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
Kaleb The hall was eerily dark, with soft cold air flowing in through the opened shutters. Different masked men trooped into the meeting room. We were all dressed in the normal black midnight cloaks and a black ski masks to hide our individual identities. No one knew each other in the Sacred Order, even if you might be best friends outside. Inside here, no one was your friend. We were asked to keep the secret of the society from everyone including our spouses and close friends. No one here knew me. Or maybe they did… But it didn't matter. We were strangers to each other. Strangers who wouldn’t hesitate to kill each other. People who wouldn't hesitate to drive a sword into another's back without hesitation, all for a higher rank. I sat on my chair, my leg bouncing beneath my cloak. I was extremely hot inside, and goddess knew how I hated wearing this damned costume to this fucked up meeting. The head of the society was nowhere near the arena and we were already full and waiti
Natasha A week passed by in a hurry. I entered my room one night, hoping to get some rest before the dinner party which was scheduled to start in a few hours’ time. It was dark outside and dusk had settled, ushering the cold wind flowing from the southern coast. The moonlight was as bright as day and the crickets and otherworldly animals made different sounds, harmoniously playing nature’s music. I heard the sounds of laughter, prompting me to look out the window of my room. I saw a few guys laughing downstairs as they arranged some stuff that we’d be using for the party. The school was going to be having a dinner party with our rival school, Dam Academy. And like Sir Aaron had told me, it was an annual tradition. I sighed and quickly went into the bathroom to freshen up, which made me relax a little. Nothing felt better than warm water splashing on your skin in the slightly cold weather. Once I finished, I donned my pajamas and was about to take my sleeping draught out of hab
Natasha The ballroom was like yin and yang, but with a color theme of black and beige. I walked in nervous, unsure of what to expect, as the warning from my principal lingered in my head. Students of the Dark Realm Royal Academy were dressed in black, while our rivals wore beige, giving the hall a striking aesthetic. I settled into a quiet spot, looking around, aware that this spot was part of the party ground but not where everyone wanted to be. Barely anybody could see me, but I could see everyone. Nobody really wanted to see me anyways, as the party was more like a crowd of strangers waiting for the arrival of their bus at the bus stop. They barely smiled at each other, and when they passed by each other, it was either a sudden COVID-safe distance practice or a shove by the shoulder to start trouble. It started to seem like there was unity when the principal of the rival academy walked in. All heads started to turn towards the same direction. Barely interested in the speech, I s
Kai Fury burned in my eyes as I glared at Tristan, my fist clenched and ready to strike. But just as I was about to pounce, Natasha stepped in between us, her emerald eyes blazing with a fire I hadn't seen before. “Don’t even think about it,” she said. “Or you'll have me to contend with.” My anger faltered, my mind racing with the complexities of our rivalry. How could she not see? Tristan was playing her, weaving a web of charm to mask his true intentions. But explaining the history between us, the depth of our rivalry, felt impossible in this charged moment. My brother, on the other hand, seemed to revel in the tension. Natasha's words stung. How could the princess of a kingdom be so naive? Was she so easily swayed by a stranger's charm that she dismissed my actions out of hand? “It is my duty to take care of new students. Don't think much into this.”I countered, frustration edging into my voice. “You have no idea who this guy is, Natasha.” “Then tell me who the fuck he i
Thirty minutes ago. Natasha My feet pounded against the polished floor, the thud echoing in the empty hallway. Every muscle in my body tensed with the memory of Kai's unnecessarily angry face and his infuriating secrecy. The way he'd tried to control me, just like back then… Worse still, I hadn't even forgiven him for the underground room’s incident. The measly fire he'd conjured. It was a fear tied to the darkness of the past, the memory of a thousand tiny tortures that still made my blood run hot. I couldn't believe I had ever trusted him. The fear I felt during the punishment wasn't just because of the flames. It was more complicated than that. Lost in my rage, I didn't see the hulking figure stagger out from the shadows until it was almost too late. It towered over me, its eyes burning with a malevolent fire. My breath caught in my throat. Consumed by anger, I was ready to take on anyone or anything. I posed for a fight, my fists clenched and my heart