Serene’s POV

Ayrden and I met Zeph and Ralph in the library after our exam.

"How was your exam, girls?" Ralph asked. "Pretty good," Ayrden replied with a chuckle.

"I scored a zero." My sigh was not full of a disappointment though. "What? How?" Zeph was flabbergasted. "I had to choose between saving my comrade or scoring full marks. I chose to save my comrade."

"Whom did you team up with?" Zeph asked curiously. "Arlo," as soon as I said his name, Zeph’s facial expression changed. His eyes became more intense and there was a hint of anger on his face as his mouth closed turning his lips into a flat line. I felt that was not the answer he wanted to hear.

"Of course," He replied sarcastically and focused all his attention back on reading his book. I was left stunned, was he jealous of Arlo? Did he know how he felt about me? Or maybe about that damn day when I decided to let my desires take over as I was under the influence. I just helplessly stood there looking at him looking all moody.

"Ignore him, Serene, he has been like that after getting his ass kicked in front of everyone." Ralph tried to soften the mood with his usual cheerful self.

I sat down opposite Zeph who was completely ignoring me. "So, what areas we should cover?" Ayrden asked. "We are covering the history of Dark Realm and inter-realm wars. These two are the most important topics." Ralph explained as he handed us a book he was reading and grabbed another from the pile beside him. Both of us began to read.

After about two hours, all of us needed a break so we decided to hit the dining hall and eat something. We placed the library books back and were about to head out. Zeph hadn’t budged from his seat. "Oui, Zeph come let’s eat something," Ralph called him.

"Not hungry," he was brooding right now buried in his book which he wasn’t reading, as he was stuck on the same page for the last two hours. I made eye contact with Ralph and pointed to the door with my tilted head and eye movements. He took the hint. "Let’s go Ayrden before all the food finishes," Ayrden nodded and they both left taking hurried steps.

I sat back down opposite Zeph, extended my hand and closed the book. "Hey, what are you doing?" He looked at me furiously.

"You are not even reading it, so it’s better if you talk to me about what’s actually bugging you." I held his gaze without any plan of letting go.

"Nothing," as he tried to remove my hand to open his book again. "Oh! really, then why the long face and irritating behaviour?" I tightened my grip on the book to keep it closed. He glanced at me with annoyance, his cheeks looking a bit flustered and his hair falling in his eyes making him look so damn gorgeous.

"Why do you care?" He seemed more agitated than before. "Why do I care? What’s that supposed to mean?" My voice became raised at his words. Why was he being so mean to me?

"Seems like you care more about Arlo and him about you, so where do I fit in all that?" He spat at me with gritted teeth, his eyes had gone all dark with so many mixed emotions playing on his face, ranging from anger to sadness. His words hit me like a shockwave, shattering my very inner peace. Seriously, was he jealous that I prioritized Arlo during the exam? Or did he know something else too? Arlo must have said something which had gotten him on the edge like this. I had to be calm to take the conversation further or he will become more anxious.

"Zeph, it was an exam and the test was about choosing to save your comrade or being selfish. I would have done the same for anyone one of you. Don’t forget Arlo is our teammate and he has done a lot for both of us. But, if you are concerned about me having feelings for him, then you are sorely mistaken." I tried to answer him as calmly as possible.

"Doesn’t explain the fact why he is obsessed with you even though he has a girlfriend. He asked me if I have hurt you. Does he believe that’s all I do? I know I have hurt you on numerous occasions but I am trying to do better. I don’t need his nagging." Zeph’s anger had not subsided but his tone became softer even sadder to an extent.

"Zeph, I can’t control what other people say. I can only assure you of my feelings and they are solely for you, that I have made abundantly clear. All I need is a little trust from you, or it won’t work. Besides, I don’t even know where we stand. You haven’t even acknowledged me as your girlfriend. I am still waiting on that front and I understand you need time for that. So, don’t let other people bother you or create a rift in this relationship we are desperately trying to blossom." I went all out to make him feel at ease so he won’t feel jealous of Arlo, as I placed my other hand on his. His posture seemed much more relaxed than before.

"I trust you, Serene, I just don’t want to share you with anyone else now. I guess it’s my insecurity speaking after the way I always treated you. I feel like I may lose you to someone else." His expression was almost pained as if he was experiencing an enormous amount of pain.

"You won’t lose me, Zeph. Have faith in me and don’t shy away from communication. We promised each other that we will do this together. Remember?" I smiled at him reassuringly.

"I do," his tone seemed much relaxed now and that darkness in his eyes had subsided.

"Good, then let’s go and grab something to eat." I winked at him and he smiled at me which gave his face a special glow.