Chapter 2 - Academy

Academy 🥀

[First person POV]

 I dislike the academy. Empty places should be devoid of my attention, yet by human, societal norms I remain shackled. I don't relate to anybody on a profound level. The few relationships that I have are mostly different shapes of cages, attempting to bring me down further.

 It all gets worse when I think about her. Lately, Satan looks tamer than Julia. She is always alert, ready for any weakness. I can never rest while I am in class.

 Walking through the academy, I naturally noticed the gazes of people— previous reverence turned into concern. Everybody saw what happened in that ball.

 As I walked around, I found John.

- "Yo, what 's up."

 His voice was full of energy and charisma, with a faintly teasing attitude. His hair was undone, and his shirt was tainted by unknown filth.

- "Hello John."

 I took a beat too long to answer, my voice naturally calm and assertive. I offered a handshake, which he took, as he spoke.

- "It's rare to see you around nowadays. After the ball, you've gone absent quite a bunch of times." His voice was laced with concern— something rare in his carefree demeanor.

- I looked at him, replying. "Im no longer comfortable here." I took a well timed pause, "It's natural for me to start attempting to avoid this altogether."

- He looked at me with a smile. "Well, of course. If I was your father I would get you out of this place or something."

- I gave off a slight nod, giving him a smile "Yeah, that would've served better. I will find my way though."

- "You always do."

 We said our goodbyes walked towards our own classes. As he hurried, I kept on the same slow pace, trying to time it just right so I didn't have to say hello to her.

 I felt a light footstep behind me. I had taken a big sight around the room some seconds ago, so I naturally knew it was Cyrel— A girl I am familiar with. I stopped moving, turning around to face her.

- "Hello Arden." She spoke, getting next to me. "I've heard what happened between you and Julia at the ball."

- "Hello, Cyrel. Yeah, I really don't know what to do about it."

- Faintly looking around, she spoke. "Well, I've been thinking about it."

- "If I asked my father, he could marry us. That way, you wouldn't have to be running away from her." Her voice was a tantalizing promise, straight forwarded in intentions.

- I stared at her blankly, words leaving my mouth "I don't know how to feel about it."

- "Of course…" she took a pause, looking at me with unconceived frustration.

- I gave her a genuine smile, before speaking. "Thank you though, I'll keep it in mind."

 She also smiled, her frustration warped into something else— something I can't quite put my finger around. She's trapped between how distant I am from her, and how she doesn't know how to let go.

 I would never admit it, but I secretly like her. She is a lycanfolk, though. My emotions, mirroring my humanity, will die out. I liked her because she was dependable, unique, and didn't get me in trouble. Now, I fear Julia could realize and turn this world into my very own hell.

 I faced away from her, getting inside the classroom. As soon as I did, two pink eyes immediately locked in on me. They are pretty, yet the pressure they exert on me is too much to bear.

 Trying to act as a fool, I silently walked up the staircase in the lecture hall type classroom, making my way a few rows back. I tried not to think about her, yet it was impossible when I felt an external force stopping me in my tracks.

 As I struggled to catch a breath, I shifted my head. Julia was staring at me, with her characteristic smile. It's almost as if she wasn't conjuring whatever lycanfolk hooplah she was using to stop me from moving.

 To appease her, I gave her a forced smile, making my way next to her and sitting by her left. I still feel her presence looming over me, as if she was about to devour me.

- "You know I don't like it when you don't sit next to me."

 Her voice was extremely alluring, giving off a mature edge. Her words are calculated, with hidden intentions and the most aggressive of tactics.

- "From now on, you are sitting next to me."

 She deliberated, as easily as that, placing her hand around my body and pressing me against her side. Her actions had no hesitation, delivered naturally.

 In the corner of the room, Cyrel could be seen fuming at the sight of such a development. Her hands were tightly clung, and her face got slightly red. She took an audible breath, and she shakily exhaled as she turned back to her own matters.

- "Julia."

 He spoke, his hands resting on his notebook as he studied a subject– one that had absolutely nothing to do with the class.

- "I hate when people touch me."

 Sharp, cruel. Truly the demise of a lady.

 A low chuckle escaped from the other part, slowly letting him go from her grasp. The movement was surprisingly slow and gentle, which was rather surprising.

 He would then begin to write once more, his pen traveling with utmost elegance through the paper.

 Just then, her hand slid downwards and tantalizingly traveled up his thigh. She lightly squeezed, basking in a one-sided pleasure. 

 She was just as domineering as that night, when she forcefully held me– hands covered in blood, breaking every boundary I've held with pride. I felt the weight of my humanity, as I couldn't even struggle against her kiss. Her strength is unbearable.

 She hasn't shed the blood that I've shed, yet the force she handles is much more than what I can attain.

 Breaking out of the thought, my hands quickly gripped her wrist, guiding her hands back onto her side

- "You are no fun, Arden. "

 Her eyes were slightly closed, as a teasing smile played along her lips. She was just testing the waters, and got pushed away outright.

- "You know you'll never be able to resist this. Why can't you just learn to go along with it?"

 Time passed in a haze. I clung onto my book, studying anatomy to the extreme. A habit I picked up when I realized I wasn't able to grow stronger anymore. A sword that could cleave through gods now only cuts flesh.

 It was now time for recess. I had been longing for some calm for a while. Seems like I will have my own time again.

 I quickly got out of my seat, paying no mind to people around me. I left the classroom, taking the stairs for the rooftop. 

[d25m10y2025 h7:23pm publish (weird sexual tension) c:v~]

[d25m10y2025 h7:35pm publish (Cyrel, funny. trimming) c:v~]