~Rose~I didn't understand what Mr. Adams meant to say. Is he making me an offer? What does he want? Was there something wrong?"What do you mean, sir?" Rylee expressed my curiosity.Mr. Adams laughed. I didn't know which part was funny—Rylee's question or our curiosity. After that, Mr. Adams sighed and pushed a folder before me."You can see for yourself. You only have one more chance, Rosemary. One more infraction, and you will be expelled from this school." Mr. Adams' eyes were fixed on me.This sentence pierced my heart. I unconsciously grabbed Rylee's hand.I couldn't allow myself to be expelled, as I had promised him. "He" had helped me with so many things, and he only asked one thing of me: that I stay in this school. However, Sonya and her slaves became a complex problem for me to control. They always put me in a difficult situation.Mr. Adams' offer sounded very convincing. I didn't know what he offered, but I thought it would keep me safe."What should I do, sir? I hope it's
~Rose~The training lasted for two weeks, three times a week. My skills had yet to progress significantly, but I had learned many new techniques. Mr. Adams and his assistant have been patient with me. My shots still miss the target a lot. But at least they are better than when I first arrived.Dad taught me the basics of archery, while Mr. Adams taught me professional techniques. I thought doing what I loved would be easy, but I was wrong. Despite Mr. Adams' theories, I needed to catch up on many shots. Wind direction, aiming angle, and strength of the pull determined the shot's accuracy. "You have fifteen minutes to rest," Mr. Adams said."I have to go to the bathroom," I told him.Because of our frequent interactions, I no longer felt awkward talking to Mr. Adams. Also, Mr. Adams was very humble. We were like friends. I liked Mr. Adams.The bathroom was quite far from the field where we practiced. I wonder if this whole place belongs to Mr. Adams. I saw no significant activity in t
~Rose~I really can't think of anything. Collin could have reported me to Mr. Adams if I had overheard their conversation. Collin clearly had his eyes on me with a lock of his eyes. If he really wanted me out of there, he could have complained to Mr. Adams to let him know I was eavesdropping, but he didn't."What does he want?" I muttered."What?" Rylee turned to me. And it was then that I realised I was verbalising my thoughts."Nothing," I replied, not wanting Rylee to get involved in my problems."After school, I have to go see Mr. Alfred. You can come with me.""No! I'm going to the library. I need some references for my biology assignment." I said that as an excuse. I wanted to be free of Rylee; that was the point.Rylee looked at me for a moment. He seemed to be thinking about something. I think he was trying to convince himself that I wasn't making excuses to avoid him. But it wasn't long before he said, "Okay." I was relieved that Rylee wasn't asking me too many questions. Ho
~Rose~I looked Sonya straight in the eye and heard whispers from all around."We all know you started it. You tripped me. And what I did was only self-defense." I looked right and left at my classmates, who were whispering to each other with their eyes fixed on me. "You must have heard it as well, right? The cafeteria's security camera recorded the actual incident.""You're the one who broke my hand, Rosemary Cassilas!" Sonya said in a hissing voice."That was just self-defense. But if you want me to apologize, okay. I apologize for breaking your hand," I said without taking my eyes off her.The corners of Sonya's lips turned up. She didn't understand the meaning of sarcasm. "That's good! That's what you should have done," Sonya said.Sonya was stupid. She was just lucky to have been born into a wealthy family."Well, if you have nothing else to say to me, I'm going to excuse myself," I said as I swung my legs around.I walked past Sonya. When I reached her side, I paused and whispe
~Rose~"Hello, Rosemary." Collin greeted me with a big smile.I took a deep breath and closed the book I was reading. I lazily raised my eyes to Collin and asked, "What do you want?"Collin laughed, saying, "You're so wild, like a dog barking. You know what? It doesn't scare me at all. It's just adorable."Damn it! Collin compared me to a dog. But I must not let it affect me. I whispered to myself, "Stay calm, Rose! His words won't bring you down!"Then I asked him, "What are you doing here? The high school building is over there." I pointed to the high school building.This foundation houses education from elementary to high school, each with its own building. Collin is a senior. He shouldn't be here."I didn't lose my card." He smiled so broadly that the corners of his eyes crinkled. "But I came here specifically to meet you," he said.I saw Collin's friends smiling. It was like they were mocking me. They must have known Collin's purpose, and I was sure it wasn't good for me."If yo
~Rose~It's been a while since he contacted me. Ever since I completed the blood ritual, he taught me. He always contacted me with different numbers; I could never reach him first. All I know is that he always uses a number ending in 008. That's why I was so sure it was him, and I was so happy.I ensured the door to my room was locked, and then I answered the phone as I walked to my bed."Rose here," I said as the phone connected."Hello, Rose. How are you?" he asked. I knew it wasn't his authentic voice because it was different every time he called me, but it gave me a sense of comfort."I'm doing well. You? Why don't you ever call me?" I asked as I landed on the bed.He laughed softly. "I'm sorry. I've been busy," he replied."What are you doing?" I asked."Lots of things. Too much to tell you," he replied."I want to tell you something. The ritual worked. Mom is finally awake, and it's going well. Thank you. None of this would have happened if it wasn't for your help. Look, I don't
~Rose~My heart raced when I saw Dad's curious expression. I held my breath briefly as I racked my brain to escape Dad's curiosity.Dad scrolled over to me and asked, "Is he your friend?""Dad-""Good evening, Mr. Cassilas!" Collin walked past me and held out his hand to Dad.I stood speechless. Collin's actions were beyond my expectations. I thought he would run away after meeting Dad. But it turned out that he greeted Dad and showed his sinless smile. But something was intriguing when Collin and Dad shook hands. I saw Collin holding back a grimace as if he was in pain. It looked like Dad was holding Collin's hand so tightly that he was in pain.Good job, Dad!Dad squinted and looked at Collin from head to toe."Your face looks familiar," Dad said, narrowing his eyes even more on Collin."Ah, yes, of course. You must be familiar with my father's face, Maxton Adams," Collin replied, sounding very confident as if he and his father were on good terms.Collin's demeanour and response to
~Ace~Letting my thirteen-year-old daughter go out at night with a boy was something I wouldn't have done without a purpose. And I didn't let her go alone. After they passed through the gate, I quickly got out of the car and caught up with them.I was worried when the boy drove recklessly. Despite his young age, he was quite capable. But I wasn't thinking about that. I must not be seen. They couldn't know I was following.It was quite crowded in 909. I lost Rose after they got out of the car. So, I decided to go inside. I looked for Rose among the teenagers enjoying the stage show. Not long after a comedian left the stage, the host called out the name of the band Adams' son had mentioned, The Demon King. The applause and screams from the teens were deafening as they chanted Collin Adams' name."This is The Demon King's latest song, which I wrote especially for someone," Collin Adams said as he turned to the right side of the stage.I followed his gaze and saw my daughter sitting at o