Betty's POV. 

When I came down the stairs, Grandma was already sitting at the dining table, waiting with a small grin.

“Well, that was fast,” she teased. “I thought you’d take forever up there.”

I rolled my eyes a little and sat down. “I just washed my face and changed my top, Grandma. You said not to take long.”

She chuckled softly. “Hmm, I see someone’s in a hurry for the news.”

I smiled, twisting my sweating hands and moving around. “Maybe.”

Grandma placed a plate of food in front of me and sat down beside me. “Alright,” she said with a playful tone. “Let’s start with the bad news first.”

I froze for a second, my smile fading. “Bad news?” I asked carefully.

She nodded slowly, pretending to look serious. “Yes. The bad news is… I almost burned the stew while waiting for you.”

I blinked, then burst out laughing. “Grandma!”

She laughed too, her eyes twinkling. “What? You looked too tense. I had to start easy.”

I shook my head, still smiling as I took a bite. “You really like teasing me, don’t you?”

“Of course,” she said with a wink. “That’s my job.”

I laughed again, feeling a little lighter than before, even though I still didn’t know what the real news was.

Grandma smiled after our laughter faded, then leaned back in her chair.

“Okay, joke apart,” she said softly. “The bad news is… I didn’t get approved.”

I stopped eating and looked at her. “Didn’t get approved? 

She sighed, but her eyes still had a little sparkle. They didn’t accept my request.”

My heart sank a bit. “Oh, Grandma… I’m sorry. Don't worry, I can manage.”

She waved her hand with a smile. “Ah, don’t worry, my dear. The good news is that I can stay and visit you for a few days! And I can always reapply later.”

I smiled slowly. “Really? You’ll stay?”

She nodded, grinning. “Of course. I couldn’t leave you looking so gloomy anyway.”

I laughed softly, feeling warmth spread in my heart. “You always find a way to make things better.”

“That’s what grandmas do,” she said with a wink, reaching over to pat my hand.

After dinner, I helped Grandma clear the table and do the dishes.

Just as I was about to leave the kitchen, Grandma suddenly clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling.

“Oh! Before you go to your room,” she said quickly, “you should start packing your things.”

I turned to her, confused. “Packing? For what?”

She smiled widely. “Because we’re going to the airport anytime soon.”

I blinked in shock. “The airport? Why?”

Grandma laughed softly. “To take you to Texas Fashion University, of course! You didn’t think I’d let you go there all alone, did you?”

My mouth fell open. “Grandma… you mean it’s time already?”

She nodded with excitement. “Yes, my dear. The school sent your travel details this evening. We’re leaving sooner than planned!”

For a moment, I couldn’t move. My heart raced with surprise and joy. “I can’t believe it,” I whispered.

Grandma chuckled. “Believe it, my dear. Now go and get your things ready before they change my mind.”

I laughed, still in shock, and hurried toward my room. My hands were shaking a little.

As I lay on my bed, my mind wouldn’t stop replaying the day. Seeing Louise again, the rush of old feelings, Grandma’s teasing, her news all mixed like a storm in my head.

I stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking about what Louise had tried to say and wondering if I’d made a mistake by walking away.

But the warmth of Grandma’s laughter and good news really made my day pleasant. 

Slowly, my eyes grew heavy and my thoughts began to fade. Texas Fashion University. It was finally happening until I drifted off to sleep, still holding on to the soft sound of Grandma’s voice in my head. 

Claire’s POV. 

Before dawn, I walked through the quiet woods. The air was cold, and my steps were soft on the ground. Soon, I reached the old cabin and pushed the door open.

Inside, the High Priestess was waiting. The room smelled of herbs and candle smoke.

“You came,” she said softly.

I nodded. “You said it was important.”

She looked at me for a moment, then her face grew serious.

She motioned for me to come closer. “It is. The moon draws near, and the balance grows weaker. We don’t have much time.”

I stepped toward her, feeling the weight of her words, but there was also something else.

“Claire,” she said, “someone is watching you.”

My heart skipped. “Watching me? Who?”

She turned her eyes toward the window. “One of Xavier’s omegas. He followed you here.”

I froze. “But… I didn’t see anyone.”

Her voice was calm but firm. “That’s because you weren’t paying attention. You must learn to sense them before they sense you.”

I swallowed hard, feeling a chill down my back. I glanced toward the dark window and thought I saw a shadow move.

“Be careful,” she said calmly. 

The High Priestess looked at me for a moment, then turned toward another door at the back of the cabin.

“Come,” she said quietly. “It’s not safe to go back the same way.”

I followed her, my heart still beating fast. 

She led me by a door that looked old, with strange marks carved into it. The air around it felt different, like it was moving even though there was no wind.

She placed her hand on the door, and the marks began to glow softly. “This will take you back to your room,” she said.

I stared at her. “Through this door?”

She nodded. “Yes. Go now, before he comes closer.”

I took a deep breath and stepped forward. As soon as I touched the door, a bright light wrapped around me. I felt dizzy for a moment, then everything went quiet.

When I opened my eyes, I was in my room.

I was still wondering why Alpha Xavier told someone to follow me. He has become more tenacious than I thought. 

Before I could think more, someone knocked on my door. A young servant came in and bowed. “ Miss Claire, Alpha Damien has called for you,” she said.

My heart jumped a little.“Okay, tell him I’m coming,” I said, trying to stay calm.

After she left, I took a deep breath and brushed my hair back. 

On my way to Alpha Damien’s office, I met Xavier in the hallway. He looked at me with disgust, his creepy eyes on me quickly sent shivers down my spine, I felt anger rise inside me, but I ignored him and kept walking.

When I reached Alpha Damien’s office, I took a deep breath and knocked.

“Come in,” he said.

I entered and saw him standing by the window. He looked serious. Then turned to me and said.

“Claire,” he said quietly, “ You can go, but on one condition. 

When he said it, the news was so shocking that I left my eyes and mouth wide open.