Rhaella's POV 

I let go of my thoughts and tried to be strong, at least for my mom's sake. "Sylvia, can you help me run a bath? Mom needs a shower."

She nodded and disappeared into the bathroom.

I guided my Mom into her bedroom and helped her out of her uniform. She tried to protest, clutching at the buttons.

"Ella, I can manage..."

"No, Mom," I cut in firmly. "Not tonight."

I knew I was the one who needed care, but after everything she had gone through for my sake, I couldn't let her handle anything by herself tonight.

I led her into the bathroom tub. Scrubbed and rinsed her until she was clean, then helped her into her pajamas.

Sylvia was in the kitchen fixing our dinner. The aroma of pasta filled the apartment as she mixed the pasta with some of the beef sauce Mom had left in the fridge. She hummed under her breath, stirring the pan slowly, while I leaned against the doorway, watching her.

"Want me to set the table?" I asked quietly.

"Not yet," she said, glancing at me without stopping. "I'd do it myself."

I nodded and went to get my mom. She ate a little before retiring to bed. Sylvia forced me to eat too so I could take my medications. Then, we both showered and laid side by side in my room, staring at the ceiling.

"Don't you need to call your mom?" I whispered. "She's probably heard what happened today. Won't she worry if you don't come home?"

"That's not a problem," Sylvia said flatly. "You know my mom, if I call her now, she'll just keep digging for details. And I don't have that energy tonight. Tomorrow."

"Alright," I murmured. "I just don't want you getting into trouble because of me."

She rolled onto her side and cupped my cheek, "Ella, stop. We're friends. And I'm going to walk through this with you."

Honestly, that pulled a small smile out of me and I nodded. We laid there, allowing the silence to stretch between us. Then, a crazy thought slipped into my head. I turned to face her.

"Our exams start Monday, right?"

"Yeah. Why?" Her voice sharpened, almost wary, like she already knew I was about to say something crazy.

"Just... hear me out," I said carefully. "I know this sounds insane, but maybe I should go for it."

Sylvia shot up on one elbow, glaring. "Are you serious? After everything that's happened, you think walking back into that school is a good idea? Girl, We should be out there right now trying to figure out how to get that 21,500 dollars, not prepping for an exam!"

A chill crept through my chest, but I sat up and forced myself to meet her stare. "And how do you suggest we do that, Syl? Rob a bank? Beg on the streets? Jason has frozen my accounts. We've got nothing."

Her mouth opened, ready to fire back, but I pushed the words out before she could.

"It's our final year exam. If I can just talk to Professor Wilson, maybe he'll let me sit for it. This is the only way. My certificate is the only thing they can't take from me!" I paused to catch my breath, "If I pass, I can get my diploma and my license. I can even go to the human territory and get a job, a real job that can pay off that debt and keep a roof over our heads. This isn't about a short-term relief, Syl. It's about our long-term survival."

Sylvia's eyes softened, but the fear didn't leave. "Ella... but do you really think he'd risk his job just to let you take the exams? The senate probably sent word already to have you withdrawn. If they've stripped your privileges, his hands might be tied."

I sighed, my chest sinking, because deep down I knew she was right. Professor Wilson might shut me out the same way the hospital did after the lies Jason told.

The only reason I even had a seat in that academy was because of Jason. To be able to stand beside him as his Luna, I had to be trained, educated, and polished. Omegas don't get education. We don't even have the right. 

But still, I couldn't just give up. Not when Mom's future and mine depended on me finding a way.

Sylvia exhaled hard and rubbed her face.

"Ella... you're crazy," she muttered. Then she leaned in, locking her eyes on mine. "But maybe being crazy is exactly what you need right now."

I blinked. "So you think I should do it?"

She bit her lip. "It's risky as hell."

I swallowed. "I know, but you know Prof. Wilson. He's not like the others. If anyone would listen to me..."

"...it's him." She finished for me, nodding slowly. She sighed again. "Alright. If this is what you want, I'll go with you. But don't think I'll let anyone lay a hand on you without going through me first."

A lump rose in my throat. "Thank you, Babe."

"Don't thank me yet." She said flatly, lying back against the pillow. "Because if this blows up, we're both fucked."

We didn't get to sleep much. By morning, Sylvia left first to check in with her mom, and calm her down before the rumors twisted worse. She came back in the afternoon, her face tight, but she didn't say much about it.

My mom stayed in her room, making call after call, begging her employers to reinstate her. I hated her being in that state, but hopefully, this would fix our problems.

Sylvia and I studied together all weekend... at the kitchen table, sometimes in silence, sometimes with Sylvia quizzing me just to keep my mind steady. I tried to push everything else aside; my grief, the betrayal, the headlines but they replayed in my mind anyway. Still, I forced myself to hold on.

This exam was more than a test. It was survival. 

By Sunday night, the apartment was quiet. We kept flipping pages and Sylvia kept tapping her pen on her notes. Neither of us said it out loud but, we were both scared of what Monday would bring.

Monday came faster than I wanted. Sylvia scrambled eggs while I made tea. We both didn't have much appetite but we forced it down. 

I wore a black round-neck paired with baggy jeans, pulled my hair into a ponytail, and put on a face cap to shade my face. Sylvia's gown was simple, but her eyes were restless.

We took a cab to the academy and it was quiet as we entered. But that didn't last long because soon, we were greeted by none other than Tasha and her clique.

Tasha is one of the alpha girls that tried befriending me after finding out that Jason was my mate. But then I beat her in one of our karate training and earned a black belt, and she grew hateful. She's been my archenemy since then. We've always competed for the top position since our first year and now that we are in our final year, things haven't changed.

Tasha was stunning; she had a model's body and a sharp mind. She always wore designer clothes that her mother, Tonia Montana , a famous fashion designer, made.

She was the total package in the eyes of men; too bad she was a total bitch.

"Hey, Ella," She sneered, stopping in front of us. Her friends stopped with her and glared at us like we were nothing but bugs they had just step on.

"Tasha," I greeted, my tone dry.

"Heard you got rejected by Alpha Jason. So... what are you doing here?" She asked, placing her hands on her hips.

Her friends chuckled.

"Tough skin, huh? Cheating on the Alpha, messing around with other men, even trying to abort... and you still have the nerve to stroll into the school where he pays your fees?" One of her friends said laughing. 

"Maybe one of her sugar daddies is still footing the bill," another added, smirking. "She could give us lessons on how to be bad girls too."  

They all burst into laughter. Sylvia stepped forward, reading to punch one of them in the face, but I caught her arm. "Not now," I murmured, then looked at the girls.

"And how is the way I live my life any of your business, Tasha?" I asked through my teeth.

"Don't you have better things to do?" Sylvia asked, folding her arms across her chest. "Aren't we a little too old for the mean girl act?" 

"Well, well, well! The loyal guard dog is off her leash. Guess you're still following her around, hoping some of her leftover glory will rub off on you?" Tasha muttered before turning back to me. "I also heard your mom lost all her jobs because of your affair. Poor Ella, it's really shameful for your family. How are you guys ever going to survive now?"

"Are you just trying to make up for the fact that I've beaten you for the top student spot again this year by attacking my private life?" I asked her, narrowing my eyes.

Her eyes grew wide, not expecting that I would hit her where it hurts the most. Her face grew pale, and her friends were also silent. 

Sylvia stood there staring at me proudly.

"Private life you said?" Tasha scoffed. "You're all over the news, girl. There's nothing private about your life anymore." 

She continued, "And don't worry, your top spot won't last. Soon enough, I'd kick you off your high horse. Let's go girls."

She turned, her hair whipping around her shoulders, and then she walked off with her friends trailing behind her. As soon as she was out of sight, I let out the breath I hadn't known I was holding.

"Good riddance to bad rubbish," Sylvia laughed, her eyes following Tasha. "She's lucky all I did was watch. Next time, I'd pull out every last strand of her hair and make it into a wig!"

Rhaella's POV

"I have a feeling she's going to make me pay for that somehow," I murmured.

"Speaking of top students," Sylvia said in a warning tone, "you should hurry to Prof. Wilson's office. Wouldn't look good for either of you if you get caught lollygagging."

I blinked, already spacing out, then nodded quickly. "Yeah... I need to go." I glanced at my wristwatch and sighed. "You should head to the exam hall. I'll catch up with you later, Syl."

"Bye!"

– – – – – – –

Soon, I was standing outside Professor Wilson's office. My stomach twisted and my heart thudded faster.

I knocked gently and turned the door knob when he gave me permission.

The office smelled of old books and ink. He was bent over a stack of papers, with a red pen in his hand. When he looked up, his eyes widened as he adjusted his glasses.

"Rhaella Hammond?" His voice called out in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

"Hi, Professor," I said softly.

"Hi... the board already called me. Your admission's been revoked."

"Yes, Professor. I know that." I pulled off my cap, holding it against my chest as I stepped closer, letting the door click shut behind me.

He leaned back, studying me. "You shouldn't be here."

"I know, sir," I admitted, my voice cracking before I steadied it. "But please... just hear me out."

He set his pen down. "Go on."

"I need to sit for my final exams. Just my two main courses: Warrior Training and Political Leadership & Administration. If I pass, I'll have my diploma and warrior license. Even if they strip me of everything else, I'll still have that. It means I could work, build a life for my mom and me... anywhere. Please, Sir. I'm begging you. Just let me finish what I started."

He sighed, adjusting his tie, his brows furrowing. "Rhaella, you're asking me to bend rules that aren't mine to bend."

"I'm not asking for special treatment. I just want a chance to prove myself. After that, they can throw me out, erase my name, whatever they want. But please... let me take this exam."

"It's going to be difficult," he admitted. "There are eyes everywhere. If they find out, both of us won't be able to face the consequences. But..." He glanced toward the door, lowering his voice. "If there's a way, I'll find it. Maybe you'll sit for the exams here, in my office, after everyone's gone, under my supervision. Maybe..." He shook his head. "We'll see."

Relief loosened the knot in my chest and my lips trembled. "Thank you, Professor. Thank you."

"Save the thanks for later," he said, picking up his pen again. "Go. And keep quiet about this. I'll call you when it's time."

I stepped out of Professor Wilson's office, sliding my cap back on. I scanned the hallway carefully, making sure no one saw me around.

Then, as quietly as I could, I left. I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched. I brushed the thought out of my mind as the cab pulled away from school.

......

Third Person POV

Where the hell did that bitch get that much confidence? She's got quite a nerve speaking to Tasha like that. Her friends followed behind her as she left the campus café, but once Tasha got outside, she turned to them, narrowing her eyes.

"I need to be alone," she said, raising a hand to halt their steps. "W...what? One of them stammered. "Why?"

"Don't you understand English anymore?", Tasha folded her arms across her chest. "Leave."

They sulked but they knew better than to argue with Tasha. They soon left, leaving Tasha alone with her thoughts. Tasha walked around the campus; she had no exam today, and she was thinking about returning to her dorm suite for a bubble bath. She needed to rid her mind of every thought of Rhaella.

As Tasha walked through the campus and towards the dorms, she paused when she saw a familiar figure sitting in the yard. The fellow had a dark hoodie pulled over their face and a smile spread across Tasha's lips as their eyes met from across the campus.

She knew this person as a friend and she had known them for quite a while. She also knew that this friend couldn't stand Rhaella. She straightened her posture as he walked across the campus and towards this friend.

"Rhaella is so annoying," Tasha muttered as she sat beside her friend in the yard. "You won't believe she had the gut to show her face in school. She even went as far as claiming that she was smarter than me?"

"What did you expect?" Her friend added. "She's always been a boastful brat. So fearless. And that's one of the reasons I can't stand her."

"What are you even doing out here?" Tasha asked, staring at her friend with a pointed look. "You never hang around the yard. You always said the view here was too 'basic' for you."

Her friend rolled their eyes and sighed.

"I actually needed to see you."

Tasha raised her brows.

"For what reason?"

"Because I need your help," they said, turning so they were facing Tasha completely. "I need whatever dirt you can find on Rhaella; something that'd completely break her for good; can you do that?"

"And how do you expect me to do that?" She asked. "It's already public news that she was rejected because she had an affair, and that she aborted."

Her friend nodded thoughtfully.

"There must be more information. Something we are overlooking. Because there's no way her scandal is this simple. She even showed up in school? She's definitely up to something and I need you to find out what it is."

"And what's in it for me?" Tasha asked, raising a brow.

Her friend smirked.

"Because if we play our cards right, we could get rid of Rhaella once and for all. Then, you'd be the top student," her friend replied.

Tasha's eyes lit up.

"I like the way you think," she said with a wink. "I'm in. I'll find out more and see what she's really up to."

After she parted ways with her friend, she saw Rhaella walking out of Professor Wilson's office. Tasha hid around the corner upon seeing her and her brows furrowed as she wondered what business she could possibly have with the Professor.

Is professor Wilson sponsoring her? Or is he one of her sugar daddies?

Tasha screamed internally.

It was no wonder she was wagging her tongue with all that confidence!

She pulled out her phone from her bag and dialed a number. A stern voice answered from the other end,

"Report."

Tasha straightened. "Just saw Ella coming out from one of the lecturers' offices. Thought you'd want to know."

"Who?"

"Professor Wilson. Department of Pack Politics Admin."

A low, satisfied hum rumbled through the phone. "Good girl. Leave the rest to me."

Tasha hung up and slipped her phone into her bag, smiling. She could already imagine Rhaella's face when she learned what her little stunt had cost her.

Third person's POV

A knock on the door pulled Jason from his thoughts. He stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, one hand slipped into the pocket of his tailored trousers. He took a slow sip of his whiskey, his eyes still fixed on the bustling city beneath him.

"Come in," he commanded, without turning to see who it was.

The door opened and Bane walked in, slightly bowing his head. "Our intel says Rhaella made a move today."

Jason's lips curved into a slow, amused chuckle as he tapped his glass lightly against the window.

"That stubborn bitch!" he muttered. "I knew she wouldn't just sit quietly in the corner." He sipped, ice clinking softly. "What move?"

"She was on campus. To see a lecturer from the Politics Admin Department."

That pulled a loud laugh from Jason. "Professor Wilson? Of course. It has to be him. Who else would the desperate little bitch run to?" He turned from the window at last, glinting his eyes. "She actually thinks a diploma will save her?"

Bane kept his head lowered. "Do we step in?"

"Not yet. I think I'm loving where this is headed." He downed the rest of the drink in one swallow, then set the glass down.

"Get the car ready," he ordered. "I've got someone to visit."

Then, he shut his eyes, tapping his fingers in a steady rhythm on his desk as he thought about what to do. Slowly, the tapping stopped and his lips curved into a cruel smile.

"Bane, I need you to send some of our men to the pack hospital, have them on standby until I give word. Also, prep another team to follow behind me, dressed as reporters with cameras. They'll ride in a separate car. I want them ready for a show."

"Yes, Alpha. But, why not make use of real reporters?" Bane frowned.

Jason's eyes snapped open. "I don't pay you to question me, Bane. I give the orders, and your only job is to f*cking carry them out!" He yelled, his voice carrying the weight of a threat.

"Yes, Alpha." Bane gave a sharp bow and moved to leave.

"Tonight's show won't just be a performance," he murmured. "... it'll be your nightmare, Ella."

He raised his glass in mock salute to the city below and moved to the closet in the corner of his office. He pulled out a crisp sky-blue shirt and paired it with a Rolex wristwatch.

Soon, Rhaella would learn there was no corner of the world deep enough to hide from him.

.......

Rhaella's POV

I gently pushed the door to our apartment open. The silence inside made my stomach twist, but relief washed over me when I found Mom asleep in her room. Finally!

The dark circles under her eyes had been eating me alive. At least tonight she looked peaceful. I pulled the blanket up over her shoulder and tiptoed out.

The moment I got to my room, I sank onto my bed, yanked off my cap and dropped it beside me. My eyes stayed glued to the ceiling and my chest felt so heavy. All I could do was pray within me that Professor Wilson would really come through for me.

My phone buzzed. I groaned, digging it out of my pocket.

Sylvia: Babe, you alive?

Me: Barely. I'm home tho.

Sylvia: Good. I still have one more paper. Ugh, kill me now. LOL!

Me: That's on you, baby. LOL! What course?

Sylvia: Courtroom procedure & Trial advocacy.

Me: Look at my future lawyer flexing already.

Sylvia: Shut up. I hate you.

I laughed out loud, shaking my head. That's Sylvia for you. Even on my worst days, she's a spark.

Another buzz.

Sylvia: So... how'd it go with Prof. Wilson?

I let out a breath and sat up. My fingers hovered over the screen. But, before I could type, another notification flashed across the top of my phone screen.

I tapped it open fast, my chest pounding.

"Rhaella, the campus is not safe. The board has investigators watching my office as the dean of your faculty. If you want to take your exam, meet me at the Lunar Crest Hotel, room 312, at 7 PM. Use the service entrance. And make sure you tell no one. Your future depends on discretion. - Wilson."

"What?!" My heart jumped into my throat. A hotel? Why a hotel? Goddess, the word felt wrong in my mouth. Fear hollowed my chest.

My wolf had been nearly silent for days, but now she stirred, weakly. "Ella, this is dangerous. What if someone sees you?" she whispered in my head, her panic mirroring mine.

I knew she was right. Every step outside feels like walking through a minefield lately. But if I stay, if I don't go... a lot is at stake.

"I know, I'm scared too," I murmured back to her. "But we have to do this so we can leave this place. Staying isn't safe. Staying gives Jason and Dahlia power. Another chance to keep hurting us."

But, can I really trust Prof. Wilson? He isn't someone who would put me directly in danger. I thought of calling Sylvia. Then remembered Professor Wilson's warning about discretion. He was risking something for me; the least I could do was trust him. Sylvia still had one exam left anyway.

I was shaking but resolute. I would go, not because I wasn't scared, but because I had no choice. Not if I wanted to survive, not if I wanted Mom safe, not if I wanted any shred of control over this nightmare.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to do some chores and make Mom a hot meal. I revised a bit afterwards, even though my mind kept running through worst-case scenarios. And By 6:30pm, I was done. I wore a black hoodie and a nose mask so as not to draw attention.

......

The Lunar Crest is a fancy five-star hotel. A place for rich Alphas and Betas, not for lowly omegas like me. We couldn't even dream of affording it.

I found the service entrance like the message said and slipped inside. My heart pounded in my ears as the elevator came to a halt. I walked the long corridor, counting the numbers on each door until I saw Room 312.

I took a deep breath and knocked softly. The door opened and Professor Wilson stood there looking pale. His eyes were heavy, completely avoiding mine.

"Professor? Are you okay?" I asked nervously.

"Come in. Quickly," he said, his voice hoarse. He was dressed weird in a big coat and a cap pulled down low, like he was hiding.

I stepped inside and pulled off my mask. The room was dim. "Thank you for doing this, Professor. I know it's a risk, I just..."

"Rhaella." He cut me off, his voice cracked and he looked so terrified. "I... I need you to trust me."

Before I could ask what he meant, he moved closer to me and grabbed my arms. I struggled, panicking as his grip refused to let go.

"What are you doing?" I fought, my confusion turning into fear.

Still, he didn't let go. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.

Then the door burst open. Blinding flashes of lights flooded the room and I raised my hand to shield my eyes. Voices yelled over each other as the reporters rushed in.

I stared at Professor Wilson, tugging his hand, begging him to say something, begging him to tell the reporters it wasn't true. But he kept his face buried and said nothing. That was when it hit me, I had been set up.

Professor Wilson let go as if my skin burned him. He stumbled back, pulling his cap down low to hide his shame.

My eyes blurred with tears as I looked around because I knew there was nothing I could say that was going to save me. I walked straight into hell with my own legs.

Then, Jason's polished shoes clicked against the tiled floor as he stepped forward and the reporters parted for him like water, still flashing their cameras and taking photos.

His eyes were locked on me and a slow, triumphant smile spread across his face. He shook his head in a mocking disappointment, clicking his tongue against his teeth. "Tsk, tsk, tsk."

"Rhaella," he said at last, his voice dripping with false pity. "And Professor Wilson? Really? When my men told me they'd tracked you here, I thought it was a joke. I thought, no, the smarty-pants Ella wouldn't be stupid enough to walk into a trap this obvious."

Laughter rumbled low in his chest, not loud, but just enough to sting. "You never fail to surprise me." He glanced lazily at the men with cameras, snapping his fingers.

"You can stop now. The show's over."