Chapter Twenty Eight

28 Dear Reader,

From the bottom of my heart—thank you for diving into Alpha's Scented Room. Every chapter you read, every moment you feel alongside Elowyn, means the world to me.

This story is more than just survival and secrets—it's about fighting back when the world tells you to stay small. And if you've made it this far, you’re a part of that fight too.

If Elowyn’s journey moved you, shocked you, made you smile or scream or cry—please tap that react and #vote# button. You can also leave a comment about whatever you think or feel. Your reactions don’t just encourage me—they help this story reach others who need it too.

There’s still so much to come....and I can’t wait to take you there.

With all my love,

AuthorVianelli.

Stay right here.

Chapter Twenty Eight - Grey Day

Elowyn’s steps wobbled as she left the infirmary with Riven holding her. Her side screamed. Her thigh throbbed and she continued to surreptitiously glance at Riven.

The satchel of prescribed patches and bitter tablets slapped lightly against her hip. She didn’t cry. Not here. Not where wolves could smell weakness.

Ashmoore’s halls were back to their usual buzzing — cadets murmuring about assignments, scent clashes, and senior class duels.

No one looked twice at her.

Riven had asked her to sit at a corner and she'd had to.

Even those who had watched her being dragged away earlier by the seniors after the alley “incident".... avoided her now. Like her blood might rub off.

Like she was tainted.

She passed Callus, Baron's friend, when they were ushered into the next class. He stared a little longer than the others, his jaw working — as if something itched in his conscience.

But, he didn't say anything.

Elowyn had helplessly sent herself back to the infirmary. Riven had stepped in, effortlessly and taken her.

The pain was unbearable and she was glad she got a chance to cry her eyes out where she hid her face beneath the pillow.

But she had to stop because she was a Cadet now and the nurse wouldn't understand.

With the last of her ability, she'd winced and rubbed her ribs with the balm that Mia had sent before she fell into a deep sleep.

She slept with a shock lurking in her head.

Riven was the only who helped and that got everyone watching.

★★★

★★★

At the end of the day, Elowyn thanked Riven immensely and even bowed as far as she could.

He'd been curt and waved her off before moving to his own world.

Back in her dormitory room, Elowyn dropped the satchel. The door clicked shut.

She didn’t move for a long time.

Only the creak of her bed as she lowered herself slowly, inch by inch, breathing shallow to avoid pain, her hand gripping her rib.

Her eyes settled on the flask beside her vanity — found again, thank the moons — and her mind began to spiral.

She couldn’t do this.

Not like this.

Not for long.

The mask was cracking, and if anyone — anyone — saw the truth....

She forced herself out of bed and limped towards the balms and began to rub and massage as well as she could. Her lips clamped upon her lips as she tried not to make too much noise.

She then hurried to take two gulps off her binding flask.

★★★

★★★

Azpen noticed the scent shift that evening as they got in the dormitory.

Not because he was looking for it. But because it lingered… wrongly.

Like bruised mint. Like blood diluted with regret. Like.... pain.

He sniffed once near the hall. A trail. Faint. Then again near the bookshelf wing. Froste’s scent. Masked.... but off.

Weaker.

He didn’t mention it to Baron.

Yet.

But then, when Baron walked past his room with his usual silence and that slight tension in his shoulders, Azpen stared at him longer than usual.

He muttered to himself, “Why is Froste hiding?”

★★★

★★★

Elowyn didn’t sleep well.

Every long doze became a nightmare — of being surrounded, shoved, mocked. Of Haspan’s face overlapping Truett’s. Of her mother in chains, staring blankly ahead. Of angry soldiers

By dawn, her pillow was damp with sweat and tears and she was still wearing the same shirt from the hospital.

At midnight, her door came open.