Page 85 of Revenge is a Witch

I keep my head high as we walk further inside, though I can feel the weight of the stares. No one’s sitting near us, not that I expected anyone to. They’re treating us like we’ve got the plague, but I’m not about to let that bother me. We’ve got bigger things to worry about.

As we’re about to find some seats, Mr. Halford, the principal, approaches me, his face as serious as ever. He leans in, his voice low but steady. “Are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this, Zaria? You understand the consequences.”

I meet his gaze and nod without hesitation. “Yes, I’m sure. Kyla needs to be held accountable. It's time.”

He sighs, clearly not thrilled about the situation but respecting my decision. “You’ll make the challenge at the end of the assembly. Be ready.”

“I’m always ready,” I reply with a small, confident smirk before moving past him. Derek and Sebastian exchange a glance, but they don’t say anything. They’re with me every step of the way, even though we all know it’s not going to be pretty.

We move to the middle of the auditorium, where, predictably, no one else wants to sit. Everyone seems to be actively avoiding us, like we’re dangerous animals who might lash out at any moment. It’s almost funny, really. The looks on their faces are priceless.

Just as we sit down, Hank strolls in and, without a word, plops himself into the seat right in front of us, his eyes glued to his phone. He’s so casual about it, like it’s no big deal, but the gesture speaks volumes.

I lean forward, resting my chin on the back of his seat. “You know, if you keep hanging out with us, people might start thinking you’re my third boyfriend.”

Without missing a beat, Hank looks up from his phone, smirking. “Please, Zaria. Everyone knows if I’m interested in anyone at this table, it’s Sebastian and Derek, not you.”

Sebastian raises an eyebrow, his mouth twitching into an amused grin. “Well, I feel... honored, I guess?”

Derek chuckles, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, good luck with that, Hank.”

Hank shrugs, clearly unfazed. “Hey, I like a challenge.”

Before I can fire back, I hear familiar voices. Skylar and Hazel stroll in, chatting like nothing’s wrong and the entire school isn’t whispering behind their backs. They take seats right behind me, their smiles saying it all—they’re here, and they don’t give a damn about the rumors.

Skylar grins. “Whatever happens, we’ve got your back.” She must think Derek's behaviour in class is about to be brought up at the assembly. If only she knew.

“I know,” I say, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. It’s one thing to have Derek and Sebastian with me, but having friends like Skylar and Hazel—who don’t care about the whispers or the rumors—means more than they realize.

As Mr. Halford begins his speech, talking about school events and upcoming projects, I want to tune him out, focusing on the challenge ahead. But by the end of this assembly, the entire school will know the truth.

Kyla’s reign is about to come crashing down.

The assembly drones on, filled with updates and announcements that no one, least of all me, really cares about. Normally, I’d be one of the first to tune out, but today... today is different. My attention is locked on every word that spills from Mr. Halford’s mouth, waiting for that pivotal moment.

I sit at the edge of my seat, my leg bouncing uncontrollably under the table. My thoughts are running a mile a minute. What if she refuses? What if the plan doesn’t work? What if—

A hand gently presses against my thigh, and I glance to my side to see Sebastian, his eyes calm but focused. His touch anchors me, steadying the chaotic swirl in my mind. I exhale slowly, letting the tension ease, but the adrenaline is still there, pulsing under my skin.

Finally, Mr. Halford clears his throat, his voice louder and more deliberate than before. “While it is not usually something we condone for witches who have not yet graduated,” he begins, and I feel my breath catch, “a very unusual circumstance has come forward.”

Here it is.

“A young witch wishes to proceed with The Rite of Arcane Reckoning.” The room practically hums with energy as those words sink in. This is what they’ve all been waiting for—what they’ve been gossiping about without even knowing it. “As you know,” he continues, “this is a magical duel, a challenge from one witch to another. No death spells are permitted, and the winner is granted something the other witch possesses. The terms of the duel are determined at the beginning. The duel can be refused, but in doing so, the witch who refuses must immediately give up the item or request to the challenger.”

I barely hear the rest of his explanation, my focus solely on the moment he’ll say my name.

“Miss Vexx,” Mr. Halford says, his voice resonating through the enchanted auditorium.

All eyes are on me.

If it weren’t for the enchantments keeping the students quiet, I’m sure the room would be a cacophony of whispers and gasps by now. The tension is palpable as I rise from my seat. I can feel every gaze on me, burning with curiosity, judgment, and excitement. My heart pounds in my chest, but I keep my expression neutral as I step into the aisle.

Taking a deep breath, I begin the formal incantation of the Rite of Arcane Reckoning. My voice is steady, strong, carrying the ancient words across the auditorium.

"I, Zaria Vexx, challenge thee, Kyla Kendle, to The Rite of Arcane Reckoning."

As soon as I finish, I can feel the shift in the room. Everyone turns their heads to Kyla, waiting for her response.

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