Octavia was trying to get some sleep after taking the bitter substance when someone entered the room.
"Octavia" the boy called.
"The Master wants you in his room right away".
What?
Her eyes dimmed.
"Why? What's wrong? She isn't entirely that strong" Mica objected.
"It doesn't matter. The Master insists on her presence and she has to come with me - now" the boy replied enthusiastically and Mica looked at Octavia.
Why would Khalid be calling for her at
that moment? Knowing fully well she's
unwell? Could there be a problem?
"Come on" she whispered to Octavia
and helped her stand from the bed.
Octavia tried to stand on her own
without being supported by Mica and
with that, they walked out of the room.
It was already dark outside, but the little
glowing lights from the building still
helped to beautify and brighten the place.
Leo's room didnt seem to be far from the Master's block as shortly, they got to there.
As they walked towards his room, Octavia noticed she was becominng more nervous. Oh! Of course, she should be.
Why was he caling for her so soon?
Could it be about the antidote? Was
something wrong? Was he really going to punish her lol as he had said in his unconsciousness?
So many unanswered questions flashed
through her mind and finally, they entered the room.
Octavia's nervousness multiplied as she
spotted the Master sitting on the bed,
Becca beside him.
Oh! That cranky feeling was back again.
But for a second, she felt something Ilike
happiness glowing inside of her. The
Master was fine, and her efforts weren't
in vain.
"Tell Mica to come in'" Khalid said to the
guard immediately and he walked out to
bring Mica in.
Well, Mica had to stay out because she
wasn't called up on. But thankfully, the
Master did and without hesitatance, she
rushed into the room.
Moscow was there as well, together with two other boys.
Silence descended when they were complete, and the suspense made Octavia more nervous.
"Octavia" her heartbeat randomly fastened when she heard him call her name.
She swallowed hard and looked at him,
but he wasn't looking at her.
"Why did you leave premises? Where did
you go?" He asked and Octavia glanced
at Mica.
Was she to tell him the truth?
Well perhaps, because that was
probably the only thing that could save
her at the moment.
She swallowed hard and looked at the
floor.
"I went to get a solution for you, Master. I'm sorry" she answered timidly, her head bowed.
Khalid had to look at her.
"What solution?" He asked and she
gulped hard again.
Oh! This was really not being easy on
her.
"It's um...it's an antidote, Master" she replied.
An antidote...
That sounded so familiar to Khalid.
"What antidote?" He asked, still looking
at her.
"It's um... it's called a red antiode" she paused and gulped nervously.
"I knew of someone that owns the antidote. So, I...I went to him for help".
"The red antidote??" Becca shrieked.
"Hold on; are you crazy? How dare you use the red antiode on him?"
Khalid didn't say a word but looked at
wondering why she was overreacting. He stared into her face for an answer and Becca took it.
"The red antiode is poisonous and illegal, Khalid" she began.
"It's usage on patients can only work on
a 50/50 percent, and that means, you
either survive, or die.
When she used it on you, she was only
risking your life because if it had failed,
then you'd have died instantly!"
Octavia bit her lower lip. Oh! she was in for it. He was definitely going to punish her definitely!
Khalid turned away from Becca and just
stared at the floor.
"So, that's the reason you left?" He
asked without looking at Octavia and
she nodded.
"But if you had a solution, why didn't
you just tell someone about it so you
could have full permission to leave the
premises?"
And to that, Octavia gave no reply.
Khalid paused again.
But thinking about it, that was the antidote that saved his life.
"Mica" he called and looked at her.
"Is it true you tied Moscow up when he
had found out Octavia left the building?"
Mica hesitated a little.
"Yes, Master" she answered coldly.
"I...I had to because, I didn't want him to
interrupt the plans"
"That's insane!" Moscow suddenly growled.
"I'm her trainer and deserve to know
about her activities! What you did Mica,
was outrageous and actually wish you'll get punished".
"Exactly, Moscow! Why didn't you punish
me? Why did you have to rash it out on my sister and whip her to unconsciousness?"
She turned to Khalid immediately.
"Moscow and I are having issues, Master and since the very day you made him my sister's trainer, he's been trying to get back at me by punishing her unnecessarily!"
"Shut up, Mica! l only punish Octavia because she deserves it!"
There was a stunned silence.
Khalid touched his forehead like it was
aching him, then he lifted his head.
"It's obvious you two are at loggerheads
with each other" he spoke hoarsely.
"Moscow"
"Yes, Master" Moscow answered begrudgingly.
"To avoid further disputes, you'll no
longer be Octavia's trainer. I'l chose
someone else for that tomorrow" Khalid
said and Moscow reacted shockingly.
What?
His lips attempted to move to say some protesting words, but they felt too heavy.
What is Khalid doing? Why would he just
demote him all of a sudden?
He breathed heavily and bent his head.
"I understand, Master" the anger was
cohorent in his voice.
Octavia - she didn't know what to feel.
Moscow was no longer her trainer! Oh!
She was free from him!
"What about Octavia, Khalid?" Becca
chipped in.
"She needs to be punished for what she
did. First, she violated the rule by leaving
the building. And secondly, she risked
your life by using the antidote on you. She..."
"A real fighter takes risk, Becca" Khalid cut in, making her go shut.
"A real fighter doesn't just sit by and cry like there's nothing to do. He's always ready for risks".
Becca's jaws dropped.
Hold on;
No; no way. Of course, not. There's no way he could be making jest of her.
Definitely not.
"Y'all are dismissed" He continued, that
tone of superiority resounding in his
voice.
"Octavia" he called and she looked at
him.
"Yes Master" her voice was so thin and
timid.
"I want you back here by morning". He
said and Octavia felt heart skip again.
She lowered her head slightly.
"Y...Yes Master". Her voice cracked in the end.
And in accordance, they al left the
room.
*
*
*
To be continued!