Windsor's POV
The moment those rebellious words left my lips, time seemed to stop.
Mr. Sinclair was the first face I focused on. His practiced, diplomatic smile cracked, replaced by raw bewilderment.
The faculty members shared rigid, wordless looks—each expression mirroring the shock rippling through the assembly hall.
Whispers erupted instantly, spreading like flames through dry grass.
"Did she just refuse?"
"Is that even allowed?"
"She's lost her mind—what is she thinking?"
The crowd began to stir restlessly, heads turning between each other and back to me. Some faces showed confusion, others intrigue, but most displayed pure astonishment, as though I had just shattered something sacred.
From my peripheral vision, I caught sight of the True Alphas. Each stood motionless, yet their reactions varied drastically.
Weston appeared thunderstruck, his hand partially raised, jaw dropped in complete disbelief. Gideon squinted, not with fury, but with authentic fascination.
