The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"Why are they searching for the murderer?" I ask, my face twisted in confusion. "It's very obviously Gabriel -“

"Ariel!" Ben breathes, putting his hands on my shoulders and giving me a little shake. "When I say chaos I mean chaos - are you aware that the protective magic all over the castle has just fallen?"

I gasp, my eyes going wide. Because how the hell did I not think of that as a consequence!?

On one hand...this is very bad. Shit - shit! People are going to be looking everywhere for Gabriel.

But on the other hand...I whip my head to the side and stare hard at my comforter, the corner of which bursts into flame.

Ben shrieks and dashes for it, jumping on the bed and quickly smothering the fire as I laugh and clap my hands, jumping up and down a few times. Ben snaps his gaze back to me, a growl on his voice. "Ariel, this is not the time to play pyromaniac princess. We need to come up with a plan! We need to -"

The door flies open, Pippa and Elias stumbling in. "Ariel!" Elias gasps.

But then he goes very, very still as he sees who is kneeling on my bed, a charred bit of fabric in his hands.

Pippa's eyes whip between the two men and I grimace a little, worried for her as she quietly pushes the door shut.

"Um, everyone,” I say quietly. "This is...Benny."

um,

Elias's side, her hand going immediately to her stomach. Then Ben goes very, very

possessive gleam

the father of her

a bit with anxiety.

together, spinning their heads

their synchronicity. "So, I kind

the groans, slipping off

side

to

damn it.

swno11

okay?" I say, turning towards Pippa and Elias now,

go wide as Elias's narrow. "What's going on?"

say, holding out

obeys, his eyes locking on Ben's as