All Chapters of First Female Alpha : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Ari’s POVThe summons to the Headmaster’s hall was unpleasantly formal, the kind that makes your stomach crawl and your brain scream “Oh no, trouble is imminent.” Caspian followed me, silent as ever, the quiet sort of quiet that could either mean he was planning something or judging me silently—sometimes both.The hall itself smelled faintly of old stone and incense, the sun slanting through the windows so bright it could have burned your retinas if you weren’t careful. The Headmaster didn’t bother with small talk. He had a way of silencing a room just by being present, which was a skill I simultaneously envied and hated.“All heirs,” he began, voice low but commanding, “we have identified students performing unauthorized magic within the Academy. This behavior violates the rules and cannot be tolerated. Those responsible will face immediate consequences.”I felt a spike of tension. Unauthorized magic? My mind immediately flashed to the intruders from the training ground. The fight,

Aria's POVMy room felt smaller than usual, like the walls had decided to close in while I was gone. I shut the door behind me and immediately slumped against it, letting out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.Tactical retreat, my ass. This was a full-blown escape from reality.I pulled the crumpled letter from my pocket and stared at it for the hundredth time. The words hadn't changed, unfortunately. Still the same threatening message, still the same jagged handwriting that looked like someone had written it during an earthquake."Say a word about last night's fight, and you'll be exposed."Well, congratulations, mysterious letter-writer. Mission accomplished. I hadn't said a word, and I was still paranoid enough to jump at shadows.I flopped onto my bed and stared at the ceiling. The cracks in the stone looked like a map of somewhere I didn't want to visit. My brain kept replaying Lander's words: "Funny how some people always seem to be in the right place at the right time.

Aria's POVTraining with the knowledge that three students had vanished overnight was like trying to focus on math while someone was setting fire to your homework. Technically possible, but absolutely miserable.The instructor—Commander Blackwood, a mountain of a man who looked like he could bench press a truck—was barking orders about defensive formations. But all I could think about was how Marcus from Silverclaw had been standing right here yesterday, and now his bed was empty."Pair off for combat drills," Blackwood commanded. "Today we focus on identifying weaknesses in your opponent's stance."Identifying weaknesses. Perfect. Just what I needed when I was already feeling like a walking target with a neon sign that said "Please investigate me."I started toward Riven, figuring he'd be a safe sparring partner, but Lander stepped directly into my path."How about we partner up, Ari?" His smile was all politeness and zero sincerity. "I'm very interested in seeing your... technique."

Aria's POVSleep was apparently a luxury I could no longer afford.I'd been staring at the ceiling for what felt like six hours, replaying every word of the conversation I'd overheard. Lander wasn't just suspicious—he was working with someone. Someone who wanted information about me specifically. Someone who called me a "target."And the worst part? I still had no idea who the other person was. The voice had been familiar, but I couldn't place it. Could've been any of the upper year students, or even a faculty member.Trust no one. Suspect everyone. Welcome to my new life motto."You're thinking too loud again," Caspian's voice cut through the darkness.I turned my head to find him propped up on one elbow, watching me with those annoyingly perceptive eyes."Sorry," I muttered. "Didn't mean to wake you.""You didn't wake me. Hard to sleep when your roommate is broadcasting anxiety like a radio station.""I'm not broadcasting anything.""Right. And I'm secretly a flower fairy who grants

Aria's POVSupervised activities, it turned out, were about as fun as they sounded. Which is to say, not at all.My new shadow was a grim-faced instructor named Commander Hayes, who had apparently been tasked with making sure I didn't so much as sneeze without proper authorization. He followed me everywhere—to classes, to meals, to training—with the enthusiasm of someone assigned to watch paint dry."This is ridiculous," I muttered as we walked to morning combat practice, Hayes trailing two steps behind like the world's most depressing parade float."Talking to yourself is discouraged, Heir Ari," Hayes said in his monotone voice. "It suggests mental instability.""And following students around like a lost puppy suggests what, exactly?""Proper security protocols."I was starting to understand why some people chose hermit lifestyles.The training ground buzzed with conversation when we arrived, but it died the moment everyone spotted my new accessory. Nothing says "I'm definitely not s