The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0733

Mom's confidence boosts me, even though it is hard to even think about what happened.

"I'm not sure I'm okay," I say, dropping my head to look down at my glass of wine. "I'm not sure I'll ever be...who I was. Or I'll never not...want things to be different." My hand drifts higher now, my palm cupping the bandage that covers my mark. It's fully healed, I'm just...not ready to look at it yet.

"I think that makes a lot of sense, baby," Cora says, nodding to me. "I think...this is probably one of the great tragedies of life, akin to losing a parent. You're going to be feeling a lot of grief for a long time."

"But you will get through it," Daphne says, smiling softly at me and putting a hand on my knee.

I look over at her with a tremulous smile, knowing she knows what she's talking about. And as I look around at the three women who are being so supportive, my eyes fill with tears because I know that each of their lives has been struck with tragedy.

And yet, here they are. Strong and happy, whole enough to come and help me when I need them.

My eyes fill with tears as I look around at each of them in turn - just so, so grateful.

says, sitting up straight and reaching

it in my hand with a

out laughing, even as tears start their way down my cheeks and Cora refills my glass.

to be here with you through all of these hard first couple of hours and days. Until my little bird gets her strength

at her, my lips a little tremulous. "You really think that's going to happen? That

into a little smirk. "I'm sure

tipsy, raising her own glass. "May they all meet the violent ends they deserve for torturing our poor innocent hearts! And, in their death, leave us enough money in

says, laughing and clinking

them. "Oh, please," I say, smiling just a little. "It's not like you

a declaration. "If you think that your father has not put

and throwing a piece of popcorn at her in

Roger," Cora murmurs,

way too. She laughs and grins at me,