Chapter 18a

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I was surprised to find myself missing the Omegas' company after parting ways. It was strange, but something ached in me when the kids shot me their sad smiles, obviously disappointed that I couldn't sit with them. Part of me wanted to. After being starved of basic kindness, their kind words had seemed something close to a godsend -- something I wanted to latch onto and never let go of. As pathetic as it sounded, I was a stray dog, and these people had just offered me food. With a sigh, I strode towards my table. 

A few Thetas noticed my presence, shooting me looks that seemed to bring down the temperature around me. Others just regarded me with a smirk. Yes, I had in fact earned the title of 'The Epsilon That Trains With the Pups,' and it seemed these people were not wasting the opportunity to snicker at my expense.

I went to sit at a free seat next to two Thetas who were engrossed in conversation, hoping they would be too preoccupied to notice my presence. I realized my mistake when the blonde one on my right turned to face me, her emerald-green eyes glittering with cruelty. Shit, I'd sat next to Azure.

"Well, confident, aren't we? Sitting next to me?" she drawled. Several people turned to look at us, and I had to fight the urge to sink into my seat. 

Azure gave me a deliberate once-over, nose crinkling with disgust. "You know, you stick out like a sore thumb. Your hair looks like crow's nest, and that's the best of your appearance. You've heard what everyone calls you, correct?"

Several people snickered. Yes, I know what you all call me, I thought bitterly. Ugly.

Azure leaned in, her green eyes glittering with glee. "You don't belong here, Epsilon. If the Inner Circle had known any better, they would have put you down on the spot." She cast a glance towards the table of crimson Peltas. I saw Azriel and Zion staring at us. Azriel looked concerned, whilst Zion just stared with raised brows. I wondered if they could hear us over the clamor of the dining hall.

Azure turned back to me. "Human corruption like yourself doesn't belong in this court. Besides, it's not lie you're skilled enough, anyway: what kind of werewolf trains with pups?"

Another wave of giggles. I glanced towards the Omega table, where I found the concerned gazes of Olcan, Susi and Raina. The urge to get up and join them washed over me, and I had to force myself to look away. No, I couldn't do that. I had a code to follow -- and not just the werewolf code, but my own code, too: to stay out of trouble. To remain in the shadows. Who knew what consequences would await me over there?

Unfortunately, it seemed I didn't look away quick enough, for Azure caught my gaze. "Oh, you want to be over there? With them?" she drawled, raising her perfect brows. "You'd fit in well there there, you know. Those drop-kick Omegas would accept you with open arms -- I know it! At least, you'd hope so; us Thetas don't want you, anyway."

I curled my fists, fighting the sting in my eyes. Azure only snickered. "What's the matter, Epsilon? Going to cry?" People giggled at her remark. I tried to tune them out. "You know, maybe you do belong with the Omegas. I'm sure they'd be more accepting of human trash such as yourself."

That was enough. In a split second, I stood, seat flying back with a deafening screech. The dining hall promptly fell silent, all eyes drifting to the me.

I turned to face Azure. Usually, I would sit and take the tongue-lashing. Usually, I would ensure the laughs and giggles of my expense. Usually, I would stick by my mother's advice at all costs -- to sit in the background and be quiet.

I sneered. But where had such advice gotten me? I'd still been ripped out of my life. I'd still ended up in a place full of people who hated me. I'd still ended up with a mother who thought I was as good as dead. 

My old life was dead; ashes on the wind. So why should I follow a dead code?

I gave Azure a sweet smile, and I could've sworn something close to surprise flashed through her gaze. "You know what, bitch, I will sit with them." The girl's eyes widened with surprise, a light pink burning on her cheeks. I gave her a deliberate once-over, crinkling my nose with feigned disgust. "Besides, I don't want to sit next to your narcissistic-ass."

Anger flashed through her gaze. Azure sneered at me, but with her burning cheeks and lingering shock, it didn't have her desired effect. I didn't linger long enough to hear her retort. Instead, I whirled on my heel and strode towards the Omega table, aware of the still-silence but not entirely caring. My anger filled me with a strange energy, something that simmered my blood like water on a stovetop. Once I reached Raina's side, I pulled out the chair and sat down, finally taking a moment to breathe.

Everyone looked shocked. People looked at each other warily, as though unsure of what to do now. I was aware of the glare Zion sent my way, as well as Azriel's surprise. Strangely, I didn't care. In fact, I didn't feel the least bit embarrassed. So, as any other unafflicted person would do, I picked up my silverware and dug into the juicy turkey before me. The hall remained silent for a few more moments. Finally, chatter started up again, many eyes still lingering on me.

Olcan blew out a breath beside me. "That was total bad-ass, Kyra."

I smiled through my mouthful of turkey. Indeed, it was. 

*****

Another chapter done! Sorry for being a day late -- but if it makes you guys feel better I've written up to... chapter 30 I think?

What do you guys think of Kyra's decision? Was this out-of-character, or were you anticipating it? Was it the right call?

How are you liking Kyra's development? How do you think she'll develop more in the future? What aspects of her character do you think will change?

*****

~ 𝕧𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤, 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 + 𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 ~


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