Marc Lupton continued to bow until Professor Foryl had long left the hallway. Excitement flashed through Marc's eyes as his mouth slowly curved up into a sly grin.
That witch Angela was good for something, after all. Too bad his current master is even more idiotic than she is. He got rid of one bird-brained idiot, but the major liability remains. That fool has no idea that this latest stunt was the final straw. Her personality and magical talent were far too trashy before, and now her brains and reputation are as well. This puppet is quickly losing her value. Marc must prove himself to break free from Vanessa Landrienne before he is dragged down with her.
As if ordained by fate, his chance had finally arrived. Professor Foryl has granted him significant power over The Butterflies, and by extension the younger generation of their faction currently studying in Nafriton University. He will slowly squeeze Vanessa's value dry as he stepped into the spotlight.
When he's done, that arrogant noble lady will grovel at his feet. Then the Vears will pay for forcing the Luptons to fall deeply into debt and disgrace. That despicable annoyance Christopher Vear will pay the price for stealing his rightful place.
For now, gathering allies in the shadows will do.
**********
Somehow, word of Aayla's latest exploit and the boutique incident had spread among the student body that evening. Those Halcyon ladies must be serious blabbermouths. Several students gathered around the office to stare and whisper. Only a couple had the courage to ask her what happened. She downplayed it as much as possible.
Aayla was a bit puzzled why everyone was freaking out. It was a non-magical snake after all. The only real danger came from the people around the snake agitating it. Fortunately, she had learned a bit about handling snakes and other animals back on Terra. Thank you Grandpa Jay!
An official police escort arrived the following morning. A disheveled young lady was expelled then promptly arrested on the spot. She caused an enormous uproar while the police hauled her away. The rest of her (former) friends in The Butterflies were no where to be seen, but a small crowd had gathered to watch.
"Let me go, you filthy pigs! I am the young lady of the Morvell family! How dare you you touch me! Do you think my family will stand for this?!"
The officers let go of the furious Angela after her arms were shackled together. They didn't want to deal with such a crazy person either. She glared at the officers and held her head high.
At the front of the crowd, a young lady who looked similar to Angela sobbed in the arms of a dashing foreign young man. The pair were protectively surrounded by the Ferrean foreign exchange students. Theo stood next to the pair while his friends mixed in with the crowd.
"Cousin, just stop! You're embarrassing yourself and the family. Do you know how upset that grandfather has been with you lately? And now, you've done something like this… how could you attack your friends and that poor employee? They didn't know about that tiny little snake! It was just an accident."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. That Angela Morvell attacked someone with her magic? Well, that must be why the victims survived. To attack her friends and an innocent bystander, no wonder The Butterflies aren't here. The wild speculation was encouraged by Theo's friends.
"What? Attack my friends? No, no that's not what happened! We all attacked after a magic beast appeared. It was bright green like poison. Lady Landrienne and the others can testify for me. Yes! That's it! They can prove my words."
"Angie, please –"
"DON'T TALK TO ME LIKE YOU'RE SOME SAINT YOU THIEVING WITCH!"
"Enough Lady Morvell! How dare you take your anger out on Alice! My dear Alice please dry your tears."
"Please Sir Titus! I can explain! Lady Landrienne can testify on my behalf! She's lying! That vixen's lied about everything to bewitch you!"
"Still not through with your own lies?! Alice is the most wise and caring person that I've ever met. Yet you do nothing but bully and sabotage your cousin at every step!"
"No! No it's not like that! She set me up!"
"And again with your typical excuse. By the Celestials' grace I found out your true colors before we wed."
"Please calm down, cousin! Don't make things worse for uncle! Titus' family has been so enraged with you that they've threatened to pull out of the deal with ours."
"We mustn't go easy on her my dear. Though she is your precious cousin, she is a horrible bully that attempted mass murder. Your uncle hasn't been handling the family affairs well either. Please forgive me, but I've already discussed our engagement and the inter-family cooperation with your grandfather.
Our wedding will be held early next summer. Then, your grandfather will hand over the family to your aunt, who has been cleaning up your uncle's messes. My darling, we will finally be joined together in a holy union. Our families can turn a brand new page. You only need to dream about how to make the day perfect."
Speechless with joy and shock, Alice turned as red as a tomato and nestled into Titus' warm chest. A small grin flickered over her lips where no one could see. Angela collapsed where she stood. The officers picked her up and dragged her towards the prisoner carriage.
"No… No this can't be! Sir Titus! My love! Please help me explain, Lady Landrienne! Someone go get my best friend! Save me from this nightmare!"
Titus sneered as the hysterical woman was dragged away.
"My dear ex-fiancé, just spend the rest of your days quietly in prison if you truly love me. Your cousin is more than capable of taking your place as my wife."
Angela shrieked in fury and despair. Theo stood in front of the couple as Angela suddenly lunged at the quaking Alice. The police quickly caught her and restrained her with a few more shackles. This love crazy woman was stronger and faster than she appeared.
"You, you're that stalker! Did you have a hand in this?! Just because I'll never love you, you decided to lock me away to keep me all for yourself?! You disgusting loser, no one will ever love you!"
"Please keep your delusions to yourself. That was something that you decided all on your own, and you made my life miserable for years because of it. I would never love such a vicious, petty, dim witted monster like you.
Today is a nightmare of your own making, Lady Morvell. Karma is merely catching up to you for all the misery that you and your father have enjoyed creating for decades."
Under the mocking gaze of the crowd, Angela Morvell broke down completely and was tossed into the police carriage. The police escort immediately left for Forest Waypoint. Several students had filed reports while the university expelled her. They had many boxes of evidence of her harassment and bullying of others. Her family would arrive in a couple of days, and they needed the new charges processed before that.
The crowd quickly dispersed. Only Theo and his friends were left with Titus, Alice and the Ferrean exchange students. Beaming smiles blossomed on their faces as the police escort disappeared into the horizon. Theo and Titus happily shook hands.
"Many thanks for your help, Theo. That woman has been bullying my poor Alice for years."
"She's not the only victim. Other students came forward and testified in front of the police. All her crimes will be exposed. Miss Alice, your cousin will never hurt anyone again. It'll be tough, but she must pay for her actions. Hopefully she can spend her time in prison reflecting."
Alice tearfully nodded and leaned against Titus.
"Looks like my Alice is exhausted. If you gentlemen will excuse us now, Alice needs to rest. Let's keep in touch."
"Absolutely. If you feel exhausted, just wait until the wedding. Congratulations in advance."
Titus led Alice and his friends away. Theo waited for several minutes before someone stepped out of the shadows. He beamed as he bowed towards Chris.
"Thank you for your aid, Sir Vear. We caught up with our studies thanks to you. Those extra charges should nail Angela's coffin shut tight. We should never see her again. How can we repay you?"
"That was an excellent performance. A pity that we couldn't do more damage to Vanessa, though. The Forolan family will offer a few more scholarships this year. You all should apply. As for repayment… keep an eye on the residence hall and Ms. Glowery for me."
The group of third-years cheerfully nodded. Freed from their tormentors and given a full ride scholarship all for doing a few errands and watching a first-year? Only idiots would refuse.
"Absolutely. Let me know if you need anything else."
"I'll be going then. After you graduate, keep Halcyon in mind. We love intelligent, hard-working wizards."