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Violet lay tangled in Griffin’s arms, their breaths soft and steady, his chest rising and falling against her back.

His muscular arm was slung protectively around her waist, anchoring her in place while his nose was buried in her hair, breathing in the subtle scent that was uniquely Violet.

His warmth enveloped her, his scent grounding her, and in that cocoon of comfort, they both drifted deeper into sleep.

The match with the parents would occur later that evening so both of them had enough time for themselves and weren’t bothered about being disturbed. Well, not for long.

The sharp ring of Griffin’s phone cut through the peaceful silence, jarring but not quite enough to stir them. It rang once and both of them ignored it, nesting closer instead, as if daring the world to try harder to pull them apart.

It rang again, this more persistent and shrill, but still, neither of them moved. Violet pressed her face deeper into his arm, and Griffin’s hold on her only tightened, a low, contented sigh escaping his throat.

But the third ring finally pierced through their cozy defenses. Violet was the first to stir. Her brow was furrowed as she let out a sleepy murmur. "Griffin," she mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep. "Pick up your call."

With a groan of pure annoyance, Griffin reached blindly for the phone without even cracking an eye open.

"Hello?" he mumbled, his voice hoarse.

"Bring Violet," came the familiar voice on the other end. It was short, and straight to the point and then the call ended.

Griffin slowly lowered the phone, blinking now as Violet shifted in his arms to look at him, her hair a soft, wild mess around her face.

"Who was that?" she asked, rubbing at her eyes.

Griffin let out a long breath. "It’s Asher." He reluctantly pulled his arm from around her, sitting up. "He wants me to bring you back to the school now."

Violet blinked, confused. "Why?"

"I don’t—" Griffin started, but his phone buzzed again with a new message. He swiped it open, brows drawing together as he read. "Asher says he has a surprise for you."

"Surprise?" Violet echoed, sitting up straighter, her curiosity piqued.

In the past, the word surprise from Asher might have set her nerves on edge, but now it stirred excitement in her chest. Whatever it was, she trusted him.

With a burst of energy, Violet hopped from the bed and hurried to grab her clothes from the balcony where they’d been drying. She pulled them on with lightning speed, her heart already racing. She was hundred percent eager to know what kind of surprise Asher had for her. So yes, she couldn’t wait.

"Let’s go," Griffin said with a grin, already dressed as well. He knew they were about to walk out of his room where anyone could see and had zero hesitation about it.

The rumors could fly. Not that Violet cared. After all, Alpha Irene had practically given them her blessing at the luncheon yesterday.

Perhaps, Violet thought with a wry smile, she had Elsie to thank for that. If not for her, she and Griffin might still be sneaking around in secret. But not anymore.

The East House hallways were quiet as Violet and Griffin descended the stairs. But the moment they reached the common area of East House, a small cluster of students lounging nearby turned their heads.

Violet braced herself, half-expecting the usual stares of outrage.

After all, she was a rogue walking hand-in-hand with their Alpha.

But instead, what met her was their mild, almost casual surprise?

Some of the pack members even gave knowing smirks or approving nods, as if they had been waiting for this moment all along.

Violet blinked, her mouth parting in disbelief. She turned to Griffin, silently asking for an explanation, but the big boy only grinned and tugged her along with a breezy "Let’s go."

Still dazed, Violet allowed herself to be led forward, stumbling slightly as her mind scrambled to catch up. Unfortunately, good things never last.

The instant they left East House and stepped into the broader academy grounds, the atmosphere shifted. Students from other houses were out and about, and their own reactions were far less restrained.

They looked at them wide eyes. Some of them even pointed fingers at them in disbelief while low murmurs began to spread like wildfire.

"Is that... Violet? With Griffin Hale? No way..."

"Does Elsie even know about this?"

Some of them secretly took pictures of them but Griffin didn’t flinch. His grip on Violet’s hand tightened with determination as he guided her through the gawking crowd.

When they reached the school grounds, Violet’s eyes swept the area, searching but there was no sign of Asher.

She turned to Griffin, frowning. "Can you ask Asher where exactly we’re supposed to meet him?"

"Sure thing," Griffin replied calmly, pulling out his phone to tap out a message.

Within moments, Asher’s response came through. "Outside."

Violet let out a small huff of impatience. "Let’s go, then."