Aleksander decided to find Wednesday, but she was already off to her classes. The day seemed routine—until fencing practice.
That's when Aleksander found himself paired against Xavier.Aleksander was no fencer; his skills leaned more toward archery and martial arts. Xavier, though, was all too happy to give pointers.
Halfway through their bout, the doors swung open. Wednesday strode in, black gear fitted like armor, expression unreadable.
Aleksander followed her gaze—Bianca Barclay was taunting Rowan Laslow again.
Rowan stumbled after a hit and protested, "Coach, she tripped me!"Bianca gave a perfect, unbothered smile. "It was a clean strike, Rowan. Maybe if you complained less and practiced more, you wouldn't suck." She glanced at Coach Vlad. "Seriously, Coach—when do I get actual competition? Anyone else up for a challenge?"
Aleksander muttered to Xavier, "Your ex really doesn't give it a rest."
Xavier twirled his blade, eyes on Bianca. "Desperation looks good on her."Aleksander smirked. "
Enid was right—Queen Bee's crown is slipping."
Xavier shrugged. "And your little friend? Total psychopath."
Aleksander chuckled. "Yeah. Definitely one."
From across the room, Wednesday said flatly, "I do."
Bianca turned, pretending to be amused. "Oh—you must be the psychopath they let in."
Wednesday didn't blink. "And you must be the self-appointed queen. Funny thing about queens. Pull out their stinger, they drop dead."
The fencers murmured, a low collective "Ooh."
"Rowan doesn't need your pity," Bianca retorted. "He's not helpless; he's lazy."
Wednesday stepped forward. "Are we fencing or stalling?"
Bianca arched a brow but smirked. "Fine."
They suited up. The room went still as both took their stances.
Blades clashed—precise, sharp, fast. The first point went to Wednesday.
"Point to Wednesday!" Coach Vlad called.
They reset. Bianca struck harder this time."Point to Bianca. Tied score."
Both removed their masks. Sweat glistened. Bianca smirked, hiding her curiosity behind arrogance. "Beginner's luck."
Wednesday replied evenly, "For the final point, I invoke a military challenge. No masks. No tips. Winner draws first blood."
A hush swept through the class.Bianca's smile tightened, eyes narrowing.
Coach Vlad looked between them. "Your call, Bianca."
"I'm in," she said smoothly. "Let's see if you bleed in black and white."
Tension crackled. They circled, blades poised.
Aleksander watched, oddly calm—something told him Wednesday might lose this one. She'd gone too long without a real rival to sharpen her edge.
Then it happened. A flicker of motion. Steel flashed.
Bianca feinted and cut clean across Wednesday's forehead."Point! Bianca wins," Coach Vlad announced.
Bianca lowered her weapon, triumphant. She gave Wednesday a cool once-over. "Finally, you got that splash of color it so desperately needed."
Wednesday didn't flinch. She wiped the blood from her brow, eyes dark and steady. Bianca turned away, smirking as the crowd buzzed.The tension didn't fade with Wednesday's glare—it deepened.
Now both of them were in Infirmary.
Wednesday sat on the medical cot as the nurse dabbed at the thin cut across her forehead. The antiseptic sting didn't register on her face, but the silent irritation in her eyes said enough.
Aleksander stood near the door, arms crossed, still wearing his fencing gear.
He waited until the nurse left before breaking the silence."You know why you lost."
Wednesday's gaze snapped to him—cold, sharp, and unamused.
Aleksander didn't flinch. "Don't look at me like that. You underestimated her, big time. You've gone too long without real competition. No rivals means no edge."
Wednesday said nothing, only adjusted the bandage the nurse had placed. Her pride had taken more damage than her forehead.
Aleksander stepped closer. "Use it. Bianca's smart, calculating, and she knows how to play both mind and sport. Treat her like a whetstone—let her sharpen you."
For once, Wednesday didn't counter with a cutting remark. She just listened.
"There will always be someone better than you," Aleksander finished quietly. "That's not weakness. That's opportunity."
Wednesday finally met his eyes. Calm. Composed. "Then she'll regret giving me one."
Aleksander smirked. "That's the spirit."
Just then, the door creaked open and Rowan stepped in. A nurse guided him to the next cot, wrapping a cuff around his arm to check his blood pressure. His movements were stiff, eyes flicking toward Wednesday like she was a loaded weapon.
Aleksander noticed. Rowan's unease wasn't just nerves—it was instinct. Aleksander could sense Rowan was skittish, introverted, nervous wreck who is an outcast among his peers. He is constantly left behind and feels inferior to the other students.
He'd read enough about the DaVinci's to recognize it. They were known for telekinesis—true mental prodigies who could shift objects, sometimes thoughts, without lifting a finger. Their minds never rested; always calculating, always sensing.
As the nurse turned away to jot notes, Rowan's fingers twitched slightly.
Rowan shifted uneasily as the nurse stepped away, then glanced over at Wednesday. "You're Wednesday, right?" His voice was tentative, almost wary. "I know how you feel."
Wednesday looked up, her expression dry and unimpressed. "I guarantee you don't."
Rowan hesitated but pressed on. "My mom always said I'd fit in better here." His eyes flicked around the room. "Funny. I didn't know you could be an outcast in a school full of outcasts."
He managed a small, self-conscious smile. "Guess you might give me a run for my money."
If Wednesday was moved, she didn't show it.
Aleksander, watching from the side, couldn't help a small smile at Rowan's honesty. He saw something familiar—a kid trying to keep it together in his own way.
Rowan tapped his forehead, sheepish. "Uh… Sorry about the… nick."
Wednesday shrugged, cool as ever. "No good deed goes unpunished." She grabbed her coat and slipped out, her exit brisk and silent.
Aleksander hung back as Rowan deflated a little, sensing the moment needed a softer touch. He offered a reassuring nod. "She's like that with everyone. Trust me—it's not personal."
Rowan managed a grateful half-grin as the nurse bustled past. The tension faded, leaving a hint of mutual understanding in the air.
Aleksander offered a small, genuine smile. "You should come to my room later. I think... we could be friends."
Rowan blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. For a moment, the guarded look softened, replaced by a rare, shy smile. He nodded slowly."Thanks,"
Rowan said quietly, his voice steady but with a flicker of relief. "I'd like that."
Aleksander gave a nod. "Good. Sometimes, knowing you're not alone makes all the difference."
Rowan glanced over at the closed door where Wednesday had disappeared, then back to Aleksander. "Yeah. Yeah, it really does."