Evaline:
The room went quiet after Elion’s complaint.
Under any other circumstances, I might have panicked hearing soone speak to Alpha Orion Black like that.
But the absurdity of it... combined with the fact that it was Elion... almost grounded instead. If anything, it reminded that despite the intimidating power dynamics in the room, these n also had long histories with one another.
Alpha Black rely shook his head once, as if he had expected nothing less from the young Alpha.
Then he looked back at .
And said sothing that knocked the breath right out of my lungs.
"I originally intended to promote you."
For a mont, I thought I had misheard.
Promote... ?
My mind went completely blank.
Alpha Black continued calmly, almost conversationally.
"Your analytical ability, initiative, and sense of responsibility are rare at your age," he said. "It would not have been unreasonable to move you into a junior strategic role earlier than scheduled."
My pulse was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears.
"But," he added, "your forr and current heads disagreed."
River... and Elion?
Alpha Black leaned his elbow against the armrest of his chair.
"Alpha River pointed out," he said, glancing briefly toward him, "that you are still a student with three full years of academy ahead of you. He also noted that you recently returned from break after your internship and are only beginning to adjust to your workload."
Warmth flooded my chest.
Of course River would think about that.
"He argued," Alpha Black continued, "that promotion at this stage would place unnecessary pressure on you rather than reward your performance."
Then Alpha Black’s gaze flicked toward Elion.
"And Alpha Grey," he went on dryly, "objected on the grounds that it was unfair for to attempt to ’steal’ his assistant barely during her second month under his supervision."
A faint snort ca from sowhere behind ... probably one of the senior officials trying not to laugh.
After a brief pause, Alpha Black looked back at .
"After considering both perspectives," he said, "I decided promotion was not the most appropriate course of action at this ti."
My shoulders relaxed without even realizing they had been tense.
"And instead," he finished, "I chose to reward you."
Relief washed through so strongly it was almost dizzying.
Not because I didn’t want a promotion. But because... deep down... I knew I wasn’t ready for one yet.
Even as an assistant working only weekends, my life already felt packed to the brim. Studies. Training. My mates. Lioren. Work. And the investigation into soul deaths that still weighed heavily on my heart.
Adding a full promotion on top of that?
It would have been overwhelming.
And I knew it.
Honestly, I felt grateful River had stepped in. Maybe Elion too... in his own grumpy way. Because they had protected from personally declining the promotion which surely wouldn’t have gone as smooth as it went because of them stepping in.
Alpha Black studied my face carefully. "Are you disappointed?" he asked.
The question was direct.
I shook my head imdiately.
"No, Alpha," I said honestly. "I’m not ready for a promotion yet."
His brows lifted slightly.
I continued, more confidently now.
"My studies are still my priority," I said. "And I want to learn more before taking on a larger role. Working under experienced leaders gives the opportunity to grow without risking mistakes that could affect others."
I glanced briefly toward Elion.
"Right now, I believe continuing as an assistant, while gaining knowledge, is the best path for ."
When I looked back at Alpha Black, I saw it.
Approval - clear, undeniable.
And I felt the subtle shift of energy in the room from the other seniors too.
Respect.
It settled into my chest like sothing warm and steady.
Alpha Black nodded once.
"A wise answer," he said.
Then his expression changed slightly... almost amused.
"Your reward," he continued, "was suggested after a conversation with Alpha River."
My heart skipped.
Alpha Black went on. "He ntioned that you enjoy reading," he said. "Particularly material related to herbs and potions."
Oh.
"And," Alpha Black added, "that you are currently the highest-scoring student in that subject at Silver Moon Academy."
I wished the floor would open and swallow .
I could practically feel Elion’s smug amusent behind .
Alpha Black leaned forward slightly.
"So," he said, "I have decided to grant you a special permit."
My breath caught.
"A permit," he continued, "to access the restricted herbs and potions records within the headquarters library."
For a second, the words didn’t register.
Restricted... records?
Then they did.
And my brain exploded.
Those sections were legendary.
Rare manuscripts. Advanced formulations. Ancient herbology records that weren’t even available to most certified healers.
Even staff didn’t have access to these records.
My mouth fell open before I could stop it. And Alpha Black’s lips curved faintly at my reaction.
"There are conditions," he said.
I nodded rapidly.
"Yes-of course-anything."
A faint chuckle rippled through the room.
"You may access the section only on your working days," he said. "After your working hours. You may remain inside for no longer than one hour per visit."
I nodded again.
"And," he added, "no materials may be taken out of the restricted section."
"That’s perfectly fine," I said imdiately.
Perfectly fine?
It was beyond perfect.
It was a dream.
A real, actual dream.
"Good," Alpha Black said.
I swallowed, emotion swelling unexpectedly in my chest.
"Thank you, Alpha," I said sincerely. "I’m very grateful."
And I was.
More than he probably realized.
Because this wasn’t just a reward, it was permission.
Permission to explore sothing I truly loved.
Permission to grow.
Permission to beco... more.
Alpha Black inclined his head once, then dismissed with a brief gesture.
"You may go," he said. "Continue your work."
I bowed slightly out of respect, then turned toward the door.
As I walked out, I could feel River’s gaze on like a physical touch.
And Elion’s too... though his carried a completely different energy.
The mont the door closed behind , I exhaled a breath I hadn’t even realized I had been holding.
My legs felt oddly light.
My heart was still racing.
But this ti... it was from excitent and joy.
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