We basically have to sprint across the field where the candidate barracks are to get down to the train tracks in time. The sleek train is waiting there, puffing steam, filling with cadets all eager to get home for winter break. As we run I mentally thank my mother again for her healing powers - who would have thought that two days ago I was basically dead over Jackson's shoulder, and now here I am dashing across a field with my best friends, a mostly-empty bag bouncing on my back?

When we get down to the tracks I see that the platform itself is getting sparse, pretty much all the cadets already having boarded, and I dart immediately for a door to the train, wanting to get in and get a seat. But before I can even grab the little handle to lift myself into the closest train car, Jesse grabs my arm.

"Ari, what are you doing!?"

I spin, stumbling a little as I look up at him. "I'm getting on the damn train, Jesse!"

My cousin just grins down at me and gestures down the tracks. "Come on," he says, laughing. "Our seats are back here."

"What?" I let myself be lead down the line, frowning the whole way, but then my face shifts quickly into surprise and delight when I see the bright red caboose attached to the end of the train. Because of course. Of course mom and dad sent the royal car for us to take back to the city.

"Oh my god," I murmur, my hands going to my cheeks, my embarrassment competing with my pleasure and losing immediately. "That's...that's so nice of them."

that it's him standing there. And then I burst into a grin as he slips an arm around my waist and pulls me tight for a second before turning his gaze back to the train itself. I watch his eyebrows raise as he takes in

Luca and Ben, who is also staring at the coach, dazzled. But before we can get any further a group of guards step

all of us simultaneously

Well, because it's Wright.

but he looks

- all of my Alphas, who bare their

can't help the cruel snarl that twists his face. He doesn't say a word, but the hate radiates off him, nearly palpable in the air. As he stares at me I know without a

and his determination, something about this - about Wright shackled and beaten while I stand, healthy and hale,

That even if

I've got much more than bare

hands innocently tucked behind my back. I purse my lips a little in mock pity as I look him over, taking in each and every one

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