A Fire

“You learn quickly,” Ash said as I returned to my spot.

“You don’t lower your guard when using a sword. You could have been badly injured.” Cruz spoke without looking at me, his voice flat and without emotion, but the words were meant for me.

“I can train you personally,” Ash offered. I hesitated. Something about his tone unsettled me.

“It would have to be at midnight,” he added. That was when I understood.

I was disguised as a man, but in truth I was still a girl. Training with him alone at midnight was risky.

Still, the offer was tempting.

As I debated what to do, Cruz’s voice cut in. “In a real battle, you could die.” He was implying I should accept Ash’s offer.

Those two never agreed on anything, yet Cruz seemed almost supportive this time. Strange.

Regardless of emotions, I needed the training. If I wanted to survive here, avenge my brother, and one day take my father’s throne, I had to become stronger, because pride would not save me.

“What time tonight?” I asked.

***

On my way to dinner, I took a shortcut through an area called Vixen Turf. I wanted to arrive quickly, so I ignored the safer path.

The place was almost empty, but I kept my nerves steady and walked on.

As expected, I was stopped. Two guys blocked my way.

“Hey, pretty boy,” one of them called out.

I looked at him with disdain and forced my voice to sound firm. “What do you want?”

“You trespassed, and you’re asking us that?” one of them barked.

I glanced around calmly. “This is school property. I’m not trespassing.”

The other one spoke up. “Just come with us. Someone wants to see you.”

I followed. Something inside me was curious.

They led me past barriers into a hidden space that felt cut off from the rest of the school.

“Hey!” A voice called. I turned and saw the boy I had sparred with earlier.

His presence felt different now. He seemed to be the leader here. Trouble was certain, and I knew it had to do with our earlier fight.

“You wanted to see me?” I asked.

He scoffed. “You speak arrogantly.” He muttered the words to himself, then dropped his cigarette and stepped closer.

“Do you want to swim?” he asked suddenly.

I frowned, confused at first, then I remembered Rowan’s warning before he died: If someone asks you to swim, it’s a trap.

“I’m not interested. I have things to do,” I quickly replied as I turned to leave.

He blocked my path, his eyes cold. “I don’t need your consent.”

Our eyes locked, and I sensed movement behind me. Move! my instincts screamed. I bent low just as a wooden plank swung past me and struck his face instead.

He cursed furiously, clutching his cheek. The one holding the plank panicked. “I’m sorry, Edgar, I didn’t mean to!”

They were distracted, and I took the chance to escape.

Outside, I finally breathed freely. But deep down, I knew I had just made an enemy in this school.

By the time I reached the dining hall, nothing else blocked my way. I had not eaten in nearly a full day, so the sight of a food tray being placed before me filled me with relief.

I had just started eating when Cruz came and sat across from me.

“You keep finding trouble, don't you?,” he said.

I frowned. “Were you watching me? Are you following me?”

He stared directly at me with raised brows. “Are you a girl?”

I choked, coughing hard. He just watched, offering no help. My throat burned as I finally steadied myself.

“What kind of question is that?” I asked, glaring at him.

“Are you hiding something?” he pressed further.

“That’s none of your business.”

He was silent for a moment before speaking again. “Stay away from Ash. He’s dangerous.”

“And you’re not?” I asked.

He only smirked and toyed with his food.

Suddenly, someone burst into the hall shouting. “Fire! Fire!”

Chaos erupted. Cruz and I rushed outside with the others.

The gym was burning, flames climbing its walls but not spreading quickly.

“Is Ash inside?” someone asked.

“I saw him go in just now,” another answered.

I looked for Cruz, but he was already running towards the fire. His speed shocked me. Without thinking, I ran too, though fear held me back from entering the building.

Others went inside to help too. But somehow, the fire weakened, even without firefighters.

Then Ash appeared, walking out as if nothing had happened.

“You were worried about me, weren’t you?” he said with a smile.

Anger flared inside me. How could he smile after this? Still, I kept my composure.

“We haven’t finished the Alpha trials. You can’t die yet,” I replied coolly.

He acted hurt, but I ignored him. My eyes searched the entrance. Cruz had not come out.

“Cruz will be fine,” Ash said casually.

A moment later, Cruz emerged, his nose bleeding. I rushed toward him. “Are you alright? Why would you…”

He cut me off with a wave of his hand and walked past. His face was dark with anger.

Without warning, he struck Ash in the face, hard. Gasps filled the crowd.

“What are you doing?” I shouted, moving between them.

Cruz glared at Ash. “Were you planning to kill them? What were you thinking, starting a fire?” His voice thundered with fury, louder than I had ever heard.

Silence followed. Everyone was stunned.

Ash said nothing. His silence confirmed the truth. Then he walked away.

Cruz left in the opposite direction.

I stood frozen, unable to believe what I had just witnessed. This place was growing more dangerous by the day.