Post-Apocalypse: Mated To Alphas Of Orion-Chapter 72: Unexpected Meeting

(Amaia)

The next day, I wake up late and know the breakfast time is almost gone. The sun has risen, illuminating our room through the curtain.

I climb out of bed with my hair frizzled and glance in Kacir’s direction. He is still sleeping like a log, his head turned in the other direction, like he always does when sleeping.

So I use the wash area real quick and get dressed in the tracksuit and joggers for the sporting event.

Once ready, I check out Zille’s wooden home but he is not here. I fill up his food and water trays so in case he returns, he will have plenty to eat.

Then I approach Kacir and gently place my hand on his thin arm, shaking him.

"Kacir!" He doesn’t get up or stir. So I repeat it again. This time, he moves, so I take a step back, giving him space. I know by now he doesn’t like to face me or others when he wakes up, he always adjusts his hair first.

"Is it morning already?" He asks in a lazy sleepy voice.

"Yes, and we have missed breakfast," I tell him, sitting on my bed again.

"Give me a moment, Amaia, and we will head down." Adjusting his hair, he finally glances in my direction.

"How are you feeling?" I ask with a faint smile.

"At least I got to sleep, so not bad. The pain is there but it’s like a slow hum. I will be good." Assuringly, I nod at him and he leaves the bed.

"Take your time." I am just glad he slept through the shenanigans of my night. This shouldn’t be repeated. Last night, he had the sleeping drug in his system, but I can’t go on doing that with him present. My ears burn with the very thought.

Once Kacir is ready we head down. "I will grab a late breakfast, and then we can head out on the field."

He approaches a staff member and says something in her ear. She instantly nods and moves away.

"Come, our food will be here in the dining hall," he says with a smile.

"How did you do that? I am sure they will never give me food if I ask," I complain with a small scowl making Kacir laugh slowly.

"Connections with the right people, although I don’t abuse it," he answers, and my heart eases seeing him smiling. Kacir deserves so much better.

We settle in the empty dining hall and our food arrives soon enough. The aroma of the freshly made food makes my mouth water and my stomach growl.

Jelly, they even brought us jelly which has become quite a delicacy. The red dome with sprinkled fruits makes me greedy and I grab the plate before anything else.

My quickness makes Kacir laugh again. "A jelly enthusiast."

Filling my spoon I plop the big glob into my mouth and just savour the taste.

"Ummm!" I close my eyes and let the jelly melt in my mouth, satisfying my taste buds with its sweet-sour taste.

Kacir pushes his own plate towards me too. "Eat this as well."

I must have done something good to deserve a friend like him.

"No, no. One is fine. I can’t take your share." I push the plate back towards him.

Just then we are shadowed by a presence. Kacir stiffens beside me and loses his smile. I glance in the direction of the shadow and am left speechless to see Headmaster Azian Fallon standing in front of us.

His penetrating gaze focuses on me with such ferocity that the spoon in my hand trembles and I have to put it down. An undeniable amount of authority exudes from him.

I am not sure if to stand up and greet him, or just lower my eyes, or keep staring. Everything feels overwhelming under his judgmental gaze.

"Miss Amaia Zhāng," he says as if it’s a command. His black hair is neatly combed and his hands rest behind his back.

"Yes?"

"I would like to have a private word. If you would follow me to my office," he instructs, his eyes wavering to Kacir.

"Just don’t," Kacir says in a tone I have never seen him use.

My head turns to glance in his direction and I find his hands fisted on the table and jaw tightened. Staring defiantly at the headmaster.

Confusion mars my expressions at what’s going on.

"I don’t need your permission to speak with her," he says calmly but firmly to Kacir. Not raising his voice but the sheer authority I feel in my bones.

"Miss Zhāng, if you may." His eyes focus on me again and I have no choice but to stand up.

"I will be back soon," I promise Kacir who is just fuming and staring at the headmaster as if he has committed a crime of the century.

Does he know something I don’t? Maybe the headmaster is angry that we are having breakfast this late.

Headmaster Fallon turns and begins to walk away and I quickly follow, trying to keep up. His pace is not fast, but he is a tall man with long legs, and I am a very short person.

He leads me through the corridors without speaking. His silver cape flies behind him, and I can’t even tell if he is angry or if that’s just his resting face.

Heads turn from wherever we pass, and people gossip, giving me looks.

Finally, we arrive outside a silver door and the two sentinels posted outside quickly open it for us. He marches inside and I follow. The door closes behind us with a soft click.

My eyes adjust, and I see his office is lit with an actual light bulb, a rarity in our world since electricity is no longer mass-produced. It’s mostly solar-powered projects which make electricity now, and only the rich can afford them.

The lacquered oak desk is immaculately neat and there is an old computer on it. The data, especially related to people, is stored on computers in states like Orion. That’s where they must keep all the data.

Headmaster Fallon crosses to the other side and takes the black leather armchair. Neatly placing his elbows on the desk he intertwines his long fingers.

His eyes find me as he says, "Please, have a seat. I want to speak with you."