77

77

Everything had gone smoothly at Jaxon’s birthday party. The table was laden with multiple cakes, ice cream, juice, wine, rice, and a colorful array of dishes that filled the room with enticing aromas. Laughter and chatter blended with the clinking of glasses as they enjoyed the celebration, each person savoring the moment.

But as the night deepened, exhaustion settled over them like a warm blanket. None of the tension or lingering feelings between Andrea and Jaxon surfaced—they were simply too tired. After the last slice of cake was eaten and the final sip of wine drained, everyone drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep.

The next day dawned cool and crisp, the sunlight filtering softly through the windows. Andrea was the first to arrive at school, determined not to wait for anyone else. She needed to leave early for a morning appointment with Elizabeth and wanted to avoid any questions or suspicion from the other boys. This was the reason she’d come earlier than usual, the weight of her secret and mission pressing heavily on her.

As she stepped onto the school grounds, her eyes quickly found Elizabeth waiting by the back fence, a calm yet expectant look on her face. Without hesitation, Andrea walked over, and the two slipped quietly to the secluded back of the school, where fewer eyes could see them.

Elizabeth turned to her with a serious expression, her brows knitting together. “So… what is it? What did you want to tell me?”

Andrea hesitated, swallowing the lump rising in her throat. She gazed at the cracked pavement beneath her feet for a moment, searching for the right words.

Finally, she looked up and spoke with a fragile honesty. “Elizabeth, I want to give up on the mission.”

The words hung heavy in the air. Elizabeth’s eyes widened in shock, a mixture of disbelief and worry flooding her features.

“What do you mean?” Elizabeth asked, her voice barely containing her surprise. “You want to give up on finding the heir? The alpha your father said you must find?”

Andrea nodded slowly, her voice almost a whisper. “Yes. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’ve found people I want to protect, not kill. Elizabeth, you’re my best friend. I can’t hurt you. And now… Jaxon, Rick, and Jack are my friends too. I can’t kill them.”

For a long moment, Elizabeth was silent, her eyes searching Andrea’s face as if trying to find some hidden truth.

“You’re right,” Elizabeth finally said softly. “At first, I didn’t want you to hurt them either. I was trying to protect you—from getting too involved. You have to know, if you don’t kill the alpha, you might be in danger. And you know your father… if he finds out you’re disobeying him, disrespecting his orders as an elder and council chief, he might start tormenting you. And he won’t stop until you’re dead.”

Andrea’s gaze hardened. “I know. My father doesn’t spare anyone when it comes to a command or an order, even if it’s his own daughter. If I don’t obey, he’ll kill me and call it justice—as if I’m going against him.”

Elizabeth’s voice softened, a flicker of sorrow passing through her eyes. “But Andrea… after this revenge… what comes next? You have to be the one to stop the cycle of revenge. You can’t let it keep going.”

Andrea squared her shoulders, determination shining in her eyes. “I’m going to be the one to end it.”

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, then smiled—genuine but tinged with worry. “You’re my friend, Andrea. And my mom told me something I should share with you: you can’t stop it. Not completely. Not everything can be controlled or stopped. Being the daughter of the elder and council might make some things easier for you, but there are forces at play beyond anyone’s control.”

Andrea swallowed the bitter truth in those words. She felt her heart tighten as Elizabeth continued.

“Also… your dad sent you a message today. He said if he doesn’t kill them, then you have to either follow his will or your own beliefs.”

Andrea’s breath caught in her throat. “Elizabeth… you have to help me. What is my dad planning? Whenever he says things like that, I know something terrible is coming. I have to stop him.”

The two friends were quiet for a moment, letting the weight of the conversation settle around them.

Then the bell rang, signaling break time. They started strolling along the corridor, blending with the flow of students.

Suddenly, Jaxon appeared, reaching out to cross his hand over Andrea’s shoulder in a familiar gesture of closeness.

“Stop it, Jaxon,” Andrea whispered, glancing around nervously. “You know Jack doesn’t know about any of this. You shouldn’t make him suspicious.”

Jaxon smirked but said confidently, “Don’t worry. They won’t notice.”

Just then, Jack turned back toward them. His eyes immediately caught the casual touch between Andrea and Jaxon. His brows furrowed in confusion. For a split second, he lowered his head as if trying to hide something—maybe frustration or disappointment—as if assuming they were fighting.

To break the tension, Andrea burst out laughing. “Oh my goodness, can’t believe you guys have such childish minds!” she teased.

Rick and Jack laughed along and left, chatting between themselves.

Andrea turned to Jaxon, frustration creeping into her voice. “I told you not to do that. Now he’s suspicious.”

Jaxon gave a small, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Andrea. I just can’t help it. You know I love you.”

Andrea’s heart ached at his words. Without saying more, she walked away, trying to steady her racing thoughts.

Jaxon called after her, but she didn’t look back.

As the crowd began to disperse, the restroom door opened quietly. A man stepped out, his face hidden beneath a hoodie pulled low over his nose, only his dark eyes visible.

He glanced around, checking that no one was watching.

From his pocket, he pulled out a phone and dialed quickly.

“Hello, Elder,” he whispered into the receiver. “We need to talk. Now.”