Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 180: Shatter

All eyes were on them now, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. What house would the purple storm choose? They couldn’t wait to find out.

"What are you waiting for, drama queen? Pick a house already and stop wasting our time!" Elsie snapped with an impatient huff.

"Let her be, Elsie," Alaric told her off.

"No, Elsie’s right," Asher cut in, his voice edged with mockery. "It’s time for her to make a decision. We don’t have all night... or do we, little human?" His dark eyes gleamed as he fixed his stare on her.

Violet squared her shoulders, lifting her chin with forced confidence, her hands trembling so subtly she barely noticed, until Lila reached out and intertwined their fingers, squeezing gently.

When Violet turned to her, Lila offered a small smile, as if silently saying: No matter what, I’m with you.

The simple gesture strengthened her resolve. Violet sucked in a shaky breath, then let her gaze sweep over the alphas, reading each of their faces.

First was Asher, looking smug and composed, but Violet could see the tension beneath the surface. The bastard knew she was not going to choose him. Good for him.

Griffin was relaxed but watchful, giving her a friendly smile instead.

Roman looked intense, his gaze pinning her in place like a warning: Don’t back down now. Not after coming this far.

And then, Alaric. His eyes held pure, unfiltered hope, as if he was willing her to choose him but unwilling to pressure her.

Violet hesitated upon that look in his eyes, her chest tightening knowing she was about to break his heart. It was the hardest thing to do but Violet tore her gaze away. If she let herself linger, she might not have the strength to go along with the plan.

She took a deep breath. Then, blurted out, "I reject all the houses."

The reaction was instantaneous.

"What?!" Gasps and startled murmurs rippled through the crowd, voices layering over one another in disbelief.

then repeated, louder this time, "I decline the offers from all the

crashed over them, thick and suffocating. It was the kind of silence that

Violet

wide-eyed glances. They had never even heard of rejecting the

they could process it, Lila stepped forward to say. "I also reject

out, the student’s whispers turning frantic. What was happening? What in the goddess name

her expression expectant, waiting for them to follow

her gut screaming that this was a

Ivy, never one to pass up a dramatic moment, stepped forward with a theatrical flourish. "I

round of murmurs

Daisy hissed, eyes

her. "Come on, don’t make us

head. "No. I

deal, remember?" Lila reminded her, her

be. I told you all not to follow

together," Lila argued, only to flinch under

Lila’s lips twisted into a dramatic pout. "Go ahead... leave us. Move on. Join your fancy new house,

I’ll do it!"

should have seen the grin that spread

going to regret this. Daisy knew

sighed in defeat, then stood tall. "All four of us reject the

became tumultuous

fucking minds,"

the houses make them...?" another voice trailed off

third voice

low