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For over a minute, none of the girls said a word. Not after what they’d just seen.

"I think I’m traumatized," Ivy was the first to break the silence. "I need a drink." She took a few steps before throwing her hands in the air. "We don’t even have a damn drink!"

Lila stood. "Give me a minute."

She vanished and returned moments later with a bottle filled with some strange blue liquid. Before Ivy could even comment, Lila had already poured her a glass.

Ivy eyed the drink skeptically. "Is this even safe?" It would be foolish to assume Lila had just pulled a random bottle from the heavens. This had Fae concoction written all over it.

"Yes, it’s safe for humans. And perfect for the kind of uncomfortable situation we find ourselves in," Lila said, urging her to try.

Well, what’s the worst that could happen? It’s not like she’d dance until her feet blistered and her heart gave out. Right? She’d read all about humans and enchanted Fae food. But Ivy chose to believe she hadn’t done anything to provoke Lila. Kind of. Hopefully. Whatever.

Ivy tilted her head back and downed the shot, only to groan seconds later as it hit her like a lightning bolt to the brain. "God!" she gasped, then laughed. "This is insanely strong, yet tastes perfect at the same time. I don’t even know how to explain the feeling."

"I need one too," Violet said.

"Same," Daisy echoed, clearly convinced after Ivy had just served as their very brave, very dramatic test subject.

Minutes later, the girls sat slouched on the sofa, half-drunk drinks in hand, staring blankly into space. No one dared bring up what they had just watched, each waiting for the other to speak first.

Daisy had already shut the laptop and put it away. Goddess knows she couldn’t stomach a second more of that unexpected horror.

And, unsurprisingly, she was also the first to break the silence. "You do know this is going to be intense, right?" Her question was aimed directly at Violet.

Violet downed the rest of her drink in one go, put the glass away and, and finally replied. "Yeah, it’s going to be explosive. That wasn’t the secret we were hoping for, but it’s massive, and more than enough to finally put Elsie in her place."

"I know Elsie’s a terrible person," Ivy said hesitantly, "but I suddenly feel kind of weird. Like, uncomfortable putting her secret out like that."

Before Violet could speak, Lila jumped in, saying with a fierce voice.

"Elsie wouldn’t hesitate to do the same to the princess if she got the chance.

Oh wait, she already did. Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts.

" Her narrowed eyes bore into Ivy with enough heat to make her heart stumble.

"O-Of course not!" Ivy laughed nervously.

"Good." It was just one word from Lila, but it was enough to send shivers crawling down Ivy’s spine. Damn that Fae was terrifying.

Eager to deflect the attention off herself, Ivy asked, "So... Elsie’s a lesbian?"

"I wouldn’t really say that," Daisy replied thoughtfully. "I think she’s experimenting. And with the Alpha King’s rule in place to keep her away from the cardinal alphas, this is her way of scratching that itch without technically breaking the rules."

"So she’s bi?"

"Bi or not," Violet said firmly, "this little fix of hers just handed us the perfect ammunition. Elsie Lancaster is going down on Sunday. No questions asked."

And to that, the girls nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Violet stood up. Facing the girls, she said, "This has become more than just a revenge plan. It’s a revolution.

And if it gains the momentum we’re aiming for, then it’s safe to say, not just the cardinal alphas, not just Elsie, but the school authority is going to be gunning for us.

If they find out..." Violet didn’t finish intentionally, letting the implication settle in the air.

If the school traced it back to them, there was no doubt they’d be expelled.

Maybe someone like Ivy had parents wealthy enough to secure her future elsewhere.

But for girls like Daisy and Violet — well, not anymore, she was a Fae princess now—they all had something to lose.

Lunaris Academy was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a better future.

In one word, Violet was giving them a chance to back out before things escalated.

She waited. And it was no surprise when Daisy stood up first.

"I just spent hours of my life scouring through Elsie’s secrets and now have an image of her ass permanently imprinted on my brain. What makes you think I’d back out now?"

"I’m just saying, it’s not too late." Violet’s voice was soft, but serious. If push came to shove, Daisy would be the most affected.

"Well, bring it on, bitch. We started this, and we’re finishing it together, come what may. We’re a pack now. And what pack member abandons its Alpha?"

"What?" Violet blinked, startled at the sudden proclamation. She glanced at the others as if to silently ask, Did you all just hear that?

But Ivy stood up with a smug smile. "Yes. We are the Rogue Pack. And we’ve got a bitchy Fae princess as Alpha, a multi-skilled, smartass nerd —"

"I’m not a nerd—" Daisy protested.

"Don’t ruin my grand speech," Ivy cut her off immediately. She took a dramatic breath, chin raised. "We have a smartass nerd. The helpful, sassy aristocrat—me." She gestured proudly.

Daisy groaned in exasperation.

"And then," Ivy continued, "our ruthless protector and Fae guardian as beta. What more could we ask for? We are the perfect Rogue Pack!" She beamed.

A slow smile crossed Violet’s lips.

Then it was Lila’s turn. She shrugged, nonchalantly. "I guess we just have to be careful, then. We’re all in this. Moreover..." Her voice turned chillingly casual. "I could always eliminate anyone who tries to cause trouble for us."

"No killing, Lila. Like ever." Violet’s command was immediate.

Lila pouted in annoyance. "You’re just as soft and stubborn as the Fae queen."

At the mention of her mother, Violet’s throat tightened. She still needed answers about the woman who birthed her but Lila had never been forthcoming.

Before she could dwell on it, Lila chimed in loudly, "So we’re really doing this."

"Yes. We are."