Zeph’s POV after he met Lourden

It baffled me how vile those in power could become. That’s why I always hated people with Supreme power, they always abused it. I headed back to my room because I needed to cool down and think.

As I was climbing the stairs I saw Ralph and Serene standing on top with concerned looks on their faces. Serene asked me if I was ok but Lourden’s words were ringing in my ear. I knew how those in power could get people killed without batting an eye. She had told me her father was an alpha, so it wouldn’t be surprising. I had seen it happen to my father, I didn’t trust higher-ups after that.

Although Serene herself was royalty, there was no certainty to what extent crazy people like Lourden would go to get what they need.

So, I shouted at her and threw every mean thing I could think of. It hurt me to see her cry and my best friend angry at me. But, I knew he would take care of Serene because he took her like his sister. I needed to be alone so I left them and headed for the room.

Thankfully it was empty, so I just flopped on my bed thinking, trying to make sense of things.

If anything was to happen to Serene, it could lead to a bloody war between the Fae and Lycanus Realm. Ending the peaceful era we were living in. I had to protect her and keep her away from Lourden at all costs.

But, what did Lourden do to me last night? It can’t be a spell because everyone would know. Drinks I got myself from where everyone else was getting, then how? Then I remembered the paper, that damn paper she handed me. There was something on that paper. She was hovering near me all that time. Damnit, I shouldn’t have taken that from her or played her stupid game. I felt revolted thinking how she made me kiss her, although my memories were a bit hazy and I didn’t know what else she would make me do.

Thinking of that my thoughts went back to Serene. Did she really find me the most attractive guy here? I was a mere Folkel and she was royalty. She had always been nice to me. But, she is nice to most of us. She always tried to have a conversation with me, although I hardly gave her much attention. Why was I always calling her names? Why was I always rude when I spoke to her? Although I wanted to have a conversation with her, I hardly spoke composedly.

It was because she was different from snooty royals I have met, who have always looked down upon me. So, when I encountered one who was different, I tried to punish her for the crimes of the others. The pain, regret and anger I had for them were easier to be taken out on her. And, today I made her cry. Why were her tears hurting me? My heart was aching and I knew I was gonna hurt her even more. Deep down in my heart, I did care about her but I was too stubborn to admit it even to myself.

I just laid there thinking for hours. Finally, the door opened and Arlo walked in. He looked at me with blazing red eyes, his face had an angry and sad expression. Arlo, hardly spoke to anyone so I didn’t know much about him. Mostly, all he spoke about was strategies we planned and once about Serene.

He walked right over to my bed and hovered over me looking down. I got up and stood in front of him.

"What?" I asked in an agitated voice. "You made her cry. I told you she deserves better from you. Why did you hurt her?" His voice was almost a whisper but had a threatening tone to it.

"It’s none of your business, so stay out of it Arlo," I told him clearly.

"It is my business when it involves her and this is the last time I am letting you hurt her." His voice was unwavering.

I was a bit taken aback by his tone. What had gotten into him?"I am not looking for a fight and I am already dealing with a lot here. Plus, I am not the one who has feelings for her." I told him clearly.

"Exactly, and that’s why you think you have the license to hurt her. Zeph, don’t make her cry again." He moved eerily close to my ear before saying:

"Or, I would forget you are my teammate."

Before I could fathom a response to his threat, he was gone and I was left standing there. Great, above all things I had to deal with a psycho vampire as well. What had gotten into him? I fell back on my bed with a thump. Why was everyone coming after me?

The next day, as I went downstairs Lourden was waiting for me. "Hello! dearie," she said while crossing her arm with mine and whispering:

"Smile."

I was just relieved she didn’t try to kiss me. As we entered the dining room, everyone was starring at us. I hated attention, especially the wrong kind. I looked around and was relieved that Serene wasn’t there.

She took me to her usual spot as we sat down. She slid her hand right across my thigh. My ears turned red, I was so embarrassed and revolted at the same time. I looked at her and there she was with her fake smile. Does she really have no shame? I thought to myself.

She on the other hand was going on and on with her lackeys about how she had to hide from me and everyone else the fact that I was her mate until I came of age. I rolled my eyes in my head.

Breakfast was over and I wanted to leave as quickly as possible. She grabbed me and planted a kiss on my lips. " Don’t leave without a kiss, silly." She smiled slyly at me. I felt disgusted by her touch. I had never been in a relationship and this would be my first interaction with a girl. Who would have thought?

"Meet me after the classes." She winked at me.

I gave no response and left for classes, trying to ignore everyone. Arlo was eyeing me, and Ralph kept trying to make small talk but I kept quiet. I didn’t even try to look at Serene.

Lavaria Sensei showered her with praise for defeating Schlangto and undoubtedly she did most of the work. Thinking about her arrows and remembering how she shot me, that put a smile on my face.

In combat class, we learnt that we had to team up again. Great, what can go wrong? How was I supposed to ignore her when she was literally on my team and sitting right opposite me? When the bell rang I was so relieved. I wanted to leave as quickly as possible but Zilver stopped me and asked me to wait for him in the common room.

I went to the common room. Zilver came after a while and began: "Look Zeph, I know she is not your mate. And, whatever story of blackmail she has concocted, you can tell me. I know her and her schemes. So, trust me." Zilver was dead serious.

But, I didn’t trust anyone at this point. Not until I knew all the facts and who was involved.

"I don’t know what you are talking about. We are mates and that’s it. Please, drop this topic from dragging on further. I have nothing to tell to anyone." I blatantly lied.

"Zeph, she is a manipulator. Don’t fall for her schemes, I won’t let you suffer like this." He added, his face laced with concern.

"I am not suffering and it’s time we moved on from this. Leave me be. Will you?" I told him stubbornly and left.

Once outside I breathed heavily. I just wanted to disappear instead of going on to meet that Medusa. But, I had no choice and with a heavy heart I made my way to the grounds.