LOGINZARA'S POV“I can't believe you are finally graduating,” Jae said with a sigh.I looked at him, then smiled mischievously. “Since I'm graduating, take me on an outing.”He gave me a suspicious look. “That's what you've been waiting to ask?”“Obviously. What else am I supposed to do with my freedom?”Rora, who had been scrolling through her phone beside me, immediately looked up. “An outing? Where?”“The mall,” I answered.“I'm coming.”Jae stared at both of us. “Did either of you consider asking whether I wanted company?”“No,” I said.“Not even a little,” Rora added.He shook his head, but he was already reaching for his car keys. “I should have known better than to tell you I was proud of you.”I laughed and followed him out. “You can show your pride by buying me food.”“That's not how pride works, Zara.”“It is today.”We barely made it through the mall entrance before Rora spotted a shop she wanted to visit. She grabbed my hand and dragged me towards it, leaving Jae to follow behi
Alexander's POVTwo more wolves were moved to the healing ward before sunrise.That brought the number of sick pack members to nineteen.I stood beside one of the beds while the healer explained that the latest treatment hadn't worked. The wolf was barely conscious, and his family waited outside for news. I had no answer to give them.By the time I returned to my office, I was already frustrated.Marcus was waiting for me."Have you spoken to the council?" I asked."They're waiting for you.""For what?"He hesitated. "They held a meeting this morning."I stopped removing my jacket. "Without me?""They were concerned about the situation. The elders believe we need to consider every possible solution."I knew exactly what he meant."Don't.""Alexander, hear me out.""I already gave my answer about Selene and that seer.""I know, but two more wolves are in the ward. The healers have tried everything, and the pack is getting frightened. The elders are beginning to question whether we're d
Alexander's POVSeventeen members of my pack were sick, and the healers still had no answers.I'd spent most of the morning going through their reports. Some of the affected wolves were responding to treatment, but none had recovered completely. Two had become worse overnight. Every time I asked for an update, I got the same answer: they were trying something else.I was running out of patience.When the guard announced Selene, I almost told him to send her away. I had enough problems without another conversation with her. Still, she wasn't alone, and the man following her caught my attention."Who is he?""Someone I want you to meet," Selene said.The man stepped forward. He was older, with grey hair and a leather bag in his hand."Elias," he introduced himself. "I'm a seer."I looked at Selene. "Why have you brought a seer to my office?""Because of what's happening to the pack. I thought we should hear what he has to say."I gestured towards the chairs. "Make it quick."Elias sat o
Zara's POVWe left the Grand Hall through a side corridor. The Matron had taken Selene aside, while one of the staff members reminded Rora that her part in the incident would be discussed after the ceremony. Selene was still complaining as they led her away, but I didn't stay to listen.“I need to change,” I said.Mum nodded. “We've arranged something for you. Come with us.”Dad had already collected my purse. He walked beside us towards the dressing room, while Rora followed close behind.“I should have thrown the whole bottle,” she muttered.I looked at her. “Please don't start.”“What? I'm only saying.”“You've done enough.”She shrugged. “And I'd do it again.”Despite everything, I laughed.Inside the dressing room, Mum opened a garment bag that had been left for me. She pulled out a black gown, and I immediately understood why she'd insisted on bringing me here instead of returning to the dormitory.The dress had a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt made of several soft layers. It
Zara's POV“Oops.”Selene looked down at my gown, then back at me. She didn't even bother pretending to be surprised.I stared at the stain spreading across the white fabric. The champagne had soaked through the front, leaving an ugly mark against the dress I'd spent the morning trying to protect.“You did that on purpose,” I said.Selene lifted her glass slightly. “It was an accident.”She didn't wait for me to respond. Her eyes travelled over my gown, and a small smile appeared on her face.“Although, I suppose you're used to people staring by now. The whole school saw you and Jae.”My face grew warm. I could feel people nearby turning towards us, and suddenly I was painfully aware of how exposed I felt standing there in a ruined white dress.“Leave him out of this,” I said.“Why? It's not as if you two were hiding anything.”“Selene, just stop.”She smiled as if she'd been waiting for me to say that.Before I could move away, Rora appeared beside me. She looked at the stain, then a
Zara's POVRora was standing in front of the mirror when I checked the time for the third time.“Are you almost ready?”“I'm ready.”“You've been saying that for ten minutes.”She ignored me and leaned closer to inspect her makeup. I turned away from her and looked at my gown again. It was hanging from the wardrobe door, exactly where I'd left it, and I had been careful not to touch it since putting on my own makeup.The white fabric made me nervous. Every little mark would show, and I didn't want anything to happen to it before we even reached the ceremony. My parents had gone to the trouble of arranging it, and I wanted to wear it properly. I'd already checked the skirt twice to make sure it hadn't caught on anything.Rora glanced at me through the mirror.“You're doing it again.”“Doing what?”“Checking that dress like it's going to disappear.”“I'm just making sure it's okay.”“It's been okay for the last twenty minutes.”I gave her a look, and she laughed.She finally stepped awa
CHAPTER SIX ZARA I feel different immediately I wake up. I lay still on the bed for a few seconds and stared at the ceiling. Alex is gone. He prefers to leave before I wake up, or to pretend to be deeply asleep. My body feels lighter, and my senses feel sharpened. Something is different, in a
CHAPTER FIVE ZARA Every month, we hold an internal showcase where herbal remedies, new weapons and other advancements are presented and celebrated. I’ve been working on some herbal remedies, but I've decided to take a break this time. I was sceptical when the healers informed me Selene would be
ALPHA ALEX – POINT OF VIEW“You have mistaken guilt for duty.”My mother’s voice cuts through the silence like a blade.I look at her, tapping my fingers impatiently on the table. I should have known this was why she came.“I am busy, Mother.”“Busy?” She glances around, irritated. “Busy doing what
CHAPTER THREEZARAI stopped myself before the word mistress left my mouth.But he heard it anyway.His expression hardened.“If you have something to say, say it properly.”I stood from the bed too quickly, anger rushing through me so fast it almost made me dizzy.“Fine,” I snapped. “You want hone







