Chapter 2

“You already have Molly by your side, Ares,” I replied, my voice calm. “You would definitely not need me anymore!”

“Am I bonded to her?” He spat, “You are feeding on my Academic credits, living under my house, enjoying the luxury earned on my merits, and you dare to talk back to me?”

“You are feeding on me, not Molly. I’m your bonded master. So, you will serve me. Molly is someone I adore. She isn’t here to do such a petty job. It's yours.”

I clenched the skirt under my palm as I refused to shed tears for someone who doesn't deserve it.

So, ten years of my service, a way to show him my affection, was just a petty job to him I was doing in return for what he was bound to provide his soul beast?

I wasn't a soul beast in his eyes. I was merely a servant; he thought he was paying well.

“Then take it!” I said, my voice low while my gaze remained fixed on the training field.

“Say that again!” Ares barked.

“I said take everything back you gave me. I no longer need them because I’m done serving you.” I replied with equal intensity.

A pin dropped, silent. Then, the whispers and snickers began.

“She really said it! To her own master?”

“What a shame!”

“How dare she talk back to her own master?”

“That little bunny has got nerves.”

Hearing his batchmates talking behind him and actually making fun of him under their sleeves, Ares’s blood ran cold in his head. He bit his lips before yelling, “You don't need my protection anymore? Fine! Then let's see how you save those weak kittens once I take my shield back.”

“No!” I cried, “Do not touch them. They are innocent.”

“Innocent and weak!” He leaned closer as he whispered, “Just like you. They should have already been eaten by big beasts to boost their energy.”

By the Academy’s rule, if any beast was born with no spiritual power, they were considered defective and would be discarded by the Academy, to be hunted and fed by others.

I happened to save two such kittens who were too small and cute. I had been raising them for a year, and because I was Ares’s spiritual beast, no one dared hunt them.

But if he would take his protection back, I couldn't assume what would come of them. After raising them for a year, I had a deep bond with them, and I didn't want them to die.

I looked back at Ares as I sighed, “Fine, I’ll just do my job then.”

I’m leaving you in three days anyway. Till then, I can do it for the sake of my kittens.

I grabbed a towel lying nearby and was about to wipe the sweat off his forehead when he grabbed my arms.

“Not mine,” he said, “Molly is sweating. Go wipe her body.”

His gaze remained fixed on me throughout as I turned and quietly walked in Molly’s direction. But she happened to be releasing a strong Mana whose direction was just at me.

Someone screamed from behind, “Watch out!”

It was Ares’s voice. But it was too late. The mana hit straight to my chest, making me cough a mouthful of blood before I lost control over myself.

“Adria… are you okay?”

I heard Ares’s voice, laced with genuine care and guilt as he rushed to hold me in his arms.

Molly ran up to me, breathing heavily, “I swear it was a mistake, Ares!”

“I didn't know Adria was coming in my direction.”

Ares didn't look at her. His gaze remained fixed on me. “Adria, are you alright?”