Trust is earned

Being back in school made me uneasy because of the stares and whispers as I walked the hallways. Nova screamed as she saw me, running towards me.

Finally, she said, hugging me, you have to tell me everything. Pulled away and looked at me. You look different.

I’m not a girl anymore…I whispered.

Her mouth stayed open. Recovering, she pulled me into the dorm room. Spit it out, who is he?

Sorry, Nova is complicated. I can’t tell you; it's a matter of …

The professor? It must’ve been so hot. Who is he?

Nova, please, I can’t… but yes, it was hot, and he is…

There was a knock on the door. Nova opened it as I was unpacking my little bag. Noctis. His eyes fixated on me, almost looking through me.

Welcome back, Zaria, he said, kissing my hand, definitely old-fashioned. I want to ask you on a real date.

Uhhhh, okay, like what? Why?

He finally broke his stern face with a smile. Can I surprise you? Or you can tell me what you want?

Surprise is fine, I said, looking suspiciously at him. Why the sudden interest in me?

It is not sudden, and I don’t have a hidden agenda; you can trust me.

Oh, trust…that it will take some work, Noctis. Trust is earned.

Yes, I agree…So, yes, for the date?

Maybe tomorrow, and yes, pick me up after seven. I stared him straight in the eyes. He looked sincere, but I promised Malacar that I would be careful about trusting someone. He was right, I knew that, and I kept my guard up. Besides, I was so in love with him that no one really mattered to me. I accepted the date only to blend in, to follow the life of the academy.

Malacar said I will understand more when I become my real self. He still doesn’t know what I am, but he knows that we are from the same faction, maybe. That made me happy, because I want to be with him and visit the realm of forgotten souls. The realm they call monsters.

They labeled them after the war; they are seen as the lowest class, and the king never recovered after Alexandra’s death.

Zaria? Nova touched my arm, and I was startled. Noctis’s brows furrowed.

Sorry, yes, Noctis. I will be ready for a date tomorrow. Then I smiled.

Seemed to me that everything was a game, an ugly game of factions, alliances, and power. Like history, the most powerful rule, but also makes the worst of enemies.

Noctis kissed my hand. I will see you in class, by the way- heads up, I’m taking you to my realm.

What? I’m human, no way…

I will be the next king of vampires; no one will dare to touch you while I am with you. Now, it's your turn to trust me, Zaria.

I let out a nervous laugh. Noctis, I will do my best to keep an open mind. He took a step closer to me and leaned in.

You’re not human, and I can hardly wait to find out what you can do.

I pulled away slowly. Interesting, I thought. Did he feel something? He turned and left. Nova looked at me, confused.

Are you going on a date? Zaria won’t your…I covered her mouth.

Nova, everyone thinks I am unattached, and I plan to keep it this way, or I will be expelled for having an affair with a professor.

I see, you’re protecting him- so romantic, she said as she half-shifted, twirling her tail. He will be angry with you. Her tail lifted my chin, tickling me.

Stop it, I grabbed her white tail.

What this, she said, keeping her tail close to my neck…we laughed and giggled. Then remembered we have classes. Sighed.

Malacar’s POV

I stared out the window thinking of Zaria. My whole being wanted to be close to her; she’s my mate. I wanted more than anything to be there to protect her. Mine. I hope she remembered to drink the potion, or they’ll smell my scent on her.

Walked into the weapons class to see her next to Noctis. He looked at her with loving eyes that made my blood boil. Took a deep breath.

Today, you pair and protect what's yours, because on the battlefield, there is no choice. Two teams split fast; let’s move it.

Noctis pulled her to his side, immediately, very protective.

Another tip: keep in mind that sometimes, in fighting, you’ll try to protect someone you care about; that’s when you’re the weakest, especially if the enemy knows it.

Now, let’s get started. You have one minute to plan a pretend attack. Gear up, and take your places. I opened the door to the large simulation room, with trees and large rocks, a small open area, and mostly dense forest.

I flipped the coin, and Noctis' team went in first to take position. Valerian team, which included Astrid, waited for the doors to open. Please remember you can only use the weapons, no magic. The doors opened, and the team walked inside carefully. Cameras recorded, which made me nervous. I hope they won’t make her angry again.

Noctis was a good strategist, and the other team surrendered in no time. Astris got so angry and lunged at him as his back was turned. Zaria saw her coming, pushed him out of the way, blocked her, and then hit her hard on the face. Blood started to trickle from her mouth. What happened next I didn’t foresee. Astrid began chanting as a dense fog formed. I knew she’d try to hurt her, and I shouted for everyone to come out. Everyone did except Astrid and Zaria. I cursed under my breath and went inside.

It's a matter of time before I finish you, human, Astrid shouted, come out, you coward, and fight me.

The blow came hard; I heard it, but I did not see it. I didn’t know if it was Astrid or Zaria. Fog started to disperse.

Astrid coughed and laughed. Sneaky bitch, I will teach you a lesson you’ll never forget, she shouted. Her chanting grew, and I walked towards the sound.

Zaria appeared from behind the simulated trees, smiling, her eyes focused. I stood in place, not knowing what she’d do next.

Astrid held her hands to the fire, raised them, and threw them towards Zaria as I screamed her name. It never reached her; her hand went out, and she formed a black shield. The fire ricocheted off the shield and returned to the owner, knocking her off her feet into the wall.

Zaria, I shook her. Please look at me… Her eyes finally focused.

Malacar? she asked, confused. Then looked around, and she saw Astrid on the floor, unconscious. I remembered that everything was recorded.

I walked her outside and went back for Astrid. Noctis was hugging her tight, petting her hair, and a loud growl came out of me. He is touching what is mine.

Noctis turned to me and looked shocked. Master?