Page 42 of Shattered & Returned

A collective gasp rippled through the minions as the dining hall fell silent. Every ear strained to catch our exchange, the air thick with the anticipation of violence.

Angelina’s perfect lips twisted. “Sebastian, you’re letting this white trash speak to me this way?”

“Do you even know what white trash means?” I snorted, meeting her glare. “You’re mean-spirited and ignorant. I’ve done nothing to you, yet you come here making threats. Shoo, you’re not welcome here.”

Sebastian’s sudden laughter cut through the tension. “Shit, Bloom. Didn’t expect that fire.” His amusement vanished as he turned to Angelina, an arctic wave of power radiating from him. The entire hall shivered; her minions stumbled back as if struck. Only Angelina held her ground, though her knuckles whitened where she gripped Sebastian’s shoulder.

“There is nous,” Sebastian said, each word glacial. “One fuck doesn’t make a claim. If it did, I’d have a harem trailing me everywhere.”

“You don’t mean that,” Angelina whispered, silver eyes glistening—before her expression turned vicious. “It’s her, isn’t it? What’s so special about this nobody?”

“Remove your hand, Angelina,” Sebastian warned. “I won’t ask again.” He glanced at me, suddenly earnest. “For the record, that casual lifestyle is behind me.”

I arched a brow. “Whom you sleep with doesn’t concern me.”

Angelina’s gaze raked over me like I was dirt stuck to her shoe.“You think sitting at this table with Sebastian makes you special? He’ll tire of you by tomorrow. And you—”Her lip twisted.“That academy dress is just charity covering trash. You’ll always be gutter-born.”

“Finished?”I laughed while shaking my head, picking up my fork.“Good. Now leave so I can eat.”

Her pupils narrowed to slits. “You find this funny?”

“I find it pathetic.”I raised my voice, ensuring the entire hall heard to discourage more challenges.“I didn’t come here to fight over men like a dog after scraps. I’m here to learn magic. And poverty isn’t a crime—it’s just a starting point.”

“Pretty speech for aBloom,”she sneered, leaning in until her ruby pendant swung between us.“Such a fragile flower name.”

“Oh for—must we dissect each other’s names now?” I asked.

Sebastian’s chuckle added fuel to the fire. Angelina’s anger burned hotter, but it was all directed at me.

“Careful, Bloom,”she whispered, cold as grave soil.“Flowers that bloom too fast wither faster. The challenge stands.”

Her minions snickered. The contrast between us couldn’t be more glaring, her warrior’s physique against my slender frame. She towered over me, primed for combat.

Sebastian sighed. “Angelina, enough. If you’re angry with me, take it up with me. Bloom just arrived yesterday.”

Angelina’s hand moved toward the scabbard strapped at her waist. My face paled. I’d noticed that everyone carried someform of weapon, and mine was an inhaler tucked into my pocket. My fingers worked quickly under the table, gathering fistfuls of my skirt and knotting the fabric at my thighs. At least my movements wouldn’t be restricted if or when this turned violent.

“I’m not doing this,” I said, my voice tight.

The challenge rule was barbaric. Not that it mattered. This academy drew students from every corner of the globe, united only by their divine bloodlines and the magic coursing through their veins. I guessed that some long-dead god’s legacy pulsed in me too, though which one was a mystery.

But I refused to be a spectacle. Let the others clamor for victory; I wouldn’t perform for the crowd’s bloodlust.

The hall erupted in murmurs and sneers. Sebastian’s eyes gleamed with amusement, no doubt anticipating the spectacle of women brawling over him.

Not today.

I planted my feet, letting my stillness shout loud and clear:I don’t play these games.

“You can’t refuse!” a voice jeered from the crowd.

“Of course I can,” I shot back. “This entire ritual is ridiculous.”

“Coward!”

The sea of disgusted faces didn’t faze me. Better to endure their scorn than lose a limb.

Sindy’s whisper cut through my resolve: “Declining just means she can attack you anywhere, anytime. The rules allow it.” Her eyebrow ring trembled as she spoke. “Her blade might end up sticking in your back when you least expect it.”

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