Chapter 6

EMAL

I pick up my pace, walking as fast as I can to school. After what happened yesterday, I refuse to be the center of attention again.

I reach the school gates sooner than expected, slipping inside unnoticed. Quietly, I make my way to my classroom and take my seat, trying to blend into the background. The class is settled, waiting for the teacher—if one even decides to show up that is.

"How was the game yesterday? Who won?"

The voice grates on my nerves before I even look up. Another one of Blake’s minions, here to taunt me first thing in the morning. Not again. I swallow hard, feeling the familiar helplessness settle in my chest.

I don’t know what I did to deserve this treatment. Maybe just existing is enough. Being bullied by my own pack members isn’t new, but it doesn’t hurt any less. Some days, I wish things would change overnight.

I reach into my bag, searching for something—anything—to distract myself. My fingers finally close around a pencil buried deep within the folds of my bag.

"Hey, Alpha?" The voice mocks me again. "No, should I say future Alpha? Alpha-to-be?"

Laughter erupts around me, filling my ears, but I force myself to focus on my sketchpad. Drawing is my escape, the one thing that gives me peace. My father sees it as a weakness, a useless hobby that won’t make me stronger. But it’s the only thing that keeps me sane.

"Can you let me be?" I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Whoa! Look at that, he actually speaks."

A loud thud shakes my desk as a handful of money is slammed onto it.

"Go get us some snacks," the boy sneers.

I lift my gaze, staring at him blankly. "What did you say?"

"You heard me. Get up and buy us some snacks. Or maybe you'd rather pay for them? The Alpha’s heir should have plenty of cash to waste, right?"

Laughter ripples through the class again. I feel his fingers brush against my chin as he taunts me further. I clench my fists under the table. A girl in a black hoodie enters the room, but I don’t pay her any attention. She is probably just another face in a crowd that despises me.

"Or," he continues, his voice dripping with mockery, "are you just a poor worthless prince, ignored by your own father?"

His hand shoots out, wrapping around my throat. He’s not squeezing hard, just enough to humiliate me, to remind me of my place. I don’t react. He won’t kill me—he wouldn’t dare. No matter how much they hate me, murdering a royal is a crime punishable by death. It’s treason.

I pick up the money and stand. "What do you want?"

The slap I got from my mother last night still stings in my memory. I don’t need another one. It’s easier to obey.

"You should already know," he scoffs. "Figure it out yourself and get going."

I turn toward the door, ready to leave. I don’t know what to buy, but I’ve seen Blake eat before. He likes meaty snacks—lots of meat, minimal spice. Maybe beef rolls. That should be safe. Better.

Just as I step across the threshold, a force yanks me back. At first, I'm not expecting it at all. I thought it is a tap to tease me again, so I didn't look back until I feel the force concentrate around my wrist.

"Are you a fool?"

I whirl around at the sharp voice. The girl in the hoodie. I can’t see her face clearly, her dark hair hidden beneath the fabric.

I try pulling away, but she tightens her grip. "What do you want?" I snap, assuming she’s just another one of Blake’s lackeys.

"I want nothing from you," she says coolly. "But a royal shouldn’t be running errands for anyone. Go back to your seat."

That voice—it’s familiar. But there’s no time to think too much about it.

I place my free hand over hers, realizing something odd. She’s human. Human? How is she so bold to stand against these werewolves?

"It’s none of your business," I say through gritted teeth. "Let go."

I yank my wrist free and move forward. If I just buy them what they want, maybe they’ll leave me alone for the day. People think I’m a coward, but they don’t understand. I’m not just protecting myself—I’m protecting my father’s reputation. If I retaliate, if I embarrass him, the other royal families will use it against us. They’re just waiting for a reason to bring my family down.

"Are you stupid?" she calls after me. "What the hell do you think you’re doing?"

I stop and turn to her. She looks so innocent to be caught up in this mess. Plus, she’s new too. "I should be asking you that. Do you think you have a say in what I do?"

"What’s your deal, newbie?" Blake finally speaks up, stepping forward with that smug grin of his. The girl stands still, her face still hidden under the hood, a hand tucked into her pockets.

"What do you want?" Blake asks. "Why are you stopping him?"

"I should ask you why you bully him for just no reason." she answers and I turn to look at her with nothing but admiration.

"What? Bully him for no reason? Little Alpha, am I bullying you?" he asks me but I keep mute.

"Speak!" he yells, wanting to hit me. Probably land me one or two blows.

"I..I.."

"You don't have to say anything, not everyone is so foolish like those here.” She interjects. “I'm not blind and I can clearly see what's going on." She smirks and every other person present gasp at her boldness.

"So, what do you want to do about it?" Blake moves closer to her, almost growling at her.

"Let's see, how about I bully you for the day?" I can't believe my ears. Did she just say that? Damn! She's got some nerves.

"Are you insane? Who do you want to bully?"

"You!"

"You're wrong, you can't bully me." Blake smirks, "You're just a mere human. What's your stress?"

"Yes, I'm human. But not everything is about power or physical strength. Some things have to be done with brains and a strong mentality."

I inhale sharply. She’s right. She’s completely right. Blake’s expression darkens with anger and he raises his hand to hit her. Without thinking, I step between them, glaring at him. I can’t tell why I step in, reflex…maybe.

Blake hesitates, grinding his teeth in frustration, when suddenly—

A powdery substance explodes into the air. I cough, my vision blurring for a moment. Before I know what’s happening, the girl on hoodie, grabs my wrist and yanks me forward.

“Run!” she utters, already making a sprint for it, my wrist within her grasp. By the time the haze clears, we’re on the rooftop. I stop, catching my breath, listening to the rapid rise and fall of hers.

The wind shifts, knocking her hood back slightly, revealing part of her face.

I freeze. I know that face.

She turns to me as the breeze lifts strands of her hair.

"You?"

A smirk tugs at her lips. "Yes, it’s me. Surprised?"

"Little…Lilly?"