Chapter 226: A Smile with a Secret

The moon hung high above the Moonshine College campus like a watchful guardian, casting a silvery shimmer across the pathways and leafy dormitory courtyards.

The night air was brisk, tinged with the scent of pine and late-blooming jasmine, a quiet contrast to the chattering energy that still lingered in Lena's thoughts.

Aiden’s car rolled gently to a stop in front of the girls' dormitory.

The hum of the engine faded as he shifted the car into park, his hand resting briefly on the gear lever.

He turned toward Lena, his eyes glowing faintly under the dashboard light.

"I had a really good time tonight," he said, his voice sincere and warm. "I mean it, Lena. This was... one of the best evenings I’ve had in a while."

Lena gave him a practiced smile, though this one held more truth than she expected.

Not because of the milkshakes or the awkward flirtation, but because he had unknowingly handed her a key piece of information.

"Yeah," she said softly. "I had a good time too."

Aiden's grin widened.

"Seriously? That sounded almost convincing."

She chuckled, reaching for the door handle.

"Don’t push your luck, Romeo."

He laughed along with her, then leaned slightly forward.

For a moment, Lena thought he might try to kiss her, but he simply said,

"Thanks again for reaching out. I'm glad you're giving this a chance."

She opened the door.

"Goodnight, Aiden."

"Goodnight, Lena. Sleep well."

She stepped out and shut the door behind her, walking briskly up the dormitory steps.

Her boots clicked softly against the stone, and the chill in the air clung to her skin like a whisper.

She didn’t look back.

Once inside, the dorm was quieter than usual—midweek nights always were.

She passed by a few girls lounging in the common area, some scrolling through their phones, others murmuring gossip under blankets.

None of them paid her much attention. That was good. She didn’t need any more eyes on her than necessary.

Her fingers tightened around her key as she reached the second floor and approached her room. She twisted the doorknob—

Only to find it already open.

Lena’s body froze for a heartbeat. Her senses sharpened. Her pulse raced.

And then she heard it.

A slow clap.

She stepped inside, closing the door behind her quickly.

Ethan was lounging on her desk chair like he owned the place, spinning slightly with a smug grin stretching across his face.

His dark hair were tousled, and his boots left faint scuffs on her polished floor.

"Someone is glowing," he teased, raising an eyebrow. "You walk in here looking like a love-struck puppy. Should I personally welcome my inlaw?"

Lena groaned.

"You’re such a pain."

"Admit it," Ethan grinned, leaning forward. "You had fun."

She dropped her purse on the bed.

"I had information. There’s a difference."

He let out a low laugh.

"Right. Of course. Information is what made you smile all the way up the stairs. Totally not the fact that he held your hand like you were in some cheesy rom-com."

Lena rolled her eyes and tossed a pillow at him. He dodged it easily.

"You can’t just come into my room, Ethan. Someone might have seen you," she hissed. "Especially now. Maya and Lily and that idiot Graham are already obsessed with figuring out who your supposed 'sister' is. If they put two and two together—"

"Relax," he said, hands raised in mock surrender. "I was careful. I slipped through the back hallway. No one saw me. But you should be careful too. I can’t have you getting caught up in something and dragging me into it."

She narrowed her eyes at him.

"I’m always careful."

Ethan’s gaze softened.

"You say that, but you're playing with fire, Lena. You're charming guys who actually like you, using them for intel, hanging out with wanted enemies—"

She cut him off with a look.

"Don’t lecture me. I know exactly what I’m doing."

He sighed, then stood from the chair and stretched.

"Alright. Just don’t get in over your head."

She sat on the edge of her bed, running a hand through her hair.

"You don’t have to worry about me, Ethan. I’ve survived worse."

He walked to her small bookshelf.

"Still. Something about that guy—Aiden. He’s too..." He searched for the word. "Nice."

"Is that a bad thing now?"

"It is when he starts getting ideas. Don’t let him fall for you if you’re not planning to catch him."

Lena’s smile faded. She looked up at him, serious now.

"I never asked for anyone’s feelings. If he’s falling, that’s his problem. Not mine."

Before Ethan could respond, a knock echoed from the door.

Lena turned, wide-eyed. Ethan was already moving.

"Window," she whispered sharply.

He nodded once, already halfway there.

Another knock. Firmer this time.

Lena opened the door a crack, plastering a bright smile onto her face.

Aiden stood there, coat in hand.

"Hey," he said, slightly breathless. "You forgot this in my car. Thought you might need it."

Lena took the coat with a small laugh.

"Oh wow. I totally forgot. Thank you."

Aiden rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah. No problem. I didn’t want you to get cold."

There was a beat of silence between them. Then Lena leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

Aiden’s eyes widened slightly, then softened with a goofy smile.

"Well… goodnight again."

"Goodnight."

She closed the door gently, her expression turning victorious the moment the latch clicked.

She turned—and found the window ajar.

Ethan was gone.

Lena let out a breath, clutching her coat and walking to the window.

She peeked out—nothing but shadows.

She smiled to herself.

But she didn’t relax. Not entirely. Aiden’s words still echoed in her head from earlier that night:

"The Alpha twins? Never been separated. Not once. People say it's dangerous for them. If they're apart too long, their bond weakens. So does their power."

She had laughed along with him when he had said it, playing the part of the doting date.

But now?

Now her mind was turning with possibilities. Her fingers tightened around the coat.

Ethan was right—this game she was playing wasn’t without risk. But it was a game she intended to win.

And now, she had a new strategy.

She turned to her desk, opened her diary, and started writing under her breath:

"Separate the twins. Test the theory. Exploit the weakness."

A smile curled at her lips again—colder and sharper this time.

"Let the real game begin."