Defy The Alpha(s) - Chapter 661
Chapter 661: Not Leaving
~Lunaris Academy~
This was becoming a habit. In just one term, Principal Meredith Jameson had lost count of how many press conferences she’d already given.
And here she was again, back in the ballroom, facing yet another one. Reporters lined the front rows, camera flashes firing relentlessly like tiny bursts of lightning.
Principal Jameson stood behind a podium, her hands clasped, and her posture flawless.
Behind her, the official seal of Lunaris Academy gleamed on a deep burgundy backdrop. The flags of the four packs framed it, with the United Dorminia emblem hanging dead center.
The camera flashes intensified, the energy in the room ravenous.
Jameson lifted her chin and began, “Thank you all for being in attendance today.”
Her voice carried smoothly through the hall.
“Lunaris Academy does not take the recent events lightly. In fact, this situation has shaken the integrity of the institution we hold to the highest standard.”
Some of the reporters who were not handling the cameras began typing on their keyboards.
“In the early afternoon of Tuesday, at exactly three fifty two PM, a student by the name of Daisy Fairchild was forcibly taken from the school hallway by three other students. Their names are Elsie Lancaster, Ginny Fan, and Mel Lian.”
The click clack of keys now felt frantic with the reporters trying their best to keep up.
Jameson continued, her voice crisp.
“They escorted Miss Fairchild against her will to the indoor pool. There, they assaulted her. This incident nearly resulted in a drowning.”
Jameson paused to let the weight settle over every person listening.
She continued with a steady voice.
“Upon further investigation, the students involved claimed this was not bullying, but rather a playful exchange between friends.”
The murmurs began instantly.
One of the journalists in the room scoffed.
A playful exchange? Someone nearly drowned, but it was a playful exchange. Was the school kidding right now?
Several reporters shook their heads in disbelief.
No one in the room believed the excuses. The clip that circulated online may not have shown what happened inside the pool room, but it showed a limp Daisy being dragged out.
Jameson’s expression hardened.
“Lunaris Academy conducted a mandatory bodied examination of Miss Fairchild. She has been deemed physically unharmed and medically cleared to continue her studies. But harm is not limited to bruises or broken bones. Trauma is not always something the eye can see. Regardless of intention, regardless of status, we will not tolerate this behavior in Lunaris Academy.”
Jameson lifted a single folder from the podium. The cameras zoomed in instinctively.
“Elsie Lancaster has failed to embody the values Lunaris Academy upholds. Respect. Discipline. Leadership. These are qualities expected of the students. Hence, with full decision of the academy disciplinary board and the oversight of the United Dorminia Education Council, I hereby announce that Miss Elsie Lancaster is expelled from Lunaris Academy.”
Gasps broke out. Expelled?
Expulsion almost never happened in Lunaris Academy, especially to a werewolf. Not to mention, Elsie was a final year student. The scandal was monumental.
Jameson waited for silence to return. It took several seconds.
“Ginny Fan and Mel Lian, as accomplices to the assault, are hereby suspended for two weeks. Their suspension will include community service and a formal apology to Daisy Fairchild.”
“To Miss Daisy Fairchild,” Jameson said, her gaze softening for the first time that evening, “the Academy extends its deepest regret that you were subjected to such an ordeal. We see you. We hear you. And we will protect your safety and dignity.”
She placed a hand on the podium.
“Every student in Lunaris Academy is equal. Human. Werewolf. Or both.”
Except everyone in the room knew that was only half true. Equality was a slogan here, not a reality. Werewolves ruled this academy. Humans adapted. End of story.
But politics required performance.
Jameson straightened her shoulders.
“With that said, I have an additional announcement.”
The atmosphere thickened.
“After thoughtful reflection, I, Meredith Jameson, will be stepping down from my role as Principal of Lunaris Academy.”
The effect was instant, the hall exploded louder than before. Gasps became shouts as reporters moved forward to the front.
Jameson continued above the commotion.
“This position has been my honor, and for seven years I have upheld the most prestigious, historic, and powerful academy in our nation. I am grateful to have served you. My photograph will be added to the Hall of Remembrance, and my work will continue through the systems I have built. I will remain acting principal until my successor is officially appointed. That concludes the press briefing. Thank you.”
She stepped back.
A security guard guided her toward the side exit as reporters surged, shouting questions over one another with their microphone outstretched.
“Principal Jameson, is Elsie’s expulsion connected to your resignation? Are you stepping down because of her?”
“Are you admitting mishandling of the bullying case?”
“Who is taking your position?”
“Where are the Cardinal Alphas and Violet? Why have they been silent these days? Rumors say they are not on campus? Where are they then?
Jameson did not flinch at their questions, having braced herself for them. Security formed a barrier in front of the platform as the journalists’ frenzy intensified. She slipped through the exit, the door closing behind her.
As soon as Jameson stepped out, it was to see the faces of the staff members she had worked with over the years. Of course, some had been here even before she became a teacher, like professor Alwen, the oldest staff in the school.
Some of them she had employed herself and now, they would watch her go.
Seven years.
Seven years of power and politics and carefully kept order.
Now it was done.
Jameson couldn’t bear the pity in their eyes, so she turned and walked away, blinking back the tears burning in her vision. She had never planned to be principal forever, but not like this.
She had imagined leaving on her own terms. Maybe three more years.
A perfect decade. It would be legendary.
She would have stepped down with grace.
But now, every time her name was mentioned, it wouldn’t be for her accomplishments and would be tied to Elsie Lancaster’s scandal. Her legacy stained by someone else’s disgrace.
Jameson hurried down the hallway, brushing past her secretary without a glance. The moment she reached her office, she slammed the door shut and collapsed into sobs.
“How could they discard me like this?” she choked. She pressed a trembling hand over her mouth as the tears streamed freely. “I gave everything to this academy.”
She broke down like a child. She didn’t want to leave.
At least she wasn’t gone yet.
Then, suddenly, a thought hit her.
No. She wasn’t leaving. Not if she could help it.
She could still turn this around. She could convince President Roy and Alpha King Elijah that she was the only person suited to run Lunaris Academy. She wasn’t a werewolf, but no one loved Lunaris the way she did. She would sacrifice everything for it.
She just had to prove it.
And until then, she prayed no replacement was found.