CHAPTER 19: SHE ACTUALLY DECIDED TO TAKE THE ACADEMY TEST?

"Aren’t those roads closed for today?" Damien asked, his tone edged with skepticism. "And honestly, Victoria should really get some rest. She must be exhausted."

"No, they’re still open," Callum replied with casual confidence, brushing off Damien’s concern as if it were nothing. "Besides, I only need to bribe the guards a little to get them opened again." He turned to Victoria, his gaze direct. "And she’s not tired. Are you, sister? Horse riding is part of your training after all."

"Huh?"

’Well, going back to the mansion now would only worsen this headache. But a little wind and speed might actually clear my mind from all this nonsense I’ve been witnessing,’ she thought to herself with a long, silent sigh.

"I’ll go with Callum," she said aloud, keeping her tone neutral. "Besides, I want to explore the other parts of the city. We can use that opportunity to begin my horse riding lessons."

Damien opened his mouth to argue but closed it just as quickly. He gave a small nod in response, though it was clear from his tightened jaw that he was far from pleased.

"See you at home then, brothers," Victoria added, managing a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "And don’t worry. Your little sister is capable of taking care of herself."

Without giving them a chance to stop her, she swiftly turned on her heel and dashed out of the library with Callum following close behind.

They made their way to the school stables without delay. The stables were wide and somewhat chaotic, filled with horses of all colors, sizes, and temperaments. Some neighed restlessly while others pawed the ground, their hooves clattering against the stable floors.

The air inside was pungent....thick with the stench of manure, damp straw, and dried urine. Victoria instinctively covered her nose with the sleeve of her dress, grimacing.

"Ugh. This smell could kill a grown man."

"Greetings. I need two horses, please," Callum said calmly to one of the stable hands...a lean young man wearing a dusty leather apron. Without question, the worker nodded and quickly prepared two horses for them.

"You’ll follow me on one while I ride with my sister on the other," Callum instructed as he accepted the reins. "She’ll ride her own horse once she’s gotten a handle on the basics. I’ll be guiding her for now."

The stable worker nodded again and extended his hand silently. He was mute hence the reason why he couldn’t talk.

Callum didn’t hesitate. He pulled out a heavy pouch and placed it in the man’s palm. The jingle of coins within suggested it wasn’t a small amount. The stable worker accepted it wordlessly, then pointed toward a large wooden gate at the far end of the stable which opens out to the private training path.

"Let’s go, little sister," Callum said, his voice light but with a hint of authority.

Victoria offered a faint nod in response while Callum moved behind her and easily lifted her onto the horse’s back. Then he mounted behind her, settling in with practiced ease.

Neigh...

The horse let out a sharp whinny, tossing its head as Callum gently pulled the reins.

They moved forward, heading toward the large wooden gate that was now being opened by the stable worker. A second horse, led by the stable hand, trailed behind them for Victoria’s eventual solo ride.

As they exited the stables, the horse picked up speed, hooves thundering against the earth.

Callum guided them expertly down a narrow, winding path shaded by tall trees. The road, meant solely for horse riding, curved around gentle hills and sharp bends, offering occasional glimpses of the sprawling city in the distance.

Victoria tightened her grip on the saddle as they rode faster.

The wind kissed her cheeks, and for the first time that day...perhaps the first time in years...she felt something close to peace.

****

In an exclusive room painted in a shade of white and adorned with golden furnishings ranging fr chairs and elegantly carved tables to delicately crafted flower vases.

Seated regally on a velvet sofa, his legs crossed with deliberate poise, was a man with raven-black curls cascading over his shoulders. His dark lashes cast long shadows beneath his eyes as he was lost in deep thoughts . Facing him were two others...a striking blond and a fiery redhead.

"She actually decided to take the academy test?" the red-haired man remarked, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His voice was smooth, yet carried the undertone of amusement laced with contempt. He had sharp, ocean-blue eyes, perfectly sculpted features, and lips tinted pink like rose petals. His abs were partially revealed beneath a loosely fastened shirt, an effortless display of seduction.

He was Alpha Auren Morgrave....Alpha of the East, second in command among the heirs. Known throughout the nation as The Cold Strategist. Mysterious. Calculating. Quietly dangerous.

"Are things finally getting interesting in this school?" Auren continued with a languid sigh, lounging back in his seat. "I’ve grown bored of all the desperate girls throwing themselves at us. It’s always the same...either Zephyr’s already had them, or they’ve been claimed by some other irrelevant Alpha."

Zephyr chuckled lightly as he stretched out his legs. "Not my fault they can’t resist me," he replied, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Girls tend to chase after guys with money, fame, and let’s not pretend....big dicks."

Auren scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Right. That’s why you’re crowned the number one playboy both at home and abroad."

Zephyr grinned, entirely unashamed.

"But that silver-haired girl," Auren said, his expression turning serious, "Is she stupid? She agrees to take the test instead of simply offering an apology. I left home expecting to hear her grovel, but she didn’t even show up. Disrespectful."

"I know the type," Zephyr said with a lazy drawl. "She’s playing hard to get. Trying to stay in the spotlight. Let’s not forget....she’s Mirabel’s sister."

Auren raised a brow but didn’t comment.

"That girl is bold," a new voice growled darkly.

Darius, who had remained silent all this time, finally spoke. His eyes blazed as the glass in his hand shattered, shards slicing into his skin and drawing blood that dripped onto the white marble floor. His breathing was heavy, almost erratic. "How dare she kiss me?!"

Zephyr let out a dramatic sigh. "What else could it be? You’re handsome and hot....she clearly just wants the dick. Give it to her, promote her like I did her sister. Or... pass her over to me. I’d happily tame her."

But Darius wasn’t listening.

He pressed a hand to his temple, frowning deeply. "Why does it feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before though?" he muttered. "I keep having this dream of a girl crying, all because of me. But every time she’s about to show her face, I wake up. Seeing that silver-haired girl today... it feels like she’s the one from the dream."

"Oh yeah," Zephyr said, waving a hand dismissively. "That dream. The same one all three of us keep having for the moon goddess knows how long. Ridiculous. And we don’t know what color her hair is...it’s always hidden. Just forget it."