Chapter 18: Riyami

The Alphas gathered in the training room for their combat class, sharpening their skills under the watchful eye of Professor Valcroft. They focused on mastering their weapons, agility, strength, and techniques when suddenly, the doors swung open.

Professor Vaughn stepped onto the training grounds, his sharp gaze scanning the students before he spoke.

"Riyami Yuuki, follow me."

Silence fell over the room. Everyone halted their movements, exchanging confused glances. No one knew what was happening—except for Keisha, Celsy, Winter, Jeremy, Ella, Aella, and Khierra. They understood the reason Riyami had been summoned. It was because of what had happened last night.

Professor Vaughn's voice cut through the air again. "You may continue your training."

As the students hesitantly resumed their exercises, he took one last glance across the training grounds, his eyes searching for someone. When his gaze landed on Kaesy, who was already watching him intently, he smiled.

Without another word, he turned and exited the room, Riyami following closely behind.

After combat training, Keisha, Celsy, Winter, Aella, Ella, Jeremy, and Khierra made their way to the garden. The air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers, but none of them were at ease.

"Last night, we followed the wrong person," Celsy began, her voice firm.

"It was Riyami," Keisha added. "She was there to meet her lover."

Khierra turned to Winter, her expression serious. "Winter, did you hear anything when you were near them?"

Winter hesitated before answering. "I… It seemed like neither of them knew why they were meeting. The first thing he said was, 'Why do you want to meet?' and Riyami asked the same. That means they didn't intend to meet each other—someone set them up."

A heavy silence settled over the group as the realization sank in.

"It's odd," Khierra murmured. "If they truly wanted to meet, they could have done it in the morning. Why at night, when it's forbidden? Don't you think someone knew we were watching? What if they used Riyami to throw us off… to hide the real traitor?"

Aella nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. Riyami isn't the type to sneak out for a secret meeting at midnight."

The others exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.

Ella crossed her arms. "So, the traitor knows that we know they're an Alpha student."

A chill passed through them. If the real traitor was among them, things were far more dangerous than they had imagined.

After a brief silence, Aella spoke up. "I have a plan."

She turned to Khierra. "Velia is your cousin, right? And you're close with her. Can you ask her about the sender of the flowers? I think that could give us a clue."

Keisha nodded. "That's a good idea."

Khierra hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

Sensing her hesitation, Jeremy spoke gently. "If you're not comfortable, you don't have to push yourself."

Khierra met his gaze, then took a deep breath. "No, it's okay. This is for our safety… and hers. I'm willing to do it. But it might take time—is that alright?"

Everyone nodded in agreement. With that, they began to disperse when Jeremy suddenly stopped Khierra.

"You dropped this last night," he said, holding out a small object.

It was her badge.

Khierra's eyes widened as she took it from him. "I thought I lost this… Thank you."

Jeremy gave a small shrug. "While we were running last night, I saw it fall. I went back out later to pick it up."

Khierra stared at him for a moment, surprised. Then, gripping the badge tightly, she gave him a grateful nod.

The group returned to Alpha House, their minds still occupied with the night's events.

As they stepped inside, Rachelle glanced up from the common area. "Where did all of you go? …Also, Riyami came back crying."

A heavy silence fell over them. Winter felt a pang of pity and decided to check on Riyami. Without a word, she made her way to the dorms.

She knocked softly on Riyami's door—once, twice, three times. After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing Rey Vien.

"Uh… is Riyami here?" Winter asked hesitantly.

Rey Vien wordlessly stepped aside, nudging her to come in. Winter entered and immediately spotted Riyami, curled up on the bed, her shoulders trembling as she sobbed.

"She's been crying for an hour now," Rey Vien said, crossing his arms.

Winter hesitated, then stepped closer and gently rubbed Riyami's back. "What happened? Did they do something to you?" she asked softly.

Riyami shook her head, unable to speak.

Winter sighed and patted her head reassuringly. "It'll be okay… just be strong."

She stayed by Riyami's side, offering quiet comfort until she finally drifted off to sleep.

As Winter turned to leave, Rey Vien suddenly spoke. "By the way… why did you cover your face earlier?"

Winter stiffened. The memory of what happened earlier flashed in her mind, and embarrassment crept up her neck.

"I was… I looked haggard. I have dark circles under my eyes. It's embarrassing," she admitted, rubbing the back of her neck.

Rey Vien chuckled, shaking his head. "That's nothing to be embarrassed about. Everyone gets tired sometimes."

Winter huffed. "Yeah, but not everyone has to see me looking like a mess."

"You're overthinking it." Rey Vien leaned against the doorframe, smirking slightly. "Besides, dark circles or not, you still look fine."

Winter blinked, caught off guard. "…Are you complimenting me or teasing me?"

"Both," he said, grinning.

Winter rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

"Whatever."

Rey Vien chuckled again. "Get some rest, Winter. You need it just as much as Riyami does."

She let out a soft sigh, glancing once more at the sleeping Riyami before heading for the door. "Yeah… maybe you're right."

As she left, she couldn't shake the strange warmth lingering in her chest.