The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 814

Haversham and the boy stay silent, locked in a stalemate. Unlike Haversham, though, the boy fidgets and looks anxiously over his shoulder. “Please, sir,” the boy says, true terror coming into his voice now. “I’ll get in so much trouble if you don’t let me take you to your rooms. It’s my first day –“

Ben smirks a bit, finally seeing the plan now. That the Atalaxians have forced them into a situation where their choices are to do as they’re told or play bully to a little boy. It’s clever. Ben shifts his eyes to Haversham, curious about the choice he’ll make.

“Fine,” Haversham says, waving towards the boy and staring forward. Ben’s smirk deepens because he knows Haversham by now, and knows that he didn’t merely give in for the pity of some child. That he’s simply consenting to play according to Atalaxia’s rules a little longer. Their goal, after all, is to get in and have the conversation.

And so they must go deeper into the belly of the beast in order to reach those goals.

Ben is only mildly surprised when the little page leads them through the castle to a hallway with a long set of doors, beginning to bow and gesture to each door in turn, insisting that each of the Moon Valley ambassadors enter their individual room alone. But when they pass a few doors and Ben realizes that they’re being separated from each other, each kept in individual rooms that probably lock from the outside, it becomes a bit clearer.

They’re allowed to be here, but individual conversation is forbidden.

Yes, Ben thinks, running an anxious hand over his wolf’s fur inside his soul. These Atalaxians, they are clever, aren’t they?

Finally, it comes Ben’s turn. He gives the page a little bow in turn as he steps through the bedroom door that’s clearly for him. The page murmurs that he hopes that Ben will enjoy his stay before closing the door behind him.

The first thing that Ben does is try the handle on the door. As he predicted, it turns, but nothing unlatches.

Yes, he is under Atalaxian control.

Sighing, Ben moves to the bed and awkwardly sits down, glancing around the fine but rather bland room as worry starts to curl in his chest. What…what the hell is he supposed to do if he’s just…trapped in this room?

How is he going to find…her? Find…

God, but Ben feels…just as lost as he has since the moment he heard that Ariel was taken. That she’s gone.

Still, even as hopelessness threatens to overwhelm, Ben sets his heart to the task.

We’re going to do it, his wolf growls, baring his teeth and prowling forward. We’re going to find both of them and get them out of here.

“And take them home,” Ben murmurs, nodding once, assured. “Home, where we can all live in peace.”