Page 58 of The Blackened Blade

“I think it's best if everyone just takes a seat. Class will start soon anyway.” He flicks his gaze from the boys around Morgan to Jake and his group.

Their eyes meet, and Jake scoffs. “I don't care if things getmessy. Maybe if you put a leash on–” He points to Morgan, but before he can finish his words, two growls fall from the boys surrounding her before they both start forward toward Jake's group.

“Jake.” The word flows from Ezra’s lips and instantly everyone freezes.

The name falling from his lips sounded almost lyrical but so cold and cutting, it sends a shiver down my spine and goosebumps forming on my arms. He still wears a playful smile as he takes another step forward but it never reaches his eyes, a darker gaze now narrowed at Jake and his group.

Jake flinches slightly with the look.

“Morgan is family. Andno-onedisrespects family.” Ezra’s grin grows, but it looks less playful as he continues, making his way over to Jake.“So watch your words. Or did you forget because I’m usually smiling,whoI am?” He now stands in front of Jake and leans in closer. He then whispers something I can’t make out, but from Jake's palling expression, I’m presuming he’s gotten whatever threat or message Ezra was giving.

Jake then gives Ezra a shaky nod as Ezra slides a hand over his shoulder, flicking away some invisible dust there. Jake stands as if frozen to the spot, his eyes unmoving from Ezra and his jaw taut.

“Then we’re all good?” He turns to each boy around Jake, who now all wear pallid expressions and give consenting nods.

“Morgan?” He turns his attention to her and the boys around her.

“Another time.” She calls, a dark grin stretching her lips as she gives the group one final glare. A promise I’m sure she’ll keep, by the looks of her expression.

Ezra gives her a small nod, a softer smile embracing his lips as she concedes.

The two boys near her give Jake and his group one last cutting glare before slowly taking their seats beside her. Morgan turns her full attention toward them as they begin talking, falling into their own world again and ignoring everyone else in the room.

Tandy takes a step toward Ezra, a wide triumphant smile on her lips, as if it were her victory. Just as she’s nearing him, a pink blush tints her cheeks and she opens her mouth, “Thank you, I-”

“Let's all get along.” Ezra cuts her off with a tight smile, quickly turning away and heading back to his seat. She quickly closes her mouth, a small pout shaping her lips as her gaze lingers on Ezra’s back before slowly turning back toward Jake and his group.

A low sigh falls from the chair in front of me as Ezra takes his seat, his shoulders slightly sagging. He looks out the window and away from everyone's gazes, the girls across the room still trying to steal glances.

I guess all that would be very annoying and frustrating to deal with, even if he did,at first, seem like he enjoyed the attention.

He leans further back in his seat, his scent wafting toward me with the small movement.

A fresh and calming scent tickles my nose. Like lavender and something else, something familiar, but nothing that I could place.

Mrs. Fleur then enters the classroom, pulling me from my thoughts. The door hits off the wall as she enters in a hurry, late once again. She addresses the class and quickly begins the lesson, and I notice the few empty seats to the centre of the room.

Seria, Xander, Knox, Kane and Anders aren’t here.

If they all weren’t here, then they must be skipping or something.

And here I was wondering why it had been so peaceful.

I look toward the teacher rambling about‘baritone and sopranos’as I lean back in my chair. I guess it’ll be a peaceful class today.

And a small reprieve from all the usual drama.

CHAPTER16

Istretch out my legs and warm up for Defence class. I was a little early for the lesson, having finished my lunch a little too quickly, worrying I would be late again.

And now I was full and ready to tackle whatever came with this lesson; drills, sparring, or a crazy obstacle course, bring it on.

I realised it had been a mistake in my previous life not to attend this class.

Even if Iwasweaker, to miss out on these lessons was a waste. Even the younger me in her weakened state would have enjoyed and benefited from it to some extent.

Each class I learnt new techniques to attack and defend during a fight. It also pushed my physical stamina through sparring and running, and allowed me to build my strength at a quicker pace than if I was alone. I also enjoyed putting to practise what I had learnt each night during my own training, and until I had it all memorised and perfected.

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