CHAPTER 169: WHERE IS JASON

Andria’s POV

I’m definitely not always like this, and I don’t know how to confront this issue without making it worse. I need some advice on how to go about it and not some scolding, do you understand that?"

"Relax, Ari, I was just teasing you. The thing about this issue now is that you are everywhere on the internet for shutting down a show with Damon, so it might be harder for them to understand you now that the news is still on," Allison suggested.

"You know how people talk," I said quietly. "First it’s excitement, then judgment. Today I’m the star girl, tomorrow I’m the school slut again. It always swings that way."

Allison sighed, setting her tablet down. "Ari, people will always talk. But right now, the narrative’s in your favor.

You’re glowing, confident, and everyone’s noticing. Even the board loves you for the publicity; we just have to find a way to sort out your friends, which is no other way than to wait for this incident to subside a bit. Maybe by tomorrow, you can talk to them. Stop thinking about all of that."

"Speaking of glowing," Macy added with that mischievous smile I hated. "Can we talk about that? Because, look, you are literally radiating. It’s giving mated energy."

I blinked. "Here we go again," I muttered under my breath. "I thought we were past that."

She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "You’ve got that look, that soft sparkle in your eyes, and your wolf’s aura feels different, at least to me. I’m sorry, I can’t stop thinking about it, and I won’t stop either until I have sniffed it out."

"Nothing happened, stop sniffing," I said quickly, maybe a bit too quickly.

Allison raised a brow. "Nothing? Because last I checked, the rumor says something must have occurred between you, Aven and Damon."

I froze, my pulse skipping. "That’s ridiculous."

"Is it?" she said, tilting her head. "You are different, Ari, less alert, and you seem to cozy up to my brother more and then the kiss with Damon seemed natural, like something was bound to happen, I felt it in my guts."

I snorted, trying to play it off. "I guess it’s high time you stopped feeling Allison, you sound ridiculous." But deep down, I knew most of the things she said were true, Aven’s part at least.

"Oh sure," Allison teased. "I think that would be much better, so that I can stop imagining things that are true, right, aria?"

Macy was just throwing her head side to side, watching us banter.

"Can we not dissect my glow right now?" I said, covering my face with my hands.

They both laughed. Macy finally waved her hand dismissively. "Fine, we’ll drop it. But just know that if you ever decide to confess that you’re now partially bound with one of your hot mates, we won’t judge you.

Never knew you two would turn out to be good friends, you two were literally at each other’s throats," Macy said.

"Thanks, that’s comforting," I muttered, then turned to look at Allison, who was smiling at me.

Allison grinned. "Anyway, the council needs us to start planning for prom night. Apparently, after the success of both events, expectations are through the roof. And we’re in charge of delivering magic."

I straightened up, grateful for the change in topic. "Prom night. Right. What’s the theme again?"

"Still undecided," Macy said, scrolling through her notes. "We’ve got a few suggestions,"

"Ok, what are they?"

"The kingdom treasures, the dynamites, Celestial hearts," Allison listed.

"Celestial Hearts," Macy said dreamily. "That one fits this year’s chaos perfectly. You know, all the mate-bond drama and betrayals."

Allison and I exchanged looks.

"She’s being sarcastic, right?" I asked.

"Look at it properly, you and Allison were involved in so much drama this year," Macy added.

I chuckled despite myself. "Okay, fine. But we need to cast a vote when Jason arrives."

"Agreed," Macy said. "I hope he comes along, Allison, don’t you think the theme is most appropriate?"

"No, I don’t think so. I opt for ’the kingdom treasuries’; I think it suits the school’s reputation.

For the next hour, we reviewed the logistics, catering, ticket pricing, and security arrangements. It felt good to focus on something normal again, something that didn’t involve biting tension or Alpha egos.

Still, that gnawing feeling lingered beneath it all, a quiet question scratching at the back of my mind.

Where will I spend the holidays this year?

I brushed the thought aside for now. I would discuss it with Lady Eskareth later. She always had a plan, and I think she will come through again.

"Jason didn’t show up for the meeting. I wonder what is wrong with him?" Allison pointed out.

"Yeah, that’s true, we got carried away by the excitement, and we forgot a member wasn’t around for the meeting. Now, what do you think we should do about it?"

"Maybe we should tell someone like the headmistress," Macy suggested

"Allison can handle that; she is closer to the headmistress," I said.

"Ok, so since the meeting is over, we should get going then," Allison said.

"Alright, see you all later, maybe by next meeting. Allison, don’t forget to report Jason’s absence," I called out after them.

I stood, smoothing my blazer, trying to shake off the unease that still clung to me.

That’s when the knock came.

"Miss Wolfsburn?"

I turned to see a younger student standing at the door, fidgeting. "Yes?"

"The school council has summoned you," she said nervously. "Immediately."

My pulse skipped. "Summoned? Why?"

"I wasn’t told. I was just told to summon you immediately."

"Alright," I murmured, gathering my folders. "Thank you."

I walked quickly towards the school council room, my heart hammering against my chest. Could this be about Jason, or could it be about the weekend?

"Come in," a voice called from inside.

I walked in, and behold, the council room was empty except for one