with more force than expected.


    Before I could groan out inint or even question her, her sharp voice challenged me.


    "What the fuck are you doing bringing Valerie to the Killian residence?" she snapped in a hiss. "You brought her here? With him here?"


    I sighed. "I¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t you I me. You know what that phenomenon douchebag is like. If Valerie finds out, and it¡¯ll be your head on the spike, not his."


    "I can exin."


    "Oh, I¡¯d love to hear this one," she drawled, folding her arms.


    I nced around to make sure Valerie was distracted, then leaned in. "He begged me. He said he wanted to apologize. Kieran threw the party for her. That¡¯s it."


    I rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might stick. "How romantic. Absolute bullshit."


    "Wait... Just give me a second¡ª"


    "No. I¡¯m telling her right now." I ignored me and lifted her chin. "Valerie!"


    I panicked. My hand flew to her mouth before I could stop myself.


    I red at me with wide, livid eyes. "What do you think you¡¯re doing?"


    "Stopping you from making this worse."


    "Worse? Worse?! You mean worse than you bringing her to the Killian estate without warning her?"


    Her voice rose. I tried to lower it with mine.


    "He said it¡¯s just an apology. He¡¯s not trying anything¡ª"


    "And you believed him?" she growled, face-palming. "Moon goddess above! Why? Because you¡¯ve always had such impable judgment when ites to assholes?"


    I faltered.


    She caught it instantly. "Wait... Why did you help him? There must be a reason you are setting up your mate with that rapist."


    "He is not a ..."


    I red, and I dared not finish that statement. "Go on, tell me why, Alpha Xade."


    "I¡ª" I hesitated again.


    "Why<i>?</i>" she demanded, but I lowered my gaze instead. I hissed and walked away. "You aren¡¯t serious. I¡¯m telling her."


    I blew out a breath, and just before she took three more steps ahead, I voiced, "Because of Dristan."


    I¡¯s feet halted. "What?"


    "It¡¯s the truth."


    She half turned, her face twisted. "What does this have to do with my cousin?"


    "It¡¯splicated."


    "Uplicate it."


    "Kieran knows something," I said, finally. "Something about Dristan."


    "And you just took that liar¡¯s words for it?" she snapped.


    "No... not really, but..."


    "Gosh, Xade. How stupid can you be? You trusted him over your friend?" She shook her head and shoved past me.


    "No. I did not. It isn¡¯t about trusting Dristan less. Kieran ims it is something involving dark magic."


    That stopped her cold.


    "What?" she asked without turning.


    "He says Dristan¡¯s been using dark magic. Or that he¡¯s being used. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s true, or how much is bullshit, but... Kieran wasn¡¯t bluffing. He knew too much."


    I ran a hand through her carefully styled waves, frustration bleeding into her posture. "Don¡¯t tell me you actually believe him."


    "I don¡¯t. Not fully. But until I can prove otherwise, I couldn¡¯t risk it getting out. If there¡¯s a chance Dristan¡¯s name gets dragged¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t. Just don¡¯t." She raised her hand in my face. "You do believe him. You just don¡¯t want to admit it."


    "I. It¡¯s not simple. Dristan¡¯s reputation is on the line too, you know. Think of Valerie and how one wrong video gone viral made people call her all sorts of names. Should that happen with Dristan, who is an heir..."


    I shut her eyes and exhaled slowly. "Still... You should¡¯ve told Valerie."


    "I didn¡¯t want to bait her, but I wanted time to figure this out. That¡¯s all."


    Her lips thinned, and I could tell she wasn¡¯t done. There was so much to say still, but then...


    "Whoo! Are you all enjoying the party?" Kieran¡¯s voice boomed from inside, piped through speakers that echoed across the courtyard.


    My stomach dropped, and I¡¯s eyes widened.


    "Tonight¡¯s a special night. One I n on using to apologise to Valerie Nightshade!"

 Chapter 204: The Party 2

    <h4>Chapter 204: The Party 2</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 204</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Shit," I and I said at once.


    We didn¡¯t even speak. We just bolted and shoved through the double doors, past stunned faces and shing lights.


    And there she was.


    Valerie was at the foot of the staircase, halfway through the crowd, frozen like she¡¯d been pped with an entire theatre spotlight on her.


    Her expression was unreadable¡ªeyes t, face nk¡ªbut I could see it in her clenched jaw and the slight shake in her shoulders.


    She¡¯d heard every word, no doubt, and the realisation was beginning to sink in.


    I had betrayed her by bringing her here.


    Kieran walked up to her slowly and I knew it was already embarrassing for her.


    "Valerie Nightshade, I know I have wronged you, and it is with a sincere heart that I kneel before you to apologise today."


    I saw Kieran go on one knee, but the next second, Valerie turned on her heel, and then she stormed out.


    "Valerie!" I called after her, but she didn¡¯t look back.


    "She¡¯s going to hate you," I said beside me.


    I didn¡¯t argue. Because I already hated myself. Still, I chased after her, not giving her a chance to walk away.


    By the time we got outside, she was already charging toward the main gates, her heels clicking furiously against the stone pathway.


    I hurried and blocked her path, nearly getting shoved in the process.


    "Move," Valerie ordered, her voice sharp enough to cut steel.


    "Val, sweetie, please... Just wait and listen."


    "Listen?" Her voice trembled slightly, the fury in her eyes barely containing the pain beneath. "I think I¡¯ve heard enough for one night, don¡¯t you think so, hmm?"


    I opened my mouth, but nothing came out at first. The words jammed in my throat.


    How was I supposed to exin betrayal? How do you excuse hurting the one person who trusted you?


    "I¡ªVal, look, I didn¡¯t mean for it to go this way, alright? Kieran... He begged me. Said he wanted to apologise to you."


    Herugh was bitter. "And of course, you said yes, didn¡¯t you? Just like that."


    "I thought maybe¡ª"


    "You thought," she cut in, eyes narrowing. "You always think, Xade. You think it¡¯s okay to speak for me, decide for me, and n for me without ever asking if I¡¯m okay with it. First it was Axel and now Kieran."


    "Valerie, please. I just wanted him to own up, maybe it would give you some closure¡ª"


    "Closure?" she barked augh, stepping closer until we were face-to-face. "You dragged me here to perform my pain like it¡¯s some show for everyone to see! That¡¯s not closure. That¡¯s just him raising his reputation."


    "Val..."


    "I want to go back , Xade. I don¡¯t want to be a part of Kieran¡¯s charade."


    "Please, wait, stay a little..."


    Before I could stop her, she brushed past me. "Infact, I¡¯m not getting in that car with you," she threw over her shoulder.


    "Val, please, let me exin everything. I won¡¯t take you back until¡ª"


    "Then don¡¯t!" she yelled back without looking at me. "Don¡¯t take me anywhere!"


    She stormed back toward the house. I wanted to chase her, say something¡ªanything¡ªthat would make it better. But nothing would. Not now. Not yet.


    I stayed rooted on the spot, watching her silhouette disappear through the tall arched doors again.


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The noise hit me like a truck the moment I stepped back into the hall. People were cheering, shouting, and dancing¡ªsome even pped when they noticed me re-enter.


    "Valerie Nightshade!"


    Someone hooted. Another person whistled.


    It was deafening. Overwhelming.


    I wrapped my arms around myself, scanning the sea of faces for Solstice. I needed to get out, and she was the only one I trusted right now.


    But I couldn¡¯t find her.


    "Valerie!" I turned and found I weaving through the crowd to reach me. I instantly shook my head, warning her not to speak.


    But she did anyway.


    "Please, I know you¡¯re angry at Xade for what he did, but... please forgive him."


    I blinked, something shifting behind my gaze.


    "You..." I squinted, stepping closer. "Wait a minute¡ªyou knew?"


    I froze. Her shoulders sagged a little. "Val¡ª"


    "No," I said coldly. "Just tell me why, I. Why?"


    "I¡¯m sorry, alright? I was just trying to help. I thought maybe if Kieran truly apologised, it might help you move on. Maybe Xade could help fix things, just a little..."


    I stared at her. Then smirked. "I¡¯m done with you two for the day." I exhaled, exhaustion weighing down my limbs. "I just want to go back to my room."


    "I can take you, you know," I offered.


    I shook my head. "I¡¯ll book a cab."


    "You can¡¯t," she said quickly.


    I paused. "Why?"


    "The Kiin residence doesn¡¯t allow random vehicles through the gates. You¡¯d have to walk almost a mile to get to the street first."


    I let out a frustrated breath. Of course, it couldn¡¯t be that easy.


    Without saying a word, I turned toward the exit again. I¡¯d walk if I had to.


    But as I reached the doors, I collided with a solid chest.


    I looked up to see Dristan.


    His eyes scanned my face instantly, concern written all over him.


    "Are you okay?" he asked, voice low.


    I opened my mouth, then closed it. "I want to¡ªYou know what? I think I need a drink."


    His brows arched as I turned and walked back inside.


    I made a beeline for the bar, ignoring everything else around me. I grabbed a shot ss, poured it, and downed the drink in one gulp.


    Then I grabbed another. Drank it.


    By the third, just as I lifted it to my lips, a hand stopped me.


    Dristan again.


    He took the drink from me and tossed it back himself, then winced. "That¡¯s very strong, love. You shouldn¡¯t be drinking this."


    I sighed, turning away. "I just... I just want to feel free. Just a moment where I¡¯m not angry or humiliated. Can¡¯t I just have that?"


    "No," he said gently but firmly. Then he pulled me aside.


    We stepped into a quieter corner of the grand hall and stayed in front of one of the closed downstairs doors.


    "What?" I asked, not looking at him at first, but Dristan stepped closer. I took a step back.


    Dristan moved again, and I stepped back till my back was pressed lightly against the door... until we were nearly chest to chest, breath mingling, the music muffled behind the thick wood.


    Dristan said nothing and only just looked at me, deep into me, and in that pause...


    He leaned in and kissed me.

 Chapter 205: His Question

    <h4>Chapter 205: His Question</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 205</strong>


    <strong>~Xade¡¯s POV~</strong>


    At first, I froze. My breath caught mid-motion, my thoughts suspended like ss on the edge of shattering.


    My heart thundered against my ribs, confusion flooding me. But I didn¡¯t move.


    Dristan¡¯s lips were soft but firm, moving gently, like he was asking permission on my lips with every second that passed.


    And the warmth...


    God.


    I had almost forgotten what warmth felt like.


    On instinct, my hands pressed against his chest¡ªnot to push him away, but to steady myself and my knees from giving way-but Dristan didn¡¯t stop.


    His mouth molded to mine with a kind of urgency that was quiet but consuming, like he¡¯d waited too long and could wait no longer.


    And I responded.


    God help me, I did. I pressed into him, fingers curling in the cor of his suit, anchoring myself to the fire building between us.


    His body was solid, warm, and maddeningly close.


    My lips parted, and he took the invitation like instinct, deepening the kiss. His tongue swept against mine, slowly coursing me and drawing me in, and it worked.


    Soon our lips moved, our tongues wrestled slowly, coaxing out a soft gasp I didn¡¯t know I was holding.


    I felt the ache bloom low in my stomach, sharp and sudden, like striking flint.


    His hand slid to my waist, and then lower, anchoring there with a grip that made heat pulse between my legs. My body betrayed me as my hips tilted into him, breath growing shallow.


    I didn¡¯t care.


    Right now, I don¡¯t care if anyone is watching us or recording us. All I cared about was the heat building in my stomach and down.


    Astra did a loud cheer, and way better than Brielle and her cheerleaders ever could do.


    <i>"Way to go, Valerie! Tame the untamable heirs. Go, Valerie! Go!" </i>she chanted nonstop. <i>"Kiss him, oh Valerie, we need to move and take this deeper."</i>


    I resisted the urge tough and focused on the moment. How could I not when he kissed like he meant to leave marks on my soul, and I wanted him to?


    "Tell me to stop," Dristan breathed against my lips, but I didn¡¯t.


    I couldn¡¯t as I caught my breath, my eyes still half-lidded, my vision and attention focused on him as I slid a hand up into his hair.


    My gaze flicked down to his lips. That, and my silence, were all the permission he needed, and he took it.


    His hand on my waist reached behind me and turned on the doorknob. It pushed open, and we stepped into the room, our mouths still entwined, using just our senses for direction.


    Bang!


    The sound made me giggle as the door closed and Dristan led us deeper into the room.


    Dristan¡¯s hands moved, brushing the fabric at my shoulder, fingers skimming the bare skin he uncovered inch by inch.


    I shivered not from cold, but the anticipation he crafted with every slow, reverent touch.


    His mouth never left mine as his hand trailed to my jacket and took it off easily. He found the small zipper at the back of my top and paused.


    I opened my eyes when I noticed his hesitation and locked onto his. I gave him a barely perceptible nod.


    The sound of it unzipping was thunder in the silence between us.


    Not like he needed it when ripping my top off would be a piece of cake, but the fact that he asked alone made Astra purr in delight.


    The tension between my legs surged¡ªheat, need, a pulse I could feel now. My top loosened, and Dristan¡¯s hand feasted on the hem.


    In one slow move, he gently pulled them off my head.


    His knuckles brushed along my spine as he guided it up, and my skin erupted in goosebumps, nipples tightening in the sudden exposure.


    Dristan drew back just enough to look at me¡ªfully, braless, breathless¡ªand I saw the change in his eyes.


    Pure hunger, yes, but also awe.


    He didn¡¯t speak as he guided me back and into the bed. The soft mattress weed our weight as Dristan hovered above me.


    And then his hands moved, and he touched.


    His fingers ghosted up my ribs, thumbs skimming the undersides of my breasts, and I swore my knees nearly gave out.


    Wetness pooled between my thighs, thick and I was so aware of it, the pressure, the ache.


    He cupped me gently, then brushed his thumbs over my hardened nipples, and I arched into him with a soft cry.


    It wasn¡¯t due to pain. It was never pain, only the unbearable pleasure of being seen, touched, and wanted without shame.


    Dristan lowered his head and kissed the curve of my throat, slowly, yet it felt the hottest. He moved lower, his mouth finding the line of my corbone, then the soft skin of my chest as his lips brushed just above where I wanted them.


    Every part of me trembled, my breath ragged as desire tightened like a coil inside me, screaming for release.


    "God, Valerie," Dristan murmured against my skin. "You feel like fire."


    And I did. I was on fire, burning from the inside out. I moaned softly as my eyes locked with his again, the raw intensity in them making my core drip with my juices.


    My fingers slid under the hem of his shirt, desperate for skin-to-skin contact. Dristan helped me, pulling it over his head and tossing it aside.


    And when our bare chests touched¡ªskin on skin, heat on heat¡ªI swear I almost melted.


    His hand slipped behind my neck, and he kissed me again, harder this time, more primal, and with less permission this time.


    I moaned into his mouth, hips pressing against the undeniable hardness between his legs.


    Dristan wanted me, and I wanted him, drinks or not, heat or not, mate bond or not... I wanted him, wanted this.


    And still he touched me like he had time¡ªdragging his fingertips along my sides, down my back, and guiding every reaction like he was memorising me.


    I was wet and throbbing as every brush of his fingers made it worse¡ªmuch worse¡ªbut at the same time made it better.


    "Dristan," I whispered, not even knowing what I was asking for.


    But he seemed to know.


    Because he kissed down my chest again, lips warm against flushed skin, his hands holding me firm as he mapped every tremble, every arch, every breathless gasp I gave him.


    And still, he hadn¡¯t undone the rest of my clothes; my skirt remained intact. He still hadn¡¯t rushed the way the blood within him flowed.


    I inhaled. I stared into his eyes, looking at how he wasn¡¯t just touching me but unravelling me piece by piece.


    Dristan leaned down, his lips ghosting over my nipple before mping down on my breast and then back again. And just when I thought he was going to take my left nipple into his mouth... the sharp ring of my phone broke the tension.


    I groaned, muttering curses as I reached for my phone at the back of my skirt, the vibration adding to my pleasure. I ignored it at first and urged Dristan to continue.


    He did, but as soon as it ended, the call rang out again. I shut my eyes, took it out, and red at the screen.


    I¡¯s name popped up.


    My irritation grew as I ended the call, and I turned my phone off. I gave a small smile to Dristan, reached up, and kissed him hard on the lips.


    "Continue."


    But rather than doing so, Dristan smiled as he moved up, his hands brushing a lock of hair from my face.


    His eyes shimmered with something more than desire. "Valerie, I want to tell you something."


    "Dristan, it can wait."


    He shook his head. "No. I want to ask you a question."


    I was tempted to protest and say something, but instead I shut up and let him finish.


    Dristan¡¯s smile brightened, but his face turned slightly serious the next second. "Valerie Nightshade, will you be my girlfriend, mine and only mine?"


    I let out the breath I had no idea I had been holding, and for how long.


    My eyes blinked as they burned from the fresh tears blurring my vision. I bit my lower lip, smiling at him.


    "Dristan... I..."


    The door mmed hard against the wall, followed by a sharp yell from the doorway.


    "Valerie!" Our heads snapped to the door, with Dristan shielding my upper body as our gazended on I.


    My anger returned, but I barely had time to process it as her eyes raked over us and then on my face.


    "Quick. Hurry. She¡¯s been taken." My brows creased, and I paused when she saw I wasn¡¯t following. "Silver... the Academy¡¯s warriors... They¡¯vee for her. She¡¯s been dragged back to the academy."

 Chapter 206: Betrayed

    <h4>Chapter 206: Betrayed</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 206</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "What?" The word fell out of my mouth before I could stop it.


    "Her parents," I added.


    "Shit."


    That was it... I shoved Dristan away, put on my clothes and dashed out of the room.


    I did not wait, even when both I and Dristan called after me, and just as I was about to reach the entrance, Xade stopped me, blocking my path with hands raised.


    "Valerie, hey, wait, stop."


    My eyes raked his face and I asked sharply, more like ordered. "Your car keys."


    He did not argue; he wanted to, but the deadly look in my eyes made him dip his hand in his pocket and take out the keys.


    "Val..." I snatched it and bolted.


    Xade hurried after me, as did Dristan, but Dristan was first. He was dressed now, but his shirt was turned inside out. He pulled me back, holding my wrist.


    His eyes searched mine, looking for a reason to make sense of anything.


    "Let go."


    "No. Valerie." I yanked, but his grip was strong. "Okay... just let me take you."


    I was tempted to say yes, but I couldn¡¯t. Instead, I turned towards Xade¡¯s car, unlocked the door with the remote and got in.


    "Valerie." Dristan was persistent.


    "No. No one can drive as fast as I want to go now." My gaze flickered to Xade. "Now we¡¯re even. Thanks."


    With that, I put the car in reverse, changed gear and then turned... driving off.


    All through my drive, one thought remained... I had let Solstice down. I had gotten so deep in my head and stupid rage to not search for her properly.


    My hand slipped through my hair as I tossed it back, focusing on the road.


    I stepped on the elerator, going the fastest I¡¯d ever gone.


    Ignored protocol, ignored suspicions and chased. Hoping to find them before she is dragged back. Not that I knew what I would do because if Uncle Zade was involved, then Solstice and I would be in deep sheet.


    Just then, another car drove in my rearview mirror. I looked and noticed Dristan was catching up. I did not care if he was proving a point, and instead, continued my race.


    Within fifteen minutes max, I arrived at PSA, slowing down to allow the gates to open. As soon as it did, I was racing straight to the school¡¯s entrance.


    I parked the car with a loud screech, pushed the door open and got out the second I saw Solstice behind me, dragged out.


    My first instinct was to run and shove the men holding her.


    And I did, stopping short in my race when I saw him. My chest heaved, my breathing deep, my shoulders tensed.


    I bit the inside of my lips, waiting... my fingers clenched into fists at my side.


    He looked my way and my breath caught in my throat the moment I saw him.


    Uncle Zade.


    Tall. Towering. Commanding.


    He moved with prestige and power, his long ck coat trailing behind him like a banner of authority.


    His blond hair was slicked back neatly, not a strand out of ce. Those icy blue eyes scanned the area like they owned it, piercing and cold, filled with controlled <i>fury</i>.


    And when theynded on me, my body locked up.


    He turned fully. His gaze narrowed.


    And in that moment, I saw it¡ª<i>anger</i>... and worse¡ª<i>disappointment</i>.


    My blood turned to ice. I froze. Swallowed and finally looked away because, for once, I didn¡¯t know where I stood, and I didn¡¯t want to find out.


    Then I saw Solstice.


    Her face was streaked with fresh tears, lips swollen from whatever scolding or dragging she had endured. Her arms were pinned by two guards from the Golden w Pack. She didn¡¯t fight. She didn¡¯t scream.


    She looked at me, and our eyes locked.


    And even before her lips moved, I knew what she was going to say.


    I¡¯m sorry.


    My heart cracked as the words formed on her trembling lips. My chest tightened as guilt surged up my throat, choking me.


    My chest caved in. I moved, instincts taking over. I rushed forward, heart in my throat¡ªuntil another presence cut through the air.


    Click. Click. Click.


    Principal Whitmore. Her heels mmed against the ground like a judge¡¯s gavel. Ms. Heart followed close behind, clutching her tablet like a shield and clearly taking notes.


    I stopped when Principal Whitmore¡¯s sharp eyes found mine and stopped me dead in my tracks.


    "You seem to always be around trouble," she said icily, tilting her chin. "I¡¯m assuming you knew nothing about this, Miss Nightshade?"


    I opened my mouth to respond, but¡ª


    "No!" Solstice said before I could. Her voice cracked. "Leave Valerie out of this. She... she was the only real friend I had here. She and a few others."


    I looked at her, and she blinked twice. I saw the signal¡ªour code. No.


    Don¡¯t speak. Don¡¯t defend. Please don¡¯t take the fall with me. And it broke something in me, knowing she was still trying to protect me when it should have been the other way around."


    I stepped back, and Uncle Zade walked past me without a nce, his aura brushing my skin like frost.


    Tears rolled freely down my cheeks as a loud car engine rumbled behind me and tires screeched to a halt.


    Dristan¡¯s car screeched to a halt, pulling right up behind, and in it were Xade, I, and Kai. They all jumped out, faces tense, confusion and concern written all over them.


    Another vehicle followed. Kieran, Lucy, and Astraea emerged, looking grave and curious.


    And one more¡ªRiven, Ash, Ace, and Emerald.


    They were all here for Solstice and this. And the moment felt heavier than any ssroom punishment or party scene.


    Dristan walked toward me, I shadowing his steps. My vision blurred with tears, but I still saw the sh of movement as Uncle Zade shifted direction and intercepted him.


    He stopped, looked Dristan in the eye, and extended his hand.


    "Thank you for reporting her, Dristan Alexander," Uncle Zade said smoothly. "Your father would be proud that you¡¯re doing the right thing in taking care of things in this school."


    The words hit me like gunfire.


    <i>What?</i>


    My heart stopped for a beat or two.


    <i>D-Dristan... re-reported her?</i>


    I choked, my throat tightening. My mouth parted, eyes wide in disbelief.


    A deafening silence spread around me. And then, "<i>FUCK YOU, DRISTAN!</i>" Solstice screamed.

 Chapter 207: A big N, and a Big O

    <h4>Chapter 207: A big N, and a Big O</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 207</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The guards tried to hold her back, but the raw power in her voice crackled like fire.


    Uncle Zade didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, he let out his alpha aura, forcing everyone¡ªeven me¡ªto still.


    "Behave, Solstice," he growled, using her real name. "You¡¯ve already caused the entire Golden w Pack enough worry."


    He turned, his sharp gaze briefly resting on me before he gave the order.


    "Get her in. We are heading home."


    The guards nodded. Solstice didn¡¯t resist. Her eyes didn¡¯t leave me until she disappeared into the car.


    Principal Whitmore and Ms. Heart got into their cars, left without another word, but not before Whitmore gave Dristan a slight nod of approval.


    Then they drove off with the official pack vehicles trailing behind.


    And then... silence.


    I stood there, alone. Empty. A heaviness settled on my shoulders as my knees shook, my fingers trembled, and my heart boiled with <i>rage</i>.


    Dristan turned to me again, expression tense. "Valerie¡ª"


    I backed up, eyes burning. "How... could you?" My voice cracked as I spoke, barely louder than a whisper, but it hit harder than any p.


    Dristan stepped forward, reaching out. "Val¡ª"


    And heartbreak.


    He stepped closer, reaching out. "Please. I was trying to help¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t touch me!" I snapped, recoiling. My voice finally found its strength, thick with fury.


    His hand froze mid-air. His mouth parted as if to exin, but I didn¡¯t want his words.


    "Valerie, please¡ª" his voice broke, as his hand hovered near me again. "I didn¡¯t know it would happen like this¡ª"


    Tears streamed down my cheeks, falling faster than I could wipe them.


    "You betrayed her!" My voice rose. "You betrayed <i>me</i>."


    Dristan stepped closer to me while the others watched us like a movie. "Valerie, I swear¡ª"


    I backed away. One hand pressed to my chest, as if trying to hold myself together. My heart was fracturing.


    "Here¡¯s my answer to your question," I hissed, venom coating every word. "The one you asked about earlier."


    Dristan¡¯s brows furrowed. "Val..."


    "A big <i>N</i>, and a big <i>O</i>." My voice was sharp now, loud and sure despite the tears. "NO. I won¡¯t be your girlfriend."


    Dristan staggered back slightly, like the words had physically hit him. He exhaled shakily. "Val..." and he reached again.


    I dodged, wiping my face. "Don¡¯t."


    And I walked away from him, from all of it, but not before I heard Kieran¡¯s cold, amused voice drift behind him.


    "Well," he murmured with a dry smirk, "he doomed himself without me trying. That¡¯s one mate down."


    My steps faltered, just for a second. I looked sideways at Xade.


    His face was a picture of confusion and worry¡ªeyes pleading, body half-turned toward me, unsure whether toe after me or stay.


    But I didn¡¯t wait.


    I didn¡¯t want to choose between their versions of pain right now.


    So I ran and I didn¡¯t look back.


    <i>"They¡¯d all made their choices. Now it was my turn to make mine."</i>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Valerie had bolted like a spark to a fuse, and in all the time I¡¯d known her¡ªthrough the fire and ice and storms between us¡ªI had never seen her like that.


    Feral. Determined. Terrified.


    She didn¡¯t shout when I said it. She didn¡¯t cry. She just moved. And when she shoved me out of the way with those wide eyes and trembling lips, I knew... this wasn¡¯t about a fight or a party or me.


    It was bigger.


    By the time I scrambled into my car, shirt clinging to my skin inside out, the others had already burst out after me.


    I. Xade. Kai. Emerald. No one asked what was happening¡ªthey just followed, because when Valerie moved like that, you didn¡¯t ask questions.


    You chased her.


    The engine roared as I tore down the road behind her, watching her taillights swerve ahead, fast and reckless. She was driving like she had nothing to lose.


    And something about that scared the hell out of me.


    My grip tightened around the wheel.


    <i>Who was Silver... no Solstice, whichever her real name was, to Valerie, really? What wasn¡¯t I seeing?"</i>


    We reached PSA¡¯s gate just seconds behind her. I barely stopped the car before throwing the door open and running toward the entrance¡ªthen I froze.


    Valerie stood by the edge of something I couldn¡¯t fix.


    Her chest rose and fell like a trapped animal¡¯s. Her eyes were wide, stunned. She wasn¡¯t running anymore. She was breaking.


    And then I saw Solstice.


    Dragged. She wasn¡¯t struggling.


    And in front of her, standing like judgment itself, was her father, Alpha Zade.


    The Golden w himself.


    I¡¯d seen powerful alphas before¡ªmy father was one¡ªbut Zade wasn¡¯t just powerful. He was in control. Precision. Ice, wrapped in iron just like his best friend andte brother-inw, Alpha Snow.


    His stare alone made me still.


    But it was the way Valerie looked at him that gutted me like she was a kid again. Like she¡¯d disappointed a god.


    And when her eyes met Solstice¡¯s?


    I swear I felt something shatter.


    Because she looked like she¡¯d failed someone she couldn¡¯t afford to lose.


    Then came the strike.


    "Thank you for reporting her, Dristan Alexander."


    I barely heard it at first. But the words hit the crowd like a thunderp.


    <i>Wait... what?</i>


    No. No, no, no.


    I didn¡¯t report her like that. I was... I only gave a tip to Principal Whitmore to check her background thoroughly when I saw the letter and reviewed the information.


    But Principal Whitmore must have forgotten or was too busy to see it.


    And she grew too close to Valerie. Unfortunately, a picture of the Golden w Heiress wasn¡¯t really out there, just like how the Late Mrs Zara Zephyr didn¡¯t have her younger picture out there.


    As a result, no one knew who she was.


    All I did was check in on her, and the background information given to PSA had some loopholes.


    And after what happened with my father and the simtion the other time, I wasn¡¯t sure I could trust someone with unknown origins around my mate.


    I couldn¡¯t afford for Valerie to get hurt. Soren would kill me, and I would mentally kill myself.


    So I sent her picture to Alpha Zade along with the letter to check. Then he sent one with her, and himself along with her real name... Solstice Aura Gold.


    By the time I knew she wasn¡¯t a bad person, it was toote. He already knew where she was.


    I never knew she was Solstice until it was toote, and that was where I failed ¡ª never once confronting her with it. I simply removed her from Valerie¡¯s side, and it seemed as though she had grown on Valerie a lot.


    This wasn¡¯t supposed to happen like this. She wasn¡¯t supposed to get dragged out like some criminal. This wasn¡¯t...


    "FUCK YOU, DRISTAN!"


    Solstice¡¯s scream cracked through the air like a whip, and suddenly, everyone was looking at me.


    <i>Her. Valerie. The Alphas. The Lycans. Even Kieran.</i>


    I couldn¡¯t speak, not because I didn¡¯t want to but because I didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Valerie looked at me like I¡¯d just driven the dagger myself.


    She was crying. I¡¯d seen her cry once, maybe twice before¡ªbut this wasn¡¯t a tear that slipped past her defences. This was heartbreak. Betrayal. Grief. And all of it aimed at me.


    When I reached for her, she flinched like I¡¯d burned her. She said no to my earlier question, one from my heart, but I couldn¡¯tin even though it hurt like hell.


    A tear slid down my cheek at her rejection, and I knew without being told that I had lost her.

 Chapter 208: Angry Mates

    <h4>Chapter 208: Angry Mates</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 208</strong>


    <strong>~Dristan¡¯s POV~</strong>


    And then she walked away briefly before running after looking at Xade.


    I wanted to follow after Valerie, but I knew, as pained as she was right now, I couldn¡¯t, because in that moment, I realised something I never thought I would: I had be the thing she needed protection from.


    The silence was deafening once the cars pulled away. The others stood like statues. No one moved, not even Xade, whose face was a knot of disbelief and guilt.


    Kai¡¯s brows were drawn together, fists clenched at his sides like he was ready to punch someone¡ªme, probably. Emerald¡¯s lip trembled, but she didn¡¯t speak. I didn¡¯t look at me at all.


    Only Kieran looked amused, and that made my fists curl.


    He loved it. Every ounce of this disaster. Every tear Valerie shed. Every foot she stepped away from me.


    And I gave it to him.


    I gave it all to him.


    Because I¡¯d been trying to help, to keep her safe out of fear. To protect her, the only way I knew how¡ªthrough strategy, through order, by following protocol.


    But Valerie didn¡¯t need rules. She needed someone who would fight for her, not around her, <i>not </i>without her.


    Now I had lost her, and worse? I deserved every bit of it.


    Another tear slid down my face as I turned, my gaze locking with I¡¯s finally.


    Then she walked up to me, her fist clenched as she red daggers.


    My cousin¡¯s eyes were red like she had been dealt a bitter blow, but the words she said next, not even her face, prepared me for it.


    "I didn¡¯t know it would turn out this..."


    "Save it, Dristan," she started. "You acted without thinking, without once putting yourself in Silver¡¯s shoes."


    "But she lied, and she could be dangerous," I tried to exin, but I crossed her hands in front of her chest, her re so sharp.


    "Like she said when I asked why the sudden closeness with Valerie, Silver mentioned that Valerie reminded her of herte cousin."


    The second she said that, my mouth opened, but no words coulde out.


    "And I¡¯m sure Valerie took her like a sister, too. And now, you just ruined that for them both. Way to go, Dristan, ssic foolish move."


    I had barely moved away before Kai came from nowhere and punched me hard on the face.


    I did not try to dodge it, even though I could and as I turned to the side, another fist connected with my face.


    I looked up to see Xander towering over me.


    His eyes shed from Violet to red and then blue as he red at me. "I told you, do not hurt Valerie. I warned you all! But what do you do? The opposite."


    He lifted his hand, ready to impale my face once more, when someone rushed into my front, blocking him.


    "Control yourself, Xander."


    "Move out of the way, Xade, let me teach him a lesson."


    "And how the hell is that going to solve anything? It¡¯s not going to rectify what he did."


    "No. But it would satisfy me that he no longer goes close to Valerie."


    "You do not get to decide that. You¡¯re not even her mate."


    "ssic move, Xade," Ash enunciated as he moved in and pped. "But it seems that the Moon Goddess saw how useless of a mate you werewolves would be and gave her Lycans. Only we haven¡¯t hurt her."


    "Yet," Axel countered as he walked close to stand in front of Dristan. "He made a mistake, but even he knows what he did, and he is repentant."


    "Is he, though?" Ace¡¯s cool voice reached my ears as he too came into my line of sight.


    With both hands tucked in his trousers¡¯ pocket, he lookedmanding as he stood and sneeered at me.


    "Even if Valerie and I aren¡¯t overly close as he and she, I could tell the girl, Silver meant something to her. Besides, Silver deceived us all, but I believe she must have her reasons."


    "You don¡¯t know anything." I gritted and stood up.


    "Oh... I do know that you got jealous someone other than Valerie wasn¡¯t scared of you and that spooked you, Dristan."


    "I did it for Valerie," I defended, and both Kieran and Ace pped.


    "Way to go," Kieran replied, looking my way. "You know, for a guy who imed to love her, you sure have a terrible way of showing it."


    I growled at him. Was he really speaking?


    Out fo everyone here, only him shouldn¡¯t utter a single word.


    Without saying much, I rose to my feet, my eyes meeting theirs. "I¡¯ll fix it."


    "Y advice, don¡¯t," Ash¡¯s harsh voice rang out sharply. "Before you end up making it worse."


    I clenched my fists and walked away.


    Soren did not help either way; he growled deeply within me, pacing back and forth like a beast shackled to a wall of his own rage.


    <i>"You fool,"</i> his voice thundered in my head. <i>"You just watched her walk away. You let them tear her down, and you stood there. We stood there!"</i>


    "I was trying to protect her," I muttered, fists clenched as I walked blindly across the grounds, the night wind biting at my skin.


    <i>"From what? From her own choices? From one of her few friends?!"</i>


    Soren snarled, his voice felt like ws raking across my soul.<i> "You didn¡¯t protect her. You punished her. For loving freely. For trusting. For being brave enough to feel!"</i>


    <i>"I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª"</i>


    <i>"But you did. And now look at us¡ªalone. Again. We don¡¯t even deserve to scent her anymore."</i>


    I staggered slightly, the weight of Soren¡¯s anguish crashing into mine. He was grieving, the same way I was, only louder. Fiercer. I had never heard him this furious with me.


    I stopped under the shadow of a tree, the night now quieter but heavier. My mind flicked back to Xander¡¯s eyes when he hit me.


    Violet... red... then blue. The shift, fury and warning in those eyes wasn¡¯t just rage but something deeper, like an unspoken threat.


    I exhaled sharply and pulled out my phone, needing a distraction, anything at all.


    But what I saw stilled me.


    It was a message from my father.


    <strong>Dad</strong>: <i>Who is Valerie Nightshade?</i>

 Chapter 209: Distressed Thoughts

    <h4>Chapter 209: Distressed Thoughts</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 209</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Damn it!"


    The door mmed shut behind me as I stormed into my dorm room. My chest heaved with restrained rage and my pulse was a furious rhythm in my ears.


    I didn¡¯t even bother to switch the light on. The soft glow from the bedsidemp was enough.


    My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms as my chest rose and fell with every deep breaths filling my thoughts.


    In anger my fingers reached up to my ne, I yanked it off and threw it... letting itnd somewhere in my room.


    Right after I marched over to my table and in one swing a full crash followed<strong>.</strong>


    I shoved my books off the table. They scattered across the floor in a chaotic mess. My pens ttered, one hitting the wall with a sharp tap.


    My bedside drawer flew open as I yanked it too hard, a few hairpins and my journal tumbling out.


    And then, I screamed.


    A raw, frustrated sound that tore from deep within me.


    The sound echoed in the silence, bouncing off the walls like the fury in my chest refused to settle. My throat burned from the scream, my shoulders tight with the weight of everything.


    Finally, I copsed into my reading chair, slumped sideways, one leg dangling off the armrest as I groaned and buried my face in my hands.


    <strong>Solstice.</strong>


    Her face came to mind¡ªso serene, so unreadable, so filled with secrets even I didn¡¯t know. And then thest words she said before they took her away.


    <i>"FUCK YOU, DRISTAN!"</i>


    My head throbbed, my vision stung with unshed tears.


    <i>"I know you¡¯re hurting, Valerie," </i>Astra¡¯s voice whispered gently in my head. <i>"But please... calm down."</i>


    I didn¡¯t reply. I didn¡¯t want to. But she pressed on.


    <i>"Dristan¡ª"</i>


    "Don¡¯t you dare take his side," I snapped, the words low andced with venom. "He betrayed me."


    Astra paused, followed by silence in my mind.


    "He didn¡¯t even ask. He didn¡¯t even give me or her the chance to exin. He acted like I didn¡¯t exist in the decision. If he had just asked, Astra... if he hade to me as someone who supposedly cares, I would have told him the truth."


    <i>"Would you though?"</i>


    "Yes. We told Storm didn¡¯t we?"


    <i>"Storm¡¯s different. He is not family he is an outsider, your mate."</i>


    Some mate he is. Instead he snuffed her out like she was evil. Up till now he had not found the people who tried to kill my at teh simtion but eh thinks ying war hero on her was the best show of love? Fuck him."


    Astra was quiet for a moment. Then,<i> "I¡¯m not supporting what he did. I¡¯m just saying¡ªdon¡¯t let this derail you."</i>


    I shook my head andughed bitterly. "He was the one I thought I could confide in. I thought maybe... <i>maybe</i>, he could be different. And now I know I was stupid."


    The chair creaked beneath me as I leaned back and stared at the ceiling.


    "How do I know he won¡¯t rat me out?" I muttered. "How do I know if i told him, he wouldn¡¯t march to them and tell the Council everything? If they find out I¡¯m alive... if the Kingdom knows¡ªso many things could go wrong and..."


    I trailed off, unable to finish the thought. My stomach twisted.


    I stood up suddenly and paced the room.


    Too many secrets. Too many questions.


    My eyes drifted toward the window. Outside, the moon was just rising, throwing pale light across the treetops.


    The sight dragged a memory from the weeks ago¡ªthe scandal and the whispers. The lie that painted me as someone I wasn¡¯t. The moment that started it all and how someone had been tailing me.


    My jaw clenched.


    "That¡¯s another thing I have to figure out," I murmured to myself. "Who was behind that? Who started the fire and painted me as the viin? While Nightshade still feels... iplete. Like we¡¯ve only scratched the surface... this can maybe offer me some focus."


    I stood up from the chair... pacing.


    I wanted to call Gamma Ryan, or Storm or even my Uncle but I wasn¡¯t sure where to begin with.


    I paced again until, I spun on my heel and walked to the window, the wind carrying a faint chill through the gap.


    As the thoughts whirled in my mind, Astra¡¯s voice broke through again.


    <i>"Valerie... go to Solstice¡¯s room."</i>


    I blinked. "What?"


    <i>"You need to get rid of anything that might link the two of you together. If the school starts packing her things to send home, they¡¯ll go through everything. You can¡¯t afford that risk."</i>


    She was right.


    I grabbed the spare key I¡¯d held on to, slid on a hoodie, and slipped out the door after changing my heels to my ts.


    **************


    <strong>~Solstice¡¯s Room~</strong>


    The moment I entered, the silence hit me.


    It was heavy and stale like the room knew its upant was gone.


    I didn¡¯t waste time. I closed the door behind me and flicked the switch on. The light illuminated everything¡ªher books, her perfume bottles, the photo frames on her nightstand.


    Everything looked too untouched.


    I walked toward her desk first and opened the drawers. A few sketchbooks, a broken watch, her favourite pen. I checked her nightstand next. Nothing suspicious.


    My heart beat louder in my ears as I moved to the little bookshelf she made, scanning the titles. I pulled some out, opened random pages. Nothing.


    I turned, intending to sit in her desk chair for a second to gather my thoughts. But as I moved, my elbow knocked into the edge of the desk.


    <strong>Thud.</strong>


    Two books tumbled off the surface,nding with a soft flop on the rug close to her bed.


    One of them was a thin journal, the other a thicker book with a ck spine.


    I bent to pick them up¡ªbut paused.


    From between the pages of the thin journal, a folded sheet of paper slipped out andnded on the floor.


    Right beside it¡ªa small silver key.


    Frowning, I picked up the paper and slowly unfolded it.


    The handwriting was clearly Solstice¡¯s. And then I read the words.


    <strong>"I do not trust her... sis. Watch out for Astraea."</strong>

 Chapter 210: Suspicions and Gift

    <h4>Chapter 210: Suspicions and Gift</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 210</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My breath caught and everything froze.


    The paper trembled slightly in my hands as I read it again. And again.


    <strong>"I do not trust her... sis. Watch out for Astraea."</strong>


    Astraea.


    Of all the names, hers hadn¡¯t crossed my mind, not like this.


    If it had been Emerald, I would nod because she had openly opposed some of my decisions and called me out on a few things, but Astraea... the goody two shoes...


    I thought her major w was being a cousin to Titania. But would she really...


    She was too loud, too shy, and too obvious to evere off as dangerous. But maybe... maybe that¡¯s what made her dangerous.


    I inhaled. If only I could call Solstice and ask her what her reasons were, but I couldn¡¯t.


    I knew it would be futile, knowing my Uncle. In the past, after my maternal grandfather was killed and my mother kidnapped and their pack, the Golden w Pack, got destroyed, Uncle Zade had to train with my maternal granduncles. They were brutal and unforgiving.


    It made him who he is to date, but when he found Mum after about twenty years, she softened him up again, she and Aunt Aira, Dad¡¯s sister, Uncle Zade¡¯s wife and mate.


    However, losing my mother and my dad, who was his best friend, broke him again.


    I swallowed, tucking the note into the pocket of my skirt as my eyes scanned Solstice¡¯s room. If there was a warning... There had to be more.


    That silver-ted key wasn¡¯t just random. It had a purpose.


    And it wasn¡¯t real silver¡ªof course not. That would¡¯ve been harmful to any of our kind.


    My gaze drifted, scanning beneath the furniture, when a faint glint caught my attention from under the bed. A dull shimmer... like light bouncing off metal.


    I immediately knelt, lifting the bed up slightly to reach beneath.


    <strong>"Gotcha,"</strong> I whispered.


    A small cold box, lightweight, steel with scuffed edges and a tiny floral carving at the top. Nothing ornate¡ªjust personal.


    There, nestled on the front, was a tiny keyhole. I slid the key in and turned.


    <i>Click.</i>


    The lid lifted with a soft groan of aged hinges.


    Inside was a folded note... and a small bottle of hair dye.


    I stared for a moment, confused. But as I unfolded the note, my chest squeezed.


    <i>Val,</i>


    <i>You were out, stuck with detention, and distracted by your boy drama. So I went to the market and got this for you. The dye you asked for when you said you wanted to look "less Valerie, you know who, and more like just... Valerie Nightshade."</i>


    <i>I hope it works. I hope you smile. And I hope you figure out all the mess before it consumes you. If you¡¯re reading this, it means I didn¡¯t get to give it to you.</i>


    <i>Good luck with the boys. And the secrets.</i>


    <i>Your cousin, always.</i>


    <i>¡ªSolstice.</i>


    Tears spilled before I could stop them.


    My hands curled tighter around the note, the scent of her¡ªwild berries and the faintest note of cinnamon¡ªstill clinging to the inside of the box.


    I climbed onto her bed, curling around the pillow that still smelled like her, and cried. Not the silent, graceful tears I¡¯d mastered over time.


    No.


    This was raw, ugly and unfiltered.


    I pressed my face into her nket, soaking it with everything I hadn¡¯t said to her. Everything I wished I had.


    Time blurred. Minutes slipped by like water through my fingers.


    Eventually, I sat up, swiping the tears from my face.


    Solstice wouldn¡¯t want me to break down. She would want me to think. To act.


    And there was one more ce left to check.


    **************


    The halls were quiet as I walked toward the school building. The night had thinned out the noise and the eyes. That was good. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to exin myself.


    I reached the locker hallway and moved straight to Solstice¡¯s.


    Of course, I knew the code.


    <strong>My birthday.</strong> She always teased me about how easy it was to remember.


    I turned the dial¡ªclick, click, <i>click</i>¡ªand the locker sprang open.


    A few textbooks. A note from one of her instructors. Lip balm. Snacks.


    And tucked into the upper shelf...


    A picture of us.


    Both of us in uniform, midugh. She had drawn cat ears on my head and written "grumpy gremlin" underneath. Typical Solstice.


    I took the photo and stared at it for a beat longer than necessary before sliding it into my jacket pocket.


    Beside it was a leather-bound journal. Hers.


    I hesitated, then reached for it. Just as I did, my fingers brushed something soft¡ªa ck bandana.


    It was perfect.


    I wrapped the journal in the cloth and tucked it under my arm. Just as I turned to leave, footsteps echoed down the hall.


    Crap.


    I paused even as my heart raced, not bothering to run or hide. From behind one of the columns, a familiar figure stepped out.


    "Hey," I said quietly.


    Of course.


    I straightened slowly, my bodynguage guarded.


    She offered a hesitant smile, but I said nothing. I didn¡¯t have it in me to fake kindness tonight.


    I inched closer. "I just... I wanted to say I confronted Dristan."


    My jaw clenched.


    "He didn¡¯t mean to hurt you, Val," she added quickly. "He just thought¡ªhe thought if he acted fast, he could protect you before someone else got involved and you got hurt like what happened during the simtion again."


    I still said nothing.


    "And I left. After I heard the guys hit him. I mean... I heard the punches." She gave a dry, unsureugh. "They really weren¡¯t ying."


    I remained silent.


    Her smile faded, her voice trembling. "You don¡¯t have to forgive him. Or me. Or anyone. I just thought you should know... He looked wrecked, Val. Like he hated himself the second you left."


    I stared at her, keeping my expression void.


    "I¡¯m not saying it fixes anything. I just..." She looked down, then back at me. "I wanted you to hear it."


    I nodded faintly, shifting my weight onto my other foot. My mouth opened to speak, but the words felt too heavy to lift.


    So I turned.


    "Valerie," I called behind me.


    I stopped and inhaled, but my shoulders remained stiff.


    "Don¡¯t forget who your friend was before Silver arrived."


    Her voice was small, almost drowned by the stillness of the hall.


    I exhaled. "I remember," I said tly. "But I also need to reevaluate my trust list."


    I didn¡¯t give I a chance for a wittyeback. I simply walked away.

 Chapter 211: Sobbing

    <h4>Chapter 211: Sobbing</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 211</strong>


    <strong>~Solstice¡¯s POV~</strong>


    <i>I miss her.</i>


    I miss Violet... Valerie Nightshade.


    A slight bitter smile formed on my lips just mentally saying her alias.


    The car was silent. The darkened windows reflected fragments of light, streemps flickering past like dying stars as we sped down the winding road.


    I sat in the back seat, hands sped tightly together in myp, eyes trained on nothing and everything. The world outside blurred, but the chaos inside me sharpened.


    Dad sat beside me, stone-faced. The tension between us was almost a third passenger¡ªthick, choking, unspoken.


    The car slowed suddenly and turned onto a secluded path, one only we knew. A few yards ahead, a ck limousine sat idling quietly beneath a canopy of trees.


    Of course.


    He was never going to take me back to the city in the school car.


    We stopped. He opened the door first and got out. I followed wordlessly, sliding into the back of the limo behind him. The second the door clicked shut, the atmosphere changed.


    It was darker here. Colder. No screens, no barriers. Just Dad and I and the silent question tnone of us were asking.


    He didn¡¯t speak at first, didn¡¯t need to.


    I felt his gaze boring into me as I looked out the window, watching the school disappear behind us.


    Finally, after what felt like hours of silence, he spoke, just one word.


    <strong>"Why?"</strong>


    I chuckled, quietly at first, then louder and louder until it wasn¡¯tughter anymore¡ªit was something else entirely. Raw, cracked, hystericalugh.


    A sound that didn¡¯t belong to a girl of my upbringing but something feral.


    "You dyed," I said, stillughing as I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. "Valerie needed me."


    He shifted beside me, and I could practically feel the weight of his disapproval, his judgment pressing in.


    "Val¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t," I snapped. Myughter died as quickly as it began. "Don¡¯t bring her into this. She didn¡¯t do anything."


    "Yes, she did! She lied for you," he said coldly. "She said she didn¡¯t know where you were."


    "No," I interjected sharply. "I made her lie. She didn¡¯t want to. I gave her no choice."


    His jaw clenched. "You¡¯re reckless. You left school during a critical season. You abandoned your duties. You vanished¡ª"


    "I wasn¡¯t vanishing, I was living!" I exploded, eyes shing. "I needed time! She needed someone to stand by her when no one else would!"


    Father¡¯s expression didn¡¯t shift. He was a wall, the same wall I had mmed into every time I¡¯d tried to break free from his expectations.


    "You¡¯re heir to one of the most powerful lines of your generation," he said icily. "You don¡¯t have the luxury of disappearing for personal drama."


    "She¡¯s not drama," I whispered.


    Silence.


    I sat back in my seat, arms folded, heart pounding as I looked away. "She was my reason for doing a lot of things. Good or bad, I don¡¯t regret helping her."


    He exhaled through his nose. "You may not regret it, Solstice. But others may pay the price for your decisions."


    I didn¡¯t reply. There was nothing left to say since father wass one strong headed being. However, there¡¯s a person in the universe who could talk to him¡ªMum.


    The rest of the drive passed in loaded silence.


    Hourster, we finally arrived at the edge of Golden w Pack. The moonlight bathed the stronghold in a soft glow, shadows dancing on stone as guards opened the heavy gates to let us in.


    The car pulled up to the front courtyard.


    Before I could get out, the front door burst open and I saw my mother.


    She was already rushing down the steps before I even stood up.


    Her beautiful face was tight with emotion¡ªequal parts relief and worry. Her blonde curls were pinned in a loose braid, her eyes watery.


    I stepped out of the car and braced myself.


    "Solstice," she breathed.


    I didn¡¯t move at first. I waited for the p, the lecture, the disappointment.


    Instead, by the time Mum got to where I was standing, she wrapped her arms around me warmly


    I could sense and feel her frustration but there was forgiveness.


    "I was so worried," she whispered, voice shaking. "Why didn¡¯t you call me?"


    Before I could answer, another voice echoed through the courtyard.


    "You¡¯re grounded," Aunt Tempest said coolly, stepping down from the porch with arms folded, eyes narrowed.


    Of course she was here.


    She was always there. Just like fire in winter¡ªwarm when needed, but scalding when provoked.


    "I know," I mumbled.


    "Do you?" Her voice hardened. "You vanished. No notice. No check-in. You put your safety at risk. You¡¯re lucky your father didn¡¯t drag you back in chains."


    "Tempest," Mother warned softly.


    "No. She needs to hear this." Aunt Tempest stepped closer. "Your title doesn¡¯t protect you from consequences. You want to be respected? Then act like someone who deserves it."


    I bit down on my lip, the sting of her words cutting sharper than I expected.


    Still, I nodded. "I get it."


    Tempest exhaled heavily and turned to walk away. "Come inside before I add another lecture."


    I took one step forward.


    Then stopped.


    Something rippled in the air. A flutter¡ªsoft, warm. Like a heartbeat not mine.


    My head snapped toward Mother. Her hands rested gently on her belly, almost unconsciously.


    It hit me, that was when I remembered what Storm ahd said. She was pregnant. My throat tightened.


    I blinked, my chest rising and falling faster than it should¡¯ve.


    Mother smiled softly when she saw me staring. "You weren¡¯t supposed to know yet. We wanted to wait until after¡ª"


    I didn¡¯t hear the rest.


    Tears filled my eyes. A fresh wave. This one wasn¡¯t from guilt or fear or exhaustion.


    It was... something else.


    I rushed forward without thinking and threw my arms around her.


    "You¡¯re having a baby..."


    Sheughed softly against my shoulder. "Yes."


    My shoulders shook.


    And for the first time since I left school, I let go. I let the walls break. I sobbed into her arms like I was ten years old again. Like all the bravado, the rebellion, the fire in me had finally cooled¡ªfor just a moment.


    We stood there, locked in silence and quiet tears. My aunt watched from the doorway, her arms still crossed¡ªbut her eyes had softened.


    And I knew... I wasn¡¯t home because I belonged.


    I was home because I needed to remember why I still mattered.


    And what I still needed to protect.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The moment she saw the Council of Alphas¡¯ seal burned into the blood-red wax of the letter, Principal Whitmore¡¯s breath stalled.


    She didn¡¯t have to open it to know what it was about.


    Still, with aposed expression masking the growing weight in her chest, she slid a finger beneath the edge and broke the seal.


    Her eyes scanned the parchment¡ªclean, formal, and ominously concise.


    "You are summoned by the Council of Alphas to exin the recent seismic disturbance recorded during the Senior Assessment Trials at PSA. A formal report and personal testimony will be required."


    Principal Whitmore¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    "Failure toply or withholding relevant details may result in disciplinary sanctions and oversight protocols from the Council. Immediate response is expected."


    Of course.


    They had found out.


    They always did.


    No matter how fast she tried to contain it, word spread faster¡ªespecially when whispers could be twisted into scandal.


    Principal Whitmore let out a slow, steady breath and turned the letter over, almost foolishly hoping for a different message written in invisible ink. Maybe one that said: "Rx. You¡¯ve done enough."


    There was nothing.


    She ced the letter carefully on her desk and moved toward the tall ss doors that opened to her balcony.


    Her heels clicked with each step¡ªsharp, echoing, like ticking seconds on a bomb.


    She pushed the doors open and stepped into the warm, silent air. Below, the few students left in school for the midterms moved around, blissfully unaware of the storm quietly brewing overhead.


    Their peace was built on the bnce she fought daily to protect.


    And now, the Council threatened that bnce.


    "Damn it," she whispered under her breath, just as a knock came at her door.


    "Come in."


    Ms. Heart stepped inside, tablet clutched to her chest like a shield. Her expression was unreadable, but Whitmore knew that posture well. Bad news was never easy to deliver.


    "The summons came?" she asked, though it was clear she already knew the answer.


    Whitmore didn¡¯t bother nodding. She simply turned, leaning against the balcony rail.


    "What¡¯s thetest?"


    "The magical board¡¯s final readout remains inconclusive," Ms. Heart said, moving cautiously toward the desk. "They couldn¡¯t trace any magical residue strong enough to have caused the quake. No fae, no witches, no elemental signature detected¡ªnothing that sticks. Some are calling it a terrain reaction. A natural fault line."


    Whitmore gave a small, bitter smile. "Convenient. Just in time for the Council to panic."


    Ms. Heart nodded slowly. "A few of the Alpha Lords have voiced doubts. Some believe it was natural. It might be the opportunity we need¡ªto im alignment with reason."


    Whitmore turned and finally walked back into her office, letting the doors close behind her.


    "And Valerie?"


    "She returned to her dormst night. She¡¯s quiet. A little... off."


    "That¡¯s understandable. She was at the center of it, two major issues now." Whitmore nced back at the parchment.


    "But I¡¯ve already made my conclusion, Heart. Valerie Nightshade wasn¡¯t the cause. She was the target. The disruption started directly beneath her feet. That is no coincidence. I don¡¯t care if the rest of the world is blind to that¡ªI¡¯m not."


    Ms. Heart exhaled, visibly relieved. "Then we stand by that."

 Chapter 212: I Can’t

    <h4>Chapter 212: I Can¡¯t</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 212</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Whitmore moved to her chair, running a hand through her braid before sitting down with a heavy sigh.


    "Send word to the Council. I¡¯ll be present at the summit."


    Ms. Heart hesitated. "Do you want to prepare a preliminary statement?"


    "No," Whitmore said. "Not yet. First, I want the full seismic analysis. And I want to know if any student or staff member has gone missing or has been acting... unusually."


    "We¡¯ve gged Titania for erraticments. And Kieran has been oddly cooperativetely. Which is... suspicious in its own right."


    Whitmore raised a brow. "Keep tabs on both. Quietly."


    Ms. Heart nodded. "And what of the press inquiries? They¡¯re flooding the school¡¯s inbox. Some are asking if PSA is under attack."


    Whitmore tapped her fingers against the desk, thinking.


    "Tell them the quake was likely a terrain shift. Minor. Contained. We are investigating as a routine protocol. Nothing more."


    "And if the Council asks for student testimonies?"


    Whitmore¡¯s eyes darkened.


    "Then we give them what we know. And nothing we suspect¡ªunless we have proof."


    Ms. Heart closed her tablet and turned to leave, but paused near the door.


    "Do you think this is the beginning of something?"


    Whitmore looked out toward the courtyard once again. The students had no idea what gears were turning behind their smiling faces and practiced duels.


    "It¡¯s always the beginning of something," she murmured. "The question is¡ªwhat? And how prepared are we?"


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The morning sun burned hotter than usual, though maybe it was just me. My nerves had been fried since yesterday, and even now, every part of me felt tense¡ªcoiled like a spring waiting to snap.


    I made my way into town, hoodie up and sunsses on. I didn¡¯t want to be noticed today of all days when my heart was still bruised fromst night and my head felt like a warzone of memories and regrets.


    I walked into the courier shop, the bell above the ss door chiming softly. The ce smelled like printer toner and cardboard¡ªorganized, efficient, impersonal. Just what I needed.


    Behind the counter, a young man barely looked up from his screen.


    "I need to send this off," I muttered, sliding the old phone inside a padded envelope I¡¯d already addressed to Ryan. His name and the pickup address were scrawled in thick ck ink. "Next-day delivery. Trackable."


    He nodded and took the package. "We¡¯ll handle it."


    He did not ask any unnecessary questions nor did he give me the weird looks just outrightly perfect.


    Ryan needed to get that phone¡ªit was hacked and I just couodn¡¯t trust anyone at PSA anymore, not liek I used to.


    I¡¯d bought a new phone right after sending it off yesterday, from thest of my saved-up allowance.


    It was simple, secure and entirely empty, which, somehow, mirrored how I¡¯d felt since I left Solstice¡¯s room.


    With that done, I turned and headed toward the academy library.


    I wasn¡¯t looking forfort. I wasn¡¯t even sure what I was looking for.


    rity perhaps?


    Or answers about the scroll... maybe something that linked back to the old Nightshade hideouts. Something I could use.


    The library was dim, quiet, and smelled faintly of parchment and moonflower-scented air freshener.


    Rows upon rows of books stretched into the shadows. It was perfect. It didn¡¯t ask questions. It didn¡¯t look at me like Dristan and the others did.


    And just as I moved toward the third shelf on magical histories, I stopped cold.


    Ash.


    Of course.


    He was seated at the back, reading¡ªof all things¡ªa book on gateway travel and spatial warping. His long fingers turned the pages absently, like he wasn¡¯t fully focused.


    I immediately turned.


    I didn¡¯t want to do this now. I couldn¡¯t afford to face one of them or any at this point. It was quite easy evading I and my oher roommates as everyone took hold of this break to visit their families, leaving sut a few of us behind.


    "Valerie," he called softly but I didn¡¯t stop.


    I heard the chair scape against the ground and knew he was getting up. Secondster, Ash called out, "Val¡ªplease. Just... wait."


    His voice held something I didn¡¯t want to hear. Something I didn¡¯t trust anymore.


    I stopped when I felt his presence close behind me and sighed. He was determined, I¡¯ll give him that, alright.


    Turning around, I looked up at him, trying to keep my face nk. "I¡¯m not doing this right now," I said rather tly.


    "You don¡¯t have to say anything." Ash¡¯s eyes studied me like I was slipping away and he didn¡¯t know how to stop it. "I just wanted to know if you¡¯re okay."


    "I¡¯m fine." I took a step back.


    He frowned¡ªand then, his eyes narrowed. "You¡¯re not wearing your ne."


    I blinked. "It¡¯s in my room.".


    Ash tilted his head. "That ne never leaves your neck unless something¡¯s wrong."


    "It¡¯s not a big deal," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "Stop reading into everything."


    "I would," he said, stepping in closer, "if you weren¡¯t so determined to shut me out."


    I turned again, walking away.


    Ash caught my wrist¡ªnot harshly, just firmly enough to halt me.


    "Why?" His voice cracked. "Why do you do this every time?"


    "Ash¡ªdon¡¯t," I warned.


    "No." He shook his head, jaw clenched. "If it were one of the werewolves, you¡¯d stay. If it were Riven or Dristan or even Xade, you¡¯d listen. But me and my brother? You never gave us a damn chance."


    I didn¡¯t have aeback. I stood there, heart racing, staring at his hand on mine like it burned.


    "I never¡ª"


    "You never let me," he cut in, softer now. "Valerie... every day, I stood there. Every day, I held myself back because my brother asked me to. We didn¡¯t want to pressure you. But it¡¯s killing me. My wolf... he¡¯s wing at me. The bond is choking me, and I..."


    He trailed off.


    I pulled my hand free. "Don¡¯t say it. Not now, please."


    I just couldn¡¯t afford to handle that this moment. I know things haven¡¯t really been fair but I honestly did not know hwo to work around things.


    Tell all of them I want them? That would make me seem like some whore, right? But... they are my mates, rightly bound to me...


    "Why?" Ash demanded before my thoughts formed a coherent thought. "Because the one you finally gave your heart to betrayed you?"


    I flinched.


    He took a shaky breath, his voice lowering. "That¡¯s his loss, not mine."


    I looked up at him¡ªreally looked¡ªand my chest ached.


    "I can¡¯t do this," I whispered. "I want to... but I can¡¯t. I don¡¯t even know who I can trust anymore. I¡¯m barely holding myself together as it is."


    Ash¡¯s fingers grazed my cheek, and I didn¡¯t stop him.


    "I¡¯ve fallen in love with you, Valerie," he said in a shaky voice. "You don¡¯t have to say anything. But just... stop running. Please. Give me a chance to prove it."


    He leaned in before I could process anything else, his lips brushing mine gently, asking, lingering like a promise.


    And for one second, I wanted to believe it. I wanted to melt into it. I wanted it to be real.


    But when I opened my eyes, I pulled back.


    "I... I can¡¯t." My voice trembled. "I¡ªI gotta go."


    I turned and walked out, clutching my new phone in one hand... and my shattered emotions in the other.

 Chapter 213: Who Put Your DNA

    <h4>Chapter 213: Who Put Your DNA</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 213</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I didn¡¯t look back even as the weight of his confession clung to my skin like mist, I kept walking. One foot in front of the other. That¡¯s all I could do. That¡¯s all I knew how to do right now.


    The air outside was cooler than I expected. A gentle breeze tousled my hair as I stepped out into the fading sunlight. My hoodie stayed up, shielding more than just my face.


    It was my armour and right now, I needed it.


    I let my legs take me anywhere¡ªnowhere in particr. Just... away. Away from Ash¡¯s pleading eyes, away from the guilt, the confusion, the vulnerability wing through my chest like it wanted to rip free.


    Why did he have to say it?


    Why now?


    I wasn¡¯t ready to let anyone in. Not when the one person I thought I could trust, the one I thought would see me and know me¡ªDristan¡ªhad ripped the ground from beneath my feet.


    I reached the edge of the woods behind the academy, that quiet, forbidden path where students weren¡¯t allowed without supervision. I paused then stepped forward anyway.


    Thankfully there weren¡¯t much students in school, meaning less security here... no one stopped me or even saw me.


    It was better that way.


    The trees weed me in, their shadows casting long fingers over the dirt path. Here, the world was quieter.


    Still, I breathed deep, the earthy scent calming my nerves just a bit but I couldn¡¯t stop reying Ash¡¯s words in my head.


    <i>"I¡¯ve fallen in love with you, Valerie."</i>


    He said it like it was the easiest truth he¡¯d ever spoken and it wasn¡¯t dangerous or going to unravel the already fragile lines I had drawn around my heart.


    Because if I let him in, what then?


    What if he broke me too? What if they all did?


    My fingers curled around the edge of my hoodie. I pressed my lips together, blinking hard as that sharp, traitorous ache built behind my eyes again.


    I had been alone for so long... depending on myself, trusting no one asider from my cousins, Uncle and Aunt. Then suddenly, I was surrounded by people who imed to care, who said the stars aligned us together. Mates. Fate.


    What did that even mean anymore?


    A twig snapped somewhere behind me and I spun instinctively, my heart thudding¡ªbut it was just a squirrel or maybe a rabbit and I didn¡¯t wait to find out.


    I turned back toward the academy, ready to run when I saw Erix crouched with a feet raised and a broken twig on the ground.


    In his hands was a tablet, a headset on his head and a weird ¡¯you caught me smile.¡¯


    I shook my head, wonering what troubkle he was getting himself mixed uo in now. "Stop acting like a little boy caught stealing. Come."


    He straightened, cleared his throat and put up as little bravado face.


    "Yes. I... wasn¡¯t trying to sneak around or anything. I was just..."


    "You were sneaking around," I interjected and winked at him.


    "I... um..."


    "It¡¯s cool. I walked over to one of the rocks there and sat down. I patted the rock close to me. "Sit."


    He seemed to contemte his decision when I added, "What are you working on?"


    At the same time, his tablet made a notification pop sound. I arched my brow at him, watching him lower his gaze from me to the tab.


    As soon as Erick did, his eyes went wide, and then he looked away, his mouth opening just a little.


    "What? What is it? Why do you look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost?"


    I smiled, even though my eyes narrowed at me like he was second-guessing whether or not to spill the deets.


    Immediately, I tensed, my shoulders squaring as I attempted to calm myself, but even that did not prepare me for the words he said next.


    "Val... I have found out who locked your DNA tests into the simtion tests."


    Immediately, I rose to my feet, my fists clenched as anger flickered in my eyes. "Who?"


    Erik bit down on his lower lip, his gaze held confusion, and I knew he was wondering if he should tell me or not.


    "Erik!" I thundered, not ready for any dy and letting my emotions get the best of me.


    "It¡¯s Ms. Heart."


    As soon as I heard those words, I felt my walls crumble, and I felt my stomach tighten as the very first time Iid eyes on her resurfaced.


    "N-no. You must have been mistaken," I stuttered as i took a step backward.


    "I wish. I first saw the result, but I refused to believe and ran more tests, only for them to show me the exact same thing. Ms. Heart tried to kill you, Valerie."


    My brows creased as I tried to do away with the confusion. "WHY?"


    Erik looked shaken to the core, and I felt bad for startling him. I inhaled, reached for his arm and gave him a gentle squeeze.


    "I do not know. You may ask her or not."


    I did not wait for him to finish. I held my cross bag tightly. "Don¡¯t spill to anyone. I need to figure out why."


    Quickly, I ran off, but I heard Erik¡¯s voice call from behind me. "I wasn¡¯t being serious about confronting her."


    However, I did not wait any longer and ran off.


    I knew I wanted answers, but knowing made me wonder and question everything I knew.


    If Ms. Heart wanted me dead and helped to attack me, did that mean that Principal Whitmore knew about this, too?


    And if she did, for how long?


    If not, who was Ms. Heart reporting to and what did they know about me?


    Did she also send that anonymous letter?


    I was conflicted through and through as I ran, heading to my dorms to check everything, without knowing whom I could trust for help.


    Just as I was about to cross the clearing, I took a sharp turn in the direction of the dorms, only to m into something hard.


    "Fuck!" I groaned and looked up at whom I had run into. "Xa..."

 Chapter 214: Visit Home

    <h4>Chapter 214: Visit Home</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 214</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Xa¡ª"


    The name barely made it past my lips before strong arms wrapped around me, keeping me from tumbling backwards.


    Xander.


    His scent assaulted me immediately¡ªsomething earthy and sharp, with just a hint of spice. Familiar. Steady. The kind of scent that made you want to lean in and forget the chaos behind your ribs.


    "Valerie?" His voice was low, concerned. "Are you okay?"


    "No," I whispered before I could stop myself. My knees buckled, and he eased me down gently, guiding us to sit on one of the stone ledges near the path.


    I didn¡¯t want to cry now, and definitely not in front of him.


    Xander had that big brother effect on me like Storm... And just hugging him, made all the bottled up pain resurface, all the betrayal... But I was spiralling.


    "I wasn¡¯t watching where I was going," I muttered, trying to get a hold of myself. "Sorry."


    He shook his head. "You don¡¯t need to apologise." His gaze washed over me. "You look... shaken."


    I blinked up at him, trying to focus, trying not to break apart in his arms. "I just found out someone tried to kill me, Xander. And it wasn¡¯t a stranger."


    He could haveughed at the way I phrased it, but he didn¡¯t.


    "You remember the simtion?"


    "The one where you were targeted? Yes, Valerie, someone wants you dead. Did you find out who?"


    I wanted to walk away and not answer, but I smiled and did. "It wasn¡¯t a stranger. Not even a student."


    His eyes darkened instantly. "What?"


    I nodded, my throat tightening as I recalled Erik¡¯s words. "Erik found it. He hacked into the simtion system... tracked the DNA lock¡ª and the culprit set the parameters that forced me into that spiritual lockdown. She hid the test results. My own results."


    Xander¡¯s jaw clenched as he absorbed the information. "That¡¯s... serious. That¡¯s attempted murder."


    "Exactly." My voice cracked. "And now I don¡¯t know who to trust. What if Principal Whitmore knows too? What if they¡¯re working together? What if all of this¡ªevery near-death experience, every attack¡ªwas orchestrated by them?"


    "Them, Principal and...?"


    My fists curled tightly against my thighs. "What if I¡¯m just... being yed?" i asked, deviating from the main question.


    He reached out gently, cupping my face in both hands and forcing me to meet his gaze.


    "Stop. Breathe."


    I inhaled at hismand, a bit shaky, raw and reluctant. "I can breathe, Xander. I just..."


    "Hey, rx and tell me, who hurt you. I¡¯ll make them pay."


    I shook my head. "No. I don¡¯t want to involve you," I whispered. "I already made a mistake mentioning this to you. Y-You don¡¯t have to¡ª"


    "I am involved," he cut in firmly. "And I want to be. You might not see it that way, but I¡¯m already inside your mess, Val. I¡¯m not going anywhere."


    The sincerity in his eyes startled me. Xander had always been there¡ªa calm, collected presence. But this... this felt different.


    "You don¡¯t understand," I said, trying to step back. "This isn¡¯t a school drama. I¡¯m unravelling something dangerous. I don¡¯t even know who I can trust anymore."


    His grip didn¡¯t tighten, but his eyes held me in ce. "I don¡¯t care. I want to stay in it with you. I want to help you... protect you. You¡¯re my friend, Valerie. One of the only ones I¡¯d burn everything down for."


    That silenced me.


    I blinked, heart thudding in a strange, unfamiliar rhythm.


    "I mean it," Xander added, his voice softer now. "And not just because of what¡¯s happening. Because you matter and somewhere along the line, I stopped just being concerned as a friend."


    I shook my head, stepping back. "Xander¡ª"


    But he moved closer, slowly, almost hesitantly. He wasn¡¯t reckless or forceful. Just... there.


    Then, in a breath, Xander¡¯s lips brushed mine lightly and tentatively.


    I froze, and so did he, as though his body had moved on its own. For half a second, the world stood still.


    And then I stepped away, breath caught halfway in my chest. Xander didn¡¯t stop me or forcefully hold me back. He just blinked.


    "Xander..." My voice trembled. "You can¡¯t. We can¡¯t."


    He exhaled and ran a hand down his face, guilt flickering in his eyes. "I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t n to¡ªI just..." Xander exhaled once more and raked through his silver and violet streaked hair.


    And just the sight alone brought a sense of familiarity within me. "I care about you. More than I even realised."


    I shook my head, stepping back again. "That doesn¡¯t change anything. You¡¯re important to me, Xander. But this? It¡¯s not the path we¡¯re meant to walk."


    "Valerie..."


    "I need space," I said, more firmly now. "I need answers. I need to survive this."


    I turned, already moving, forcing my feet to carry me away before the look on his face made me stay.


    "Valerie, honey..."


    "I¡¯m sorry," I called over my shoulder. "But we can¡¯t... not like this."


    And I left him behind¡ªsilent, stunned, and standing in the middle of a storm I hadn¡¯t meant to unleash but got trapped in.


    <strong>******************</strong>


    <strong>~Xander¡¯s POV~</strong>


    She was gone.


    Her footsteps faded into the shadows, but I remained frozen¡ªright there on the gravel path¡ªstaring at the ce where she¡¯d just stood, where her warmth still lingered in the air.


    My fingers drifted unconsciously to my lips.


    I hadn¡¯t meant to do it. Hell, I didn¡¯t n it. It just happened¡ªlike my body moved before my mind caught up.


    One moment, I was holding her, trying to be the friend she could count on... the next, I was crossing a line I¡¯d spent months building walls around.


    A kiss.


    A damn kiss.


    And it wasn¡¯t just soft¡ªit meant something. That was the problem. It carried too much... too much of what I¡¯d buried deep inside and tried to pretend wasn¡¯t real.


    I smiled bitterly and let my hand fall away.


    "Stupid," I muttered under my breath. "What the hell did you just do?"


    I turned, pacing a few steps back and forth, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins like wildfire. My thoughts were an unholy mess¡ªscattered, frantic, contradictory.


    It wasn¡¯t just guilt. It was fear because I¡¯d kissed Valerie.


    And there was a chance¡ªno, a very real, terrifying chance¡ªthat she could be... my half-sister.


    My stomach churned at the thought. Every time I¡¯d tried to reason it away, every time I told myself it was just maybe my imagination or some wrong thought... I pushed it down. But now?


    Now it felt too real.


    I¡¯d always kept my distance. yed the friend. The protector. Just like Dristan or Kai might have.


    But somewhere along the line, something shifted. I started seeing Valerie, the way sheughed when she forgot to be guarded, he sadness in her eyes when she thought no one was looking and the strength in her silence.


    And I knew then, I was in trouble.


    But that kiss... It felt like betrayal, not just to her, but to myself.


    "I really need to do something quick," I whispered.


    My hands dug into my jacket pocket. I found it¡ªthe shimmering jade gem threaded with energy¡ªa single-use, teleportation gem.


    My jaw clenched.


    "I must see Father," I said aloud. "And confront him about Valerie. I need the truth. No more secrets."


    I closed my hand around the gem and exhaled deeply.


    Valerie might have been running from everything, but I wasn¡¯t going to run anymore.


    Her, the truth or even from the possibility that everything I was feeling... might be wrong.


    Or worse, right.


    ***************


    I headed straight for the east wing checkpoint. It was easy enough¡ªeveryone had gone home, and few people were around, and definitely not here.


    Security was more focused on the front gates. Good.


    I kept my hood low until I reached the boundary wall behind the academy gardens. The back gate loomed ahead¡ªornate ironwork half-concealed by overgrown vines and enchantment glyphs meant to deter wandering students.


    I didn¡¯t stop at the gate.


    Instead, I slipped my hand into my jacket pocket and pulled out the small jade-like gem etched with silvery runes.


    This wasn¡¯t standard teleportation magic, but it was tied to location and will.


    I shut my eyes and exhaled slowly.


    "Home."


    I pictured it in my mind: the tiled floors, the towering pirs, the high-arched ceilings bathed in gold, obsidian, and pearl.


    I summoned every thought I had about home into my mind and the particr room I wanted to be in.


    The gem pulsed once.


    Then silence swallowed me.


    In the blink of an eye, the world spun and reformed.


    By the time the smoke settled, I stood in a grand atrium, the floor beneath me a gleaming mosaic of interlocking gold and ck tiles.


    Columns stretched up to meet a domed ceiling adorned with moving constetions, soft light shimmering down through enchanted skylights.


    Everything smelled of ancient power.


    I was home.


    I turned, slowly brushing a bit of travel dust from my sleeve, when a voice echoed from the far side of the hall.


    "Wee home, son."


    I stiffened.


    The voice was warm, but there was steel beneath it¡ªlike always.


    I looked toward the grand staircase, and there he was.


    Tall. Composed. Dressed in a tailored suit of midnight fabric embroidered with the family crest.


    King Davion Draco, my father.


    He descended a few steps, hands sped behind his back, eyes locked on mine like he already knew everything I¡¯de here for.


    And maybe he did because in House Draco, nothing was ever a coincidence.


    And secrets, they were currency.


    "Hello, Dad."

 Chapter 215: The Dragon King

    <h4>Chapter 215: The Dragon King</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 215</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Hello, son."


    The words rang louder than the towering space they echoed through.


    His silver hair shimmered in the ambient light, streaked with rich violet at the base, just like mine. Long, sleek, flowing behind him like living silk.


    His face bore a rare smile.


    And for a second, I was six again, watching him descend the stairs, equal parts terrified and in awe.


    He walked down slowly. His energy rolled in the room like steady waves¡ªnot loud, not hostile, but heavy enough to remind me exactly who he was.


    When he reached me, he didn¡¯t hesitate and pulled me into a hug.


    A real one.


    "Hello, son," he murmured again, this time softer.


    I let him hold me.


    It wasn¡¯t often he did, and we both knew it.


    "Hey, Dad," I mumbled against his shoulder before stepping back. "Still dramatic, I see."


    My Dad chuckled. "It¡¯s not drama if it¡¯s a well-earned presence."


    I raised a brow. "You rehearse that line?"


    He smirked. "Every morning."


    With a wave of his hand, he gestured to the hallway. "You must be hungry. Come, let¡¯s have breakfast. I had the staff keep something warm."


    There was no arguing with my old man, and I nodded as he led me towards the dining hall.


    ************


    The dining room was, as usual, ridiculous. A long stretch of obsidian and pearl, golden arches framing the windows.


    Light filtered in from enchanted ss, warming the whole space. A small, more intimate table had been set instead of the ceremonial one.


    I took my seat across from him as a maid floated over, setting tes before us¡ªsteamed bread, buttered greens, citrus slices, and seared meat I hadn¡¯t tasted in months.


    "You¡¯ve grown," he said as we began to eat. "More controlled like a man now."


    I eye-rolled and shrugged. I literally grew in my dad¡¯s eyes anytime he spends a little time away from me. "Maybe. Still figuring that part out."


    "Hm." He smiled faintly. "Have you seen your mother this morning?"


    I paused, shaking my head. "No. Is she in?"


    "She left early. Said she had something to look into."


    Typical. She moved through the world like a shadow sometimes. A mystery even to me.


    Conversation settled into silence while we ate¡ªuntil he broke it, as I knew he would. And honestly, I had been waiting for him to because, here was no way he did not know things happen in the werewolf kingdom.


    "So..." Dad¡¯s tone turned casual. Too casual. "Have you found your mate yet?"


    I nearly choked on the citrus.


    I wiped my mouth with a napkin, staring at him across the table. "No," I answered, giving nothing away. "The heavens haven¡¯t blessed me yet."


    His eyes narrowed slightly. "That so?"


    I just chewed.


    "Then..." he leaned back with a knowing grin, "do you like anyone at least?"


    I froze. He noticed? Or did I give something away?


    Dad chuckled, that rare smug amusement dancing across his royal features. "Ah... I see. My son has fallen in love. So this is why you came home. To ask your father for advice on women."


    I rolled my eyes. "If I wanted advice about women, no offence, Dad... I wouldn¡¯te to you."


    His smile dropped half an inch. "Then who would you go to?"


    I shrugged. "No one."


    From the corner of the room, a shortugh escaped.


    I turned to see Varian, my father¡¯s shadow and his most trusted right-hand man, fighting back a grin as he stood with his arms folded.


    "Varian," Dad said, eyes narrowing. "What exactly is so funny?"


    "My apologies, Your Majesty," Varian said with an exaggerated bow. "But I believe your ageless advice might not hold up well in this modern, tech-heavy world of dating."


    Dad rolled his eyes and tossed a grape at him¡ªmissed, of course.


    "Oh well," he muttered before turning to me again. "So tell me then. Why did youe home, if not for girl trouble?"


    <i>"Well, your dad ainm¡¯t wrong. He knows you like the back of his hand. You need to cease this chance and ask about Valerie," Zyler advised. </i>


    I ignored him briefly and focused on the conversation with Dad. "I am enjoying the werewolf school," I said carefully. "But there¡¯s something else. Something I need to confirm."


    His gaze sharpened. "What is it?"


    I pushed my chair back after stealing three grapefruits into my mouth and chewed. "Can we take a walk?"


    Dad looked to Varian briefly, then nodded. "Sure."


    He turned back to Varian and added, "Page me when anythinges up."


    "As you wish, Your Majesty."


    Varian dipped his head to my father, and I gave a nod as we walked off, but not before snatching the newly brought grapefruit I had taken from me.


    Dad didn¡¯t say anything since he knew I was a sucker for grapes and fell silent beside me as I ate.


    We didn¡¯t say anything as we strolled through the halls and down the veranda steps.


    The garden was as massive as I remembered, stretching like an emerald sea, perfectly manicured and echoing old-world magic.


    But I needed more than just words now.


    I exhaled and let the change ripple through me as soon as I finished eating my grapes. My body shimmered with power, bones shifting, magic surging¡ªand in seconds, I stood in my magnificent form.


    My true form.


    Sleek ck scales shimmered along my shoulders and arms. My eyes glowed faint violet, and faintly translucent wingsced with gold veins flicked out and then curled close behind me.


    My ws dug softly into the gravel.


    Dad stopped, watched and then, without hesitation, transformed as well.


    Where mine was slightly leaner than his but quite agile, his was massive and regal. The tinum and violet of his heritage burned through his skin like molten steel, his wings wider andced with runes older than this kingdom.


    He looked like a king even without a crown.


    And finally, as dragon to dragon, son to father, we flew up into the sky to a ce I knew no dragon could hear us, away from our thoughts and mind link and asked...


    I asked the question that had been haunting me since the first moment Valerie smiled.


    "Tell me the truth," I said quietly, voice nearly carried away by the wind.


    "Is Valerie Nightshade my half-sister?"

 Chapter 216: Reprimanded

    <h4>Chapter 216: Reprimanded</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 216</strong>


    <strong>~Davion¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I was shocked when I heard him mention the name Valerie.


    Not the surname¡ªjust the first name¡ªbut that alone was enough to freeze the blood in my veins.


    Memories rushed in like a flood, cracking through the mental vault I had sealed them behind. Memories I hadn¡¯t dared revisit in years.


    Not since thest time I saw that child.


    It reminded me of her mother.


    <i>Zara Gold.</i>


    The first time I met her, she stormed the gates of my fortress, not for glory, not for power, but for her then ex-husband, <i>Snow Zephyr</i>.


    She came to plead his life¡ªone she felt was unjustly imed by the hands of her enemy with the Lycan King, Kaid, apanying her.


    Fierce, wild, desperate. She passed all my trials to obtain my golden scale, the only way to save Snow¡¯s life.


    Even now, the memory of her fighting my right hand, Varian, was fresh. She hadn¡¯t known who she faced until Varian shifted, and the look on her face... I stillughed about it sometimes.


    I chuckled under my breath.


    "Dad?" Xander¡¯s voice broke through the fog of my thoughts.


    "Y-yes?" I turned my gaze to him, swallowing the weight in my throat.


    "You didn¡¯t answer my question. You spaced out."


    "I did," I admitted with a sigh.


    "So... does that mean you... I have a younger sister?"


    Myughter echoed deep, reverberating through our mind-link as well. I noticed Xander flinch slightly in his dragon form at the sudden boom.


    "I have never once cheated on your mother," I said, voice firm and unflinching.


    "But what if it was before you met her? Before the bond?" he pressed. "What if Valerie is the child of someone you knew long ago?"


    I gave a slow, thoughtful shake of my head. "If that were true, then her full name would be Valerie Sapphire Violet Snow¡ªnot Valerie Nightshade. And I assure you, I would have known if I had fathered a child with Zara."


    Xander looked... disappointed. It wasn¡¯t hard to read. His expression dipped, shoulders slouched, and his wings twitched with unease.


    I caught the way he swallowed back something thick and tight in his throat.


    "Son?" I asked, softer this time.


    "It¡¯s nothing, Dad."


    But I wasn¡¯t blind.


    "You..." I hesitated for only a moment. "You love this girl?"


    He didn¡¯t answer immediately and that was answer enough.


    "I... I don¡¯t know," he finally said. "I care. Maybe too much. But I¡¯m confused. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s love or something else. She feels familiar... like family. But also not."


    I fell silent.


    Xander had never been the type to get emotional¡ªhe wasposed, sharp-minded, focused. But this? This was real. This girl had wounded him just by existing in his mind too closely.


    "I¡¯ve never seen you like this over a woman," I muttered. "Not once."


    "Our bloodline makes it hard," he said with a shrug. "Girls fall over themselves just to say they kissed a dragon. No one ever felt real. Until Valerie."


    I exhaled through my nose. Ah, but he was right. It was the burden of our lineage. Our charm, our power, our allure¡ªit made everything feel... pre-decided. Predestined.


    Until someone came along to shatter that illusion.


    Just like Zara had done to me.


    I stared at him for a long moment. "Tell me the truth. Is she the one blessed by the Moon Goddess with six mates?"


    Xander¡¯s eyes widened in rm.


    I nodded slowly. "Then it is her. Don¡¯t kid me, son. Even I am well informed."


    He looked like I had just smacked him.


    "Son," I said, a low growl rumbling beneath my words, "that girl already has six mates. Six powerful men fated to be bound to her for life. And you-you want to branch in? Just how many royals do you want her tied with?"


    My voice boomed louder than I intended. The tremor it caused beneath us as we hovered in the sky, was felt even in the gardens below.


    Xander flinched. "Father, I¡¯m not trying to... I just... I want to protect her. Be there. Perhaps not as a lover, but as something else. A brother... a friend... something."


    "Better," I muttered, though I could sense the regret in him. "Come with me."


    "Father¡ª"


    "Xander. Follow me."


    He didn¡¯t argue this time.


    Weunched into the air, our wings unfurling in perfect synchrony as we climbed above the castle peaks.


    The windshed at our scaled skin, but we moved through it as smoothly as des. I kept ahead of him, giving no room for talk, only reflection.


    Because I wasn¡¯t even sure what I was about to show him.


    As we flew, I let old memories drift into focus. Memories of Zara, the woman who once stole my heart. The woman I neverid a finger on, out of respect for the love she gave another.


    She was the only woman I loved before I ever knew my mate. And perhaps the only one who taught me what losing felt like, even without ever having her.


    Our destination came into view¡ªThe Memory Home¡ªa hidden retreat used only by the royal family. It was tucked away beyond the valley, nestled in gardens no one wandered unless invited.


    I transformed mid-air, wings folding against my back as I dropped into a gracefulnding near the threshold of the old stone mansion.


    Xander did the same, taking his ce beside me, ncing around with curiosity.


    "Father...?"


    "Shh and follow me."


    He obeyed without a second thought.


    We walked past the tangled foliage of an old grove until we reached the front of the secluded house. As soon as my foot hit the wood of the front steps, a light breeze swept through.


    Then came the whistle.


    Magic stirred, and the door swung open of its own ord.


    Standing before us was a tall man, looking no younger than a forty-year-old, but in actual fact, he was two hundred years old, with thick ck hair tied at the back, dressed in simple white robes over dark trousers.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty," he said, bowing with a hand to his chest. "Wee."


    "Thank you, Sunze."


    "It is my honour," he replied, his voice calm as flowing water.


    Then his gaze shifted to Xander. "Your Highness. What brings the Prince and His Royal Majesty to the Memory Home this morning?"


    "Something important," I replied. "Please... we are not to be disturbed. I need to show my son something."


    Sunze dipped his head. "As youmand, my king."

 Chapter 217: Memory Home

    <h4>Chapter 217: Memory Home</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 217</strong>


    <strong>~Davion¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Sunze stepped aside, silent as a shadow, leaving the doorway open.


    Xander nced at me, still confused¡ªbut he didn¡¯t speak.


    Once the door locked behind us with a soft, final click, I led Xander deeper into the Memory Home as our soft steps echoing against the ancient polished stone floors.


    The scent of history filled the air, old parchment, forgotten magic, and bloodline secrets that had been sealed for centuries.


    We climbed the staircase in silence. My son followed closely behind, his eyes darting over the grand architecture and ancient symbols etched into the walls, carved by ancestors long gone.


    At the top floor, we turned left into a narrow corridor. The air here was colder, stiller¡ªlike the past refused to be forgotten.


    We walked all the way down until we stood at the end, facing a nk wall. It stared back at us, inly, cold, unyielding.


    Xander¡¯s brows furrowed. I noticed the tension oozing from him, beside me.


    "What is it, Father?" he asked, keeping his voice low as if not to disturb me. "I thought we¡¯d be using one of the rooms."


    "Shh..." I lifted a finger to my lips.


    He fell silent instantly.


    Then slowly, I called upon the energy within me. A deep violet glow began to curl around my right palm, glowing brighter with every heartbeat. I raised it to the center of the wall.


    The moment my hand touched stone, a symbol burned into existence beneath my palm¡ªan interlocking crest of House Draco and the Elder me.


    A mechanical hum echoed around us and the wall rippled, gears shifted and magic moved.


    Then, as though pushed by unseen hands, the wall slid backward and vanished entirely, revealing a massive chamber which was dark at first.


    "Light," Imanded.


    Runes burst to life across the ceiling and walls, casting soft golden radiance over everything.


    Xander gasped audibly and rightfully so.


    The room was enormous,yered with tforms and balconies like a library but instead of books, every level was filled with portraits. Painted memories.


    There were tapestries of my childhood. Paintings of my parents, the previous Dragon King and Queen. Our ancestors, dragonlords of old, the royal line in its full regality.


    The weight of legacy was full established everywhere yoyu looked.


    And on the floor where we stood, the closest level¡ªthere were dozens of portraits of me as a prince, moments captured with brush and magic¡ªcourt events, battle memories and coronation trials.


    But then... his gaze fell on it.


    I watched as his steps slowed. His eyes widened.


    I moved toward it without a word, stopping before the painting. My hand hovered near the edge of the golden frame.


    The painting depicted me and her.


    "Is that...?" Xander asked, his voice rough behind me.


    "Yes," I said quietly. "Zara Gold. Before she and Snow Zephyr remarried."


    "She... was beautiful," he murmured.


    A small, wistful smile tugged at my lips. "Yes... she was."


    In the portrait, she stood beside me in a ceremonial robe I gifted her¡ªradiant, proud, untamed. The glow in her eyes, the confidence in her stance... it had been unlike anything I¡¯d ever seen.


    I still remembered how hard it was for her to take that with me before I returned back to my kingdom for my crowning.


    But it was the next painting that stole the breath from Xander¡¯s lungs.


    I stepped aside, revealing it.


    Myself, Zara, Snow Zephyr and between them, a baby girl¡ªnestled protectively in their arms.


    "The Southern Werewolf Royal Family," I announced softly. "Zara. Snow. And their daughter."


    Xander stepped closer, hesitantly. As though afraid the image might vanish.


    "She has..." His hand reached out, fingers tracing the painted strands of the baby¡¯s hair. "Three-toned silver hair. With blue and purple streaks at the tips... just like us."


    "Yes, she does."


    "And her eyes are heterochromia, blue and violet. But... how? And does that mean this Valerie... the one I know... is my sister?"


    My smile was sad. "Yes. And no."


    He turned to me, confused.


    "Come," I said, nodding to the left. "There¡¯s more."


    We crossed the chamber to another portrait¡ªsmaller, but no less vivid.


    A birthday scene.


    Little Violet stood in front of a glowing cake, surrounded by a few chosen guests. Her mother by her side. Snow just behind. And myself... standing quietly beside Zara.


    "She looks so much older here," Xander whispered.


    "She was turning eight," I replied. "The southern heiress wasn¡¯t always publicly known. Few ever saw her outside royal gatherings. Only the other kings, Alpha rulers, and our trusted circles knew her by face."


    "But why?" he asked.


    "Because," I exhaled slowly, "like her mother, she was hidden. Not for tradition¡ªbut for safety. After all, Zara made many enemies... and there were threats against the bloodline even before the girl was born."


    Xander studied the portrait again, brows drawn. "But Snow doesn¡¯t have our hair colour, just the mysterious blue streaks at the tips. How did she¡ª?"


    "Because when Zara used my golden scale to save Snow Zephyr from death, it did more than cure him," I said. "A portion of my essence was transferred. My blood. My power. My traits. And when Violet was born... she inherited it."


    Xander turned slowly. "So you never cheated on Mother?"


    My brow lifted. "Why would I lie about that?"


    He looked away. "Because... I feel things when she¡¯s near. Deeper than friendship. Not romantic, not entirely. But... her pain reacts in me. Her aura... it sings to mine."


    "That¡¯s because of the bond you¡¯re sensing."


    He looked up, startled. I continued.


    "She shares a unique bond with me as her godfather and her father, Snow. Our connection lingers¡ªperhaps deeper than even I realized."


    I turned toward him, raising a hand. "Show me her," I said.


    Xander nodded and stood straight. I summoned a memory gem, but instead of handing it over, I directed the pulse toward his forehead. The magic responded at once.


    Xander closed his eyes and a bright light red before opening a memory.


    And then she appeared... Valerie Nightshade.

 Chapter 218: She is Alive

    <h4>Chapter 218: She is Alive</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 218</strong>


    <strong>~Davion¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Long, flowing ck hair, blue eyes tinged with sorrow. She looked fierce, wounded, and beautiful. The girl from his memory stared out at us.


    Scene after scene yed out¡ªherughing, crying, training... bleeding.


    And then... the kiss.


    My gaze slid toward Xander. His eyes shimmered¡ªbut the tears never fell. Just a sh. A glimpse and then it was gone in a blink fo an eye.


    I turned back to the memory.


    Even I was caught off guard. She didn¡¯t just look like Zara.


    She was Zara.


    The same kind of fire in her eyes, the fury and that untamed spirit.


    And then... my own memory resurfaced from a decade ago. The night of the southern massacre.


    I had flown in under invisibility, arriving moments after the Alpha Kings. When I saw them hovering over Zara¡¯s dead body, I went into the mansion in search of her¡ªmy goddaughter.


    And found her dead.


    Or so they believed.


    But something had been off. Her aura... was wrong.


    Her essence was missing.


    And now? Now I understood why.


    I smirked, stepping back, arms crossed.


    "Zara... you clever, reckless woman," I muttered. "So that¡¯s what you did."


    Xander¡¯s head whipped toward me. "What? What did she do?"


    I faced him fully. "She must have faked her daughter¡¯s death and had her hidden. Changed her identity. Broke every bond and nted her in the world without any connection to it."


    "But why?"


    "Because it was the only way to protect her from what wasing."


    Xander¡¯s breath caught.


    "And you," I added, stepping forward, "You feel that pull toward her... because your bond isn¡¯t that of a lover."


    He stared.


    "It¡¯s the bond of blood. Of legacy. Of my power connecting through you... to her."


    "Meaning..."


    I let the silence stretch before answering, "Valerie Sapphire Violet Snow is alive," I said atst. "And she lives as Valerie Nightshade."


    "Father..." Xander¡¯s voice trembled slightly, his mind still racing with everything he had just learned.


    I didn¡¯t speak immediately. I needed to anchor my thoughts before the past and present collided again.


    "Also, had Violet been alive," I said, drawing his attention again, "she would have powers of¡ª"


    "Earth and fire," Xander interjected quickly, eyes searching mine for confirmation.


    I gave a slight nod, my lips curling into a small, knowing smile. "Correct."


    My brows furrowed. "So... does Valerie Nightshade have those?"


    He hesitated a moment, not because he thought I doubted the answer¡ªbut because of what it meant.


    "It hasn¡¯t been officially confirmed yet," he admitted. "But... a few days ago during a test, the earth quaked beneath her feet, and mes surged out of her hands. It was raw... unrefined. But unmistakable."


    "I see," I murmured, my gaze lowering, lost in thought. "She¡¯se of age now," I added. "There¡¯s no more suppressing what she is. Unlike the other heirs, she carries two elemental powers. Fire¡ªpassed down from her father, and me and Earth¡ªfrom the Sage Earth Dragon herself."


    I waved a hand, and the images of memory surrounding us shimmered, then dissolved into light.


    Silence stretched between us. "Xander," I said carefully, "if she is indeed Valerie Snow... then you cannot love her."


    He flinched. I saw it¡ªthe silent pain behind his eyes and the tension in his jaw. "But... Father¡ª"


    "She was given those mates for a reason," I interrupted firmly.


    His brows creased tightly. "What reason is that?"


    My gaze drifted once more toward the grand portrait of me and Zara, painted in the days when everything still felt possible. When we were younger.


    "The prophecy," I said quietly, feeling the heavy weight even after all these years. "Also... you must protect her, no matter what."


    Xander¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. "What does the prophecy say?"


    I hesitated. I did not know if I should tell him or not. I could feel the memory of Zara¡¯s voice ringing in my ears, the moment we stood before the ancient oracle dragon who had first spoken of the child¡¯s fate to me.


    "I cannot say," I finally answered, looking away. "The full meaning was never clear. But what we understood was this¡ªValerie Sapphire Violet Snow... she can either unite the werewolf kingdom and all supernatural races..."


    I looked back at Xander, eyes hard. "...or bring about the end of the supernatural world as we know it."


    He went still.


    "You cannot get more involved than you already are," I said, softer this time. "Protect her. Love her¡ªas you would your blood. But nothing more."


    His breath hitched. He didn¡¯t speak for several seconds. Then, silently, a single tear slid down his cheek.


    I didn¡¯t call him out on it. That would have been cruel.


    "This is beyond you and me, son," I continued. "We each must y our part. I did mine... eighteen years ago, when we gave the heirs elemental powers and we bestowed blessings from the dragons. Now... you must do yours."


    Xander looked down at the floor, clenching his fists tightly at his sides. The pain was fading now, reced with something else.


    Resolve.


    "Promise me, son," I said, stepping forward. "For so long, I thought it was over. I thought the prophecy had died with her. But now... I see it hasn¡¯t. It lives on. Stronger than ever."


    Xander did not speak unt after a few seconds where he lifted his head. And there was no more doubt in his eyes, only fire.


    "I promise." He ced his palm on his chest. "On my name, my honor, and my crown. I will protect Valerie."


    A proud smile tugged at the corners of my lips.


    I did not give him a chance to react before I snapped my fingers.


    In a blink, we reappeared outside the Memory Home. The sunlight filtering through the trees felt warmer than before, as though thend itself had heard the vow.


    "Go," I told him, cing a hand on his shoulder. "Your mother has returned. I¡¯ll be back at the pce soon."


    Xander didn¡¯t argue. He simply gave me a short nod and turned to leave but before he could move far, my voice rang out. "And do not let Valerie know that you know her secret yet."


    Xander exhaled, nodded and waved. "As you wish, father." With that, he transformed into his natural form and flew off.

 Chapter 219: The Bandana

    <h4>Chapter 219: The Bandana</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 219</strong>


    <strong>~Davion¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I watched him fly away until I was sure he was gone.


    Then I turned, wandering through the soft garden path behind the house. The wind brushed past me, sending a soft chill down my spine at the possibilities of my memories.


    I stopped halfway, just as I reached the edge of the trees.


    "Until when will you remain cloaked, Varian?" I asked calmly, not bothering to turn around.


    A shimmer filled the air behind me¡ªlike heat waves warping the world. Then Varian stepped forward, arms folded, a slight smile ying on his lips.


    "I wasn¡¯t sure if you wanted me toe out," he said.


    "I know you hid because of him," I said, ncing at him sideways. "But he¡¯s gone now."


    Varian stepped beside me, his gaze trailing after where Xander had walked. "Your Majesty... don¡¯t you think you told him too much too fast?"


    I exhaled and looked up at the sky above. "Xander would¡¯ve figured it out eventually. I¡¯d rather he hear it from me... than take his questions to the Queen."


    Varian winced with augh. "That would be... disastrous."


    "Yes," I murmured as another memory crossed my mind. "It would."


    A beat passed, then his voice grew cautious. "By the way... what about her? Your suspicions?"


    My smile faded, and my face turned solemn.


    "My suspicions..." I repeated, then looked down at my palm. "Varian... I can still feel her faintly through the bond. And all of this with Xander proves that I was right, and soon the world would know the real truth."


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    By the end of the day, I had finally retrieved my phone from Ryan. I thanked him with a small smile, but inside, scepticism wed at me like a dull de pressing against skin.


    Something about the entire situation still felt off.


    So, I did what made the most sense at the moment¡ªI left the old phone tucked deep inside my wardrobe, beneath a stack of worn clothes like evidence waiting to be reexamined.


    And I continued using the new one.


    I knew I still had to find out who filmed me. Who had made a mockery of my privacy and safety. But right now? I just didn¡¯t have the strength to peel back anotheryer.


    I felt hollow, exhausted in a way that sleep couldn¡¯t fix.


    So, I decided to step out¡ªclear my head, get some air, find a sliver of peace, if only for a little while.


    Dinner was... uneventful. Just me and my barely-touched te while the sound of distant conversations filled the dining hall, but I sat in silence.


    I barely registered the food on my tongue. Thepany of my mates¡ªusually maic¡ªwas absent, and for once, I was d they were giving me space. And I appreciated that more than they probably realized.


    Once I was done, I slipped out for a night stroll. The cold air kissed my cheeks as I stepped onto the winding path that led through the academy¡¯s gardens.


    The world was dim, but the moonlight bathed everything in silver, making things feel a little less heavy, but my thoughts, however, refused to be still.


    Images spun in my head¡ªmy arrival at the academy, the simtion, the betrayal, the lies, the kiss... the almost-love that twisted and recoiled with every revtion.


    I felt like a puzzle scattered across a battlefield, and no one knew what I was supposed to look like.


    And maybe I didn¡¯t either.


    My breath hitched as a wave of emotion surged inside me. Everything felt so loud beneath my skin.


    Astra had been quiettely. Quieter than usual and she remained hidden, like she was watching me from behind a fogged ss.


    But right now, I needed her.


    <i>"Hey, girl,"</i> I whispered mentally, reaching inward, aching for thefort of our bond. <i>"Want to go for a run?"</i>


    There was no reply. I slowed my steps, waiting.


    Then, finally, a low, bored, and blunt voice cut through my mind like a flicker of sarcasm dipped in exhaustion.


    "Yes."


    I frowned. Her tone was... indifferent, detached and almost as if she didn¡¯t care anymore.


    <i>"Are you mad at me?" </i>I asked her softly. <i>"Is this about Solstice?"</i>


    There was no reply, but I already knew the answer. Even so, I forced a smile. <i>"Let¡¯s go," I said. "Just us. You and me."</i>


    The wind brushed against my skin as I veered toward the forest path, and my shoes crunching over leaves and twigs.


    Every step away from the academy felt like peeling off theyers of expectations stitched around me.


    I was ready to let Astra loose¡ªto feel something other than confusion and pain.


    But just as I stepped closer to the tree line, my gaze caught something, a flicker of ck fabric tied on a wrist.


    A Nightshade bandana.


    My breath caught. The cloth was unmistakable, the dark sigil imprinted on the material on a boy¡¯s wrist in a ck hoodie.


    And then he turned slightly.


    I didn¡¯t see his whole face, just the edge of a jawline, but something inside me snapped.


    Astra surged forward. "Go, Valerie!"


    My feet obeyed before my brain even caught up. I ran at full speed, my heart pounding against my ribs like a drum of war. My eyes locked onto his silhouette as he disappeared around a corner.


    I turned after him, my boots skidding slightly on the stone path.


    But when I rounded the corner... Nothing.


    Just an empty courtyard bathed in eerie moonlight.


    "No," I whispered, spinning around. "He was here. I saw him¡ªAstra, I saw him."


    I sprinted down a corridor to the left and met nothing but shadows and silence.


    I tried the opposite side. A dead-end of a cold stone wall.


    I returned to the courtyard, panting, frustration burning in my throat as I turned and turned, ncing around in search of the person.


    And then I turned to my right again as something hard mmed into me.


    At first, I thought it was a ck wall, but when the scent of a person assaulted my nostrils, I knew better.


    I staggered back, heart jerking in my chest, instinctively raising my fists.


    As I looked up, my eyes widened.


    <strong>"Riven?"</strong>

 Chapter 220: Escaping Riven

    <h4>Chapter 220: Escaping Riven</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 220</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My first thought was...


    <i>What the hell is Riven doing here?</i>


    Was he stalking me again?


    The second thought came more quickly and sharply. Had it been his hand and side profile I¡¯d seen just now?


    My eyes darted up and down, scanning his features¡ªhis jawline, the curve of his wrists beneath the ck coat, the way his shadow fell across the cobblestones.


    I exhaled through my nose, slowly. No. It wasn¡¯t him.


    But the tension didn¡¯t leave my shoulders.


    Riven stood there beneath the Gothic arch of the courtyard gate, like a statue carved from moonlight and silence, his long coat fluttering faintly in the wind.


    The hood cast half of his face in shadow, leaving only his ice-blue eyes visible, sharp and cutting as ever.


    That ever-present stormy aura curled around him like sentient smoke, trailing tendrils of cold air and darker thoughts.


    "Hello, Valerie," he greeted in his usual calm, threaded with something unreadable. "What are you doing out here?"


    I blinked as adrenaline still thrummed beneath my skin. "I... I was just walking."


    It wasn¡¯t exactly a lie. But it wasn¡¯t the truth either.


    His gaze narrowed, faintly skeptical. "At midnight?"


    He stepped closer, the sound of his boots too quiet forfort. "Valerie Nightshade," he said again, slower this time, "what exactly are you looking for?"


    The way he said my name sent a chill down my spine. Not because it sounded threatening, but because it didn¡¯t. It sounded... curious, and that scared me more.


    I swallowed and tried to regain myposure. "I thought I saw someone. I... might¡¯ve imagined it."


    "Imagined?" Riven repeated, his voice tinged with scepticism.


    I nodded quickly, lying faster than I could think. "Yeah. Probably a trick of the moonlight or something. Not important."


    But Riven wasn¡¯t the type to drop things.


    He tilted his head down slightly, forcing me to look up to meet his eyes. And there it was again¡ªthat unrelenting pressure of his presence.


    "What did you see?" he asked. "If it were real, I could help. My vision reaches farther than most. Even werewolves."


    "I lost the scent," I said too fast. My throat tightened. "It¡¯s probably nothing. But for a second, I thought..." I hesitated, then finished in a whisper, "I thought I saw my mother."


    That made him pause. Really pause. His eyes flicked ever so slightly, like something clicked into ce.


    "Your mother?"


    "I said forget it, Riven." I took a step past him. "Not now."


    He didn¡¯t move aside.


    I walked around him, boots crunching on the gravel as my heart hammered, but behind me, I heard him follow. Of course, he would.


    "If this is about the letter," I snapped over my shoulder, "I take it back."


    I stopped, turned halfway, and faced him head-on. "No¡ªwait. I don¡¯t because I never sent that in the first ce."


    My voice was sharp, too loud for the night, but I didn¡¯t care.


    "I don¡¯t take it back. But I will say this once, clearly, so your paranoia can let it go. I <i>did not</i> send that message. It was probably all just a mistake or someone ying a weird, annoying prank on me, and all but Riven, you do not have to like me."


    Riven stared at me for a long moment. Then...


    "I know," he said simply.


    I blinked. "You what?"


    "I know," he repeated. "I checked the metadata. I traced the digital path. It was nted. You didn¡¯t send it."


    My mouth went dry. I had expected denial. me. Cold usations. Not... this.


    But then again, this was Riven. He was chaos in a suit and code. One moment steel, the next shadow.


    "Then why the hell didn¡¯t you say anything?"


    "I wanted to see if you¡¯d lie to me," he replied calmly.


    I stared at him like he¡¯d grown two heads.


    "You¡¯re an actual... urgh bighead."


    He didn¡¯t deny it. "Perhaps. But you passed."


    I turned away, muttering curses under my breath. I couldn¡¯t deal with him right now. Not tonight. When I was already unravelling.


    I didn¡¯t get far before I felt him when the shift in air brought an ache in my chest.


    And then his scent, storm and stone, sharp like the sea, filled my nostrils.


    Dristan.


    My spine stiffened as I caught sight of him ahead, near the entrance to the Training Hall¡¯s garden wall. He stood there like a ghost, backlit by the moon, his blond hair tousled from wind and tension.


    For a moment, I almost kept walking, but then his voice broke the silence, letting me know he caught me.


    "Valerie."


    I didn¡¯t stop. I didn¡¯t even blink.


    "Valerie, please wait."


    My steps faltered for a heartbeat, and Dristan took it as permission. He moved closer, slowly but certainly, like he was approaching a wounded animal. And maybe I was.


    "Hey Val..."


    I shut my eyes briefly but said no word.


    "I¡¯m sorry," he let the words sink in first and then continued, "I know words cannot change what has been done, but... I didn¡¯t mean for any of it to happen the way it did," he said quietly.


    Then raked a hand through his hair. "Our makeout, what I did to you and her... The silence afterwards. The way I didn¡¯te to you."


    I folded my arms tightly, staring at the stone path. "Then why didn¡¯t you?"


    "I was scared," he admitted, voice cracking just slightly. "I was scared I¡¯d already ruined whatever we could have been."


    "You did," I said tly. "You did ruin it."


    His breath hitched.


    "But that doesn¡¯t mean it can¡¯t be rebuilt," he said gently now. "I¡¯ll do whatever it takes. Say whatever you need to hear. Just... don¡¯t shut me out forever."


    I looked up, finally meeting his eyes. And gods... they were soft. Full of regret and hope and guilt, all woven into one.


    But I wasn¡¯t ready for this or him.


    "I can¡¯t," I stated softly... "Not now, Dristan."


    His face fell.


    "I don¡¯t hate you, Dristan. But I don¡¯t trust you either. And that... that matters more than whatever feelings we keep pretending we aren¡¯t drowning in. I wanted to build trust with you. I thought I had, but..."


    He stepped back and gave me space. "I understand, but Valerie, I¡¯ll be waiting. Even if it takes forever."

 Chapter 221: Advocaing for Dristan

    <h4>Chapter 221: Advocaing for Dristan</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 221</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I said nothing to Dristan but gave a soft smile as I walked away. Non of them of them followed me but I could feel their eyes long after I was gone.


    The only thoughts on my head right now was how or who was the Nightshade guy?


    And if Riven was one or not?


    Now how do I approach the question without spooking him into hiding? Do I stalk him or...?


    Just as I crossed into the dorm courtyard, I met Kai waiting for me. I wa sbeginning to wonder of they were nning all of this or not.


    His face had smiles on them the closer I got. It seemed liek I rejoiced too soon about my mates.


    I returned his smile but barely said a words as we continued down the path.


    "Dristan..."


    "Did he send you?" I cut in and narrowed my eyes on Kai¡¯s face.


    He paused for a second and shook his head.


    "I saw you talking to Dristan, Valerie. He did not send me. Dristan did Solstice wrong. We all have secrets and I know she went about things wrongly because whether you get hurt or not, you should know she broke rules and snuck into the school using fake identity."


    "She may have her reasons," I defended without thinking and Kai stopped walking. "What?"


    He turned to face me, his entire focus on me. "So because a child molestor actually took the child to the hospital after molesting teh child, would you say he has his reason and he shouldn¡¯t be punished?"


    His question caught me off guard. "Or should a thief or a killer go scot free cause they had revenge or sick family?"


    "Wait, hold up, your analogy is..."


    "wed? Really? Kieran almost forced a kiss on you and Riven and Dristan went ballistic on his ass... it was the right thing to do, right?"


    "Well..."


    "No, Valerie, answer my question, yes or no?"


    "Yes and no."


    "Why?" Kai questioned sharply.


    "Becuase he could have been killed or injured severely and they¡¯d be charged for assult too. And yes because he deserved it."


    "Okay, if you can say that about Kieran, was Silver entirely at fault?" I shook my head to counter him as I lifted my palm but Kai cut in. "Do not be biased, Valerie and think carefully before you answer."


    I mped my lips shut and exhaled.


    "Answer me, Val." Kai¡¯s sweet voice made it hard fo rme to stay angry and finally, calmly think.


    "Was Dristan all wrong and at fault? Knowing full well you were attacked before and none fo us knew who sent them... then suddenly a stranger came and she became close to you."


    "She had her reasons. She wanted toe to PSA and..."


    "Valerie!" Kai hollered and a tear rolled down my cheeks.


    I never supported my cousin entirely with how she acted but routing her out was my own weakness and...


    "I am not happy he hurt you," Kai enunciated, "...but his reasons where still valid. All he did was send her picture to a letter of request from her father. And by the time her identity was confirmed.... It was toote."


    I swallowed and lowered my gaze. "So forgive me, and forgive him for what he did and forgive all of us your mates, for letting a stranger teach us how to know you and win your trust. She aplished what we couldn¡¯t."


    Guild tore at my heart the more I listened to Kai speak.


    "Forgive us fo rnot getting to kbow you better but if you knew Dristan¡¯s real ain, then I guess you¡¯d understand why he went to great lengths to ensure your safety."


    My brows creased. "What does that mean?"


    I shifted on his feet, nced around before tucking his hands in his pocket. "Just like Xade and Axel... two of us had our personal experience that gave us Alphas our blue eyes."


    My chest rose and fell slowly. After Axel I had involntrarily closed myself off for good, not wanting to listen to their sad tale and easily trust them with my own but here was Kai, indirectly offering.


    The wind rousled, carrying tehfresh scent of grasses and flowers across the courtyard.


    "What happened to Dristan?" I found myself asking irrespective of my prior n.


    "I cannot tell you that but this much I can say.... No one knows exactly what Drisan went through save for his mother died but as for mine... I..."


    I immeditely cut in. "You do not have to tell me if it is too painful. I understand and I don¡¯t want to pry."


    "No, it is so you understand that you can lean and trust in your mates, and not pity them but lean on us."


    "And why would I want that?"


    "Because, Valerie, I may not know your backsory but I do know that you have enemies who wants you dead and that does not fly well with me, or any of us."


    I swallowed as my gaze darted over to where Ist saw Dristan. He was no longer there bt his presence was felt.


    "Some other time, Kai. I... don¡¯t think I can handle much this night."


    "As you wish but know, you will know sooner orter. Good night Valerie and... please give Dristan¡¯s apology a thought."


    I did not say anything and nodded. Kai stepepd forward, closing the gap between us. He held my arm, exhaled and pulled me in for a hug.


    "I love you, Dristan love you and your mates all love and cherish you. Never forget that. And do not put a wall up against us anymore, please."


    Kai pecked my forehead pulled back from the hug and before I could speak, he winked and walked away.


    I headed straight for my dorm room without looking back to avoid more bump-ins and emotional speech. But even after everything... all my mind could go to was the Nightshade bandana I had seen tonight and the scroll from the library.


    As soon as I entered my room, I shut the door, locked it and immediately went to fish for the scroll. I was missing something and I needed to check what it was.


    I opened the scroll in front of me and instinctively reached for my ne when suddenly I realsied it wasn¡¯t there.

 Chapter 222: Stubborn Dristan’s Return

    <h4>Chapter 222: Stubborn Dristan¡¯s Return</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 222 ¡ª </strong>Stubborn Dristan¡¯s Return


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    "Tsk... where did I put that thing?" I muttered, already rising from my seat.


    My feet carried me to the small basket near my bedside table where I thought I¡¯d tossed it a few days ago, but as soon as I got there, I stopped cold.


    "No," I whispered, crouching. "I¡¯m sure I picked it up..."


    My brows furrowed as my mind backtracked through the fog of days. Yes¡ªI remembered picking it up the day after I rearranged my room.


    I had almost worn it again, but the instant it touched my fingers, memories of them flooded back, Dristan, Kai, Axel and Xade. The day they¡¯d rescued me.


    A bittersweet memory I wasn¡¯t ready to relive. So I put it away.


    I rushed to my study desk and yanked open the second drawer.


    But inside was no ne save for a folded piece of paper.


    My heart gave a strange lurch.


    I barely processed the note at first. My eyes kept scanning the inside of the drawer, hoping I¡¯d somehow missed it.


    That it had slipped to a corner, under a book, maybe fallen through a crack. But everything else was in ce.


    My ne was gone.


    Vanished.


    The realization was like a punch to the chest.


    My hands shook as I grabbed the piece of paper, unfolded it, and read the scrawled words.


    <i>"Now it has a better owner."</i>


    A chill swept down my spine.


    "What?"


    I read the note again and again as if staring harder would change the message. But the words didn¡¯t vanish. The mocking tone clung to the air like smoke.


    <i>¡¯Maybe it¡¯s a prank,¡¯ </i>I told myself, hoping for something else that does not indicate stolen.


    My stomach churned as dread settled over me. I searched the entire room, tearing through clothes, tossing aside books and bedding. I even lifted the damn mattress. Nothing.


    At some point, exhaustion overpowered frustration, and I sank to the floor, chest heaving. I stared at the empty drawer like it held all the answers. But it didn¡¯t. Just that one cruel message.


    Eventually, my limbs grew too heavy to keep moving. My body crashed on the bed, fully clothed. I didn¡¯t know when I drifted off, only that darkness imed me for a while.


    Then... knock knock.


    My eyes shot open at once.


    I blinked groggily at the ceiling. My mind was still foggy from sleep, and my heart still sore.


    Another knock came, only this time louder now.


    I frowned, ncing around. The dorm room was quiet, still empty. My roommates had all gone for the break.


    They¡¯d politely excused themselves one by one after my "emotional shifts," leaving me blessedly alone or cursedly so.


    Groaning, I pushed off the bed and padded to the door. I checked the time on the wall clock.


    <strong>2:07 a.m.</strong>


    My brows raised. <i>Who the hell...</i>


    I opened the door... and froze.


    "Dristan?"


    He stood there, the hallway light spilling across his shoulders like moonlight. His crystal-blue eyes caught the glow, and I swore, for a second, he didn¡¯t look real. Just... powerful and timeless.


    But his scent was undeniable. My throat dried as I snapped out of it and folded my arms.


    "What the hell are you doing here at 2 a.m.?" I demanded.


    He swallowed, gaze steady but cautious.


    "I just... needed to see you."


    His voice was low,ced with something I hadn¡¯t heard in a while, vulnerability. Something tightened in my chest at the way he looked at me.


    I hated how my body responded. How my heart skipped. How heat trickled down my spine just from his presence.


    "Valerie, I apologize..."


    I raised my palm to stop him. "I know. And... I was being a jackass too."


    His brows pinched in confusion. I could almost see the ¡¯<i>Wait, what?¡¯</i> in his eyes, but he didn¡¯t interrupt me.


    "Silver... she only wanted toe here so badly. She made a mistake back home and got grounded. So she... snuck out..."


    "Forged documents. Lied... I know all that," Dristan said quietly. "But I should¡¯ve¡ª"


    "You were worried. I get it." I stepped back, letting him in.


    He did. And as the door shut behind him, the air shifted.


    Suddenly, Dristan was too close, too much.


    I could feel the heat of him, smell his clean, stormy scent. And instantly, the memory of his kiss at the party rushed back.


    The way his hands had explored, the way his lips had danced against mine¡ªhow we¡¯de so close to crossing every line. And how I¡¯d let him see me... almost bare.


    Now, standing in this tight space, with him looking at me like I was the center of his entire universe... I faltered.


    I took a shaky step back, needing space, but he followed. Slowly. Determined.


    "Valerie, I was worried about you," Dristan voiced again, his voice gentler. "And I¡¯m sorry. My reasons don¡¯t excuse everything but¡ª"


    "They do," I cut in.


    His eyes narrowed. "Wait... what?"


    "I know what you thought. Dristan... even though it¡¯s hard for me, I... forgive you."


    He blinked. Like he hadn¡¯t expected that. "Valerie... you did what?"


    "I forgive you," I repeated, slower this time. "I know I should be yelling at you for showing up here at this ungodly hour, but yeah. You¡¯re forgiven. And..."


    That was it. Dristan didn¡¯t give me time for the rest when his lips were on mine in an instant.


    The kiss wasn¡¯t soft, it was starved. As if he¡¯d waited days, weeks, to touch me again. I hesitated at first. My walls rose reflexively but then... they shattered.


    I kissed him back. Hard.


    All the tension in my chest uncoiled. My fingers tangled in his shirt. His hands slid along my waist, gripping, exploring and remembering.


    And then something shifted, a heat surged through me in ways I hadn¡¯t felt before, raw, hot, and unmistakable.


    I gasped against his lips as the wild, all-consuming sensation spread.


    No... this wasn¡¯t just lust, it was heat, real heat.


    And I was drowning in it¡ªsurrendering,pletely overwhelmed by the sensation Dristan brought and what we were about to do, together.


    "I love you, Valerie."


    "I... I lo...


    "Don¡¯t say," Dristan interjeted and in seconds, his lips were on mine again.

 Chapter 223: I Need You

    <h4>Chapter 223: I Need You</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 223</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    The kiss deepened, hungrily, as if the world outside this room no longer mattered. Every part of me was on fire.


    Dristan¡¯s hands were no longer tentative. He gripped my waist like he was anchoring himself to me, like letting go would break him.


    I arched into him before I even realized it, my body betraying every shred of pride I had left.


    I wasn¡¯t supposed to want this again¡ªnot this badly¡ªbut Dristan had always known how to unravel me with a single look... And now, with his lips on mine, there was no turning back.


    He pressed me gently into the wall beside the door, one arm braced above my head, the other curled around my lower back, pulling me flush against his chest.


    Every hard line of him met every soft edge of me.


    I gasped when his fingers skimmed beneath the hem of my shirt, cool against the fevered heat of my skin. He paused, giving me a second to stop him, but I didn¡¯t.


    I couldn¡¯t, and it wasn¡¯t because of some crazy reason or any reason at all, I just didn¡¯t want to.


    Instead, I tugged him closer.


    Driatan¡¯s mouth left mine only to trail slow and torturous kisses down my neck as each press of his lips ignited sparks.


    My breath hitched when he reached that one sensitive spot just beneath my jaw¡ªand lingered. My hands found his hair, threading through the golden strands, urging him on.


    "You don¡¯t know what you do to me," he murmured against my throat.


    "I think I do," I whispered, barely recognising the sound of my own voice. "And I... I want it. I want you, Dristan."


    "That¡¯s the best answer I¡¯ve heard in years, Valerie. I want you too."


    He kissed me with the same urgency again, our tongues colliding as our hands roamed around each other.


    I slid my hands underneath his ck baggy shirt, and my fingers met with hard muscles, tracing over his abs and sliding up to his chest and nipples.


    Dristan sucked in a deep breath and shuddered when my fingers pinched his nipples lightly.


    My lips curled at the side as I broke our kiss and in one swift move, I held the hem of his shirt and tugged it over his head.


    His shirt was in my hands before I could talk myself out of it, and the second it hit the floor, I took a shaky breath.


    Dristan was a storm made flesh¡ªpowerful, intense, impossible to ignore. The faint silver markings along his ribs shimmered, pulsing like ancient sigils.


    My fingers traced them instinctively.


    His breath caught. "Val..."


    I looked up at him, and he swallowed his words. From the look in his eyes and the way his fingers hovered on my waist, I knew he was trying to hold back, but I did not want him to do something so stupid.


    "I need this," I said, maintaining eye contact with Dristan. "I need you<i>.</i>"


    And this time, I was sure it wasn¡¯t the heat talking. It was everything; it was me and the bond.


    I wanted it all.


    A low guttural sound left his throat, like a half groan, half something deeper and primal.


    Before I could wrap my head around it all, Dristan lifted me in one motion, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, letting instinct take over as our mouths found each other again, hungrier than before.


    Dristan moved straight for my room, and as soon as we got in, he shut the door and moved toward the bed, never breaking the kiss.


    And when my back hit the mattress, I barely noticed. Everything was Dristan¡ªhis weight, his warmth, and his scent all overwhelming me.


    The world narrowed down to just this¡ªus.


    His lips pressed against mine sharply, his tongue rolling around mine as he deepened the kiss.


    He wasted no time, as his hands found my shirt, pulling it off my head and discarding it to the floor.


    I sucked in a deep breath, feeling the cool air kiss my skin.


    On the other hand, Dristan¡¯s eyes darkened with lust as theynded on my body. I was still dressed in my ck leggings and matching bra.


    But even that came undone faster than I could say his name.


    He unsped my bra when I lifted to kiss him and tossed it with the pile on the floor.


    We were both shirtless, naked from the waist up.


    I bit down on my lips, my eyes admiring his face, down to his neck and Adam¡¯s apple before moving down to his chest and...


    "If you want my nipples, all you have to do is ask and not stare at them like they are..."


    "Shut up," I teased, and immediately, my right hand held his face as I deep-kissed him.


    Within a few minutes, clothes slipped away in fragments¡ªcarefully and reverently, leaving just my white panties and his ck boxers.


    Dristan¡¯s hands were everywhere at once, mapping me, worshipping me like I was sacred. My name left his lips again and again, low and rough, like a vow or a prayer.


    "Tell me to stop," he whispered, forehead pressed against mine. "Please... if you want me to stop¡ª"


    I pulled him down and let my lips graze his. "Don¡¯t you dare."


    And then, there was no space between us¡ªno distance, no more hesitation. Just fire. Just us. Two hearts beating out the pain of the past, trying desperately to find rhythm again in each other.


    And in that wild, heated storm, one undeniable truth pulsed louder than anything else, Dristan was mine, and I was his.


    Dristan¡¯s mouth returned to mine with a force that stole every rational thought from my mind.


    My body melted under him, each kiss a promise, each touch an apology wrapped in desire. He took his time, yet every second felt like eternity.


    "Dristan..." I whispered against his lips, trembling beneath the weight of his gaze. "Please... more."


    The plea barely left my mouth before he growled deeply, and his lips descended like fire, moving down my body in a teasing, maddeningly slow manner.


    Every touch of his lips, of his hands as they skimmed down my thighs, lifting, parting, worshipping me in a way that left no doubt, brought me to heaven and back.


    My hips lifted when I felt his hot breath fan against my crotch, and my eyes shot open.


    "Drist...."


    I barely got the word out when his head leaned down between my legs and kissed my clit.


    "Ffuukkkk!"

 Chapter 224: I Shattered

    <h4>Chapter 224: I Shattered</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 224</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    The sound that escaped my throat was enough to make Dristan chuckle as he left a trail of kisses from my clit to my inner thigh.


    "You¡¯re beautiful."


    "Drist-an..." I shuddered, ignoring the way my body protested at the pleasure, wanting to run away, but his hands held me in ce as he ensured I was staring right at him.


    His blue eyes were mesmerizing, his lips so close to mine that I could feel his breath and taste his lips on my clit.


    "You¡¯re beautiful, Valerie. Every inch of you is. I love your body, Valerie, and I want to worship it forever. Will you let me?"


    I stared up into his eyes and nodded slowly, but Dristan¡¯s gaze drifted elsewhere on my body, drinking in the sight before him as though he had been so dazed with kissing me, he forgot himself.


    His eyes held warmth, love, hunger, desire, and pure passion in them.


    "Yes. Yes, please."


    Dristan smirked. "I will, but for now, I need to bring you so much pleasure and adore you in ways no man living could ever do."


    I looked down at myp and bit my lip, already anticipating what this night held for me¡ªus.


    Dristan chuckled when his gaze locked on my lip between my teeth. "Rx, because first, we need to get you off."


    I held my breath in anticipation of his promise.


    Dristan didn¡¯t rush. His lips ghosted over my stomach, warm and reverent, like he wasn¡¯t just touching me¡ªhe was worshipping.


    My skin trembled under every press, every slow, careful kiss as he moved upward, not downward as I¡¯d expected.


    Instead, he paused just beneath my ribs, letting his breath linger and his eyes flicked up to meet mine.


    "You¡¯re shaking," he murmured, the pad of his thumb gliding along the edge of my waist.


    "I¡¯m fine," I managed. But my voice betrayed me¡ªit was too soft, too breathless.


    He moved again, this time kissing his way up toward my chest. His hand slid behind my back, lifting me gently as his mouth brushed along my sternum, each kiss a silent vow.


    Then lower to the swell of one breast, his lips trailing slow circles before finding the tip.


    I gasped when he took it into his mouth.


    It wasn¡¯t rushed, like it had been before that Saturday night. It was agonizingly slow and tender like he was tasting more than skin, like he was memorising me.


    I arched beneath him without realizing it. My hands flew to his shoulders, digging in slightly as the sensation stole my breath.


    Dristan sucked once, then let go, only to shift andvish attention on the other side, giving it the same reverence.


    A whimper escaped me. Gods.


    "Dristan..."


    "Shh," he breathed against me, and I could feel the smile in his voice. "I¡¯m not done yet."


    I wasn¡¯t sure how much more I could take. Every brush of his mouth, every graze of his teeth over my nipples sent a bolt of warmth through my core.


    My thighs clenched, desperate and wet¡ªembarrassingly so.


    His hand slowly slid down my side, then under my thigh, guiding it to hook around his waist. The shift in position left me open, exposed, and aching.


    And he noticed. His gaze dropped.


    "Beautiful," he whispered, almost to himself.


    Then his fingers traced the inside of my thigh in a featherlight touch. My hips jerked. I couldn¡¯t help it. And it felt as though my body was no longer mine.


    "You¡¯re trembling again," he noted as if I wasn¡¯t feeling every movement.


    "From you," I whispered.


    Dristan didn¡¯t answer¡ªhis mouth was too busy nting kisses along my inner thigh now, maddeningly slow, inching higher with every breath I dared to take.


    I clutched the sheets beside me with one hand, the other tangled in his hair as he kissed just beside my centre, then above it, teasing.


    "Dristan..."


    "Yes?"


    "If you don¡¯t touch me soon, I think I¡¯ll explode."


    His chuckle was sinful. "Not yet. I want you to feel everything."


    "I am already feeling the..." A gasp tore through my lips when, finally, the first touch came.


    Even through the fabric of my panties, I felt it¡ªhis fingers brushing against the damp heat of me.


    I cried out softly, hips lifting to meet him, chasing the friction.


    "You¡¯re soaked," he whispered, and this time, his voice held something possessive.


    He eased thest of my clothing down, slow enough to test my patience, but I didn¡¯t stop him.


    I couldn¡¯t.


    His eyes met mine again before he dipped his head, and this time, his mouth pressed a kiss right at my centre.


    My entire body locked, then trembled and melted.


    I didn¡¯t know if the gasp that left me was a sound or a sob, but it was real. And so was the heat building with every stroke of his tongue, every curl of his fingers gripping my thighs.


    My body moved without permission. I was squirming, gasping, rolling my hips toward his mouth like I was possessed.


    Dristan groaned softly, like my taste was his reward.


    "Still okay?" he murmured between strokes.


    I could barely nod as his hands pressed down on my hips, keeping me still while his mouth devoured me again, slower now, deeper and more focused.


    His tongue circled, teased, then flicked¡ªand my breath hitched, catching on a moan when he tilted his head to kiss my lower lips.


    "Aaaaaahhh fkk~"


    My fingers threaded through his hair and held tight. My heart raced. My entire body pulsed as my chest lifted up the bed, my eyes squeezing shut.


    Every nerve lit up, and gods, I was close¡ªso close I could barely form words.


    "Dristan... I..."


    He didn¡¯t stop. If anything, he got hungrier, more focused. His hand slid up to my chest again, brushing my breast, pinching gently, and that-that was it.


    The knot inside me snapped, uncoiled all at once.


    A cry ripped from my throat¡ªhigh, desperate, unfiltered¡ªas my back arched off the bed and I shattered.

 Chapter 225: Make Love To Me

    <h4>Chapter 225: Make Love To Me</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 225</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Pleasure rippled through me like fire under my skin, like waves crashing again and again, until I was breathless and shaking beneath him.


    "Dristan I¡¯m... I¡¯m..... aaaahhhhh!!"


    He didn¡¯t stop until I whimpered and trembled from oversensitivity, my body wrung out and limp beneath his worship. Only then did he kiss his way back up my body slowly, leaving trails of warmth like he wanted to mark every inch of me.


    Finally, he hovered over me again, his forehead brushing mine, his breath heavy.


    "I don¡¯t want to rush this," he whispered, voice rough with restraint.


    "I-I know." My throat felt dry. My chest rose and fell too fast. I waspletely undone.


    But then I reached down between us, fingers brushing against the hard, hot length pressing against my thigh.


    He froze.


    I wrapped my hand around him gently, stroking once, slow and sure through the thin fabric of his boxers. He shuddered in my hands, breath hitching, and his eyes fluttered closed for a heartbeat.


    "I want you," I whispered, lifting my gaze to meet his.


    When he opened his eyes, I swore the room dimmed around us, leaving only the fire between our bodies.


    Then he lowered his face to mine again, and I didn¡¯t let go, tasting myself on his tongue but at that moment, everything was worth it.


    After a moment, he whispered, "Take them off."


    I smiled softly, tugging gently on one side. The material slid down easily a bit, revealing his perfectly shaved crotch but I stopped short of his hardness.


    I wasn¡¯t disappointed. I like a man clean, just the way I was perfectly shaven down there.


    "Show me," I said, reaching out to brush my thumb along the edge of his jaw.


    The look he gave me then, I¡¯d never seen before. It was almost reverent, like he was seeing me for the first time.


    That only made me bolder.


    I leaned forward, capturing his mouth with mine, and took what I needed.


    When I pulled back, Dristan climbed off me, and for a second I didn¡¯t know what he was ning.


    He was enormous. Thick, long, and straining against the confines of his underwear. I let a tiny gasp escape my lips when I saw how much he was trying to hide.


    Until... he hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his boxers and slid them down.


    Then he stood naked.


    Every inch of him kissed by moonlight slipping through the crack in my curtains.


    And gods. He was... magnificent.


    My eyes roamed his body greedily. From the strong cut of his jaw to the proud tilt of his shoulders, the light sheen of sweat down his chest and the curve of his pecs.


    His nipples peaked with the cold¡ªor maybe with the tension crackling between us¡ªand below that, sculpted abs ran down in perfect symmetry, meeting in a deep V-line that drew my gaze lower... To his cock.


    I sucked in a breath, sharp and shallow.


    Oh gods.


    He looked no less than a nine¡ªthick, long, hard, and flushed dark at the tip. Precum glistened like a sinful promise.


    My lips parted, heat coiling low in my belly.


    "If you want to eat him," Dristan murmured, a wicked glint in his eyes, "all you have to do is say themand."


    I swallowed hard. "More than eating you, I want that... filling me up."


    I didn¡¯t know what came over me, but I wanted him¡ªwanted him like I needed air. Like nothing else mattered but the way he looked at me... "Oh goddess, you did well creating him for me."


    I parted my legs more invitingly, tilted my chin, and propped myself up on my elbows.


    "Make love to me," I said. Then, softer, hungrier, "And fuck me so hard I forget everything else."


    His throat bobbed as he swallowed. Then he nodded once¡ªsharply, controlled like a soldier who¡¯d just been given a sacred order.


    He climbed back into bed.


    But not before dipping low and kissing my core again.


    Once. Twice.


    Then dragging one long, devastating lick from bottom to top, making my entire body arch off the bed with a gasp.


    And then¡ªfinally¡ªhe moved his hips forward, just slightly, testing, easing in... He locked eyes with me and without a word, he thrust in a little harder.


    That was when I shifted a bit too fast and eagerly.


    My body twisted at the wrong angle, and before I could stop it...


    <strong>Thud.</strong>


    I fell... off the bed.


    "Shit!" I yelped as Inded on the cold floor with a tangled sheet and a bruised tailbone.


    For a full heartbeat, the world was silent.


    Then¡ª


    "Val?" Dristan¡¯s voice cracked out, half panic, half disbelief.


    I blinked up at him, dazed, one leg still knotted in a corner of the sheet, the other sprawled somewhere under the bed.


    "...Ow."


    And just like that¡ªthe tension shattered.


    Dristan burst outughing, the sound rich and real and impossible to be mad at. His eyes crinkled with amusement and affection as he leaned over the edge of the bed, offering his hand.


    "Of course you¡¯d fall off the bed right before it got good," he said with a grin.


    I groaned in mock embarrassment, letting him pull me back up. My hair was a mess, my skin flushed, my dignity in tatters¡ªbut somehow, none of it mattered.


    I curled into his side, trying not to smile. "Your fault for kissing like a god," I muttered against his chest.


    "Oh, so this is divine sabotage now?"


    "I¡¯m not ruling it out."


    He kissed the top of my head. "Just wait till next time."


    I tilted my head. "Next time?"


    His voice dropped to a whisper, warm against my temple. "I¡¯m already counting the seconds."


    I closed my eyes, wrapped in his scent, in his touch, in his presence¡ªand let myself fall again in his arms.


    And then he flipped our position, his lips capturing mine, in a breathless dance as his fingers moved down to my core, massaging my clit while positioning himself and in one swift motion, Dristan thrust into me, making me arch off the bed with a sharp cry and my eyes mmed shut.


    Except this time when I opened my eyes next, the world had shifted and <strong>I wasn¡¯t under Dristan anymore.</strong>


    I was on the floor.


    Alone.


    nkets tangled around me. Myptop still open but ck screened beside my bed.


    There was no Dristan. No hot breath against my skin. No thunderous heartbeats or trembling aftershocks.


    Just the tiles and the cold.


    <strong>Oh gods.</strong>


    I had dreamed it.


    I¡¯d dreamed the whole damn thing.


    I groaned, rolling onto my back and covering my face with both hands as embarrassment and lingering arousal warred inside me.


    "That was... cruel," I muttered to no one. "Cruel and unusually vivid."


    And yet¡ªmy body still ached. My chest still rose and fell too fast and the wetness between my legs... gosh it felt like a pool, all I had gotten from a wet dream of him.


    I could still feel him.


    His touch. His voice. His lips.


    And suddenly, I wasn¡¯t sure what scared me more¡ªhow real it had felt... or how much I wanted it to be.


    A tiny breathlessugh escaped me.


    Dream or not... <strong>I waspletely, undeniably screwed a</strong>nd still missing a ne.

 Chapter 226: The Real Thief: Avoiding Them

    <h4>Chapter 226: The Real Thief: Avoiding Them</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 226</strong>


    <strong>~Marianne¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I never expected the luck that came for me when I first saw Valerie Nightshade walking around campus, without the ne on her neck.


    My breath caught when I noticed the bare skin where the ne usually rested around her throat. I blinked twice to be sure.


    But no¡ªthere was no mistake.


    She didn¡¯t have it.


    The very thing I had been obsessed with reiming. Opportunity, it seemed, had finally decided to smile at me.


    I didn¡¯t waste time. While she was busy taking her stroll, I snuck into her room to do the deed.


    It had been rtively easy, picking her lock, and sneaking inside.


    I went to her drawer and checked each one of them carefully. Upon opening the third drawer, I found what I was looking for folded under a journal. I found it.


    And now?


    I stood beneath the moonlight outside one of the balconies of the dorm buildings, facing Titania herself. Her eyes shimmered slightly as they zeroed in on the ne now gleaming proudly on my chest.


    Titania¡¯s mouth parted. "Oh my... goodness. You got it. You really took the ne. But how?"


    I gave her a satisfied little smirk. "Snuck in when she wasn¡¯t around. Her roommates were gone. Luckily, there weren¡¯t any spells or enchantments guarding the drawer. A rookie mistake if you ask me."


    Titania nodded slowly, eyes narrowed in thought. Her smile flickered into something calcting but before I could bask in her approval, her entire posture changed.


    "That," she said, "is just the tip of the iceberg, Mariane." The air around her shimmered faintly with magic. "Or did you forget what you promised me?"


    I froze.


    "I¡ªyes, that¡¯s um... I didn¡¯t forget," I stammered, the smile draining quickly from my face.


    Titania stepped forward. "Then don¡¯t getzy just because you got lucky once. Use your connections. Find me everything about Valerie Nihtshade. All her dirty little secrets. I need her shame to be big."


    "Yes, Princess."


    "Then," Titania said, leaning in with a smile that could cut bone, "we just might celebrate seeing her downfall."


    **************


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The next morning came far too quickly or in my case, unbearably slow.


    I was not tempted to sleep again after that strange wet dream. That maddeningly vivid encounter with Dristan¡ªhow real he¡¯d felt, how the heat of his hands still lingered like ghost-fire on my skin.


    And then waking up on the floor? Absolutely humiliating.


    Instead, I tried looking for my ne, but I found nothing.


    Now, I was sleep deprived and tired beyond words. As tempted as I was to call in sick today, I couldn¡¯t. Thest thing I wanted was Principal Whitmore¡¯s eyes on me any more.


    The start of the new school week was usually annoying, but today, it felt unbearable because, guess what, the worst part of having such dreams was?


    Facing Dristan now. Facing all of them.


    Astra was mentally assuring me that it would be okay, but how could I believe that?


    Just the thought of Dristan made me relive the memories and it was hard not to moan at the feel of his tongue down there on my clit.


    Sleep had barely touched me after that... dream. Thankfully, the girls hadn¡¯t returned from home.


    From the message I got on our group chat, they were all returning today, like most students.


    I shoved my books into my backpack and stepped out into the main corridor of the Academy.


    My heart jumped as soon as I lifted my gaze.


    Kai and Xade were standing near the western entrance, deep in conversation. I didn¡¯t hear what they were saying¡ªI was too busy trying not to be seen.


    I turned sharply on my heel before they looked up, taking the long route through the east wing. Only that meant crossing the centre quad, where I spotted Ash and Aceughing over something near the greenhouse.


    I panicked like a rabbit running for its dear life while being chased by a leopard.


    Before they could turn and catch me, I slipped behind the marble column near the library, cutting through a hallway I rarely used.


    I exhaled sharply, cing a hand on my chest, hoping to calm my breathing. Because right now, rather thna just Dristan¡¯s face I was seeing in my memory, eating me out, I was seeing all of their faces.


    The matebond had clicked into ce and while I may not have the faintest clue as to what spiralled this... I knew I had to avoid them like a gue if I must.


    <i>"Okay... just a few more,"</i> I mentally chanted.


    And then I saw him, thest of my mates... Axel.


    Tall, broad, and unmistakably in the middle of a deep stretch as he leaned on the railing near the training hall. His back was to me, but one nce would blow everything. And my heart wasn¡¯t ready¡ªnot after everything, especially not after Dristan.


    Speaking of which, was thest mate I hadn¡¯t seen today, and I hoped my luck wouldn¡¯t run out.


    I ducked, slid past a statue of my great-grandfather, and slipped into the corridor leading to the archives. I was just about to exhale¡ª


    When I turned, and mmed straight into someone else.


    Strong arms caught me before I could stumble.


    I froze.


    Because even without looking, I knew who it was.


    The quiet power in his touch, the storm that followed him like a second shadow, and that damn scent¡ªlike the calm before lightning split the sky.


    It was Dristan, and that meant my luck had run out.


    My stomach dropped, and I pulled back instinctively, lowering my head so my hair could shield me. My hand twisted in his grip.


    "Valerie..." His voice was barely above a whisper, and that softness curled around me like a chain. The way he whispered my name when he made...


    I shook the thoughts away.


    "Please," I muttered, trying to slide out of his hold. "Not now."


    But he held on gently in a way that made it worse. He leaned down slightly and spoke softly so only I could hear. "I know what I did... and I know what it costs. But you can¡¯t avoid me forever."


    My throat dried. I didn¡¯t look up. I couldn¡¯t. If I saw his eyes, I¡¯d break.


    "Let me go," I whispered.


    But just before he could answer, before his grip could tighten or soften, a sh of movement caught the corner of my eye, and suddenly a hoodie dropped over my head, plunging me into shadow.

 Chapter 227: They Are All Affected

    <h4>Chapter 227: They Are All Affected</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 227</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    My breath caught, confused when a hand grabbed mine and yanked me backwards.


    "She¡¯s with me," came a sweet, cold, and sharp voice,ced with frost and violets.


    I knew that voice.


    I.


    Only she could weaponize calm like that.


    The next thing I knew, I was being dragged through a side corridor I didn¡¯t even know existed, my feet stumbling to keep up, the fabric of the hoodie muffling my panicked breaths.


    When she finally stopped, we were in an empty, narrow alcove between the dining hall and the older ssrooms¡ªbarely wide enough for two people to stand shoulder to shoulder.


    I yanked the hoodie down.


    "What the hell were you doing?" she demanded, crossing her arms, blonde hair glittering under the window light.


    I blinked, still catching my breath. "I¡ªI wasn¡¯t doing anything."


    "You were about to crumble," she snapped. "Right there. In front of him. Again."


    "I wasn¡¯t," I lied. My voice cracked, so that was cute.


    I narrowed her eyes, pressing her lips into a thin line. "Valerie, I¡¯ve seen you face down an assassin, but you flinch at your mate like he¡¯s made of poison."


    My jaw clenched. "He is, I. He hurt me every time I let him in. And now..."


    I trailed off, swallowing thickly.


    "Now what? I¡¯ve noticed how you¡¯ve been avoiding all of them. One mistake, Valerie, one that Dristan made, was all it took for you to give the others a nket punishment. They are paying for it. Why?"


    My shoulders sagged. "That¡¯s not the case."


    I narrowed her eyes, folding her arms across her chest. "You know, when I left, I hoped you would take the alone time to think, to sort things out with them like a grown-up and not hide from them, but it seemed things only turned worse."


    I wasn¡¯t sure whether to share it with her. "It¡¯s... that¡¯s not it. Now I can¡¯t look at any of them without... feeling this... urgh... not just butterflies or whatever. It¡¯s physical, it¡¯s ache and heat. Like I¡¯ll explode if they touch me, and if they don¡¯t..." My shoulders slumped as I tightened my hold on my bag strap. "...like I¡¯d copse."


    I sighed. "The bond¡¯s settling. You were mated to six alphas in less than half a year. You think there¡¯s not going to be a reaction?"


    I turned my head. "I¡¯m not ready."


    "And yet," I said gently now, "you still dream about him."


    My cheeks red with heat. I didn¡¯t have to ask how she knew. She just did, and the look she gave me told her all she needed to know.


    Honestly, I missed her and felt stupid that I let my anger push her away.


    "I dreamt of Dristan," I confessed softly. "And it was... vivid. It felt so real, I. He¡ªhe kissed me."


    She had that bored expression on her face that said, ¡¯Is that all?¡¯


    "Didn¡¯t you guys do more than that in Kieran¡¯s house the other day?"


    "Ye... no. It was more than that. And you¡¯d know if you did not cut me short."


    "Fine, carry on."


    "Dristan kissed and touched me to the point we got naked, and I..." My voice broke. "I wanted it. Wanted all of it, for him to have me and mate me."


    I sighed, tutted before reaching for my hand in hers. "Fuck you. What¡¯s the shame in saying or wanting that from your mate when you are of age?"


    She squeezed my hand gently. "You¡¯re not wrong for that."


    "But it wasn¡¯t real. And now I feel filthy and humiliated because I can¡¯t stop thinking about it, him, and about them even after all the hurt."


    "Because you¡¯re bonded, not broken."


    "I feel broken. And we aren¡¯t marked."


    For a long moment, I said nothing. Then she tilted her head. "There¡¯s something else, isn¡¯t there?"


    I nodded. "My ne... It¡¯s gone."


    Her eyes sharpened. "Gone as in misced?"


    "No. Gone as in stolen<i>.</i> I found a note."


    "What did it say?"


    I hesitated before answering: "¡¯Now it has a better owner.¡¯"


    I¡¯s entire demeanour changed as the frost gave way to something fiercer that made her dangerous.


    "Someone stole a piece of you," she said darkly. "And they want you to know it. Ballsy"


    I met her gaze. "I... what if that ne was the only thing keeping me sane? I was told it was shielding my heat."


    That was all I said to her for her to know its importance. She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from my cheek. "Then we¡¯ll find it. Together."


    I nodded, too tired to argue.


    But deep in my chest, a sense of unease stirred because someone wasn¡¯t just after the ne; they were after me.


    And I doubt, or perhaps it was true, that the ne thief was the same person who wrote the anonymous note.


    "Valerie?" I tapped my arm.


    "Huh?"


    "How are you, though? You know, Silver and..."


    I gave a weak smile. "I am fine and sorry for how Ished out at you the other day. I just..."


    "I understand that it is hard to trust anyone currently, but I just want you to know I am here for you. Also, even if you wish to stay mad at your mates or avoid them, you can¡¯t do that forever, girl. First of all, how do you n on avoiding Dristan when the drills for the Alpha Forge are going to get harder right after the field trip?"


    I blinked. I hadpletely forgotten all about our curriculum. For the final-year students, we were going to have a three- to four-day field trip starting tomorrow.


    And then the following week, it was rigorous training.


    The problem now was how to do all of these and keep my head low, keep my mind focused, and find the culprit who had stolen from me?


    While I was still wrapped in thoughts, with I giving more of her advice, my ears caught something from afar, and I snapped my head in that direction.


    "That¡¯s true, she¡¯s been expelled, evicted... she¡¯s long gone. I mean, who fakes IDs and other documents to enter PSA?"


    "How dumb could she be?"


    "I¡¯ll bother right now with her wannabe sidekick, Valerie. At least she still remained. How are we not sure she also faked her entry?"


    Several gasps followed before the final idiot spoke, "Ohh, juicy. If she did, then I bet the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs would go ballistic."

 Chapter 228: Xade’s Worry

    <h4>Chapter 228: Xade¡¯s Worry</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 228</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    I wanted to march right over there and p each of them square across the face. My hands itched for it, my blood boiling from the sting of their words.


    My fists clenched at my sides. But I¡¯s hand shot out, grabbing my wrist before I could even take the first step.


    "They are not worth it, Valerie," she said coolly, holding my gaze.


    "They wouldn¡¯t be bold enough to say it to her face," I growled through gritted teeth.


    "True, but she¡¯s gone."


    "I¡¯m here though," I countered, my voice cracking.


    I kept a straight face. "Yes, you are. And unless you want to start a fight and have Principal Whitmore breathing down your neck for the rest of the entire calender year, I suggest you don¡¯t."


    "But..." I started, anger bubbling in my throat. It wasn¡¯t just about me. It was about everything.


    Kieran, the ne, the heat crawling under my skin whenever my mates were near, the pain Solstice must be going through at home... everything.


    I was a live wire, and one wrong move might ignite me.


    "No buts," I said firmly, her expression not budging an inch. "Let it go, Valerie. If you were to react to every annoyingment about her or yourself, you¡¯d be in more trouble than I can save you from. And one of them includes skipping the ss field trip."


    I huffed, arms crossing over my chest. "Maybe that wouldn¡¯t be so bad," I muttered. "Avoiding my mates until I find the ne sounds like a dreame true."


    I rolled her eyes and started walking. "You do realize the trip counts for 30% of our final grade, right? It¡¯s a core course. If you skip it, you fail."


    I blinked. "Wait, what?"


    "Failing it means you get a D or lower," she continued without missing a beat. "And if you skip the trip, that¡¯s an automatic zero. Which means <i>double</i> failure. You can¡¯t even take the final exam."


    I stopped walking, my brain whirling as the implications mmed into me.


    "So... I¡¯m screwed either way?" I asked dryly.


    "Pretty much," I said with a shrug. "Soe on. We¡¯ll bete for ss."


    I hesitated, then sighed and took her outstretched hand. Her grip was reassuring, steady¡ªjust what I needed when everything else felt like it was spiraling.


    As we made our way through the hallway, someone bumped into me hard enough to send my books flying across the floor.


    "Oh my¡ªso sor... ry."


    The apology died on my lips the moment my eyes locked on her.


    It was Lucy. My brain brought back ourst confrontation when she dumped Kieran¡¯s flowers on me.


    My stomach turned. Memories of how she saved Kieran that day came rushing back.


    Even though I had not personally witnessed it... I saw the video of how Kieran treated he ter when I left, pped her and belittled her.


    "Sorry, Lucy," I enunciated but my tone was t.


    Her eyes narrowed immediately. Her brows pinched in deep irritation, her mouth twisting as if my words had physically offended her. I snorted under her breath.


    I bent down, offering my hand to help her gather her books.


    Lucy stared at it like it was infected.


    Then she pped my hand away, grabbed her books with exaggerated fury, and stormed off without another word.


    "Weird<i>,</i>" I muttered.


    "Like master, like servant," I said, brushing imaginary dust off her zer. "Come on, I can¡¯t be bothered with their drama."


    **************


    sses rolled in quickly after that, but the day dragged for me.


    Worse, the sensation of being watched was back¡ªand not just passively. It was intense, like a set of eyes trailing over every inch of me with precise, burning awareness.


    I didn¡¯t have to look up to know who it was.


    Dristan and my mates.


    And as if they¡¯d formed a silent pact, all of them were there. Every ss. Even ones they normally skipped.


    It was like a coordinated surveince operation, only with way too much smoldering tension and brooding res.


    Wherever Valerie Nightshade was, her mates were not far behind.


    By lunch break, I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    I escaped to the rooftop where Solstice and I used to hang out during calmer times. It had always been my retreat¡ªquiet, high up, distant from the noise and pressure of everything down below.


    But this time, it wasn¡¯t empty.


    Xade stood by the rail, arms folded, watching the clouds roll past the sun.


    Right.


    I turned on my heel, ready to leave before he even noticed me.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Val," he said, his voice stopping me cold.


    I froze.


    "I¡¯m... I¡¯m not angry at you, Xade," I said after a pause. "It¡¯s nothing."


    "Then why did you avoid us this morning?" he asked, turning to face me fully. "I sensed you even before you arrived. You were... masking your energy. Sloppy job, by the way."


    "It was nothing," I repeated, backing toward the stairwell.


    "Is that true," he pressed, "or are you avoiding something we <i>all</i> feel?"


    My eyes widened. I turned to him, heartbeat suddenly thudding in my ears.


    "The bond," he continued. "It¡¯s finally pulsing. Stronger now. Harder to ignore, right?"


    "I don¡¯t want to talk about it," I snapped, panic setting in. "And if you don¡¯t have anything else to say¡ª"


    "I do."


    I sighed. "Then let¡¯s hear it, Xade."


    "It¡¯s about Dristan."


    My hand tightened around my lunch container. "Dristan this, Dristan that, forgive him... I <i>have</i>. You guys don¡¯t have to keep reminding me¡ª"


    "That¡¯s not it," he cut in. "I¡¯m here because I need to ask... has Dristan ever mind-controlled you? Or used hypnosis?"


    "What?" I blinked. "No. Why would you even¡ª"


    "I need to know, Valerie." He took a step forward, serious. "I¡¯ve asked Brielle. Avery. Their stories match Kieran¡¯s. Something¡¯s not right."


    My lips parted, then closed again. I stared into his eyes, unsure what he was fishing for.


    "No," I said finally, voice low. "He hasn¡¯t."


    Xade let out a long breath, the tension easing from his shoulders as he walked over to me.


    "But," I added slowly, "if you want to find out, you should ask Dristan not me."


    "It¡¯s hard."


    "Why?" I challenged. "Aren¡¯t you all best friends?"


    "Yes. But now it seems more than three people have been hypnotized by him¡ªand all of them just happen to be people who¡¯ve had issues with you<i>.</i>"


    My blood ran cold.


    Something twisted in my gut. Not just from what he was implying¡ªbut from the horrible suspicion that Dristan might be hiding something dark.


    Something even I hadn¡¯t seening.

 Chapter 229: Hidden

    <h4>Chapter 229: Hidden</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 230</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    I didn¡¯t know how to handle the news I¡¯d just gotten.


    There was no way Dristan could be doing something like that... right?


    The thought alone sent my stomach into knots, bile rising in my throat as I reyed Xade¡¯s words in my head.


    Could he really be manipting people like that¡ªusing mind control? Hypnosis?


    And was that an advancement in his power or dark magic?


    Before I could form the words to question him further, a jolt of sensation ran through me, like a live wire brushing too close to skin. My body jerked instinctively backwards.


    I blinked and looked down.


    Xade¡¯s fingers hovered inches from where mine had just been.


    He pulled his hand back with a small frown. "Hmm."


    "Sorry," I murmured, breath shaky as I forced my arms to rx. I shook my head quickly, trying to focus. "It¡¯s just... something important is happening around us and around Dristan."


    And I needed rity, not panic.


    "So," I began, searching Xade¡¯s face, "you¡¯re saying I could be a catalyst for whatever this is?"


    "If..." he started carefully, tucking his hands into his jacket pockets as his gaze slid away. "If Dristan really is doing it... then the question bes, are you the reason, or is all of this a ploy? A distraction from something much bigger?"


    I didn¡¯t like either of those answers.


    "I..." My voice faltered. My wolf, Astra<i>,</i> whimpered within me, her sadness echoing with mine.


    I knew she didn¡¯t want to believe any of our mates could be dangerous¡ªcould be twisted.


    Especially not Dristan. He¡¯d always been our storm, our edge, but never cruel. Never maniptive.


    "Okay," I said firmly after a moment. "Let¡¯s not confront him yet. Not until we¡¯re certain. If we¡¯re wrong..." I trailed off, unable to even imagine what that would do to him. To us<i>.</i>


    Xade nodded, relieved. "Good. That¡¯s smart."


    I twisted my lips before adding, "We¡¯ll wait until we catch him in the act¡ªuntil there¡¯s no denying it. That way, no one can im bias or turn this back on you."


    "As you wish."


    "Wait... Have you told the others?" I asked, watching his expression carefully.


    "No," he said firmly. "Just I. And now you. But... I can¡¯t guarantee what my cousin might decide to do."


    I nodded slowly, lifting my chin. "I doubt anyone would believe Kieran at this point. But if he gets reckless again... leave him to me."


    Something flickered in Xade¡¯s expression at that, a tight twist of disapproval.


    He stepped closer, his jaw clenched. "I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t. If it were up to me, I¡¯d keep you far from him. The less contact you have with Kieran, the better."


    "I know," I said, lowering my gaze. "Kieran¡¯s waiting for you guys to fall apart, for your downfall with me. And soon I may give him that."


    I didn¡¯t miss the way Xade¡¯s shoulders tensed.


    "And you¡¯re so eager to hand it to him?" he snapped suddenly right in front of me.


    His hand wrapped around my wrist¡ªnot hard, but urgent. "Are you that ready to do away with us?"


    I stared at him, unflinching. "No. But I¡¯m ready to let Kieran make his move. Ready to see what he¡¯s really nning. Maybe then, everyone will see him for what he is."


    Xade studied me for a long moment, searching for something in my eyes. When he found only cold determination, he sighed and finally let go of my wrist.


    "Fine." His voice was tight. "I hope you know what you¡¯re doing."


    And with that, he turned on his heel and walked off, the sound of his boots echoing.


    I stood there for several minutes, letting the silence stretch while my thoughts apanied me.


    I had more than enough time to reflect while out there¡ªbut none of those thoughts were about my missing ne, which by now had be just another weight added to the tower of burdens on my shoulders.


    Later that evening, I finally returned to my room after a long, dragging ss. I pushed the door shut behind me with a soft click and let out a tired sigh.


    I heard I enter the suite not long after. She called out a brief greeting outside my door. I answered from inside my room without opening the door.


    That was it.


    I just... couldn¡¯t handle interaction right now.


    I needed silence. I needed space.


    After kicking off my shoes, I stood up to peel off my uniform and hit the bathroom. But as I turned toward my closet, my eyes caught something at the window.


    Something that hadn¡¯t registered before.


    I paused, one hand frozen at the hem of my shirt.


    There, near the edge of the window frame, barely visible unless you were looking directly at it, was a tiny glint of metal.


    I narrowed my eyes and stepped closer.


    Leaning in, I spotted it: a tiny, almost perfectly disguised screw nestled into the upper corner of the window ledge. I tilted my head slightly.


    No, it wasn¡¯t just a screw but a pinhole lens.


    A camera.


    My heart dropped.


    "Fucking bitch," I hissed, spinning around.


    I stormed to my wardrobe, yanked open the drawer, and grabbed the small silver-ded knife I kept for emergencies.


    Marching back, I plunged the de into the lens until it cracked with a satisfying snap.


    ss and circuitry crumbled inward as I destroyed it from the window.


    I stood there, breathing heavily, hand still clenched around the handle.


    My eyes scanned the room¡¯s corners, shelves, and under the bed for any sign of another.


    Nothing.


    It exined so much. The strange angle of the "tree" footage showing my kiss with Kai, and the persistent feeling of being watched.


    Astra stirred with a growl in my mind.


    <i>"Looks like you really can¡¯t trust your roommates."</i>


    I clenched my jaw as my thoughts spun fast.


    Could it be I?


    Or Emerald?


    Or even Astraea?


    Solstice¡¯s note reyed faintly in my mind: <i>Don¡¯t trust Astraea.</i>


    But Emerald... She had ess too, and unlike the rest, she was mostly not supporting some things I did.


    Quiet, observant. Always in the background.


    Could I <i>really</i> rule her out?


    I shook my head. My inner circle had beenpromised. And until I knew exactly who ced that thing... No one was safe from scrutiny.


    <i>"What will you do, Valerie?"</i>


    <i>"Find who sent the anonymous note and what they know."</i>

 Chapter 230: Weird Suspicions

    <h4>Chapter 230: Weird Suspicions</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 230</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    That night, I opened myptop, fingers trembling slightly as I typed in themand for my tracker.


    My brain was sharper than it had been all week after what I saw in my room...focused and intent.


    I should have done this days ago¡ªtracked the ne the moment I realised it was missing. But panic and pain had clouded my thinking.


    Now, I was determined.


    The interface loaded, and the little blip began to pulse on the screen. I zoomed in as my heart thudded.


    And then... nothing.


    The signal was faint, almost fading. I checked for thest known location and discovered it was just outside the dorm hostel in a thick, bushy area by the edge of the forest trail behind the school gardens.


    Dead end.


    I stared at the dot for a long moment, trying to make sense of it.


    A dozen thoughts swirled through my mind.


    Had the thief figured it out and removed the tracker?


    Maybe.


    Or had they masked the signal with spellwork?


    Also possible.


    Or... maybe they¡¯d simply ditched the ne there and thrown it away like it meant nothing.


    Thatst one didn¡¯t sit right with me. Not after the note they left.


    No. Whoever took it knew exactly what they had. And they weren¡¯t letting it go easily.


    Still, it was a lead.


    I dressed quickly, throwing on ck shorts and a fitted hoodie over a ck tank top. Something simple that blended with the night.


    I pulled the hood over my head and tucked my phone into my pocket.


    The dorm hallway was quiet, the usual nighttime silence settling over the ce like a heavy quilt.


    I stepped out, ready to head out of our room, when a voice stopped me.


    "Going somewhere?"


    I froze midstep.


    Turning slowly, I met Astraea standing by her door, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a small spoon twirling inside.


    She looked cozy, like she¡¯d just wandered back from the kitchen. Her hair was in a neat braid over one shoulder, her eyes keen and mildly curious.


    "Astraea," I said smoothly, forcing a smile as I slid my hands into my pockets. "Didn¡¯t see you there."


    "Well, you barely see any of us these days," she said, tilting her head.


    I let my shoulders rx, moving toward her casually. "Sorry," I said, biting my lower lip. "I guess I¡¯ve just... missed her. Silver. Everything¡¯s felt off since she left."


    Her gaze narrowed slightly, but she didn¡¯tment immediately. And when I was about to turn, she spoke.


    "Considering how against bing her friend you were at first," she said, "I¡¯m shocked at how close you two became."


    Astra stirred in my mind, defensive and bristling, but I gently quieted her.


    "True," I admitted. "But she grew on me. I think someone like you would understand that. You make friends so easily, too, or you try too hard to."


    She studied me for a moment longer, lips curling faintly like she had more to say¡ªbut before she could, Emerald entered themon area.


    She stopped short when she saw us.


    Her eyes darted between Astraea and me. "Umm... is something going on?"


    Before I could answer, Astraea¡¯s sweet and syrupy, cheerful voice returned.


    "Oh, Em, nothing serious," sheughed lightly. "We were just talking about how Valerie started acting after Silver¡¯s expulsion. Honestly, it almost seemed like she knew all along what was going to happen."


    I narrowed my eyes at her as my jaw clenched.


    Emerald looked at me, her brows furrowing slightly. "Is that true?"


    "Well, like I told her," Astraea continued, "she never wanted to be Silver¡¯s friend in the beginning. It made me wonder."


    I couldn¡¯t tell if she was testing me... or using me.


    Emerald said nothing, but the nce she gave me was wary. A silent question I couldn¡¯t answer.


    Then Astraea let out augh and pped my arm lightly. "Rx. I was just kidding. You know, trying to lighten the mood. Valerie¡¯s just been so serioustely."


    "Oh..." Emerald exhaled. "For a second there, I thought you two were being serious."


    Astraea shook her head. "No, no. I was just concerned. It¡¯ste, and Valerie looked like she was heading out."


    "It¡¯s already past eleven," Emerald added softly as both of them nced at the wall clock. "You okay, Val?"


    "I¡¯m just going for a jog," I lied smoothly. "Needed to clear my head. But no worries¡ªafter the trip or during, we can have a proper girls¡¯ hangout."


    I turned to leave, but Emerald stepped into my path.


    "I apologise if she got a little intense," she said, casting a nce at Astraea. "Since she came back, she¡¯s been doing... impressions. Sometimes ites off weird."


    Astraea offered a sheepish smile. "Yeah, sorry. Trying to lighten the mood. Didn¡¯t mean to make things tense."


    <i>"Way to go, lighting the mood by dampening it," </i>Astra muttered in my head.


    I bit my tongue and nodded politely.


    "Oh, and Valerie?" Emerald said. "Try not to get caught. If anyone sees you out past curfew, it might look bad for all of us."


    "Sure," I said tly.


    I pulled on my headset, selected a ylist, and pressed the y icon. The music flooded my ears as I waved a casual goodbye and slipped through the door.


    But the moment I stepped outside, I paused, shut off the sound, and stood by the wall¡ªlistening.


    I didn¡¯t have to wait long before they began speaking.


    "What you said, Ast... was that true? Do you think Valerie really knew about Silver?" Emerald asked in a whisper.


    "I don¡¯t know," Astraea replied coolly. "I just assumed, you know, with how angry she got at Dristan for ratting Silver out."


    A pause followed.


    "I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s loyalty or covering a crime," Emerald said. "But she¡¯d better focus on herself before she gets expelled next."


    I swallowed, my chest tightening.


    Of course, they doubted me, but I couldn¡¯t care less because everyone had their opinions.


    I turned my music back on, this time shuffling to one of myfort tracks¡ªGolden<i>,</i> the K-pop Demon Hunter song¡ªas I kept walking.

 Chapter 231: The Risk

    <h4>Chapter 231: The Risk</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 231</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Once I left the dorms, I immediately stuck to the side wall as I jogged just in case I had anyone tailing or watching me.


    It wasn¡¯t until I had gotten towards the fence and ran back that I stopped in front of the forest, caught my breath, and carried on deeper into the woods, beyond the edge of the gardens, guided only by the glow of my phone and the faint pulse of the tracker.


    Minutes passed before I saw something¡ªsomething faintly shimmering in the underbrush.


    My heart leapt into my throat where the tracker stopped.


    I darted forward, dropping to my knees, and there it was.


    A small glint of metal, half-buried in a pile of dried leaves and tangled twigs. I reached for it, fingers trembling as I picked it up... and my stomach dropped.


    It wasn¡¯t my ne or any ne at all. It was just the tracker clipped to a random scrap of chain.


    My breath caught and my eyes stung.


    They¡¯d known, figured it out, found it, and they¡¯d yed me.


    Whoever took it had been careful enough to ditch the signal, leading me here like it was bait.


    And it worked.


    My fingers clenched around the broken metal, and I stood slowly, the weight of defeat settling over me as my chest rose and fell with each rapid breath I took.


    <i>"Valerie, calm down."</i> Astra tried to calm me, but all I wanted to do was scream my lungs out, and just as I was ready to do it... I spotted two figures further into the forest, kissing.


    I had no interest in learning who the couples were, but something pricked me to take a closer look, so I did.


    The slight shine of blonde hair caught my sight under the shimmering moonlight as the girl¡¯s hand moved, caressing the cheeks of the guy she was kissing.


    And when he spun her around, I barely caught sight of his side profile before they quickly fell against a tree and then whipped their head in my direction.


    As quickly as I could, I ducked before anyone could see me, my heart beating fast against my chest as my mind tried to figure out who I had seen.


    Just as I stood, ready to leave, after making sure no one was looking at me, I caught sight of a pair of familiar earrings.


    <i>"I?"</i>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~I¡¯s POV~</strong>


    A soft moan escaped my lips as his mouth moved over mine¡ªwild heat and dusk wrapped in a kiss meant to hush the world.


    And in that moment, it did.


    I clung to his cor, pulling him closer, grounding myself in the press of his chest, the urgency of his hands moving all over my body.


    My back hit the bark of the old tree, but I barely felt it. All I could feel was him.


    The forest around us murmured with life¡ªcrickets, wind through branches, distant water but I heard none of it.


    Just the rush in my ears and the soft sound of his breathing against mine.


    His hands slid along my waist, thumbs brushing the bare skin just under my sweater as his fingers moved higher, grazing under my breast.


    I shuddered, visibly, as my body ached into him of its own volition, eager for more of him.


    A tremble ran through me as his lips returned to mine¡ªthis time slower, like he wanted to memorize the shape of my mouth.


    He bit my lower lip before driving his tongue into my mouth. I kissed him back fiercely, burying all my frustration, all the tension of secrets, into that one lingering connection.


    I shouldn¡¯t be here.


    We shouldn¡¯t <i>be</i> here.


    But it didn¡¯t matter. I wanted this, wanted him to fill me up badly.


    His slightly rough hands cupped my face like he couldn¡¯t bear the idea of letting go. And maybe, neither could I.


    I wasn¡¯t thinking about loyalty or duty or what anyone would say if they knew. I wasn¡¯t thinking about Valerie, Dristan, or the trip, nor Silver¡¯s departure and the rift left behind.


    In fact, he was the balm to all the endless confusion and broken rtionships hanging around me now.


    I missed him. I hated to have left for the break because every second, minutes away from him felt like the end.


    I was just thinking about how he made me feel.


    Safe, wanted and dangerous.


    His lips pressed to the edge of my jaw, and I sighed into the space between us, fingers tightening in his shirt.


    "I could stay like this forever," he whispered.


    I smiled against his mouth. "Liar."


    His grin was crooked and beautiful in the moonlight. "Maybe."


    He spun me gently, my back pressing to his chest now as his arms looped around my waist. I leaned into him, savouring the silence, the stillness between kisses. His breath tickled the side of my neck, and my heart swelled and ached all at once.


    And just when I thought I couldn¡¯t get enough, he slid his fingers back up, underneath my hoodie, and this time, he let them envelop one of my breasts.


    "Aaaahhh~" I threw caution to the wind and moaned a bit too loudly as he pinched my hardened nipples.


    "Someone¡¯s been very eager for me," he cooed against my ear.


    "And wet," I said, biting my lower lip.


    "Urgh, if you keep talking like that, I may actually fuck you right here, darling."


    "I wouldn¡¯t mi..."


    I barely finished my sentence when he spun me halfwayand kissed me deeply, his fingers wrapping around my throat, but then, a rustle caught my hearing, followed by a breath of movement.


    My body stiffened instantly, senses ring.


    He tensed behind me, too.


    We both turned, barely enough to see. The shadows danced between the trees. For a moment, it was nothing¡ªmaybe a fox or a wind shift.


    And then... there, a silhouette, just barely visible before ducking behind the brush.


    Panic gripped my chest like a vice.


    <i>No, no, no!</i>


    Had they seen us? How much had they seen? Several questions roamed in my head as my wolf growled in dissatisfaction.


    A cold sweat broke across the back of my neck.


    My heart pounded not from the kiss this time, but from dread.


    We waited in silence, holding our breath. Every second that ticked by was suffocating. When nothing else stirred, and no one called out, I slowly exhaled.


    "Do you think someone saw us?" I whispered, still frozen in ce.


    "I¡¯m not sure." His voice was low but rough with worry. "They didn¡¯t scream or run. Maybe they weren¡¯t sure what they saw."


    "I hate this," I muttered under my breath, finally stepping out of his arms to turn and face him fully. The moonlight outlined his jaw and shoulders, but I didn¡¯t reach for him again.


    And how it ached not to be able to rake my fingers through his dark strands of hair.


    "I don¡¯t know how long we¡¯ll be able to keep this up without anyone finding out."


    His brows drew together, shadowed eyes softening. "Yeah. Me too."


    There was something in his voice¡ªlonging, but restrained. A wish made without hope.


    He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. The gentleness undid me.


    "But I just... can¡¯t stay away from you," he added.


    My heart sank. Me too.


    That was the truth. No matter how wrong this felt. No matter the risk. I didn¡¯t want to give this up.


    I looked at him¡ªreally looked at him¡ªand the knot in my chest tightened.


    "Me too," I said finally, voice so low it barely escaped my throat.


    For a moment, we stood in silence, tangled in a truth we couldn¡¯t carry into daylight.


    He stepped forward and let his arms brush mine again. "We should call it a night," he murmured. "If anyone really saw something, thest thing we want is to still be out here."


    "Right," I agreed reluctantly, already missing the warmth of his touch.


    "I¡¯ll text you?" he offered. "Maybe we can continue this then?"


    I nodded, managing a small smile. "Or call. Either works."


    He gave me a final look¡ªone filled with too many things we weren¡¯t allowed to say¡ªand then turned and disappeared into the woods.


    I stayed a moment longer, just breathing.


    Trying to find myself again. The forest was quiet and had been the perfect spot for our sinful pleasures, but inside, everything in me buzzed like I¡¯d swallowed lightning.


    I pressed a hand to my chest, pulse still erratic, and let out a long, shaky breath.


    This was dangerous, too dangerous in fact, but some part of me... didn¡¯t care because what I felt was worth everything, including the risk.

 Chapter 232: Suspecting Her

    <h4>Chapter 232: Suspecting Her</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 232</strong>


    <strong>~I¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    As soon as I stepped into the dorm, I gently closed the door behind me, grateful that¡ªfor once¡ªthe lights were off.


    It was silence, blessed, still silence.


    I let out a soft sigh and turned toward my room, ready to sneak in unnoticed, when...


    "Hmm. Sneaking now, are we?"


    I jolted like I¡¯d been pped by air and turned around to the sound of her voice.


    Still, I couldn¡¯t perfectly see what was happening until I put on the light.


    "Va¡ªVal..." I gasped.


    My heartbeat raced, legs locked in ce as my gaze shot toward the kitchen. There, illuminated faintly by the glow of the fridge light, was Valerie.


    Valerie.


    Perched calmly on a stool by the counter, sipping juice straight from the bottle like some kind of silent reaper, dressed in all ck.


    She raised a brow. "It¡¯s Valerie<i>,</i>" she corrected coolly.


    I clutched my chest, breath catching. "You scared the shit out of me."


    "Did I?" she asked, that calm, detached tone slicing through me more than any shouting could have. "But why would you be scared... if there¡¯s nothing to hide?"


    I swallowed hard. Her eyes locked on mine in a much too calm, too focused, way.


    Something was off<i>.</i>


    I tried to smile. "Uh... are you going out?" I gestured to her jogger clothes, desperate to change the subject.


    Valerie shrugged, keeping her tone casual, butced with barbed undertones. "Well, I don¡¯t know. Considering I just got back from my jog... and saw something strange out there."


    My stomach dropped and my throat tightened. "Strange?" I echoed, my voice thinner than I liked.


    She didn¡¯t blink. "Mmhmm."


    I tried to keep my expression neutral, even yful, as I stepped further into the room. "Well... you were jogging, right? It was probably just the shadows ying tricks. You know how weird forest lighting can get under the moon."


    Valerie hummed, not saying a word as she took another swig from her bottle.


    The silence stretched. Ufortable.


    Then she stood up slowly, her movements graceful and predatory all at once. Valerie walked toward me.


    My mouth went dry as I anticipated what she was going to say next.


    She paused when we were inches apart, leaned in ever so slightly, and whispered near my ear.


    "Don¡¯t stay out toote next time."


    Then, just like that, she walked past me and disappeared straight into her room, leaving e standing there, frozen.


    I waited until I was sure she locked her room door to sigh. My heart was pounding and my mind screaming.


    Had she seen me? Did Valerie figure out I was the one?


    There was no sure way of knowing without me explicitly stating or guiding her in that direction.


    ****************


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I hadn¡¯t nned on staying up. But when I returned from the forest, still reeling from the fake tracker, the cold of disappointment in my chest, I needed to do something<i>.</i>


    I walked into the dorm, saw Emerald heading toward her room.


    "Astraea¡¯s gone to bed," she said quietly. "The lights are about to go off."


    I nodded.


    "Night," Emerald added, vanishing behind her door.


    "Night."


    Once I was okay, I decided to confirm my thoughts. So, I walked towards I¡¯s door and knocked twice on it to make sure I was right.


    There was no answer, no lights were on, and definitely no sounds, just silence.


    I frowned. She was out?


    So I waited. I turned off the lights and sat in the dark, back leaning against the counter in the kitchen, my breath slow, measured.


    I didn¡¯t need to see here in; I could sense it. And when a soft creak came from the door, a faint shift in the air pressure, the scent of someone trying to mask where they¡¯d been, I struck first.


    "Hmm. Sneaking now, are we?"


    The way she jumped confirmed it.


    Valerie Nightshade didn¡¯t need cameras when instincts did the job better.


    I tried tough it off, deflect and misdirect.


    But the moment I stood and moved closer, I confirmed what I¡¯d suspected the second I saw those earrings glinting under moonlight.


    I leaned in¡ªnot to threaten her, not to press her¡ªbut to smell.


    She smelled of grass and tree bark, a trace of crushed leaves and the scent of the same woods where I¡¯d juste from.


    But underneath that?


    <i>Male.</i>


    Strong, warm, slightly familiar scent wafted through my nose, but not clear enough to ce. I had tried to scrub it off her ski by probably rolling on the grass, but the scent lingered at her cor, on her cheek, near her wrist.


    And beneath that was the beautiful scent of arousal, which was slightly drifting away, faintly but all the while still present.


    I pulled back slightly and gave her a knowing smile I knew would unsettle her.


    Then I whispered softly and sweetly. "Don¡¯t stay out toote next time."


    I walked away without looking back, but my mind was still whirring.


    I was hiding something or someone, but I wasn¡¯t about to bother myself figuring it out. We all had secrets and even though I am so.... Curious, I forbade myself from trying to get answers.


    When she was ready, she¡¯d probably spill.


    ***************


    The next morning came too soon.


    I¡¯d barely slept, not with everything lingering in my mind like ghosts whispering through the walls.


    The fake tracker. The almost-certain sighting of I in the woods, tangled in someone she clearly didn¡¯t want anyone to know about. The look in her eyes when I whispered to her, and the scent that clung to her like a secret too loud to ignore.


    Still, none of it prepared me for the <i>ping</i> of my phone that woke me before my rm.


    I groaned, rolled over, and squinted at the screen.


    God knew if it was the field trip they were calling us for this early in the morning, I¡¯d probably punch somebody.


    <strong>ss Group Chat</strong>


    ss Rep: <i>Update everyone! The field trip has been rescheduled for next week. Unexpected scheduling conflict with transport, permits and some other unforeseen circumstances.</i>


    <i>Signed.</i>


    <i>Ava (Admin).</i>


    We¡¯ll be in ss today. Mr. West is not happy, so don¡¯t bete.


    Also, please verify your name on the new Physics project team list. Group reshuffles were made this morning. Good luck.


    There was a skeleton emoji after all that, and I could already swear it was not good.

 Chapter 233: Emerald’s Worry

    <h4>Chapter 233: Emerald¡¯s Worry</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 233</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    I blinked twice. There was no trip, but we got ss instead.


    My first thought wasn¡¯t about grades or group work or physics. It was, and <i>I can¡¯t avoid them today.</i>


    I groaned, dragging myself out of bed and straight to the bathroom.


    I felt bad I never utilized my midterms properly to get a good go at things I needed to do and perhaps take a proper vacation.


    By the time I arrived on campus, the usual morning buzz had settled into chaotic murmurs.


    Students were gathered around the central hallway bulletin board where the new project pairings had been posted.


    Whispers erupted everywhere. Some were cheers and others groans.


    I pushed through the bodies until I could finally see the sheet.


    My finger slid down the paper until itnded on my name.


    <strong>Group 7: Valerie Nightshade¡ªAsh Kaid, Ace Kaid.</strong>


    I blinked. Then blinked again.


    Oh, hell no.


    <strong>The Lycan Twins.</strong>


    I didn¡¯t scream.


    But inside, I was absolutely eximing, like someone had just told me I had to share a room with a pair of ticking time bombs.


    <i>Seriously? Out of all the people in this bloody academy... they paired me with the godsdamned twins?</i>


    The universe clearly loved me. I wanted to avoid my inmates, but now I was stuck with the bestmunicable duo I could get.


    I stepped back from the list, my pulse ticking like a metronome in my neck. Of all my mates, Ash and Ace were the most... chaotic, wild, unpredictable, and prone to teasing and toeing the line between flirty and infuriating.


    And now I had to build a physics model with them?


    For weeks?


    I rubbed my temple, already imagining the disaster this was going to be.


    Behind me, I could feel their presence¡ªlike a twin wall of hot energy. And sure enough, the voices came right on cue.


    "Well, well, well," Ace¡¯s familiar teasing purr reached my ear. "Look who¡¯s stuck with us."


    "This is going to be fun<i>,</i>" Ash added smugly from the other side.


    I did not turn to look at them but inhaled, exhaled, and whispered to myself, <i>Please, please, let one of them forget how electricity works.</i>


    "Valerie." Another familiar voice reached me, and I finally lifted my head to see Kai and Riven standing close to each other.


    How tempted I was to just run into Kai¡¯sforting hand, but instead I held my ground and smiled sweetly at them.


    I did not know if it was the mate bond, my heat... No, Solstice said I had no heat or my powers that made it seem like I was getting certain vibes and feelings from them than I¡¯d normally get.


    "Hey," Riven greeted softly, but his eyes remained glued on the duo standing beside me like they had won the lottery and I was their prize.


    "Who¡¯s your partner?" Kai asked, tucking his hands in his trouser pocket.


    "Take a wild guess."


    Riven scoffed a little, showing a bit of teeth. "Then... Good luck, Nightsade."


    "Hey, why do you say that as though she was giving something terrible?"


    Ignoring Ace, Riven turned, ready to leave, when he paused and nced back. "You said it yourself."


    I rolled my eyes and immediately took hold of their distraction to walk away, pretending to call after I.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Emerald¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I did not know if I was supposed to cry, feel bad for myself or simply rejoice.


    I clutched my books in my hand against my chest as I stood, waiting for the change of story called my life.


    I should never have gone home for the midterms, but I did, and that single choice gave me no choice at all.


    But who was I kidding? It was either that or that. There was no avoiding my fate. It was just something I had to deal with.


    And by dealing with, I mean the marriage betrothal announcement my parents presented me when I got home, and worse, to someone I did not know... in this present age and time.


    I stood straight the second I saw the strange auraing from the gate. And the second I lifted my eyes to see him, my breath caught in my throat at the sight before me.


    I stood frozen.


    Every instinct I had screamed to look away, to blend into the brick and ivy, to pretend I hadn¡¯t seen him. But I couldn¡¯t...


    He was... unreal.


    Tall, with lean shoulders that carried the kind of confident weight that came from too many battles won, too many eyes watched.


    His hair was a cyan green, wavy and slightly tousled, and fell just past his shoulders like it belonged there, wind-kissed and wild. But it was his eyes that pierced through me, stopping my breath entirely.


    Emerald green, just like mine, no worse, sharper, brighter, and wilder.


    His gaze slid across the crowd like it was all beneath him, or maybe just irrelevant. But the second those eyesnded on me, just for a breath of a moment, it felt like the entire world tipped sideways.


    My hands clenched tighter around my books, nails biting into the pages.


    It¡¯s him.


    Gods. It¡¯s actually him. The guy I¡¯d been told about in the worst way possible, the very guy who we wolves saw as beneath us due to our hierarchy.


    And just like that, the memory flooded in¡ªuninvited, unwee, but far too real to ignore.


    <strong>**shback** </strong>


    ~Winterbourne Estate~


    I sat in the drawing room of my family¡¯s estate, stiff-backed in a velvet chair that had seen generations of secrets whispered into its cushions.


    Mother poured tea with trembling grace. Father stood by the hearth like some archaic judge ready to deliver a sentence.


    "Emerald," Mother began, her eyes not quite meeting mine. "You¡¯ve always known this day woulde."


    That was never a good opener. I stayed silent and waited for her to speak.


    Father stepped forward. "You¡¯ve been betrothed."


    <i>Okay, okay, okay.... Backtrack.</i>


    <i>I¡¯ve been what?!</i>


    But outwardly, I said nothing yet, allowing myself, my mind, and my wolf to process what I just heard.


    Mother was the sister of a duke in the fae kingdom, and Dad was an alpha, ruling one of the packs in the regions. So gaining power through alliance was one thing my father had always loved.


    He loved politics. He was good at it, and I had been trained to think and act and not be led by emotions.


    I blinked.


    "Betrothed to whom?"


    "To a werefox prince." Mother¡¯s voice was soft, like saying it gently would somehow stop the words from detonating inside me.


    Iughed. Actuallyughed. "A werefox prince? What, are we doing a fantasy reboot of my life?"


    Neither of them cracked a smile.


    "He¡¯s from the Northern Reach," Father continued. "The Fenarion Pack. Their Alpha line is ancient and noble. This alliance is vital."


    Vital. That word again.


    They always used that word when they were about to trample over my life with some political scheme disguised as ¡¯responsibility.¡¯


    "But I¡¯m still a student," I said, gripping the arms of the chair. "I¡¯m not ready for this. I don¡¯t even know him."


    "He¡¯s transferring to PSA," Mother added rtively quickly, as though saying that would mean something good when the one ce I considered my refuge was going to be taken from me.


    Great!


    "You¡¯ll have time to get to know each other. He arrives tomorrow."

 Chapter 234: Taking Her Anger Out

    <h4>Chapter 234: Taking Her Anger Out</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 234</strong>


    <strong>~Emerald¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    My stomach dropped when my mum said that. There was no time for preparation, and they actually waited thiste before breaking the news to me.


    I was shattered through and through.


    They said his name. I didn¡¯t hear it. Or I did, but my brain refused to store it.


    All I could think was, <i>¡¯You are being given away.</i>¡¯


    Wrapped in a ribbon, in the name of peace, alliance, and power, like I was a contract instead of a daughter.


    <strong>**shback Ends**</strong>


    The memory snapped back just as his feet crossed through the academy threshold.


    He moved like someone who knew his power, not in an arrogant way, but in the way fire knows it will burn whatever gets too close.


    He was dressed in ck, fitted pants, a cored shirt half-unbuttoned like he didn¡¯t care for formalities, and a long coat that whipped slightly behind him in the breeze.


    Students noticed and, of course, were curious, especially girls, where whispers rippled outward.


    Who¡¯s that?


    Is he new?


    Why does he look like he walked out of a damn fantasy novel?


    He is handsome.


    God, sign me up to be his date.


    I¡¯m definitely going for this one since Valerie Nightshade has taken all of the Regional Alpha Heirs from us.


    My wolf surged to the surface, clearly angry at the sidements, but I did not wish to react to make him feel special and to make the girls feel like I am jealous because they were free to get him if it would spare me from being tied down.


    And then, he smiled.


    Though his smile wasn¡¯t directed at me... yet. But just... at the sky, like he was tasting freedom for the first time in a long time.


    And I hated how beautiful that smile was.


    I felt like a deer caught in the open, left vulnerable and exposed. Then, almost casually, he turned toward me, and our eyes met.


    I could swear the air shifted, and my wolf, Skye, was already purring and awakening in anticipation.


    His lips tilted just barely enough for me to know that he knew he was here for me.


    And unlike me, he wasn¡¯t the least bit uncertain about what that meant.


    "Hello, Emerald. My name¡¯s Rain, Rain Ryker."


    "Rain..." I partly froze when he extended his hand for me to take and shed me such a dangerous, lovely smile.


    "Hi... I¡¯m..."


    <i>"Emerald, dummy," </i>Skye chided, breaking me from my little trance.


    "Um, sorry. You know my name. Wee to Prestige Supernatural Academy."


    "Thank you. I need to first go to the principal¡¯s office."


    "Sure, this way."


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Lucy¡¯s POV~</strong>


    It was one thing to see Kieran getting agitated because of his father¡¯s constant meddling. But it was another entirely¡ªsomething raw and vile¡ªto see him getting agitated over someone like <i>Valerie Nightshade</i>.


    I watched him from across the hallway, arms folded, lips pressed into a tight line. The students were still buzzing about the cancetion of the field trip and the reassignment of project groups.


    But Kieran had known early. He always did.


    He¡¯d tried¡ªgods, had he tried¡ªto weasel his way into Valerie¡¯s pairing. I heard the whispers about him cornering the physics professor in the back wing, offering favours, gifts, and subtle threats cloaked in charm.


    It hadn¡¯t worked.


    And when the list was posted this morning, Kieran¡¯s name wasn¡¯t beside Valerie¡¯s. It wasn¡¯t even next to Emerald¡¯s.


    No.


    He got <i>me</i>.


    And Brielle.


    "Arrghhh!!"


    The sound of metal scraping tile echoed in the history ss as Kieran flung a chair across the room. It bounced off the far wall and ttered to the ground with a satisfying, rage-filled ng.


    I flinched at the sound, my arms tightening around the books pressed against my chest.


    "I will make that professor pay for what he¡¯s done," Kieran snarled, pacing the empty ssroom like a caged beast. "This was my chance¡ªmy one chance to get Valerie Nightshade back in my damn corner, and he ruined it. Ruined it!"


    I hesitated, then stepped forward, trying to summon something close to a smile. "At least... You have me in your group."


    The words fell out like a small, hesitant offering.


    Big mistake.


    Kieran whirled on me, his expression twisted in disgust. "You? What good are you to me, Lucy?" he barked, eyes wild. "I wanted Valerie. Not some simpering wallflower who follows me around like a stray dog."


    I flinched hard this time, my shoulders hunching instinctively like I expected a blow. He didn¡¯t hit me, but that didn¡¯t stop the terror that crept down my spine.


    He scoffed, grabbed his bag, and stormed out of the room, leaving the door swinging behind him and me standing there with tears burning my eyes.


    My throat ached.


    I didn¡¯t cry right away. I just stood there, blinking, heart thudding, cheeks burning with humiliation.


    And then I did cry.


    Just a little quiet but definitely angry.


    <i>It¡¯s her fault.</i>


    Valerie, it¡¯s always been her fault. Her fault for existing, for living, for breathing the same air as Kieran.


    Everything had changed the moment Kieran had seen her, even before he got into PSA with her blue eyes and an attitude like the world owed her.


    She took everything. The attention. The professors¡¯ respect. The boys. Even Kieran, who once looked at <i>me</i> like I mattered.


    Now I was just the girl he got stuck with.


    I wiped my tears with the edge of my sleeve and walked away from the mess of chairs and frustration. I didn¡¯t care where I went¡ªI just needed somewhere quiet, somewhere forgotten.


    Eventually, I found myself outside one of the closed-off ssrooms on the east wing. The old room was partly thick with dust and neglect. A sign taped to the ss read: "<strong>UNDER RENOVATION ¨C DO NOT ENTER</strong>," but the door creaked open with a soft push.


    I stepped inside and let the door shut behind me with a gentle click.


    This ce was mine now.


    The desks were half-covered with white sheets, the windows hazy with grime. The only light came from the high panes overhead.


    In the centre of the room, nailed crookedly to the faded chalkboard, was a single photo of <i>Valerie Nightshade.</i>


    A printout from a group post online¡ªherughing with Emerald and I, probably during some celebration. I didn¡¯t remember who put it up. But I hadn¡¯t taken it down.


    I stood there for a moment, breathing in the musty silence, then pulled a handful of darts from my coat pocket.


    I had beening here more than I¡¯d like to admit.


    I raised my arm and threw.


    <i>Thunk.</i> The first dart embedded itself in Valerie¡¯s printed eye.


    "Die," I hissed.


    Another dart.


    "You think you¡¯re better than everyone¡ªwalking around like you¡¯re some goddess reborn."


    <i>Thunk.</i>


    "You took him. You ruined everything."


    Tears spilled again, unchecked this time, as I hurled the next one.


    "You¡¯re nothing but a cursed mutt with pretty eyes!"


    Thunk. Thunk.


    Her smile stared back at me, defiant even in pixels.


    I raised my arm for one final throw¡ªhand trembling with rage and something deeper, something darker¡ªwhen the dart nevernded.


    A hand had caught it mid-air with two fingers, effortlessly.


    I gasped and stumbled back, my eyes flying wide as a figure stepped from the shadows near the side cabs.


    A tall, lean girl dressed in all ck. Her dark violet lipstick curled into a grin that looked more like a threat.


    "I know people disliked Valerie," she said coolly. "But I never expected to find one as deranged as you are."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 235: I Want Valerie Taken Down

    <h4>Chapter 235: I Want Valerie Taken Down</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 235</strong>


    <strong>~Lucy¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    I staggered back. "You... you didn¡¯t see that."


    Her gaze flickered to the board with my darts all over it. "But I did," she said smoothly and wickedly. "No need to fret. You¡¯re just as deranged as I am."


    Her smile widened into a feral, predatory, maniacal one.


    "W-who are you?" I breathed.


    She stepped into the light, her silver earrings catching the sun.


    "I¡¯m Avery," she said, lips twisting. "And I want Valerie taken down too."


    I did not bother with what she said but processed everything that had happened and how I went wrong.


    Avery caught the dart mid-air with two fingers¡ªcalm, precise, almost bored¡ªand my blood froze.


    I hadn¡¯t heard here in. I hadn¡¯t even sensed her. It was like she¡¯d materialised from the shadows themselves, dark and elegant andpletely out of ce in the dust-stained ssroom.


    Her eyes were sharp and calcting, but the smirk ying at her lips made my stomach twist.


    "I don¡¯t even need to ask why," she said, stepping closer with the dart still in hand. "I know that look. That quiet hatred... the kind you bury until it rots you from the inside."


    I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. My throat was dry. Tight.


    Avery¡¯s smirk deepened as if my silence pleased her. "Valerie stole Dristan from me. That¡¯s why I hate her. She got her ws in him before I could show him what real loyalty looks like."


    I blinked, confused for a second.


    <i>Dristan?</i>


    But before I could ask, she leaned in slightly, her voice dropping. "And now it seems she¡¯s stolen someone from you, too."


    I stiffened. A chill crept up my arms.


    "It¡¯s not like that," I said quickly. "I just don¡¯t like how she treats Kieran. That¡¯s all."


    But even I didn¡¯t believe it.


    Avery gave a low, amused chuckle. "Oh, sweet girl. You expect me to buy that?" She stepped even closer, circling me like a predator ying with its prey. "You¡¯re in love with him, aren¡¯t you?"


    I flinched. My mouth opened and closed like I¡¯d forgotten how to speak.


    Then she hit me with it¡ªsharp and brutal.


    "Does he fuck you?"


    My heart jolted. "W-what?"


    She raised a brow, smiling like a snake in silk. "Don¡¯t y coy. He fucks you when he wants. You y the good little maid¡ªget on your knees, make yourself useful."


    "No..."


    "But even then," she whispered, "he¡¯s still thinking about her, isn¡¯t he?"


    "Stop it!"


    "All those nights," she continued in a soft voice, cruel, relentless. "You crawl into his bed thinking this time he¡¯ll see you. Youugh when he does. Cry when he ignores you. You helped him chase Valerie. Helped him. Even after he humiliated you, didn¡¯t he p you once?"


    I felt the blood drain from my face.


    I raised my hands, pressing them over my ears. "Shut up¡ªjust shut up¡ª"


    But her words tore through anyway.


    "You¡¯re his fallback, Lucy. Hisfort toy. His n B. Hell no, n C. The one who¡¯s always there. And what do you get for it?"


    My chest ached. Each word dug deeper, tearing through memories I had buried and smiled over.


    Kieran brushed past me like I didn¡¯t exist.


    Kieran was using me¡ªfast, rough, silent.


    Kieran pulled away like he was ashamed.


    My hands fell from my ears. I couldn¡¯t stop the shaking in my limbs.


    Tears welled and blurred my vision. "STOP IT!" I screamed. My voice cracked and echoed off the empty walls. "It was never about me! He never chose me! I gave him everything¡ªand it was always her! Always Valerie!"


    I copsed against the desk, sobbing, chest heaving, the words finally out of me like poison spilled from a rotting wound.


    Avery was quiet for a moment. Then she nodded slowly, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.


    "There it is."


    She stepped closer and gently patted my shoulderfortingly, and cold at the same time.


    "They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend... and right now, Lucy, you are my friend. And Valerie Nightshade? She¡¯s our enemy."


    I looked up at her, still trembling. Then, slowly, I nodded.


    She extended her hand, and though every part of me hesitated, I reached out and shook it.


    Avery¡¯s grin turned wicked. "So. What do you say... we cause a little disruption?"


    I swallowed, wiping my cheeks with my sleeve. "What do you mean?"


    She tilted her head, lips curling with mischief.


    "We¡¯re going to have," she said, almost in a sing-song, "ab ident."


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The corridors buzzed with chatter as I and I made our way toward the science wing. The morning had already been long, and the emotional weight fromst night still clung to me like a second skin.


    We were scheduled for a Physics practical first, followed by Chemistry immediately after. No breaks and time to breathe.


    ssic PSA torture.


    I nced at I as we reached theb doors. She looked tired. Not physically, but... emotionally distant.


    Her posture was perfect, her stride confident, but something about the way her fingers clutched her notebook made me tilt my head.


    We entered theb and took our usual spot toward the back of the room, where we could talk without the instructors hovering.


    I exhaled softly and began flipping through her notes, and I followed suit, setting mine on the counter and preparing the apparatuses.


    Professor Neil walked in shortly after, tall, stern, and as ever, wearing a stiff cored shirt that looked like it came straight out of a military handbook.


    He barked out the basic instructions, reminding us that the practical was to bepleted in pairs, and then we were given twenty minutes to run our circuit calibration.


    I and I worked in silence until the bell was rung, and we were getting things ready, and while I focused on adjusting the resistance coils, something... odd caught my eye.


    As Professor Neil turned to leave, having finished his rounds, his gaze slid to I and stayed there for just a second too long.


    I froze when I saw it. That stare... I knew that kind of look.


    It was the same one Dristan gave me before he confessed his love for me. The same one Kai tried so hard to hide behind cool expressions but failed whenever he thought I wasn¡¯t looking.


    Interest, possession, and yearning.

 Chapter 236: The Lab Accident

    <h4>Chapter 236: The Lab ident</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 236</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    I turned toward I, wanting to nudge her, but she lifted her head at the exact same moment. Our eyes met, and I quickly looked away, pretending to pack my notes.


    But then Professor Neil walked right over to us.


    He stopped at our workstation and tapped his knuckles lightly on the counter. I looked up at him, expression nk but polite.


    "Miss I," he called her name softly. "Meet meter during your lunch break. I want to go over your questions on waveforms. There were some errors in your written responsest week."


    I blinked once, then nodded silently.


    Professor Neil gave a short nod in return and walked off, heading toward the front of the ss again.


    As soon as he turned his back, I leaned in toward I and nudged her gently with my elbow. "Okay, now that was interesting."


    I raised a brow. "What?"


    I motioned subtly toward the retreating figure of Professor Neil. "You didn¡¯t notice the way he was looking at you?"


    She blinked. "What are you talking about?"


    I narrowed my eyes but kept my voice low to avoid attracting the teacher¡¯s attention. "I... the man was staring at you like he wanted to diagram your soul. That wasn¡¯t an academic interest. That was full-on; I¡¯d make you moan between the equations, type interest."


    Her cheeks went pink, but she scoffed. "Val, don¡¯t force something that isn¡¯t there. I don¡¯t think of him like that, and I doubt he does. He¡¯s a professor. It¡¯s not even appropriate."


    "But you do think of someone else like that," I countered, eyeing her.


    She paused, then looked away too quickly. "I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about."


    "Wait... y-you love someone else?" I asked softly, catching her off guard.


    I stuttered, her voice faltering. "I¡ªwell... that¡¯s not the topic. Besides, there¡¯s nothing between me and Professor Neil."


    I let the silence stretch as I watched her fidget, trying topose herself. But the blush on her cheeks and the way her eyes darted away told me all I needed to know.


    <i>There was someone.</i>


    And it probably wasn¡¯t the professor.


    But before I could press further, the chemistry teacher¡ªProfessor Glenton¡ªentered theb, pping his hands together and announcing the change of session.


    "Tuck away your equipment, please."


    Just like that, all conversation dropped. I turned back to her station, and I followed suit.


    But I didn¡¯t forget, and I wasn¡¯t going to let it go that easily.


    As soon as everyone got their equipment and apparatus out, the ss began.


    Theb smelled faintly of iodine and acid, that sharp tinge that always seemed to cling to your nostrils long after you left.


    I stood at the far end of the bench, wearing gloves and goggles tightly over my eyes, measuring out a sodium carbonate solution for our quantitative analysis practical.


    I was beside me, carefullybelling the beakers, while Erik, who had been assigned to our trio for the day, adjusted the burette stand with ease.


    The task was straightforward¡ªtitrate the solution urately, calcte the concentration, and document the results. PSA made sure evenb work came with less pressure.


    Across from us, I could feel eyes burning into the side of my head.


    Lucy.


    She sat with <strong>Avery</strong> and <strong>Maddie</strong>, the three of them hunched over their own setup, though only one of them actually looked like she was doing any real work.


    Avery was stirring somethingzily, Maddie was fidgeting with her pipette, and Lucy... Lucy was ring.


    I didn¡¯t respond at first, but then Avery leaned closer to Lucy, whispering something with a snicker, and Lucy nodded before ncing my way again.


    "Careful, Valerie," Avery called sweetly. "Wouldn¡¯t want you to mess up again. Acid doesn¡¯t like being mishandled by amateurs."


    I didn¡¯t look up. "Thanks for the concern, Avery. Try focusing on your own setup¡ªyour base looks off."


    Avery rolled her eyes. "It¡¯s called technique, sweetheart. You should try it sometime."


    I shot me a side nce, clearly picking up on the tension. I gave her a subtle shake of my head, not wanting to escte things, and focused on our experiment, but Avery wasn¡¯t done.


    As Erik turned to fetch distilled water, I bent forward slightly to adjust our second beaker, not noticing the moment when Lucy leaned over their side of the counter and did only God knows what.


    All I knew was that I saw her body move back the second I looked up and straightened my spine, my gaze darting directly opposite her, where our solution was.


    Avery covered her mouth with a fake cough to hide her grin.


    "Let¡¯s finish this before lunch," I murmured beside me, pulling my attention away from them. "We can cut through the south wing after for training."


    I paused at her words. Training?


    I almost forgot I have to be at training for the Alpha Forge games for Guild One.


    I nodded, swirling the mixture carefully, then reached for the finalponent. As I poured the neutralizing solution into the titration sk, I immediately sensed something was wrong.


    The reaction was too fast, bubbling and then frothing.


    And before I could remedy the situation... Everything went... fwoosh.


    A violent overflow surged up and out of the beaker, the contents bubbling like an overboiled potion.


    I stepped back instinctively, but the ss ttered and tipped, spilling a trail of liquid off the counter on the other side and onto the floor... right at Lucy¡¯s side.


    She squealed and jerked backwards, but not fast enough. A ssh caught the edge of her thigh, sizzling on contact with her skin before she knocked over her own tray in panic.


    Beakers shattered. Test tubes rolled to the floor. Avery stepped back swiftly, hands up,pletely untouched.


    I stared, horrified. "Lucy¡ªare you¡ª"


    "What the hell, Valerie?!" Lucy screeched, her voice rising above the chaos as Maddie rushed to grab tissues and water.


    I looked equally stunned, her gaze darting between the smoking stain on the floor and the ruined setup. "What just happened?" she whispered.


    "I¡ª" My mouth was dry. I couldn¡¯t exin it. I hadn¡¯t seen anything wrong. Hadn¡¯t done anything wrong. Had I?


    I was so careful that I was sure something like this couldn¡¯t have happened, but it did.


    "Nightshade!"


    The professor¡¯s sharp bark silenced everything as he strode toward us, taking in the mess, the chemical burns on Lucy¡¯s coat and leg, and the destroyed experiment station.


    "Exin this," he snapped.

 Chapter 237: Caught Red Handed

    <h4>Chapter 237: Caught Red Handed</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 237</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    "I... I don¡¯t know," I said honestly. "Everything was fine until¡ª"


    "Enough," he said coldly. "The practical is over for you."


    I blinked. "But, Professor¡ª"


    "You¡¯ll stay behind after the session and clean theb," he continued, cutting me off.


    "Every beaker, every station, and from now on, you will report to thisb every lunch break for the rest of the week to clean and restock. Consider this your little warning. Perhaps it will teach you care and precision."


    "But it wasn¡¯t..."


    "Not another word."


    Lucy whimpered behind him, her thigh already red and stinging as Maddie helped her sit. Avery, of course, stood calmly at her station, the perfect picture of innocence, while I stood there stunned by my undeserved punishment.


    There was no doubt this was nned, and the ident affecting one of them was either coteral damage or nned as well.


    Rather than groan orin, I picked up my bag and left theb.


    As soon as I got away, I took off myb coat, not wanting to exin anything to anybody in case they asked why I was there and not in theb.


    The bell had rung fifteen minutes ago, but I still hadn¡¯t moved past the west stairwell.


    It wasn¡¯t even about the punishment.


    It was the way everyone looked at me when the chemicals spilt and the way Lucy clutched her thigh and whimpered, while Avery pretended to be shocked and innocent.


    I sighed and made my way down the hallway, hugging my books tightly to my chest. My n was simple: reach the library, disappear between shelves, and pretend I didn¡¯t exist for at least one hour.


    But as I turned the corner near the west wing corridor, I came to a sharp halt when I saw Dristan<strong>.</strong>


    He was tall, brooding, and leaning casually against the hallway wall like he¡¯d been waiting for something or someone.


    He straightened when he saw me.


    I did the first thing that made sense. I turned around, pretending I hadn¡¯t seen him.


    "Valerie."


    It was already toote.


    "Valerie, wait."


    His voice was firm, a bit low, andced with something I didn¡¯t want to name¡ªconcern, maybe, or longing.


    I stopped walking, but I didn¡¯t turn until he closed the distance and stepped in front of me.


    "What¡¯s going on with you?" he asked.


    "Nothing." I forced a smile that I didn¡¯t feel. "Just tired. Thatb punishment is brutal."


    He didn¡¯t buy it.


    "Valerie," he said again, softer this time. And when I tried to brush past him, he reached out and gently caught my wrist.


    The second his skin touched mine, something in me snapped.


    A jolt of electricity sizzled from my wrist to the base of my spine. I stiffened instantly, my breath caught in my throat.


    Dristan¡¯s eyes flicked down to where we touched. He had probably... No, he definitely felt it too. I could see it in the tension lining his jaw.


    "I don¡¯t want to leave you like this," he murmured. "Not when you¡¯re shutting everyone out."


    Before I could respond, another familiar presence drew near.


    Without even looking at Kai. I felt him already like a steady, calm door.


    Dristan¡¯s gaze sharpened the moment Kai came into view. His hand released my wrist slowly, fingers brushing mine onest time before falling to his side.


    "There," Dristan said dryly, stepping back. "You can go to your knight in shining armour."


    "Dristan," I said quickly, keeping my voice tight. "I don¡¯t want to be with anyone right now."


    Kai looked at me, and the hurt was already blooming in his eyes.


    Great.


    Just what I needed¡ªanother wound I didn¡¯t know how to stop inflicting.


    I bit my li as my heart pounded, caught between them both like a fault line about to split.


    They stepped closer, almost simultaneously, and I took a small step back.


    "I don¡¯t deserve either of you," I blurted out. "I just... I can¡¯t..."


    Before I could find the right words, Dristan reached for my hand again, this time with gentleness and force.


    Kai took my other.


    And suddenly, I was caught between them.


    "Valerie," Dristan voiced softly as though that would pull open my wall and show him all of my wet dreams. "You feel it too, right?"


    My eyes widened at his words, and before I could react, they were too close now, and their warmth was beginning to spread over me.


    I opened my mouth¡ªbut before the words could escape, I saw a figure at the far end of the corridor.


    <strong>Xander.</strong>


    Immediately, my brain conjured up the perfect escape n. "Xander!" I called out, maybe a little too loudly. "There you are. I¡¯ve been looking for you."


    Both Dristan and Kai looked confused but stepped back reluctantly.


    I didn¡¯t meet their eyes. I just couldn¡¯t.


    I rushed past them, closing the distance between me and Xander like he was the answer to a prayer I hadn¡¯t realised I was whispering.


    But just as I took another step away, I heard it. <strong><i>"You can¡¯t run forever, Valerie."</i></strong>


    The voice wasn¡¯t out loud, but it echoed inside my head like a whisperced with thunder.


    I stopped cold on my feet, my breath caught in my throat as I slowly turned around, heart pounding, eyes scanning the corridor, but there was no one there.


    Only Dristan and Kai... However, they had their backs to me, retreating in silence. Their shoulders were tense as they whispered something to each other, but none of them looked back.


    They were already walking away.


    Yet... I was <strong>sure</strong> I had heard Dristan¡¯s voice and not imagined it.


    It felt too real to dismiss¡ªlike his soul had reached out even when his body chose to walk away.


    I stood frozen for a moment longer, questions wing at my chest, until...


    "Valerie?"


    I jumped slightly at the sound of my name, blinking as Xander appeared beside me, his brows drawn in concern.


    "You okay?" he asked, scanning my face. "You looked like you saw a ghost."


    I swallowed and forced a shaky breath. I shook my head, more reflex than thought. "Yeah. It¡¯s nothing."


    But I wasn¡¯t so sure. He raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Because from where I was standing, it looked like you were using me to avoid your mates."

 Chapter 238: Mating With Them

    <h4>Chapter 238: Mating With Them</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 238</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    I cringed slightly. "Not using... just... borrowing your presence."


    Xander gave a shortugh. "For how long can you keep dodging them like this?"


    I sighed, letting my shoulders slump. "I don¡¯t know."


    He paused, eyeing me carefully. "No. I think the better question is... Why are you avoiding them?"


    My steps slowed. "Because it¡¯s hard to trust anyone right now. Even those who im to care. It¡¯s like I keep waiting for the next betrayal."


    He nodded slowly and thoughtfully for a moment there. "And... is the mate bond bing hard to ignore?"


    I stopped walking as my heart stuttered.


    "What?" I said quietly.


    But Xander was already watching me closely.


    I hesitated. Then I nodded. "I... I had a dream about Dristan. And ever since, every time I see any of them¡ªKai, Xade, Axel, Ash, Ace¡ªit just... it brings it back. The feelings and confusion, all of it."


    Xander gave a knowing smirk. "Having a wet dream about the guy you love isn¡¯t a crime, Valerie."


    I nearly choked. "Whoa-whoa, wait. I never mentioned it being a wet dream. Or that I was in love."


    His grin deepened. "Of course, but darling, you didn¡¯t refute it either. Besides, I think I am old enough to know how a girl behaves when she has a particr dream about a guy that she loves."


    I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. "Can we not do this right now?"


    Xander held up a hand. "Alright, alright. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m not trying to tease. I just... Fine, let¡¯s change the topic."


    I sighed, grateful for the destruction. "Okay... how are you?" I began steering our conversation to a different angle.


    "I¡¯m okay, tired but okay."


    All I did was nod, because other than that, I recalled Xander and I had ur own little awkwardness between us.


    "Hey, Valerie... I wanted to say something to you. About that day I kissed you."


    I turned to him slowly. It was finally here, but somehow, unlike with my mates, it was different with Xander.


    With him, it felt like I could be myself and not feel judged, as if I were walking on eggshells.


    Xander¡¯s eyes softened. "I shouldn¡¯t have crossed that line. You were vulnerable. I was being impulsive. I value you too much as a friend to put you in that position."


    A genuine smile tugged at my lips.


    "I forgive you," I said quietly without missing a beat because I meant it, and I didn¡¯t want to have any tension between us. "And... thank you. For being honest."


    Xander gave me a small nod, then looked ahead and tucked his hands in his pockets.


    "Anytime, Val. You¡¯ve got enough weight on your shoulders. I¡¯m not trying to add more. If you ever need someone just to be here¡ªlike a brother would¡ªI¡¯m all in, like I¡¯ve always been."


    "Thanks, Xander," I whispered.


    And for the first time in hours, I felt like maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªI could breathe again.


    "Thanks. So, how did you spend your break after I left?"


    "You mean the ruined one? It was ruined through and through with my sadness, and then I..." I was about to tell him my ne situation when Xander cut in.


    "Oh, I know, you had the wet dream and felt it was all ruined.


    I rolled my eyes at him, but he wasn¡¯t at all wrong.


    "Valetrie," Xander called in a somewhat serious tone. "I know my advice may not have much input in your personal life and all, but have you thought about it?"


    I paused and leaned against the wall. This time, giving Xander time to speak. "Thought about what?"


    "Have you considered mating with them...?"


    "Mat... what?"


    Xander gave me the look that said, ¡¯Yes, I said it; deal with it and answer me.¡¯


    I stuttered briefly.


    "I... um... the fuck! I don¡¯t know how," Ished out, more angry at myself than even him for suggesting it.


    Based on what I have seen and know about their personalities, Axel and Xade may be highly ready to share. Dristan and Kai were possessive souls, and then Ace and Ash were, sure as hell, ready to tango.


    The question now was, was I truly ready to give in and have them all have me?


    Xander exhaled beside me. "You do not have to have the answer now, but I believe you were given six annoying, brooding mates for a reason. Find out what it is, and then act on it, since you cannot reject your mates"


    I blinked at Xander, but he was not finished.


    "I doubt your Moon Goddess would just be cruel or that fate hates you so much to do that."


    "Oh sure, that twisted bitch called fate must be enjoying making my life a living mess."


    Xander¡¯s lips curved at the side. He moved closer, gently cing a hand on my arm.


    "Find out why, Valerie. What their purpose and destiny are by being tied to your life and then... know what you want to do with them but remember... Only you have the power to tame them."


    Tears stung my eyes at his words, but they were the truth, weren¡¯t they?


    "Valerie Nightshade, you are stronger than you think. Stop running."


    I gave a slight nod, even though I knew it was easier said than done.


    Xander smiled fondly at me. "I know your thick skull is going to do what she wants," he teased and nudged my shoulder lightly.


    "Definitely."


    "So typical."


    "Du, if you were in my shoes, what would you do?"


    A mischievous grin spread across his lips as his eyes glistened with equal mischief. Xander leaned down to my ear and whispered.


    "If I were in your shoes, I¡¯ll have the time of my life chasing my mates, showering them with love and attention, let¡¯s not forget the pleasures... that they¡¯ll have no choice but to love me back, especially given that no one, absolutely no one, would be able to please them like I do."


    Xander stood back up, his eyes glued on my flushed, heated face, and smirked.


    "You should know, out of all supernaturals, no one makes love better to you than a dragon."


    With that, Xander winked and walked away with his hands tucked in his pockets.

 Chapter 239: Caught Red Handed

    <h4>Chapter 239: Caught Red Handed</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 239</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Right after Xander left, I let out a long breath I didn¡¯t even know I¡¯d been holding.


    It had been a lot¡ªhis words, his honesty, his teasing¡ªbut more than anything, it wasforting.


    A brief pause in the chaos that had be my life. No pressure or guilt. Just... presence.


    With a slight shake of my head, I turned my focus back to the real world and made my way to the library.


    I needed toe up with a few ideas for the group project¡ªanything to keep my mind upied.


    Something productive, something that didn¡¯t involve soul bonds, emotional maniption, orplicated kisses.


    I flipped through reference texts, scribbled half-baked forms and diagrams in my notebook, and tried not to rey every word Xander said in my head.


    The time slipped by quickly, the bell rang, and I closed my books with a sigh.


    I had a whole free period before my next ss. I could¡¯ve done a hundred things with it¡ªeaten, rxed, maybe gone outside for fresh air¡ªbut instead, I was dragging my feet toward the chemistryb for cleanup duty. Voluntary punishment with a side of humiliation.


    Because the gods clearly had a sense of humour.


    When I entered theb, my stomach dropped a little.


    Beakers, droppers, open test tubes, some still crusted with dried-up residue¡ªmost of the students had just packed up and walked out without doing a single thing.


    Our Chemistry Professor, Professor Andrew, was already waiting, arms crossed, expression tight.


    His eyes found me like he¡¯d been tracking the second I stepped in, with a look that showed disappointment.


    "My apologies, sir," I said before he could speak. "I¡¯m getting to it."


    I didn¡¯t want to give him any more reason to look at me like I was trouble.


    He didn¡¯t say much. He just picked up his bag, gave me a long, tired nce, and as he reached the door, paused.


    "Miss Nightshade," he said, half-turning. "You are an honour student. You shouldn¡¯t let petty things distract you."


    I was going to say thank you and all that when he continued before I got the chance to.


    "And don¡¯t think being an Alpha Heir¡¯s mate gives you a shield from consequences. Know your priorities in this school... and stay out of trouble."


    One word...


    <i>The fuck!</i>


    Okay, that was two, but... <i>the fuck! I¡¯m the troublemaker? Aish...</i>


    Did I look like the academy¡¯s number-one chaos agent? Seriously?


    Still, I held my expression steady, turned back toward the mess of ssware, and started cleaning when he walked out.


    Better to burn through the anger with elbow grease than with words.


    With every beaker I scrubbed, I shoved the professor¡¯s words deeper down, burying them under all the other condescending remarks, whispers behind backs, and sideways nces I¡¯d picked up since arriving at PSA.


    I wasn¡¯t a regional heir, people thought. I wasn¡¯t born into one of the packs everyone bowed to, and I wasn¡¯t anyone¡¯s precious choice for a Luna.


    Not yet, anyway.


    I wondered if that would still be the look I¡¯d be given when they found out who I was.


    Maybe they¡¯d all change their tune, but that was a storm for another day.


    Rather than let it get to me, I focused on my work.


    By the time I finished cleaning and scrubbing everything spotless, nearly two hours had gone by.


    Theb gleamed like amercial for sterile discipline. My fingers ached, my back was sore, and I had the faintest smell of ammonia clinging to my sleeves.


    I returned the mop to the janitor¡¯s closet, slipped out of my gloves, and blended into the flow of students heading off to lunch. Perfect crowd cover.


    Just as I turned the corner toward the cafeteria, I realized I¡¯d left my damn bag in theb.


    Of course.


    I huffed and spun around, retracing my steps.


    And thanks to the students scattered about, I had a perfect cover to blend in and out without getting caught up in more of my mates¡¯ drama again.


    Immediately, I took a turn and headed for theboratory. As I neared theb again, I heard muffled voices inside and then a sudden <i>crack</i>¡ªsomething breaking.


    <i>OH, COME ON!</i>


    If someone were trashing the ce I had just spent more than an hour cleaning, I would have lost it.


    Heaven knew how mad I was at the fact that someone was probably causing more issues for me with Professor Andrew.


    Without thinking much, I tiptoed to the door, opened it carefully, stepped inside, quiet as a shadow, ready to catch the culprit, and closed the door gently.


    I took out my phone, wanting some hard evidence, but I found that the mainp area was empty.


    My bag was still sitting in the far corner, untouched. But the voices... the sound grew even louder.


    Only that this time, they weren¡¯t so muffled a sound, but they were actually...


    Moans?


    Louder<i> moans.</i>


    My heart skipped.


    My ears were on high alert as my brain worked to ce where the sounds wereing from. Throwing caution to the wind, I turned toward the far corner¡ªtoward the side office at the left wing, the one Professor Andrew used sometimes to review assignments.


    The door was slightly ajar, and behind it... movement.


    Bodies.


    Two people. Twisting together in a rhythm that was far too intimate to be mistaken. Clothes half-pulled down. A shirt lifted, a leg wrapped around a thigh, lips pressed to skin with hunger.


    A student, no doubt.


    The girl¡¯s head was thrown back slightly, her mouth parted in a silent gasp. Her skirt was bunched at her waist.


    I stayed still, breath caught in my chest. I couldn¡¯t see their faces. They were turned away from me, shrouded in the dim light filtering through the blinds.


    Then the guy¡¯s head dipped lower. His lips trailed from the girl¡¯s neck to her corbone... then lower... down the curve of her cleavage, where he pulled her bra aside with his fingers and kissed the swell of her breast.


    She moaned softly, desperate for more.


    Then she opened her legs further for him.


    As if on cue, he dropped to his knees between them.


    My hands clenched involuntarily.


    I should leave. I should definitely leave, I told myself, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to move.


    When his mouth reached her core, between her legs, she gasped sharply, her fingers diving into his hair and pulling as he began to lick her slowly.


    Her hips shifted. A soft cry escaped her lips as she threw her head backpletely in utter ecstasy and...


    And that¡¯s when I saw her face.


    <strong>I.</strong>


    Shock sliced through me like broken ss.


    The scene fromst night¡ªthe forest, the shadows, the whispered moans¡ªall of it came rushing back like a wave breaking over me.


    She was hiding something¡ªhiding him<i>.</i>


    And just as I took that in, the guy rose back to his feet, kissing her neck again as he reached for his zipper.


    I¡¯s hand slid into his pants, her head tilted just slightly¡ªjust enough for the light to catch his face.


    When I saw him clearly, I nearly staggered.


    <strong>Neil.</strong>


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 240: You Drive Me Insane

    <h4>Chapter 240: You Drive Me Insane</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 240</strong>


    <strong>~I¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    That morning had already started out too fast.


    The moment I stepped into theboratory, Valerie was already there¡ªleaningzily against the corner of the counter, eyes narrowed like she¡¯d been waiting just to intercept me.


    Again.


    Valerie had a sixth sense when it came to sniffing out secrets. And I was hiding a lot at the moment.


    For a while, she¡¯d been too tangled in her own world¡ªher mates and her drama¡ªto notice much else.


    However, everything changed and began for me once Professor Neil arrived at the academy.


    The man had presence, and unfortunately, he also had a habit of looking at me when he thought no one was watching.


    The problem was... someone was watching.


    Valerie Nightshade.


    During ss, I could feel her gaze on me just as much as his. I tried to keep my focus on the worksheet, feigning interest in the waveform problems in front of me.


    I thought I was doing a decent job... until Professor Neil himself walked over.


    He stopped at our workstation, rapping his knuckles lightly on the counter. I looked up, keeping my expression nk but polite.


    "Miss I," he said in that soft, deliberate tone of his. "Meet meter during your lunch break. I¡¯d like to review your questions about waveforms. There were some errors in your written responsest week."


    I blinked once, then nodded silently.


    He gave a short nod in return and walked off.


    But the moment he turned his back, I knew Valerie wasn¡¯t going to let it slide.


    I felt her lean in, and then her elbow nudged me.


    "Okay, now <i>that</i> was interesting," she said under her breath.


    I didn¡¯t look at her. "What?"


    She gestured subtly toward Professor Neil as he walked away. "You didn¡¯t notice the way he was looking at you?"


    I blinked, still trying to y it cool. "What are you talking about?"


    Her voice dropped even lower. "I... the man was staring at you like he wanted to diagram your soul. That wasn¡¯t an academic interest. That was full-on ¡¯I¡¯d make you moan between equations¡¯ interest."


    My cheeks red, but I forced a scoff. "Val, don¡¯t force something that isn¡¯t there. I don¡¯t think of him like that, and I <i>doubt</i> he does. He¡¯s a professor. It¡¯s not even appropriate."


    "But you <i>do</i> think of someone else like that," she said, her tone teasing but knowing.


    I hesitated, just for a second. But that was all she needed.


    "I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about," I said quickly, avoiding her gaze.


    She studied me, her smirk stretching into a slow, satisfied grin.


    "Wait... y-you love someone else?" she asked, her voice softer now, curious.


    I stammered. "I¡ªwell... that¡¯s not the topic. Besides, there¡¯s nothing between me and Professor Neil."


    Valerie didn¡¯t press further, but I could feel her watching me, dissecting every twitch of my face.


    I held my breath and kept rinsing the beaker in my hand, silently praying for the practicals to begin.


    Anything to get her off my trail, because if she kept pushing?


    I wouldn¡¯t be able to lie for long.


    Valerie hummed like she didn¡¯t believe a word I said.


    And honestly, I didn¡¯t expect her to. I was barely holding it together.


    Between the midnight meetups, the forest, and the burning texts under the table during morning lectures¡ªI was walking a thin wire over a bed of secrets.


    Thankfully, before she could press further, Professor Andrews finally walked in, clipboard in hand and mood already soured.


    He barked orders for us to begin practicals, and Valerie¡¯s attention snapped toward her station.


    Which turned out to be a disaster.


    She somehow mixed two reactive bases too early and scorched the entire tray with a fog of white smoke, then injured poor Lucy, earning her a sharp reprimand and, worse, cleanup duty for the next two days.


    I watched her through the edge of my goggles, hiding a smirk. The universe had a wicked sense of bnce sometimes.


    She was my friend, but it meant I was saved from her questioning eyes.


    Later, during our free period¡ªwhen I was supposed to meet Neil¡ªValerie had to stay behind in theb to mop, scrub, and stew in whatever emotional soup she was brewing.


    I waited, pacing outside with my phone vibrating in my hand.


    Neil had been texting me nonstop all morning.


    <strong><i>Neil:</i></strong><i> Bet you¡¯re thinking aboutst night, baby. </i>


    <strong><i>Neil:</i></strong><i> Still wet for me?</i>


    Neil: Can¡¯t wait to taste you again.


    <strong><i>Neil:</i></strong><i> Thinking about the way you moaned when I had you against that tree... gods, you¡¯re addictive.</i>


    Each message chipped away at my patience.


    And each one lit me from the inside out.


    By the time Valerie walked out of theb with her mop, bucket, and a re that could tten kingdoms, I was already sliding toward the door behind her, slipping in as the heavy door swung shut.


    Theb was still warm with cleaning fumes. But I barely noticed.


    I knew Andrews wouldn¡¯t be back for at least another two hours.


    I could feel Neil¡¯s presence even before I saw him, standing in the shadows of the side office like he belonged there.


    "I need to talk to you," I began, already breathless as I shut the door behind me. "In ss earlier¡ªyou were¡ª"


    He grabbed my waist and spun me into his arms.


    Whatever words I meant to say dissolved the moment his lips found my neck.


    He trailed slow, hot kisses along my jawline, across my corbone, and up to my lips. My body reacted instantly, like fire catching dry kindling.


    I melted into him, my mouth parting as he imed a deep, heated kiss.


    Gods.


    His taste, the feel of his mouth on mine¡ªit was sinful and exhrating. His fingers slid beneath my shirt, palms t against my skin, dragging a shiver from my spine.


    When he cupped my breast through my bra, I gasped, my hands fisting in his shirt.


    "You drive me insane<i>,</i>" he murmured, lips brushing my cheek, my ear. "Do you have <i>any</i> idea what you do to me?"


    I could barely breathe, let alone answer.


    "Heavens know how much I want to mark you and make you mine, let the world know who you belong to...


    "But you can¡¯t... not yet at least," I cut in.


    He tugged my bra aside and took one nipple into his mouth, sucking gently, then harder, drawing moans I couldn¡¯t contain.


    My hands clutched his shoulders as he switched sides, teasing the other peak with his tongue and teeth.


    Every part of me was lit, burning. I needed more¡ªwanted more.


    Neil¡¯s hands slipped down and pushed my pleated skirt up. Thankfully, I had taken off my inner tights, leaving just my panties. He took it off as well, and then he dropped to his knees.


    A wicked grin was stered on his face as he lifted my leg over his shoulder.


    And then, his mouth was on me.


    Hot, skillful tongues rested on my clit, freezing me in ce in anticipation.


    His tongue dragged a slow path through my folds, the first stroke making my hips jerk forward involuntarily.


    The jolt of sensation was electric, crashing through my spine and leaving me gasping for air.


    Neil groaned low in his throat, the sound vibrating against my core.


    He knew exactly what he was doing.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 241: Lab Bliss

    <h4>Chapter 241: Lab Bliss</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 241</strong>


    <strong>~I¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Neil¡¯s hands gripped my thighs firmly, anchoring me in ce as he devoured me like I was his personal obsession.


    He flicked the tip of his tongue against my clit, teasing it with maddening precision before pulling back and licking deeper, ttening his tongue and tasting every inch of me.


    "Gods¡ª" I hissed, fingers tangling in his hair, holding him to me.


    He moaned in response, and the vibration made my knees buckle.


    I pressed back into the books behind me, needing something to keep me upright as his mouth moved faster¡ªalternating between slow,nguid licks and sharp, focused flicks that sent sparks across every nerve in my body.


    My breath stuttered. My thighs trembled and m grip shifted to the table¡¯s edge.


    Neil kissed my pussy like he wanted to undo me, like he needed me to <ie apart</i> for him.


    Every time I thought I couldn¡¯t take more, he shifted¡ªtilting his head, sucking softly around my clit, then dipping his tongue inside me again. Each movement was precise and intentional.


    My hips rolled against his mouth, chasing the rhythm, losing myself in the haze of pleasure.


    He gripped my leg tighter, grounding me as I writhed against his mouth.


    I could feel the heat pooling in my belly, building with every flick of his tongue and the way he moaned like he was drunk on me.


    I was so close. So fucking close and could not wait to unleash my orgasm n=ion him but knowing Neil that was like begging to see the Moon Goddess.


    He pulled back just enough to look up at me.


    "You taste like sin," he rasped in a hoarse voice. His mouth was slick with me, eyes half-lidded, ravenous.


    I bit my lip, half-delirious. "Don¡¯t stop," I whispered. "Please..."


    His grin returned¡ªdark, dangerous, hungry¡ªand he buried his face between my thighs again, tongueshing against me with renewed hunger.


    I couldn¡¯t hold it back anymore.


    My entire body arched as the wave crashed over me. My legs trembled violently, a strangled moan escaping my lips as I shattered, breathless and overwhelmed, pulse hammering in my ears.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I floated there, fingers still curled in his hair, chest heaving.


    And still, he kissed my lower lips through it¡ªsoftly now, savoring the tremors, the aftershocks of my release, the way my body clung to his every touch.


    It was madness. Pure, intoxicating madness.


    And I didn¡¯t want it to stop.


    Still, Neil was wicked enough not to really stop.


    My fingers wove through his hair, hips arching into his mouth as he licked, sucked, and groaned against my skin like I was hisst meal.


    Every flick of his tongue brought me closer to the edge again, my body bing a livewire sparking in the dark and this time, he let me have my second release.


    My brain went nk as I tilted my head back, my body convulsing a bit on the table...


    By the time I came down from my release, he stood up and kissed me hard on the lips. My moans filled the air as I tilted my head to the side, to give him more ess to my neck.


    Neil undid his zip with a finger still inside me... and just as I was reaching for him, to stroke him and then get ready to drop to my knees and return the favor.


    <i>Click.</i>


    We both froze for a moment as faint footsteps were heard just outside.


    We waited seconds, thirty seconds... A minute... and then we heard the soft swish of theb door closing, and a figure disappearing down the hallway¡ªlong hair swaying with a ck headset on her head.


    Only one person had business at this time with theb and it was... Valerie.


    I recognised her backpack which she slung over one shoulder and the door creaked behind her.


    Both of us exhaled.


    Perhaps she had onlye to pick her bag and or check on something and if we were lucky enough, she did not see us.


    "Close call," Neil muttered, pressing his forehead to my chest.


    My breath caught again as he slipped one finger inside me, then another.


    "I swear you love getting caught," he whispered darkly. "You know how I know?"


    I trembled, still panting from how fast my heart was beating fast when we heard the noise.


    "Because when you heard that sound... your walls mped down on my fingers."


    I whimpered.


    "And now?" he added, curling his fingers inside me. "You¡¯re still so fucking wet."


    I could barely respond. Just moaned softly as my hand reached for him, stroking him through his boxers until I freed him, fingers wrapping around his thick shaft.


    Neil groaned, hips jerking as all thoughts of teasing me vanished from his mind.


    He was already hard¡ªachingly so¡ªand glistening at the tip with precum. My palm slid over him, slow at first, savoring the weight, the heat. He throbbed under my touch, breath catching each time I squeezed a little tighter.


    But I wanted and needed more.


    I dropped to my knees, still breathless from the high he¡¯d just given me, and leaned forward, lips parting as I took him into my mouth.


    Neil¡¯s hand flew to the back of my head, holding me as his fingers threaded through my hair like he couldn¡¯t quite believe it.


    I licked the tip first¡ªslow, teasing, circling my tongue around it¡ªbefore taking him deeper.


    He let out a guttural sound, deep and broken.


    I hollowed my cheeks, bobbing my head in a steady rhythm, using my hand to stroke what I couldn¡¯t take.


    Each time I pulled back and took him again, he twitched in my mouth, hips barely restrained from thrusting deeper.


    His thighs were tense beneath my fingers, every muscle tight with need. His breath grew ragged, a string of curses whispered under his breath as I sucked harder, faster, my tongue pressing just right.


    I nced up and met his eyes and that was all it took.


    With a sharp gasp and a quiet grunt, his hips jerked. He came hard, his grip tightening in my hair as he spilled into my mouth.


    I swallowed quickly, loving the sharp taste of his cum and didn¡¯t stop moving until I felt him twitch, overstimted.


    Only then did I pull back, licking him onest time before wiping the corner of my mouth with the back of my hand.


    Neil was panting, chest rising and falling, eyes zed as he looked down at me like I¡¯d just stolen the rest of his soul.


    "You¡¯re going to kill me," he whispered hoarsely.


    I smirked up at him, smugly as I stood back up. "Only if you¡¯re lucky."


    But Neil, feeling slightly defeated didn¡¯t stop. He slid two fingers inside me again, this time slower and deliberately, all the while holding my gaze.


    He leaned up, mouth wrapping around my nipple once more.


    It was all too much¡ªhis mouth, his hands, his voice in my ear whispering sweet nothings to me... I shattered.


    Head thrown back, soft cries muffled against his hair, legs shaking.


    For a couple of minutes, we stayed wrapped together, panting, shaking, kissed breathless and utterly undone.


    Then, after what seemed like ages, reluctantly, we dressed up and I picked my phone, ready to leave when his words stopped me.


    "I can¡¯t wait until you arepletely mine, mate."


    A small smile crept up my lips as I nodded. "Unfortunately, not now."

 Chapter 242: We Want You Now

    <h4>Chapter 242: We Want You Now</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 242</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Right after I confirmed who they were¡ªI and our young, dangerously attractive Physics Professor¡ªI didn¡¯t know what to think.


    Shock coursed through me like ice and fire tangled together.


    A part of me wanted to turn around and confront her, ask her what the hell she was doing, knowing this could put her in trouble, but another part... didn¡¯t want to know the answer.


    My phone vibrated in my hand, yanking me out of the trance.


    <strong>Ash:</strong><i>Hey, Val. Meet us opposite the East Wing courtyard, at the new renovated ssroom at the back¡ªproject time. Don¡¯t run, either, we¡¯re waiting.</i>


    Of course. Physics project. With the Lycan Twins. Great timing, universe.


    I closed theb door just a little harder than necessary, making sure it swung shut with a noise loud enough to announce my presence.


    I even coughed¡ªlightly¡ªjust in case they were listening and needed a reason to pretend they hadn¡¯t been caught.


    Then I slid my headphones over my ears, scrolled through my ylist, and hit y.


    Music red.


    As if I¡¯d just walked in for my forgotten bag. As if I hadn¡¯t seen I half-naked and gasping under the hands¡ªand mouth¡ªof a faculty member.


    I grabbed my bag from the table, slung it over my shoulder, and walked away without ncing back.


    Part of me was furious, part of me was numb, but a sliver of me was worried for I.


    What she was doing was dangerous. If someone else found out¡ªsomeone who wasn¡¯t me¡ªit could destroy her. Ruin both of them. There were things even this school didn¡¯t overlook.


    And she was ying with fire.


    Still, I shoved the thoughts aside and took a detour toward the cafeteria. I needed food. Something to ground me before facing Ash and Ace¡ªand whatever chaos they were about to drag me into.


    Lunch first. Projectter...


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~</strong>


    After chemistry ss, we knew Valerie would be a bit worked up¡ªprobably still buzzing from whatever chaos she¡¯d walked into before lunch.


    Ace was more focused on the work he wanted to show her, pacing like the floor might whisper answers if he stomped hard enough.


    As for me? I sat in one of the chairs, arms folded, letting the buzz of the empty ssroom quiet my thoughts.


    They kept spiralling.


    Thest few days. Midterm break. The storm that was our mother¡ªthe Lycan Queen¡ªand her relentless obsession with our "progress" regarding our fated mate, Valerie.


    It took all we could to prevent her from telling our father. Knowing Dad, he¡¯d even take a trip to see our mate and bring her back to the Lycan Kingdom.


    I never wanted to put Valerie in that kind of situation in the first ce. Plus, she was too stubborn to y with my parents¡¯ antics.


    It took every ounce of Ace¡¯s and my shared telepathy to throw together a believable enough story that kept her off our backs.


    And thanks to the shared power we had since birth, we told her things were going "smoothly," gave different stories, and said things we¡¯d done with Valerie, even though we hadn¡¯t even gotten a kiss.


    We smiled, nodded, and lied.


    Fortunately, she¡¯d gotten distracted with court matters and didn¡¯t follow up with one of her background investigations. If she had... things might¡¯ve exploded.


    We were called out for not marking Valerie as well, for not iming her. Our mother didn¡¯t hold back¡ªnot in tone, not in threat.


    She wanted to meet Valerie soon and also see why someone was not interested in her handsome sons as well as why.


    Just thinking about it made my chest tight.


    I exhaled, tilting my head back against the chair, letting my eyes fall shut for a brief moment. Getting this project together was Ace¡¯s and my chance to be closer to our mate, finally.


    Then Ace¡¯s voice sliced into my thoughts, linking with me telepathically.


    <i>She¡¯sing.</i>


    I straightened slightly but didn¡¯t move. I stayed right where I was, watching as Ace stopped pacing and casually positioned himself behind the door, leaving it slightly ajar like bait.


    Smooth.


    The moment I heard the soft rhythm of her footsteps approaching, something inside me stirred.


    No¡ª<i>everything</i> inside me stirred.


    Whether it was the lingering effect of our mother¡¯s scolding, the months of restraint, or the undeniable scent of our mate filling the air¡ªI didn¡¯t know. But I felt it.


    Ace did too.


    And from the subtle hitch in her breath when she stepped in, so did <i>she.</i>


    Her gaze swept the room beforending on me.


    "Hello, Ash. Where¡¯s Ace?" Valerie asked tly, not bothering to look up from her phone. "He texted me two minutes ago like the world was ending or he was about to copse."


    I couldn¡¯t help the slow smirk tugging at my lips.


    Right on cue, the door shut with a sharp thud<i>.</i>


    Valerie jumped slightly, eyes flicking to the sound¡ªand there was Ace, grinning like the devil himself.


    "Seriously?" she snapped, already exasperated.


    Ace was unfazed. He moved closer with that confident swagger only he could make charming.


    "How¡¯s my sweet mate faring?" he asked, voice rich with mischief.


    "Quite fine without you sneaking up on me," she replied, unimpressed.


    Ace chuckled, his eyes gleaming. "Oh, love. I haven¡¯t started sneaking yet. If I really wanted to sneak up on you, I¡¯d be down on my knees... tongue first... until you forgot your own name."


    Valerie¡¯s breath hitched; I caught it, though it was barely, but we both caught it. Her fingers clenched slightly around her phone, and she didn¡¯t respond.


    She turned to me instead. "Well, this isn¡¯t an ambush. Since we¡¯re all here for the physics project... let¡¯s just¡ª"


    "Let¡¯s talk about what¡¯s really going on, Valerie," I cut in smoothly.


    Her brows furrowed. "What¡¯s going on about what?"


    Ace stepped in closer, lowering his voice as he leaned near her ear. "Let¡¯s talk about pressing matters first."


    Her jaw tightened. "Such as?"


    "About you and us," I said, rising slowly from my seat. "Between you and your mates."


    Her gaze darted between us. She didn¡¯t budge. But her energy shifted.


    I walked toward her, keeping my voice calm¡ªgrounded¡ªbut firm.


    "About why you¡¯ve been avoiding your mates more than ever. About how the pull between us is getting worse, Valerie. You feel it. We feel it too."


    "You can run," Ace added yfully, "but you can¡¯t hide from the mate bond."


    Valerie looked caught, sandwiched between two walls she¡¯d tried too long to pretend didn¡¯t exist.


    She tilted her chin up, defiant as always. But her eyes... Her eyes betrayed her.


    I reached out and gently tilted her chin higher. Her pulse fluttered under my fingers.


    "We want you," I said simply.


    Ace stepped behind her, keeping his voice low. "Isn¡¯t it about time you kissed us, too? Like you kissed your other mates?"


    "Or..." I added softly, "Are we inferior to them?"


    Valerie¡¯s lips parted. I noticed that look of fear, the need to correct a wrong notion. "No, you aren¡¯t inferior..."


    But I cut in, voice rougher now. "Then that settles it."


    Ace¡¯s arm brushed hers as he leaned in, warmth and scent surrounding her.


    "We want you now<i>.</i>"


    She stood frozen, body tense, eyes locked with mine.


    No words came, only the scent of her rising desire¡ªand the unspoken truth she could no longer bury.


    The mate bond wasn¡¯t hidden anymore.


    It was a roar, and this time, we weren¡¯t letting her walk away.


    Before she could do or say anything, I crashed my lips against hers, sliding my hand around her waist.

 Chapter 243: Just One Taste

    <h4>Chapter 243: Just One Taste</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 243</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Before Valerie could do or say anything, I crashed my lips against hers, sliding my hand around her waist and pulling her flush against me.


    Valerie gasped¡ªjust for a moment¡ªbut didn¡¯t pull away.


    Not immediately.


    Her hands pressed against my chest, half-hearted at first, like her body hadn¡¯t decided if it wanted to resist or melt.


    And when I deepened the kiss, she made a soft noise¡ªsurprised, breathless¡ªand it lit something in me.


    It wasn¡¯t just the kiss.


    It was the way her body betrayed her¡ªleaning closer, chasing the heat she kept pretending she didn¡¯t want.


    The way her fingers curled into my shirt like she needed something to hold on to¡ªthe way the mate bond pulsed and red between us like a heartbeat.


    When I pulled back, her lips were parted, eyes wide with confusion¡ªand something else.


    Longing.


    Then Ace was there behind her, brushing her hair aside to kiss her neck.


    His lips barely grazed her skin, but her breath hitched again, and she turned, only for him to catch her mouth in a kiss of his own, slow and coaxing.


    I watched her freeze at first, then shudder as he deepened it. Her hands moved again¡ªreaching for bnce or maybe trying to push him away¡ªbut theynded against his chest and stayed there.


    When he pulled back, her voice was hoarse. "This isn¡¯t¡ªthis wasn¡¯t supposed to be... It was supposed to be... we came here for..."


    "More than a physics project?" I asked, raising a brow.


    Ace chuckled softly. "You¡¯ve kissed your other mates. Made out with them. We¡¯ve been very, very patient, Moonlove."


    "We just want what they¡¯ve had," I added, brushing my knuckles against her jaw. "A kiss. A taste of you, Val. All of you."


    Valerie shook her head, eyes darting between us. "I don¡¯t know why it feels like this... It¡¯s too much. Too fast, Ash and my body¡ªgods, it¡¯s heating up."


    "The mate bond¡¯s getting worse," I said gently. "You¡¯ve held back too long. It¡¯s not just us who feel it anymore, you do, and so do the others."


    Ace stepped closer again, his hands running lightly over her arms. "And the more you resist, the harder it¡¯ll get. You¡¯re already burning, aren¡¯t you?"


    She hesitated... and nodded once. Barely.


    Her breath was shaky now, shallow, like she was fighting to hold herself together.


    "We¡¯re not here to force you," I said quietly, pulling her body against mine while brushing her hair from her face. "But let us help. One release. That¡¯s all. Let it out and let the bond breathe."


    Valerie didn¡¯t speak.


    She just stood there, trapped between us, trembling, her heartbeat thudding in the space between us.


    I reached for the top button of her uniform blouse, slowly and carefully waiting for her to stop me, but she didn¡¯t. "If you say stop, I will."


    Valerie didn¡¯t say stop; she didn¡¯t look like she wanted it to end.


    I did not think it was pity or that she felt guilty that she had not given us that time of day or it was something else triggering her arousal, but standing right here between us, with a heat that you know we were eager to quench...


    So I unfastened the first button.


    Then the second followed.


    Valerie watched me, eyes flicking from my hands to my face, lips slightly parted as I reached the third. By the fourth, her blouse parted just enough to reveal the curve of her corbone and thece bra beneath.


    Her cheeks flushed, and her hands twitched, but she didn¡¯t stop me.


    Ace stepped behind her again, kissing her neck more deeply now, his hands wrapping around her waist.


    She closed her eyes and leaned back into him.


    "Just let go," I whispered.


    And she did.


    Her lips found mine again¡ªthis time Valerie kissed me harder, messier and needier than before.


    Her fingers gripped my shirt like a lifeline, and I groaned into her mouth, feeling the heat radiate from her like wildfire.


    My body reacted, and my hard-on pressed against her t tummy while Ace¡¯s fingers slid to her hips, then her back, tracing slow circles.


    I bent slightly and pressed my mouth to the hollow of her throat, then lower, kissing down to the edge of her bra, tugging the fabric gently down.


    Valerie whimpered softly when I took one of her nipples into my mouth, sucking just enough to make her squirm.


    "Gods..." Valerie gasped, fingers threading into my hair. "This isn¡¯t happening. This can¡¯t¡ª"


    "It is," Ace murmured against her ear, nibbling softly at her lobe. "And your body already knows it."


    She trembled between us, between her mates, her Lycan mates.


    She wasing undone¡ªand fast.


    The bond was in full force now, glowing hot and wild, making her sensitive to everything. The brush of breath. The scrape of teeth. The burn of skin on skin.


    "Rx," I whispered, my mouth still on her breast. "Let us help you ride it out. Then you can decide whates next."


    Valerie managed a breathy protest. "I¡¯m not sleeping with you."


    Ace smirked behind her. "Sure. But tell that to your body."


    "To the way you kiss back," I added, sliding a hand down her waist. "To the way your scent changed the moment we touched you."


    She opened her mouth to argue¡ªbut Ace was already leaning down, hand slipping under her skirt, fingers brushing the edge of her panties.


    "Don¡¯t," she breathed. But it was weak. Trembling.


    "Shh," Ace said softly. "Just one taste."


    He pushed her lightly, directing her to sit on the desk I rested my hand against a few minutes back, giving both fo us, equal chance and space to please her.


    Valerie moaned as my fingers reached up and pinched her other nipples while Ace went down on her and shifted her panties aside.


    He gave her the lightest lick, tongue flicking against her clit.


    Valerie shattered<i>.</i>


    A choked moan escaped her lips, her legs wobbling beneath her. She tried to move away, but I caught her, held her steady as I sucked on her breast, anchoring her with my mouth.


    "I¡¯ve never... never done this with¡ªtwo¡ª" she managed to whisper.


    "And that¡¯s why we¡¯re better," Ace murmured against her thigh. "We share<i>.</i> You¡¯re going to need us. Both of us."


    I looked up, our eyes locking as I kissed her harder. "You¡¯ve already given in. The bond¡¯s not going away."

 Chapter 244: Insane Trio Pleasure

    <h4>Chapter 244: Insane Trio Pleasure</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 244</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Valerie whimpered again as Ace continued slowly, while his skilful tongue drew her higher and higher.


    Her hips rocked instinctively, helplessly.


    She cursed under her breath again, this time louder, broken words tumbling into breathless moans that only grew louder with each stroke of Ace¡¯s tongue, driving her to the depths of ecstasy like she had never expected to be, in the first ce.


    "Ash... I¡ª" she started, but her voice caught in her throat, trembling.


    I kissed her again, softer now, just beneath her jaw. I could feel her heartbeat pounding beneath my lips. "You don¡¯t have to say it," I murmured. "We feel it. All of it."


    "I can¡¯t... fight this," she breathed, her eyes fluttering closed as her head tipped back against my shoulder.


    "You don¡¯t have to."


    I wrapped my arm around her waist, grounding her as Ace continued below. Every flick of his tongue coaxing her closer to the edge.


    Her hands gripped my arms now, fingers digging into my sleeves as her legs began to tremble.


    She whimpered, then moaned.


    And then she <i>cried out</i>, breath sharp and sweet, hips jerking as the pressure finally snapped.


    Her release crashed through her like a wave in an unforgiving manner. Her body trembled in our arms, mouth parted in a silent scream, the sound catching halfway in her throat.


    Valerie slumped forward, still shaking, flushed and dazed, held only by the two of us¡ªher mates¡ªwho didn¡¯t let go.


    Ace kissed the inside of her thigh gently, reverently, before rising back to his feet.


    I pressed a kiss to her temple, brushing a few strands of hair from her damp forehead. "You¡¯re okay," I whispered. "We¡¯ve got you."


    Valerie didn¡¯t answer at first. She tried to calm her breath, deep, shaky breaths that spoke of surrender, of finally letting herself feel instead of fight.


    And then, softly¡ªbarely audible¡ªshe murmured, "I hate that you were right."


    I smiled against her skin. "You don¡¯t hate it."


    Her lips twitched, and even though the words never left her lips, her body twitched in a way that said so.


    I kissed her on the lips again as Ace stood up, watching us.


    Valerie moaned deeply in my mouth as Ace slid his hand down between her legs again and in one swift motion, he ripped off her panties and spread her legs to give him full ess again.


    At once, Valerie¡¯s eyes went wide.


    She knew what wasing when he did that but she made no attempt to truly stop him.


    Ace¡¯s smirk grew as he leaned over, getting closer to her face while we kissed.


    "I am not being left out, am I, brother?"


    I stopped the kiss and shook my head. "She¡¯s all yours."


    Confusion flickered in Valerie¡¯s eyes, both from fear of the pleasure she was going to get and wondering between both of us who was the most skilled and just how much fun she was going to have.


    Ace chuckled. "He¡¯s the best in that department," he winked at me.


    I nodded, stole one quick kiss from her. "Rx, I¡¯m not gonna be gentle with my tongue."


    "Ashh...."


    "I think you meant Ace," Ace cooed as he directed her chin to look at him. "Kiss me."


    I looked at him, to see my brother¡¯s eyes darkened with lust, desire and need.


    "Kiss me deeply, Valerie and I¡¯ll make that mouth mine."


    The way he said it sent a tremor down Valerie¡¯s body, and I knew she was losing herselfpletely to us, to him.


    Unlike me, Ace was a master of mental pleasure, putting you in the mood in ways you could never imagine.


    I smiled as I let him work his way with our mate and treat her just the way she deserved.


    I moved down, kissing her neck down to her cleavage and took one nipple into my mouth, flickering my tongue across it.


    Valerie gasped loudly as I drew it into my mouth, tugging it hard.


    Ace released her thighs, but didn¡¯t leave her, his hands settling on her ass. He kneaded her cheeks and pulled her close from the side, giving me the much-needed space to go down on her.


    Ace smirked when I lowered myself and came face to face with her beautiful, well-shaven core.


    He cupped her breasts and began to massage them, then licked and suckled at her nipples until she was squirming under him.


    Valerie moaned, reaching for his shoulders, pulling him closer, needing more.


    I pushed her legs apart a bit and pulled her close so her ass was settled at the edge of the table to savour my lunch.


    She whimpered at my touch, lifting her hips off the surface, allowing me to slip my fingers into her folds and tease her clit.


    "Oh... Ashh...."


    I teased her with a finger, rubbing her clit slowly as Ived her core.


    Valerie shuddered, her head falling back and her eyes rolling in the back of her head.


    I watched her, taking my time, listening to her breathing, watching her expressions, knowing exactly how to push her.


    I made sure I spent enough time teasing her before I slipped inside, curling my fingers around her g-spot and working it.


    Valerie cried out, and I gave her more¡ªa second finger joined the first, and I pumped them deep inside, using my thumb to rub her clit.


    Valerie¡¯s body shook, her feet and toes curling and uncurling, her eyes rolling back in her head.


    When she copsed, I withdrew my fingers, but I did not give her the breathing space she thought she had, as the next I stuck out my tongue and gave a long slow lick on her clit.


    She screamed, her arms going limp, as a third orgasm hit her in seconds.


    I ignored her pleas for mercy, kissing her core, licking her lips, sucking her clit and making sure every inch of her was writhing in pleasure.


    Ace was busy kissing her neck, eliciting more moans as Valerie shuddered from pleasure.


    She shut her eyes, threw her head back and gripped the edges of the desk


    With each passing moment, I felt her orgasm building, but Valerie held on, not wanting it to end too quickly.


    Neither did I.

 Chapter 245: Fuck Me

    <h4>Chapter 245: Fuck Me</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 245</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    I alternated between quick strokes and fast strokes while still teasing her with my tongue.


    I heard her voice, pleading for me to stop, begging for some relief.


    I refused. Instead, I gave her my own kind of relief¡ªpleasure overload with my tongue.


    Valerie yelled, but I kept going.


    Her thighs were trembling, her whole body was shaking, and her hands were holding onto the edge of the table.


    I did not relent; I continued to torture her, ignoring her pleas for me to stop.


    Then, without warning, Valerie started to scream. Her words mumbled incoherently and her body stiffened before her entire body went rigid.


    She cried out, arching her back, her legs clenching, opening wide.


    And then she convulsed.


    It was like watching a human having an epileptic seizure, except this was far better.


    Valerie was bucking against my mouth, forcing me to take over, but I did not stop, continuing to lick and suckle her, even after she was done.


    Even Ace had to give her some time to catch her breath, but my devilish brother had his fingers pinching her nipples.


    Our mate was a mess within minutes, her body glistening with sweat as she panted.


    Ace held her body against his chest while I gently massaged her inner thighs.


    I looked up at Valerie and saw that she was looking back at me.


    She smiled as she reached for my hand. She kissed the palm, then ced it on her breast, pressing her nipple into my palm.


    I stroked her flesh slowly.


    Valerie¡¯s gaze darted between me and Ace, and then, when she finally caught her breath enough to speak, the words she uttered left me gaping.


    "Make love to me, Ace, Ash. Fuck me and relieve this heat."


    The smile on Ace¡¯s face was like none I had ever seen. It was genuine, real and straight from the heart.


    "I wouldn¡¯t want anything better," Ace muttered.


    I leaned in, kissing her deeply on her lips and sliding my tongue into her mouth, to let her taste her delicious taste.


    "Thank you for trusting us."


    Ace stood, lifting Valerie into his arms. He walked towards the big teacher¡¯s desk in the front of the ssroom andy her down.


    Just as my hand went to my zip, Valerie¡¯s voice called out sharply.


    "Strip. I want you two to take them off slowly."


    I licked my lips and nodded. "Cute, love, but not here and not today," I told her.


    She seemed bashful and looked away. Ace moved in, kissed her nipple, biting a little, thanks to the soft cry leaving her lips.


    "I promise you, we will do a striptease for you when we are alone."


    I could hear her whimper, her desire for Ace evident. I think if she had been able to move, she would have pushed him aside and gone for him.


    I unzipped my trousers, letting them fall to the floor, and crawled up beside her. I lifted her leg over my shoulder, positioning myself between her thighs.


    Ace did the same, only this time, he went for her head. He kissed her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, her chin, and finally her lips.


    I kissed her throat, sucking on her pulse point.


    I heard her moan, her hips moving slightly, trying to get me inside her.


    I slid my hand under her skirt, rubbing her folds. I rubbed against her clit, knowing that she needed a good fucking.


    Her hands came up to clutch my hair tightly, and her nails dug into my scalp, but I paid no mind.


    My cock was rock hard, and I knew what I wanted to do.


    I pulled her thigh from my shoulder and ced it t on the desk.


    Valerie¡¯s lips parted as she looked at me, then shifted her gaze to Ash. A little devilish spark lit up in her eyes, and then she gave us that smile¡ªsmile, the one that always made my heart skip.


    "I want to taste you," she whispered, turning her head to face me fully. "I want to make you feel what I just felt."


    Ace didn¡¯t hesitate. He moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers.


    Her warm hand wrapped around his length, and when her lips finally enclosed him, Ace groaned¡ªloud and without shame.


    Her tongue was sinful, the way she worked it around the tip, swirling slowly before taking him deeper, sucking softly, then harder.


    Ever patient but burning with heat, I leaned down beside her. Ace caught my gaze as I began to kiss her breast, teasing her nipple with my tongue while my hand gently fondled the other.


    Valerie¡¯s moans were muffled, but they vibrated against Ace, making it hard to hold on to any kind of control.


    I could tell because we were connected in more ways than one could think¡ªall of his feelings connected to me in a situation like this.


    I trailed down her body, mapping every inch with my mouth like it was sacred scripture.


    From her breasts to her stomach, down to the sensitive dip just above her pelvis¡ªI took my time, savouring every reaction she gave.


    Valerie¡¯s body arched the moment I hovered above her folds. She gasped around Ace¡¯s cock as my tongue flicked her clit, her thighs instinctively trying to mp around my head.


    The sight before me was maddening¡ªher lips wrapped tightly around Ace, her hips rolling into my face as I licked and sucked at her drenched core.


    I was careful but thorough,pping up her slickness, teasing her clit in the exact way I knew would unravel her.


    Her taste coated my tongue, her juices spilling freely as she whimpered, still sucking Ace with relentless hunger.


    Gods, she was beautiful like this. Desperate. Consumed.


    Once I felt her fully open and wet, I rose, my eyes locked on her flushed, pleasure-drunk face.


    The need in me pulsed hard, and I lined myself up at her entrance. She didn¡¯t notice¡ªher attention still fixed on pleasing Ace, lips gliding along his length like a woman possessed.


    And then, in one deep thrust, I sank into her¡ªhard and fast.


    She cried out sharply, gagging slightly as she pulled off Ace with a startled scream.


    "Ash!"


    Her body tensed around me, trembling as I stilled to let her adjust.


    But then...


    "Ash!" she called again, but the tone had changed. There was no more pleasure¡ªjust exasperation.


    My eyes flew open.

 Chapter 246: Caught Day Dreaming

    <h4>Chapter 246: Caught Day Dreaming</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 246</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Valerie stood by the chalkboard, fully dressed, hand on her hip, one brow raised in that familiar expression of tired amusement.


    "I¡¯ve been standing here for fifteen minutes watching you two zone out like idiots," she said dryly. "What kind of spell are you under?"


    I blinked hard as the heat of the fantasy crumbled around me like ash. Ace was beside me, equally dumbfounded, one hand still on his belt.


    Shit.


    I coughed, trying to ground myself back in reality. "Uh... right. Sorry. You said something about... heatstroke?"


    Valerie groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Gods, you two are hopeless."


    I offered a sheepish grin and a shrug. "me your beauty. It inspires... dangerously vivid imaginations."


    She narrowed her eyes slightly at me. The twitch of a smile threatened her lips, but there was something else in her expression¡ªsomething unsure like suspicion.


    Unease.


    Her gaze flicked between me and Ace as if she could still feel the echo of whatever scene we had just envisioned.


    Had she felt something through the bond?


    "Just finish helping me organise these papers," she muttered, but her tonecked bite. "I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re both cursed with insatiable lust. We¡¯re still technically in a ssroom."


    "Yes, ma¡¯am," I said automatically, ncing at Ace.


    But even as she turned around, there was a hitch in her step. Her fingers hesitated over a stack of folders that had scattered somehow on the ground like her thoughts weren¡¯t asposed as she wanted us to believe.


    Ace and I watched her quietly, trying not to look guilty.


    I was just about to reach for my bag when Ace suddenly blurted, "Valerie... kiss me."


    She froze. Slowly, she turned back to look at him, eyes wide, lips slightly parted in shock.


    I didn¡¯t even try to hide the mental groan.


    <i>"</i><strong><i>Are you insane?"</i></strong> I asked him through the mind link. <i>"</i><strong><i>That was a fantasy, Ace. There¡¯s a difference between that and reality."</i></strong>


    <strong><i>"Yeah?"</i></strong> he shot back. <i>"</i><strong><i>But how would we know if it could be reality... unless we try?"</i></strong>


    I rolled my eyes. Internally.


    Valerie opened her mouth, clearly about to say no. But then her eyesnded on both of us again¡ªAce with his open sincerity, and me with... well, whatever the hell I was doing, trying not to look desperate.


    She exhaled softly. Her posture eased, shoulders falling from their stiff height as something shifted in her expression.


    It wasn¡¯t an agreement that I was aware of, but it was not a rejection either.


    I could sense how hopeful Ace was through our connection, and deep down, I wished she wouldn¡¯t reject him or his idea, because he was the most fragile of our duo.


    But something curious.


    Valerie did not say anything for a long moment, as though she was contemting something.


    And deep down it hurt; my wolf was wing in pain inside at the fact that our mate had to consider kissing us.


    But before I could utter a word to her, Ace beat me to it.


    "If you are worried about kissing two guys at the same time, you know we do not view you in a different light, right?"


    Valerie parted her lips to speak, but then she kicked against it and nodded. "I..."


    "You are our mate, Valerie. You were given to all six of us for a reason. There¡¯s no morality judging here."


    "I know," Valerie sighed. "It¡¯s fine. I shouldn¡¯t even be... sigh. Okay."


    Valerie nodded, and I knew what that meant, but it was the way Ace knew exactly her thoughts, her worries, and how he eased her into it that made me smile.


    "We love you," Ace confessed out of the blue.


    "Y-you do?" Valerie asked,pletely taken aback.


    She wasn¡¯t expecting it, and neither was I.


    "Yes, I do, very much. I love you too much, it¡¯s been hard hiding it while I watch the others pine for you and take what¡¯s also mine. You are mine too, and I tried to be patient about it, but... Patience be damned, Valerie. I love you. I fucking love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life doing exactly that."


    Tears spilled from Valerie¡¯s eyes. I bet she was not expecting such a raw confession from Ace, nor was I. He was my twin, but even at times, he was full of surprises.


    I looked at Ace, and he had that knowing smile on his face when he nced in my direction. The kind that said, you might kill meter, bro, but I¡¯m doing it anyway.


    By the time I realised what he was gonna do or say... it was already toote.


    "And so does Ash," Ace confessed again. "He loves you, Valerie. And I bet all of your mates do."


    "I..." I shook my head, smiling, then I stood up and walked over to where Valerie stood.


    She lifted her head a little to look at me. I maintained my smile andposure even though I felt like copsing for the first time when a girl was involved.


    Ace and I had been with one girl before, but this time, it was different.


    This time, I loved her, and she was my mate.


    I reached up, caressing her cheeks softly in my hand, while my eyes stared into her perfectly blue eyes.


    "Yes, Valerie Nightshade. I, Ash Kaid, love you."


    I heard the sound of the chair scraping as Ace stood up to join us.


    And just like it had happened in our wet dream, he stood behind Valerie, sandwiching her between us as his fingers trailed up the side of her arm to her neck, and pushed her hair back a little to expose her neck.


    "And I..."


    "Shh..." I gently hushed her. "You do not have to say it until you are sure, Valerie. Because I think Ace and I would thrill for that day, and when we finally hear it, how you feel, then it would be worth it when we make you ours, body and soul."


    Ace pecked her neck softly, reminding Valerie silently that he was still there.


    She turned to face him, arms wrapping gently around his neck, and then looked back at me. "I hope you don¡¯t mind?"


    "No, you guys go first. It¡¯ll be beautiful to watch."

 Chapter 247: The Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 247: The Kiss</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 247</strong>


    <strong>~Ash¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Valerie looked between us once more. I could see the conflict in her eyes slowly melting into something softer, still hesitant, but no longer resistant.


    When her gaze returned to Ace, it lingered. Her lips parted slightly as she studied his face.


    Maybe she was searching for certainty, maybe reassurance. But all Ace gave her in return was raw truth.


    Her arms lifted and wrapped gently around his neck.


    She rose to her toes, slowly, like the moment itself needed care, but Ace was a gentleman to wrap his hand around her waist and steady her back down. Then he leaned in, his nose brushing against hers.


    "I¡¯ve dreamt about doing this like a million times and now..."


    "Now, shut up and kiss me." Valerie shut him up, and that was when it happened.


    Her lips met his, neither rushed nor forced. But with the careful weight of something long denied.


    Ace let out a soft breath, like he¡¯d been holding it for years, and brought his hands higher to her waist, pulling her in until their bodies alignedpletely.


    The kiss deepened softly at first, then built in emotion, in yearning. Ace¡¯s fingers threaded through her hair as their mouths moved together, gently at first, then with more pressure as if they both needed the connection to anchor them.


    Watching them was a strange kind of beautiful agony.


    It didn¡¯t make me jealous¡ªnot in the bitter way people might assume.


    It made my heart throb because I felt every ounce of what she was pouring into that kiss... and what she was receiving from it.


    And because through our bond, I also felt Ace¡¯s overwhelming happiness, his silent desperation was finally soothed.


    And I knew Valerie was slowly letting go of that fear.


    She wasn¡¯t broken, just cautious. Maybe because she felt she owed it to us, but here she was... choosing us.


    When they finally parted, Valerie kept her eyes closed for a moment, like she was savouring the aftertaste of something far sweeter than anything she¡¯d expected.


    Her breath trembled out of her lips.


    Ace touched his forehead to hers, whispering something I couldn¡¯t hear¡ªbut whatever it was made her smile.


    Then, slowly, she turned to face me.


    Her lips were pink and kiss-bruised, her cheeks warm, and her eyes... goddess, her eyes were soft in a way I hadn¡¯t seen before.


    "You okay?" she asked me quietly.


    I nodded. "Better than okay."


    She stepped closer. I thought my heart would pound right out of my chest.


    "Your turn?" she whispered.


    I chuckled. "Only if you want to."


    "I do."


    She rose up again on instinct, this time, and I met her halfway. The moment our lips touched, the air shifted.


    Her kiss was different with me¡ªnot more, not less, just... different.


    With Ace, it was a need; with me, it felt like wonder as though she were discovering something new, something uncharted.


    Her fingers brushed the side of my face, slipping into my hair as I cupped her jaw and pulled her in deeper. My entire body tingled with the contact, the fire, the pull.


    And gods, did I melt. It was way better than whatever wet dream we were imagining. This was by far the softest, hottest, and best kiss I had ever had.


    I let her take her time, let her explore and feel that I wasn¡¯t just here¡ªI was hers for the taking.


    Ace stood close, one hand still gently caressing her back, grounding her between us.


    It wasn¡¯t just a kiss. It was a choice.


    And the moment she pulled away and looked up at me with those beautiful, storm-bright eyes, I knew I would never, ever forget what it felt like to be kissed like that.


    Like I mattered and was loved, even blessed by the Moon, even if the words hadn¡¯t yet been said.


    And someday... they would be because I¡¯d wait, we both would, because Valerie Nightshade was worth everything.


    Valerie smiled at both of us, and I think that was the happiest she had been since the whole Dristan and Silver episode, but I knew she was still closed off.


    So instead of letting it be awkward, I spoke up. "Time to get into project making?"


    Valerie nodded. "So long as it is not baby-making," she teased, "then I am game."


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    We were supposed to start working on our group project. That was the whole point of being in this ssroom.


    And yet, as I sat on the edge of the desk, surrounded by open folders and half-scattered notes, all I could focus on was the hum beneath my skin.


    It didn¡¯t hurt.


    It didn¡¯t burn.


    But it vibrated¡ªsoft and constant like the beating of many hearts inside mine.


    Ash and Ace were chatting lightly beside me, pretending to organize the material, pretending that everything was back to normal. But I could feel them watching me¡ªeach nce like a brush of warmth against my cheek.


    I tried to smile. Tried to breathe and act like I was present. But I wasn¡¯t. Not entirely.


    Something inside me was... shifting.


    I kept ncing at their faces. Ace looked lighter, happier than I¡¯d seen him in weeks. Ash was smiling too, quiet and content, as if kissing me had centered something in him.


    So why did I feel so off?


    <i>"Valerie, you¡¯re glowing,"</i> Jade¡¯s voice rang in my head, practically squealing. <i>"Oh my Goddess, it finally happened. You felt it! You connected with them! With all of them!"</i>


    With <i>all</i> of them?


    I blinked, trying to process that.


    Not just Ace and Ash? Was it possible that this one moment¡ªthe kisses, the emotional shift¡ªhad triggered something deeper in the bond?


    "I..." I whispered under my breath.


    Ash looked up. "Hmm?"


    I shook my head quickly. "Nothing. Just thinking."


    But Jade wasn¡¯t letting up.


    <i>"That¡¯s why your heart feels so full it could burst. It¡¯s like you¡¯ve plugged in a missing piece of yourself. You¡¯re whole. You¡¯replete. You finally let them in."</i>


    I pressed my palm lightly to my chest, feeling my pulse thrum wildly beneath it.


    "Val?" Ace asked gently this time. "You good?"


    I looked at him and forced a little nod, but Ash was already standing and walking over to me. His eyes were too perceptive.


    "You¡¯re overwhelmed," he said, not as a question, but as a quiet truth.


    I swallowed hard, not trusting my voice. I nodded again.


    They exchanged a nce. I didn¡¯t hear their mind link, but I didn¡¯t need to. They knew.


    They always knew.


    Ace stepped forward and gently took the papers from my hands. "It¡¯s okay," he murmured. "We can work on the projectter. You need some time, Val."


    "I..." I tried to protest, but even I knew it would be half-hearted. "I don¡¯t want to seem ungrateful. That kiss¡ªthose moments¡ªmeant something to me."


    Ash brushed a thumb across my cheek. "We know. That¡¯s why we¡¯re giving you space."


    The lump in my throat nearly doubled in size. Gods, they were making it harder to walk away.


    I slid off the desk slowly, my legs feeling a little too wobbly forfort. As I reached the door, I turned around to thank them¡ªreally thank them¡ªbut before I could say a word, Ace strode over.


    He leaned in swiftly, caught me off guard, and pressed the sweetest, most yful kiss to my lips.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 248: Giving Friendship a Try

    <h4>Chapter 248: Giving Friendship a Try</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 248</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    It was quick¡ªbarely more than a whisper of skin against skin¡ªbut it made my heart stutter.


    Then he grinned.


    "Stealing one for the road."


    Iughed¡ªlight and honest. "You¡¯re insufferable."


    "And you love it," he called after me as I turned back toward the hallway, my hand pressing lightly to my lips.


    I did.


    Maybe I wasn¡¯t ready to say it aloud yet or to face the entire weight of what just happened but I felt something in me lift, like a weight I had no idea I was carrying.


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Emerald¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Luckily, Valerie¡¯s Day seemed to have been ruined with just ab punishment, but I was stuck with a betrothal I couldn¡¯t escape.


    I looked at her as she stepped out into the academy building. I had to say, deep down, I admired her, and yet I felt jealous.


    Jealous she wasn¡¯t burdened by family problems, nor was she forced to marry someone else, and instead she had her mates and guys vying for her love and attention.


    While I was stuck with him and not my mate.


    Valerie had six, six hot as fuck mates and the Moon Goddess couldn¡¯t be generous enough to find me mine and link us together.


    I knew I was supposed to give Rain a chance, but somehow, I had already guarded my heart against him, which wasn¡¯t fair to either of us, but I just...


    I did not like how he readily epted it. Did he want me, or was he just doing this for the connection?


    I was about to walk ahead when a thought crossed my mind.


    <i>"Are you any different?"</i>


    Tears rolled down my cheeks when that thought came. Why? Because I had not fought against it and finally epted my parents¡¯ wishes.


    What if he was bound by the same problems I was?


    By the time we were halfway across the west wing of the academy, I was already emotionally drained.


    I¡¯d smiled, I¡¯d introduced him to every ce worth noting, I¡¯d even tolerated the curious stares we got from students who knew exactly who I was¡ªand were now putting two and two together.


    Rain hadn¡¯t said much throughout the tour. He asked polite questions, nodded attentively, and walked beside me without pressing too far into my personal space.


    But I still felt cornered.


    No matter how gentle his tone or respectful his demeanour, every second reminded me of what this day represented¡ªan agreement, an arrangement, a decision that was made for me.


    We stopped just outside the greenhouse walkway. I was ready to give a short, polite goodbye, maybe offer him a textbook reference or something neutral but then he surprised me.


    "Am I suffocating you?" Rain asked softly.


    I blinked,pletely caught off guard by that honest question. "What?"


    I looked up at him, his voice remained calm, but there was a sincerity in his eyes that unnerved me.


    He did not look like anything. I never heard any bad reports from the research I did on him.


    He was clean through and through but I never thought I¡¯d be made to do this.


    "Em." I felt goosebumps run up my arms when he called my nickname softly.


    "I just... I¡¯m trying, okay."


    I released the deep breath I had no idea I was holding in.


    "I know you didn¡¯t choose this. And maybe you hate the idea of being stuck with someone you didn¡¯t ask for. But I¡¯m not here to force anything. I¡¯m just here, trying to understand you. If it feels like too much, just tell me."


    I stared at him, stunned.


    How could someone I barely knew already sense exactly what was wrong?


    I opened my mouth, then closed it again. I didn¡¯t have the words because I didn¡¯t hate him.


    I didn¡¯t even <i>dislike</i> him. I just didn¡¯t want to feel anything yet.


    And deep down, I was angry at myself for how easily I¡¯d stopped resisting.


    I exhaled shakily. "I don¡¯t know how to feel about any of this, Rain. And I don¡¯t think it¡¯s fair to you for me to pretend otherwise."


    He nodded in understanding. "Then don¡¯t pretend."


    "I shouldn¡¯t? But our parents..."


    "Those are our parents¡¯ wishes. I have mine and you have yours."


    I stuttered. "Y-you are opposed?"


    <sub>fre eweb\(n)ovel(.)co(m)</sub>


    "I won¡¯t lie," he gave me a cool smile, " but... at first, yes."


    I don¡¯t know why I felt a pang of disappointment when he said that rather than relief.


    Silence stretched between us. I turned away first, gripping the strap of my bag tighter.


    "However, when I met you, and the few hours I have spent in your presence, I could see a strong girl fighting to keep herposure even though things were hard. So yes, I am not entirely opposed to this but I do not want to impose myself on you, Emerald."


    "I¡¯ll... I¡¯ll try not to think too hard about any of this for now," I mumbled. "No expectations, no pretending."


    "Fair enough," Rain said with a small smile. "But, I will love the courtesy of being your friend?"


    My lips curled slightly. "I don¡¯t make friends that easily."


    Rain stretched his hand, his face now brightening. "I believe I have charmed you enough to make an exception. After all, that¡¯s my goal ofing here, getting to know you."


    I hesitated but finally took his hand. "That is not a yes, but let¡¯s not draw too much attention to ourselves."


    Then, just as I was about to walk off, he stepped forward, blocking my path.


    "I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, Emerald."


    And before I could react, he leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my cheek.


    It wasn¡¯t flirty. It wasn¡¯t forced.


    Just a quiet, thoughtful gesture that somehow shook me more than it should have.


    I didn¡¯t speak as I turned and walked away. My chest felt too tight, and I couldn¡¯t exin why.


    When I finally got back to the dorm, I sighed loudly, tossed my bag on the chair in the living room, and copsed face-first onto the couch.


    "Finally," I groaned into my pillow.


    That¡¯s when Astraea¡¯s voice rang from the other bed.


    "So..." she began with that teasing lilt she always used when she knew she was about to start drama, "Who¡¯s the new hottie you were roped with all day? The one who kissed you on the cheek?"


    I froze and my heart did an awkward somersault.

 Chapter 249: Teasing Roommates

    <h4>Chapter 249: Teasing Roommates</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 249</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    "What?" I mumbled into the couch as I groaned and sat up to look at her.


    "Oh, don¡¯t y dumb, girl. The tall one. ck shirt, silver streak in his hair, killer jawline. Looked like he just stepped out of a fantasy novel."


    Before I could say anything, I walked out from the kitchen with wide, wild eyes.


    "Wait. He kissed you?"


    I fell back and covered my face with a throw pillow.


    This was going to be a long night.


    "Oh,e on, give us some good gist," Astraea chimed, practically bouncing on the edge of her seat. "Emerald has finally gotten herself a lover. I almost thought you¡¯d graduate without finding one," Astraea said in one go.


    "Guys," I mumbled through the fabric, "can we not make this a thing?"


    "Oh, it¡¯s already a thing," I said, crossing her arms with a grin. "Especially if he kissed you <i>in </i>public. That means he¡¯s either bold... or serious."


    "Or both," Astraea added, nudging me with her foot.


    Just then, the door clicked open and Valerie stepped in, kicking off her shoes and looking more rxed than I¡¯d seen her in a while. But that didn¡¯tst long.


    "Oh hey, Val," I said with a sly smile. "Just in time. We were talking about Emerald and her mysterious new love interest."


    Valerie¡¯s brow lifted in interest as she set her bag down. "Oh? Who¡¯s the lucky guy?"


    I groaned again. "She¡¯s only interested because it takes the heat off her for once."


    Valerie blinked. "Hey! That¡¯s not true... okay, maybe a little."


    "You literally kissed your mates in the hallway," I said, not even bothering to sugarcoat it.


    Her eyes widened. "Wait... you saw that?"


    "Mates?" I gasped. "Hold on, hold on. Who and who? You¡¯re finally talking to them?"


    "Oh, she¡¯s doing more than talking, alright," I added with a smirk. "Trust me."


    Valerie¡¯s cheeks flushed immediately. "You guys are the worst."


    "Point of correction, missy," Astraea said dramatically, "we are the best. This is bonding, babes."


    The room was filled withughter and yful teasing, bouncing around like little sparks of magic. It felt... cosy, rxing, like a moment of peace that none of us knew we had been craving.


    Then, like wolves smelling blood, I narrowed her eyes at Astraea. "Alright, your turn, sunshine. What about your mate, or should I say, mates?"


    Astraea didn¡¯t flinch. In fact, she looked downright smug. "I haven¡¯t met my fated mate yet," she said casually, "but I am currently screwing with someone."


    "Someone?" I arched a brow. "Meaning... singr?"


    Astraea¡¯s grin stretched. "Well... two, actually."


    Silence filled the room.... I mean total silence.


    Valerie and I blinked at her in unison.


    "What?" I asked slowly.


    "Wait, a minute," Valerie echoed. "You¡¯re screwing with two guys or you¡¯re screwing two guys?"


    "Screwing with, screwing them, anyone," Astraea replied,pletely unbothered.


    "Do we know them?" I asked, her eyes wide and gleaming with anticipation.


    Astraea nced between us before speaking like it was the most casual thing in the world. "Well... yeah. One of them is Erik."


    Valerie choked. "What<i>?</i>"


    I sat up straighter, stunned. I let out a high-pitched squeal while I stared, waiting for Astraea tough and say she was kidding... but she didn¡¯t.


    "Oh my moon," I gasped. "Erik<i>?</i> As in Erik?"


    Astraea just smirked, eyes gleaming with mischief.


    Valerie stared at her like she¡¯d grown a second head. "Are you insane?"


    "I mean... probably," Astraea said with a wink. "But gods, he¡¯s so worth it."


    Valerie stared at Astraea, her brows drawn tight, clearly displeased. "You¡¯re serious about Erik?"


    Astraea just shrugged, still wearing that mischievous smirk like it was a badge of honour. "Serious? Nah. Erik knows we¡¯re not together in that sense. It was just... one of those nights."


    "One of those nights?" I asked, trying to make sense of what I had just heard.


    Astraea nodded, flicking a lock of hair over her shoulder. "We got a little drunk after a training showcase and, well... one thing led to another."


    Valerie still looked unconvinced. "And you¡¯re... okay with that?"


    "Val," Astraea said with a shortugh. "The guy¡¯s a nerd who can quote demonws from memory. I didn¡¯t expect him to be that good. But holy moon, he was. Plus, the way he worships my tits and pu..."


    "Okay!" I interrupted, covering her ears yfully. "That¡¯s enough details already. We get the point."


    Astraeaughed even louder. "I¡¯m just saying, don¡¯t knock it till you try it. Turns out I¡¯m a little kinkier than I thought, and he kind of brings that out of me."


    Valerie shook her head, but her lips curved upward. "Well... as long as you¡¯re both on the same page and not hurting anyone, I guess. Just be careful."


    "Always," Astraea said with a wink.


    A beat passed.


    I tilted my head at Valerie, my brows lifting in curiosity. "Wait... you haven¡¯t done anything with your mates?"


    I didn¡¯t miss the quick nce I shot Valerie¡¯s way. It was too brief to mean nothing. Still, Valerie answered in a calm and collected voice.


    "I¡¯ve made out with Dristan," she admitted. "But that¡¯s it."


    "Oh?" I teased. "Just kissing?"


    Valerie nodded firmly, but her cheeks hinted at more.


    I smiled lightly. "Well, I¡¯ve only been kissed, too. Not gone all the way yet."


    Then, like a synchronised cue, we all turned to I.


    She blinked. "Wait... me?"


    "Yes, you," Valerie said, her tone suddenly curious. "You¡¯ve been awfully quiet."


    I bit her lower lip, clearly debating what to say. "I just... don¡¯t want to share."


    That got all of our attention.


    My eyes narrowed slightly, and I noticed Valerie¡¯s gaze subtly sharpened too.


    "Spill, I," I said, trying to keep it casual but knowing something was up. "Who¡¯s your lover?"


    I¡¯s cheeks flushed deep crimson. "I don¡¯t have a lover," she mumbled.


    Liar.


    I didn¡¯t call her out, but I knew. So did Valerie, but surprisingly, she didn¡¯t press further.


    Instead, she just let it slide, and we all moved on, giggling and teasing and eventually drifting into other random topics like school drama, the hot fire magic professor, and whether or not Astraea had a secret stash of enchanted condoms.


    Eventually, theughter faded as we all stood, stretching and yawning.


    "Alright, I¡¯m crashing," I said, grabbing her water bottle.


    "Same," Astraea added, already untying her hair.


    We were all too tired to tease anyone further.


    But just as we were about to retreat to our rooms, all four of our phones buzzed at the same time.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


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 Chapter 250: Missing Val

    <h4>Chapter 250: Missing Val</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 250</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Ping!


    We paused, each of us staring at our screens. The message was short, stamped with the official academy seal:


    <strong>ACADEMY FIELD TRIP CONFIRMED. REPORT TO THE CENTRAL GATES AT 7 A.M., TWO DAYS FROM NOW. PACK ACCORDINGLY.</strong>


    A beat of silence passed.


    Then I groaned. "Ugh. So early."


    Astraea grinned. "Finally. I¡¯ve been dying to get out of this ce."


    "Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re not gonna pack three bags for a three-night trip," Valerie muttered, already mentally nning outfits.


    I just blinked. "Well, girls, time to prepare."


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Kai¡¯s POV~</strong>


    For days now, I¡¯ve been lonely¡ªmiserably so.


    I kept thinking about Valerie, night after night, hoping that she¡¯d finally give us a moment, a conversation¡ªhell, even a re would be better than this silence.


    Yes, we spoke, but still... I wanted it to be better like it used to be.


    She¡¯d been avoiding us. Avoiding <i>me</i>.


    And the worst part? I understood why.


    We¡¯d pushed maybe too hard, maybe not enough. I didn¡¯t even know anymore.


    I sat at the edge of my bed, half dressed, my hair damp from a rushed shower, when I heard the knock.


    It was soft as though it was almost unsure.


    I frowned. "What now..." I muttered under my breath, dragging myself to the door and already preparing a few curses for whoever dared to interrupt my spiral.


    I could guess it was Axel or Xade or even Dristan.


    He¡¯d been kicking things around the housetely since his fight with Valerie and her rejection. If he were the one, I¡¯d just groan and probably m the door in his face because we were all in the same shoe.


    I swung the door open and froze.


    Valerie stood there.


    Messy bun. No makeup. One hoodie sleeve was slightly slipping down her shoulder. Her bag slungzily on one arm like she¡¯d debateding for hours and finally given in.


    "Hey," she said quietly.


    I blinked. My brain needed a solid three seconds topute that she was really here.


    "...Valerie?"


    She nodded once, chewing the inside of her cheek. "Can Ie in?"


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    "Y-yeah, yeah. Of course." I stepped aside instantly. "Yeah. Get in here."


    She walked in with that calm, guarded aura of hers, her eyes flicking around the room like she hadn¡¯t been inside in forever.


    I closed the door behind her, heartbeat a steady thunder in my chest.


    Valerie stopped in the middle of the room, hands in the front pocket of her hoodie, and turned toward me.


    "I¡¯m sorry," she said before I could say anything. "For running today with you and Dristan. It wasn¡¯t about either of you."


    I tilted my head. "Then what was it about?"


    She looked down. "Everything. That day was... overwhelming. I got punished for something I didn¡¯t do, I was being weird, the Professors¡ª" she sighed. "I just... snapped. And I took it out by running."


    There was a pause.


    "You didn¡¯t owe us an exnation," I said softly, stepping closer. "But thank you for giving one."


    She nodded again. Then looked up. Her eyes locked on mine. "I didn¡¯t want to keep avoiding you."


    That was all I needed. The invisible wall between us cracked just enough.


    I reached out, brushing her hair back gently behind her ear. My fingers hovered at her jaw, tracing lightly down to her chin.


    Her breath hitched.


    "I missed you," I confessed. And it hurt so much just saying it, but I needed her to hear it from me. If there were some way I could prove to Valerie that I loved her so much, I would have without hesitation.


    "More than I know how to say."


    Valerie¡¯s lips quivered, like she wanted to say something but couldn¡¯t and as I leaned in, I waited a few seconds.


    Waited for her push, but she didn¡¯t move away.


    Instead, Valerie¡¯s eyes fluttered closed, lips parting ever so slightly, and I kissed her, slowly like trying to remember the lyrics to a song I hadn¡¯t heard in years.


    It wasn¡¯t our first kiss, nor our second, but this time felt different.


    Maybe because of the wait kissed me back, her fingers gripping the front of my shirt, pulling me in.


    The kiss deepened, grew hotter and more urgent.


    I slid one hand to the small of her back, the other cupping her cheek as I tilted her head gently. She opened up to me, her lips soft and eager, her tongue brushing mine with a low, hungry sigh.


    Gods, I¡¯d missed this. Missed <i>her</i>.


    Her hands slipped around my waist, resting at the small of my back like she didn¡¯t want to let go.


    I walked her backwards slowly until the back of her knees hit the edge of my bed.


    She sat, pulling me between her legs without a word.


    Our lips broke for a second, just enough for her to catch her breath and for me to stare down at her.


    Her cheeks were flushed. Her eyes were ssy, dazed.


    "I¡¯m not running," she whispered. "Not tonight at least."


    I leaned down again, pressing my forehead against hers. "Even if you run, Valerie, I won¡¯t let you."


    Then I kissed Valerie again¡ªdeeper this time.


    The kiss deepened¡ªhungry, reckless, like time had lost all meaning and the world outside these four walls no longer existed.


    Valerie tasted like fire and stubbornness, and gods, I¡¯d missed that taste.


    My hands weren¡¯t hesitant anymore. I gripped her waist tightly, fingers curling into her hoodie, anchoring myself to her like I needed her to stay or I¡¯de undone.


    Valerie arched into me, her body warm and pliant against mine. I felt her heart hammering through her chest, and it mirrored mine¡ªwild, uncertain, but aligned.


    I shouldn¡¯t have wanted this so badly, not after the days of silence or all the tension and space.


    But I did, and Valerie let me.


    Every hard edge of my body met every soft curve of hers, and I could barely think.


    Her shirt lifted slightly when my fingers brushed beneath it, the heat of her bare skin making me feel like I was walking a wire between restraint and pure need.


    I paused¡ªjust for a second¡ªmy eyes flicking to hers, giving her time to stop me.


    But she didn¡¯t; instead, she pulled me closer.


    "Like I said, no running."

 Chapter 251: Mates Meeting

    <h4>Chapter 251: Mates Meeting</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 251</strong>


    <strong>~Kai¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Valerie¡¯s lips parted again, and I kissed her throat, tracing slow, deliberate kisses down to that spot just under her jaw where her pulse fluttered like a secret begging to be kept.


    She gasped. Her fingers found my hair, tugging just enough to drive me crazy, threading through as though she needed me to stay there, just like that.


    "You don¡¯t know what you do to me," I murmured into her skin.


    Her voice was barely a breath. "I think I do. And I... I want it, Kai."


    Those words sent a tremor through me.


    I pulled back, just enough to meet her eyes, searching for hesitation and when I found none, I kissed her again¡ªdeeper, slower this time¡ªbutced with a promise I didn¡¯t know how to make with words.


    Our hands moved restlessly now, exploring, iming, learning.


    She slid her hands beneath my shirt, her fingertips gliding over the ridges of my abs and up toward my chest. When she brushed my nipples, I inhaled sharply through my nose and shuddered but kept my control.


    Thanks to some traumas in my past, it wasn¡¯t easy rushing out emotions and sensations from me most times.


    Her lips twitched into a knowing smirk. She broke the kiss, and in one swift move, tugged the hem of my shirt over my head and tossed it on the bed beside me.


    Her eyes traced down my chest slowly, reverently. I didn¡¯t say a word and just watched her.


    When her fingers brushed over my abs, something in me shuddered.


    Kaiser exhaled sharply as though she was touching his belly, feeling everything I felt in ways no one had ever taken us before.


    I forgot how to breathe, and so did he.


    "Val..." I warned you.


    But her eyes found mine again. "Stop talking, Kai, or else I¡¯ll run."


    That was my cue to stop hesitating. She was here, and she was mine.


    I hooked my hand under her shirt and pulled it off. My breath caught as I looked down at her,id out beneath me in her shorts and bra.


    I unsped the bra easily, and it joined the pile on the floor.


    My hands skimmed her waist, her ribs, and her breasts. She bit her lip, her eyes devouring me.


    When her gaze dipped lower, I raised an eyebrow. Without saying anything, she pulled my face down and kissed me again¡ªdeep, demanding, dizzying.


    Clothes slipped away in pieces¡ªmy boxers, her panties¡ªuntil all that was left was skin and breath and a thousand unsaid things.


    I kissed her everywhere. Her corbones. Her stomach. Her hips.


    And when I kissed her lower, she gasped¡ªher hips twitching slightly, breath catching in her throat.


    I looked up once, meeting her gaze. She nodded.


    That was all I needed.


    I moved between her legs to her core, where her clit glistened with her juices.


    I gave her a lick, then kissed her clit, slowly at first, then deeper, firmer. Her fingers clutched at the sheets, her legs parting more, and her body shuddered with each stroke of my tongue.


    "Fffuck..." she whispered.


    She was trembling now, soft sounds spilling from her mouth. Her hands tangled in my hair, keeping me there.


    And I didn¡¯t stop.


    ****************


    I woke up the next morning, groggily. My head ached like I had the worst hangover, but I never drunk any...


    I looked up, my eyes ncing at the wall clock in my room.


    It was 7:30 a.m. I groaned as I picked my phone from my nightstand. Just as I reached for it, snippets ofst night shed in my mind.


    Memories of me and Valerie kissing flooded my mind, her lips, her tongue tangling in mine, and her hot naked body pressed against mine.


    All of the memories of our wild night came flooding.


    I reached up to touch my lips as though I could still feel her lips pressed against mine, but just as I touched them, something else caught my attention.


    Where was Valerie, and why...


    I blinked, my shoulders slumping as the realization finally synced with my brain.


    "It was all a dream and nothing more," I said and chuckled.


    Just staring at my shorts was proof enough, and the empty bed, but somehow Kaiser just wanted it to be real.


    I exhaled, picked up my phone only to see a message from Dristan about five minutes ago.


    I sighed. It had actually been a little while since I got a message from him like this.


    It was after we all started getting involved with Valerie or before Dristan snuck a kiss on our mate.


    I exhaled and opened the message.


    <strong>Dristan</strong>: Let¡¯s meet in the second living room at 7:50 a.m. to discuss something important.


    <i>What does he want again now?</i>


    I literally groaned, but he was Dristan. He rarely gave thismand. Though no one made him the leader of us, arguably, he could be considered the deadliest.


    I stood up with my phone in hand and walked towards my door.


    As soon as I opened it and stepped out, I saw Axel and Xade walking towards the second living room as well.


    Xade looked like he had just finished at the gym, and Axel¡¯s hair was wet. He had probably finished his early morning run.


    "Morning," we all greeted each other and headed straight for the living room.


    As soon as we walked in, we met Dristan standing in front of therge 75-inch TV, with his right hand tucked inside his pocket while the other held his phone.


    "Right on time," he voiced but kept his back to us.


    "Why did you call us here?" I asked, shoving both hands into my pocket.


    "It had better be worth our time," Xade stated and came to stand beside me.


    Axel¡¯s shoulder rxed as he raked his hand through his hair. "Dristan, we¡¯ve got school to attend and a meeting with Whitmore at 8:30 a.m.; make it quick."


    Dristan exhaled and slowly turned towards us. "I called you here to talk about Valerie."


    I tensed but kept myposure. "What about her?"


    "Valerie, the mate bond and the... the dreams I¡¯ve been having. Something must be going on with the bond."


    "Wait...." Xade voiced. "Did you say dreams? I¡¯ve been having dreams of her too."


    I arched a brow. "Same," Axel voiced. "What type?"


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    Dristan looked confused as he finally dropped the bomb. "Wet dreams."


    As if on cue, all three turned towards me, and the look on their faces probably mirrored mine as I uttered. "M-me too."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 252: Make Her Ours

    <h4>Chapter 252: Make Her Ours</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 252</strong>


    <strong>~Kai¡¯s POV~</strong>


    We were all shocked to discover that we had all had wet dreams.


    We¡¯ve been known as the Alpha Kings¡¯ Heirs since we were born, and ever since we¡¯ve been friends, this kind of thing has never happened.


    "What exactly was your dream about?" Axel questioned sharply.


    I blinked. I wasn¡¯t prepared to be the first to do a kiss and tell, especially about Valerie. It felt wrong.


    "It¡¯s just a dream," Xade enunciated. "Don¡¯t worry, when you actually do make love to her, you won¡¯t need to kiss and tell."


    I smiled at his uracy. "It started with Valerieing into my room. I was surprised, but she had a reason to apologise for how she was with us yesterday."


    I gestured towards Dristan. He caught on quickly and gave a nod.


    "Then one thing led to another, we were kissing, things got heated, and well... that¡¯s the rest."


    "How did it end exactly?" Xade inquired before I could even breathe.


    "With me thrusting into her and seeing blood."


    "Her hymen," Dristan muttered.


    We all turned our attention at him. "It was the same for me."


    "Me too," Xade affirmed. "Though mine was an apology based on what happened that Friday for taking her to the party."


    "Mine was for when Ished out at her in the past, but she just wantedfort and away from all the drama," Axel exined.


    "It doesn¡¯t matter the reason; we all had simr dreams. That calls for concern."


    "What does this mean?" Axel asked the one question that had been swirling in our heads. He turned to face Dristan as though the answer was written on his forehead.


    "I don¡¯t know," Xade chipped, "but I think perhaps the mate bond had gone unconsummated for too long, and now it is messing with our heads."


    "It¡¯s not. It simply means it is time," Dristan concluded.


    "For us or for her? Because knowing Valerie, she wouldn¡¯t want us deciding for her, and none of us are in a perfect talking state with her."


    View the correct content at fr\eewe.bn(o)v\el.c(o)m


    "All except Xander," Dristan insinuated again. "I don¡¯t know what is going on, but I hope we won¡¯t be fighting another battle to be with her."


    "No. I believe our focus or worry should just be us and the Lycan twins," I responded.


    Suddenly, Dristan and I realized we were the ones talking mostly and turned to face the other two.


    Axel scratched the back of his head, his red hair tousled slightly. "I think we should talk to Valerie. See first if she is experiencing these dreams as we are."


    "We... She does," Dristan cut in, more sure. "Because when I touched her earlier on, the shock that was stered on her face and her overall reaction and the current I felt... she did. Valerie did."


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    I stepped closer to the others,ing into the centre.


    "Then it is settled, we tell her."


    The others nodded, but Dristan looked hesitant for a moment, as if he were contemting something, before finally speaking. "We will only tell her after the trip and see where things progress from there."


    "Sure."


    "Good," Axel and Xade chorused.


    "And quench these mild pheromones and heat she is feeling."


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~ </strong>


    Thankfully, training was cancelled that morning as Principal Whitmore had to meet with the heirs.


    And sses were further shortened till noon that day.


    After sses before lunch break, I stood up, picked up my bag, and left ss wanting nothing to do with another kind of chaos in my head, given that the dreams happened again, and this time it was with all my mates, and I was beginning to wonder if I was sex-crazed.


    And like the previous lunch break, I was required by Professor Andrew Glenton to clean theboratory.


    I exhaled, clutching my bag strap as I headed straight for theb.


    On my way, I spotted I in a ssroom with Professor Neil and two other junior students discussing a project.


    Immediately, the memory of that scene in theb reyed in my memory, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    I looked up at the very same time; she smiled, and I gave azy wave before walking off.


    I was d I saw me. Maybe that would prevent her from unknowingly having sex with someone in a ce that clearly wasn¡¯t as secure as she thought.


    It wasn¡¯t my business, of course. But still... Thest thing I needed was walking in on another erotic forest rendezvous or chemistry-ssroom-casual quickie.


    Slinging my bag higher on my shoulder, I made my way toward theb.


    The hallway was quiet. Most students had already scattered to the cafeteria or out into the courtyard since sses were cut short.


    A few juniors loitered near the vending machines, but otherwise, the corridor had that peaceful hush I¡¯d grown to appreciate¡ªlike the academy had taken a breath for once.


    When I reached theb, I pushed the door open and was instantly greeted with the familiar scent of ethanol, cleaning supplies, and faint burnt sugar¡ªresidual chemical traces fromst week¡¯s practical.


    No one was inside.


    Perfect.


    Professor Andrew Glenton had, as usual, left a checklist on the whiteboard by the sink. I sighed and got to work.


    I moved from station to station, cleaning up beakers, reorganising pipette trays, and wiping down counters. The repetitive nature of it actually helped.


    My mind, always busy and spinningtely with dreams and heat surges and overwhelming emotions... found stillness in this.


    Scrub. Rinse. Wipe. Stack.


    Everything was in neat rows. Everything was in ce.


    Unlike my life.


    Fifty minutester, I was done. I stood by the sink, rinsing out thest of the stained ssware, when my phone buzzed from where I¡¯d tucked it into the outer pocket of my bag.


    <i>Ping.</i>


    I dried my hands on a nearby cloth and reached for it, already expecting something mundane¡ªanother alert from the school, maybe a message from Astraea or I.


    Instead... I blinked.


    There, on the screen, sat a name I hadn¡¯t seen but missed dearly; it nearly unmoored me.


    <strong><i>Hey, beautiful... I¡¯ve been good. Fine, in fact, thanks to Mum¡¯s news. However, I miss you so much and wish I¡¯d spent my birthday with you.... Love, couz.</i></strong>

 Chapter 253: Put Her Above You

    <h4>Chapter 253: Put Her Above You</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 253</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    My thumb hovered over the message preview, my heart suddenly lodged in my throat. I swallowed hard and opened it.


    I froze.


    The silence of theb pressed in like a nket.


    <i>"Solstice," </i>I whispered her name aloud in my mind, then again under my breath like it could summon her.


    Correct content is on freew.ebnovel.c om.


    I clutched my phone tighter, my fingers curling around the device like it might disappear if I let go.


    Gods, I hadn¡¯t expected this now, today of all days. It felt like reliving it all again, all the pain of her leaving with Uncle Zade, seeing the betrayer with Dristan.


    I didn¡¯t want that. I didn¡¯t want to think about anything negative, yet that was all my brain was doing while my heart yed a different game.


    I sat down slowly on one of theb stools, the phone still glowing in my hand. My heartbeat was erratic; too many emotions were flooding in all at once.


    It wasn¡¯t just the text. It was the memories that reopened.


    Solstice and I were always more than cousins¡ªwe were best friends, soul sisters, confidants in a world where everything was uncertain. She was the person I confided in.


    <i>"At least you are safe?"</i> I muttered to myself.


    I swallowed down the lump rising in my throat.


    <i>"I miss you too,</i> I typed out. "<i>More than you know."</i>


    But I didn¡¯t hit send because in that moment, with her words still ringing in my ears and the warmth of her voice echoing in my memory, I wasn¡¯t sure what I wanted to say.


    Everything felt too fragile and yet too important.


    My thumb hovered over the message box, backspacing slowly.


    Before I could type anything else, my screen lit up again with another message.


    <strong>Solstice:</strong> I hope you¡¯re okay. I don¡¯t care what¡¯s happening around you. I just wanted you to know I¡¯ve always got your back.


    My throat tightened, and a shaky breath escaped me. There she was, still Solstice, even after everything.


    "Okay, Val get your shit together."


    My mind flickered to that night when I saw the Nightshade bandana. It only meant that Uncle Zade was right. They are hidden even in PSA.


    I just need to know how to join.


    I sighed, letting my shoulders slouch. Should I now join every group in PSA in hopes of hearing someone mention it, or what should I do?


    I raked my hand through my hair. I was confused and just too lost. Subconsciously, I reached uo to my neck to feel my ne, but even that was nowhere to be found.


    <i>This is a mess.</i>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>~Lucy¡¯s POV~</strong>


    It didn¡¯t take long for Kieran to find me behind the gym building where I spent the whole of lunch break in


    Ever since yesterday and the stunt we pulled on Valerie, I have minimised the time spent in his presence.


    Why?


    He had imed maybe Avery had done something, and he was going to find out. Knowing Avery, she may not rat us out, but our third teammate, I wasn¡¯t so sure.


    His jaw was tight. His eyes, stormy. I¡¯d seen him mad before¡ªbut never like this.


    "You got Valerie punished," he snapped the moment he reached me. "Because of you, and your worthless stunt."


    I didn¡¯t look at him. I kept my head lowered, clutching the hem of my sleeves, fighting the sting in my throat.


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    "You should have gotten worse than getting burned," he said, venom dripping from his tone. "You should be grateful that¡¯s all you got."


    A soft whimper left me before I could stop it at the remarks he gave. Unfortunately, that only made him angrier.


    He was in front of me in two strides. His hand grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking my head back so I had no choice but to look at him.


    "What? You think you matter that much?" he hissed. "That you can hurt Valerie and just walk away?" His eyes burned into mine. "You think I wouldn¡¯t notice the pathetic little n you and your useless friend pulled?"


    His breath was hot against my skin. His fingers dug in.


    "I want you to apologise to Valerie. Today<i>.</i>"


    My eyes widened. "What?" I breathed.


    He yanked even harder, straining my neck. "You heard me."


    A cold fury settled in my gut at what he was making me do when I wasn¡¯t the one who had tampered wth her solution. "No," I said through clenched teeth.


    Immediately, he lifted his hand, threatening, dangerous.


    "Do it," I said, my voice cracking. "Hit me. If that¡¯s what it takes to make you wake the hell up."


    Kieran¡¯s hand hovered midair, trembling slightly.


    "Because in case it slipped your mind, Kieran," I spat, "ever since that girl showed up, your life has revolved around her like she¡¯s the godsdamned sun. And we¡¯re all just standing in her light."


    His eyes shed blood-red, his teeth clenched tight¡ªbut I didn¡¯t flinch.


    "If hurting me will make you remember who you were before she showed up, then hit me. I¡¯ll take it. That¡¯s a small price for the boy I once knew."


    His hand slowly lowered. A strange silence passed between us. And just when I thought he was finally going to see my point, heughed.


    It wasn¡¯t a pleasant sound. It was hollow, cruel and maniacal.


    "You think you know anything about me?" he asked sharply. "You don¡¯t know shit."


    I stared at him, breathing hard.


    "I will chase Valerie until she falls to her knees and begs to be mine," he growled. "And I won¡¯t stop even at that. I will always put her above you. You better get used to it."


    With that, he shoved me back and walked away without another word ignoring where I had fallen butt first on the ground.


    I stayed there for some seconds with the soft sound of my uneven breath apanying me even as my limbs trembled.


    Suddenly, a slow p echoed from the door behind me.


    I stiffened and turned.


    Avery stood there, leaning against the frame, a wicked smirk ying on her lips.


    "How long were you standing there?" I demanded, trying to wipe the emotion off my face.


    "From the start," she said sweetly. "And darling? That performance was a chef¡¯s kiss."


    I red at her.


    She stepped forward, keeping her amused expression on. "Now do you see? That girl¡ªValerie Nightshade¡ªis the disease. And we?" She smiled. "We¡¯re the cure. It¡¯s time we take care of her... once and for all."

 Chapter 254: Talk To Him

    <h4>Chapter 254: Talk To Him</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 254</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The morning was quiet, the kind of quiet that lingered because of but no tension.


    I stood by the buses, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder as the first group began boarding.


    Everyone looked bright-eyed and excited¡ªlike this wasn¡¯t just a school trip, but a break from all the crap we¡¯d been drowning in for weeks.


    I wasn¡¯t so sure I could share their enthusiasm.


    My dreams hadn¡¯t stopped. If anything, they¡¯d grown more intense, more... vivid. And waking up every morning tangled in sheets and drenched in sweat with my heartbeat thundering behind my ribs was bing a painful ritual.


    The bus was already half-filled by the time I stepped inside. I nced around quickly, scanning for any seat that didn¡¯t reek of socialndmines.


    At the front, Astraea sat beside Eryx. They wereughing about something, and when Eryx spotted me, he gave me a casual wave.


    I smiled back, but it barely touched my eyes.


    Emerald and I were together too, seated by the windows, whispering about something I didn¡¯t bother to catch.


    My gaze nced to the side, just three seats away, where I and Emerald sat.


    With Astraea breaking our formation for a guy, I was stuck with myself. I couldn¡¯t me her; she was happy.


    I moved further into the bus.


    About halfway through, I caught sight of an empty seat behind Ash and Ace.


    Both of them were lounging like they owned the vehicle, legs stretched, heads leaned back, a constant undercurrent ofzy confidence in their posture.


    I paused.


    My first instinct was to keep going¡ªto take the seat at the back where Avery and Brielle sat, isted from the rest of the group.


    But the moment I looked in their direction and caught Avery¡¯s subtle smirk, I kicked the idea into the sun.


    Nope. Absolutely not.


    And then there was Kieran.


    He sat three rows down with Lucy beside him, her bag resting on herp.


    The moment our eyes met, Kieran shifted.


    Without a word, he shoved Lucy¡¯s bag aside like it was nothing more than a disposable paperweight and pped the seat next to him, patting it as if he were doing me a favour.


    My gaze flicked to Lucy.


    She didn¡¯t say anything at first, but the way her grip tightened on that ridiculous stic bag of snacks said more than enough. Her expression was nk, cold, and even.


    I looked at Kieran. Then back to Lucy.


    "I suggest you be grateful for the help you¡¯ve got," I said calmly, "and try being a decent werewolf, then maybe you¡¯d be respected more for your Alpha status."


    Her jaw tensed, but she said nothing.


    I turned to walk past them, and Kieran reached out, his hand brushing mine.


    My entire body reacted. A pulse of heat climbed my neck, but I yanked my hand back before the contact could deepen.


    And then I heard Lucy¡¯s mutter somethingced with venom. "I don¡¯t need your sympathy."


    I didn¡¯t dignify it with a response.


    Instead, I walked back toward the seat behind the Lycan twins, dropped into it, and let my bag take up the space beside me.


    I was done being nice to people who thought being cruel gave them power.


    Sliding my headphones over my ears, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my ylist, needing something¡ªanything¡ªto drown the noise.


    Just as I clicked to queue up <strong>Free</strong> by <strong>Huntrix</strong>, a shadow blocked the light.


    I looked up to see Xander.


    He had that lopsided smile on his face again, hands in his pockets like he wasn¡¯t fully sure what he was walking into.


    "Can I join you?" he asked.


    I blinked. Then I nodded slowly, pulling my bag aside.


    As he dropped beside me, I felt a new shadow, heavier, more familiar, fall over us both.


    I looked up again.


    Dristan.


    He stood in the aisle, his eyes locked on mine. There was something in his stare¡ªquiet, unreadable intensity. Like he¡¯de here with a purpose and forgotten it the second he saw me beside Xander.


    I gave him a small smile. One, he didn¡¯t return. He hesitated a moment longer, then turned and walked to the back of the bus where Xade sat.


    The knot in my stomach tightened. Left with no worries, I slumped against the window and finally hit y. Thankfully, Xander was kind enough not to disturb me.


    The music filled my ears like an escape hatch. My head leaned against the cool ss as the bus started to move.


    As soon as the bus lurched forward and the engine settled into a low hum, I felt a presence twist around in the seat ahead of me.


    Ace.


    He peeked over the headrest, giving me thatzy half-smirk. "You¡¯re not exactly subtle, you know."


    I blinked. "What?"


    "You keep sneaking nces at him," he said, eyes flicking toward the back. "Dristan. Talk to him, Val. You were... happier when things weren¡¯t so tense between you two. He deserves a second chance."


    Ash, beside him, turned too. "Can¡¯t believe I¡¯m saying this, but... yeah. You were less gloomy."


    I opened my mouth to argue but instinctively nced back¡ªand there he was.


    Dristan.


    Sitting alone near the rear window, hood half-drawn over his head, eyes fixed on nothing, that same heavy, silent expression carved into his face. To his side, Xade leaned against the other end of the bus.


    My chest tightened.


    Then Xander¡¯s voice came from beside me. "They¡¯re right."


    I sighed, fingers brushing over the seam of my jeans. "Fine," I muttered, almost to myself. "I¡¯ll talk to him... once we¡¯re settled in."


    Ash grinned, Ace hummed, and Xander leaned back like he¡¯d just scored peace in a war zone.


    "Don¡¯t just talk. It is time to reconnect lest you want to have the most boring senior year ever."


    I rolled my eyes at Ash. "Sure. Noted."


    I wasn¡¯t sure what scared me more: talking to Dristan again... or what I¡¯d say when I did or what I¡¯d do with the heat between the matebond getting worse.


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 Chapter 255: Settling In

    <h4>Chapter 255: Settling In</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 255</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The hours passed in a blur of roads and fading city lines. I must¡¯ve dozed off somewhere along the way, because by the time I opened my eyes again, the sun had dipped halfway across the sky.


    The air changed, and the engine slowed. The bus finally pulled to a stop.


    Outside the windows, the skyline was different from what I was used to in Starcity, new, expansive.


    Mountains in the distance, tall pine trees dotting the road, and a warm, golden glow falling across the pavement as we rolled into a cleaner, quieter ce.


    "Wee," a voice called from the front.


    It was <strong>Professor Winnie</strong>, our Biology teacher.


    She stood at the centre of the gathering crowd after we¡¯d all disembarked, clipboard in hand and a breezy energy that didn¡¯t match how much her heels were sinking into the earth.


    "Wee to <strong>Graymist Wilderness Reserve</strong>, nestled right here in the heart of <strong>Veradin City</strong>. You¡¯ll find your rooms inside this lovely hotel¡ª" she gestured to the sleek, ss-panelled building behind her. "We¡¯ll check in now, rest, and return in an hour sharp, at <strong>4 p.m.</strong>, for our orientation walk and dinner."


    Bags rustled, groans and chatter buzzed around me as everyone started moving toward the lobby.


    I followed the crowd inside with my headset partly still covering my ears, while walking side by side with Xander.


    The hotel lobby smelled likevender, all marble floors and chandelier lighting that looked like it belonged in a royal pce rather than a student trip amodation.


    "Damn," Astraea whispered beside me. "This ce screams money."


    Professor Winnie handed out key cards in groups, rattling off numbers while assistants pointed toward the elevators. "Four students per suite. Respect your space, don¡¯t trash the ce, and no¡ªabsolutely no¡ªroom swapping unless approved."


    Naturally, room swapping began the second she turned her back.


    I ended up in <strong>Room 704</strong> with I, Emerald, and Astraea. The suite was massive¡ªtwo king-sized beds separated by a golden curtain, with plush lounge chairs, a balcony overlooking a garden pool, and a walk-in bathroom that made me momentarily forget every ounce of academy stress.


    "Okay, this might be the only part of this trip I¡¯m excited for," Emerald said as she dove into the bed closest to the window.


    I rolled my suitcase to the corner beside the other bed and started unpacking.


    I and Astraea imed the second bed together while I shared with Emerald.


    Across the hall, the chaos was louder.


    "Kai, you snore like a bear!"


    "You liars... No worse than you hogging the covers, Axel."


    The boys had been crammed into Room 705. Kai, Axel, Dristan, and Ace¡ªuntil Ace noticed that Ash had been separated from him.


    "Oh hell no," Ash barked. "Not doing this trip without my idiot twin."


    Within minutes, Ace was swapping with Xade from Room 706, who simply shrugged and tossed his key to Ash without question.


    "Godspeed," Xade said with azy grin.


    That left Room 706 with Ash, Ace, Xander and Riven¡ªa dynamic I was sure would probably explode or form some chaotic alliance.


    As for Avery, Lucy, Brielle, and Titania, they were ced far enough down the hall to give me temporary peace of mind.


    While the case that had been with Kieran... I pity them all, but I bet Lucy would have some peace, though I couldn¡¯t trust her choice of friends either.


    With my things in ce, I grabbed my toiletry bag and headed into the shower.


    The water was hot, and for a few precious minutes, it washed away the stiffness in my shoulders. I let it run over my back but kept my shower cap on to prevent it from getting wet.


    My mind drifted to before I left the room that morning. I had forgotten to dye it with the dye Solstice bought for me while I was trying to find my ne. I tried sniffing the tracker I saw that evening but got nothing.


    By the time my mind came back from overthinking, it was already prettyte. I finished packing up and going to bed.


    It wasn¡¯t until I was about to leave for my trip that I recalled it and took it along with me.


    However, I wasn¡¯t expecting us to be four in a room. I had hoped for two people in the room and nned to do it at night, but then...


    I inhaled, breathing deep through thevender-scented steam.


    When I stepped out, wrapped in a robe with a towel resting on top of my hair, the suite had settled.


    Emerald lounged on the window seat with her tablet. Astraeay on her stomach, scrolling through her phone and humming. I was fluffing a pillow, her eyes flitting toward me.


    "Hey," she said, voice soft as she walked over to where I stood by the bed.


    I tilted my head. "Hey."


    I hesitated. "I... I know we¡¯ve been kind of distanttely. Everything¡¯s just been so much, sorry we couldn¡¯t sit down together in the bus."


    She winced slightly at his name.


    I pulled the towel from my hair and nodded. "It¡¯s okay."


    "No, I mean it," she insisted, stepping closer. "I feel like I¡¯ve barely been there for you. And you¡¯ve been dealing with... everything. I hate that we¡¯ve been so wrapped up in our own stuff."


    I smiled faintly. "It¡¯s alright, I. We¡¯re all surviving in our own ways."


    She sighed in relief. "Still, I¡¯ll make it up to you."


    "You can start by helping me figure out what the hell to wear for dinner and our stroll," I said, nudging her shoulder lightly.


    Her face lit up, and she turned toward the wardrobe with dramatic ir to where I ced my box. "Now that I can do."


    Astraea perked up from her spot. "Did someone say wardrobe crisis?"


    And just like that, the air shifted. There was less tension and more giggles.


    "Well, not a crisis," I drawled.


    "But you¡¯re either brain-dead or confused," Emerald chipped.


    "Are you sure you want to be stuck with me, or do you want to go and check in on your new crisis?"


    At once, her face heated up, and Emerald looked away. I and I burst outughing and it should have stayed so before Astraea turned the jokes on me.


    "While she has a crisis, I believe Valerie, you have a bigger bundle of male crises."


    Everyone turned their attention towards me and I felt like bolting when suddenly a knock sounded on the door, freezing all of us.


    "Valerie?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


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 Chapter 256: A Little Stroll

    <h4>Chapter 256: A Little Stroll</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    A knock echoed through our suite door. I wasn¡¯t expecting anyone, and neither were the others. I stood still, the towel snugly wrapped around me, hair damp, cheeks flushed from the heat of the shower.


    Then came the voice. Low. Deep. Familiar.


    "Valerie?"


    I froze as soon as my ear and wolf recognised that voice.


    Dristan.


    I spun toward the door like I¡¯d just been caught naked by fate herself¡ªtechnically, I was still mostly naked.


    I hesitated a second, then cautiously walked over to the suite door to open it just a crack.


    The second I peeked out, I regretted it.


    The second I saw him, I regretted every life decision that led to this exact moment.


    Dristan stood in the hallway, one hand shoved into his pocket, the other hanging casually at his side, his golden-blond hair tousled by the breeze that snuck in from the hallway¡¯s open window.


    But his expression? Anything but casual.


    His eyes scanned me from head to toe and slowly back up.


    His gaze moved down my body¡ªslow, like a warm tide¡ªand back up, lingering far longer than it should have.


    And gods, I felt it. The burn. The way his eyes devoured me without shame. It wasn¡¯t just a nce. It was... intentional and thorough.


    I swallowed hard.


    "Nice towel," he murmured, voice dropping an octave. It came out low and yful, but I heard the shift in his breathing. Saw the slight tension in his jaw.


    Heat rushed to my cheeks, exploding beneath my skin like a silent wildfire. I hadn¡¯t bothered with my towel because my mind wasn¡¯t paying attention to it, but to the visitor and what he wanted.


    And that was when my mind betrayed me.


    Just a few nights ago, we had been together. He had seen me half naked, suckled my nipples, yed with me... and then I... I dreamt of him¡ªof this guy¡ªhis mouth between my thighs, his breath scorching as he whispered how good I tasted.


    I remembered his tongue working me open, the sound of my name groaned against my skin, the way I woke up right before he¡ª


    <i>Stop. Stop it, Valerie!</i>


    But I couldn¡¯t. The image was too vivid, too raw and too real.


    Suddenly, my skin felt too exposed. My towel felt too thin, and his presence was too close.


    I cleared my throat. "Uh... what¡¯s up?"


    Dristan¡¯s lips twitched. "Can we take a walk?"


    "Now?" I asked, a little breathier than intended.


    He cocked his head slightly. "Yeah... I mean, after you put on actual clothes," he said, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Unless you¡¯re trying to distract me."


    As if for emphasis, his gaze flicked downward again, and I swore he smirked¡ªjust a little.


    I nearly mmed the door shut right then and there.


    Instead, I muttered something unintelligible and rolled my eyes. "Wait here."


    Then I vanished behind the door, pressing my back to it once it closed. I had turned so fast I nearly slipped on the tile.


    <i>Smooth, Valerie. Real smooth.</i>


    My heart was racing. My legs shook, and my thoughts? Entirely inappropriate for someone who didn¡¯t want to catch feelings again.


    My mind raced the whole time I tugged on my jeans and a cropped hoodie over my sports bra. That towel moment? Burn it into memory.


    I barely said anything to the girls as my wardrobe problem had been resolved. "See youter, girls."


    Ten minutester, I stepped out, bag over my shoulder, brushing damp strands of hair behind my ear. "Alright. Let¡¯s go."


    We left the suite and strolled out of the hotel¡¯s courtyard, where sunlight filteredzily through tall pine trees and flowerbeds that looked too perfectly arranged to be real.


    For a few minutes, we just walked in silence.


    "How have you been?" Dristan finally asked.


    I inhaled. "Busy. Tired. Confused. The usual."


    Drisyan nodded in understanding. "Val, aboutst week. I shouldn¡¯t have... I am sor..."


    I shook my head before he could finish. "Let¡¯s not. We¡¯ve both said and done a lot. I don¡¯t want to rey it."


    He studied me for a beat. "Okay. No past. Just right now?"


    "Exactly."


    A rxing silence settled between us. We strolled past a row of quaint mini-stalls¡ªlittle shops selling everything from handmade crystal rings to cookies the size of dinner tes.


    The smell of cinnamon drifted in the air.


    <i>Grrroowll.</i>


    My stomach betrayed me, and Dristan turned to me, one brow raised. "Hungry?"


    I shrugged. "Maybe a little."


    Heughed under his breath and pointed toward a food cart. "C¡¯mon. I¡¯m buying."


    We walked over and ordered a couple of skewered meat sticks and honey pastries. Dristan even grabbed a fizzy grape soda for me.


    He held out the bag of pastries like a peace offering. "No poison. Promise."


    I took it with a snort. "Thanks, suspicious stranger." And even with that joke, I felt less moody than I had beening here


    We wandered a bit more until we spotted it.


    A small park was tucked into the side of the square. It was quiet, empty. A couple of swings. One rusted slide.


    He looked at me, eyes glinting. "Wanna go?"


    "To the yground?"


    "You scared?" Dristan teased.


    I smirked, shaking my head. "Not in a million. Lead the way."


    We walked over and imed the swings, side by side. The chains creaked as we moved, first slowly, then higher, our legs kicking through the air like we were kids again.


    I leaned back slightly,ughing when my swing tilted forward too far.


    "You¡¯ve got bad form," he teased, pumping his legs.


    "Shut up," I giggled.


    For the first time in what felt like ages, I wasn¡¯t overthinking. Not about the mate bond or about my powers, my ne, or any chaos waiting back at the academy.


    Just this, just him.


    We swung for a while, shoulders brushing when our swings aligned.


    Then he stopped slowly, dragging his feet into the sand.


    When I followed suit, our eyes met¡ªand for a moment, time just... paused.


    Dristan leaned forward on his swing. "Val?"


    "Yeah?"


    "You ever think maybe... this is how it was always supposed to be?"


    My heart stuttered.


    "You mean... us?"


    He nodded once, and before I could say anything else, gave him a reasonable answer...


    <i>Ping!</i>


    My phone lit up in my pocket. Dristan¡¯s did too. We both groaned.


    At the same time, we pulled out our devices, and I saw her name atop my notification.


    <strong><i>Professor Winnie: Everyone...</i></strong>

 Chapter 257: Tour and Dinner

    <h4>Chapter 257: Tour and Dinner</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 257</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    PROFESSOR WINNIE: Everyone, return to the hotel¡¯s west entrance by 4 p.m. sharp. The orientation walk begins in 15 minutes.


    Dristan stood first, brushing sand off his jeans. "Saved by the ping."


    I chuckled, sliding my phone back in my hoodie. "Looks like the tour waits for no one."


    He held out a hand. "Come on. I¡¯ll walk you back."


    I took it as warm fingers curled around mine, and for a bit longer, I let them stay there.


    "Hey," Dristan added casually as we neared the edge of the courtyard, "Soren says hi, by the way."


    I blinked. Then, smiled.


    A small one at first, curling at the corner of my lips, then wider. "Really?"


    He nodded, his eyes flicking toward me. "Yeah. Said your wolf¡¯s got a mean growl but a beautiful aura."


    Iughed. "Typical Astra. She¡¯s not good at soft."


    "She doesn¡¯t need to be," he replied. "Soren likes her wild."


    That pulled another smile from me. For a moment, it felt like a version of us from before the drama¡ªbefore fate wrapped everything in knots.


    "You know," Dristan continued as we stepped out of the park and onto the main road, "I was thinking... we should go for a run. Just you and me for a little shift. No rules or voices. Just instinct and the wind."


    I stopped walking and turned slowly towards Dristan. He had that genuine smile on his face.


    "No."


    Drisan blinked, clearly caught off guard. "No?"


    "No," I repeated firmly, then walked past him without giving him a chance to follow up.


    Whatever that run might turn into... I wasn¡¯t ready for it yet nor was I about to let Astra answer for me.


    We strolled back toward the hotel just as the sun dipped lower into the hills, painting the sky in deep amber and violet.


    Dristan walked beside me, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other swinging just close enough that our fingers brushed every few steps.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say. I didn¡¯t need to say anything.


    As we rounded the corner and the grand steps of the hotel came into view, voices filtered down from the lobby entrance.


    The other students were already gathered in groups,ughing, joking, adjusting their outfits, or struggling to repack their travel backpacks.


    Emerald waved the second she saw me. "There you are!"


    I gave her a small smile. "We didn¡¯t get lost," I offered as Dristan and I made our way up the steps.


    "You both look flushed," Astraeamented, arching a brow.


    "We were... walking," I answered quickly.


    Dristan said nothing, only smirked.


    "Alright, everyone, let¡¯s move!" Professor Winnie¡¯s voice cut through the air like a bell. "Back into the bus. This tour isn¡¯t going to run itself!"


    Groans echoed around us, but one by one, the students filed in.


    The moment I stepped onto the bus, my heart thudded.


    I didn¡¯t hesitate this time. I slid into the same seat I¡¯d used earlier¡ªexcept now, I left the space beside me open.


    Dristan raised a brow as he stepped in behind me.


    "Well?" I asked, patting the seat lightly. "Gonna stand there looking awkward?"


    His grin was genuine. "I was waiting for the invitation."


    He dropped into the seat beside me just as the doors shut behind thest student.


    Our tour guide, a sharply dressed woman named Miss Auri with a mic clipped to her ear, stepped forward from the front of the bus.


    "Alright, lovely students of Prestige Supernatural Academy," she began with a polished smile. "Wee to the walking¡ªwell, rolling¡ªhistory of Veradin City. For the next hour, you¡¯ll see icondmarks, cultural sights, and more statues than you probably care to count. Stay seated, keep your voices low, and listen for cues when we exit the buster."


    A few students pped, mostly in an ironic manner.


    The bus pulled out onto the cobblestone roads, and the tour began.


    Miss Auri pointed out ancient stone watchtowers, the white-domed halls of the Sorcery Council, and murals that stretched entire blocks depicting great battles and moments of peace.


    "You know," Dristan leaned closer and whispered in my ear, "I never thought I¡¯d enjoy a field trip this much."


    I smiled without looking at him. "That¡¯s because you¡¯re sitting beside me."


    "Oh? So you admit I¡¯m the highlight?"


    "I admit nothing," I said, but the grin on my face betrayed me.


    We passed a marketce, bright with string lights and stalls full of trinkets. The smell of roasted almonds drifted in through the window.


    "Okay, I might need to sneak outter and buy those," I whispered.


    Dristan chuckled. "Done. You point, I pay."


    "You know, for a guy who used to threaten to throw people across rooms, you¡¯re surprisingly charming."


    He turned his head slightly toward me, his voice softer now. "Maybe that¡¯s because you¡¯re the only person who ever saw more in me than the title."


    My breath caught. I looked away, suddenly fascinated by the sidewalk.


    The bus kept rolling.


    Thirty minutester, the sun was nearly gone, reced by golden streetlights and the first hints of evening chill.


    "Final stop before dinner," Miss Auri announced. "A quick pause outside the Hall of ss¡ªa restored structure once used by the First Sorceress Assembly. You have ten minutes."


    We all lined up for photos, stretching our limbs and posing in front of the ornate ss building.


    I stood slightly off to the side, taking in the way light reflected across the transparent domes, when Dristan came to stand beside me again.


    "You good?" he asked.


    "Surprisingly, yes."


    He smiled down at me. "d I asked?"


    "Yes. Even though you caught me in a towel."


    "Best moment of the trip for now, hands down."


    I elbowed him lightly.


    Back on the bus, the air had shifted¡ªlighter, more yful. A few of the guys were teasing Erik for mistaking the ss museum gift shop for a restroom.


    Then, finally, dinner.


    The restaurant was built into the side of a hill, with a panoramic ss wall that overlooked the glowing Veradin skyline.


    Tables had already been reserved, and soon everyone was seated in small clusters.


    Emerald, Astraea, I and I grabbed a corner booth. Dristan ended up directly across from me, seated between Kai, Xade and Axel.


    He met my eyes once during the meal. Held it and didn¡¯t look away.


    It wasn¡¯t until dessert arrived¡ªstrawberry panna cotta, soft and smooth¡ªand I identally dropped my spoon.


    "You¡¯re distracted," I whispered, nudging me.


    "Shut up," I muttered, feeling my cheeks heat up as I smirked in return.


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 Chapter 258: Sextexting-Dinner

    <h4>Chapter 258: Sextexting-Dinner</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 258</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    By the time dessert tes had been cleared, a new wave of energy had spread across the group.


    With full stomachs and flushed cheeks, the students were in the mood for more than just sightseeing.


    Professor Winnie pped her hands once. "Alright, who¡¯s brave enough for karaoke?"


    Cheers erupted.


    "Let¡¯s set up near the lounge," someone shouted, and the students scrambled to im couches and beanbags around the portable speaker and mic stand.


    Within minutes, a karaoke app wasunched, and the chaos began: off-key renditions of ssic bads, synchronised dance moves, and way too much confidence.


    I stayed near the back, her arms folded as she watched with an amused smirk.


    "That should¡¯ve been you," she said and typed when a student cracked a note high enough to startle a nearby server, and she hit send.


    She nced down at her screen to see the typing icon moving. With her earpod fixed in ce, she was on a voice call with Professor Neil while chatting with him to avoid too many suspicions.


    <strong>Neil</strong>: Trust me, I wish it were.


    <strong>I</strong>: I wish you hade on the trip.


    Neil: I wanted toe on the trip ,but things didn¡¯t exactly go ording to n.


    Her brow creased as she heaved a deep sigh and typed.


    <strong>I</strong>: Let me guess. Kieran.


    I could almost swear she saw him exhale when he typed ¡¯<i>sigh¡¯</i>.


    <strong>Neil</strong>: He had a hand in it. I was supposed to be in your assistant coach group. Got reassignedst minute.


    I¡¯s jaw tightened as her eyes scanned the room, searching.


    <strong>I</strong>: Unbelievable. He¡¯s still trying to twist the board like it¡¯s his chess game.


    She spotted Kieran by the bar,ughing with a group of students, utterly at ease.


    Her re was instant.


    Her phone vibrated against her palm, Neil¡¯s voice stilling through her earpod.


    <strong>Neil (voice):</strong> "I. Don¡¯t."


    I¡¯s fingers flew across the screen as her jaw clenched.


    <strong>ISLA:</strong><i>Toote.</i>


    <strong>Neil (voice):</strong> "Don¡¯t cause a scene. He wants that."


    <strong>I:</strong><i>I don¡¯t care what he wants.</i>


    There was a pause. His voice dropped.


    <strong>Neil (voice):</strong> "Then care what I want."


    She paused, lips tightening as the mic passed to another student. Moreughter. More distractions. Her hand hovered near her phone.


    <strong>Neil (voice):</strong> "Let it go... for now. I¡¯ll text you instead. You know... the kind you like."


    I arched a brow, intrigued.


    <strong>I:</strong><i>Really?</i>


    <strong>Neil (voice):</strong> "Keep your eyes off Kieran, and I¡¯ll keep your screen very, very busy."


    Her mouth twitched at the edge. She sighed, dragging her gaze away from the bar.


    <strong>I (voice):</strong> "You better make it worth it."


    <strong>Neil (voice):</strong> "Oh, I will."


    At that moment, a group of students erupted into a horribly off-tune version of a pop anthem. The sound was enough to make her wince.


    She tapped the earbud and ended the call.


    <strong>I:</strong> You¡¯re gonna have to stick to chat. The singing¡¯s too distracting.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> That¡¯s fine. Sexting it is.


    Her screen lit again almost immediately.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> Thinking about how you¡¯d sound more breathless than that singer if you were in myp right now...


    I bit her lip.


    <strong>I:</strong> You¡¯re lucky this ce is loud.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> Or I¡¯d have you moaning my name already.


    <strong>I:</strong> You¡¯re evil.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> You like it.


    She nced up, cheeks pink, smile wicked. And gods, she really did.


    Another student got up to sing¡ªthis time a dramatic bad that involved way too much arm waving and not enough pitch control.


    Most of the lounge was cackling or singing along badly on purpose. I, however, was still fixed on her screen.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> If we were alone right now... I¡¯d have your legs over my shoulders.


    She inhaled sharply, grateful for the chaos around her. No one was watching her¡ªnot closely.


    <strong>I:</strong> You¡¯d be kissing the hell out of me first. That¡¯s the rule.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> I¡¯d start slow. Mouth on your throat. Your corbone. Then lower.


    She shifted in her seat, trying to y it cool as Emerald leaned over from another couch to scream-sing the chorus of the song with I¡¯s name in it. She waved her off with a forced grin.


    <strong>I:</strong> This is cruel. I¡¯m surrounded by bad singing and worse lighting.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> I¡¯d make the lights flicker with how hard you¡¯d be shaking.


    I¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    <strong>I:</strong> Oh my gods.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> I want to pull your hair and make you whisper my name like it¡¯s sacred.


    She tightened her grip on her phone.


    <strong>I:</strong> You¡¯re going to be the death of me, you know that?


    <strong>Neil:</strong> dly. And I¡¯ll make it slow.


    Laughter erupted from the front of the room as a student finished their wild solo with a dramatic mic drop.


    I took a shaky breath, fanning herself subtly with her hand.


    <strong>I:</strong> You¡¯re officially not allowed to teach physics anymore.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> Why?


    <strong>I:</strong> Because clearly, you specialize in chemistry.


    <strong>Neil:</strong> Then let me conduct an experiment on you.


    She bit back a grin, cheeks flushed.


    <strong>I:</strong> What kind of experiment?


    <strong>Neil:</strong> The kind where I test how many times I can make you scream my name in one night.


    Her breath caught.


    I slid her phone under the fold of her hoodie and stared ahead, lips twitching, pulse racing.


    Somewhere behind the off-key notes andughter, Neil¡¯s messages kepting. And every single one left her warm, distracted, and aching for the trip to end¡ªso something else could begin.


    I shifted again on the chair, pressing her knees tighter together beneath the fold of her hoodie. The messages weren¡¯t just getting bolder¡ªthey were getting to her.


    Every line from Neil set off sparks in her blood, a slow-burning ache that pulsed deeper with each word.


    Her phone buzzed again.


    <strong>Neil:</strong><i>I¡¯d have you on your knees. Right now. Hands on my thighs. Lips warm and full around my cock.</i>


    I exhaled shakily, her thighs instinctively clenching as a hot pulse throbbed between them.


    <strong>I:</strong><i>Neil...</i>


    <strong>NEIL:</strong><i>I¡¯d grip your hair gently at first. Guide you. Let you hear every sound you pull from me.</i>


    She squeezed her legs together more tightly, grateful no one was paying attention to her.


    The air in the lounge felt too warm suddenly, like her skin didn¡¯t fit right. Her core throbbed, each word making it worse¡ªno, better. She couldn¡¯t decide.


    <strong>ISLA:</strong><i>You¡¯re going to make me leave this room.</i>


    <strong>NEIL:</strong><i>Don¡¯t. Stay. Be good. Suffer for me a little.</i>

 Chapter 259: Teasing Me

    <h4>Chapter 259: Teasing Me</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 259</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I almost whimpered aloud.


    <strong>ISLA:</strong><i>You like teasing me?</i>


    <strong>NEIL:</strong><i>I like imagining how soaked you are right now. How badly you want my hands between your thighs instead of yours.</i>


    Her fingers curled around her phone tightly, her hips subtly rocking forward in her seat before she caught herself.


    She wanted to press her palm between her legs so badly. Just a little pressure. Just enough to take the edge off. But she couldn¡¯t¡ªnot here. Not while people were singing badly and dancing around her.


    But damn if Neil wasn¡¯t winning.


    <strong>ISLA:</strong><i>I hate you.</i>


    <strong>NEIL:</strong><i>No, you don¡¯t. You¡¯re dripping for me. Admit it.</i>


    She shut her eyes for a second, biting the inside of her cheek.


    <strong>ISLA:</strong><i>Fine. I¡¯m wet. Throbbing. And I wish you were here.</i>


    There was a pause¡ªa dangerous one.


    <strong>NEIL:</strong><i>Then let¡¯s y a game.</i>


    Her heart thudded.


    <strong>ISLA:</strong><i>What kind of game?</i>


    <strong>NEIL:</strong><i>I¡¯ll send you a voice note. You have to keep a straight face when you hear it.</i>


    I stared at her screen as though it could produce a nude version of her professor to help relieve her.


    <strong>ISLA:</strong><i>Neil...</i>


    <strong>NEIL:</strong><i>Check your inbox. Now.</i>


    Her fingers trembled as she tapped the message icon. And there it was¡ªone unread voice message. With a deep breath, she pressed y.


    Neil¡¯s voice came low, dark, velvet-smooth and ruinous.


    "I... I¡¯d bury my face between your thighs and taste how much you¡¯ve missed me. I wouldn¡¯t stop until your hands were in my hair and you screamed."


    She swallowed a sharp gasp, her spine going rigid as her body flushed with heat.


    She barely managed to hit pause before the second part yed.


    Students around her keptughing, shouting, and singing off-key.


    I sat perfectly still. Quiet. But inside, she was wrecked, and Neil knew it.


    <strong>Neil: </strong>Now, go to the bathroom for me, honey, and relieve yourself, imagining I am the one.


    <strong>I: </strong>You¡¯re wicked.


    *****************


    Meanwhile, from across the room, Emerald excused herself from the booth, stepping out for some air.


    The ss doors to the garden were open, the soft perfume of moon-kissed roses wafting in.


    "Emerald," a voice called gently behind her.


    She turned to find Rain approaching, his hands tucked in his pockets, his posture easy. "Care for a walk?"


    Her lips curved. "Sure."


    He offered his hand, and after a beat, she took it.


    The garden was illuminated by string lights strung along trellises. Blossoms glowed faintly under the spelllight woven into the soil. Crickets chirped in the quiet corners of the hedges, and the air wasfortably cool.


    "It¡¯s peaceful out here," Rain said, slowing near a bed of silver-ss lilies.


    "It is," she agreed, brushing her fingers over a petal. "Better than the singing."


    "I¡¯ve never seen you nervous," he said after a quiet moment. "But you seem... thoughtful tonight."


    Emerald nced at him. "I¡¯m not nervous."


    "No?"


    She shook her head, her voice soft. "Just... tuned in."


    Rain smiled. "Tuned in to what?"


    "To you. To this. The air feels different out here. Like the world¡¯s holding its breath."


    He watched her, noting the way the moonlight yed off her eyes, bright, otherworldly. "You talk like someone who knows how to listen."


    "I do," Emerald replied, brushing a fingertip across the top of a glowing petal. "Most people only speak to hear themselves. But you? You¡¯ve been quiet this whole trip. Watching."


    "Watching you," he said gently.


    She looked up, startled for a moment.


    "I notice the way you carry yourself," he went on. "Like you¡¯re always braced for something... but also soft, like you know how to ease tension out of a room just by walking into it."


    Emerald¡¯s throat bobbed as she swallowed. "That¡¯s a very... specific observation."


    He smiled, warmth spilling into his eyes. "I told you¡ªI¡¯ve been watching."


    "Rain," Emerald said quietly, "why are you really out here with me?"


    He took a step closer, slowly and unsure. "Because I want to know what it feels like to be close to you."


    Emerald¡¯s breath hitched. "Why?"


    She searched his eyes for the answer as Rain reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.


    "Because something about you pulls me in. You don¡¯t chase the spotlight. But you have a gravity to you. Like if I stood here long enough, I¡¯d fall."


    Emerald¡¯s pulse fluttered. "You¡¯re not worried I¡¯ll bite?"


    "I¡¯d take the risk."


    Sheughed softly. "You say that now..."


    "I mean it," Rain murmured. "I want to know how your lips taste when you¡¯re smiling."


    Instinctively, her eyes dropped to his mouth, then back up. "Then you¡¯d better find out," Emerald dared.


    "I thought you¡¯d never ask."


    He leaned in slowly, giving her space to pull back but Emerald didn¡¯t.


    Taking that as his cue, Rain closed his eyes as his lips touched hers carefully and tenderly.


    Slowly, his hand slid to the curve of her waist, drawing her slightly closer. Her fingers found the edge of his jacket, holding it lightly.


    The kiss deepened. Emerald tasted warm and wild, and he kissed her like he¡¯d been waiting the whole trip for this moment.


    When they pulled apart, Emerald¡¯s lips were parted, breath uneven, chest rising and fallingly as she blinked slowly like teh man standing before her wasn¡¯t who she saw.


    "That was..." she began.


    "Nice?" he finished for her.


    "Better than nice."


    He brushed a knuckle across her jaw. "Good. Because I n to do that again."


    ***************


    Back inside, Astraea had excused herself to the balcony and pulled Erik in tow.


    After their dinner, everyone had dispersed and thankfully, their female Professor wasn¡¯t one of the prudish types.


    They leaned on the railing, watching the grand fountain below as water twisted through glowing spiral arcs.


    "You see how the upper channel breaks into four? That¡¯s pressure modtion," Erik exined, pointing. "They use magic to mimic hydraulic diffusers."


    Astraea barely heard him.


    "Fascinating," she said, but her eyes weren¡¯t on the water. They were on him.


    Before he couldunch into another exnation, she dropped to her knees and unfastened his belt.


    Erik¡¯s eyes went wide as he snapped his head from side to side, ncing around and making sure no one was in the area.


    "Astraea... wait, what are you..."


    She nced up at him, smirking. "Less talking."


    Erik¡¯s sentence caught mid-breath as her mouth wrapped around him. His hands gripped the railing tightly, knuckles turning white as Astraea took his full length in.


    "Fuck."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 260: Reserve

    <h4>Chapter 260: Reserve</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 260</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Erik shut his eyes, inhaling deeply as Astraea worked him over with maddening control.


    The cool night air hit his flushed skin, contrasting with the heat building inside him. Every breath came out strained, every muscle taut beneath her touch.


    His voice was low, wrecked. "You¡¯re... damn it, Astraea... naughty."


    She nced up at him through thickshes, her smile positively wicked. Then she drew back just enough to speak.


    "I can do more naughty things," she whispered, her lips brushing against his skin before she sank onto him again.


    Erik gripped the railing harder, his knees just barely holding steady. Magic red in his veins, unintentional, wild. The light fixtures nearby flickered once, responding to the storm she was stirring in him.


    "Astraea..." he groaned, teeth clenched. "This isn¡¯t fair. You know what you¡¯re doing to me."


    She hummed in response, and vibration alone nearly unravelled him.


    Every instinct within him warred between hauling her up into his arms and begging her to keep going. But she maintained a slow pace, so steady that it made it hard for him to focus, causing his thoughts to blur into a state of confusion.


    When she finally pulled away, she wiped the corner of her mouth with her thumb, graceful andposed as if she hadn¡¯t just reduced him to a mess.


    Then, she rose smoothly to her feet.


    Erik stared at her,pletely breathless, his heart hammering in his chest, still reeling and utterly undone.


    "I... I-what the hell? How do I even talk to you after that?" he rasped.


    She leaned in close, lips grazing the shell of his ear. "Simple," she whispered. "You don¡¯t. You take me to your room."


    Erik blinked. "Astraea..."


    "Don¡¯t think," she cut him off, her fingers curling around his with purpose. "You¡¯ve done enough of that tonight. Now you¡¯re going to feel."


    And with that, she turned and tugged him after her, leaving behind the echo of running water and a stunned trail of magic in their wake.


    Below, no one noticed. Above, stars blinked, and the water kept flowing.


    He would never look at fountains the same way again.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The next morning arrived in a blur of backpacks slung over shoulders, half-muttered yawns, andst-minute water bottle refills as students crowded near the waiting bus.


    The morning chill hadn¡¯t quite lifted, and most students hugged their jackets tighter as they stood facing the wrought-iron gates of <strong>Graymist Wilderness Reserve</strong>, nestled right in the heart of Veradin City.


    It was breathtaking.


    The forest beyond looked like it belonged in another world: thick, endless woods with trees that rose like giants into the sky, their massive trunks casting wide, dappled shadows across the gravel path.


    Soft mist curled around the foliage, and for a second, everything looked like something out of a mythical painting.


    We were ushered through the main building first¡ªan open gallery filled with educational disys, holographic fauna projections, and wall-to-wall cases of rare herb specimens.


    After a brief orientation, we stepped back outside into the wild.


    The real wild.


    The kind that smelled like damp moss, ancient bark, and long-forgotten rain.


    Professor Winnie stood at the front of the group, armed with her ever-present digital clipboard. Her sharp, as ever, eyes swept across the students.


    "This part of the reserve," she began, "is the protected hearnd of the Graymist Forest. Everything beyond this marker is under the Ministry¡¯s jurisdiction. You will treat it with respect."


    She gestured for us to follow and began walking down a narrow, winding trail, nked on both sides by softly glowing enchanted barriers.


    With every few steps, she paused to point out something.


    "This," she said, indicating a curling flower with translucent petals, "is Lunaria Crysta. One of the only night-blooming flowers that reacts to heat instead of light."


    We leaned in as she moved forward.


    "And here," she continued, gesturing toward a twisted vine snaking up a tree trunk, "is Serpentroot. Poisonous to fae. Harmless to shifters. Memorise it."


    We ventured further into the shady clearing, and the air felt more humid and heavy around us. We could hear a mix of wildlife: birds singing, leaves rustling, and asionally, the faint sound of water sshing nearby, likely from a stream we hadn¡¯t spotted yet.


    Professor Winnie stopped again near a patch of vivid blue-tinted leaves. "This," she said, "is Verdelle Moss. Who can tell me why this is important?"


    Silence fell like a thick nket. No one answered.


    Except me.


    Without looking up from the moss, I said tly, "Verdelle Moss contains regenerative properties when boiled with Silverthorn bark. But it can also induce sleep paralysis in high doses. You said this was one of the exam terrain species for Alpha Forge finals."


    Professor Winnie turned, her expression shifting slightly, just enough to register approval.


    "Correct, Miss Nightshade. Very good."


    She faced the rest of the group, her tone turning sharper. "Pay attention. These aren¡¯t decorative garden herbs. Every final-year student will face simted wilderness conditions during Alpha Forge assessments. Survival will depend on your memory and your instincts."


    There was a shuffle of feet. Someone coughed, someone else sighed audibly.


    Beside me, Emerald leaned in and whispered. "Were we supposed to be paying attention that hard?"


    "I blinked once and missed the entirest section," Astraea muttered, rubbing her temples.


    "I thought we were still in the part with the purple stems," I whispered.


    I just smirked and shook my head slightly.


    Professor Winnie resumed walking. As the rest of the group followed, someone brushed past my shoulder, too deliberately to be idental.


    "Smart ass," a low voice murmured beside me.


    I nced sideways.


    Xade.


    He moved ahead with a slight smirk, eyes fixed forward, not even sparing me a second nce. But I could feel his amusement in the air around him.


    I rolled my eyes, and a smile tugged at the corner of my mouth despite myself.


    <i>Smart ass</i>. Right.


    Solstice gave a soft huff in my head. <i>"You were showing off."</i>


    <i>"Was not."</i>


    <i>"Were too."</i>


    I sighed internally.


    The truth? I used to zone out during my uncle¡¯s herbalism lectures all the time. But somewhere along the line, something shifted.


    I learned¡ªSolstice and I both¡ªhow to divide our attention, how to watch everything without losing the thread.


    It was survival. And habits formed under pressure? Yeah, they didn¡¯t fade so easily.

 Chapter 261: Rare Species

    <h4>Chapter 261: Rare Species</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 261</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "Alright, students," Professor Winnie pped her hands, the sharp sound cutting through the low morning chatter. "Time for today¡¯s group assignment."


    Groans echoed from every corner of the clearing. No one liked being split into groups. Especially not when it meant traipsing through the wilderness.


    "You¡¯ll be divided into five groups. Each will collect five rare nt specimens. You¡¯ll find them growing naturally within this zone."


    She tapped the hologram map hovering in front of her. "Your list: <i>Crimson Veil</i>, <i>Fae Lantern Root</i>, <i>Moonshade Petals</i>, <i>Grim Ivy</i>, and <i>Starcap Mushrooms</i>. I suggest you review your notes before stepping into the collection zones. Some of these are poisonous if handled incorrectly."


    The students began shuffling into their assigned teams as she called names from a digital tablet.


    "Group One: Kai, Dristan, I..."


    I blinked, waiting.


    "Group Two: Valerie Nightshade, Axel Grayborne, Xade Dravien, Emerald Thorn, Astraea Lune, Rain Eastwood, Nn Crest..."


    Axel and Xade?


    I barely had time to process before Astraea gasped dramatically beside me. "We¡¯re with both your Alpha hounds," she whispered with a mischievous glint in her eyes.


    Emerald leaned over with a teasing smirk. "This trip just got fun."


    "I regret all my life choices," I muttered under my breath.


    "I¡¯m getting a vision," Emerald whispered dramatically. "One of shameless flirting and hot tension."


    I rolled my eyes. "Stop."


    Axel met my gaze with that usualzy smirk. "Fate¡¯s ying favourites again."


    Xade raised a brow. "Or maybe she¡¯s just tired of watching us tiptoe around each other. Either way, you should be honoured."


    "Should I?" I raised an eyebrow at him, and he smirked.


    Professor Winnie waved us toward the left path. "Stay within your boundaries. Collect carefully, no shortcuts, no cutting the roots wrong. I¡¯ll know. We all meet here in 3 hours."


    Axel gave a nod, adjusting his gloves. "Let¡¯s make this efficient. I¡¯d rather not be in the woods longer than needed."


    With that, we set off.


    The forest was just starting to wake up. Sunlight filtered through the trees in soft beams, and the air smelled fresh, with the scent of damp soil and leaves.


    We moved deeper into the woods, where the colourful trail markers began to disappear. Before long, the sounds of nature surrounded us: birds calling, leaves rustling above, and the faint bubbling of a stream we couldn¡¯t see.


    Professor Winnie had warned us that this zone was untouched, unpredictable.


    "What exactly does Crimson Veil look like again?" Emerald asked, flipping through her scanpad.


    "Blood-red leaves grow low to the ground, usually at the base of Silverwillow trees," I answered, already scanning our surroundings.


    "Look who came prepared," Xade muttered behind me.


    "Comes with the territory of being a ¡¯smart ass,¡¯ remember?" I shot back.


    Axel chuckled. "She¡¯s got you there."


    We split into sub-pairs to cover more ground, each person within calling range. I kept walking ahead when a flicker of movement near a fallen log made me pause.


    My eyes narrowed.


    There was something wrong with the air.


    "Guys?" I called, but it was toote.


    Something whipped out from the underbrush. It was fast, green, and coiled like a snake. My heart skipped a beat as I noticed what it was... a carnivorous vine. It was moving quickly and aiming straight at me.


    <i>Move!</i>


    But I wasn¡¯t fast enough.


    Before I could react, Axel moved like lightning, summoning his elemental de and slicing clean through the vine.


    The thing shrieked, a high-pitched screech that made my ears ring, sending the severed nt wriggling like a dying snake into the nearby foliage.


    "Valerie!" Axel shouted, lowering his sword.


    I stumbled back, heart racing, my breath caught somewhere in my throat. The cut vine still pulsed, oozing sap like blood.


    "Everyone okay?" Axel asked, panting slightly.


    I nodded, my heart pounding.


    Then a sharp, startled shriek came from the bushes nearby.


    We all turned instantly.


    The nt hadnded in a shrub. But buried behind it... was Lucy, her hair disheveled and her shirt stained with sap.


    "What the... Lucy?" Xade stepped forward, bewildered.


    Lucy clutched her arm, which bore a shallow gash where the vine had grazed her. Her eyes were wide, wild.


    "What were you doing there?" Emerald demanded.


    Lucy didn¡¯t answer.


    The way she looked at me, filled with fear, anxiety, and <i>guilt, </i>told me everything I needed to know.


    Astraea narrowed her eyes. "She was spying."


    "No..." I breathed, realising something far worse. "She was hiding. Or worse... someone used her."


    "Someone sent that nt," Xade growled. "That wasn¡¯t wild. That was controlled."


    As soon as Xade mentioned it, I noticed a faint shimmer, like magic residue... fae magic.


    I slowly turned my head and saw Titania watching us from a few feet away. Her face was expressionless, almost unnaturally calm.


    "Interesting," I whispered.


    Axel stepped in front of me, his eyes glowing faintly. "You okay?"


    I nodded, shakily. "Yeah... yeah. I¡¯m fine."


    His eyes held mine longer than I expected, before he finally turned back to where Lucy had vanished into the deeper brush.


    Emerald exhaled. "I guess we¡¯re not the only ones ying survival games out here."


    "I swear, I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d need armour on this trip," Astraea mumbled as we began walking again.


    Xade leaned in slightly. "If anything else tries to touch you, I¡¯ll burn the forest down."


    "Let¡¯s not do that," I said dryly.


    He smirked.


    As we walked back, Axel walked beside me in silence for a bit, then finally said, "You good?"


    "Yeah," I said softly. "Thanks."


    He nced sideways, almost sheepish. "You don¡¯t have to thank me."


    "I do. You moved fast."


    "I saw somethinging for you. That¡¯s enough."


    ********


    When we returned to the reserve base, Professor Winnie looked us over with a critical eye, but we downyed the incident. I didn¡¯t want to raise a full-scale rm... not yet.


    Everyone was ounted for. The samples were logged, and for now, the forest gave nothing more.


    As we sat aroundparing nt samples and rehydrating, Astraea nudged me. "So, you and Axel, huh?"


    "Don¡¯t start," I mumbled.


    "And Xade. Double the growling, double the tension," Emerald teased.


    I rolled my eyes, trying not to smile.


    "Maybe next time," Xade murmured beside me, "I¡¯ll let the vine grab you. Just to see how much you squirm."


    I elbowed him but couldn¡¯t help the grin that curved my lips. Despite the tension and threat, I felt a sense of protection.


    More than that, I¡¯d felt seen.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 262: Summoned: Wouldn’t She Be Important?

    <h4>Chapter 262: Summoned: Wouldn¡¯t She Be Important?</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 262</strong>


    <strong>~Principal Whitmore¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I had been dodging the summons for weeks. Carefully. Deliberately.


    There was always something¡ªan outbreak of hex fever among the first-years, a misfired portal that nearly swallowed the northern corridor, a staff dispute that supposedly required my delicate mediation. Convenient chaos, believable lies.


    But the third letter was different.


    It arrived glowing, sealed with the mark of the United Council of Alphas. The kind of letter you didn¡¯t ignore.


    Not without consequences. No pleasantries, no option to reschedule¡ªjust a ce, a time, and an order etched in binding runes I couldn¡¯t defy.


    So now here I stood.


    The chamber was colder than I remembered. Every time I came here, it felt less like a council hall and more like a crypt.


    Ornate carvings lined the walls, symbols of legacy andw, power and punishment.


    The long table stretched before me, crafted from shadowwood, its surface pulsing faintly with dormant magic.


    At its head sat the Alpha Kings, the Grand Alpha.


    Storm. Zeno. Alexander. Draven. Xavier. And nking them, their Alpha advisors.


    Everyone was still, watching everything.


    I exhaled slowly, smoothing down the nonexistent creases on my coat. My heels clicked against the stone floor as I stepped forward.


    Their eyes tracked me suspiciously as though they could read me. Not one blinked.


    Then Alpha Storm broke the silence.


    "Whitmore... who is she?"


    There was no preamble, no confusion, just a quiet demand, lined with something colder than curiosity.


    I didn¡¯t flinch. I¡¯d prepared for this. "It was a false rm, Alphas. No need to be worried."


    Alpha Alexander¡¯s voice sliced in, calm and clear. "Are we worried, or are you?"


    I stilled, no fidgeting this time. I straightened my shoulders, lifted my chin.


    "I¡¯m not."


    A beat passed, then Alpha Zeno stared like he could peel back my skin. Alpha Draven was tapping his fingers against the wood rhythmically and slowly.


    While Alpha Xavier leaned back, keeping his expression stoic as ever.


    I took another step forward. Held my ground.


    "No," I said, firmer this time. "I¡¯m not."


    "Then exin what happened during the assessment," Alexander repeated, slower, like I might try to twist my way out of it again.


    I didn¡¯t. "A mild earthquake. A natural tremor. Nothing more."


    Alpha Storm rose from his seat. The movement wasn¡¯t fast, but it sent a ripple through the air¡ªauthority carried in every slow step he took.


    "I¡¯ve heard... and I know the others here have as well." He looked around the table. "So I¡¯ll ask again. Who is Valerie Nightshade? And is she truly... an elemental?"


    I met his gaze head-on.


    "I know you miss your granddaughter, Alpha Storm," I said quietly, not unkindly. "And I know you wish she were alive. But Valerie Nightshade is not her. She¡¯s a high school girl trying to survive. She¡¯s powerless. If anything, I believe the disturbance was the fae princess¡¯s doing. Likely an attempt to sabotage Valerie to win the assessment. You know, high school rivalry.."


    Zeno folded his arms, voice low. "And why would the fae want to sabotage a powerless girl?"


    Before I could reply, Draven leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, but sharp enough to cut.


    "If I remember correctly, she was targeted during one of your simtions. Then there was no Fae attack. Now a tremor? That¡¯s not nothing. She seems to draw danger like a ma."


    "She¡¯s not important," I said¡ªtoo quickly. I reined myself back, adjusted my tone. "You want her to be. You¡¯re <i>looking</i> for meaning. But she isn¡¯t special. She¡¯s just... unusual."


    Xavier¡¯s voice was low but carried a weight that dropped a massive bomb. "She is important if she¡¯s mated to every single Alpha King¡¯s heir."


    I froze.


    Slowly, I turned my head to him. "That¡¯s ridiculous."


    I tried to y onest lying card, but even I knew it was hopeless. If they could learn about the simtion nd this, then the news that she was their sons¡¯ mate would be hard for them to miss.


    He didn¡¯t blink. "From what I hear, they¡¯re all wrapped around her finger. Principal... why is that? Four mates? We¡¯ve never seen that before," Alpha Xavier voiced.


    Then Alpha Xavier added in a detached tone. "Actually... six. Including the Lycan twins."


    The silence that followed was thick. Dense with implication.


    I didn¡¯t speak. My hands sped behind my back, my fingers locked together so tightly they ached.


    "So," Alpha Xavier continued, gaze unreadable, "tell me again... why wouldn¡¯t she be important?"


    I stared at them all.


    No answer came to me. Not one that would sound convincing. Not one that would pass beneath their scrutiny.


    So I said nothing, and judging by the way their gazes sharpened¡ªthey knew it, they knew the truth.


    "Answer, Principal Whitmore."


    "If I had the answer to that, I wouldn¡¯t be as lost as you all are right now. But all I can say is, the Moon Goddess never did anything without a reason."


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I tugged on my ck snug jeans, then slipped on a ck tank top over my matching bra. The cotton clung to my skin as I moved, fitting close enough to feel secure but loose enough to breathe.


    My sneakers followed next¡ªck with slightly faded soles from too much walking.


    I wasn¡¯t really nning to go anywhere tonight. Just needed air and some distance.


    I reached for my crossbody bag, slinging it over my shoulder as I made for the door¡ªbut my phone buzzed before I could twist the knob.


    A notification blinked on screen: <i>Bonfire Night ¨C Students¡¯ Gathering. Starts in 30 minutes.</i>


    I stared at it for a beat, lips pressed tight. Typical. I hadn¡¯t seen anything about it before, though I suspected someone had mentioned it during one of the endless scrolls of group messages I half-read and never replied to.


    My first instinct? Ignore it. Stay in. Watch the city lights from the hotel balcony and breathe.


    But I knew better.


    If I didn¡¯t show up, someone would report back¡ªmaybe Emerald, maybe I. One, two or more of my mates would insist on staying behind with me. I¡¯d lose the one rare chance I had to be alone.


    With a small sigh, I turned back toward the room. My bag hadnded crooked on the bed. As I adjusted it, something slipped halfway out of the front pocket.


    The hair dye.

 Chapter 263: Weak Point

    <h4>Chapter 263: Weak Point</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 263</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I froze, staring at it.


    I had meant to use it for days now ever since thest incident, with Solstice but I always forgot... or made myself forget.


    Now, though... everyone would be gone. No I whispering, or curious eyes. It would be the perfect time to finally do it. Bury a part of me that kept screaming to stay seen.


    My phone buzzed again, dragging me out of my thoughts.


    It was another message.


    This one was official.


    <i>Professor Winnie has approved the bonfire. Attendance ispulsory for all senior year students.</i>


    Great. Unlike other Professors, I realised Professor Winnie was ady who enjoyed being free and happy with ehr students as well as building bonds and positive connections.


    I groaned and flopped backwards onto the bed, the dye still in hand.


    Then, just as I sat up to stash it away again, the door burst open.


    "Valerie!" I¡¯s voice was loud and unapologetic, with Emerald right behind her.


    Startled, the dye slipped from my hand and tumbled to the floor with a soft thud.


    Both girls paused just inside the doorway, eyes narrowing slightly.


    "What¡¯s the dy?" Emerald asked. "Everyone¡¯s already headed down."


    I blinked once, then reached down¡ªfast. I let my hoodie ¡¯identally¡¯ fall too and grabbed both it and the dye in one smooth motion, stuffing the dye quickly into the deep kangaroo pocket.


    "Coming," I said, straightening. "I just saw the announcement."


    "Girl, everyone had seen it like an hour ago," I chimed eagerly.


    Noise filtered in from the hallway nowughter, excited chatter, feet pounding against the stairs. It seemed like half the student body was already outside or well on their way.


    I raised a brow but said nothing. Emerald was already halfway down the corridor.


    I nodded once more, then turned, slipping my phone into the back pocket of my jeans.


    I pulled the hoodie over my head, making sure the hidden dye stayed tucked inside, as soon as I walked into the room and moved quickly after them.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The room was dim, lit only by the soft purple glow of a floating crystal orb that hoveredzily in the center.


    The window curtains were drawn, and the air was thick with the scent of nail polish, and lingering frustration.


    Titania paced near the wardrobe, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her heels clicking with every sharp turn.


    Her voice, when it broke the silence, wasced with venom.


    "I just hate that girl."


    Avery, sprawled across the bed with a throw pillow hugged against her chest, didn¡¯t even pretend to disagree.


    "After everything we did, she just keeps scaling through. It¡¯s like the universe is bending over backwards for her." She scoffed. "We really need to make things rough for her."


    Brielley across the floor, flipping through a fashion magazine she hadn¡¯t read a single page of. Her voice came out in a low, irritated groan. "I wish she¡¯d just drop dead already and die."


    "If it were that easy, none of us would still be here," Lucy muttered from where she was seated on the windowsill, legs drawn up to her chest. Her gaze stayed fixed outside, watching students in the distance heading toward the bonfire pit.


    The room fell into silence for a few seconds.


    "Then what do you expect us to do now?" Avery asked, sitting up. "After everything we¡¯ve tried? Valerie Nightshade is just... too much."


    Lucy finally turned her head, her eyes glinting with something sharp. "Then we stop doing what isn¡¯t working. We already tried scaring her, isting her, and embarrassing her. And at every single turn, someone saves her."


    She slid off the windowsill and stood, facing them all.


    "If we want to bring her down," Lucy continued, "we have to cut her support¡ªher friends, her mates, the school¡¯s leniency, even her stupid little fans. Break those links... and she drops."


    "I tried that," Titania growled, flinging her arm out dramatically. "I ruined her social standing, stirred gossip, and turned the student body against her. I almost had it¡ªuntil they all found out she was mated to the Alpha heirs. Instead of bacsh, she became the freaking heroine."


    "And you were lucky they didn¡¯t retaliate," Avery said, folding her arms.


    Titania paused, something flickering in her expression. Her jaw clenched. "Didn¡¯t they?"


    Her tone had shifted¡ªquieter, almost uncertain.


    Avery tilted her head. "Wait... they dide for you."


    Titania nodded slowly. "Exactly. I got exposed for staging the entire scandal. A whole internal report. And¡ª"


    "Kieran," Lucy cut in, interrupting.


    That one word stilled the room like a snapped spell. Everyone froze.


    "What?" Titania asked, blinking.


    Lucy¡¯s tone dropped. "I mean, Kieran was the one who leaked it. The entire scandal. He exposed you for Valerie. He did it because you went against her."


    Titania¡¯s expression shifted instantly. Her face darkened, lips parted slightly in disbelief. Her fingers twitched at her side before bursting briefly into a me-like glow. "He did what?"


    Avery, ever the opportunist, let a sly smile creep over her face. She stood and moved toward Titania, draping an arm around her shoulder like a serpent coiling around prey.


    "We, dear princess, are on your side. So save that fire... for the traitors. Because we still have work to do."


    Titania¡¯s mes faded, but the fury in her eyes didn¡¯t.


    "We need to stop Valerie from being relevant," Avery added. "We need to erase her significance, make her ordinary."


    "She¡¯ll stay important," Lucy said tly, "unless you know her weak point."


    The words had barely settled before the door creaked open.


    All four girls froze and slowly turned.


    A figure stepped into the room, cloaked in a long, dark hoodie. Her face was shadowed, but her presence was undeniable¡ªbold, confident, deliberate.


    "I have just the right weakness," the figure said, her voice calm and smooth. "But I need your help to make it happen <i>tonight</i>."


    Avery¡¯s brows pinched together. Her tone turned cautious. "Wh¨CWho are you?"


    The figure smiled slowly and reached up, pulling the hoodie back to reveal her face.


    "Hello, girls."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 264: Truth or Dare?

    <h4>Chapter 264: Truth or Dare?</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 264</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    The bonfire crackled in the middle of the clearing, its golden mes licking the night air like they were alive.


    The logs snapped and spit embers into the sky as students settled around in loose circles¡ªsome standing, others lounging on nkets or folding chairs dragged from themon halls.


    The scent of roasted snacks, burned wood, and someone¡¯s terrible cologne filled the air.


    I kept to the edge at first, hands shoved deep in my hoodie pocket. The hidden dye was still nestled there like a secret.


    But then I appeared with two glow sticks¡ªone green, one red¡ªdangling from her fingers.


    "Don¡¯t pretend you¡¯re invisible, Val. Pick one," she said, shoving them at me.


    I stared at the glowing colours before reluctantly taking the green one.


    "Ohhh," Emerald smirked from behind her. "Green means you have to make someoneugh. Better think fast."


    The <strong>Glow Stick Game</strong> had already started without me. Everyone had picked a random colour before arriving.


    Each one came with a challenge: blue for secrets, red for confessions, yellow forpliments. Green? You had to make someoneugh¡ªor forfeit your stick.


    I sighed and turned, spotting Kai chatting near the drink table.


    Without thinking, I walked up behind him and said, just loud enough: "So... are those pants enchanted or are you just permanently smug?"


    He froze, turned, then chuckled¡ªa little low sound that lit his eyes.


    A few people chuckled at my jokes, too.


    "Didn¡¯t know you were funny," he said, and thankfully, everyone heard it.


    "Neither did I," I muttered and slipped away.


    The game went on. Some kids told awkward truths, othersplimented their exes andughed it off.


    The crowd grew louder, rowdier, especially when someone dared to flirt in front of their mate.


    Eventually, I pped her hands and shouted, "TRUTH OR DARE!"


    Groans and cheers rippled through the crowd as a ring quickly formed around the fire.


    I ended up seated between Ash and Axel. Their thighs pressed against mine like heat sources, making it impossible to rx.


    Every few seconds, I caught Xade¡¯s unreadable expression from across the circle. Dristan leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, gaze flicking to me every so often like he could read my thoughts.


    A bottle was ced in the centre¡ªss and old, with a dark green hue. Someone spun it hard, and the games began.


    Laughter broke out as embarrassing truths were revealed. Silly dares had people singing out of tune or pretending to howl at the moon.


    Then came the first twist.


    "Dare," one girl announced, tossing her hair over her shoulder.


    "Okay," I grinned wickedly, "kiss someone here... on the lips."


    The girl hesitated, eyes darting before theynded on <strong>Dristan</strong>. A few people gasped. Someone let out a low whistle.


    As she stood and began walking toward him, I watched Dristan shift slightly. His posture changed¡ªrxed, but dangerous. The flick of his eyes, the way his jaw set... even from where I sat, I felt it.


    She did too. Dristan unleashed his alpha aura.


    Halfway there, she froze. Her smile faltered. Something in Dristan¡¯s gaze made her go rigid¡ªlike a deer realising it was walking toward a predator¡¯s den.


    She blinked, turned on her heel, and muttered, "Never mind." Then she rushed back to her seat like a rabbit bolting for cover.


    Everyoneughed at it, but the bottle kept spinning, and this time, another girl¡ªMa, maybe,nded on dare again.


    "Say your crush¡¯s name... and kiss him," someone shouted.


    Silence enveloped the garden as everyone waited to see who she could pick.


    Particrly, I held my breath, unsure of what to expect. And just like that, her eyes locked on <strong>Xade</strong>.


    I stiffened.


    Astra growled deeply, possessively within me. But I did not want to say anything; still, my eyes remained glued on the situation as my heart thudded wildly in my chest.


    She swallowed hard and whispered. "Xade."


    Gasps erupted, murmurs and all eyes turned. Some turned to me, while others turned to Xade, a few to her.


    <i>"Is she mad?" </i>I heard someone whisper.


    <i>"An alpha, heirs. Didn¡¯t she see what happened thest time someone picked an heir?"</i>


    <i>"Gosh, some of you are just so dense."</i>


    <i>"You can¡¯t me her. It¡¯s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I know I¡¯d do that if given the opportunity."</i>


    <i>"Shh... Valerie would hear you."</i>


    <i>"And so? Do you see a mark on her neck? They haven¡¯t imed her because she is too selfish to do so."</i>


    I ignored their chats and focused on the girl. She hesitated but then came the chant.


    "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"


    She turned apologetically toward me. "Sorry, Valerie," she mumbled in a soft voice.


    I didn¡¯t move nor did I speak.


    She walked over to him slowly, like approaching a statue. Xade didn¡¯t look at her. Didn¡¯t say a word. But the cold weight of his aura hit the air like a warning bell.


    Even she felt it.


    She braced up for whatever punishment she may get, and tiptoed, barely reached his cheek, and ced the quickest, most terrified kiss in history before fleeing back to her seat.


    The crowd roared withughter. And after a few minutes, everyone died down the noise.


    "Okay, let¡¯s y the final truth or dare and move on to another game before our girls all melt," a guy suggested, and people nodded in agreement.


    But as soon as the bottle spun again, a certain dread settled on my chest... and then itnded on me.


    "Truth or dare?" someone grinned.


    I hesitated, my eyes ncing around to see if this was true or not.


    "Truth!" I called, and I almost spun and choked her.


    "Truth or dare?" someone else asked.


    I inhaled and nodded. "Truth."


    Then the girl proceeded. "Valerie... have you ever had a <i>wet dream</i>?"


    My breath caught.


    "And if yes," the girl added, "tell us who or who they are and what it was about in detail."


    The group erupted inughter and wild oohs.


    A magical orb floated into the centre¡ªpale blue, glowing softly. It pulsed with faint light, charmed to sh red at any sign of a lie.


    My mouth went dry. I stared at the orb but felt every eye turned to me.


    Even my mates. Their gazes probed the hardest, as if they could bore into my skull.


    Ash leaned in with an amused smirk. Axel looked far too interested. Dristan said nothing, just stared. Xade¡¯s gaze darkened, while Kai arched a brow. Ace had the nerve to nudge me.


    "Come on," Ash murmured, teasing. "We won¡¯t judge."

 Chapter 265: The Games: Dare

    <h4>Chapter 265: The Games: Dare</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 265</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I swallowed hard, my mind reyed all the lovely moments of wet dreams I had, one for each of them until the day before our departure when it became way more intense.


    Everyone knew I had six mates and that all six boys were devilishly handsome. Saying I never dreamt about any of them, wet dream or not, was a bloody lie.


    And lying alone proved to the whole ss that I do have sex dreams about them.


    It shouldn¡¯t be bad or har,d but I was so shy right now. And if it wasn¡¯t a life or death situation, I didn¡¯t think I wanted my personal life narrated.


    Besides, I wasn¡¯t ready to let my mates know I had wet dreams about them.


    So, I chose the only option I could.


    "I¡¯m not saying."


    The orb blinked... then dimmed. Truthful, but iplete.


    "Pick dare, then!" I shouted. "You know the rules! Punishment if you aren¡¯t going to answer!"


    "Fine," I muttered.


    "Alright," said someone from the other side. "Then we dare you... to kiss Riven."


    I blinked, and my gaze shot across the fire. Riven stood apart from the crowd, arms folded, face as nk as a whiteboard.


    The group howled withughter and chaos again but my heart pounded.


    And just like that, the night began for me in a way I did not expect.


    "No," I said tly.


    But my voice didn¡¯t matter. It was already lost beneath the rising chant around me.


    "Kiss him! Kiss him! Kiss him!"


    They were louder this time¡ªhalf of them drunk on sugar or spiked drinks, the other half clearly just drunk on the thrill of chaos. My refusal had only made the dare more entertaining.


    I looked toward Riven.


    He stoodzily against a log bench, arms crossed, a casual smirk tugging at his lips. No misgivings. No shame. No nerves.


    He tilted his head slightly, gaze locked on me like I was something he¡¯d been waiting for all night.


    I took a step back.


    "Guys¡ª" I tried again.


    But Astraea cut me off. "You picked the punishment, Val. That¡¯s how it works. You can¡¯t refuse now."


    Another student chimed in. "Yeah, the rules are the rules. y or face consequences."


    I nced at Ash, then Kai. They didn¡¯t speak, but something flickered behind their eyes¡ªsomething that coiled in my gut. Heat bloomed across my cheeks.


    "Wait," Dristan said suddenly, his voice deep and steady. "She doesn¡¯t have to do it. I¡¯ll take her ce."


    That got the crowd roaring.


    A few students shouted "No!" while others, probably the chaos-loving kind, screamed "Yes!" louder¡ªamused and far too excited.


    "Oh, hell no. I did not sign up to watch two guys kiss," someone groaned.


    Riven rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed that Dristan was trying to ruin his moment with his jealousy but I was hoping to be aved.


    Still, I did not think I wanted to watch my mate, a guy, kiss another one of my love interests. Dristan looked just as unimpressed.


    And judging by the mischievous glint in the eyes of the student who issued the dare, I knew backing out now would only make things worse.


    I swallowed hard, steeling myself as I slowly rose to my feet.


    Every movement felt heavy. Every step toward Riven was watched¡ªnot just by the crowd but by six particr sets of eyes that burned hotter than the bonfire¡ªmy mates. I could feel their stares.


    Astra wasn¡¯t particrly thrilled either, but I¡¯d messed up. I lifted my head, stood tall, and pressed my lips lightly to Riven¡¯s.


    I meant for it to be brief, respectful¡ªjust enough to end it.


    But before I could pull away, Riven¡¯s voice whispered... in my mind.


    <i>"If this is my only chance to get a kiss from my crush, then you¡¯re joking if you think that¡¯s all I¡¯ll ept, Valerie."</i>


    I froze.


    Wait¡ªdid he just speak into my head?


    Before I could react or speak, Riven Alucard leaned in again. My lips parted slightly in surprise, partly to refute him, and that was all the opening he needed.


    His mouth crashed into mine, deep and demanding. His tongue swept in as if this was the moment he¡¯d been waiting for forever.


    I gasped¡ªmore from shock than anything else¡ªand my hands pressed lightly against his chest. But I didn¡¯t push.


    The crowd gasped, and many whistled, cheering for us as Riven wrapped his hands around my waist, holding me in ce while his free hand gently held my face, deepening the kiss.


    But all I felt were the burning res from the other side of the fire.


    When Riven finally pulled back, I was breathless, stunned even.


    Dristan cursed under his breath and stormed off, muttering something I couldn¡¯t catch.


    I turned quickly, wanting to disappear into the shadows, but I grabbed my hand and tugged me down to sit beside her.


    "Damn," she whispered with a smirk. "Sorry you had to do that, but... that kiss was hot. I bet my cousin is boiling now, though. Poor Dristan."


    I didn¡¯t respond. I couldn¡¯t. But I wasn¡¯t sure whether I lived and thrived in chaos, especially when things put Dristan on the spot.


    My chest was tight, my throat felt dry. I didn¡¯t want to think about what Dristan was feeling¡ªor any of the others.


    Just then, someone called out, "Alright,st round! One final game!"


    I looked up, blinking as the student council president strolled in with a ck velvet box in his hand.


    "We¡¯re ending with a twist on tag," he announced. "Inside this box are slips with everyone¡¯s names. One person will be chosen to be ¡¯the thief.¡¯ The rest of us? Predators. You catch the prey, you win."


    Students murmured. A few looked nervous. The concept sounded easy, but this was a supernatural school. Games could go sideways in seconds.


    The box was passed around. Everyone dropped their names in.


    I could feel my heartbeat echoing in my chest.


    I kept still as the box was handed to a neutral student¡ªEverett from the bloodline-neutral dorms¡ªwho gave it a firm shake, then handed it over to Emerald.


    She strutted to the center like she owned the night.


    Eyes closed, she reached in and pulled out a name. Then she passed the slip to another student, who read it aloud.


    "Valerie."


    My stomach dropped.


    Theughter, the games, the kisses¡ªall of it faded, and just like that, I became the prey.

 Chapter 266: Chased: The Prey

    <h4>Chapter 266: Chased: The Prey</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 266</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I froze.


    The paper in the student¡¯s hand was held high, and the name echoed louder than the bonfire crackling in the distance.


    "Valerie!"


    A rush of murmurs, gasps andughter.


    All of it closed in around me, but my legs moved stiffly, standing before I fully processed what was happening.


    I wasn¡¯t sure what startled me more: the fact that my name had actually been drawn... or the sharp gleam of excitement that spread across the bonfire circle.


    "Looks like we have our thief!" someone called gleefully.


    "Wait, wait," another voice added, louder. "Let¡¯s exin the rules."


    I blinked, my mouth suddenly went dry as one of the student councilmittee, Grant, the treasurer, stepped forward from the shadows.


    He wore hisposed expression, one he always maintained in public, but I noticed the tightness in his jaw. Still, his voice was unmistakable.


    "Well then," he said, grinning, "Valerie¡¯s our prey."


    The word prey hit me square in the chest.


    I heard someone mutter, "Oooh, she¡¯s dead."


    And someone else: "Please tell me she can shift¡ªthis is gonna be epic."


    "We¡¯re ying Predators and Prey," Grant said. "One hour. Valerie¡¯s our prey needs to run, hide, and do whatever she needs to do to survive. The rest of us are predators."


    A collective cheer.


    "You can wolf out if you want," he added with a smirk. "Unless, Valerie, wouldn¡¯t like to shift too?"


    "She¡¯s a skilled fighter. She can definitely wolf out, right?"


    "She should. It¡¯s not fair if¡ª"


    Dozens of eyes turned to me. I lifted my chin. "No. I won¡¯t shift."


    A ripple of surprise swept through the circle.


    "You sure?" someone asked. "You¡¯ll be easier to catch."


    "I¡¯m sure."


    A second passed. Then the noise returned, louder than before¡ªconfused, impressed, excited.


    "Why?"


    "She¡¯s brave. Or crazy."


    "She¡¯s going to get eaten out there."


    I didn¡¯t flinch. I just met I¡¯s wide-eyed stare and shrugged. "I¡¯ll do it human."


    From the corner of my eye, I saw Dristan lean forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees. His lips didn¡¯t part, but his gaze was burning holes into the mes.


    He didn¡¯t object. None of my mates did, nor did they waver. They said nothing but didn¡¯t join either.


    "Alright then," the council member grinned. "Valerie will be on foot. If any of us catches her before the hour¡¯s up, she loses and joins the drinking round or... whatever punishment we decide." He winked, and the crowd roared withughter and yful howls.


    Students began shedding jackets and shirts, some unbuttoning jeans. The air grew thick with shifting energy.


    Cracks and pops filled the air as bones rearranged. Growls and snarls and paws. Limbs twisted. Fur erupted like smoke. All around me, the predators were revealing themselves.


    Wolves emerged.


    I turned and found Ace. I pulled my phone from my back pocket and handed it to him.


    "Here," I said, handing him my phone. "I¡¯d rather not crush this."


    "Be careful," he murmured low enough for only me to hear.


    I nodded once, then turned.


    "Two minutes to run!" someone shouted. "That¡¯s all the head start she gets. When the clock hits zero... You hunt."


    I took onest breath.


    It was settled.


    One hour. If I weren¡¯t caught, I would win. If I were... well, I¡¯d have to do whatever they came up with.


    Great.


    My feet hit the dirt trail hard, and I ran.


    The woods were thick, scattered with trees and mossy rocks, swallowing me whole.


    The cold night air rushed past me like whispers of warning. I didn¡¯t look back. Every part of me screamed to push forward. The trees blurred around me, the forest embracing me in its shadows.


    Twigs snapped beneath my boots, and dry leaves crunched as I weaved through the forest.


    Moonlight filtered through the trees, but I stayed low, ducking branches, adjusting my pace.


    Adrenaline surged through my veins. My lungs burned, but not from exhaustion¡ªfrom the pressure.


    This was about instinct, speed, and every bit of training Uncle Zade and my cousin, Storm, had drilled into me over the years.


    I ducked low under a thick branch and veered left. I could already hear them.


    Distant howls. A few short barks signified that the game had officially begun.


    My heart thudded in my chest, but not from fear. I wasn¡¯t terrified¡ªno. I felt alive as every training from the past ten years reyed in my head.


    I dodged between two closely-knit trees, nearly tripping over a rock hidden in the underbrush.


    My mind spun as fast as my feet. I couldn¡¯t outrun them all.


    No, I¡¯d be dumb to think that way. I was fast, but against several wolves of different calibre, strength, size, and the fact that I needed to keep Astra hidden, hiding who I am, speed wouldn¡¯t be the best course of action.


    I had to outsmart them.


    I veered left, skidding slightly downhill toward a gully where I knew the stream curved sharply. The scent of water would help meter, but for now, I needed to throw them off.


    A branch snapped behind me. Closer than I expected.


    I cursed under my breath and threw myself sideways,nding in a roll to avoid the copper-furred wolf lunging from the left. Its teeth snapped inches from my shoulder, catching a few strands of my hair.


    Pain seared as it yanked.


    I screamed in rage, not fear, and twisted, slipping out of its reach just as it stumbled on the incline.


    I ducked again, weaving through the trees.


    But then another wolf burst from the right¡ªfast, lean, with sharp ck fur. I pivoted mid-stride, but it clipped my side. I lost my footing and went tumbling down a slope, crashing through brush and sliding through mud and leaves¡ªwet leaves.


    The fall knocked the air out of me.


    Until I mmed into a mossy log when I hit the bottom and gasped, mud sttered my face as my chest ached.


    Groaning, I tried to stand and pushed to my feet just as the wolf from before leapt again.


    I reacted purely on instinct. I kicked out with all my strength, bootnding square in its stomach. It yelped, tumbling backwards into the brush.


    I didn¡¯t hesitate or wait to see who it was. I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the sting in my palms, and ran.

 Chapter 267: Almost Caught

    <h4>Chapter 267: Almost Caught</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 267</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Branches whipped my cheeks. My hair snagged again, and I had to rip myself free, hair tearing as I pushed on.


    <i>Remember what Uncle Zade taught you. Use everything. Be unpredictable.</i>


    I spotted a thick tree up ahead with a low branch¡ªperfect.


    Climbing fast, I tied my hoodie around the trunk. From a distance, it would look like someone was up there, like I was crouched up there.


    Then I dropped down the far side, rolling once before slipping deeper into the forest.


    My scent now marked the tree. Let them waste time.


    I reached for the bottle of dye at my back pocket and popped it open, squeezing a few streaks of the hair dye into my hand. I smeared it through my hair as I ran, disguising my scent.


    Then I slid down the opposite side.


    I sprinted again, zigzagging toward the river. Veered off-path. Mud caked my jeans. My arms were scraped. My knees ached. But I wasn¡¯t slowing down.


    I ducked under a fallen log, crawled through brambles, and came to the riverbank. The sound of rushing water was faint, but I knew it well.


    The current was low, barely above my ankles. Perfect.


    I didn¡¯t think¡ªjust waded in, walking several meters through it before stepping back ontond, careful to step on rocks and avoid wet soil.


    The river would confuse them at least for a while.


    I pushed deeper into the woods as more howls rose behind me.


    Minutes passed. Maybe fifteen? Maybe twenty. I couldn¡¯t tell. My legs were burning. My arms scraped raw, but I just kept moving.


    Until the cliff.


    I¡¯d forgotten this part of the forest dipped suddenly. My foot hit open air, and I tumbled again.


    This time, I slid hard through mud, screaming silently, arms iling, as the ground disappeared beneath me before crashing into a thick patch of wet, sticky earth. Winded.


    Everything was spinning.


    My entire body groaned. But I wasn¡¯t done.


    I spotted a boulder nearby, half-buried in the earth. It had a hollow space beneath it¡ªsmall, butrge enough for me to squeeze into. It wouldn¡¯t befortable, but it would hide me.


    I crawled toward it and slipped underneath, covered in mud and trembling from exertion. My back pressed against cold stone, chest heaving.


    The chill of the wet ground seeped into my skin. The mud soaked me, sticking to my skin, my hair, my clothes. But it masked everything, especially my scent.


    Within a minute, several wolves passed.


    I heard them, snarls, sniffs. One padded so close I could hear its nails scratching on the rocks, but they didn¡¯t find me.


    My heart thundered wildly in my ears. I counted every breath. Every second.


    I was hidden. I was safe. Or so I thought until a hiss. So soft I almost didn¡¯t hear it.


    Then... movement.


    I turned my head ever so slightly, only to see a thick ck snake slithering across the mud, its head only inches from my neck, beside my cheek. Its head tilted as if it sensed me.


    Its tongue flickered near my skin, tasting the air.


    I didn¡¯t move. Not a twitch.


    Its scaled body slid slowly past me, unbothered by my presence, until it paused. Right at the crook of my shoulder.


    I swallowed, forcing myself not to say a word or do something foolish or move. I ceased breathing.


    Then it moved again, slowly slithered away till it passed on top my feet and away. I exhaled shakily, eyes fixed on the trees above.


    This game wasn¡¯t just about being hunted.


    To me, it was about knowing when to be still, when to move, and when to let the storm pass.


    And I wasn¡¯t going down easy. The cold mud clung to my clothes and skin as I carefully slid from beneath the boulder.


    I kept my breath low, every muscle tense, my ears straining for movement in the trees above.


    I decided to move away from here, or else more creatures woulde for me, but just as I pushed my head out.


    A faint growl rumbled from somewhere close. My heart jolted and I instinctively ducked back into the shadows of the stone, holding my breath. Heavy paws thudded across the ground above, moving fast... then fading.


    I waited a few seconds longer, just to be sure.


    "Okay, that was close," I whispered to myself, brushing a muddy strand of hair out of my face. "I¡¯d better keep moving."


    Crawling out properly this time, I surveyed the forest with narrowed eyes. My body was sore, scraped, and half-covered in muck, but I wasn¡¯t done yet.


    Thest time I checked, I had about twenty minutes left. That was nothing in this kind of chase.


    And basically, plenty of time for them to get me. I adjusted the bottle of dye still tucked into my trousers pocket and started moving again, slower now, careful with every step. I couldn¡¯t afford another fall¡ªor worse, another ambush.


    The air was growing colder. My clothes clung wetly to my body, weighing me down, but I kept moving. Just ten more minutes, I told myself. I could do this.


    And that¡¯s when I heard them.


    Low snarls followed by crunch of underbrush behind me.


    Three, there were three wolves.


    They emerged from the trees ahead¡ªfamiliar eyes gleaming, fur bristling as they nked me fast.


    Shit.


    I backed up slightly, crouching into a defensive stance.


    "All it takes is for us to catch you, and this game can end," one of them stated.


    "Too bad. I love where I am now."


    One lunged first, a lean, reddish wolf. I ducked and rolled, grabbing a thick stick off the ground mid-roll and swung it like a bat. It connected with his side with a thud.


    The wolf yelped and staggered back.


    The second one, muchrger, darker, and faster, came at me from the left. I twisted just in time, dodging its fangs, then mmed my elbow into its jaw. It stumbled sideways, dazed.


    The third charged, aiming low for my feet and fast. There was no time to dodge.


    I jumped, using a thick root to push off and kicked downward with both feet,nding directly on its back. It crumpled under the force, rolling onto its side with a whine.


    I didn¡¯t wait for either of them to recover before I bolted. Hell, if they could, I¡¯d be sure none of them would go easy on me.


    And shifting wasn¡¯t even myst resort.


    Astra couldn¡¯t be discovered now.

 Chapter 268: The Big Reveal

    <h4>Chapter 268: The Big Reveal</h4>


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 268</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Branches scraped my arms and face again. I wasn¡¯t even sure if my legs were still moving out of adrenaline or sheer desperation, but I kept going.


    I could barely breathe. Mud sttered my face and chest. My chest ached. My hands were trembling from the fight. But I didn¡¯t stop.


    I broke through thest line of trees just as my footnded on something soft.


    Too soft.


    The ground gave way beneath me before I could react.


    I crashed down a short but steep slope,nding hard on my side. The wind rushed out of my lungs and for a second, all I could hear was my own heartbeat pounding in my ears followed by a sharp ringing sound.


    When I finally looked up, I saw it.


    Arger stream cut through the clearing ahead, wide and glittering faintly under the moonlight.


    The water rushed gently over smooth stones, surrounded by tall wild reeds and moss-covered rocks.


    Trees lined the edge, but one in particr stood out¡ªan old, gnarled oak, its roots twisted like fingers gripping the earth.


    I stumbled toward it with uneven steps. My wig was barely hanging on now, smeared in mud, twigs, and dried leaves. I reached up and tugged it off with a heavy breath, ignoring the sharp pull on my scalp thanks to the little sewing I did.


    I stared at it in my hands. There was no one here. I exhaled, lifting my head to let the Moonlight bathe me in its glory.


    All around me, silence hit me first¡ªno howls or footsteps.


    Then I heard it.


    A soft, musical chime from the enchanted time orb hanging by the bonfire, far in the distance.


    The hour was over.


    I did it.


    "I can¡¯t do this again," I breathed, almostughing, almost crying.


    I dropped to my knees by the stream, still clutching the tangled wig. I dipped it into the water, letting the mud and grime swirl away downstream. My fingers lingered on it for a second before setting it down beside me.


    I reached into my back pocket and pulled out the dye bottle. My fingers trembled as I examined the sleekbel, the markings glowing faintly under moonlight.


    It was one of the expensive ones. Magical, even. Designed not to stain skin or permanently alter hair colour unless activated by a specific phrase. Solstice must¡¯ve taken into proper consideration my initial fear.


    I chuckled softly, shaking my head. She always said, <i>"Just use the dye, Val. Wigs are for queens in disguise. You¡¯re not hiding¡ªyou¡¯re shining."</i>


    I twisted the cap off and stood, slowly making my way to the river¡¯s edge.


    The water was cold but calming. I leaned forward and stared at my reflection.


    Silver hair stared back at me. It shimmered under the moonlight, streaked with blue and violet at the tips. Soft, elegant strands that blended like the fading hues of twilight.


    It looked wild and messy, but it was all mine... all me. My biggest identity as Valerie, Sapphire, Violet Snow, daughter of Alpha Snow Zephyr, the Southern Heiress.


    A lump formed in my throat as I held the dye bottle tighter.


    And then I remembered her.


    My mother.


    I was seven. She¡¯d pull me onto herp every night before bed, running a carvedb through my hair. Her hands were always gentle, her voice always soft.


    <i>"You¡¯re my little sapphire violet star,"</i> she¡¯d whisper with every stroke. <i>"Even when the skies are dark, you shine, Valerie."</i>


    She¡¯d braid it, sometimes weave tiny flowers into it, other timesy my circlet over the crown of my head. It didn¡¯t matter how tired she was or howte it was¡ªshe always found time for that.


    My hands shook as I applied the dye, gently streaking it over my hair and coating the edges in ck. The colour shimmered faintly as it settled into ce, burying who I was.


    A tear slipped down my cheek. Maybe from exhaustion or from remembering.


    I did not know. Maybe because it was the first time in a long time I actually saw myself.


    Not the Luna-to-be. Not the mate of six powerful alphas. Not the girl constantly being hunted, chased, or questioned.


    Just Valerie, her mother¡¯s daughter. Her father¡¯s pride and jewel and her Uncle¡¯s sword of vengeance. A star in her own right.


    Some minutes must have passed since I finished applying the dye. My scalp tingled faintly from the enchantments woven into the form, but I didn¡¯t mind.


    The river¡¯s current was cold as I gently dipped my head beneath it, letting the water rinse everything away¡ªmud, sweat, dye... the girl I had been before this chase.


    When I emerged from the stream, drenched and breathless, I didn¡¯t see the same Valerie I¡¯d been an hour ago. What stared back at me from the water¡¯s reflection was who my revenge had made me into.


    I spent the next couple of minutes squeezing out my clothes as best I could.


    The breeze chilled me through the wet fabric, but I didn¡¯t stop. I wrung out my shirt, slicked my hair back, then began the slow walk back to camp.


    My boots squelched with every step, and the distant crackle of the bonfire pulled me onward. I wanted a hot drink, a nket, a hot shower¡ªanything to erase the cold biting at my skin.


    After some minutes of walking back... I reached the camp we made, but then, I heard whispers.


    Low, hushed voices drifted from the left. I froze, instincts kicking in immediately.


    I crouched low, moving silently toward the source of the sound. The shapes of four students came into view just behind a tree.


    I crept closer, just enough to hear.. For me, I wanted to know what¡¯s been going on since I ran off, but what I heard instead...


    "There¡¯s no way she¡¯d survive it. One of them must¡¯ve gutted her down."


    Avery, that venomced voice was unmistakable. That same bitch who I had switched ns with during the first day in the Alpha forge game. She did say she was going to get back at me.


    I clenched my fists and turned to leave, not interested in hearing more of her bile, when I heard another familiar voice.


    "I paid one of the wolves," another girl said. "And after multiplying her name in the box with fae magic, it was only a matter of time before she got picked. The rest? Easy. Just set the little thief running."


    Titania. Herugh was shrill and sharp, like a de dragged against stone.


    My stomach twisted.


    The other two voices joined in, equally vile.


    "I wish she would just die already."


    Brielle.


    "I can¡¯t wait until the big reveal when everyone sees she¡¯s a fraud," Lucy sneered. "A liar. A mistake. I bet she faked the matebond too. Maybe she¡¯s a witch, with how she¡¯s got all those alphas wrapped around her little finger."


    I stood frozen in the dark, eyes wide.


    Their words didn¡¯t sting. It just burned something deeper. I could¡¯ve stormed out, confronted them, snapped¡ªbut I didn¡¯t.


    They weren¡¯t worth it.


    I turned and walked away. I didn¡¯t have the energy to deal with cowards tonight. I just wanted clean clothes, warm air, and a bed.


    But just as I stepped into the firelight of the camp, another voice cut the air¡ªclear and absurd enough to stop me cold.


    "There she is," someone called, their voice syrupy sweet and mocking. "Valerie Snow is back."


    My spine stiffened.


    What?


    "Or should I say," she continued, louder now, addressing the entire camp, "Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow. Heiress of the Southern Region. The daughter of the Southern Alpha King himself has returned."


    I turned my head slowly, and that¡¯s when I saw her.


    She stood at the edge of the bonfire circle, her eyes gleaming, a cruel smirk stretching across her lips as she pulled down her hoodie.


    Astraea.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 269: Exposed

    <h4>Chapter 269: Exposed</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 269</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Every student turned as the circle grew quiet. My throat tightened, and my muscles locked in ce.


    Astraea?


    Of course. Why wasn¡¯t I surprised?


    Solstice warned me about her¡ªsaid her ambition ran deeper than most¡ªbut I doubt even Solstice had predicted this... knew that Astraea knew of my identity.


    The question now was... would I let her win?


    Across the firelight, the heirs and princes all moved forward, faces shadowed with confusion, disbelief¡ªand something else.


    Even Xander and Riven had risen to their feet, both looking directly at me with unreadable expressions.


    "Excuse me?" I asked calmly, forcing a nk look on my face. "What are you talking about?"


    "Don¡¯t y coy with me." Astraea¡¯s voice wasced with venom.


    "Valerie?" I¡¯s voice broke through the tension as she halted in her steps. "Is... is what she¡¯s saying true?"


    "Why don¡¯t you ask her since she is so keen on believing that lie. Sure, my name is Valerie, but I am not Valerie Snow."


    "You lie!" Astraea snapped, her voice cracking like a whip, making me wonder just how long her hatred has run deep.


    Students were gathering now, curious faces appearing through the trees. Murmurs passed from one mouth to another.


    It shouldn¡¯t have been something to cause this much of a crowd, but it did.


    "Which exins the assessment scores, right?" Titania stepped closer, a smug smile curling her lips.


    "Stop looking for drama where there¡¯s none," I said, trying to stay calm.


    "Oh, there¡¯s plenty," Avery added with a coldugh, arms folded across her chest. "More than enough."


    My lips parted to speak but Astreaea beat me to it.


    "You can¡¯t lie out for this one, Valerie, not like Silver. You are thete Southern Alpha Kings¡¯ Heiress."


    A few audible gasps broke from the crowd.


    "And how exactly do you n to prove that?" I asked tly.


    Astraea stepped forward, then began to slowly circle me like a predator. "For one, your hair colour."


    "My hair?" I repeated, disbelief curling around the words.


    <i>Astra</i>, my wolf, growled deep inside me. "<i>Give me the go-ahead to rip her throat out."</i>


    <i>"No," </i> I warned, pushing Astra back with effort.<i> "She knows nothing. She¡¯s baiting me. I won¡¯t give her the satisfaction and let her use my reaction against me.</i>


    "Yes," Astraea said louder now. "I saw you after the game ended. You took off your wig and rinsed it in the river. I followed you."


    My heart thudded, but I kept my face still.


    I had made a mistake and didn¡¯t think anyone had actually followed me or seen me after they lost the game.


    "I saw you, Valerie, but I couldn¡¯t attack since we lost the game. But I saw your true hair... Silver, with violet and blue tips."


    "You were going to attack her?" I blurted from the side.


    Emerald moved closer, pushing past people till she came upon the clearing. "What are you doing Astraea?"


    "Exposing a liar," she said simply, cold and confident.


    "She¡¯s our friend," I snapped, her voice rising.


    "Friends...? I believe she should be investigated thoroughly." Astraea stopped and nced at Dristan, a tad too long for it to be called a nce, before looking at the others. "How sure are we that the mate bond wasn¡¯t forged, just like her name and probably identity?"


    Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some began whispering, others nced at the alphas behind me.


    Someone scoffed in the audience. "If she is the Southern King¡¯s Heiress, that also means that Silver.... Solstice is her cousin?"


    "Exactly!" someone else piped in. "They both forged their way in!"


    "I knew she reacted too much back then," a student added. Heads nodded, and the ripple of doubt widened.


    This was spiraling.


    Several heads nodded in agreement as more ideology came out. Some supported it, while a few called it a coincidence.


    I felt my stomach tighten at the thought.


    On two assions I had fucked up greatly. First, when Solstice left and the other was dying my hair outside.


    Just when I thought it would end, someone in the crowd asked, "And what about the other two signs or proof?"


    Astraea¡¯s eyes gleamed with triumph. Of course¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just about me. This had always been about <i>Dristan</i>.


    Astraea had probably been in love with Dristan, but he never gave her a second nce.


    "Two, the assessment, the powers, earth..."


    "Then how do you exin the mes?" Emerald asked, crossing her arms.


    "Maybe she yed a trick to disguise it." Titania shrugged. "Tricked the results."


    "I didn¡¯t do anything," I defended, but she ignored me.


    "And three..." She stopped walking,ing to stand before me as she lifted a paper and showed it to me. "This."


    I froze.


    I knew that paper.


    The paper wasn¡¯t the issue; it was what was written on it.


    <i>"I know who you are, Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow."</i>


    My pulse skipped. My lungs squeezed, but I forced my expression into bored indifference, as though none of it was affecting me.


    "So?"


    "So," she smiled, showing it to the crowd, letting it pass through hands. "I found this after you tried burning it. But after I saw what was written on it when you left for ss."


    "It was burnt?" Kai spoke up, the first of my mates to react. "Then how did you have it?"


    "Fae magic." Everyone turned to look at Titania as she walked over to us. "Astraea used Fae magic to recover what was lost... and just before you go saying it wasn¡¯t Valerie who wrote it, Emerald and I, fae magic can trace a fingerprint pattern. We checked. And we can check again."


    Eyes turned to I and Emerald. I looked torn. Emerald¡¯s jaw was clenched, but she said nothing.


    I saw Dristan in the crowd now¡ªhis eyes holding too many emotions to name. Shock. Anger. Worry.


    I shut my eyes for some time. I knew this day woulde.


    So yes. I burnt the paper," I said simply.


    The second I said that, gasps and murmurings ensued.


    "But," I added, and the noise cut like a switch, "I only did that because I received threats. First, telling me to leave the school. Then they used me of being someone I wasn¡¯t. I¡¯ve received <i>four</i> in total. And guess what? I took pictures of each. I have proof."


    Murmurs spread again, this time more uncertain. The crowd turned between me, Astraea, and Titania.


    "So tell me," I said, looking directly at Astraea now, "how am I supposed to believe <i>you</i> didn¡¯t send them?"


    Astraea looked shocked buts he stuttered, shaking her head. "You cannot believe her. I... I sent the other letters just to rattle her but I never sent this one about her being Valerie Snow. This was..."


    Astraea faltered. Her expression wavered. "I... I sent <i>some</i> letters. To rattle you. But I didn¡¯t create that one. That wasn¡¯t me¡ª"


    "So you admit you framed her?" Dristan asked sharply, stepping forward.


    Astraea¡¯s lips trembled. "No. I just¡ª"


    "You insult our mate," Xade¡¯s voice thundered, his aura pushing outward. "And now you admit to maniption?"


    "No, Xade¡ªplease," she turned, desperate. "Dristan, you have to believe me. The facts are all there. I¡¯d never lie to you, I love¡ª"


    "The same way you lied and pretended to be her friend?" Ash cut in, voice like ice.


    Astraea began backing away, her breathing ragged.


    She hadn¡¯t expected it to unravel so fast.


    "Why?" I¡¯s voice cracked, shaking her head.


    Something broke in Astraea¡¯s expression then. Astraea¡¯s gaze darkened, and she stopped shaking her head altogether like she had recalled something.


    "Fine then, if you wouldn¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll prove it to you all."


    In a sudden movement, she lunged forward¡ªtoo fast, but before me or anyone could react, pain seared through my scalp as she grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked.


    "She¡¯s wearing a wig!"

 Chapter 270: Defended

    <h4>Chapter 270: Defended</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 270</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    "She¡¯s wearing a wig!" Astraea shrieked again, her voiceced with hysteria. "She¡¯s a fraud! A liar!"


    Her nails dug into my scalp as she yanked harder. I stumbled forward, wincing sharply, but before I could react, a strong force ripped her off me.


    Dristan.


    His arm shot forward like lightning, grabbing Astraea by the cor and flinging her backwards. She hit the dirt with a harsh thud, groaning in shock.


    Before she could even catch her breath, Kai and Xade were already nking her, eyes glowing, fury bleeding off them in waves.


    But it didn¡¯t end there.


    Titania surged forward next, her eyes wild and greedy, fingers reaching out. She grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanked it sharply, expecting the wig toe loose.


    It didn¡¯t.


    Instead, nothing came off.


    Realization shed in her eyes a second toote. My foot snapped up in one smooth, angry motion and mmed into her abdomen.


    She gasped, folded over, and dropped to the ground.


    "Are you satisfied now?" I shouted, my voice trembling as hot tears burned the back of my eyes. My fists clenched tightly at my sides. "Is this what you wanted? For me to be humiliated?"


    Silence. No one dared move. All of her supporters swallowed their usations.


    Never had I been d that I did something I did not want to.


    I couodn¡¯t thank Solstice enough for her help.


    I swept my eyes over the crowd, my voice cracking as I continued, "I hope you¡¯re all happy now. I am not who she says I am. I¡¯m not a fraud."


    My heart thundered in my chest. My breathing came in ragged gulps. But I didn¡¯t look away.


    I wouldn¡¯t give them the pleasure.


    Astraea coughed and spat in the dirt, still crouched nearby. "Then prove it," she growled. "Let her shift. Let her wolf out. You¡¯ll see the truth then! You¡¯ll see I¡¯m not lying!"


    At once, doubts crept in again as several voices picked up the chant.


    "It¡¯s the truth."


    "She refused to shift earlier on."


    "Maybe this was the case."


    "What¡¯s she hiding?"


    "They should let her shift. We are all one here."


    "Shift!"


    "Let her wolf out!"


    "Show us!"


    Brielle. Lucy. Titania again, despite clutching her ribs. And others who had always waited for a reason to pounce.


    The crowd swelled louder, their eyes burning with curiosity, with judgment, with doubt.


    "No," I snapped, firmly. "I¡¯m done."


    They didn¡¯t hear me.


    Or maybe they did, but they didn¡¯t care.


    I opened my mouth again, louder this time. "No! I won¡¯t be paraded like some show animal just to appease your suspicions. I won¡¯t give any of you that power over me again!"


    "Then what are you hiding?" someone hissed from the crowd.


    I flinched. Just slightly, but held my ground. "You all have baseless usations. I will not prove anything. Believe what you wish."


    And then, a low, rumbling, primal sound. A growl that cut the air clean in two. "Enough!"


    Everyone fell silent.


    Dristan stepped forward, the space around him crackling with rage. His eyes were no longer blue or red, they turnd a different shade of burned blue¡ªice and furybined.


    His voice was deep and sharp enough to carve bone.


    "My patience," he said slowly, "has run thin."


    His power rolled off him like thunder. No one dared move.


    "I¡¯ve allowed this circus to go on long enough. But from this moment, if anyone¡ª<strong>anyone</strong>¡ªdares to harass my mate again, or even dares to speak a word meant to hurt her... they will face the full, undiluted wrath of an Alpha Prince."


    Murmurs died instantly.


    Even Astraea trembled where she knelt.


    Kai stepped beside him, his arms folded, voice calm but lethal. "She has the protection of all six alphas. That means¡ª"


    "Touching her," Ash said, moving up on my other side, "is the same as touching us."


    Axel appeared behind him, his usuallyzy smile gone. "And no one," he said coldly, "will question her again."


    The air around us grew tighter, heavier, charged with the shared aura of six alphas¡ªnot boys, but beasts.


    The crowd looked down, guilty and cowed.


    Xade stepped forward, addressing the five girls. "As for you five," he said, his voice colder than any wind I¡¯d ever felt, "five weeks¡¯ punishment during the Alpha Forge training. You¡¯ll report to the Guild masters every morning for your punishment. Failure would result in immediate expulsion from school."


    "But¡ª" Lucy started, wide-eyed.


    "Another word," he said quietly, "and you¡¯ll double it."


    "He can¡¯t do that, can he?" someone muttered, but Ace growled so loud, the girl shuddered and peed herself.


    None of them spoke again.


    And just like that, Dristan turned back to me. His expression softened, though his anger still burned just beneath the surface.


    He peeled off his shirt, the ck fabric still warm from his body, and carefully draped it over my shoulders. His fingers lingered as he adjusted it gently, as if worried I might break.


    Then he wrapped an arm around mine and pulled me close, shielding me from the stares.


    Without another word, he led me away and I went with him.


    All through our walk, I didn¡¯t say a single word to Dristan. I just followed beside him, silent, eyes on the cracked forest path beneath my feet.


    The trees thinned out gradually, and soon we emerged from the woods onto the paved road that overlooked the hotel.


    Streemps cast soft pools of light across the asphalt, and the distant hum of cars rolling by echoed through the cold night air. Everything else was quiet. Still.


    It had to be close to midnight.


    We paused at the edge of the road. Dristan stood beside me, staring out at the parking lot, but I could feel the tension radiating off him.


    He hadn¡¯t said anything since he threw his shirt around me and yanked me away from the firelight. But now, his voice came low, quiet, not angry¡ªjust thoughtful.


    "I won¡¯t question you."


    I blinked and turned slightly, unsure if I heard him right.


    "I¡¯m not going to ask if it¡¯s true or not. If you¡¯re her... or if you¡¯re not. I told you I trust you."

 Chapter 271: Don’t Want to Share You

    <h4>Chapter 271: Don¡¯t Want to Share You</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 271</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    There was a pause. And then he exhaled. "But I won¡¯t lie and say I¡¯m not... a little disappointed."


    That hurt more than I thought it would.


    I slowed to a stop and turned to him, my voice stiff and hoarse. "Disappointed?"


    His eyes met mine, unreadable. "It would¡¯ve been awesome, you know? To meet the final block thatpletes our quint as Alpha Heirs of the werewolf kingdom¡¯s five heirs."


    He shrugged casually, but I sensed theyers beneath it. "Five regions. Five heirs. We¡¯ve waited years to see her. To see if the words were real."


    He nced at me then, his gaze softer. "But I was also d it wasn¡¯t you."


    That confused me. "...Why?"


    Dristan ran a hand through his hair. "Because that would¡¯ve meant more pressure. More eyes watching your every move. More expectations on your shoulders." He paused again. "And... I don¡¯t want to share you with the whole damn world like that."


    Something fluttered in my chest, sharply but bittersweet.


    "But if I ever see her," he added, gaze trailing toward the horizon.


    "If..." I cut in. "If she is alive."


    Dristan nodded. "If... but I honestly have no idea how I¡¯d react."


    I didn¡¯t answer. And neither did he.


    The silence between us wasn¡¯t awkward. It was quiet. Like we were both caught in a moment neither of us knew how to name.


    We reached the front of the hotel. I stepped onto the stone walkway, and that was when the ache in my leg caught up with me again.


    I winced, trying to hide it, but I stumbled slightly, my foot dragging against the ground.


    Dristan noticed immediately.


    Before I could brush it off, he reached for me without a word, bent slightly¡ªand then scooped me into his arms, bridal style.


    My breath caught. "Dristan¡ª!"


    He didn¡¯t look fazed at all. "You¡¯re limping."


    "I can walk," I muttered, face burning as I gripped his shirt.


    "Don¡¯t care," he said, already walking. "I¡¯m carrying you."


    I stared at him, stunned for a moment, my pulse racing. The world seemed to blur past us as he carried me up the steps, his arms were warm and solid around me.


    I didn¡¯t know if it was the adrenaline, the exhaustion, or the quiet way he held me like I wasn¡¯t heavy at all... but something inside me shifted.


    I let myself rest against him, just for a little while.


    And for the first time since the truth had been dragged into the firelight... I felt like maybe... just maybe... I wasn¡¯t going to shatter.


    The lobby lights were bright¡ªtoo bright¡ªafter the dark forest. But that wasn¡¯t what made my heart hammer.


    It was the way everyone looked at us.


    Dristan didn¡¯t slow his steps as he carried me in his arms, shirtless save for a tight, fitted ck singlet that clung to every inch of his sculpted chest and arms. The material outlined his muscles unfairly¡ªeach movement of his biceps drew more stares than the broken ss chandelier above the front desk.


    I could feel the heat of their gazes even as my face flushed.


    A few women whispered and giggled behind manicured hands.


    "Oh my goddess, he¡¯s so hot."


    "Did you see those arms?"


    "I wish I could pretend to limp..."


    I nearly groaned out loud. My face was on fire.


    "Put me down," I muttered, fingers gripping his chest weakly.


    "No," Dristan replied smoothly,pletely unfazed by the attention. "You¡¯re injured. You¡¯re mine. I¡¯ll carry you."


    I buried my face against his corbone, partly in embarrassment, partly because I didn¡¯t want anyone to see just how red I¡¯d turned.


    The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. We stepped in. The doors closed.


    Only then did I risk a re up at him. "I can walk. This is ridiculous."


    He raised a brow. "Your limp says otherwise."


    I huffed. "At least let me go once we¡¯re on our floor."


    He didn¡¯t reply.


    Which should¡¯ve been my first clue.


    Because the second the doors opened, he strode forward... and didn¡¯t stop at <i>my</i> room.


    Instead, he turned left. His room.


    "Dristan." I stiffened. "You¡¯re going the wrong way."


    "No, I¡¯m not."


    "Yes, you <i>are</i>." I shoved at his chest. "Put me down. I need to go to <i>my</i> room."


    He didn¡¯t even pause. "You¡¯re staying with me."


    "What? Why?!"


    "Because I¡¯m going to bathe you. And then I¡¯m going to take care of you."


    I stared at him, mouth agape, heartbeat spiking so hard I forgot how to speak. "W-What?"


    "Stop acting like you didn¡¯t hear me."


    He kicked the door open with his foot, walked in like this waspletely normal, and set me down gently on the bed.


    The suite was warm, dimly lit by soft golden sconces, and smelled faintly of pine, cedarwood, and... him.


    I instinctively covered my chest with both arms, even though I was still wearing the oversized shirt he gave me.


    His eyes darkened slightly. "You can hide your body from me..." His voice dipped low. "...but you had no problem kissing a guy who isn¡¯t even your mate?"


    My breath hitched.


    My fingers tightened on the hem of the shirt.


    "That was a dare," I mumbled, not meeting his eyes. "It... wasn¡¯t like that."


    He stepped closer.


    "And if it was me they dared you to kiss?"


    I didn¡¯t answer. I didn¡¯t trust myself to.


    His hand lifted, fingers brushing my chin until I had no choice but to look at him. "Look at me," he said quietly. "I want you to look at me when you speak."


    So I did.


    I lifted my gaze.


    His eyes locked on mine¡ªand then dropped briefly to my lips.


    And then, very faintly, he cursed under his breath. "You don¡¯t know what you do to me when you look at me like that..."


    My stomach flipped.


    His voice was strained now, huskier. "Biting your lip like that. Those big, round eyes staring up at me like you¡¯re ready to be devoured."


    "I¡¯m not¡ª"


    "Yes, you are," he cut me off, his voice rough.


    I hadn¡¯t even realized I was still biting my lip until his thumb lightly brushed over it, easing it free. His eyes lingered there.


    And then I heard it¡ªa deep, low growl¡ªnot from him... but from within.


    <strong>Soren.</strong>


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 272: Want to Mark You

    <h4>Chapter 272: Want to Mark You</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 272</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Dristan¡¯s wolf was close to the surface and all too close. I could feel the heat radiating off me, his need.


    I shuddered slightly, though it wasn¡¯t from fear but from something else, warmer, more hotter and wilder because my wolf was exacting in the same manner.


    Still, I didn¡¯t look away.


    And I didn¡¯t stop biting my lip.


    Even when his jaw tightened and his hands clenched at his sides like he was physically holding himself back.


    He leaned in just a little closer. His voice dropped to a dark whisper, filled with hunger. "Keep looking at me like that, mate, and I swear to the gods, I won¡¯t stop at bathing you."


    My whole body shivered.


    But I still didn¡¯t drop my gaze.


    I did not know why, whether it was because of Astra or not but I dared myself and stared deep into his eyes.


    His breath ghosted against my lips as he leaned in, close enough that every exhale warmed my skin.


    Then I heard him whisper, a little rough and raw. "I fucking love you..."


    My heart stopped.


    And before I could react¡ªbefore I could even breathe¡ªhis lips crashed into mine.


    His lips were firm and hungry, like he¡¯d been holding back for far too long.


    My fingers clutched his shirt as the world tilted, his mouth moving over mine with a kind of desperate tenderness that made my knees weak and my stomach twist with heat.


    He kissed me like I was his oxygen with no intention of letting me go.


    And for that moment¡ªI didn¡¯t want him to.


    I didn¡¯t want to be anywhere else but here in Dristan¡¯s arms, in his kiss, in his love.


    My lips were still tingling from the kiss when Dristan¡¯s hands slid down my sides, possessive, warm, and firm.


    He tugged the ck shirt I wore¡ªhis shirt¡ªup and over my head. I gasped lightly against his mouth as the chill of the air kissed my skin, now bare except for my tank top.


    His mouth didn¡¯t leave mine as his fingers slid up beneath the tank and pulled that off too.


    "Dristan," I whispered, voice shaky, but I didn¡¯t stop him.


    He didn¡¯t say anything. He just kept kissing me, moving backwards slowly as he led me toward the bathroom.


    Somehow, his ck singlet was off too, and I vaguely remembered yanking it up over his head as our mouths danced and our hands explored.


    Which shouldn¡¯t be since I was avoiding them but now, everything was heating up. His skin was hot against mine, and every inch of contact burned.


    We were breathless when he finally paused in the doorway of the bathroom, his chest rising and falling, his eyes dark with something fierce. Then, gently, he carried me in.


    Dristan dropped me to my feet in front of the mirror and kissed me again slowly this time, but deep.


    And then, his fingers moved to my back, sliding the straps of my sports bra down my arms.


    I shuddered, gasping when his thumb grazed over my nipple through the fabric. My knees almost gave out.


    But he didn¡¯t stop.


    He pulled the sports bra over my head, and as my arms lifted, I felt him tense. Felt the way his hard length poked me through his trousers. My breath caught.


    Then suddenly... click.


    The shower roared to life, hot water steaming the ss. I blinked, dazed but before I could say anything, he was gone.


    The door clicked shut.


    "Dristan!" I half-screamed. "Get back here!"


    "Nope!" His voice came muffled through the door. "Drop your trousers and finish your bath. I¡¯ll get you clothes."


    "What? Are you going to give me your boxers too?!"


    "Not a bad idea," he replied with a chuckle. "But I¡¯ll just order new ones."


    I groaned. "Don¡¯t waste your money! My room is literally one door down. My clothes are there."


    A pause. Then, "Fine. I¡¯ll grab them. You bathe."


    "No... sigh. Just do what you want."


    I sighed, turning to face the stream of water. As I stepped under it, the warmth cascaded over my skin, washing away the dirt, the sweat, and the fear.


    But it couldn¡¯t wash away his voice when he muttered. And something about not having my ne, made my senses way sharper.


    "I want to make love to you, Val."


    I froze while picking up the soap, my heart hammering in my chest.


    Did he just¡ª?


    I waited, expecting him to continue. But he didn¡¯t.


    "Did you say something?" I called.


    "Oh... nothing. Just shooing Soren," he lied.


    I bit my lip, hard.


    My mind reeled back to the dream I¡¯d had¡ªthe wet one¡ªand how real it felt. The way his fingers moved, the way he touched me... my body ached with need just remembering.


    But this wasn¡¯t a dream.


    So instead of saying anything, I focused on bathing. My heart didn¡¯t slow.


    When I finally stepped out and tied a towel around my chest, I cracked the door open, peeking.


    Dristan was seated on the bed, waiting, a fresh oversized white shirt and a pair of ck shortsid out beside him. I stepped out, still damp, my towel clinging to my curves.


    But his eyes didn¡¯t go to the clothes.


    They went to my chest.


    I arched a brow. "You¡¯ve seen my breasts. Why are you looking at them like that through the towel?"


    "That isn¡¯t the issue," Dristan said, brows furrowing. "As much as I want to see more of those goodies¡ª"


    My brow lifted higher.


    He cleared his throat quickly. "I mean... what I¡¯mining about is the towel. Why, out of all the towels, did you pick Axel¡¯s?"


    I looked down and spotted the faint stitched name near my chest.


    Oh. Damn.


    I sighed. "Seriously? You¡¯re jealous over a towel now?"


    "Let me take it off."


    My eyes went wide. "Dristan?"


    He stood up, moving closer. "I don¡¯t like another guy¡¯s scent on you."


    "Dristan..."


    "Let me change that. Let my scent be the only one¡ª"


    "Stop." I raised a hand. "Let me change."


    He didn¡¯t move.


    "Fine," I muttered, grabbing the clothes. "I¡¯m guessing these weren¡¯tid out for you. I¡¯ll wear them. Happy?"


    He smiled, eyes lighting up. "Very. And yes, they were for you."


    I rolled my eyes, but couldn¡¯t stop the smile tugging my lips.


    I pulled the shirt over the towel, then wriggled the shorts on underneath before slipping the towel out from under.


    Then yawned.


    Dristan stepped forward, brushing my hair off my face with a gentleness that made my heart ache.


    "Come on, let¡¯s get you to bed."


    He helped me carry my damp clothes to the washer, started it, then led me gently to my room.


    He tucked me in, pulling the nket over me like I was the most precious thing in his world.


    And just as sleep began to im me, I heard it.


    "I love you," he whispered.


    I didn¡¯t move. Didn¡¯t speak. But I heard every word he said.


    Then came the softest kiss on my lips.


    "I love you, Val," he whispered again. "And I can¡¯t wait to make love to you, mark you, and make you mine. To steal you from the world forever."


    My breath caught but I tried not to say or do anything. Dristan hesitated.


    Then, finally, he kissed me again before walked away.

 Chapter 273: Bully You

    <h4>Chapter 273: Bully You</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 273</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room draped with shadows and the scent of burning incense, five high-backed chairs were arranged in a semicircle.


    Only three were upied. Each man was cloaked in silence and shadows, but their sharp and gleaming eyes were focused on the one sitting in the center.


    The man in the middle radiated power. ck hair, piercing blue eyes, and an aura that pressed heavy on the room.


    He held a crystal tumbler in one hand, dark liquid swirling inside. His expression was calm, but the air shifted as he spoke. "Tell me, how has the progress been like?"


    The first man on his left, tall and slim with a sly smile ying on his lips, straightened.


    "The marriage alliance has been formed. I just arrived at PSA, but for now, things are going smoothly, me. The council and authorities aren¡¯t suspicious."


    me nodded once before turning his gaze to the man on the right.


    "And you, any report?"


    The man leaned back in his seat, a bit cocky and self-assured. "I¡¯ve already established contact. And she¡¯s wrapped around my finger, me. The girl ispletely under my spell. I give an order, and she obeys."


    me¡¯s expression remained unreadable. "Good. And the heirs? What¡¯s your position in their lives?"


    The first guy spoke. "I just got there. It¡¯ll take time to win them over, but I¡¯ve started embedding myself."


    me tilted his head slightly. "I understand your position, Rain. You must be patient."


    Rain nodded with a respectful bow. "Yes, me."


    The second man cleared his throat, a hint of frustration in his tone. "It¡¯s going to be difficult. Right now, everything revolves around their mate."


    "Valerie," me said coldly, eyes narrowing. "I¡¯ve heard of her. But you must remember¡ªwe need the heirs. We need their trust to infiltrate the Alpha Kings, destroy their packs, and take over the werewolf kingdom. Or do I need to repeat how crucial this mission is?"


    Both shook their heads quickly. "No, me. You do not."


    "Good. Each of you has a role. Fail, and you risk everything. But seed... and the kingdom falls into our hands."


    me stood up and strolled to the window, gazing into the night. The moonlight etched a ghostly outline around his silhouette.


    "The dark mages, the rogues, the fallen alphas¡ªthey all stand behind us. But we must move quietly."


    Rain stepped forward. "What about the others? The dragons, the Vampires, the Faes, and the Lycans are siding with the royal heirs."


    me turned, a smirk curving his lips. "Then we ruin their alliance from within. We recruit their weaknesses. The Fae Princess, for instance¡ªI hear she despises Valerie. Use that. Get close to her. Manipte her."


    Rain nodded slowly. "Yes, me. That would be easy for me. She¡¯s a student. I¡¯ll find a way in."


    me¡¯s voice dropped an octave. Deadly calm. "Do not blow your cover. This entire operation depends on you."


    Then he turned his eyes on the other guy. "I better not have to use my powers to remind you all about what¡¯s at stake. Failure is not an option, Neil. If you fail... I will not be merciful, and as the top leader of this mission, more burden lies on you."


    Both guys exchanged a silent nce before standing up and lowering their heads in submission.


    "We won¡¯t fail, me."


    "See that you don¡¯t."


    With that, me disappeared into the shadows, leaving only tension and the echo of his footsteps behind.


    ****************


    The clock hadn¡¯t quite struck midnight when Dristan stepped out of the hotel, the chill of the night brushing against his bare arms.


    The night was quiet, save for the asional sound of wind through the trees and the distant rumble of car engines on the far-off road.


    He didn¡¯t say a word as he made his way toward the direction of the forest, his sharp senses guiding him toward a small flicker of light somewhere beyond the campsite.


    He could hear the sound of hushed feminine and spiteful voices drifting through the trees like venom.


    When he reached the clearing, he found Brielle, Titania, and Avery huddled around a small me.


    Their words were sharp, cruel, filled with bitterness over a game they had not only lost but lost to the very girl they had tried to humiliate.


    "She¡¯s nothing special," Brielle sneered, poking at the fire with a stick.


    "She only won because she got lucky," Avery added with a scoff.


    Titania rolled her eyes. "The heirs have clearly lost their taste. I mean, that girl¡¯s a total fraud. I don¡¯t care what anyone says."


    A soft chuckle cut through the night like a de.


    Brielle froze mid-sentence, her body going rigid. She turned around slowly, her eyes wide as they locked onto Dristan¡¯s tall frame.


    The Alpha heir strolled into their midst silently, the firelight casting shadows on his face. He was still wearing only his ck trousers and singlet, muscles tense beneath smooth skin.


    "I see you all think it was a beautiful thing¡ªtrying to humiliate my mate," he said in the calmest voice ever but the weight behind it was dangerous.


    Titania shifted nervously, rising to her feet. She tried to force a chuckle, brushing nonexistent dirt off her pants. "Dristan,e on... it was just a game. A little fun¡ª"


    His eyes shed.


    A glow erupted in Titania¡¯s own eyes, a white sheen that dulled her pupils as her breath hitched involuntarily.


    Her body jerked slightly, like an invisible force had wrapped around her spine andpelled her upright.


    He moved toward her slowly, and the others could only watch. Dristan stopped before Titania, towering over her as he raised one hand and gently¡ªalmost too gently¡ªced it at her throat.


    "Did I ask you to speak?" he asked.


    Titania¡¯s lips parted, but no sound came out.


    He leaned closer, his voice soft but edged with venom. "Since you chose to bully Valerie... don¡¯t me me for doing the same."


    His eyes shifted, taking on a stormy, almost unreal shade of blue. Then, he locked eyes with her, and in an instant, Titania¡¯s breath caught, her pupils dted as she gasped.


    And the world around her... shattered.

 Chapter 274: Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 274: Nightmare</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 274</strong>


    <strong>~Author¡¯s POV~</strong>


    Titania¡¯s mind plummeted into a different reality, crafted by Dristan¡¯s abilities¡ªan illusion so deeply rooted in fear, it felt realer than truth.


    Titania stood in the middle of the PSA school courtyard, but it was empty. Deserted. Her name echoed, but not with reverence or awe.


    Instead, all she heard was mockingughter.


    "You¡¯re pathetic."


    "Useless fae brat."


    "Did you really think you were special?"


    She spun around, looking for anyone she could cling to, any face she knew¡ªbut they all turned away.


    Avery walked by, smirking cruelly before whispering to another student, "She begged me to be her friend."


    Even her professors ignored her. Some sneered. She tried to run to the heir¡¯s house, but the doors mmed in her face. She was locked out.


    "Dristan?" she cried. "Please... don¡¯t do this."


    He appeared in her nightmare with a nk expression on her face. "I don¡¯t know you."


    "No... no, please!"


    She dropped to her knees, sobbing as students gathered around her, pointing,ughing.


    A crown of vines¡ªonce a symbol of her fae royalty¡ªwas tossed at her feet, trampled by boots. "You¡¯ve been stripped of your title," a voice sneered. "You¡¯re nothing now."


    Even her parents appeared, their forms flickering. "We regret having you."


    "No!" she screamed. "Please don¡¯t leave me!"


    And yet, they turned. They all turned.


    She was alone. Utterly,pletely alone. Her sobs echoed into the dark, her hands wing the dirt as if it could bring back the love she had lost. The respect. The illusion of belonging.


    Back in reality, Titania copsed to her knees, her shoulders trembling as silent tears streamed down her face. Dristan released her throat, expression unreadable.


    "I let you live your lie," he said coldly. "But you tried to turn the school against her. You tried to break her. So I gave you a taste of what that feels like."


    He turned to Brielle and Avery, who shrank back. Dristan¡¯s eyes narrowed on Avery.


    Her breath hitched.


    "You thought you¡¯d get away with it?" he asked quietly, his voice calm in a way that made her blood run cold. "Thought you¡¯d get away with helping frame my mate. Withughing when she was shamed? You thought there wouldn¡¯t be consequences?"


    Avery took a shaky step back. "Dristan... I-I didn¡¯t mean it..."


    But it was toote.


    Dristan¡¯s hand raised, two fingers liftedzily as if dismissing a child¡¯s excuse¡ªand the moment his eyes shimmered silver-blue again, Avery gasped.


    Then everything shattered.


    <strong>**Nightmare**</strong>


    She stood in the middle of her family home. It was dark and quiet, too quiet.


    "Anyone home?" she called out, her voice echoing. No one answered.


    She moved through the house, heart pounding, stepping over shattered picture frames and overturned furniture. The air felt cold, wrong, like something evil had passed through.


    Her brother¡¯s room was open as she stepped in and screamed.


    His bodyy crumpled on the floor, pale and unmoving, blood pooling beneath him.


    "No, no, no," Avery cried, crawling to him. "Tyson, Tyson, wake up, please!"


    But his eyes were ssy, dead. She turned to run¡ªonly to hear more crashes.


    Her mother¡¯s scream.


    Avery sprinted down the hall. "Mom?!"


    But all she found was a shattered vase and silence. Her mother was gone. Her father. Everyone. The entire house decayed before her eyes, windows cracking, walls rotting.


    "Avery," a voice echoed behind her, and she turned.


    It was her own reflection, staring at her from a mirror that hadn¡¯t been there before. But the eyes were hollow, ck pits.


    "This is your fault," the reflection sneered. "You never deserved love. Never earned loyalty. You were always second-best. Always cruel to hide how small you felt."


    "No¡ªno, stop!"


    "You tore others down to feel big," the reflection hissed. "But now there¡¯s no one left to pretend for."


    Suddenly, the mirror cracked, and dozens of hands reached out of it¡ªgrabbing her, pulling her toward it.


    Avery screamed and wed to get away, but they yanked her in, dragging her into ckness.


    A never-ending dark void. Empty. Isted.


    In that void, her thoughts screamed at her. Every moment of insecurity, every ounce of guilt, was twisted and shoved in her face.


    She saw Valerie¡¯s tear-filled eyes again. She saw herselfughing, enjoying the cruelty.


    And just when she thought she had gotten enough, darkness whispered, "Now you know what it¡¯s like to be the hunted."


    <strong>**Nightmare Ends**</strong>


    Back in the clearing, Avery copsed to the ground like Titania, shaking violently. She gasped for air, her eyes wide in terror as sobs wracked her body.


    Brielle clutched her arms, trying to pull her back, but Dristan¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver.


    "I don¡¯t care how scared you are now," he said deeply, "Remember that fear the next time you think about humiliating someone weaker. Or targeting what¡¯s mine."


    Avery couldn¡¯t speak. Could barely breathe.


    Brielle whispered, "You... you¡¯re a monster."


    Dristan¡¯s head tilted ever so slightly. "A monster?" His voice was deceptively soft. "No. I¡¯m a mate."


    And then his voice deepened with a snarl that made the fire itself flicker. "If either of you so much as thinks about touching my mate again," his voice dropped to a growl, "I will not be this merciful; I will show you what real monsters do."


    He turned and walked away.


    Not a single soul dared follow. Behind him, Titania sat broken. Avery rocked in silence. And Brielle, for once, didn¡¯t speak.


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I woke up the next morning feeling sore beyond measure. Yes, I had my wolf¡¯s healing, but somehow I...


    Achooo!!!


    I sneezed and sat up on my bed as my gaze slowly took in my room.


    I and Emerald were crunched together on the other bed, and Astraea was nowhere to be found.


    Not that I expected her to be here. I was thankful her venomous self had finally been exposed.


    My mind swirled. Everything that had happened the previous day remained etched deep in my memory.


    Dristan¡¯s handsome face, his lips on mine, his hard-on, everything about him and what urred made my insides flutter.


    I shook my head, clearing my thoughts.


    "You need to stay focused, Val."


    "Yes, focus on you."


    My eyes darted straight to the sound of the voice when I saw I sitting up. "And why the heck is Dristan¡¯s scent all over the room?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 275: Easing Into It

    <h4>Chapter 275: Easing Into It</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 275</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I smiled faintly, brushing a lock of hair from my eyes as I looked at I. "Dristan tucked me inst night."


    I wriggled her brows immediately, a knowing smirk creeping across her lips. "Tucked you in, huh?"


    I rolled my eyes, biting the inside of my cheek to stop the grin. "Don¡¯t start."


    "Toote," she sang yfully. "Did anything... go down between you two? You know¡ª" She made a gesture with her hands that had me tossing a pillow at her face.


    "You¡¯re ridiculous," I muttered, heat rising in my cheeks.


    "Which means something definitely happened," Emerald groaned sleepily as she turned on the bed to face us. "Don¡¯t lie, Val. I can smell the afterglow."


    I checked my eyes at both of them. "We didn¡¯t do much. We just kissed. And..."


    "Oooh, you kissed," I echoed, her voice teasingly high-pitched as she leaned closer with exaggerated interest.


    "Yes, and not in this room."


    Both I and Emerald chuckled.


    I buried my face in my hands for a moment, groaning. "It wasn¡¯t just any kiss, okay? It was... a moment. A really heated, confusing, nerve-wracking moment. But that¡¯s all."


    Emerald stretched, her voice still drowsy. "Yesterday was a rollercoaster. Honestly, you deserved one good thing by the end of it."


    I nodded slowly, then sighed. "Yeah, yesterday was... a lot."


    I¡¯s expression softened. "I¡¯m really sorry for what happened, Valerie. You didn¡¯t deserve any of that. It should¡¯ve never gone down like that."


    "It¡¯s okay," I said quietly, but part of me still ached.


    Emerald sat up now, crossing her legs on the bed. "Even if the truth had toe out, she didn¡¯t have the right to do it that way. We were friends. She should¡¯ve spoken to you¡ª<i>we</i> should¡¯ve spoken to you."


    "I never imagined Astraea would be like that," I added, her brows pinched in thought. "She was always so... bubbly. Supportive. A little intense, yeah, but I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d be calcting."


    "She wanted Dristan," I said, my voice blunt and heavy. "That¡¯s what fueled her."


    I nodded slowly. "Yeah. A lot of girls want him. But I really didn¡¯t think our clique¡ªour friendship¡ªwould ever fall apart like this."


    "I know, right?" Emerald huffed. "And I always thought I was the more straightforward one in our group. Bet you even suspected me at some point, didn¡¯t you?"


    I bit my lip, nodding slightly. "Yeah. At one point... after what happened with Silver, I didn¡¯t trust anyone. I just wanted to be alone. There were all these threats, too. It just... I was overwhelmed."


    "I kind of expected that," Emerald said gently. "Honestly, Astraea was too much sometimes. Too cheery, too eager. That¡¯s not always a bad thing, but there¡¯s something about that kind of energy¡ªit¡¯s hard to trust when it feels like a mask."


    Emerald¡¯s voice turned serious. "I don¡¯t think Astraea was ever happy about the heirs being your mates. She never said it to you directly, but she did voice it to us once. That she didn¡¯t get what was so special about you."


    "That¡¯s messed up," I muttered, my chest tightening.


    Both girls nodded.


    But just then, the soft chime of all our phones cut through the air. We each reached for our devices almost at the same time.


    <strong>Announcement: </strong><i>Departure in thirty minutes. Students should begin packing. Transportation will be ready shortly.</i>


    The announcement blinked across the screen in red.


    "We better get moving," I said, swinging her legs off the bed.


    "Ugh," Emerald groaned. "I was just starting to enjoy being away from PSA."


    I stood and stretched, my joints popping slightly. "Let¡¯s get it over with. I want this whole thing behind me already."


    Emerald chuckled. "You just want to get back to Dristan."


    I threw her a look, but the grin was already tugging at my lips.


    Okay. Maybe she wasn¡¯t entirely wrong.


    ***************


    After we got the departure notification, things moved fast. Within ten minutes, the room was a flurry of motion.


    Clothes were tossed into bags, zippers zipped up with force, and makeup kits stuffed intopartments.


    Emeraldined the whole time about packing, I kept fussing over her hair, and I... just wanted to get it over with.


    I had already dressed in a casual lc sweater over a pair of dark denim jeans and my ckbat boots.


    I wore a fitted white long-sleeved top with high-waisted pants, while Emerald opted for something bold¡ªa dark green crop jacket with matching pants that hugged her hips.


    Once our bags were packed and we¡¯d double-checked we left nothing behind, we wheeled our suitcases out of the room and into the hallway, heading toward the elevator.


    As soon as we stepped outside into the cool morning breeze, the sharp scent of pine hitting my nose, we spotted Xade, Axel, and Kai standing by the drive, near one of the gleaming ck SUVs.


    And the moment they saw me, all three headed straight over.


    "Valerie," Kai called, his expression serious as he reached me first. "How are you feeling?"


    "I¡¯m okay," I said, managing a soft smile as I looked at him. His eyes roamed my face like he was making sure of it.


    Axel, on the other hand, didn¡¯t hesitate. He leaned in and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to my cheek. "You smell like Dristan," he said with a low chuckle.


    Kai immediately tensed beside me.


    "Don¡¯t start," I muttered under my breath, but Axel just smirked wider as he nced at Kai with a raised brow.


    "I¡¯m just saying hello," he shrugged innocently.


    Kai folded his arms across his chest, jaw tightening. "Your idea of hello needs to change."


    Before I could step between them, the doors behind us opened again.


    Out walked Dristan, looking dark and refined in a navy shirt and ck jeans, followed by Ash¡ªever so calm with a subtle, dangerous glint in his eyes¡ªand Ace, who gave azy grin the second his eyesnded on me.


    Behind them came Riven and Xander. Riven looked more tired than usual, but his eyes lit up when he saw me.


    And Xander... he didn¡¯t say a word, but he did offer a smile that almost made my knees weak.


    "Well," I said, breaking the silence with a mischievous little grin, "since everyone¡¯s out now, let¡¯s move out, shall we?"


    Then she nced at her cousin¡ªDristan¡ªand winked at me before looping her arm through Emerald¡¯s and tugging her away.


    "Come on, Emmy, we¡¯ll give the lovebird and... all her orbiting satellites... some time."

 Chapter 276: The Sitting Arrangements

    <h4>Chapter 276: The Sitting Arrangements</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 276</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    I was about to protest, but they were already disappearing down the walkway.


    And just like that, I was surrounded¡ªagain. Eight pairs of eyes trained on me, each gaze intense in its own unique way.


    Some glistened with concern, others with desire. And some... with something far moreplex.


    Xander. Riven. I hadn¡¯t spoken to either of them properly since the time everything exploded about their feelings, about mine, about this insane storm I¡¯d pulled us all into.


    I swallowed. My throat felt dry. I didn¡¯t know what to say, where to start. A part of me wanted to tell them the truth, but that meant admitting I¡¯d lied.


    That I¡¯d hidden who I was. What I was.


    That I was Valerie Violet Sapphire Snow.


    "Valerie."


    The sound of someone calling my name sent a jolt down my spine. All of us turned to see Professor Winnie striding toward us, with a clipboard in hand.


    "You all head down. The bus is waiting," she instructed, her tone crisp but not entirely unfriendly.


    "There¡¯ll be no need," Dristan responded coolly, stepping forward. "We brought three of our own cars. We¡¯ll be driving back to school separately, Professor."


    Professor Winnie arched a brow like she wanted to protest but after a pause, she nodded. "As you wish. However..."


    Her gaze slid sharply to me. "Valerie Nightshade, you and I have some talking to do."


    Immediately, all of my mates shifted forward, forming a protective wall in front of me.


    "She didn¡¯t do anything," Xander said firmly, standing tall.


    "She¡¯s done nothing wrong," Ash added in a steel-like voice.


    "She¡¯s not going anywhere without us," Kai said.


    Professor Winnie blinked at the unified wall of alpha energy, and for a moment, even she seemed a bit taken aback.


    "Well, trouble or not," she said after a pause, her tone more formal now, "I must hear all sides. I¡¯m not using her. But as the chaperone of this trip, it¡¯s my duty to follow up."


    Then she met my eyes again. "Rest assured, Alphas. Your mate will be returned in one piece when we get back. But for now, remember¡ªI¡¯m still leading this trip and not you Do not make me rescind my graceful exception, right now."


    She turned sharply and walked away, her long coat billowing slightly with the breeze.


    And just like that, it was quiet again. The eight of them turned their eyes back to me.


    But all I could think of was: how long can I keep this truth buried?


    And how many hearts would I shatter once ites out?


    I exhaled sharply. After Professor Winnie walked away, the atmosphere lingered in silence, filled with tension, curiosity, and the unspoken things between me and everyone of them.


    I didn¡¯t even know what I was going to say.


    But finally, it was Xade who broke it. "The cars are here," he said, tossing his keys into the air before catching them effortlessly. "Let¡¯s split up and get going."


    Turns out, three cars had been brought: one was Xade¡¯s, one was for Dristan, and thest was for Riven.


    Quickly, the groups began to form.


    Ace immediately flung an arm around Riven¡¯s shoulders, grinning like he was about to start the road trip of the century. "We¡¯re riding together, right? Me, you, and Ash. The Bro-mobile."


    Ash gave a small shake of his head but didn¡¯t protest.


    Xade gestured at Axel and Xander. "You two, with me."


    Axel and Xander both shrugged in agreement. It was easy, clean, and no fuss about why they didn¡¯t get to ride with me or anything.


    And that left... me, and Dristan, and Kai. Which already sounded like a brewing storm in the confines of a car because, for some reason, Kai just became possessive.


    Dristan exhaled through his nose. "Let¡¯s take your friends along too. The car has space."


    I blinked. "Seriously?"


    He just shrugged. "Might as well. They¡¯re already used to being around you... and I know you¡¯ll rx more."


    Touched by his thoughtfulness, I quickly grabbed my phone and pinged I and Emerald.


    <strong>Me</strong>: <i>Hey, we¡¯re driving back. Want to ride with us?</i>


    The response was instant.


    <strong>ISLA:</strong><i>Hell yes. On my way!</i>


    <strong>EMERALD:</strong><i>Coming. Riding with Ash, though. More chill there and less drama. Besides, I don¡¯t want too much wolf brooding energy... I like the mix of Lycan and Vamp.</i>


    Iughed at Emerald¡¯s chill joke.


    Within minutes, Emerald waved from across the lot, skipping over to Ash¡¯s group and sliding into the back of Riven¡¯s SUV with a little grin after tossing her bag into the booth. She looked toofortable already.


    I jogged over to us, beaming. "Shotgun!"


    Dristan frowned. "You¡¯re not sitting in front."


    "I¡¯m sitting in front with her," she sang-songed as she pointed at me. "I want to tease my dear cousin and Valerie."


    Dristan groaned and turned to Kai. "Can¡¯t we toss her into Xade¡¯s car?"


    But I had already slung her backpack over her shoulder and sidled up next to me like a clingy sister. "Toote. You invited me."


    Finally, we started moving toward Dristan¡¯s sleek ck car. The guys stashed the luggage in the boot while I and I lingered near the front.


    "Valerie,e sit up front with me," Dristan said as he opened the driver¡¯s side door, ready to slide into the passenger seat.


    "Nope," Kai cut in. "The girls should sit at the back. That¡¯s safer."


    My brows lifted. "Safer? Or are you just trying to be possessive?"


    "Both," Kai answered, without missing a beat. "Dristan¡¯s got too much time with you. It¡¯s only fair to the others if I steal you and stash you somewhere safe."


    I smirked. "Then I have a better idea. I¡¯ll drive. I and I will sit in the front. And you two," I gestured between them, "can sulk in the back."


    Dristan opened his mouth to argue, but I had already snuck up behind him, her fingers dipping into his pocket like a pickpocket in a movie.


    In one swift motion, she yanked the keys out and tossed them at me.


    I caught them with a grin.


    "Let¡¯s go," she chimed with a wink.


    Both Dristan and Kai groaned in unison as I clicked the car open.


    Behind us,ughter echoed from the other groups. Ace was practically howling as he called out, "I¡¯m giving I full points for that steal!"


    "Remind me never to leave anything in my pockets when she¡¯s around," Riven muttered as he climbed into his car.


    Ash simply nodded. "Smart girl."


    Kai gave Dristan a long-suffering look. "We¡¯re letting her drive?"


    "Apparently."


    Dristan shook his head but leaned toward me with a smirk before I got in. "I¡¯m swapping with you when we stop for snacks. Just so you know."


    "Fine," I shrugged. "Then you and I can share the backseat."


    "Hell no," he muttered under his breath. "You and she will share the backseat then. For now, I¡¯ll y nice."


    Once the luggage was packed, I and I slid into the front of the car. She popped her shades on like she owned the entire world, her legs crossed, smirking at the rearview mirror.


    Kai and Dristan climbed into the back, muttering and ring at each other with every inch of space between them.


    I turned the key in the ignition and grinned.


    "Let¡¯s hit the road," I said, exchanging a victorious wink with I as the car pulled away from the hotel. "This is gonna be interesting!"

 Chapter 277: Defended: Their Return to School

    <h4>Chapter 277: Defended: Their Return to School</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 277</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    As soon as we arrived back at school and the heirs parked in their usual reserved spots, I opened the door and stepped out, taking in the familiar surroundings¡ªthe central courtyard, the tall arched buildings of PSA, the lingering chatter of returning students.


    It was strange how normal everything seemed... after everything that had happened.


    Thankfully, it was Sunday, which meant the horrors of school would be far from us for just some more hours.


    I turned to Dristan, Kai, and I. "Thanks for the ride, guys," I said softly, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Imma head on to my dorm."


    But before I could take a step, Dristan reached out and caught my wrist gently, halting me. "Val...e stay with us."


    His voice was low, calm, but filled with meaning.


    I blinked at him. "What?"


    "Come stay with us," he repeated, stepping closer, his blue eyes locking with mine. "Just for a while. Until things settle, you don¡¯t have to be alone in that room, especially not with her still there in there."


    Kai joined us, frowning deeply. "He¡¯s right. Astraea might be quiet now, but we don¡¯t know what she¡¯s nning next. We can¡¯t trust her."


    I sighed and gently pulled my hand back. "I understand. I do. But... I can¡¯t just up and leave. It¡¯s still my dorm. My space."


    Just then, I and Emerald strolled over, both of them still dragging their bags behind them, looking slightly tired but alert. I raised an eyebrow. "Of course you can, Val. Why wouldn¡¯t you?"


    Emerald rolled her eyes. "Until Astraea files for a room transfer, it¡¯s going to be extra awkward sharing that space with her."


    "Exactly. So," I added with a pointed nod, "go stay with the guys. You cane back once she¡¯s out. One week tops. I¡¯ll make sure her transfer request goes through."


    "And if someone reports me? It seems to be the order of the day around here now."


    "Anyone who dares would face my wrath," Dristan stated as he held my hand again.


    Immediately, I recalled everything Xade had said before and exhaled.


    I opened my mouth to argue, but Ace¡¯s voice cut through as he approached us with azy, confident gait. "I hate to say this," he said with a shrug, "but they¡¯ve got a point."


    He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression turning more serious. "You¡¯ve got a lesser chance of getting bullied or spied on by one very specific creep if you stay with your mates. I¡¯ve had my suspicions, but now it¡¯s starting to click."


    My brows drew together. "What do you mean?"


    "The camera. That scandal. The footage. I¡¯ve been thinking... only a fae could have snuck into your space undetected. And who better than the one sharing your dorm?"


    A chill rolled down my spine.


    Astraea.


    She¡¯d been there from the start. Smiling,ughing, supportive¡ªand all the while, stabbing me in the back.


    My stomach twisted. It all made sense.


    Ace continued, "But... as long as they agree to let me and Ace still visit our mate," he added with a teasing wink, "then yeah. Stay with them. We¡¯re not giving up on you, Val."


    I looked around at all of them. At Ash. Kai. Dristan. Xade. Axel. I. Emerald. And even Ace, who gave a simple nod from a distance.


    I was surrounded by people who actually cared.


    The emotion tightened my chest, but I nodded, smiling slightly. "Okay... but let me go pack my main stuff first."


    "We¡¯ll wait," Dristan said, stepping back toward the car. "We¡¯ve got time."


    With that settled, I turned toward the main building and began walking with I and Emerald, our bags wheeling behind us. The halls were mostly empty, only a few students scattered around unpacking or chatting.


    The others were probably out of school in town or in their irrespective rooms.


    But as soon as we pushed open the door to our dorm¡¯s living room, we all froze.


    There, seated cross-legged on the couch like nothing had happened, was Astraea.


    She was scrolling through her phone, legs swinging slightly, as though she hadn¡¯t humiliated me in front of half the school.


    I let out a breath. "Look who hell coughed up."


    Emerald was right behind her, setting her suitcase down with a thud. "I hope your little betrayal was worth it. You lost every friend you had in this room. Every ounce of dignity."


    Astraea didn¡¯t look up. She didn¡¯t even flinch. Her fingers scrolledzily on her phone as she wore her tired expression but I knew better than to believe her facade anymore.


    "Still nothing to say?" Emerald pressed rather sharply. "What? You only talk when there¡¯s a crowd to manipte?"


    Astraea¡¯s thumb stilled on the screen, her lips curling into a cold, emotionless smile. "You¡¯re so dramatic. I told the truth."


    "Oh spare me the martyr act," Emerald snapped. "You weren¡¯t helping anyone. You were jealous. Bitter. Desperate for Dristan¡¯s attention¡ª"


    Astraea finally looked up from her phone, her eyes glinting with something sharp, almost gleeful in its cruelty.


    "Desperate for his attention? Please. I didn¡¯t need to be desperate. He gave it willingly. You¡¯re just mad because your precious Valerie couldn¡¯t keep her secrets under wraps."


    Emerald scoffed, stepping forward. "Willingly? You mean the same guy who looked at you like gum stuck to his shoe? Don¡¯t tter yourself."


    Astraea tilted her head. "And yet, here you are, ying her little guard dog. Did she reward you with a pat on the head, Em? Or are you still hoping to be included in her inner circle like a desperate little shadow?"


    "You¡¯re unbelievable," Emerald hissed. "You yed victim while poisoning everyone around her. You smiled in her face and twisted the knife when she was vulnerable¡ª"


    "Someone had to," Astraea snapped, standing now. "She was a ticking bomb of secrets and lies. Everyone tiptoed around her like she was some goddess just because the heirs had hard-ons for her."


    "Hard-ons? Were you that desperate to be fucked? Jeez, you¡¯re even more pathetic than before. They are her mates, and if you don¡¯t like it or are jealous, go and fuck your Erik and your other lover, wench."


    Astraea looked shocked, but it didn¡¯t stop Emerald.


    "You don¡¯t need to fuck them and pretend they are Dristan just because you wish the Moon Goddess gave you more mates like she did for Valerie. Be contented. And people don¡¯t follow her because of the heirs. Stop your delulu, it¡¯s not the solulu."


    "Well, at least I am not ashamed to say it. Yes, I love Dristan, and he is wasting his time on her. She is an even bigger whore. Just because we faked a text from her to Riven, look at how she included him in her harem. Bitch, please."


    "So you finally admitted to hacking my phone, I see," I couldn¡¯t help but chip in, while folding my arms.


    "They all are wasting their time on you, Valerie. And you," she said, pointing at Emerald, "you neither have your mate nor the privilege to have fun or fuck who you want. You¡¯re betrothed like some housewife of old, no wonder you want to befriend her by all means."


    "Is being betrothed to royalty what¡¯s pricking your ego? Huh, or did you wish so bad to have someone who loves you and not those who want your body while you respond like some greedy whore eager for dicks."


    Astraea bit her lip, and I knew she was going to retort again, not wanting to let Emerald win.


    However, judging some of the energy Emerald was giving off, she too wouldn¡¯t be backing down anytime soon, it seemed.


    "You don¡¯t get to decide who¡¯s worthy of love or not!" Emerald added with as much fire. "Especially not when you¡¯re the one trying to dismantle it from the inside out!"


    "I did what none of you had the guts to do!" Astraea¡¯s voice rose, sharp and cold. "I exposed her."


    "You humiliated her."


    "She lied."


    "She protected herself! There¡¯s a huge difference. Even if she is who you say she is, how the fuck is that your cup of tea? She has her reasons, and in case you did not recall history, her family was murdered."


    "Not an excuse."


    "Oh, plenty," Emerald groaned, pinching her nose bridge. "If you were the one, as heiress of the South, after such a tragedy, would youe out in the open like some pageant queen? If you do, then you¡¯re even dumber than I thought. And you guys are wrong. If she is the heiress, then she has more rights than any of you to be here."


    "I protected all of you!"


    "From what?" Emerald barked. "The only poison in this room is you, Astraea!"


    The room pulsed with tension, the air practically crackling from their rising voices and unspoken anger. My fingers clenched around the strap of my bag... enough¡ªenough of this.


    "That¡¯s enough," I cut in, stepping forward. My voice was firm.


    Both girls turned to look at me.


    "She¡¯s not worth it," I said, brushing past them toward my room. "Let her pretend she still belongs here. I just want to get my stuff and go."


    Without sparing Astraea another nce, I stepped into my room, pulled the door shut behind me, and exhaled deeply.


    My chest ached. But this was the beginning of moving on... and reiming my peace.


    And it was great to have people like Emerald with that kind of reasoning. She gets it, and maybe, just maybe, my mates would too and they are ready.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 278: Fantasizing: Isla’s Analysis

    <h4>Chapter 278: Fantasizing: I¡¯s Analysis</h4>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 278</strong>


    <strong>~Valerie¡¯s POV~</strong>


    By the time I stepped out of the room with my bags packed, the heated air from earlier had dissipated.


    Though it hadn¡¯t been long since I entered my room, they stopped.


    Apparently, I had stepped in and pulled Emerald to her room, then gave Astraea a sound warning to stop causing trouble and stay away from us.


    The living room was empty. Emerald must¡¯ve stayed back to her own room to cool off, and Astraea¡ªthankfully¡ªwas gone. I wasn¡¯t sure where to, and I honestly didn¡¯t care since I didn¡¯t perceive her.


    As I moved toward the kitchen with my smaller bag slung over my shoulder, I noticed I by the counter, standing quietly beside the microwave.


    The gentle hum of it heating something up was the only sound in the space. She didn¡¯t notice me enter nor di she realise her meal had fully being heated up and the chim gone off.


    She must be deep in thought.


    I smiled faintly. "Hey, girl."


    No response.


    I tilted my head and took a step closer, only to realise she lookedpletely lost in thought, her fingers frozen mid-scroll over her phone screen.


    I took another step, preparing to tap her shoulder, but something on the screen caught my eye.


    A name.


    One word, boldened.


    <strong>Neil</strong>.


    My breath caught, and I instinctively nced away.


    Instead of touching her, I gently rapped the table beside her. "Earth to I."


    She jumped slightly, her screen locking in one swift move before she turned to face me with a wide-eyed smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. "You scared the crap out of me."


    "Sorry," I said lightly, trying to ignore the tight knot curling in my stomach. "What were you thinking about?"


    "Oh... nothing." Her voice was too quick, too smooth. "Just tired. You know... from the whole drama."


    I nodded slowly, still pretending I hadn¡¯t seen anything. "Right. Same here. You okay?"


    "Yeah," she said with a little too much pep, brushing imaginary lint off her shirt. "You?"


    "Getting there. I¡¯m all packed. Time to go build some emotional bridges with my mates," I joked, halfughing. "It¡¯s just... hard."


    I smiled knowingly, stirring something on the counter. "I know what you mean."


    "Do you?"


    I rolled her eyes. "Duh, I may not be seeing someone now, but I did date someone before. After all, I am a very beautiful girl."


    She moved over to the microwave, took out her dish, the one Dristan had bought for us on our way back and ced it down on the table.


    She went to get a te and spoon, and then she turned to me suddenly, her expression mischievous. "By the way, which of your mates have you had wet dreams about?"


    I blinked, stunned. "I!"


    "What?" she giggled. "It¡¯s a valid question. You dodged it thest time during camping."


    "And look at where that got us, me."


    I waved off my fear. "It¡¯s just two of us. Besides, I know it wasn¡¯t because you didn¡¯t have one... or six wet dreams."


    I groaned, my cheeks heating. "I wasn¡¯t dodging because I was trying to avoid drama."


    She narrowed her eyes yfully. "Then what?"


    I sighed, dragging my hand through my hair before leaning against the counter. "Because I¡¯ve dreamt about all of them."


    Her eyes widened with wicked delight. "Oh my goddess, Val. You naughty, naughty girl, making love to each one of them or all."


    I covered my face with my hand. "It¡¯s not my fault! The mate bond is doing things. Weird things. Erotic things."


    "You can say that again," she wriggled her brows at me.


    "Stop it, I. I mean it, it feels so real and then, bam, it is a dream."


    "I believe you," she said, fanning herself dramatically. "But now you¡¯re staying in their space? Oh, girl... you¡¯re about to experience next-level temptation and some hardcore lovemaking... hehe I want all the deets."


    I gave her a t look. "Don¡¯t start."


    "Oh, I will." She grinned like a fiend. "Let¡¯s break this down. Ash¡ªbroody and mysterious¡ªyou know he¡¯s the type to silently sneak into your bed and steal your breath."


    I rolled my eyes. "I."


    "Then there¡¯s Dristan¡ªdark, possessive, and just the right amount of dominant. You two are going to end up steaming the entire west wing."


    I couldn¡¯t help the smallugh that escaped.


    "Axel?" she continued. "Flirty tease. That one¡¯s gonna rile you up just to watch you squirm."


    I sighed. "You¡¯re so not helping."


    "Xade," she continued with a wiggle of her brows, "the rebel with a sharp tongue¡ªhe¡¯s probably into the rough stuff. You know it. But I bet he¡¯d pleasure you silly."


    My jaw dropped. "I!"


    "I haven¡¯t even gotten to Kai," she whispered dramatically, "who might just tie you up with your own sheets because he¡¯s possessive and chaotic."


    I groaned, clutching my stomach fromughter. "You¡¯re insane."


    "I¡¯m factual," she dered proudly.


    "Okay... then who else, Ace?"


    I looked thoughtful for a while, and then her eyes shone a bit. "I haven¡¯t known him for a while, but I am confident that he would be a beast beneath the sheets. Don¡¯t get me wrong, he is calm but calm ones sometimes are..."


    She fanned her cheeks for added effect. "That¡¯s if there¡¯s any at all as he devours you, fucking you again and again, thing you pass out from his intense lovemaking. I heard Lycans are that good and now he is a sexy damn god... ohe on, Val."


    Weughed for a bit, giggling like old times. The sound felt good, familiar.


    Then the air calmed¡ªjust a little.


    The microwave beeped, and I turned to grab the tray of my food she had helped me put in.


    That¡¯s when Emerald came out of her room, her arms folded as she leaned against the doorframe. "Is she gone?"


    I nodded. "Yeah, she left."


    Emerald sighed in relief. Then she walked forward, her gaze ping-ponging between the two of us. "What were you two talking about? You look flushed."


    "Nothing," I said too quickly.


    I snorted. "Just your girl here fantasising about being devoured by six alpha heirs."


    "I!" I hissed, face burning.


    Emerald blinked and then burst outughing. "Oh, gods. Well, it¡¯s better than the trauma from yesterday, I guess."


    Then her expression softened and turned thoughtful as she reached forward. "Wait... Val, where¡¯s your ne?"


    My fingers instinctively flew to my neck, and my heart skipped a beat.


    Shit. I almost forgot they knew about it, and now it was gone.


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