Page 77 of The Blackened Blade

Who was capable of bringing a beast into academy grounds? Who had that kind of ability or connections?

I head into the room with more questions building in my mind. My gaze then falls toward the seats she and her two partners always occupy.

They were empty.

Maybe she needed more time to rest? Or more time to get whatever was in her system out.

I don’t even know much about her, but we both lost our lives unjustly once. Maybe that's why I find my thoughts wandering to her, feeling some slight connection. Either way, I hope we both get to live the lives we should have always had.

I’m making my way across the room and toward my seat when a hand slides out and grabs me from the side. The petite manicured hand stops me in my tracks as I turn and stare at the bright blue eyes it belongs to.Seria.

“Why weren’t you at the dance on Friday, Micai?”

The room around us falls quiet, all eyes drawn to Seria as she continues.

“Did Adam and you have a fight or something?” She pauses, her eyes scanning mine for some kind of answer or reaction. A look carrying more than the fake sympathy she's showing outside. She was pushing for answers, but for what? And why?

What game or ploy was she playing now? Especially if, she herself, was stepping up to the stage to perform.

But I can also ask questions and play along too.

I take a small breath, my brows furrowing as she watches me.

“How did you know Adam had asked me?” He had mentioned her before, and I realised quickly that she was the connecting factor for why he chose me that night. Everyone else had given me a wide berth, so why not Adam?

And why did he also choose me that night?

Because ofSeria.

She had sent the bastard to me, knowing he would attempt something vile. It was how she worked. In the shadows, pulling strings and whispering sweet words.

And with her social network there was no way she didn’t know about histendencies. I’m sure he had a past long before he came to the academy, and finding that out, for her, would be as easy as breathing.

She smiles, her whole face lighting up.

“I’m sure you told me at some point, Micai.” Her blue eyes curve upwards, her smile turning soft and playful as she gazes at me.

My look turns questioning, my brows pinching together as I gaze back at her.

“But I didn’t tell anyone?”

A gentle sigh leaves her lips. “I’m sure you’ve just forgotten–”

“Why would I forget when I never planned on going with him?” I take a step away from her, her blue eyes darkening a fraction as her soft smile stiffens.

She gives her head a slight shake, “No, you must–”

“Ah! Or did you hear that from Adam?” I cut her off, a small grin pulling at my lips realising she didn’t want any connection to the sleazeball. That's why she mentioned me telling her instead of him. She was trying to keep a distance from the sleazy dickhead, knowing what would come out in the future.

Useless strings had to be clipped and there couldn’t be any connection when things went awry.

“I guess that makes sense, hedidmention you.” I nod, continuing, “But he didn’t exactly wait for an answer when he asked me to go. I guess he just assumed I would.” I give a small shrug, before my eyes meet hers again. “But I didn’t know you two were friends. I would have been more clear about not going if I had known.”

The smile she was wearing has grown smaller and straighter, as if it's struggling to keep its place. Something I wouldn’t have noticed or simply brushed away before.

Her eyes grow dark and narrow just a fraction before they widen. A contemplative look taking over her expression before she shakes her head.

“We are classmates, but…” Her brows furrow, a slight frown stretching her lips, “We don’t really talk much. I’m more surprised he even mentioned me.” Her gaze turns back to me, her smile widening gently again.“And maybe you're right. Maybe I overheard him talking during class about it instead?”

---