The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"Whatever assault on the Community you're planning should seek to provide as much humanitarian aid as it does military force,” Hank says, sure and clear. “The goal should not merely to be to defeat whoever is in charge but to bring help to those who are suffering. I will only participate in this council if those are joint goals - otherwise, I will aim my time and efforts elsewhere."

Dad pauses for a moment, considering this, and then turns to my mother, deferring to her in turn. "Ella? Are we prepared to offer that kind of aid?"

"Oh, yes," she says, nodding eagerly, tucking her hands under her chin, her eyes wide and bright. "Cora and I have been working on our ability to expand quickly - we've got some resources in place. I mean, we'll need a minute to requisition supplies and personnel but...yes, Dominic, I think we're ready."

"Good," dad says, turning back to Hank, giving him a nod that signifies his agreement to the plan. Hank works hard to keep a smile from his face but Maryam doesn't bother, well pleased to see their priorities go forward.

"But the military will be the ones directing the missions and the aid," dad continues, looking to Roger for confirmation. He nods, agreeing to the plan. "We will need a significant tactical force as well as our Espionage and Scouting units to go in first and give us the information we need to plan our engagement."

To my surprise and delight, dad shifts his eyes to me here.

"This suggests significant commitment from Alpha Academy, as many of our actual spies are currently...missing. Or otherwise engaged in Atalaxia. So, we'll have to go to the recruits."

My wolf howls with excitement, because am I mistaking it? Or is dad asking me to put my Espionage skills to the test!? I bite my lip, excited at the prospect, and do my best to contain my excitement, just giving a little nod.

"I'm in," Rafe says, crossing his arms solidly over his chest. "I'm sure many Cadets from the academy will be as well." Jesse raises his hand slightly, showing his support. "I can -"

"I'm going to help too," Maryam says, raising her chin, her voice ringing out. "On the humanitarian side, of course, as it's far more important."

We all turn to her in surprise and after a beat she frowns around at all of us.

"What?" Maryam bites out. "I have medical experience. I know these people way better than most of you. I'll be an asset!"

"Maryam," Rafe growls, slowly shaking his head in absolute refusal. "It is far too dangerous for you -"

"You're letting blondie go!" She shouts, pointing directly at me. A smile bursts onto my face.

"Ariel is a trained spy," Rafe snaps, leaning forward towards Maryam, anger rising in him like a quick tide. "She knows how to handle herself in -"

"Oh whatever, Maryam says, giving what I'm coming to understand as her habitual dismissive eye roll. "Just try to stop me, you big brute With that she strides for the door, clearly intent on heading to the meeting whether or not he wants her to.

"Maryam!" Rafe shouts, enraged, storming after her towards the door.

"Don't you pick me up again!"

Maryam shouts back, her voicenoveldrama

echoing back into the room as she

starts to stride down the hall. Yust

because you're bigger than me doesn't mean that you -!"

"God damn it, Maryam! Would you listen to sense!?"

"All right," Dad says, fighting a little smile as he turns his eyes back to the rest of us, clearly letting Maryam and Rafe handle their own business. Hank sighs and closes his eyes, already exhausted by the drama. "Everyone take a few minutes to gather what you need - we'll meet in the Conference room in five

minutes."

Everyone bustles around, getting things sorted before the meeting, and I turn, slipping my hand into Jackson's and looking up at him. "You want to go to that meeting?"

"Yes," he says on a sigh, looking down at me. "I really, really do."

"Okay, give me the baby," I say, quite happy, reaching for her.

"What?" he breathes. "Ariel, no, you have to come too -"

"Oh, you can fill me in," I say, laughing a little as I take a very happy little Marigold into my arms. "Me and Goldie are gonna go sample some candy, aren't we?"

Marigold laughs and nods to me, probably not understanding what I mean but happy to be on board with the plan.

“Um, actually,” a voice says from the door. I turn, surprised to see Elias there. "Actually could...could I ask some of you to come with me? Cora, Ella? Ariel?"

I gasp a little, realizing that his face is pale and anxious for a reason.

He locks eyes with me as mom and Cora likewise turn towards him with concern. "Yes," he says, swallowing, giving me an anxious nod. "Yes, please come - she's asking for you. It's time."