Lines of Authority

“Should I come too?”

Austin just nodded quickly. His face was more serious than I knew as he stepped into the academy corridor. Seara wanted to know more because Austin's aura hadn't completely disappeared; it still felt like low pressure in the air, faint but watchful.

“CCTV in the east wing,” Austin said casually, glancing back. “Can you still walk?”

“I’m not made of glass,” Seara replied flatly, even though she was lying because her feet were slightly scraped.

The corners of Austin’s lips lifted. “Note that. Just fainted, and already being sassy again.”

Inside, Arach snorted in satisfaction.

[He’s glad you’re not fragile.]

Seara ignored him. She didn't want the wolf to keep commenting on Austin.

They stopped in front of the control room, a metal door with the academy's symbol roughly engraved on it. A young technician stood stiffly when he saw Austin.

"A-Alpha," he stammered.

"Play the recording of the 10F corridor, ten minutes before the incident," Austin ordered. His tone was light, but unquestionable.

The screen lit up. We both leaned slightly toward the monitor.

The recording showed Ingrid walking quickly, her shoulders tense, clutching a worn journal to her chest. A few seconds later, Rhea appeared, walking casually, a mocking expression on her face. There was no sound, but her body language was clear enough.

Rhea snatched the journal first. Her hand pulled, then pushed. Ingrid reacted. Seara slowly clenched her fists.

"I know," she said softly. "She's not lying."

Austin didn't respond immediately. His jaw tightened, his gaze fixed on the screen.

"Delcy," he said finally. "Smart choice of who to protect."

"Alpha Austin," Seara turned. "I don't think punishing Rhea will solve anything."

"I know." He glanced at the monitor to his left. "Reconciling them isn't a quick solution either."

"It's the right solution," Seara replied. "I didn't know you could think practically."

She stared straight at Austin, waiting for his reaction. Silence stretched between them. Seara hoped Austin would argue with her, but Austin seemed to be weighing her words.

Austin sighed briefly. "I'll talk to Delcy. Rhea will be officially warned. One more time, she'll be suspended for a month."

"And Ingrid?"

"She'll be transferred to another class, it's the safest way for her."

Seara shook her head slowly. "Is that necessary? She's not guilty."

Austin's eyebrows rose. "Who says? Did you watch the video or not? Ingrid also provoked Rhea."

My gaze shifted back to the monitor. I saw Ingrid's movements, which seemed to challenge Rhea. Oh my god, I didn't watch it properly.

"No wonder you're an Alpha. Your instincts are strong."

Austin stared at her for a long time, then chuckled softly.

"Just figured that out?" he said, leaning against the wall, "So, have you considered letting me into your heart?"

"Don't change the subject," Seara replied, pointing at Austin's face. "I don't open my heart to lecherous Alphas."

Austin's gaze toward Seara changed. It became sharper and more... interested.

"That's a sign of maturity," he said lightly. "All women like mature men like me."

"How narcissistic. Instead of wasting your time trying to seduce me, you'd better take care of Ingrid and Rhea. Justice must be upheld."

**

Ingrid sat stiffly in the counseling room, her hands clenched together. When Seara entered, the girl straightened her back, her eyes widening.

"I'm not here to punish you," Seara said quickly. "I want to talk. Alpha Austin sent me."

Ingrid hesitated. "About Rhea?"

"Yes."

Seara sat across from her, lowering her body so Ingrid could open up more.

"What do you want?" she asked.

Ingrid swallowed. "I just want her to stop."

Seara felt that Ingrid's answer wasn't entirely honest. Their faces were now level.

"Why do I feel like you're nervous?" Seara continued, "You have to tell me everything, Ingrid."

The girl was silent for a long time. Then, her voice broke. "That I'm tired of being considered weak. I'm not a joke. I'm jealous of her, who always gets special treatment at the academy. I deliberately provoked her."

Seara nodded. "I understand. If I arrange a meeting and reconcile you two under the supervision of Alpha Austin himself, would you be willing?"

Ingrid hesitated, then nodded slowly.

Rhea entered with an annoyed gait, her chin raised high. "This is a waste of time—"

"Sit down," Seara cut her off sharply.

Rhea stopped.

She turned to Austin, who was standing in the corner of the room, leaning his shoulder against the wall, looking relaxed but with alert eyes.

"Sit down," Austin repeated lightly.

Rhea sat down.

Seara didn't beat around the bush. "You stole Ingrid's journal and you pushed first."

"That's a lie—"

"There's CCTV," Austin interjected. "Complete."

Rhea fell silent.

Seara continued, her voice calmer. "I'm not here to punish you. I want you to listen."

Ingrid spoke as she had told Seara she would. Her voice trembled but did not break.

When she finished, a heavy silence hung in the air.

Rhea stared at the table. Her jaw was tense.

“I… didn’t mean to go that far,” she muttered.

“That’s not an apology,” Seara said softly but firmly.

Rhea sighed heavily. “I’m sorry.”

Ingrid looked at her, hesitant. Then she nodded slightly. She also apologized to her bully.

Austin watched from a distance, something glinting in his eyes. He noticed how Seara, whom he had only met a few days ago, was sensitive to her surroundings.

The wolf inside him wanted to claim Seara immediately, but he was still hesitant. He had to consider the other pack leaders.

Meanwhile, Seara felt her wolf coaxing her to accept Austin.

[He sees you,] whispered Arach. [And he's impressed.]

**

Delcy waited in the hallway when they came out.

"Seara," she said with a cold smile. "I want to talk to you."

Austin glanced at Seara. "I'll be at the end of the corridor."

As soon as Austin walked away, the air changed.

"You're playing an interesting role," Delcy said softly. "The savior. The mediator. Very... prominent."

Seara stared back at her unflinchingly. "I did what was necessary."

"In front of Alpha," Delcy continued. "You think I didn't see?"

"See what?" Seara asked.

"The look in his eyes for you." Delcy's smile faded. "I've known Austin longer than anyone here. We grew up together."

Her tone wasn't angry. More like a warning.

"Don't try to curry favor," she continued. "I'm his confidante. Always have been."

Seara sighed softly. "I'm not competing."

"Not yet," Delcy replied lightly. "And don't underestimate me because of today."

She walked away, leaving a chill in her wake.

Seara stood still for a moment.

In the distance, Austin turned. Their gazes met.

There was no smile this time. Only a silent acknowledgment that a line had been drawn. Seara, unconsciously, had just stepped over it.