Serene’s POV

I turned around and found Arlo standing there. "Artins Sensei wants to talk to you in his office before you leave and I am to accompany you." Perfect, Arlo’s timing couldn’t be worse.

"Ok, just give me one second." I turned back toward Zeph to bid him farewell but he was already gone. The heartache I felt was so immense, I was sure there were so many things he wanted to say but our fates had other plans.

With a heavy heart, I began to walk toward Artins Sensei’s office with Arlo. "I am sorry, about last night. I was way out of line." Arlo’s voice jolted me back to my senses. "You should apologise to Zeph," I told him without a glance.

"I already did, not sure if he forgave me though. He hates me." He continued.

"And, you hate him. Not much of a difference between the two of you." I retorted. A slight ’haa’ escaped his throat as if he was amused with my answer.

"I don’t hate him, I feel jealous of him for stealing the only girl..." as I shot him an angry look he left the sentence incomplete. We walked the rest of the way in complete silence.

I knocked on Artins Sensei’s door when he asked us to come in. Once we were seated he began: "Serene, I have asked Arlo to accompany you to your realm. I have made the necessary arrangements for the travel through the portal. Once you are safely in the hands of your family, he can leave for his realm. I could have sent a Sensei with you but it might raise questions and suspicions. I don’t want that until I talk to your father on my own. Remember, to not be alone at any given time in your realm as well. I know your friend there knows about it and they have already saved you once, so be safe. Avoid any portal travel alone as well, because they are very risky too. Stay safe Serene and let me handle everything else. And, don’t fret too much. Understood?" Artins Sensei was as calm as a lake on a sunny day. His words comforted me. Although I didn’t want Arlo to go with me, I knew arguing will be futile.

"Yes, Sensei I understand."

"Good, you can collect your passes and leave at the given time. Farewell, see you soon." He replied with a smile.

"Take care, Sensei," I answered back before leaving his office.

"Bring your luggage down and I will go collect the passes," Arlo instructed me as I nodded. I went upstairs and fetched my luggage. Then I went to bid farewell to everyone in the combat hall. Zilver, Ziva and Alvene had gathered in the Hall too, they hugged me. "Whatever it is that’s bothering you? It will pass soon and congratulations on an amazing result. Seems like you impressed old man Rizar." Zilver chuckled at me and I couldn’t help but suppress a smile.

Ralph was clinging to Alvene as they were going back together, talking in each other’s ears. Mikasim dragged Tanzil along to meet everyone before leaving. She was sulking as she was staying behind for flunking two subjects. He even shook hands with me and gave me a warm smile while he hugged everyone else.

I went and extended my hand toward Tanzil, I didn’t want to leave bitterness behind. "Whatever, heartache or pain I intentionally or unintentionally caused you I apologise. Let’s not leave with tainted hearts." There was a gleam of light in her eyes, she had been alone and shunned by everyone after that incident. So, she seemed relieved that I wanted to patch things up. Instead of taking my hand, she hugged me and began to sob. I hugged her back and consoled her. Mikasim’s mouth was hung open in shock seeing the scene in front of him. Both of them then left hand in hand.

Everyone seemed happy and excited today and my heart seemed delighted at the prospect that I had one less enemy and one more friend now. Ayrden promised to visit me during the holidays as she hugged me tightly before leaving with other witches and warlocks.

My eyes scanned for Zeph but he was nowhere to be found. Ralph and Xin Li came to say goodbye. "You have to visit us during the holidays, I am sure Zeph invited you but in case the idiot forgot I am inviting you again. If anything happens or you need help, send a letter. We will be there for you in no time. You are like a sister I never had, so don’t hesitate to ask this stupid brother for anything. And, forgive Zeph you know how much he loves you in his heart but he can’t show it always. Take care of yourself, will meet soon." He hugged me tightly.

"I know Ralph, thank you for being there for me. And take care of Zeph I might have hurt him a bit." My voice was a bit down.

"Don’t worry, he will get over it." It was time for them to leave as we waved goodbyes I had a feeling I won’t be able to see him before he leaves. Arlo had returned with our passes. He held up his hand asking for my suitcase as I was wearing my backpack and holding my suitcase in hand. "I can carry it," I told him flatly.

"I know you can, doesn’t mean you have to." He took it from my hands. "Don’t you have your luggage to carry?" I asked irritated.

"Dria will take care of it." His voice was as soft as a whisper.

"And, she won’t object about you going with me?"

"Not if she wants to keep dating me." The sarcasm was back in his tone.

"That’s one toxic relationship both of you have." I regretted saying that instantly. What was wrong with me lately? I had no filters on my speech anymore.

"I know," he was watching me intently now. "We should get going or we will be late." His gaze made me uneasy so I wanted to get to the portal as soon as possible. "Sure," as he followed me.

"Congratulations on your result. That was amazing." I tried to change the course of our discussion. "Yes, you made the right choice on the EWE exam. Thank you, that’s the exam I lost 1.5 marks in because that witch came prepared according to my powers. They even gave me 9.5 in combat." He said it as if it was a small feat. So, that meant in the rest of the exams he scored a perfect 10. He was a genius no wonder he did everything so gracefully.

I took one final look at our institute as we stepped outside then and kept moving forward. "I am sorry you are having a hard time. If only I could shoulder some of your burdens. Remember, I won’t let them take you if it comes down to fighting we will fight and I am sure Vampire Queen will vote against you. He hates your kind." His words took me by surprise.

"I don’t want war so I will go quietly. I don’t want my family or friends getting hurt or dying because of me." I had no intention of forcing a war down everyone’s throat.

"That’s why you were trying to break up with him so awkwardly. That was so painful to watch even for me. You trampled over his delicate heart." I could feel a grin playing over his lips which he was desperately trying to hide.

"And you should stop listening to other people’s conversations. Just because you can doesn’t make it right. Try minding your own business." I was so annoyed at him right now my anger was trying to resurface.

"I always mind my own business. People shouldn’t be so loud." He whispered so softly. It was impossible to win an argument with him so I gave up and we walked silently to the portal.

I was hoping I would find Zeph there waiting for me but the portal area was almost empty. Seemed like we had been given the last timing.

"Disappointed?" he asked me with a raised eyebrow. "Let’s go," I retorted back in anger as we stepped closer to the portal and handed the guard our portal passes. I was going home after six months, I couldn’t be more elated.