Chapter 29
Aria’s POV
I leaned against the hallway wall outside Ethan’s office, trying to slow my racing heart. Taking a deep breath, I pushed off the wall and straightened my training clothes. Just as I had managed to compose myself, the sharp click of designer heels against marble made me freeze. Two familiar voices carried down the corridor, dripping with barely contained malice.
Aurora and Bella rounded the corner, both dressed as if for a society event rather than a training facility visit. The contrast between their elegant attire and my practical workout gear couldn’t have been more stark. Their eyes lit up with predatory gleams when they spotted me like wolves finding injured prey.
“Perfect timing,” Aurora’s voice carried that false sweetness I remembered so well. “We were just coming to have a word with our… esteemed instructor.”
Bella’s smirk held all the cruelty of six years ago as they approached, their heels striking the floor with deliberate force. The sound echoed through the corridor like a countdown to confrontation.
I squared my shoulders, letting my fighter’s instincts take over. Whatever they had planned, I would face it head–on.
My students immediately tensed, sensing the hostile energy rolling off the two women. Aurora’s perfectly styled hair and expensive suit spoke of careful preparation for this confrontation, while Bella’s smirk held all the cruelty I remembered from six years ago.
“My, my,” Aurora’s lip curled with disdain, her voice carrying down the corridor. ‘Looks like our fallen princess hasn’t lost her… special talents. First seducing men in cheap hotel rooms, and now manipulating Shadow Fang’s heir into giving you one of their most prestigious houses? You certainly know how to use your charms, don’t you, dear?‘
The accusation hung in the air like poison. I felt a familiar rage building in my chest, but years of fighting had taught me to channel anger into strength. First of all,” I said, my voice steady and cold, ‘I haven’t accepted any property from Shadow Fang. But even if I had, it would be because I’ve earned it through my skills and hard work.” I let my gaze sweep over them dismissively. “Unlike some people who contribute nothing but vicious gossip and empty accusations.”
‘How dare you- Bella started, but I cut her off.
“No, how dare you,” I took a step forward, making them both instinctively back up despite their bravado. “While you’ve been sitting pretty in your inherited positions, I’ve been building a career, raising a child, and proving my worth. If Shadow Fang values my abilities, that’s because I’ve earned their respect. Something you two clearly wouldn’t understand, given that talking behind others‘ backs seems to be your only talent.”
“Oh, you are indeed different from us,” Bella stepped forward, her honey–blonde hair catching the morning light. After all, what message does it send when a disgraced she–wolf who can’t even shift anymore suddenly gains access to pack territory? Her lips curved into a cruel smile. Perhaps I should inform everyone about the true nature of your… situation. About that bastard cub you dragged back with you.”
The mention of Lucas made something snap inside me. Before I could think better of it, I grabbed Bella’s arm. She might have pack status and wolf powers, but I had years of combat experience. We crashed into each other like storm waves meeting cliff faces.
‘Look at her! Aurora’s voice rose to a shrill pitch that made several students flinch. “This disgrace to our bloodline can’t even maintain basic civility! Is this what Silver Moon has
become?‘
The sound of running footsteps preceded David’s arrival. Shadow Fang’s Beta moved with fluid grace as he positioned himself between us, his presence carrying enough authority to make both parties step back.
“This is a training facility,” his voice cut through the tension like a steel blade. “Not a place for personal vendettas. His gaze swept over Aurora and Bella, sharp enough to draw blood. “As pack members, you should understand the consequences of disrupting official training sessions.”
The Beta’s power rolled through the room in waves, making even Aurora’s perfectly maintained composure crack slightly. Bella’s face flushed with humiliation as she straightened her designer blouse, now wrinkled from our brief struggle.
‘This isn’t over,” she hissed as they retreated, her words meant for my ears alone. “Sooner or later, everyone will know what kind of woman you really are. What kind of blood runs in that boy’s veins.”
After they left, the whispers started immediately. My students huddled in small groups, their voices carrying despite their attempts at discretion.
‘Did you hear what she said about Instructor Reynolds’s son?”
“They say she was banished from Silver Moon six years ago…”
“But why would Shadow Fang’s heir provide her with a residence?”
I squared my shoulders, letting the familiar mask of professional detachment slide into place. “Back to your positions,” I called out, my voice steady despite the storm raging in my chest. “We’re practicing defensive formations.”
The morning sun continued its climb, indifferent to the drama unfolding beneath it. Through the windows, I could see the mountains in the distance, their snow–capped peaks a reminder of how far I’d come and how much I still had to lose.
