I stood there, my whole body rigid, every nerve screaming in protest. It wasn’t my choice. It wasn’t willpower or bravery or defiance that kept me upright.

It was the pull of the alpha command still threading through my limbs, tightening around me like invisible chains.

Professor Caleb paced a slow circle around me, hands tucked behind his back. His voice was sharp, but low enough that it forced everyone to strain closer to hear.

"Class," he said, pausing beside me, "observe carefully. ...