Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 19: Marry A Cardinal Alpha

Violet and Lila stood in the breakfast line, with Lila chattering on about something, completely unaware that Violet’s mind was somewhere else entirely.

From her place in the line, Violet could only get a partial view of the four thrones—as she called them—but she was hyper-aware of their presence and, to her immense relief, the fact that they were empty. After last night’s encounter with Asher, she wasn’t sure she could handle seeing any of the Cardinal Alphas, least of all Griffin.

Turns out, not only were the Cardinal Alphas psychopaths, but they were narcissists too. Who in their right mind kept thrones for themselves in a school cafeteria?

Well. Them.

Just to cement their authority, they had crowned themselves kings of Lunaris Academy. At least there wasn’t a self-proclaimed Queen, or Violet would have been completely done at this point. She could spot the elite students on the upper floor, mostly composed of girls, eating like the nobles they claimed to be.

While the rest of the students on the lower floor served themselves, Violet noticed a few students actually serving the elites. Her thoughts flashed back to Lila’s earlier claim about wanting to be her lackey. Was this what she meant? The gods help her, this school never failed to shock her.

"Earth to Violet," Lila snapped her fingers in her face, snapping her out of her daze. "The line is moving."

Violet noticed the space she had left between her and Lila from standing still, along with the grumbling impatience from those behind her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone trying to overtake her, but she quickly closed the gap, shooting a glare at the opportunist.

She heard the student mutter a curse under his breath but ignored it. She didn’t want any attention today. However, just then, Violet watched as a student brazenly cut past the entire line, casually stepping in front of those who had been waiting.

Without acknowledging anyone, the girl made her way to the front, grabbed a plate and utensils, and began piling her plate high from the lavish buffet.

an uproar, maybe some angry words from the other students. To her surprise, no one even blinked; their expressions stayed neutral, as though this scene was entirely normal. As if they were pretty used to

aren’t they doing anything?" Violet couldn’t stop herself from

Lila scolded

"I linger for a moment, and these assholes behind—" she gestured to the students behind her, "—try to push me out of the line. But she comes out of nowhere, helps herself, and no one says

because it’s Grace!" Lila hissed,

the hell is

us in trouble," Lila said

calm down, though her curiosity still burned. "Fine. Tell me then, what am I missing this time?" she asked, keeping

her a scowl. "You didn’t bother researching the

It’s none of my business. Nor do I care who they are or what pathetic privileges they get from bullying

face-palmed, muttering something that sounded like, "Goddess, help me with this

obsessed with the hierarchy and school politics. If it had been anything worthwhile, she wouldn’t have had

walked past them, her tray held confidently as she strode toward the staircase leading to the elite floor. Violet’s gaze narrowed as she noticed Grace’s skirt, which was noticeably shorter than the required length, her creamy thighs on full display. Violet wondered if Principal

rank is she?" Violet asked

in the

is she and what

"She’s Elsie’s hand."

"Elsie’s hand?"