I stood there, my whole body rigid, every nerve screaming in protest. It wasn’t my choice. It wasn’t willpower or bravery or defiance that kept me upright.
It was the pull of the alpha command still threading through my limbs, tightening around me like invisible chains.
Professor Caleb paced a slow circle around me, hands tucked behind his back. His voice was sharp, but low enough that it forced everyone to strain closer to hear.
"Class," he said, pausing beside me, "observe carefully. This is what a weak mental shield looks like. One command and your body moves without your permission."
Heat flooded my face. I kept my eyes down, fists clenching at my sides.
"I—" I started, voice cracking.
"Excuses?" Caleb cut in, raising a brow. "Go ahead, Val. Tell us how you meant to stand up whe
