The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

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."

I realize 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 the beautiful coach with its cheerful, shiny red sides, its gilt details. "We are traveling in style today." His voice

till you see inside," Rafe laughs, glancing at Luca and Ben, who is also staring at the coach, dazzled. But before we can get any further a group of guards step onto the platform

all of us simultaneously go still

Well, because it's Wright.

god, but he looks like

lifts at the sudden silence before him and he flinches immediately back when he sees Rafe, Jesse, Luca, and Ben at my side - all of

when his eyes fall on me, Wright 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 doubt that he doesn't regret a damn thing. In fact, if he had the chance? He would absolutely try to murder me again, his reasons for committing the

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

even if Wright can kill me with

got much more than bare hands

as I put on my best Princess smile and step forward to greet him, my hands innocently tucked behind my back. I purse my