Claimed by My Bully Alpha의 모든 챕터: 챕터 171 - 챕터 180

Aurora’s P.O.VWhen I woke up, the first thing I noticed was warmth—Riley’s arms wrapped around me, his body nestled close. He was watching me, his blue eyes soft and full of something I couldn’t quite place.“Morning,” I murmured, my voice scratchy with sleep. I blinked at him and then furrowed my brows. “How long have you been awake? And why didn’t you wake me up?”He smiled faintly, shaking his head. “Not long,” he replied, his voice low and soothing. “I didn’t want to wake you. You looked peaceful... well, except for the part where it looked like you’d been crying.”“What?” My hand flew to my face, brushing against my cheeks, and I felt it—the faint stickiness of dried tears. My stomach tightened. I hadn’t even realized I’d been crying. It must’ve been the stress, the weight of everything over the past few days finally catching up to me. I took a breath, forcing a smile.“I’m fine, really. Probably just some weird dream or something.” I sat up and ran a hand through my hair. “I sh

Aurora’s P.O.VWhen Caroline lifted the lid of the box, I could feel my palms dampen. I’d spent days second-guessing this, wondering if she’d like it, if it would be enough, or if it was too much. The moment stretched as she pulled the delicate pearl bracelet from its bed of tissue paper, her fingers tracing over the tiny beads.“Aurora,” she said softly, her eyes wide as she turned to me. “This is beautiful. It’ll go perfectly with my dress for the party.” She hesitated, her voice turning into something almost scolding but warm. “But you shouldn’t have. This must’ve cost you a lot.”I shook my head, feeling my cheeks flush under her gaze. “It’s nothing. I had some money from my part-time job for a while now. I just…” My words faltered, and I looked down at the bracelet resting in her hand, hoping it said more than I could. “You’re my first real friend, Caroline. You’re the reason I started wanting to live for myself again. I wanted to do something nice for you. Something that showed…

Caleb’s P.O.VHarmona exchanged a quick glance with my father before focusing on me. “Did it look like the same transfer symbol?” I nodded. “Caroline was the one who saw it, but I think it’s the same. She’s sure of it.”Her lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s a very specific mark, one used in rituals where power or even souls are transferred. But…” “But what?” Jade piped up, leaning against the wall with crossed arms. Harmona hesitated, glancing between us before continuing. “If that’s what it is, it doesn’t make sense. The symbol is usually used to mark the recipient or vessel of the transfer. Why would Aurora have it? She’s… well, she’s not—” “Not what?” I pressed, my voice more forceful than I intended. “She’s not awakened…she doesn’t have her powers yet,” Harmona said finally. “It implies she’s… part of something much bigger than we’ve realized.” Alpha Camden rubbed his temples, muttering under his breath. “This complicates everything. If it truly is a transfer symbol, we n

Caroline’s P.O.VI stood quietly in the doorway, watching Aurora and Riley sleeping soundly. The steady sound of their breaths filled the room with a soothing rhythm that almost made me forget everything else for a moment. Riley’s little hand clutched Aurora’s larger ones, and Aurora’s arm too was draped over Riley’s smaller form. Aurora, as usual, looked serene, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. My lips curved into a soft smile, and I wished that she didn’t have nightmares anymore and woke up with the same peaceful expression.“Caleb,” I whispered through the mind link, not wanting to break the stillness around me. “They’re both fine. Let them rest here a little longer. I’ll come get them before the party starts.” His response was immediate, firm yet gentle. “Alright. But don’t overdo it, Caroline. You know how important it is tonight.” “I know,” I replied softly. “Thank you.” The connection faded, leaving me with the quiet hum of my thoughts. I straightened, pulling the

Aurora’s P.O.VI stirred to the sound of my name, soft and insistent. “Aurora. Hey, wake up,” the voice said, low but familiar. My eyes fluttered open, and there was Caleb, sitting by my bedside, a small smile playing on his lips.“Caleb?” I croaked, my voice rough from sleep. I pushed myself up on one elbow, blinking away the fog in my mind. The clock on the wall caught my eye, and I squinted. Nearly ten at night. “I slept this long?” I muttered, rubbing my temples. “Why didn’t anyone wake me? I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”He smiled faintly, leaning back in the chair he’d pulled up beside me. “You looked like you needed it. Besides, you didn’t miss anything. The party hasn’t started yet.”“What?” I sat up straighter, the thin blanket slipping from my shoulders. “But it’s so late! Isn’t it supposed to—?”“Midnight,” he interrupted, his tone easy, almost amused. “They always start around midnight. You know that. Mine did.”The memory hit me like a cold splash of water. His bir