Page 188 of A University of Betrayal

“She’s of the opinion that your still unbridled powers can be used for greater purposes.”

Used.That was all Gloria saw in me.A use.

“She has given me the task of training you until she takes on the task herself.”

She seemed to realize that I was getting restless inside, because her lips formed into a smile.

“Believe me. Gloria sees a lot in you that the Councils see as a risk.”

My body tensed as she came to me and paced around the armchair. Her hands were suddenly on my shoulders.

I hated it when others touched me, especially when I didn’t know the person and didn’t like them.

“Potential,” she whispered, and I tried to control my breathing.

My hands were on my lap, wet with ice crystals and... clearly visible to her.

I could literally feel her gaze on my skin as it drilled through me, heard the thoughts rattling in her head without me being able to guess exactly what she was thinking until she came out from behind me and strode back to her desk.

“Nevertheless, your father was a dangerous man.”

“My father...” I mumbled those strange words for the first time, and she paused in her stride to turn and lean on her desk.

“You seem to take after your mentally unstable mother in character.”

The look on her face was full of...pity?

Shame spread through me.

How could she compare me to Margot when she didn’t even know me?

My mouth remained closed, even though the words were burning on my tongue. I kept quiet because it was better not to reveal any information rather than trying to prove myself.

The only one who didn’t listen to me was my cursed body. More ice crystals made their way up my arm... and she watched it with pleasure.

The first time I had seen this woman, I had already realized that she was one of those who must have been born with cold feelings.

I often wished I could be like that.

Wishes I had were like heroin. They seemed to fuel me, I wanted more... until I was broken by the false hope that these desires had triggered in me.

“Dear God! Gloria’s got her work cut out for her,” she laughed suddenly, her neck bones standing out. “Although I know it took her quite a bit of effort.”

My body tensed again.

The fear of Gloria was still greater than anything else.

Professor Harlow’s expression became more serious, albeit accompanied by that ambiguous smile. “I’ll make you an offer.”

Once again, she crept around the desk like a cat and reached for a black, beautifully decorated wooden box that must be very old.

“I can tell you’re uncomfortable having to deal with Gloria.” Was I really that readable? “That’s why I suggest thatItrain you and take you under my wing temporarily, just between us, of course.”

I looked at the woman in front of me and had difficulty interpreting her facial expressions.

Of course. Just between us.What else had I expected? Something told me that this was a really bad idea. She didn’t seem to realize that I could hurt her with my magic.

“Sooner or later, she’ll demand to train me,” I replied with a dry tone.

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