Chapter 8

Serena’s POV

The next morning I walked into the council chamber with a folder of freshly printed docs under my arm and the notebook from the night before tucked against my side.

My campaign pin was neatly pinned to my blazer. After Jason casually mentioned it yesterday, I decided to start wearing it again, a constant reminder of why I was here.

Katie had walked me up here, and she gave my hand a gentle squeeze before she left me to go meet up her other friends. Now left alone with my determination and the scent of polish and the five other council members, i was certain I would make a change today.

Nathaniel Storm sat in his usual seat at the opposite end of the table, his dark hair combed back neatly, expression unreadable as always. His scent filled my nostrils the moment I sat down.

It was… different today. Still the cool mint and ice I had come to expect, but something medicinal threaded through it, sharper, almost chemical. It made the space behind my eyes ache a little.

What was up with him? I pondered.

I blinked hard, ignoring it. Then I grabbed my glasses from my case, put them on them on.

I noticed Nathaniel watching me but his gaze quickly darted away the moment I looked.

My brows knitted.

Weird. My inner goddess nodded too, agreeing with me.

My eyes returned to the folder and I flipped them open, carefully reviewing it once again. Then: “Good morning Alphas…” I said, keeping voice bright. I needed all the confidence I could get.

They all gave each other uneasy looks.

I didn’t care. “So, I’ve done a lot of research and I’d like to present a new proposal… A revised edition of the current Anti-harassment policy that enforces punishment specifically against secondary-gender targeting.”

I handed out the papers which they took reluctantly, barely glossing over it. Nathaniel gave it an intrigued look though.

That seemed promising.

“So right now the school treats most of these cases as personal conflicts sorted out with an apology and detention at most. But the harassment doesn’t end there. It carries on into after hours of school, into anonymous platforms like WhisperCamp that has gone unchecked for what I consider a baffling long period of time… That leaves Omegas without real protection.”

I noticed Nathaniel’s face drop at the mention of Omegas, along with his paper in front of me. I also noticed the exact moment he decided to tune me out.

I can understand he’s all for equality and inclusion but that's not the point right now. So I don’t let it deter me.

I had spent all night finding every flaw, plotting every defense. Today, they had no reason to say no to me. If they did, I might have to file a discrimination complaint with the school board.

I laid out the pages one by one, keeping my words short and concise. I suggested more efficient, transparent reporting channels, mandatory review of every incident within twenty four hours while offering protection from retaliation and strict measures if there happened to be such.

“These policies were already in place?” Tyler remarked drily at the mention of it.

Bingo.

“Yes… and that is why I revised them myself. None of them were being enforced.”

“We can’t enforce laws where there are no complaints.” Megan argued.

Nathan sat back, entertained i presume if his sharp gaze was anything to go by.

I took a deep breath. “And that is why I am proposing a new student support union— one for Alphas and another for Omegas. A completely safe, confidential space where everyone is welcome and no one feels excluded.”

I noticed the flash in Nathaniel’s striking eyes— one that seemed somewhat pleased.

“Students can go in voluntarily to just share their concerns about themselves, or others. They can get candid about what they are going through. They will be offered help when they need it— yes volunteers will also keep an eye out for troubled students who are too afraid to speak up. No more sitting back and waiting.” I said proudly.

The council gave me unimpressed looks. Nathaniel’s stayed intrigued.

I carried on. “The unions will also host Seminars regularly. One where students can go to also become a little more educated on their bodies, their cycle changes and the actual limits of suppressants— the parts biology and sex education classes are too afraid to say out loud. There would be no shame or confusion anymore, just acceptance towards the distinct diversities we’re all a part of.”

Nathan grabbed his notebook and penned something down.

“Students shouldn't have to prove they are already drowning or in a complete crisis just to get basic support. We need to help them before they fall, not just wait until the aftermath to try and catch them. I hope with the few point highlighted, you'll consider my proposal.” I ended my little monologue with a flourish, pride swelling in my chest.

Nathaniel’s eyes fell on me again, and there's no denying that the look in them was one of admiration. I pretend not to notice how my chest seemed to swell even more. But it did. So much that I felt like I could burst open.

“You said you did research extensively on certain cases to come to this conclusion… who was your case study?” Ryan asked.

I blinked.

Why does that matter? Are they blind?

Irritation replaced the pride in my chest.

But I answered anyway. “I’m using Jason Reed’s case as my starting point…”

Silence.

They stare at me, puzzled.

“You mean the same boy who was suspended for targeting…. you?” Sofia pointed at me, brow arched.