Page 42 of The Blackened Blade

CHAPTER11

My stomach growls as I make my way toward the cafeteria.

I had forgone breakfast to rush to ‘Modern language and Ideology class’. Basically a fancy way of saying Modern English.

Ms. Cheron was a nice teacher but you knew not to be late to class or mess with her, even with her petite 5’2” frame she was a small force to be reckoned with.

I yawn as I make my way through the corridor, another growl following soon after.

Unfortunately, there was no break in between the next class,‘Spells, Illusions and Curses’with Ms. Bruswick. And she would love any excuse to throw me out of her boring class.

I had arrived on time and smiled brightly just to spite the old hag. But unfortunately for my stomach, every second she drawled on, felt like an endless eternity. Maybe I should have let her throw me out of class…no, her permanent scowl waspriceless.

Another rumble from my stomach pulls me from my thoughts, just as the scent of bacon hits me.

Pushing through the cafeteria doors, I head straight toward the food, ignoring any of the normal whispers or glares around the room.

A freshly made club sandwich in a thickly sliced brioche bun and side of fries catches my eye, making my mouth water.

I point to the sandwich and quickly take it from the server, eliciting a small chuckle. Grabbing some juice, I quickly head to my usual morning spot.

Thankfully not many people seemed to sit there.

I’m making my way over when a bony shoulder knocks into me. I stumble slightly but manage to keep a hold on my tray and food. I look back as two girls wearing emerald ties laugh while taking their seats.

Placing my tray down, I see them glancing back and forth at me from their table, their voices raised as they loudly make snide comments.

“She must really enjoy her food.”

“It shows…on her hips.”

“Gods, how can she eat all that?”

“Who does she think she is even being in here? Doesn’t she know her place?”

“And where does she think she's sitting? I can’t wait for her to be put in her place.”

The last one has my brows furrowing and my mind questioning the space I’ve chosen. What significance does this table hold? I hadn’t ever seen anyone near this table, let alone sit and eat. I guess that in itself was a bit strange…Or was this some way to make me move or leave the cafeteria? Another way of removing my existence from their presence?

I lift my gaze toward the voices and narrow my eyes at the group of girls laughing in my direction.

Ignoring them, I turn back toward my sandwich and take a bite, just as they fall silent.

What now? Were they going to comment on how I eat, or how much food I can fit in my mouth?

I glance up toward them, their faces pale as they stare toward the food queue. Then they quickly turn back to their rabbit food, their laughter and voices now completely quiet.

What? Did the appearance of some crispy bacon terrify them into silence? There were many reasons I loved food,a very long list in fact.Now silencing those rabid hyenas would be added to it.

I take another bite of my club sandwich, holding back the hum wanting to leave my throat at its delicious flavours melting in my mouth. I take another large bit as a shadow falls over me. I grip my sandwich and pull my plate closer as a dark voice bites out.

“You’re sitting in my space. Move.”

I drag my gaze up the towering dark silhouette before me, slowly following the tattoos across his arms and up to his neck, where a crimson red tie hangs loosely. His sleeves are rolled up and proudly display the black skull and snakes running down to his hands, with tattoos lacing each knuckle and finger.

His fists clench into balls and my eyes quickly jump to his face. Afamiliarface.

Even in anger, it looked almost godly. Such an inhumanely beautiful face, that if it wasn’t for all the dark tattoos and piercings,and the murderous aura, you would think he was some heavenly being.

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