As the water continued to fall from the sky with relentless violence, both teachers were already completely soaked. Rain slid down their faces, seeped into their clothes.
Helios kept trying to move. She tried with desperation, with fury… but her body did not respond. She was trapped inside herself, a prisoner of useless flesh. The only things that still obeyed her were her eyes. Eyes wide open, bloodshot with rage, filled with silent hatred and a visceral distrust nailed directly into Luzbel.
She felt it. She didn't need to look at her to know. Even so, she slowly lowered her head. Her gaze dulled, almost empty.
—I'm sorry… I admit I don't like you, I never have. But this—this isn't personal. I can't let you go to His Majesty. If you do… I could lose him. And I can't, I simply can't… not him too.
( Luzbel said seriously )
—So you're not going with His Majesty, and you won't tell h—
Luzbel was unable to finish the sentence. A voice cut her off like an invisible blade.
—You won't tell me what?
She froze.
She knew that voice. That light, almost playful tone that always seemed to hide something deeper beneath it. It came from behind her. Slowly, as if she feared that the simple act of turning would confirm a sentence, Luzbel turned her head.
It was him.
Cain. His Majesty.
He stood right behind her. The rain poured down furiously over Helios and over Luzbel herself, soaking them to the bone, but not a single drop touched the king. The water seemed to avoid him, to part around him, to dissolve before brushing his skin. As if the world itself refused to profane him.
Luzbel turned fully to face him and took a couple of steps back, unable to control the trembling in her legs.
—Y-Your… Your Majesty…
She dropped to her knees immediately. Panic shattered her concentration, and her ability lost its effect on Helios. The instant she regained her mobility, Helios didn't hesitate for even a second: she lunged at Luzbel and struck her with a punch straight to the face. The impact threw her into the muddy ground. Before she could react, Helios grabbed her by the clothes, rage overflowing.
—You're a fucking bitch. I knew you were stupid, but I didn't know you were a goddamn traitor. You disgust me.
Helios spat in her face. She was about to hit her again when the king's voice descended, soft… almost sweet.
—Stop.
The world froze.
Helios went rigid. She couldn't move a single muscle. But she wasn't the only one. Luzbel was frozen as well. With agonizing effort, she managed to lift her gaze toward Cain.
The rain that had once avoided him began to fall upon him, finally soaking him, as if it had decided to share the cold rain with those standing before him.
—Stand up.
( Cain said kindly )
Their bodies moved on their own, obeying a will that was not theirs. They rose to their feet, facing each other, breathing with restrained violence.
—Come.
They approached and stopped before him, stiff, like soldiers awaiting a sentence.
—Well then, Miss Helios… could you tell me what exactly is going on? What was it that you couldn't tell me?
( Cain said kindly )
—Your Majesty, I must report something urgent. It's something that threatens the safety of the kingdom… no, of all kingdoms.
( Helios said desperately )
—Don't listen to her, Your Majesty. Teacher Helios is disturbed, she is not thinking clearly.
( Luzbel said, trying to stop her )
—Your Majesty, Teacher Luzbel is hiding something related to that new child. I fear she's involved in something that affects the safety of all of us. I believe she should be arrested this very instant for high treason.
( Helios said angrily )
—That's a lie, Your Majesty. Miss Helios is lying.
( Luzbel shouted desperately )
—Oh really? Then why did you try to stop me from going to His Majesty to tell him what I saw in that monster? Tell me—what would you have done if His Majesty hadn't appeared? Tell me, Luzbel… tell me.
( Helios said with anger )
—That… I…
The words dissolved in her throat. Luzbel could only stammer, feeling every gaze pierce through her. She had no answer that wouldn't condemn her.
—You see, Your Majesty? You must punish her now.
( Helios declared )
—Wow, wow… easy there, Miss Helios. Do you have any proof of what you're saying? These accusations are very serious.
( Cain said gently )
—Isn't this proof enough?
( Helios said, frustrated )
—I'm afraid not, Miss Helios. I cannot judge someone for high treason based solely on a conversation where both parties are clearly agitated. However, I am willing to hear you out. But it would be better to continue this discussion in the throne room. We're getting soaked here.
( Cain said, letting out a light laugh )
—In the meantime, Miss Luzbel, you may return to your students. They're surely waiting for you.
( Cain said kindly and softly )
He placed a hand on Helios's back, and the two of them turned their backs on Luzbel.
—W-wait…
( Luzbel said desperately )
Cain glanced at her. His eyes reflected no anger… nor any negative emotion at all.
—Don't worry, Miss Luzbel. I'll take care of it.
And they began to walk away, disappearing beneath the rain.
Luzbel watched them until their silhouettes blurred. The weight of what had just happened crashed down on her all at once. Her legs gave out. She collapsed to her knees on the ground.
The cold no longer came from the rain.
It came from within.
—I ruined it… I ruined everything…
Her voice broke, barely a whisper lost among the sound of the falling water.
End of the chapter.
Next chapter: The superficial..