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Chapter 41
~Valerie’s POV~
"Enough!"
My voice rang out, sharp and loud, cutting through the chaos like a blade. Everyone froze.
My heart thundered in my chest, lungs burning, brain screaming. I didn’t know if I was about to cry, shift, or just explode into pieces from all of this.
And frankly, I bla one person.
I turned in a full circle, eyes wild as I faced all of them. Every single one.
Dristan, whose cyan blue eyes still glowed with barely held rage, Kai, standing beside him, fuming. Axel and Xade, tense and ready to jump with Xade, smirking but on edge.
Ace and Ash, the twin Lycans radiating sheer power—dangerous and beautiful in a way that made my stomach twist.
And finally, him.
The Dragon.
He stood at the center now, arms still slightly raised after shoving both Ash and Dristan away like they were nothing. Nothing. And they let him. No one questioned it.
That’s how much power he had.
I let out a shaky breath and ran a hand down my face. "I don’t have the ntal capacity to deal with this—with you. I’ve had one hell of a night and now I’ve got six wolves claiming as their mate." My voice cracked, and I hated that it did.
"I don’t even know half of your nas," I snapped, "and yet, sohow—sohow, you’re all standing here like you own . Like I’m a prize to fight over!"
Silence ensued as all the guys glared at each other, but I didn’t mind. They could shoot daggers through their eyes and aim for their foreheads for all I cared, and it wouldn’t matter to .
Even the air seed to stop moving.
"I never asked for this," I whispered, my hands trembling now. "Six. Six mates. Are you kidding ? Do you know what that feels like?"
No one answered. Astra was silent too, her energy curled tightly inside .
"I’ve barely gotten used to the idea of one mate," I said, softer now. "One. And yet, here we are... with six n—all of you powerful and dangerous—yet none of you can even take one step back and let breathe."
My voice wavered. "I am not a thing. I’m not your property. So if any of you—anyone—want a chance at being part of my life, you’re gonna start by respecting my space. But if not, if you still choose to be dollopheads with this, then yes. I’d happily choose the other option and reject you all."
I could see the shock flash in their eyes. If it were any other day, they’d happily tell to refute my words, but nah.
Dristan’s jaw clenched, but he lowered his eyes.
Ace and Ash exchanged a glance, and slowly, their red irises dimd.
The others followed.
Even the Dragon, who hadn’t said a word since stepping in, lowered his arms and gave the tiniest nod of approval.
My breath escaped in one long rush, like I’d been holding it in forever.
"I didn’t choose this," I whispered, my gaze flicking between them. "None of this is fair. So before any of you start marking territory or throwing fists, think."
Silence.
Even Astra was quiet inside .
I backed away slowly. "I’m going to class. We all are. And after that... we’re probably going to figure this out. Like adults. Or wolves. Whatever. Just... no more pissing contests. Please."
I turned on my heel and walked away. I didn’t wait to see if they followed or dispersed. My heart thundered, my head spun, and every instinct scread at that this was just the beginning.
Six mates.
Six.
One of them had just gone head-to-head with Dristan. And sothing told this school year was about to beco a warzone.
"Goddess help ," I muttered under my breath.
And Astra whispered back, "She already did."
"Just pretend to feel my pain for once, will you?"
"Maybe."
I didn’t reply her anymore. I just kept walking. Because if I turned back—even once—I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep moving.
And the last thing I needed was to fall for six pairs of eyes staring at like I was the center of their universe.
Hell no! Not today.
As the bell rang across the Academy grounds, signalling the first period, a sharp, commanding voice echoed through the enchanted PA system, carrying the principal’s voice straight into every hallway, courtyard, and classroom.
"All senior year students are to report imdiately to the training field for their first TAF session. That is all."
The announcent ended on a firm note, and I didn’t wait a second longer. I turned halfway, not bothering to et anyone’s gaze, and made a beeline for the locker room to change.
I barely had the door open when Isla and Erald followed in right behind , slightly breathless and definitely confused.
Erald blinked at . "You know we were waiting for you, right?"
"I’m sorry," I said quickly, guilt prickling my chest. "I figured after the principal’s announcent, it’d be faster to co straight here and catch you both instead of detouring to class and maybe missing you."
Erald looked like she wanted to argue—of course, she did—but Isla stepped in smoothly.
"No problem," she said, already walking over to her locker. "Since we’re here now, let’s just change and head out."
Within minutes, we were all in our training outfits. Isla and Erald wore their usual sleek dark training gear, which complented their movent and agility.
I pulled on my fitted black leather pants and a simple black tank top. Then I took a mont to weave my hair back into a tight ponytail, twist it up and around into a knot, and clip it in place.
Functional, fast, no nonsense.
The second we stepped out of the locker room, the sa familiar and annoying voice reached .
"Looking good, Nightshade."
Marcus.
He leaned casually against a wall by the boy’s locker room like he didn’t have a care in the world, eyes sparkling with mischief and that stupid grin on his face. I didn’t even glance his way. I just kept walking.
"Let’s go, girls," I said, and both Isla and Erald fell in step beside .
By the ti we reached the main training field, the place was already buzzing with energy. Senior year students were scattered across the vast open grounds, eventually falling into neat, straight lines under their respective Guild and Clan banners.
The morning sun glead off polished weapons and armour. Hums filled the air in anticipation, the tension just a little more than usual.
And then, silence. Principal Whitmore arrived, stepping up onto the raised podium that overlooked the field.
But she wasn’t alone.
Four others followed her—four striking figures who drew every eye without even trying.
My breath caught slightly. Of course, it was them.
"Good morning, young warriors," Principal Whitmore called out clearly, her voice commanding attention.
"Morning, ma’am," we all chorused in unison.
Her gaze swept over the crowd. "First of all, I would like to begin with a warning. We know so of you have taken a liking to sneaking out of school during odd hours. Up until now, we have been lenient."
Her tone dropped, colder now.
"But that grace has expired. From this mont forward, anyone found violating school security will face serious consequences. Expulsion will be on the table."
A ripple of murmurs broke out across the students, anxious and a little scandalized, but it died just as fast when Dristan stepped forward two steps from the crowd and raised a single hand.
Silence followed.
Principal Whitmore nodded approvingly and continued. "And for my second announcent..."
She paused, the corners of her mouth lifting in what could only be described as pride.
"It is with great joy that I inform you all that four distinguished guests will join this year’s senior class. Royals from allied kingdoms who will train and graduate alongside you."
She turned slightly, gesturing toward the figures beside her.
"Please welco Ace Kaine Kaid and Ashton Kyle Kaid, the twin Lycan princes."
Gasps echoed through the field as the two stepped forward. They were powerful, elegant, and unmistakably royal, but their eyes were locked on .
"To my right," the principal continued, "is Xander Draco, the Dragon Prince."
He gave a casual nod, his eyes scanning the crowd with mild interest, as if we were all just entertainnt for him. And when it settled on , he smirked.
"And lastly, Titania Estrella Sage, Princess of the Fae Court."
A soft golden glow surrounded her as she stepped forward, her presence like moonlight and danger wrapped in velvet.
They stood there, side by side. The heirs. The monsters. The mysteries.
And for so insane reason... all four of them were staring right at .
And as if on cue, I felt four extra pairs of eyes directed at from every angle in the training field. No doubt they were, you know who.
I had one question, though.
Why?
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