Semua Bab Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine: Bab 41 - Bab 50

ARDENI turned around and saw the only man I have ever loved standing before me. However, the safety I once felt in his presence had now been replaced by a twinge of fear, and the butterflies in my stomach that once soared with giddiness now felt more akin to dread.“Arden,” he said my name in the same way he always had, yet his tone starkly contrasted with our last two encounters. We were alone in this maze-like garden, and I instinctively took a step back. To my relief, he made no move to close the distance between us. “Where’s Sienna?” I finally asked, my voice taking on a slightly mocking tone that emerged unconsciously.He sighed deeply and ran his fingers through his hair. “Sienna and I… we’re not together.”My eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Oh, so it was just a one-night stand? You were merely messing around?”He pressed his lips together, hesitating. “I just—”Then he stepped forward, his gaze locked onto mine with a sincerity I never believed him capable of anymore. “You kn

ARDENBoth of us turned toward the door to find Elias standing there, leaning nonchalantly against the door frame with his arms crossed. Kyle quickly released me and darted glances between Elias and me. A look of understanding crossed his features, and then he bowed slightly. “Sorry, Alpha,” he mumbled. “I didn’t realize you had already claimed her.” My frown deepened. “Nobody has claimed me,” I insisted, but it seemed Kyle was already convinced otherwise. “I’m going back,” he stated, leaving Elias and me alone. I sighed and shook my head, intending to leave when he unexpectedly seized my arm again. He leaned in, bowing his head slightly so our eyes met. I didn’t back down this time; I held his gaze, offering him the same heated glare. “I knew it,” he muttered. “It is you.” He brushed my hair away from my neck and poked at the mark there, his finger lingering for a few seconds before finally withdrawing. “I saw it the first time we met,” he said, smiling. “What?” I asked, frus

Gasps echoed across the hall, and students began animatedly discussing the incentive. However, I felt the familiar tightness coil in my stomach once more. At the end of the day, it all boiled down to points—and the reason Mr. Winters spoke about purity in the very beginning was because he knew the stakes. The points tied to my virginity still held the most value, and even the highest-ranked contenders in the preliminary examinations would not be able to reach the top without claiming my purity. “That is all,” Mr. Winters said, beaming with satisfaction. “For the remainder of the first period, go ahead and rest! Our school, while prioritizing excellence, also values your mental health! Have a good day, everyone!” With that, he descended the stage to the sound of students clapping in approval. Sensing my discomfort, Tessa grasped my wrist and pulled me out of the hall, disregarding the calls of my name. Owen trailed close behind, ready to protect me. I was grateful to have them there.

ARDENHe pressed a final kiss to my temple, then walked off, back toward the hall, leaving me standing there like I was made of leftover pieces. I wiped my face with the back of my hand and forced myself back into the hall just as the headmaster raised his voice over the gathering crowd.Mr. Winters stood at the grand podium in his silver-trimmed robes, arms open like a benevolent god presiding over judgment day.“Welcome, students, to this year’s Ivory Solstice,” he began, his voice booming across the ballroom. “The night you all officially enter the factions of our system. The foundation of our future governance, of peace and structure, begins with you.”Behind him stood four towering columns—each carved with a different emblem, representing the factions. In front of them sat four glass boxes, crystal-clear and glowing faintly from within.“The factions are here not to divide,” he continued, “but to connect. Unity in diversity. Collaboration through structure. We believe that by cho

ARDENThat kind of man was placed in power in the United Factions? I couldn’t believe it. All the stories I had heard about him being an advocate for students’ rights slipped through my fingers like water. It was clear he was just another man in a position of power.As I stepped out of his office, I suddenly understood what I had become. Fodder. A factionless freak.Still, I held my head high as eyes landed on me. The badges on everyone’s collars glimmered like silent warnings, signaling that I was an outsider in a world where conformity ruled.By the time I reached our first class, the atmosphere hadn’t improved. “Hey!” Rowan greeted, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I sighed, turning to meet his gaze, trying to muster as much sincerity as I could. His eyes showed something—concern? With that, he slowly withdrew his arm.“Thanks,” I muttered, redirecting my attention to the board. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was an unwanted presence.By the first break, I found myself all