My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 135

Chapter 135: Seeing Her Off

****************

Chapter 135

~Valerie’s POV~

I quickly dressed in black leggings and a fitted tank top, slid my phone into my back pocket, and crept out into the hallway.

The dorm was quiet this early—most students were still snoring through their alarms. Luckily for me, my roommates or dormmates were quietly sleeping in their room, and not one of them was in the common living area.

I peeked around the corner, listening carefully when I opened the door.

Clear.

I turned back and waved her out.

Solstice padded over to me in silent steps, her boots light, her hoodie drawn up over her head.

She moved like a shadow. Just like how all our training had become second nature to us. It was slightly alarming how good she was at sneaking.

We made it past the main dormitory building and toward the far side of the academy. The eastern path curved just behind the courtyard and led straight to the older fence, one with a panel that came slightly loose if you knew where to pull.

We didn’t speak, just kept walking, the gravel crunching lightly beneath our feet.

When we reached the spot, Solstice turned to me with a smile.

I didn’t smile back. Instead, I pulled her into a hug.

Her arms wrapped around me instantly, tighter than I expected.

"Be safe," I murmured into her hair. "And try not to draw attention to yourself. This place is... different."

"I’ll blend," she whispered. "Promise."

I pulled back and looked her in the eyes. "If you get caught, you run. You disappear. You don’t argue, don’t stall. Just go. I am fine. I will be fine," I added before she could argue.

She nodded, solemn now.

Then, after a beat, her voice softened. "Miss you, Vi."

My throat tightened as I bade her farewell. "See you."

Solstice stepped back, ducked beneath the panel, and easily slipped through the narrow space.

I watched her until she disappeared behind the edge of the building.

Then I stood there for a moment longer, listening to the silence she left behind.

Just me... and the space she filled so effortlessly.

—

I stayed there a moment longer after Solstice disappeared, the early morning breeze tugging gently at my hair.

The air felt clearer somehow—lighter.

But also... lonelier.

I turned and began heading back toward the running trail that wrapped around the academy’s eastern edge. It was one of the few places I could think without someone breathing down my neck or trying to decode me.

I didn’t plan to run far. Just enough to quiet the storm of thoughts racing through my head.

Halfway through the second curve, I slowed to a jog, letting my muscles loosen, my steps settle into rhythm.

I breathed in pine, dew and damp soil. The kind of scent that whispered home and danger at the same time.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify