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Chapter 124
~Valerie’s POV~
I yawned, still tired even after waking up at 6 a.m. today. The morning air inside the dorm felt still, crisp, like the world was holding its breath.
I adjusted the strap of my schoolbag on my shoulder and stepped into the common area, half expecting it to be empty.
But as I turned toward the common area, I caught sight of Isla perched on the kitchen counter, barefoot and hugging a warm cup of coffee like it was a lifeline.
She looked relaxed, her dark curls pinned up messily, a soft smirk playing on her lips as her eyes found mine.
"Morning," I said cautiously.
She didn’t reply at first. Just sipped her coffee. That smile still lingered, and I could feel it—the knowing in her gaze.
"What?" I asked finally, narrowing my eyes as i placed my bag on the counter and took a seat beside her.
Isla set her cup down and stood up slowly, walking toward me.
"Saw my phone yesterday night," she said casually. "Saw the call log. Checked with Dristan."
I tilted my head, unsure where she was going.
Her voice dropped just a touch. "He said you forgave them."
I blinked. "Well—"
Before I could say another word, she dropped her mug and pulled me into a quick, tight hug.
"Thanks," she whispered into my ear.
I froze for a beat, then relaxed. "It wasn’t about them," I murmured. "It was about me."
She nodded as we moved back. "Still. You did what most wouldn’t."
I gave a half shrug. "They deserved a lesson. Not exile. It wasn’t just asking about my number. They never felt the need to have it in the first place, and your cousin got jealous and acted entitled with me. Not cool."
Isla laughed, sipping the last of her coffee before setting it in the sink. "For the record, the world’s holding its breath for how they’ll screw up next."
I smirked. "So dramatic."
She leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "So what’s your next move, and how do you plan on handling them. Min you, alpha males are very possessive, territorial and..."
"I’ll survive." I picked up a glass and took some water. "Where’s Astraea and Emerald?
"Astraea’s not around—she went to visit her cousin. Princess Titania. Said she needed clarity."
"Makes sense." I nodded. "Emerald?"
"In the lab early. She said she had to check on a sample with Professor Kenric before class."
I shifted my bag on my shoulder and glanced toward the door. "We should head out too if we do not want to be late."
"You haven’t had breakfast, Valerie," Isla called out, stopping me from leaving.
"You need to take cereals like a normal growing child at least."
I stared at her plainly as though I were seeing a ghost or something.
"What?" Isla asked
I smiled. "Don’t play the mother role right now, Isla."
"Well, if I don’t take care of you, who will?" I smirked and shook my head.
"Come on, gulp something down.
I shook my head. "Fine."
As I quickly ate my cereal, Isla’s voice carried on.
"So... you want to ho on a date with them or you are still observing?"
"Observe."
"Hmm... okay... yeah. Before someone else finds a way to hijack your attention."
If only she knew.
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The halls were quiet when I arrived at class, but that silence didn’t last long.
As I stepped into the lecture room, my steps slowed just a fraction. He was already there.
Kieran.
Ever since the first time I caught him staring at me, he and I haven’t crossed paths. Well, we’ve seen each other but haven’t had a hearty discussion with him.
Reclined back in the corner seat like he owned the place, legs stretched, arms crossed behind his head with that lazy arrogance he wore like cologne.
His blonde hair was slicked back today, with a few strands falling across his forehead in a careless way. His eyes—those unsettling, molten hazel ones—tracked me the moment I entered.
He smiled.
Of course he did.
Slow. Sharp. Dangerous.
He said nothing. Not right away. Just let his gaze trail, from my face to the curve of my shoulder to the way I gripped my bag a little tighter.
He was playing.
Kieran always played.
He didn’t need to touch me to get a reaction—he was the reaction.
I made my way to a seat two rows ahead, refusing to acknowledge him. If I fed the fire, he’d only burn hotter.
Still... I could feel him lean forward.
"Morning, Sunshine," his voice finally purred, soft enough that only I could hear it.
I didn’t turn. "Pick a new target, Kieran. I’m not in the mood."
"Who said anything about targeting?" he replied, feigning innocence. "Maybe I just wanted to greet my favorite classmate."
I exhaled slowly. "You’re pushing your luck."
He chuckled, a low sound that curled around my spine. "Wasn’t it you who said we all need to learn something? Maybe I’m here for the lesson."
I turned halfway, giving him a cold glance over my shoulder. "Some people need to learn respect first."
He leaned forward, resting his chin on one hand, smile unfazed. "And some people need to admit when they like the attention."
That earned a full eye roll.
"Dristan warned you, didn’t he?" I asked flatly.
Kieran’s grin widened, his eyes sparking with mischief. "He did."
"And you’re still here?"
"I’m always where I’m not supposed to be, darling. Makes things more interesting."
My jaw clenched. But I refused to give him the satisfaction of an emotional reaction. That’s what he wanted—chaos, friction, tension.
Kieran thrived in it.
I turned back fully in my seat, ignoring the way he was now subtly tapping his pen against the desk in an idle rhythm.
He was making a point.
He wasn’t going anywhere.
And while I hated to admit it...
Part of me didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing.