The tension in the mess hall was thicker than raw meat.
Aria felt it the moment she stepped inside—sharp glances, cut-off whispers, the scrape of chairs a second too loud. Loyalty in the Academy used to be silent, subtle. Now it had taken sides. And hers had a target on its back.
Kade brushed against her shoulder as he passed, a silent promise in the touch. They weren’t hiding anymore, and yet, the boldness of their bond made others bristle. Not everyone approved of a Moonborn holding influence over the strongest Alpha in the Academy. Especially not the new trainees.
They sat together at the center table—four of them, all bearing the insignia of packs aligned with the Holt family. Gold stitching. Crimson cloaks. Eyes that weighed her like prey.
One girl in particular met Aria’s gaze wi
