Chapter 44 Breaking Point
GARDEN
After Luttered those fateful words, the world around me froze.
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The first person I noticed was Mr. Winters. I couldn’t help but notice how his pleasant, polished smile faltered, giving way to confusion. The other teachers exchanged stiff, silent glances–each one a reflection of the disbelief coursing through the
TOOM.
In an instant, whispers ignited like wildfire.
“She didn’t choose?”
“Can she do that?”
“She’s mad—what on earth is she doing?”
The crowd began to shift nervously, faces turning toward one another, and then toward me. Some appeared confused, others. curious, but most–looked wide–eyed with shock, as if I had just torn the sacred fabric of this place in two.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the True Alphas. Each one stood still, yet none appeared the same.
Jaxon looked stunned, one hand slightly lifted, his mouth agape in disbelief. Elias narrowed his eyes, not in anger, but in genuine curiosity. Rowan wore that irritating, flirty smirk of his, but this time it seemed he had been patiently waiting for me to take this exact step. Cade remained as unreadable as ever, wrapped in his usual enigmatic demeanor.
Before I fully comprehended my actions, I made my way down the stage, ready to flee without a badge in hand.
“Arden.” Jaxon growled.
He was already ascending the steps before my instincts kicked in, prompting me to escape, but he was faster. His hand. clamped around my wrist, yanking me toward him.
“Are you out of your mind?” he hissed. “Do you even understand what you’ve done?”
I did. I understood perfectly the enormity of my defiance.
“Let me go.” I replied through gritted teeth.
“Not until you choose someone, and that someone has to be—”
He pulled harder, dragging me toward the front again, toward the boxes with their gleaming faction insignias.
“No” My voice shook with conviction. “Let Me Go
“You don’t get to do this,” he whispered. “You don’t get to turn your back on the system. On me.”
That was the final insult. The last match struck against kindling
Without
to think, my fst swung
A dean, sickening crack rang through the hall. I punched him.
1 pure Land Alpha Jaxon Trevane
Gepland though the crowd like lightning
Jessi maggered backward, one hand pressed against his jaw, more surprised than hurt.
I stand down at my hand, turning with adrenaline–trembling, my breath coming in quick bursts as if I’d sprinted ten miles.
in and 1
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1:13 AM
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Chapter 44 Breaking Point.
I bolted from the Grand Hall, not stopping even when someone shouted my name–Mr. Winters, or maybe one of the Alphas
-but in that moment. I didn’t care.
I ducked into the back hallway, then slipped into the hidden passage behind the west wing stairs, finally emerging onto the gravel path that led to our dorms.
I didn’t even pause to consider taking the bus. I just ran, hoping that the act of sprinting the kilometers would help me escape the chaos swirling in my mind.
My key shook violently in my hand as I jammed it into the lock, flung the door open and slammed it shut behind me.
I leaned against the door, chest heaving, swallowing hard as I felt the silence close in around me.
I should be terrified.
What I had done wasn’t just reckless–it was utterly unforgivable. I had disrespected the order, defied years of tradition, and struck an Alpha.
But for the first time in years, maybe in my entire life….
I felt free.
They had made me a pawn to be passed around, claimed, whispered about behind my back while smiling to my face. They saw me as a trophy, a prize to be won.
But I wasn’t a prize.
I was the storm they never saw coming.
And I didn’t regret it
Not one bit
1 sank down onto the edge of my bed, staring at my trembling hands. The knuckles were slightly red, a reminder of my dehance, and I knew the consequences would come. They’d come knocking on this door–hell, maybe even break it down- and drag me back to answer for what I had done.
But until then? I was standing firm in my decision.
“You don’t have to go to class today” Owen said by my side, sounding concéged. Tessa nodded in understanding. “It was only yesterday.”
I remained silent, aware that their worry came from a place of care.
Before I could gather my thoughts or express my feelings, Mr. Thompson approached, biting his lip.
“Arden,” he began. “Mr. Winters would like to see you.
Tessa puped beside me. Although I was prepared for this, my hands trembled slightly.
“Arden” she whispered, concern etched on her face.
I turned toward them, summoning a small smile to assure them that I would be okay, despite my own uncertainty. “I’ll see
the first class I said before trailing after Mr. Thompson, who maintained a heavy silence as he led me to Mr. Winters
“We’re here,” Mr Thompson announced once we reached the door.
He opened at for tur, allowing me to step inside. Upon entering. I noted that Mr. Winters office mirrored the rest of the school Piringous and cold
“Ah Stass Stone” he said without fitting his gaze, flipping through a folder. His voice was smooth, polished as always, but that
ched his eyes. “Please do take a seat.”
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Chapter 44 Breaking Point
I stepped forward and settled into a chair, maintaining a respectful distance from him.
Finally, he looked up, his smile still firmly in place. “You made quite the impression last night.”
I clenched my jaw,
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He gestured casually with his pen. “Punching a fellow student–especially an Alpha–is not a trivial matter, you know. It’s precisely the kind of offense that could lead to… expulsion, if this were any other school.”
I squared my shoulders, holding my head high. “Before the Ivory Solstice, Alpha Jaxon Trevane kissed me of his own
volition.
Mr. Winters paused, arching an eyebrow. “Did he?”
“He grabbed me, pulled me back, and kissed me. That constitutes sexual offense.”
He tilted his head, the corners of his lips curling slightly. “Do you have proof?”
That was an odd question to pose.
Mr. Winters‘ smile deepened. “I thought not,” he said gently. “However, we do have proof that you punched him”
My hands curled into fists again. Yet this time, I resisted the urge to act on the fire igniting in my veins.
He placed his pen down, aligning it carefully with the edge of his desk. “As your punishment, you will assist in cleaning up after the Ivory Solstice After Party this weekend. This includes all decorations, discarded food, and party debris. You’ll be joined by other students who have accumulated punishments this term. Consider it… character building
I remained silent, my heart pounding in my chest.
He clasped his hands together in a gesture of finality. “Now, let’s try this again. Which faction do you choose?”
I lifted my chin defiantly. “I’ve made it clear. I’m not choosing”
Mr. Winters” smile shifted. It didn’t vanish–but it evolved into something more sinister. “Then you understand what that means,” he said softly. You are factionless.”
“You have no allies. You have nowhere to turn. You sit where there’s space. You train alone. You’re exposed to everyone.
Sone. And the school,” he paused, his piercing gaze locking onto mine, “will not be responsible for what happens to you.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“And I’m sure your parents wouldn’t care enough to complain,” he added, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Would they?”
My breath hitched in my throat. How did he… know? A sudden realization chilled me to the core. Kieran
Mr. Winters leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk. “This academy isn’t built for martyrs, Miss Stone. It’s constructed for survivors. Those who know when to stand firm and when to yield. I suggest you make a choice-”
20 late”
