Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 6: Welcome To Lunaris Academy

As Violet stepped off the train, she was immediately struck by the sheer magnitude of Aster City. It was everything she had imagined and more. If she could compare it to her district, it was safe to say that she had been living beneath a rock all through her life.

As a capital city, it buzzed with energy, alive with towering buildings, throngs of people, and a chaotic blend of sounds that reverberated through the air. Yet, despite its overwhelming presence, no one seemed to notice her.

The girl with the unusual purple hair and duffel bag passed unnoticed through the crowd. In her district, she had always drawn stares, whispers following her wherever she went, but here? She was just another face in the sea of humanity. The reality was both liberating and unsettling.

However, what took Violet aback, though, was the diversity of the people around her. Even among humans, there were so many different races, ethnicities, and styles all mingling together. But it wasn't just humans. For the first time in her life, Violet came close enough to the werewolves, creatures she had only read about in textbooks or heard whispered stories of.

Violet had studied them enough to recognize them by the way they carried themselves, strong, imposing, and exuding a certain raw energy that was impossible to ignore. Her mother hadn't been exaggerating. These creatures were stunning in an almost unnerving way. Tall, muscled, and impossibly attractive, they exuded an effortless dominance that made it hard not to stare.

But Violet knew she couldn't spend the day gawking. This was unfamiliar territory, and as exhilarating as it was, it was also dangerous. Anything could happen in a place like this. She could be robbed, scammed, or worse, kidnapped. Her instincts, finely tuned from years of cautious living, kicked in, and she approached a few humans who seemed approachable.

"You're going to Lunaris Academy?" the man she asked — Carlos, he introduced himself — gave her a look she couldn't quite decipher. There was something unsettling about his expression, almost as if there was pity mixed with concern.

"Yes," she answered.

"No bus goes directly to Lunaris Academy," he finally said, his voice thick with an accent she couldn't place. "You'll have to hire a taxi."

Violet's stomach sank. A taxi? Oh god, no.

Back in her district, no one took taxis. They were far too expensive, and she had little money to spare. Violet was stuck, unsure of what to do next. Nancy had given her all that she could spare and she couldn't waste it on a taxi ride.

Carlos must have sensed her distress, because he added, "Follow me."

Violet's gut didn't scream danger, but she was cautious nonetheless. They walked to a nearby parking lot, and Carlos approached a man in a car. After a brief, animated conversation, Carlos waved her over.

"That's my cousin, Amilo," Carlos said, pointing to his cousin who was now trying to turn in the right direction. "I talked to him. He'll take you for half the usual price. You can trust him."

flooded Violet's chest. "Thank you," she

his tone grew darker. "Just be careful in that damned school. Our kind thinks it's a privilege, but those furry freaks are no good. Devourers, the lot of them. And I wonder why humans are so

fear away. It wasn't like she had much choice. But she kept

then glanced over to Amilo, who was

in, purple head," Amilo called, the nickname almost making her bristle, but there was no malice in his tone, so

he peppered her with questions about her name, where she was from, and a compliment on her hair, assuming it was dyed. Violet didn't correct

seems to

asked, a teasing smile on his face. "Trying to make a statement

talk about her unknown parents much, but being reminded of it stung. Amilo must have sensed her change in demeanor because

a decent voice, but Violet wasn't about to compliment him. Not when she was grateful for

drive down a two-lane road flanked by thick, untamed wilderness, Amilo's voice broke the steady

confused. All she could see was more trees, nothing

"Mister, there's nothing but—" Her words cut off as Amilo rounded a bend, and suddenly, the sight before her stole her breath

she whispered, her eyes widening

Academy looked like something plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Nestled in a sprawling estate surrounded by lush forests and rolling green hills, the sight was both breathtaking and imposing. The

elaborate coat

yet formidable. The surrounding walls seemed to stretch endlessly, marking the boundaries of the prestigious grounds. Neatly landscaped shrubs lined the

rare privilege, the gate was surprisingly automated, sliding open smoothly as they approached. They were met with a small security checkpoint where a guard stepped out, holding a

asked in a tone that

her voice unexpectedly small,

the mention of her name, the guard's stern

he said, gesturing to his partner in the security booth. The barrier was lifted, and as their car rolled forward, Violet caught sight of the guard typing something rapidly into

was familiar enough with basic tech, thanks to the

the pristine concrete drive, Violet marveled at the sight before her. The academy's grounds were expansive, far larger than she had imagined. Tall, majestic trees lined the road, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. Wide, manicured lawns stretched out on either side, dotted with stone fountains, their water glinting in the afternoon

at the academy