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A crowd of students had gathered outside the restroom. Classes had just ended, and predictably, everyone was making a beeline to either answer nature’s call or retouch their makeup.

Not that another class was waiting as the school was currently prioritizing club showcases, team practices, and leisure activities to dazzle parents during the upcoming Parents Week.

But right now, there was a very different kind of drama playing out.

Lila, small but fierce, had stretched out her arms wide like a one-girl barricade, standing tall in front of the restroom doors.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? Let me in already! I’m bursting!" a girl wailed, doing a desperate little jig from foot to foot.

Lila felt bad, really, she did. But her princess’ need took priority. Period.

"I’m sorry, but I cannot let you in. I have strict orders from a cardinal alpha to guard this entrance with my life." She said it with the solemnity of someone reciting sacred vows.

Well, it was the truth. Kind of. All Roman had done was flash that wicked grin and purr, "Would you be a darling and buy us a bit of time?" Then, like the unrepentant scoundrel he was, he’d disappeared inside.

"Bullshit!" someone shouted. "What would a cardinal alpha be doing in a ladies restroom? Did you do something wrong and you’re trying to hide it?!"

"Yeah! What are you hiding in there?!" another voice chimed in.

At once, the clamoring escalated. A thin sheen of sweat broke out on Lila’s forehead. Whatever Violet and Roman were doing inside, she couldn’t hold off this crowd forever. And now their shouts were drawing attention—any second, a staff member might show up.

"Grab her!" a random student hollered. "Let’s shove her aside and see for ourselves!"

"Yes! Move her!"

Lila braced herself as rough hands grappled her arms, trying to wrench her away. But she clung to the door frame with surprising strength, courtesy of her fae blood. The two humans straining to move her found her limbs weren’t budging.

Panting, they backed off, muttering, "We need a wolf for this. She’s too strong."

Right on cue, a tall, muscular half-breed girl stepped forward. Her eyes gleamed with cruel anticipation, like she was relishing the idea of taking Lila down. Lila swallowed hard, but held her ground. Damn it — she was the protector of the princess. This was her moment of glory!

Just as the half-breed advanced, the door swung open from within and Lila stumbled backward, catching herself just in time.

The students froze, jaws dropping at the sight of Roman Draven casually stepping out of the ladies’ room like he hadn’t just committed social war crimes.

"Oh my god," someone squeaked. "Is that—Roman Draven?"

His appearance alone was scandalous enough, but it only got worse when Violet Purple emerged right behind him. A collective, half-disbelieving gasp echoed through the corridor. They looked from Roman to Violet, noting their slightly rumpled clothes, and leapt to obvious conclusions.

Roman turned to Violet, saying with curved lips. "I never thought there’d come a day I’d be lost in the ladies’ restroom. Thank you for showing me the way out, Rogue Queen."

Violet gave him a look that screamed, Seriously? But she played along like a true drama queen. "You’re too kind, Alpha Draven. It was simply a privilege to help out."

"Oh, you did help quite well," Roman added, reaching down to subtly adjust his pants—subtly, of course, if subtle meant doing it while the students was watching.

There were more gasps with whispers exploding through the hall. "What the hell?" "Were they—?" "No way."

"All good, then," Violet said quickly. She caught Lila’s sleeve, steering her away. If Roman left first, the crowd might swarm her and Lila. This way, at least, they could flee before the students pounced.

And so the awestruck students stood there, parted like a wave, letting Violet and Lila slip by. Not two seconds later, the horde rushed into the restroom. The half-breed girl from earlier stepped inside and sniffed once, staggering back with a horrified expression.

"Goddess help us," she breathed. "They really did it in here."

She spun toward a girl beside her. "You have to tell Elsie. That bitch is going after her man."

The girl nodded, already pulling out her phone as she ran off, likely composing a paragraph-long message and voice note combo for good measure.

Meanwhile, Violet and Lila didn’t say a word until they reached a secluded corner tucked away from the curious eyes of the students. Then they halted, scanning their surroundings cautiously. Only when they were satisfied the coast was clear did they finally relax.

"That was a long time you spent with Roman," Lila teased with a light tone, her eyes knowing.

Violet rolled her eyes in response.

Lila smirked, holding out her hand expectantly. "Did you get it?"

"Of course, I did. Who do you think I am?" Violet said with pride, opening her palm to reveal two long, unmistakable strands of green hair. "Will it be enough for the hex?"

"More than enough," Lila replied confidently. "Give me an hour to prepare it and you’ll see the result for yourself. Just make sure you’re there with your camera to capture it all. We wouldn’t want our efforts going unnoticed."

"Good," Violet nodded. "Go on, then. I’ll cover for you here."

At the same time...

Elsie was seated with the other elites in the west wing hall, surrounded by swatches of fabric samples, menu cards, all part of the meticulous planning for the upcoming Legacy Luncheon. She was just about to finalize the floral centerpieces when Grace suddenly came to whisper something in her ear.

Whatever she said, it made Elsie’s entire demeanor shift. Her posture stiffened, and the glint in her eyes sharpened like ice.

Natalie, who sat directly across from her, noticed the change and asked. "Is something the matter?"

"Nothing is the matter," Elsie replied too quickly, the words forced and clipped.

Natalie gave a casual shrug. "Whatever you say."

Although Elsie’s mask returned, as poised as ever, on her laps, her fingers curled into a white-knuckled fist..

Violet Purple was really asking for death.