All Chapters of Mine to keep, mine to break : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Nalini The world always seemed quieter after disaster—like the air itself was holding its breath, afraid to disturb the ruins of what had been. That was how it felt returning to school. I thought I’d feel relief slipping back into routine, but the moment I walked through Silvermist Academy’s iron gates, the air shifted. Eyes followed me. Whispers trailed behind me like ghosts. “She’s back.” “I heard the Alpha King punished her.” “No, I heard she ran off with one of the princes.” “Which one?” “Does it matter? She’s doomed either way.” Each voice was a dagger I tried not to feel. I held my head high, ignoring them, focusing on the crunch of gravel beneath my shoes, on breathing. In and out. One step at a time. Maxine was waiting by the stairs, her expression somewhere between relief and worry. The second she saw me, she broke into a run and threw her arms around me. “Moon above, Nali!” she exclaimed, squeezing tightly. “Where have you been? You just disappeared!” s

Nalini The scent of ethanol and minty antiseptic filled the air, sharp and clean, the way I liked it. Science lab days always gave me something to hold on to—something logical, controlled. Unlike emotions. Unlike bonds.The white light reflected off the glass beakers and tubes scattered across my workstation. I slipped on my gloves, tying my hair into a tight bun as Professor Alden’s deep voice echoed across the room.“Today, we’re testing dosage precision and drug reaction stability. You’ve all studied the reaction between the two compounds. This is where theory meets control. Don’t blow up my lab.”A few students laughed. I smiled faintly and turned to my partner, Ethan—a quiet beta who didn’t talk much, but was sharp and quick with his hands. We exchanged a knowing look before diving in.The experiment was simple enough on paper—measure the correct ratio between the base compound and the catalyst to create a stable restorative serum. But one wrong measurement, one drop too much of

Nalini It was one day to the Spring Dance, and the entire school hummed with anticipation. The air buzzed with perfume and gossip, fabric swatches, and nervous giggles that drifted through the hallways. Everywhere I turned, there were whispers of who was going with who—alliances forming and hearts breaking in real time.Maxine and I sat under the big oak tree behind the science block, our usual hangout spot during lunch. A breeze fluttered through, rustling the leaves above us, carrying the faint scent of blooming magnolias and cafeteria fries. Maxine had her sketchbook open on her lap, doodling half-heartedly while chattering endlessly about dresses.“I’m thinking emerald green,” she said, eyes bright. “Something bold, you know? It’ll make my eyes pop. What about you?”I smiled faintly, plucking at the grass. “I don’t even know if I’m going.”Her head whipped toward me. “Excuse me? You’re absolutely going. I don’t care if you walk in wearing a paper bag—you’ll still outshine every g

Timothy Father had summoned me several mornings ago. When Alpha Reuben Rudrah called, you didn’t keep him waiting, no matter how much you wanted to. I’d been halfway through my training drills, sweat dripping down my spine, when his Beta, Nolan, appeared at the door with that stiff, expectant look that meant I was to stop whatever I was doing and report immediately.The Alpha King’s study was always cold—too big, too silent, every surface polished to perfection. Father was behind his massive oak desk, signing something with the same sharp, efficient grace he used to command armies. He didn’t look up when I entered.“Father,” I said, bowing my head slightly.He finally glanced at me, eyes cool and assessing. “Timothy,” he greeted, gesturing to the chair opposite him. “Sit.”I obeyed, already bracing myself. Conversations with him were never casual—they were lessons, orders, or reprimands.“I heard about your brother’s little rebellion,” he began, voice smooth, controlled. “Myron’s fin

Nalini The next morning felt heavy. The air itself was still, as if the world hadn’t yet recovered from last night’s ugliness. My body ached, but my mind wouldn’t rest. Maxine’s sobs kept replaying in my head — the way her voice cracked when she said he forced himself on me.I couldn’t shake it off.By the time I got to school, a strange energy buzzed through the halls. People were whispering before I even entered the main building. I could feel the tension vibrating in the air like static. Then I heard it—Kevin’s name.When I turned the corner toward the courtyard, the crowd had already gathered. Students stood in circles, phones half raised, faces bright with gossip and fear. In the middle of it all, Timothy stood with his shoulders squared and his jaw tight, facing Kevin.Kevin looked disheveled and angry, but there was something smug in the twist of his mouth. “You’re making a scene, Rudrah,” he spat, his voice carrying over the murmurs. “Don’t think being the Alpha’s son gives y