MasukBarbara’s povBy the time my last class ended, my brain felt like it had been torn apart or used dry and i fully knew it wasn’t just from the stressful lectures and dozen of notes, and it wasn't from trying to keep up with everything that was being thrown at me.The real reason was everything else that was layered on top of the terrible headaches and stressful schedule I had to deal with for the day.The sleepwalking, walking to the forest, the way I had no memory of actually leaving my room, the idea of being stopped and guided by Tristan and him being the one who found me made it a bit better and also terrible.I slowly looked at the bracelet that was still wrapped around my wrist like a quiet reminder that something about me was not right and I needed to know what it was.I exhaled slowly as I stepped out into the cold air, adjusting my bag on my shoulder. All I could think of was my training for the day, that was my plan after my lectures.It’s so odd how it has turned into my str
Barbara’s povThe bracelet felt heavier than it should have, I could tell it wasn’t physical because it would show obviously if it was because of how heavy it is but this time it was different. This time, it wasn’t bulky or uncomfortable that made my skin react like the usual bracelets or anything jewelry would have done to me. Instead, it fit perfectly around my wrist, like it had always belonged there, like it was actually mine and I was the original owner.But there was something that was different, I could feel it in my skin, there was a faint warmth against my skin, it wasn’t uncomfortable or annoying at all like the bracelet my uncle had given me before I got admission into this school. This warmth was faint, it was subtle and it was constant which almost felt grounding, not in a bad way.I stared at it for a second before pushing the door open.The room was dimly lit, it wasn’t the exact opposite but something just felt different.Only the small desk lamp by Lily’s side was
Tristan’s povI knew something was off the moment I saw her walking by her side, it didn’t look like it was dramatic because there was no lightning and no sudden tension in the air.Everything just felt wrong and terrible which made something in me awaken. Instead, it was the kind of wrong you don’t notice at first until your instincts start scratching at the back of your mind.I was already halfway to the training ground with my often worn hoodie slung over my shoulder, that was when I spotted someone walking ahead of me. I spotted ahead.It was Barbara.She wasn’t dressed like she was just taking a stroll around the gym, she was actually walking alone and it was toward the forest that was behind the school. The forest is very notorious for having lots of injuries and horrible tales that are tied to it.I slowed my steps slightly, frowning as I headed to talk to her. “That’s new,” I muttered.She didn’t usually come this way, especially not alone. The times I’ve seen her here was eit
Tristan’s povThere’s a certain kind of silence that only exists in our dorm, it was not the peaceful kind but it wasn’t the calm and quiet kind people like to pretend they enjoy.No, that was not the case. In our case, it was the kind that always felt like something was about to happen, like a storm patiently stalling just beneath the surface, waiting for the big day to come.I pushed the door open without knocking. Of course, it was my room too. Initially, it was supposed to be my room only, not until my dad decided my brothers had to stay with me, citing that he doesn’t trust them enough to stay by themselves without being supervised.At first, I was totally against the idea but after he promised to get me whatever I want and wouldn’t ask me a thing about it, except my engagement with Cheryl. That was the only thing he told me no and declined my offer of exchanging with either of my brothers.Jeremiah was sprawled across the couch like he owned the place which, technically, I did.
Barbara’s pov By the time I got back to the dorm, my entire body ached from all the vigorous and rigorous exercise and workouts Tristan had made me go through. It was not the normal kind of ache and definitely wasn’t the soft, dull soreness that comes after a long day. This time around, it was deeper and sharper like my muscles had been pushed past their limits and were now quietly protesting every movement I made. I dropped my bag on the floor and shut the door behind me with my foot, letting out a slow breath as I leaned against it. Training with Tristan was a whole lot to process and deal with. He didn’t hold back like I thought he would. I thought maybe he would have empathy because I’m a girl but I was wrong. And the worst part was that I didn’t want him to, because every time he pushed me harder and every time he told me to go faster, hit stronger, react quicker, something inside me answered like my body knew what to do before I did and like it had been waiting for this.
Tristan’s povShe showed up and that was the first thing that surprised me, not because I thought she’d back out but because most people did.They talked big, made promises and acted brave, then disappeared the moment they realized what they signed up for.But Barbara?She stood at the edge of the training grounds behind the gym at exactly the time I told her.There was no hesitation on her end and no second-guessing.She was just there waiting and her arms crossed lightly, hair pulled back and her eyes scanning the area like she was already trying to understand it.I leaned against the fence for a moment, watching her before making my presence known.She hadn’t seen me yet or at least, I thought she hadn’t.“Are you going to keep staring or actually start?” she said without turning.I froze for half a second then smirked. “Careful with the way you speak to your coach” I said, pushing off the fence. “You’re already getting too bold.”She turned to face me. “Maybe you’re just slow, coa







