A compromise

The atmosphere in the Grand Hall shifted from shock to a heavy, simmering tension. While the rest of the students were being herded toward the Moon and Heir towers, Pamela and I stood in the center of the atrium, looking at our digital assignment badges.

"There must be a mistake in the logistics," I muttered, tapping my tablet. "We invested millions into the Silver Tower. Our suites were designed specifically for our encryption needs. We have board meetings scheduled for tonight."

Pamela didn't waste time. She signaled two of the Academy guards—men who were now technically on our payroll. "Find out where our equipment was delivered. We have specialized server racks and satellite uplinks that need to be installed in the Silver Tower penthouse immediately."

The guards looked at each other, then back at us with pale faces. "Alpha... the orders were changed by the High Court this morning. Your equipment was diverted.

Before I could demand an explanation, the heavy doors at the back of the stage opened. The Dragon King stepped out, flanked by Sol and Marcus. He gestured for us to follow him into the private corridor.

The King led us into a secure briefing room where the Board of Investors was already waiting. These were the elder shifters who managed the Academy’s global interests. They bowed as I entered, but their expressions were firm.

"Alpha Silver," the Chairman began. "We recognize your 38% stake and your ownership of the Silver Tower. However, the Imperial Tower is not just a dorm; it is a fortress. With the current political climate and your status as a high-value target—and a sovereign Alpha—the Crown has deemed the Silver Tower insufficient for your overnight security."

I crossed my arms. "I designed the Silver Tower’s security myself. It’s a vault."

"It is a vault for students," the King interrupted, his golden eyes locking onto mine. "The Imperial Tower is a vault for rulers. For this term, there are only four students assigned to the Imperial Wing: Sol, Marcus, you, and your Beta."

He gestured to a stack of folders on the table. "You will have full access to your penthouse in the Silver Tower to use as your corporate offices and for your digital seminars. You can conduct your business there during the day. But when the sun sets, you will sleep in the Imperial Tower. No exceptions."

Sol leaned against the wall, a predatory smirk playing on his lips. "It’s for your own protection, Queen. Besides, the Imperial Wing has much better coffee."

A Board member pushed two sleek, obsidian tablets toward us. "Your schedules. You will be attending the Elite Tactical and Sovereign Economic tracks. However..." He glanced at the King. "There is the matter of the Combat Assessment."

"In this Academy, status is bought with gold but kept with blood," the King said. "To finalize your placement in the Imperial Tower, you must participate in the opening fighting round. Tomorrow morning, in the Great Arena."

I glanced at the schedule. The first block was a combat demonstration.

"Who are we fighting?" Pamela asked, her burgundy wolf already beginning to stir.

The King looked at his sons. "To ensure the highest level of data, you and Pamela will be paired against Sol and Marcus. The school needs to see that the new investors aren't just deep pockets, but lethal leaders."

I looked at Sol. He was watching me with an intensity that made the air feel thin. He wasn't looking at me like a student; he was looking at me like a challenge he couldn't wait to unravel.

"A sparring match with the Dragon Princes?" I said, a slow, dangerous smile spreading across my face as I tucked the tablet under my arm. "I hope they’ve been training. I’d hate to bruise the Royal reputation on the very first day."

"Don't worry about us, Aella," Marcus grunted, his eyes fixed on Pamela with a strange, competitive gleam. "Just make sure your Beta knows how to take a hit."

Pamela didn't flinch. "I don't plan on taking any. But I’m happy to give a few, Prince Marcus."

As we walked out of the briefing room toward the Imperial Tower, the weight of the situation settled in. I was living with the Dragons, working in a penthouse, and preparing to fight the most powerful heirs in the world—all while Maxwell and Amelie were stuck in the lower towers, wondering how the "help" had suddenly become the masters of their world