Chapter 792: Two To Return

"Ezra’s right, you know," Griffin said. "If that zombie virus is wreaking havoc in Aster City, then we’re needed back in the human realm."

They were all seated around a long table in the empty hall after reaching out to Ezra, discussing affairs.

Violet leaned forward, resting her hands on the table.

"Lila brought you four here initially as proof that the Fae meant me no harm. That I wasn’t being held hostage or manipulated," she reminded them, her gaze moving from one face to another. "And your presence steadies me. It assures me that I’m not alone."

However, Roman read meaning into those words.

"So you want us to go back?" he asked, disappointment evident in his tone.

Asher countered immediately, his tone caustic. "Were you planning on staying in the Fae realm forever?"

"Yeah," Roman shot back. "The unbonded one gets to stay behind."

"Guys," Violet pleaded with her eyes. She didn’t want them fighting.

Roman looked away, his jaw flexing, while Asher remained cool as usual.

Griffin said to them. "It’s not about who’s leaving who or who stays, but we can’t pretend the human realm doesn’t exist just because we’re here. If that virus spreads beyond control—"

"It won’t just be humans at risk," Alaric cut in. "And if it mutates..." His expression darkened. "I need to combine brains with my father. If Caspian is leading the experimental side of things, then he probably needs me."

"And what about the Queen...?" Asher said, deliberately letting the words hang, his eyes settling on Alaric.

"What about the Queen?" Violet picked up on the shift immediately.

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"What is going on here?"

Asher answered smoothly, "If there’s anyone who communicates on an understanding level with Queen Seraphira, it’s Alaric Storm. If he returns to the human realm, who takes over that role?"

Neither Griffin nor Roman protested. Not when they knew the truth. Queen Seraphira was sick, and if there was anyone with a chance of figuring out her situation, it was Alaric.

Although Asher’s words made sense, there was a nagging feeling inside Violet that something wasn’t right.

"Is there anything you’re not telling me?" she pressed.

"Like what?" Asher held her gaze steadily.

Violet stared at him for a long moment. When she realized she wouldn’t break him, she turned to the others and settled on Roman pointedly.

Roman simply shrugged. "What?"

Violet tilted her head, uncertain. Maybe she was overreacting.

When Violet wasn’t looking, all four Cardinal Alphas shared a look.

Yep.

Queen Seraphira better let the cat out of the bag soon before Violet ripped the truth out of them herself.

"So..." Roman broke the tension. "Who’s leaving? Because I’m not."

"Yeah," Asher drawled. "Selfish Roman. Always thinking of himself first and what he stands to gain. Nice choice anyway. I don’t trust you not to get yourself into trouble the moment you return to the human realm."

At that, Roman gave Asher a cold look that clearly said,

Really

, asshole?

"Fine, I’ll go," Griffin offered. "If it’s about killing zombies, my powers are perfect for that. I’ll have fun smashing and pounding them." He grinned, making light of the situation.

Alaric scratched his head. "Just try not to get bitten. Especially knowing there’s no cure for that at the moment." He glanced at Violet. "I don’t think any of us are ready to attend your funeral."

Although he meant it as a joke, it didn’t sit well with Violet.

"I don’t like this," she said. "I don’t like us being separated in the face of danger. We’re supposed to do this together."

Griffin reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing it gently. "I understand. But you’re not in a position to leave. Not with your training. Moreover, if I go, it will reassure the West Pack that Asher is alive. Maybe things will settle."

"But anything could still happen," Violet pressed, worry lacing her voice.

"Nothing will happen."

"Yeah. If only there were two of you," Asher said casually. "Then perhaps you’d have each other’s backs."

He said it like he wasn’t talking about Roman.

But he absolutely was.

Roman glared at him. "Fine. I’ll go too then. Satisfied?"

Asher remained perfectly unbothered.

"I didn’t say that."

"Fuck you," Roman hissed.

"In your dreams," Asher smirked.

Roman rolled his eyes. The bastard was insufferable.

"So..." Alaric started, "Griffin and Roman return to the human realm. All in agreement?"

Alaric, Griffin, and Asher raised their hands.

Roman didn’t.

Well, not at first.

After a moment, he reluctantly lifted his hand.

Then all eyes turned to Violet.

"Violet?" Alaric prompted.

Violet sighed. "I don’t know. I feel like I’m about to sign your death certificates."

Griffin grimaced. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Nothing will happen to us."

"We’ve always been in danger, even before we met you, love," Asher said calmly. "This isn’t any different. We’re Cardinal Alphas. This is our destiny."

"Fine," Violet finally breathed. "I guess I’ll talk to my mother tomorrow and she’ll make arrangements."

Griffin smiled at her proudly.

Violet pushed back her chair and stood. "I think I’m going to bed."

After everything that had happened — and the thought of her mates leaving soon — she needed the comfort of her mattress.

"Ooh, bed," Roman said, his eyes twinkling.

A series of groans left Griffin and Alaric.

Violet stopped and turned. "What?"

"Nothing at all, love," Asher replied, though there was a slight twist to his lips.

Violet studied them. Why did it feel like she was being kept in the dark again?

Then Roman sauntered over and threw an arm over her shoulder casually.

"What do you think about a massage, honey? Something to ease you right into sleep?" He winked.

Violet looked at him suspiciously. "Yeah, I think I’ll pass."

Roman let out an exaggerated sigh. "And there goes your chance, Griffin."

Before Violet could ask what he meant, Roman had already swept her off her feet and into his arms.

"Straight to bed," he declared. "It’s cuddle time."

Meanwhile.....

Lunaris Academy

"The gap in the ward has been repaired, but I’ll have to warn you, one more stunt like that and I won’t promise the whole thing won’t come down," Samantha, the witch who had put it up in the first place, warned them.

And by

them

, it wasn’t just Principal Jameson. Micah and Adele were seated in the office as well.

"Thank you so much for your help, Samantha. You have secured the lives of the students here once more," Jameson said enthusiastically, reaching out and shaking her hand vigorously, almost like a congressman putting on a show for live television.

Except it was just Micah and Adele in the office.

And they were not fooled by her theatrics.

Even Samantha seemed weirded out by the overzealous gratitude. She raised a brow.

"That’s because it’s my job. And you’re paying me handsomely for it."

"Still. Thank you," Jameson insisted. "Not many witches would agree to affiliate with us werewolves."

"You’re not a werewolf, Jameson," Micah said unapologetically.

"At heart," Jameson replied without missing a beat.

Samantha simply nodded, unimpressed.

Then she shifted the air in the room by saying, "Although, I have to ask about the girls who broke into the school."

At that statement, Micah went rigid.

"What about the girls?" he asked, voice taut.

"The hole in the ward was made deliberately," Samantha said calmly. "So the entire barrier wouldn’t collapse. And we both know, Mr. Micah Raymond..." Her gaze locked onto his. "....That kind of damage can only be done by a witch."

A thick silence fell over the office. Micah and Samantha stared at each other, neither willing to look away.

The witch was waiting.

Micah announced, "I think it’s time you left, Samantha. You’ve done what you were paid for. You may go."

From the way Samantha stared at her mate, Adele thought for a moment she wouldn’t back down.

But after a beat, she relented.

"Alright then," she said, smiling politely. "I’ll take my leave."

Micah lifted his head at once, satisfaction flickering across his face. He was glad she knew her place.

Samantha turned to leave, only to pause at the door.

"You should know, Micah," she said lightly, "where there is one witch, there is always another."

Then she left with that knowing smugness.

The door shut behind her.

Jameson immediately turned to Micah. "Really? It was a witch that infiltrated the school? How could you keep that piece of information a secret?!"

And yes, Micah had handled the incident. Covered it so efficiently that the only rumor circulating around Lunaris was that some human had slipped through a weak point in the ward.

No one knew it wasn’t just one witch. But two. No one except Abel who knew better than to run his mouth.

Jameson continued, "If that’s the case, then Alpha King Elijah has to know about—"

She didn’t finish because Micah was suddenly in front of her, growling low.

"You will not say a word."

"But—"

"We both know," he cut her off coldly, "that the only reason you haven’t been removed from this position yet is because I haven’t accepted Elijah’s offer."

Jameson stiffened instantly.

Micah saw it and pressed further, his tone unkind.

"So I advise you to keep your mouth shut and enjoy that seat for as long as I allow you to sit in it."