The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 577

“Oh, Rafe’s a big idiot who can take care of himself,” I say, waving a hand in the air and pulling Daphne over to the bed. I mean, I don’t actually mean that – but I think Daphne needs the assurance more than Rafe needs my undying sisterly loyalty right now. “I don’t want you to think that I’ve been staying away because I’m taking his side or something.”

Daphne stares at me for a second before her eyes well up with tears again. “Really?” she whispers.

“Oh my god!” I cry out, grabbing her again in another hug. “I’m so sorry. I should have come sooner. Of course not, Daphne, you’re really important to me! I’ve been such a jerk.”

Luca stands awkwardly by, checking out Daphne’s bookshelf, as the two of us take a few more minutes to reassure each other that neither is mad at each other and that our friendship is solid.

“I really should have come down, Daph,” I say quietly, shaking my head at her. “I’ve just been so insanely busy.”

“No, I know you are,” she says with a sigh, pushing herself back against her headboard and settling in. “Especially with the Games tomorrow. I shouldn’t have worried.”

I fight my impulse to assure her again that I should have been a better friend so she didn’t have to worry, but I know that’s just going to lead us down an endless circle. So I just smile at my friend, who grins back at me, both of us silently agreeing to move on from it.

“So, is that what’s been on your mind?” Daphne asks, looking between Luca and I. Luca grabs the chair from her sewing machine and joins our little group, looking between us. “The Games?”

“Yeah,” I say, sighing and settling back against the wall, pleased to have some time with my friend. “That and a weird visit from my grandmother the Goddess today.”

Both Luca and Daphne go pale as they gape at me and I grin, kind of tickled by the effect that dropping that little fact had. But I quickly move on, filling them in on what details I can – that the Goddess gave us some new information about our magic, and that Jesse’s magic has developed. I don’t give any big details, though – especially regarding the provenance of Jackson and Tony’s gift, or the shape that Jesse’s magic takes, or the fact that the Goddess ordered me to swiftly collect my mate’s marks.

“Oh whatever, Ariel, you didn’t even know this party was happening,” Luca says, leaning back in his chair and giving me a lazy grin.

“Regardless!” I say, flashing him my best princess smile. “My room, my party.” But then I shake the pretense loose and lean forward, grabbing Daphne’s hand. “Please come, it won’t be the same without you. You’re still our friend, a part of the group, even if your romance with my brother came to its end.”

“Really?” Daphne asks, the hope on her face breaking my heart.