Page 35 of Rejected Darkness

By the time he's putting the glass of water in front of me, I've managed to scarf down half the omelet. "Thanks," I mumble grabbing the glass to drink a few gulps. "Can I see the note?" I really want to make sure he's telling the truth and isn't bullshitting me to get me into trouble. I wouldn't put it past him to do something like that at all.

"Sure, Princess," he slides the folded paper across the counter to me. My name is written in an elegant script on the front. I guess he wasn't kidding that it was for me at least. As I take a bite of one of the bacon slices, I flip the letter open to read.

Good morning, Arabella,

I hope this letter finds you well. I heard about what happened to your dorm suite yesterday and I apologize. This school is supposed to be safe and I promise we will get to the bottom of whomever is doing this to you.

Your friend Phoenix came to speak with me and informed me that he and his brother have offered to let you stay with him. I think it's a good idea despite being against allowing guys and girls to room together. For the time being, we will pretend like I know nothing. It can be our little secret.

With that in mind. I'm excusing both you and Rhys from classes today. The Angel training field will be empty so the two of you can have it all day. Let him teach you some new skills. The Fallen bring a unique fighting style that I believe we can all benefit from. Also, be sure to practice your magic with him. It's clear you are a lot more experienced than your father let on. Take this time to thrive and show everyone what you are capable of. Attached you will also find a new copy of your schedule. It’s clear to me there are certain classes that you don’t need so I took them off your schedule and rearranged a few.

Good luck, Arabella, and remember to come see me if you need anything or have any questions.

-Councilwoman Talia

"Believe me now?" He asks while reaching across the counter to grab my now empty plate.

Rolling my eyes, I finish my glass of water and push it toward him as well. If he is going to do the dishes might as well give him all of them. Ha! "Well, if that's the case, then I'm going to change out of my uniform into something I can work out in easier." Getting up from the stool I grab my bags by my feet and start heading toward the hallway once more.

"Don't forget to take your shit with you while you're at it," he yells to my back.

"It's in my hands now?" I question, slowing to turn and give him a confusing look. I had picked up my bags at the same time I began walking away. This is all I came here with so what shit of mine is he referring to?

"Not all of it," he points to the far side of the living room by the large double window. Following to where he is pointing my eyes widen in realization. There are two trash bags full of stuff sitting under the window. I knew Phoenix was going to go back down to my dorm but I honestly hadn't expected anything to be salvaged. I was thinking of going after classes today to sort through everything and make a list of stuff to replace. The fact that he managed to fill two trash bags halfway surprised me. It's way more than I thought.

"Uh, wow, okay," I mumble heading toward the bag. "Do you know when Phoenix will be back so I can thank him for this?" I owe him a lot more than a thank you but it would at least be a start.

"You're welcome.," he states sarcastically. "Now, I'm not going to wait all day. Go get changed."

Well fine, fuck you too.

Grabbing the two bags I head back to Phoenix's room to place them there safely until I know where I'll be staying next. I'd rather not leave my stuff in the living room where Rhys would have access to them. I already know I need to get back to my room as soon as possible to find the journal I was given. If that fell into the wrong hands I would literally be screwed and not in a good way.

Opening both bags I manage to find some workout clothes that I can trade my uniform form. Hoping that Phoenix won't be back to the room before we are, I leave my uniform on the edge of the bag not wanting to keep Rhys waiting any longerthan necessary. I'm sure he is already thinking of ways to make my life hell just because I had to change clothes. It takes me less than three minutes to change and get back to the living room where Rhys is not so patiently waiting leaning against the kitchen counter for me.

"About damn time, Princess. I thought I was going to have to come drag you out of that room. Did you need extra time to look through all my brother's drawers? I can tell you he doesn't keep his secrets in the nightstand, but I'm sure you figured that out already," he jokes, moving to the door and holding it open for me.

"I'm not you, Rhys. I don't need to go snooping into other people's things to learn stuff. I actually have conversations with them and get to know them." Shoving past him through the door, I don't bother to wait before heading toward the stairs. Talia said in her letter that she was letting us use the training arena for today, so I already know where I'm going. I don't need to follow the prick.

"Whatever you say to sleep at night, Princess."

"For the love of the Divine can we please take a break?" I beg from my position down on the mats. For the past hour, we have been doing combat training and for most of it I've ended up on my back on the mats we’re using. When we first started I thought I had a chance to beat him just like on our first day of class but I was wrong. Heck, I'm almost positive he was going easy that day if this session is anything to go by. However, instead of actually teaching me any of his moves, he is too busy kicking my ass and showing me every damn way he can do it. I'm not learning anything except that the training the Archangels put all otherangels through is horrible. That is the only lesson I am taking from this.

"Again!" he shouts, reaching down to basically lift my deadweight back up.

"NO!" I snarl, fighting his hold. I need a break. I need water.

"I'm the one teaching this lesson. If I say again then I mean again," he roars letting go of me and slipping into an offensive position.

"Fuck you!" Turning my back to him I head to the side of the mat where I placed my water bottle. Divine, I really hope it's still cold and refreshing I could use it right now. The second my fingers wrap around the bottle, Rhys's arms come around my waist pulling me backward before he flips me over his shoulder and slams me into the ground.

"Never turn your back on an opponent."

"Oh, come on," I slam my fist into the mat. The impact of my hit caused the water bottle to slide out of my hand and the top busted open allowing my water to spill all over the place. "You are such a fucking jackass!" I screech, pushing myself to stand rushing him. My fists bang against his hardened chest as I try to get some sort of revenge. My hits are sloppy, and I know any second he is going to shove me off him. When his hands touch my shoulders instead I stop moving, too shocked to continue my assault. He isn't even trying to push me away, no just holding me in place.

"Letting your rage control you will get you killed. You need to learn to control that temper, Princess. Now, if you can knock me off my feet once, then we can take a break for water and I'll actually start teaching you some moves," Rhys explains with his hands still resting on my shoulders.

I swear the man is tainting me going "Look at me I'm standing here in a vulnerable position, do your best." Yeah, no thank you. I refuse to take the cheap shots. If he wants me toknock him on his ass, then fine I'll do exactly that. Shoving his hands off me, I take a step back and let my wings unfurl behind me quickly. At the same time, I bend my knees and push up off the ground. Not far, just enough to get a good height to kick him in the stomach. Luck must be on my side because my kick connects and he doubles over. Using the moment it gives me, I have my wings provide me an extra push and rush closer to him and swipe his legs out from under him as I wrap my arm around his neck and pull him backward dropping is straight down onto his back.

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