Chapter Five
Natasha
The shock only lasted for a few seconds, before I pushed him off my body. His lips tugged up in an unrepentant smirk. Our lips had merely touched, and couldn't qualify as a kiss, but repulsion crawled over my skin.
“Did you just kiss me?” It was a stupid question. But my brain wasn't moving in sync with my mouth. The question was out before I could stop it.
“Head back to the dorm, Natasha. Now.” Kai ordered. The smirk had long disappeared, and he was now looking around warily.
But I was way past caring about whatever was happening around the Academy.
“If you don't answer my question, I'll break your jaw, by the Goddess.” My chest heaved. His watch had begun glowing again, and I observed it without appearing to.
“It was barely a kiss. Don't think highly of yourself, Pest. I've kissed many girls, than I can probably keep count of.” He scoffed.
I shook my head. Of course he had.
“Don’t give me that crap.” I rasped, raising my forefinger. Blue flame burned on its tip.
“Are you stupid?!” He yelled, exasperation written over his face.
The words were barely out of his mouth before my hand collided with his jaw. Surprise shone in his eyes, but disappeared quickly.
Anger burned in his eyes when his gaze met mine again.
“How dare you hit a Prince?”
“A shitty Prince, you mean?” I retorted.
I heard a low curse, before the scene around me warped. For a while, all I could see was darkness, before it cleared up again.
I looked around. The dark room was quite unfamiliar.
“Where’s this place?” I muttered subconsciously.
“Your new prison. Since you wouldn't head back to the dorm like an obedient little princess, that'd be your new room. Why don't make yourself at home, ‘cause you'll be staying there longer than you think.” I heard Kai sneer.
“A mere cell can't keep me locked in, Kai. I can teleport whenever and wherever I want.” I snickered.
“Of course you can, Lady Natasha. You might want to take a look at the new piece of jewelry adorning your wrists.” He said sweetly.
I peered down at my wrists.
Handcuffs.
“Are you this stupid, Kai?”
“Enjoy your new room, Pest.” He said with a humorless chuckle, and then his voice faded.
I didn't bother trying to escape. That'd be too easy. But I soon discovered the reason why he'd been so confident. The handcuffs weren't ordinary.
Cold sweat broke out on my forehead, as I tried once more. Rather than falling off, they tightened. I let out an exasperated sigh as I fell to my knees on the cold cell floor.
Damned bastard.
I hugged myself, and buried my head between my knees. My mind strayed to what'd happened earlier on. What was happening at the Academy?
As if in response, the ground suddenly rumbled. I swallowed, and sat still. Waiting.
I waited for a long while, and then I heard footsteps.
“Already made yourself at home, I see,” he sneered, as he pulled open the lock.
I didn't respond, and merely brushed past him. He pulled me back before I barely made it a few steps away.
“What?” I huffed, my chest heaving.
“If you want to keep your life, steer clear off my path, Natasha.” He warned. Gone was his playful demeanor.
I whipped my hand away from his hold. “As if I need any reminder.” I began walking away and then on second thoughts, turned back.
“And Kai? The next time you lock me in a godforsaken cell, you'll know why the females of Gavemorth aren't to be underestimated.” And then I stalked away.
The pathway remained the same. Except for a few fallen vases, there was no evidence that something had happened there. I hurried towards my dorm, desperate to change into a more comfortable outfit.
I longed for my normal outfit; pants, and a loose shirt.
There was no one in the living room when I walked in.
“I wasn't expecting you back so soon,” A calm voice said as I turned the doorknob. I didn't need to turn before knowing who it was.
“Hi, Kaleb.” I still hadn't gotten over the fact that these men were my new roommates. I had to talk to Sir Patrick as soon as possible. Hopefully I'll get a change of dorm. I was sure I'd be content with anywhere. Anywhere but this particular dorm.
I finally turned to see him staring at me.
“What happened earlier on? Was the Academy under attack, or something?” I asked, noting the way his face immediately closed up. And when he spoke again, his voice had changed.
“Nothing to worry your pretty head about.” He said dismissively.
I decided to press on the topic, and instead bade him goodnight and turned to leave.
“Why don't you join me for dinner?” He asked, making me halt in my tracks.
“Maybe some other time. I'm not particularly hungry.” I said politely.
“Good. If you need a tour around the Academy, you can ask me. Not to brag, but I'm the best guide you can ever wish for.” He said with an insincere smile.
I scoffed. So much for not bragging.
“Good night.” I muttered, hurrying into the room and pretending that I hadn't felt the hair on the back of my neck standing on end. Someone had definitely been staring at me.
And it wasn't Kaleb.
I let my eyes sweep around my new room, and nodded in satisfaction. Not too girly, and too manly either.
The four poster bed had a beautiful carving on its headboard. The ground was covered with dark soft rugs. I wasted no time before rushing into the bathroom.
An hour later, when I was ready to retire to bed, I grabbed my duffel bag which I'd left on the bedside table before heading into the bathroom. My lazy actions vanished as my hand frantically searched through the bag.
Again. One more time.
I searched again and again. To make sure, I overturned the contents of my bag, and let my eyes roam over the contents. There was no sight of the bottle which I was searching for.
My heart plummeted down to my stomach. I was sure I'd brought the bottle. I'd carefully added it alongside other items which had gone into the duffel bag.
“Oh God, oh God,” I muttered softly, my heart racing.
Someone had gone through my things. But who?
I tossed and turned on the bed, afraid to close my eyes. And when in the wee hours of the morning, I finally did, my nightmares clawed at me.
I hugged myself, shivering as I leaned against the headboard. My eyes darted around the room in fear, as if any moment from then, they'd come in through the door.
Those people. Those horrible people. They were going to come in, and they were going to do horrible things to me.
The shivering increased, but my eyes remained open.
***
The bell rang loudly the next morning. I'd already changed into the allocated Academy's outfit.
Black leather pants with high knee boots, leather corset-like top and a black cloak.
As I glanced at my reflection through the mirror, loving the bold essence, Sir Patrick's voice sounded through a microphone.
“Esteemed Sirs and Ladies, it's my pleasure to welcome you back to the new session. For the new students, please head to Hilton hall where you'd be assigned your courses, and officially become students of this prestigious Academy. Thank you.”
His voice went off.
Kai was in the living room, and my gaze directly met his, as I stepped outside. His look was chilly and unnerving.
Not bothering to say a word, I sidestepped him and headed for the door.
“I’ll take you to your class,” I heard him say.
“No, thanks.”
I hurried out of the living room before he'd say something else. Kaleb was leaning against the wall outside the dorm. Just like Kai, he was wearing a black suit, and black trousers. He also had a cloak on.
“Ready?” He asked.
In spite of myself, I smiled in amusement. “Were you waiting for me?”
“Not really. But I figured you'd need my help.” He shrugged.
I merely scoffed, and followed his lead as he led the way through the meandering paths. I wondered if I'd ever familiarize myself with this place. We finally got to a large door. I watched more out of curiosity than admiration, as he raised his wrist watch towards a little hole close to the doorknob. The watch shone brightly and the door opened without a hitch.
I waited until we were outside, before I asked him what that was about.
“The door wouldn't open without your identification as a student. You were given one, weren't you?” He asked, and I silently cursed.
Was there anything worse than leaving my ‘identification tag,’ on my bedside table on my very first day as a student?
Shit.
Kaleb misread the expression on my face, as he continued chattering.
“The Academy is fascinating. You'll settle down soon enough.”
I tuned out the rest of his words, my head banging furiously. I had to find a way to get my sleeping draft, else I wouldn't be getting any wink of sleep in the coming days.
“... understood?”
I whipped my head towards Kaleb who was staring at me.
“Pardon?”
“We are here. Your first class is Shifting.”
Blood roared in my ears, as I walked through the perfectly tiled school ground, into the large hall with classes on both sides. I turned to see that Kaleb had vanished.
‘I can do this.’ I chanted inwardly, and pushed the first door open hoping that was my class.
I regretted not asking Ka
leb which class I was supposed to head to.
Fucking idiot.
Pairs of eyes met mine, as I stepped into the classroom which looked like something straight out of a dark gothic tale.
I ignored the whispers and headed straight for a vacant chair.
Natasha.“I’m sorry,” I apologized in a flustered manner, attempting to brush off the uniform of the student I'd just bumped into. Buried in my thoughts on my way to my seat, I hadn't seen her, the result was a glowering blonde looking at me with a look that could kill.“Sorry?” she repeated, disgust lacing her tone as she looked at me over. She held my wrist when I attempted to smoothen her uniform once more. “Don’t you dare touch me with those hands of yours.”I was inwardly seething with rage, but for the fact that I was the one who'd hit her first, not the other way round, I tried to maintain my calm.“I already said sorry. I was thinking about something.” I said, praying she'd just let it go.“Thinking? Hear that guys?!” She raised her voice for the benefit of other students, and her cohorts who were popping chewing gum beside her.She moved closer to me, and jabbed a finger at my chest. To my credit, I didn't lose my calm.“And what could a new stud
Xavier.‘Don’t do it.’ My inner voice warned. I watched as the boy led Natasha out of the class. She didn't look good, with bruises covered over her body. I didn't care. She'd learn how to fight as time went by. But for now, even with all the strength she boasted, she was still weak compared to an average student of the Academy. I claimed that I didn't care, yet my tie seemed tighter than usual. And I wasn't even putting on a tie. They walked past me, and the boy dipped his head differentially, but Natasha walked past. A new rage brimmed within me, more at the fact that Natasha hadn't noticed me, than at the fact that the boy had saved her.I should've been the one to. Wait-I shook my head, and donned on my non passive look before walking into the class. The girl was still giggling over her triumph. Her back was turned towards the entrance of the class so she didn't notice my entrance until one of her cohorts gestured towards my direction.Her
KaiShe hadn't seen me. I stood behind a tree far away from the garden, and watched as an unfamiliar guy tended to her. She was obviously in pain, but that wasn't the reason for my sudden anger. But what business of mine was it if my enemy was in pain? I didn't know how long I stood there for, but my chest twisted as she laughed at something the guy said. Before I could stop myself, I beelined towards them with a determined expression. “Should you be out here?” I deadpanned. Startled, the guy scrambled to his feet and bowed hurriedly. Natasha remained sitting like she hadn't seen me. “Sir Kai,” the guy said.“Do I have to repeat my question?” I asked, with a glint in my eyes. “Um, Lady Natasha had-”“The lady can speak for herself, or is our new student deaf and dumb?” I asked, still staring hard at her.No response.“How would you like your punishment, Sir-?” I cocked my head.“Aaron.” He replied weakly.“Aaron,” I repeated, stroking the rim of my
Mirah “He’s killing them,” I said, and willed myself to avert my gaze from the scene that was playing out in the projection on the wall. How could someone be so mean? “That sick bastard,” I heard Zeke growl. As he moved away, I held his arm. “Listen Zeke, we have to map out a plan. And quickly too.” I said, holding his gaze. “No,” He straightened. “The only plan there is to go out, beat the shit out of his ass. And finally send him off to the land beyond.” Zeke said with a heated gaze. I didn't blame him for his reaction. He'd just watched an uncle whom he'd been warming up to- after many years, die before his very eyes. I would react the same, even worse. “Yes. But if we make the wrong move, lives would be lost.” I reminded him. Gwev had an anxious look on his face as he walked forward. “Someone’s attacking my people. I have to get back.” He said. Something gnawed at my stomach. Tyler put the S in Sick. He was- to put it simply, deranged. I was about t
Zeke This was totally unexpected. “What do we do?” Mirah whispered to me, her eyes still trained on Tyler who was still transforming. His hair darkened like the color of the inky black night, and his fangs retreated. His muscles doubled in size, giving him the look of a giant. “We have to be on alert.” I whispered. I stared closely at Tyler, and what he was doing revealed itself naturally to me. Probably one of the powers of a Source Architect. “I gave you many chances, Zeke. But you blatantly disregarded them,” Tyler laughed loudly. It was the first time he'd regarded me as ‘Zeke,’ and not as ‘young prince.’ I glanced at Kai who noted my signal, and shadowed the others to where we were standing. Swallowing, I closed my eyes. ‘Mirah, can you hear me?’ I delved into her consciousness. She jolted, but didn't turn to me. ‘How did you do that?’ She asked. ‘I’m your mate, so it's natural now.’ I chuckled. ‘Now, don't turn. Keep an eye on his movements. I'll
Mirah I didn't have time to ponder enough, as Tyler walked in. He was dressed in a different color of suit from moments ago. “Let’s see how strong your determination is, in face of your boyfriend's death. I'm impressed, I must say. It's been weeks already.” His voice wasn't casual, even betraying a hint of anger. But that wasn't what I was concerned about. He just said, weeks. As in weeks since our last encounter? I didn't ask, afraid that I'd betray something I wasn't supposed to. As such, I pretended like I was still surrounded by heat, whereas I was lying on a plain land. “It’s time to go back. If my calculations are correct, Zeke is headed towards the castle. Alongside others of course.” He laughed sarcastically. “So this isn't Weasels?” I asked calmly. He simply cocked his head to the side, and snapped his hand. “Let’s unbind you, no?” He said, confirming my suspicion. He couldn't see through whatever facade it was that was shrouding me. And he st
Mirah Days probably moved faster here. But I had no way of knowing. The last few days, maybe weeks, had been torturous. And painful. I heard footsteps approaching, and raised my head as much as my bounded position could allow. My arms felt numb from being tied to the back. And my body burned from the heat emanating from the fire beneath. “Your face has lost color, Human. Finally caving in?” Tyler asked, as he stood on the ground safe from the fire. I didn't reply, having realized that my response only made him gloat. I pursed my lips and kept my head bowed. “It’s quite a pity you're a human, Mirabella. You'd have been a perfect fit for the Vampire royal family. But since you aren't, let's get back to the issue we have on ground. Surrender your power as the Controller.” Towards the end of his words, his voice dropped low. “I’ve told you already. I'm not the Controller.” I said, which was partly true. I wasn't the Controller yet, and I couldn't handle its pow
Mirah I hid behind a tree as I watched the swirl of dark energy swoosh past. I'd been roaming through the streets of Weasels for the past one hour, while staying hidden of course. I'd already used a spell on my back, where Darcel had stabbed me. The Lumi had completely taken over Weasels and the dark energy that spread around,made my heart beat fast. I waited until it had gone far, before coming out of my hiding place. My destination was the castle, although I doubted if Tyler was there. According to Zeke, Tyler hated the royal castle. And I wondered why, considering the fact that he wanted power. I held on to the hilt of my dark sword as I advanced. After minutes of hiding and resurfacing, the castle came into sight. I climbed a tree, so I could catch a clear glimpse of the security around. Turns out the guards manning the gates were Vampires. And they looked…different. Possessed. I inhaled sharply, and then jumped down from the tree. “Hey, there,” I calle