One hour before midnight, I was in my dorm room, packing the essentials for my mission: a dagger, my sword, some basic tools, and my ring. The thrill of the night coursed through my veins.
After double-checking my gear, I slipped into my cloak and approached the window. A quick glance at the quiet courtyard below confirmed the path was clear.
With practiced ease, I climbed out of the window, landing softly on the ground. I moved stealthily, blending into the shadows as I navigated the familiar grounds. Scaling the wall to reach Abel's room felt instinctual. When I reached his window, I paused to listen for any signs of movement inside. The faint sound of snoring confirmed he was alone.
I pushed the window open, sliding in with the grace of a shadow. The room was dimly lit, a single candle flickering and casting shadows across the walls. Abel lay sprawled on his bed, oblivious to the danger.
With the dagger gripped tightly in my hand, I stepped forward, each movement fluid and silent. I had done this before, and tonight would be no different.
As I stood over him, the dagger glinting in the candlelight, I pressed the blade against the fabric of his shirt. "Wake up, Abel," I whispered.
He stirred, eyes fluttering open. Confusion quickly morphed into fear as he registered my presence. "What—"
I loomed over Abel, the dagger glinting ominously in the dim light. "You really thought you could get away with insulting me?" I asked, my voice dripping with disdain. Anger simmered beneath the surface, a boiling cauldron ready to erupt.
He blinked in surprise, shock quickly morphing into anger. "What the hell are you doing here, Verena?" he spat, indignation flaring in his eyes. "You think you can just waltz in like you own the place? You're nothing but a pathetic little girl pretending to be a warrior!"
I leaned closer, a predatory smile curling my lips. "Just delivering a little lesson. You've messed with the wrong person, Abel. I've heard enough of your pathetic insults. What was it again? 'You're useless'? Do you really think that makes you clever?"
He puffed out his chest, trying to reclaim some semblance of bravado. "I don't need your pity, Verena! You may think you're so clever, but I'll show you how foolish you really are!"
"Is that so?" I taunted, stepping back to toss a sword onto the bed beside him. "Here, take this. At least pretend you have some fight in you."
His hands shook slightly as he grasped the sword, but his bravado remained. "You think you can scare me? You're just a naive little girl playing at being a warrior. I'll make you regret breaking in here!"
With that, he lunged at me, swinging wildly in a desperate attempt to prove his superiority. I sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a swift jab that knocked the sword from his hands. The blade clattered to the floor, leaving him unarmed and vulnerable.
"Is that all you've got?" I taunted, a smirk forming on my lips. "You're pathetic. I expected better from a supposed swordsman."
His face contorted in frustration as he swung again, desperation driving his movements, but I danced around him, effortlessly dodging each clumsy attack. I struck with precision, delivering blows that left him gasping for breath.
"Stop!" he screamed, panic creeping into his voice. "You think you can just bully me? I'll show you what happens to people who cross me!"
I merely laughed, reminding him that I had cast an angelic chant, ensuring that no one could hear us. "You should have thought about that before you decided to insult me, Abel. I'm not the one who's going to end up crying tonight."
The fight drained from him, replaced by a raw fear that was almost palpable. In a final, frantic attempt, he called upon the power of his guardian angel, summoning energy that surged around him. I felt the air shift, charged with dangerous energy.
Before he could unleash it, I raised my hand, the ring on my finger glimmering as it absorbed the power. The energy twisted and flowed into the ring, leaving him gasping. His eyes widened in terror as I felt the essence of his guardian angel siphon into my own.
"You shouldn't have looked down on me," I said coldly, stepping closer. "Now, those eyes that belittled me will find it hard to see."
Abel's panicked breaths quickened, and I watched as he faltered, partially blind from the power he'd lost. "Please, Verena!" he begged, desperation etched across his features. "I won't say anything! I swear!"
I leaned in, my voice low and dangerous. "You will tell no one about this. And if you dare to look down on me again, I won't be so lenient."
As I straightened, I noticed a shift within myself. The spell I had cast to conceal my true form weakened slightly. In the dim light, Abel's eyes widened in horror as he saw my dark hair lighten, shifting to an almost ethereal hue. My brown eyes glowed, a brilliance that sent a shiver of fear through him.
"Please, no!" he stammered, stumbling back against the wall, desperation in his voice. "What have you done to me?"
"Remember this moment," I said, my tone icy as I took a step back, satisfied with his fear. "You don't want to cross me again."
With that, I slipped out of his room, leaving behind the echoes of his whimpers and the lesson learned.
"Au revoir, asshole."