Chapter 74 An evil plot.

Chapter 74: Chapter 74 An evil plot.

Slyvia Emerson sat gracefully at the elite section of the cafeteria, her attention fixed on the burger resting neatly on her tray. Every movement she made carried the elegance she had spent years perfecting. From the delicate way she held her drink to the refined manner in which she chewed, everything about her screamed sophistication.

It was the exact charm she had always used to captivate Alphas.

Normally, every table around her would be stealing glances.

Normally.

Today...

Not a single pair of eyes remained on her for long.

The students were far too occupied discussing the three biggest topics that had shaken the academy this week.

The first...

Noah Lane.

More specifically, the shocking revelation that he had been found inside the Moonlight Alphas’ lodge.

Rumors were already spreading like wildfire that he had become their destined mate, replacing Slyvia entirely. Some believed the bond had already begun forming. Others insisted the Alphas were merely hiding the truth until the Emperor arrived.

The second topic was even bigger.

The Emperor himself.

It was no longer just another ridiculous rumor whispered through the hallways.

Mrs. Danielle had officially confirmed that His Majesty would soon be visiting Quintorian Academy.

Panic had immediately erupted across campus.

Teachers were running around trying to restore order.

Students who had spent years breaking school rules suddenly became model citizens overnight.

Even Mrs. Danielle looked as though she hadn’t slept in days while trying to prevent the Emperor from discovering the endless mess brewing inside the academy.

Then there was the third topic.

The abandoned cemetery.

A place every student knew about...

Yet no one dared visit.

It had remained sealed since the academy was founded.

Now horrifying stories were surfacing.

The graves had supposedly been dug open.

Coffins were lying empty.

Others had been ripped apart from the inside.

No one knew who—or what—had disturbed the resting place of the dead.

Those three topics dominated every conversation echoing throughout the cafeteria.

"Hi, Slyvia."

A cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts.

Maria Gonzalez stood beside the elite table with an awkward wave and a timid smile.

Slyvia slowly looked up.

The moment she recognized who it was...

She nearly groaned aloud.

This bitch again.

The mere thought of pretending to enjoy Maria’s company irritated her to no end.

If not for appearances...

She would’ve chased the girl away immediately.

Unfortunately...

Being isolated wasn’t exactly fashionable.

Looking around, she noticed several students watching them curiously.

Almost instantly, Slyvia’s expression transformed into a dazzling smile.

"Maria."

"What a pleasant surprise."

Maria pointed nervously at the empty chair opposite her.

"Do... do you mind if I sit here?"

It wasn’t an ordinary seat.

This was the elite section.

A place reserved exclusively for powerful Alphas and influential students.

An insignificant Omega like Maria wasn’t even supposed to breathe near it.

Slyvia stared at her for a moment.

The nerve.

Still...

Too many people were watching.

"Of course."

She beamed warmly.

"I’d love for you to join me."

Her silver hair flowed gently over her shoulders as she tucked a strand behind one ear, making sure everyone nearby witnessed just how kind and approachable she appeared.

The perfect image.

The perfect Alpha.

Maria carefully sat down.

"So..." Slyvia smiled sweetly.

"What should I order for you?"

Maria shook her head.

"No... that’s not why I came."

"I’ve already eaten."

She leaned closer.

"Everyone looks happy."

"They’re smiling."

"But there’s fire on the mountain."

That immediately caught Slyvia’s attention.

Fire on the mountain?

What could possibly be so important?

Curiosity flashed across her eyes as she leaned forward, lightly holding Maria’s hands.

"Come on."

"Don’t keep me waiting."

"I want the tea."

Maria couldn’t help grinning.

"Do you know about the Mating Ceremony?"

"The one that officially binds destined partners together?"

Slyvia nodded almost immediately.

How could she not?

It was one of the oldest traditions within their society.

Although academies existed to train future protectors against monsters and disasters, they also served another important purpose.

Continuing powerful bloodlines.

Every coming-of-age season, eligible Alphas and Omegas gathered together.

Occasionally Betas participated as well, though it was rare for them to discover true mates.

During the ceremony...

Each Alpha could choose the Omega they wished to pursue.

Acceptance was mutual.

No one could be forced.

Once both parties accepted...

The Alpha marked their partner.

From that moment onward, an eternal bond was created.

One that neither betrayal nor death could truly erase.

If one partner died...

The other remained alone for the rest of their life.

A second mate simply didn’t exist.

"That’s common knowledge."

Slyvia laughed softly.

"Of course I know."

Maria’s smile widened.

"Then you also know..."

"That the person chosen during this year’s ceremony might not be you."

"It could be Ashton Lane."

The words struck Slyvia like lightning.

Her chair scraped loudly across the floor as she nearly lost her balance standing up.

"No."

"I don’t believe that."

"It would never happen."

"The Emperor would never allow something like that."

Maria simply shrugged.

"Wouldn’t he?"

"Rumors are saying the Emperor might actually—"

She lowered her voice.

"—be secretly gay."

"You never know."

"He might support them."

"And discard you."

The cafeteria instantly became silent.

Slyvia’s face twisted with rage.

"Watch your mouth!"

she snapped.

"How dare you speak about my guardian like that?"

"Have you forgotten who raised me?"

"My guardian would never support such nonsense."

"They wouldn’t dare choose Ashton."

"Unless they wanted to ruin their own lives."

"The Emperor would destroy every single one of them."

"So stop spreading such stupid rumors!"

Her voice rose so sharply that conversations across the cafeteria halted.

Students instinctively turned toward her.

She glared right back.

"What?"

"What are you all staring at?"

Almost immediately everyone lowered their heads and returned to eating.

Satisfied, Slyvia sat back down with an irritated hiss.

Maria lowered her gaze.

"I’m sorry..."

Before she could finish...

Slyvia raised a hand.

"No."

"Be sorry for yourself."

Maria froze.

"Have you forgotten who you used to be?"

"The pathetic little Omega everyone bullied."

"The one people nearly stoned to death."

"The girl no one wanted."

She leaned forward.

Her smile disappeared completely.

"What happened then?"

"I saved you."

"I gave you somewhere to belong."

"And now..."

"You think you’re qualified to lecture me?"

Maria’s shoulders trembled.

"I..."

"I..."

Slyvia didn’t let her continue.

"Know your place."

"I am your savior."

"If I hadn’t stepped in..."

"You would’ve died a long time ago."

"So don’t ever forget who’s responsible for your miserable life."

Her Alpha pheromones leaked into the air.

The pressure was immediate.

Maria’s body trembled uncontrollably.

Her breathing became uneven as instinct forced her head lower.

Satisfied by the reaction...

Slyvia finally smiled again.

"Good."

"Now..."

"You were saying something about the Emperor?"

Maria quickly shook her head.

"N-No..."

"I wasn’t."

"It was my mistake."

"I’m sorry."

"I sincerely apologize."

Slyvia dismissed her apology with a wave.

Her thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

Ashton Lane.

That damn Omega was becoming a thorn buried deep inside her flesh.

Thinking carefully...

When was the last time she had spent time with the Moonlight Alphas?

It had been weeks.

Far too long.

She missed the old days.

The days when every single one of them revolved around her.

When all she needed was a smile...

And they would gladly hand her whatever she desired.

Now...

Everything had changed.

Because of Ashton.

Because of Noah.

Because of those annoying people who kept appearing around them.

Slyvia slowly smiled.

A dangerous smile.

"Oh, Maria..."

"I just had the most wonderful idea."

Maria looked up obediently.

"I think it’s finally time."

"It’s time Ashton Lane disappears permanently."

"That son of a bitch has overstayed his welcome."

Her fingers slowly tapped against the table.

"Remember that accident?"

"The one where he almost died?"

Maria nodded cautiously.

Slyvia chuckled.

"Maybe..."

"We should recreate it."

"But this time..."

"On a much larger scale."

Maria stared quietly at her.

If only Slyvia knew...

The first person destined to die from this plan...

Wouldn’t be Ashton.

It would be her.

Maria slowly lowered her head once more.

A faint smile formed on her lips.

One Slyvia completely failed to notice.

"Enjoy yourself while you still can."

"Your time is almost over."

Outwardly, however, Maria remained as obedient as ever.

"I’ll help you."

Slyvia’s eyes sparkled.

"I knew I could count on you."

She had already decided everything.

Ashton would die.

Maria would become the perfect scapegoat.

Once the academy discovered the truth...

Everyone would blame the foolish Omega.

Not Slyvia Emerson.

Never her.

Just then...

The cafeteria doors swung open.

Every head instinctively turned.

Noah walked inside.

Lamia was beside him.

Rose followed closely behind.

The three of them entered shoulder to shoulder, talking quietly among themselves as if the countless eyes staring at them didn’t exist.

Slyvia’s expression darkened immediately.

A cold laugh escaped her lips.

"Tsk."

"I hate those three with a passion."

"They’re the reason my life has become such a mess."

Her eyes remained fixed on Noah.

"After Ashton is gone..."

Her smile widened.

"We’ll deal with Lamia next."

"And Rose..."

"We’ll make sure she gets expelled."

Maria laughed alongside her.

The sound blended perfectly with Slyvia’s.

Yet hidden beneath Maria’s laughter...

Was something far colder.

Something darker.

Because while Slyvia believed she was planning everyone else’s downfall...

Someone else had already begun planning hers.