Page 121 of The Blackened Blade

She rolls her eyes when the teacher turns away and a small relieved sigh leaves my lips. At least she doesn't look in pain anymore.

But I’ll have to help her deal with whatever she's going through. Hopefully over time she’ll open up to me more.

I take one last glance at her, making sure her expression looks better before turning around and leaving.

There was a lot to do and I’d have to make sure I sort out as much as I can, to get every minute possible with her from now on.

Those rumours would have to be dealt with first. I’ll make sure no-one even thinks a bad thought about her from now on, let alone spew anymore shit.

And I know a certain deranged psycho that would be more than happy to help me with the clean up.

I crack my knuckles and make my way down the dark corridors. Annex wasn’t the only one who had a dark streak.

I wasn’t afraid to get bloody, I just never had a reason.Until now.

It's time the people around here remember why I’m a part of The Infernal Four.

CHAPTER 32

MICAI

It was an exhausting evening spent talking with Mrs. Fleur, who wouldn’t stop praising me and ranting on about how I should show my ‘gift’ to others.

I declined, making it clear that I would never sing in front of anyone else. And that her hearing me wasn’t something that I had planned.

After a lot of debate and disappointed looks, she eventually gave in. But she told me I should reconsider it in the future, and that she would help me in any way I needed.

She also told me that she would take the song I sang as my class assessment and grade me on that, while also heavily hinting that I would be getting full marks.Not that any of that mattered.

She kept me there until the curfew bell rang, a sad pout puckering her lips as she watched me pack up and leave and head to my dorm.

I sunk into my bed as soon as I got into my room. The day's activities and memories had taken an emotional toll; draining me and sending me quickly to sleep.

The next thing I know I’m being woken up by a knock at my door. It feels like I’ve only slept for a few moments, but the annoyingly bright sun shining in through my window tells me otherwise.

The knock rings out again, and I roll over, pulling the blanket over my head.

I wasn’t in the mood for dealing with anyone today. And who would even knock at my door? No-one and nothing good I’m sure.

The knock rings out again, followed by a soft angel-like voice.

“Micai, are you awake?” I go stiff, her sickly sweet voice sending goosebumps down my arms.“Micai?” Seria knocks again, her voice growing louder with my lack of reply.

What was so important that she came to me herself? What scheme was she planning now? After last night, I didn’t have the energy this morning to deal with her manipulative crap.

She knocks again, clearly determined to pester me until I answer her.

With her next knock, I sigh and pull myself out of bed and make my way to my door. Pulling it open she freezes, her hand mid-air and about to knock again.

Her eyes turn upward, her lips parting on a soft smile as she opens her mouth. “Micai, you’re awak–” I yawn loudly, cutting her off.Her smile falters for the briefest of seconds before quickly reappearing again.“I’m glad you're okay. I heard about the rumours going around…” She looks at me, searching my expression before she continues. Whatever she sees on my tired face must give her the answer she wants as a dark glint grows in her eyes. She shakes her head, her blonde hair fluttering side to side with the slight movement. “Some people can be unsavoury and say things they shouldn’t. But it’ll all die down soon. Just don’t react or pay them any attention, we can’t have it affect the Bane reputation.” She glances my way as the words leave her lips, “We know the truth anyway.”

Of course that was what she was here for; to make sure I didn’t react and to keep me weak and in check by using the family name. It was something I used to bend over backward for, but now…the Bane’s reputation?Don’t make me laugh.

I couldn’t care if it went up in flames. I would happily pour the fuel and light the match to watch it burn even brighter.

“Can we talk?” She glances behind me, her eyes trying to peer into my small room as she takes a step closer.

I slam my hand into the door post, stopping her movements and blocking her way in.

---