Let him despise me, not like that’s anything new. Anger’s the only thing that still makes me feel alive. And right now?
I could drink that rage like water.
“We’re doubling the patrols,” he announces, voice cold and commanding. “Those who’ve done some mundane missions already saw the urgency firsthand. Netherworld is moving.”
A ripple of whispers cuts through the rows, static on a radio.
“Silence,” the General snaps. “We’re out of time. Training is condensed and effective immediately. Graduation from the Institute will now take one and a half years, not three. Those with one year left will graduate after Grianstad. You’ll report to duty coming back from the solstice break.”
The seriousness of the situation hangs heavy in the room. The assembly ripples with stunned and disbelieving whispers. That’s why he pushed me toward the alpha’s daughter of Elveron. I thought I had until spring to figure things out. But now… We’re graduating this winter.
The General wants confirmed allies before the war truly begins. Another reason to keep Avilyna as far from me as possible. Because my father will never stop using me as a pawn in his twisted games to show everyone the great alpha he is. There’s nothing, no one, he won’t sacrifice for that title. I used to resist him, to think I could revolt against him, be my own person. But the last time I did?
Sammy died.
37
Kai
PENT-UP FRUSTRATION
It’sthe first day of the long weekend. Only third-year students are required to do patrols during those breaks, which is why we’re having this brief morning debrief at the manor. At least we’re not out patrolling every day. The surveillance schedule is divided into three shifts, so everyone works only one day.
It’s one of the few rules left over from the Eilgolor’s reign. Back when the valkyries were still around, Kallahan was the only matriarchal system in Elgar, but there was no way my dad would let that regime stay. Especially with our nature, lycans already have a system, except that the rightful heir has returned, and the throne is hers by right.
With everything going on, Nalaka has decided to join the Bloodhowl Unit, our patrol team. Giving up her Corporal title didn’t seem like a big loss to her.
In fact, she looks in her element as part of the crew, already training Avilyna in the yard, while Sakura is sitting on the stairs eating mint chocolate chip ice cream straight from the tub. Wyll is standing behind Vi, watching her moves as she attacks Nalaka with a speed she didn’t have a month ago. I’m not sure if it’s the training I put her through or the fact that she’s finally starting to remember who she is, but whatever the reason, her defencesare strong, and her precision is sharp, lethal. The only thing keeping her from actually killing her opponent is that it’snother intention.
Out of breath, Nalaka calls the end of the match while Avilyna pins her to the ground, stealing my signature move. I knew there was a spark in her eyes that night. She was learning all along, quietly taking mental notes on how to evolve, because she’s a warrior.
I know the exact moment Vi notices me, her back straightens. She releases her hold on Nalaka, her eyes hardening. Ready to snarl, but Avilyna holds it back at the last second.
“What do you want?” Her silky voice cuts sharply.
“Nothing that concerns you, Princess.”
“Oh, come on. Mommy and Daddy can’t stop fighting?” Wyll jokes as he reaches Avilyna, but before I can tell him to shut up, she throws him over her shoulder. Luckily for him, it’s on the mat because that throw was loaded with a lot of pent-up frustration.
The fact that I’m the only one who gets under her skin like that... That only I matter to her, and she to me, in our own twisted way, sends a thrill down my spine.
“Not funny. Duly noted,” Wyll says, coughing to catch his breath.
Caleb joins Sakura on the stairs, spoon in hand. Nalaka stares at them, scandalized, as the alchemist digs into the ice cream. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s another reason Nalaka chose to stay with Sakura instead of the manor. I might be a control freak, but she’s a fucking perfectionist maniac, and that is downright maddening sometimes.
“What’d I miss?” Caleb asks.
“Oh, you know, angry people, pent-up hormones, and Wyll saying the wrong thing. I can relate to that last part, and that’s rare. I’m usually the unicorn in the room,” Sakura replies, takinga big bite of her ice cream, not even flinching at the cold against her teeth, and that tells me everything I need to know. Then she looks up at me and simply says, “Thank you.”
Caleb eyes me curiously, but before I can explain, my watch alarm blares. The breach detector we got for veil disturbances lights up, projecting an open portal on the map. The same portal Vi and I used yesterday.
“Let’s go!” I call out. Everyone springs into action, and as they cross the threshold, I grab Avilyna’s forearm, stopping her.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“Last time I checked, you don’t own me. Let go.” That little terror, my hand itches to teach her a lesson.
“You’re not coming. Last time I checked, I’m your superior. You’ll follow orders likeanycadet. Am I clear, Princess?”
