by RA. Gil
“Everyone . . .” Someone whined.
Valeriana continued. “But it always said it was my common sense so I didn’t—”
“EVERYONE!” The voice hollered.
They all turned to the source of the sound.
“What is it?”
Raziel came to sight. He was still stuck on the wall, the knives Corvan threw at him held the poor guy in place. He was whining, looking uncomfortable and impatient in his current position. Tamara raised a brow questioningly at him.
“Can someone get me out of here now?” He asked them.
The mysteries were piling one after another. The Twelve would have to find all the answers to them one-by-one, respectively.
“Actually, you make a good decoration.” Valeriana commented.
Chapter Fifty ♣ Trouble in Sight
Corvan climbed up to his room after the Gathering. He didn't want to show everyone how stressing the little act of playing the knight-in-shining-armor for Valeriana was. Trying to conjure fire while being submerged in water wasn't easy at all. It took a lot of his strength and weakened him to an extent where he couldn't even lift a finger. The sudden burst of fire from a while ago when he got annoyed drained even more of his energy.
He sighed. Feeling the urge to suddenly collapse on his bed and drift off into a deep slumber. He never felt so weak his entire life. It was a surprise he even managed to climb the stairs, and even then he was struggling to lift his feet to take another step.
He felt so worn, but his pride wouldn't let him show the weak side to him. He was the great Lord Corvan—son of Rupert and Saskia who were currently the Lord and Lady of Arlandia and the first-ranking member of Celeste Academy's Celestial Twelve. He was not only the heir to his family's fortunes; he was also skilled among various areas.
But, of course, what happened today totally ruined his dignity. He took the liberty of saving that ingrate's life and all he got instead of thank you were accusations of being a pervert! He was already doing a good deed and yet, he got whacked and pushed back.
His clothes suddenly feel tight so he tugged on the cravat tied around the collar of his clothes. He had changed into new clothes immediately after saving Valeriana. Needless to say, everyone was bemused when they saw him walking into the dormitory soaking wet from head to toe. However, when they saw the mood he was in when he told them to arrange for a Gathering immediately, they were more than happy to oblige without saying anything.
Though he was younger than the rest of the Twelve, he possessed an air around him that made people subservient to his wills. Despite his youth, he acted mature and experienced like an adult. Still, there was a side to him that remained a child—which, by far, Valeriana was the only one who is able to bring out.
He loosened the cravat around his neck, tugging it off. He started to unbutton the vest he wore that left him in his cream-colored, long-sleeved, cotton shirt. He threw the clothes he took off on his bed before he started to remove his top.
He slid off his shirt, exposing his lithe torso and muscular arms. Just as he jerked off his sleeve, a series of knocks landed on his door. He turned and eyed the knob, not stopping from his undressing.
“Come in.” He said.
The knob clicked and, slowly, it opened. Valeriana peeked through the gap before widely opening the door and turning her gaze to Corvan.
“Hey, Corvan, I—” She stopped short when she saw his undressed state.
Corvan, with a straight face, continued removing his top. He seemed nonchalant about someone else seeing his bare body. With regards to his noble background, nudity was nothing new. He had servants attending to him before, even regularly bathing and dressing him.
A shade of red branded Valeriana's neck and cheeks. She went so red up to her ears that she resembled a ripe apple. She bit her lip and turned her back on Corvan, staring at her shoes as if they were the most interesting things in the world.
“Put some clothes on!” She screamed.
Corvan smirked. “Is this your first time seeing a man's body?”
“Good god!” She exclaimed, putting her hands on her cheek. “You really are a pervert!”
“It's not my fault you came in while I'm changing my clothes.” He answered smugly. “And, once again, I'm not a pervert.”
“I freaking knocked like three freaking times! Why didn't you say you were getting dressed?” She almost screamed, eventually covering her face in embarrassment.
He ignored her, casually padding towards his walk-in closet. He entered and came out a few minutes later, dressed in more comfortable, and loose clothes. He found Valeriana still standing in the doorway, back facing him.
“Are you dressed?” She asked him.
“Yes.”
“You better not be lying or I'll freaking kill you.”
He huffed at her empty threat. “Like you can.”
“Oh, yes I can.” She said as she turned and faced him.
“What's your business?” He asked.
Valeriana sighed. She was glad he was fully dressed now, though. The blush wasn't as worse as before, but still evident on her fair skin. “Look, I'm really sorry for pushing you and calling you a pervert after you saved me.”
“It's about time you thanked me.” He said, settling on an armchair. “What are you waiting for? Don't just stand there.”
He's being nice. Valeriana thought. This is so unlike him.
“I don't want to be told inhospitable by someone who already called me a pervert.” He added.
She frowned. But then again, Corvan was still Corvan.
“Thank you, but no.” She answered. “I'm perfectly fine standing. Besides, I just came here to give you something.”
He quirked a brow. “Where is it?”
“I left it by the door before I knocked. I didn't want to drop it really.” She replied. “It seems I made a good decision. If I had been holding it, I would’ve thrown it at you.”
He grinned at her annoyed expression as she spun and walked out of the room. She bent down on the floor and picked up something, carefully lifting it from the ground. Corvan eyed her questioningly, watching as she carried a tray towards him. She set it carefully down on the table that stood beside his chair, letting him catch a whiff of a familiar scent.
“I noticed that . . .” She paused and looked at him with guilt. “It was hard trying to use your fire when underwater, right?”
Although she seemed sorry, she seemed not to be sorry for him, but for herself. She looked at the ground. “I'm sorry for getting you in trouble. It's alright if you tell me off for being so reckless.”
“This is your second encounter with a demon, isn't it?” He asked, reaching for the cup and sipping it. He felt the effects of the drink immediately. His strength was slowly returning.
Valeriana eyed him questioningly, wondering how he could drink the horridly tasting beverage with a straight face. But then again, with his stoicism, it was no wonder. Still, she was glad that he accepted the tea she made for him.
“Yeah.” She answered as he began swirling the contents of the cup between his hands.
“Do you now know how truly dangerous this world is, Valeriana?” He asked. “You're only being kept safe since a barrier is intact. But when it comes off, chaos will break out.”
She gulped at his statement.
“There are many more kinds of demons out there, all with horrible forms.” He said. “A few have very pleasant appearances, but they are all the same when it comes to being rotten and malicious.”
“I know. I read books.”
“Books don't do justice when you encounter them in real life. You know that.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “They strike fear into you and feed on it. That's their most favorite.” He sighed. “But it's not like you have to worry about it. After all, these problems won't be yours to mind when you go back home, right?”
“That's . . .” She trailed off.
He didn't prod the issue any further and decided to keep sil
ent, wordlessly drinking until he finished the whole thing. He set the cup back down on the tray and stood, padding across the room until he reached his bed. He sat on the duvet before lying down comfortably, setting his head down on the soft pillows.
“You can leave.” He told her with a deep sigh. “I prefer to have my sleep in peace. Unless, of course, you intend to join me.” His tone had been joking.
Valeriana didn’t even know he was capable of such comment.
“Damn jerk. Who would want to?” She bit back.
Chapter Fifty-One ♣ Not Over Yet
Valeriana didn't know what got into Corvan to suddenly suggest and say they were going to get the king's younger brother. Well, nevertheless, Headmaster Kylon agreed anyway saying it was a job for the Celestial Twelve.
After being advised not to let the word get out, Headmaster Kylon left. He also reminded them that they had to set out as soon as possible, preferably after classes the next day. If a demon managed to break through the barrier, then no doubt that more will come.
Lord Aeron had taken the initiative to visit the king as he was requested to do, and as per his objectives, he broke the news to the king regarding the situation. Much to everyone's relief, he informed them that the king had given his consent. He sent them his blessings along with the message of his approval, saying he was saddened by the fact that he would not be able to play the necessary role. Prince Bertram, as well, wouldn't be able to fill in for his father because of certain problems he wasn't willing to say.
“I was worried for you yesterday, Valeriana.” Chavi told her as the last subject for the day ended.
Time passed quite quickly on Valeriana's side. She found herself anticipating their little search for the notorious Lord Lienhard. She wanted very much to know why he was helping her—if he was the one responsible for saving her life so many times.
“Really?” She stared at Chavi.
“You expect me not to worry about it? You were attacked by a—”
Valeriana's hand shot out instinctively and covered her mouth before she could finish. “Someone might hear you. We can't let anyone know.”
As her hand dropped from Chavi's mouth, the girl reluctantly nodded her head. “I-I see . . . I'll keep it a secret.”
“Anyhow, I have a very important thing to do today.” She told the other girl.
“What is it about?”
“Sorry. I promised to keep it a secret.” She answered. “Anyway, thanks so much for being with me today!”
“Take care, then.” Chavi answered, brow twitching. Her face contorted in pain, hands flying to her head. She pinched the bridge of her nose, closing her eyes.
Concerned, Valeriana placed a hand on Chavi's shoulders. She felt a strange feeling shoot through her as soon as she made contact, but easily dismissed it from the faintness. “Are you alright, Chavi?”
“Yeah.” She answered. “My head just ached suddenly.”
“Are you sure you're okay?” She asked. “Can I help you to the clinic?”
“No . . . uh . . . please, go where you have to. I'll go there myself.” She took a deep breath and smiled at her friend.
“I don't think I can leave you alone like this. Come on, I'll escort you to Olivia.”
Valeriana started leading Chavi away, but the other fervently resisted.
“No really, Valeriana, please don't bother. I—”
As they continued debating about Valeriana guiding Chavi to the infirmary, they didn't notice the arrival of one more student. Since both of them were currently loitering in the hallway with some people around, they failed to notice the decreasing number of students around them.
“You seem busy.”
She froze.
Her days at the academy felt worse than it did after Courtney came back. Courtney gained favor from a lot of students over Valeriana. The rumors and the mystery about the setup to make her look bad didn't help either—and since they lacked the evidence, they could not currently prove Valeriana's innocence. Now that the Blood Wind Princess was back to claim what was hers, the academy was being riled up.
She honestly did not want trouble right now. Despite how much she wanted to tell Courtney about Charles's conclusions, she was told to hold back for the meanwhile.
“Uh . . . Val?” Chavi looked up at her in confusion.
“Are you avoiding me?”
She turned to face her. “I don't want any trouble.”
“Why?” Courtney crossed her arms. “If you didn't want trouble, then you shouldn't have started it.”
“For the last time.” She answered, getting irritated.
It felt frustrating how somebody could prove to someone that she was innocent, but could not currently speak because of the current circumstances. Without any solid evidence, there was a big chance she would only be brushed off.
“I never did anything, alright? I never planned anything and I never will.” Her voice had a dangerous edge to them.
Someone was trying to make the two of them fight. Possibly kill each other. Spark bad vibes.
“Now, I really have important things to do today. I want to finish them before Corvan starts screaming in my ear.”
She spun, turning her back on the former fifth-ranker. She started to take long strides away when she spoke again.
“Don't turn your back on me when I'm still talking to you.” Courtney said.
“It's alright, Valeriana.” Chavi whispered.
Valeriana took a deep calming breath.
“I don't know what Julian is spouting but I didn’t do it.” She told her. “What will it take for you to believe me? What will it take for you to see?” She clenched her fists and resisted the urge to punch the other girl.
“These arguments are nonsense. If you wish to prove your innocence, fight me.”
Valeriana's eyes narrowed.
“Right here.” She paused. “Right now.”
Fighting outside a duel was against the rules.
“You can't expect me to bite that trap.” Valeriana answered. “Fighting won't prove my innocence. It doesn't present evidence, just violence.”
“In this situation, do you think that applies?” Courtney's leered. “If you're innocent, then prove it to me. Through a fight.”
“Is that a challenge?”
The two glared at each other furiously. The looks in their eyes were intense—intimidating. The tension around the two grew each passing moment they allowed themselves to remain silent, only staring straight into the other's eyes.
Everyone around them grew wary.
“Will you stop it, you damn disgrace for a fifth-ranker!” Her friend yelled. “Just because—”
Valeriana cut her off by holding out a hand that stopped her midst her speech. “Don't.” She said. “I'm sorry for having you involved, but this is my problem. Now, please, Courtney, I don't want to fight you. I'll present you a solid evidence in due time.”
“When is that going to be? After you escape? After you leave? I don't trust you.”
She and Courtney never removed their gazes from one another. The human girl felt her shoulder tense as she moved into a stance. Taking this as a signal, her opponent moved forward to assault Valeriana with a strong swing of her fist.
“I will not fight you.”
Valeriana evaded her attack and blocked her hand with her arm, stopping it with her left before grabbing her wrist with her right and twisting it onto her back. Courtney retaliated by moving her free arm, attempting to elbow the girl on the nose. Valeriana, however, was able to predict this attack and moved to the side to elude her assault.
“Still not fighting me?”
Courtney strictly kept her eyes on Valeriana's movement and the girl did the same. With her hand twisted, Courtney used her feet and kicked Valeriana on the shin, causing her to move back from the hit.
Valeriana managed to block most of her attacks and everything went on for a minute or two, creating a deadly dance between the two. The fifth-ranker refused to
fight though, only using necessary movements to defend herself—never making a move for offense. There were times when Courtney would land a punch though.
“You've certainly improved, human.” Courtney said.
“You are right, I'm not the same girl in that arena before.”
They pulled back, hands fisted and feet shifted widely apart in position. Something wet trailed down the side of Valeriana's mouth. She also felt a slight sting on the corner of her lips. Gently brushing the part with her knuckle, she saw a hint of blood.
Valeriana had a busted lip as well and it wasn't at all a pleasant feeling. She tasted the metallic flavor of blood on her tongue as it seeped through spaces between her teeth. The unsavory and coppery taste it possessed urged her to spit it on the ground—which she did.
Chavi stayed on the sidelines but was cheering for Valeriana fervently. “Come on, Val! Fight!”
“You will still not fight me?” Courtney asked. “Are you seriously thinking you can win without attacking?”
“I told you, I'm not fighting.”
“Shut up!” The former fifth yelled. “If you will not fight me, then I will make you!”
Courtney, feeling irritated, conjured a wind blade and shot it to Valeriana's direction. The girl was momentarily shocked to see that the former fifth even dare use her Power Control out of a dueling arena! She had no time to idle around, though. She jumped out of the path where the attack was headed and stumbled as it went overhead—cutting off some of her hair.
The other students began to run away.
“Good gods!”
The human girl scampered to get to her feet as another one came her way. With a hiss, she leaped out of the way and watched as the floor exploded into rubbles. A stream of curses spewed out of her mouth.
Unknown to her, she ended up bumping against Chavi, who stood clueless where she had left her. The girl looked over her shoulder to see Courtney conjuring another one of her wind blades.