Page 86 of A Blackened Bond

How the hell were she and Micai siblings? They were nothing alike.

Rumours indicated she didn’t get along with her sister…And I’m almost sure from that interaction that it’s her sister spreading them.

Maybe there was more to Micai’s background than I initially thought.

But with a sister like that, who needed enemies?

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

MICAI’S POV

Iwake up, stretching my arms above me as a yawn pulls at my lips.

I spent the rest of the day yesterday with Morgan, Grey, and Ash in the cafeteria. Morgan told me stories about the guys and how boring they used to be before I came along.

Annex and Ezra found us there after a while and joined us, complaining about the interviews and Creed giving them more work to do at night. We spent the next few hours lost in conversation, and even Grey and Ash relaxed a little in Annex’s presence enough to enjoy their time together.

Morgan said I’d have to give her a one-on-one training session and teach her how to use a blade like earlier. Then she re-hashed the story with Ivy to Annex and Ezra, their expressions instantly darkening before she told them about the little trim I gave Ivy. Annex laughed so loud that all the students at the tables around us flinched before moving further away.

The guys then left as night fell, walking me to my room and each getting me worked up with their soft touches and heated kisses before leaving me high and dry.Assholes. A favour I will definitely be returning in the near future.

I hear noise from outside, and pull myself from my bed to glance out the window. Students were leaving their dormitories; some with large bags floating beside them, others with them draped over their shoulders, and all heading toward the main building or gate.

They were finally leaving for Winter break.

Gadriel crosses my mind as I watch the faculty move together with the students. I hope he has a good Christmas and Elven Solstice with his family. The way he talked of them and his home—even briefly—made me feel like he must have a good relationship with them.

I glance over at the Elven blade in my drawers he gifted me, safely nestled between my clothes and back where it belongs.

I would have to find somewhere else to spar and train with the representatives still lurking around. The abandoned building is no longer safe as they investigate the forest and surrounding areas of the academy.

A glint of bright blonde hair catches my eye as Seria makes her way through the courtyard. Four familiar figures follow her, carrying her bags, with one figure strangely limping.

At least she would be gone. Now, I could properly look into getting some answers. Asking her questions outright or watching her from the shadows would do nothing. She was too calculating and manipulative and would easily see through any simple rouse.

I need to be smarter than her. First, I need some type of clue, evidence, or trail she unknowingly left behind. Something that she might not even realise would give me a hint as to her plans.

And the best time to look for that is tonight.

The only ones staying in the academy were me, a couple of sixth years, the grounds caretaker, Mr. Helix, and the representatives.

The representatives were staying to investigate the area around the forest and the academy for a few days. And I definitely didn’t want to bump into those assholes again. Paying a visit to the boys in town could burn up some of that time.

A knock rings out on my door, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Micai?” Ezra calls as I open the door, a smile stretching his lips as Annex grins behind him.

“We got you croissants and a bagel,” Calls Annex, as he and Ezra step into my room.

“Did you manage to get any sleep without me, Red?” Asks Annex, his grin fading into a cute pout. “Cause I had a horrible night without you.”

He wraps his arms around me. “Guess I’m too used to these soft little fingers clinging onto me like a koala already.” He pulls me closer, an exaggerated sigh leaving his lips as he continues. “We’ll just have to stay together every night from now on.” He leans his head against mine as I feel his grin grow. Ezra scoffs before rolling his eyes.

“What’s our plans for the day, Micai?” Ezra asks, laying three bagels and four croissants out on small napkins and turning the bed into some makeshift table as Annex and I make our way over.

Annex sits on the bed, pulling me down to sit on his lap as Ezra passes two croissants and a bagel my way.

“Two?” I ask as Ezra’s smile widens, his eyes sparkling as they meet mine.

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