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Chapter 31
~Valerie’s POV~
I wasn’t sure what to say.
Storm’s words sat heavy in my chest, and no matter how much I tried to brush it off, the truth remained there.
The Honour Training was no joke. Every senior at PSA knew that once you stepped into your final year, it wasn’t just about books and lectures anymore. It was about surviving.
Because this school wasn’t normal. Not anymore. Not after the war.
They’d learned the hard way that teens like us—alphas, lunas, betas, gammas—we weren’t ready. So now, they made sure we would be.
"What about the Senior Year Honour Training?" I asked, even though I already had a gut feeling.
Storm didn’t answer right away. His eyes flickered, serious. "The Alpha Forge."
"Alpha?" I cut in.
He let out a sigh. "Yes. That’s what it’s called. The Alpha Forge is training ant to make stronger alphas, but it’s for everyone in the final year. You know why."
I nodded slowly. "Yeah... to prepare us. Just in case another war breaks out. We’re supposed to be ready."
"Exactly."
His voice dropped lower. "But it’s dangerous, Vi. Every year, one to five students lose their lives not just from the training but also from the challenges that co after. You have to stay sharp. Be fast. Stay one step ahead of everyone. And as your older cousin—" he smirked, "—I have no doubt you can handle it."
That made smile. "Why? Because of your amazing genes?"
Storm’s grin lit up his whole face. "Has anyone t Dad and ? Best instructors this kingdom’s ever seen. You’re practically destined to crush it."
But just like that, the light humor faded. His expression hardened.
"But you know that’s not your only reason for being here."
I stood straighter. My face turned serious, like I was a cadet standing before my general because I was.
Storm was a warrior through and through. I’d grown up hearing about his covert ops, and I knew this wasn’t just family talk. He ant every word.
"To keep you off the radar," he said, "I pulled so strings. Got you placed in Guild 5—far away from the Alpha Kings’ heirs."
I blinked. "The spoiled brats?" I scoffed before I could stop myself. Storm arched a brow, unimpressed. "Sorry," I muttered, waving it off.
"You may think they’re just pampered royals, but those boys... Since the age of two, they’ve been undergoing a level of training no one else truly understands. They’re ruthless. Dangerous. Cunning. You cannot underestimate them, Valerie. Not even for a second."
I swallowed. "Okay... that’s kind of impressive."
He nodded. "It’s more than impressive. Which is why each of them will be leading their own guild and ruling their elents. Stay clear of them."
I nodded, but part of wasn’t sure how possible that was going to be. I couldn’t tell Storm who they were and how almost impossible it would be to evade them.
Storm looked around, probably sensing the ti. His face softened again. "I’ve gotta go. If I stay away much longer, my colleagues will realize I didn’t just step out to use the restroom."
I smiled sadly. "Yeah, and if I don’t go, I’ll be late for class..."
I began stepping back when he called out. "Vi."
I paused, turning to him. "Yes?"
His voice was softer this ti. "It’s been years. Can I... see you? Just once more? I don’t know when we’ll et again."
He didn’t have to say it, but I understood. Missions. Disappearances. Danger. That was his life.
I didn’t speak. I just reached up to my head and pulled on my hair.
Silver strands fell into view. Then the base shimred into deep sapphire, and finally, the tips lted into violet. Three colors like a fading staircase—silver, sapphire, violet.
The colors of my... no, they were my unique trait. The mark of who I truly was.
"I can’t take out the eye contacts," I whispered.
"You don’t have to." His voice cracked slightly. "This is more than enough, Snow. Thank you."
We stared for a second longer, then I tucked my hair back under the black wig. He adjusted his jacket, fixed his own wig back on, and smirked.
"See you when I do, Zephyr," I whispered.
He nodded. "Until then, Snow."
As soon as I returned to class, it all dawned on that Storm had truly left . Just then, the first class of the day began.
By the end of the first period, the announcent ca through the speakers right as the bell rang.
"All senior year students, report to the training ground imdiately. Further instructions will be given on arrival."
Isla was already waiting by the door when I headed out of the classroom. Her eyes lit up when she saw . "Ready?"
I nodded, tightening the strap on my wristband. "Yeah."
"Then let’s go."
We turned toward the door together. But the mont I stepped into the hallway, I collided hard into soone. My breath hitched as I stumbled slightly backward.
A hand reached out to steady and I looked up instantly.
Dristan.
His golden eyes locked on mine for a second too long, unreadable. But just as his fingers were about to touch my arm, I turned, grabbed Isla’s hand instead, and pulled myself upright.
"Thanks," I said, flashing Isla a quick smile, pretending nothing had happened.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Dristan’s hand fall slowly to his side. He didn’t say a word.
Neither did I. We just kept walking.
When we reached the training ground, the air was already buzzing with nerves. Students crowded in, lining up in neat rows, eyes fixed on the podium in front of us. The sky was bright but heavy with heat, making the tension feel even thicker.
Then she appeared—Principal Whitmore.
She stepped up with slow, deliberate grace, eyes scanning over every one of us like she was morizing our faces. Her voice was calm, but it cut straight through the murmurs.
"Welco, everyone. I know so of you think you know why you’re here today, but... do you know what you’re really here for?"
Silence fell on the ground, and her lips curled into a small, knowing smile.
"Welco to the Alpha Forge."
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