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"My Violet is politically naive," Asher said, his voice woven with a mix of fondness and brutal honesty. "And her actions lacked even a shred of tactical sense."

The words were somehow sweet and scathing all at once, making Violet’s cheeks flush with both affection and embarrassment.

"However, the one thing none of us realized is that the rebellion is inevitable.

Whether Violet lit the spark or not, the fire was always coming," Asher said to the cardinal alphas, his hands clasped calmly behind his back.

"We’ve tried to hold it off, to pretend things were fine, but the unrest has been brewing for far too long, especially with Elsie parading her entitlement like a crown.

The truth is simple. The monarchy has failed its people.

" With that, Asher moved toward Griffin with purpose.

And to Griffin, he said, "You really think this ends just because you scared the students into backing down? No. They’ll find another way to join the Rogue pack.

And who knows? it’ll be uglier at the time.

And why is this happening? Because they finally found a voice.

And that voice is Violet. She’s the only one brave enough to act on what everyone else is too afraid to even say. "

This time, Asher faced Alaric. "You’re right.

The hierarchy was designed to keep things in order.

It’s the same method the Alpha King used, and it worked for him.

We’re apex creatures, and everyone naturally falls in line.

But you forgot one thing. Our reign and Elijah’s reign is not the same.

In other words, he didn’t deal with the shit we’re dealing with now.

The times have changed and revolutions don’t come with safety nets. "

Alaric told him, "So what do we do? Let Violet spread her propaganda and then what? We all face backlash from our parents, the Alpha King, the public? What’s the endgame here?"

"Yes, it’s going to be a tough time for us," Asher admitted. "But it’s for the greater good. And let’s be honest, no matter how bad things get, Lunaris Academy and our parents will likely cover it up.

This place is a glorified matchmaking academy wrapped in education, and the parents of the elites will do everything to bury the scandal so the shit doesn’t hit the roof.

So yes, love, don’t be surprised if your move doesn’t bring as much change as you hoped.

That’s society for you. That’s the world of the elites.

It didn’t start with Lunaris, and it sure won’t end here.

" Asher said to Violet this time, and she swallowed, finally realizing just how big this was

Asher then turned dramatically and declared, "Which is why we must strike while the iron is hot, and make way for the creation of the fifth house."

6

"What?! Fifth house?" everyone shouted at once, dumbfounded by the bomb he had just dropped.

"No way!" Roman exclaimed as the meaning of Asher’s words hit him. "A fifth house is impossible, Asher. Violet isn’t a legacy or a cardinal alpha. She can’t make structural changes, not without serious backing."

"But revolutions can," Asher replied, a dark gleam in his eyes and that infuriatingly calm smirk. "Especially with my scheming, and our support."

6

Alaric, Roman, and Griffin looked at one another, clearly rattled. Asher’s plans were usually brilliant, just never conventional, and always steeped in risk.

"Asher..." Violet stepped toward him, her nerves evident in the way she bit her bottom lip. "I think creating a fifth house is unnecessary. Maybe we should just forget about the gala plans tonight—" She didn’t get to finish.

Asher suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Her breath caught at the contact, her heart slamming hard in her chest.

"When I made you my purple queen, did you really think I wouldn’t give you a kingdom to rule?" he rasped, locking eyes with her, his breath tangling with hers.

"I know, but a fifth house?" she whispered, faltering. "I don’t want you to go overboard. I don’t even think I’m fit to rule over a bunch of students..."

She trailed off as Asher gently cupped her face. "You, Violet, can do anything you set your mind to." Then he kissed her, and as always, she melted.

"Urm, hello?" Roman raised his hand. "We were in the middle of a conversation, remember? Focus, people?"

10

His comment only made Asher kiss her deeper.

Roman sighed. "Guess we’re taking a short commercial break, then."

13

Alaric and Griffin exchanged resigned glances while Roman glared at the couple with thinly veiled anger mixed with jealousy. And yes, it was definitely extra jealousy.

11

"Violet," Daisy called, deadpan. "Some of us, who aren’t part of your harem, are officially grossed out now."

Her eyes flicked to Lila, who looked like she was five seconds from murdering Asher on the spot. Unlike Ivy, who was practically fangirling the moment into her personal memory archive.

That was all it took for Violet to snap out of it. She pulled back from Asher, breathless. Goddess, she seriously needed to get a grip on her libido.

"I’m so sorry," Violet apologized to her roommates, unlike Asher, who didn’t look the least bit sorry.

"Maybe we should focus on the plan now, Alpha Asher," Daisy said, with just the right amount of sass, clearly annoyed by the silent death match he was having with Roman.

"Yes, you’re right. Back to the mission, creating a fifth house," Asher replied smoothly, finally shifting gears.

"After tonight’s revelations, there will be confusion and commotion.

The oppressed students will seize the opportunity to protest against the system.

And that is when we push to Principal Jameson—"

"The proposal for a fifth house," Daisy cut in, already piecing it together. " Especially once Elsie falls from grace. Someone will have to fill the vacuum. Someone the students already admire. Someone like Violet Purple."

Violet didn’t know how to feel about any of this. She just stood there, silent, looking like a fish out of water as her future was carved out for her.