"What are you doing?!" Kenneth finally exclaimed as she realized that she was being carried by a man she barely knew.
Lucien shot her an innocent 'what's wrong' look which seemed to embarrass Kenneth even more.
"Y-You don't need to carry me, I can walk just fine on my own." She protested.
"Wouldn't you get to your dorm faster if I carry you? Plus you are still having trouble walking. Just relax, I'll bring you to your destination safely."
Lucien spoke in such a matter-of-fact way, that Kenneth couldn't even argue back with him. She could only resign herslef to her fate as she secured her arms around Lucien's neck ensuring she doesn't fall, though her falling was the most unlikely thing to happen considering Lucien's iron grip on Kenneth's body.
As she got closer to him, she caught a whiff of the man's scent which was just as intoxicating as it was suffocating. She smelled a mix of sandalwood with a hint of peony that was combined with the smell of his skin. It was a warm and comforting scent that made Kenneth unconsciously inch closer and closer to him.
She could feel the young man's body stiffened and sensing the slight discomfort he was feeling seemed to awaken her sadistic side as she inched even closer to him. She was so close to his neck, that Lucien could feel Kenneth's warm breath. Lightly grazing her nose on his neck, Lucien seemed to freeze and Kenneth couldn't help but let out a laugh at his reaction.
Realizing that he was being teased, Lucien's amber eyes flared with both anger and amusement.
"You do realize that I can drop you, you know?"
Hearing this made Kenneth stop in her tracks as she slowly looked up at the young man who was already looking at her. Realzing she had gone too far, she shot him an apologetic smile.
"That was rude of me, I sincerely apologize."
"So you know how to apologize." He said in surprise.
"Of course I do, I have manners." She expressed clearly offended by his implication.
They finally made it to the dorms and Kenneth was surprise by how quick it was.
"I took a shortcut to avoid prying eyes." Lucien explained.
Now that he mentioned it, Kenneth didn't see anyone during their short walk which she was thankful for. She was aware of how popular Lucien was in the school despite how scary he seemed. If any one of his fangirl saw the position they were in right now, Kenneth knew she wouldn't be able to live a peaceful life in the school anymore.
As they reached the door, Lucien carefully set her down and she reached to her pockets to find her keycard.
Before unlocking the door, she turned around to face Lucien.
"Thanks for dropping me off, you didn't have to go out of your way to do that."
"It's no problem at all. Its a seniors duty to take care of their junior." He said.
"Right."
"Anyway make sure to rest up, you still have class tomorrow so make sure you to replenish your energy. You will receive instructions for the next stage later today." He said before leaving.
Kenneth didn't open the door until the man was gone. As she entered her dorm, she was greeted by a very anxious Fletcher who looked like was barely keeping her composure in.
"SO?! Did you pass?"
Kenneth couldn't help but laugh when seeing Fletcher. She was too tired to talk so she gave her big thumbs up and Fletcher jumped up and down in excitement.
"I knew you would pass! But are you okay? You look like hell!" Fletcher exclaimed as her excitement quickly turned into worry.
"I'm fine just tried. Sorry Fletcher but I'm gonna go wash up and sleep. Can we talk later?"
"Yeah, of course. Go rest, I'll make you something to eat for when you wake up."
Kenneth shot her a grateful smile as she entered her room.
Meanwhile Fletcher quickly pulled out her phone and let Fae in on the good news.
She then made her way to the kitchen, intent on making Kenneth a delicious and nutritious recovery meal that would replenish her energy.
Kenneth couldn't help but laugh when seeing Fletcher. She was too tired to talk so she gave her big thumbs up and Fletcher jumped up and down in excitement.
"I knew you would pass! But are you okay? You look like hell!" Fletcher exclaimed as her excitement quickly turned into worry.
"I'm fine just tried. Sorry Fletcher but I'm gonna go wash up and sleep. Can we talk later?"
"Yeah, of course. Go rest, I'll make you something to eat before you go to sleep."
Kenneth shot her a grateful smile as she entered her room.
Meanwhile Fletcher quickly pulled out her phone and let Fae in on the good news.
She then made her to the kitchen, intent on making Kenneth a delicious and nutritious recovery meal that would replenish her energy.
As Kenneth patiently waited for Fletcher to finish cooking, her mind began to wander as she thought back to her interaction with Lucien. She could still feel his arms wrapped around her, and the way his eyes gazed at her with such intensity, making her shiver unconsciously. She had never been subjected to such a humiliating act before, and yet she couldn't bring herself to hate it either. She didn't know why, but she found herself longing for his warmth once more, and that realization frightened her.
Who even was Lucien Canmore and why did he elicit such strong emotions within her?
She couldn't understand why her thoughts were now filled with him, so she decided to think about something else.
She started to recall her fight with Eiden, and her eyes became cold. She couldn't believe she'd actually lost a fight, losing was completely unheard of for the seasoned soldier. It was truly a humbling experience for Kenneth, but she didn't let her loss get to her too much.
She was still weak after all, there was no way she was going to win a fight against a stronger opponent in her current condition. She even had to use Sabyuk as a last resort, a technique she didn't think she'd need to use in this new life. As she was in deep thought, Fletcher gently nudged her shoulder, bringing her out of reverie.
"Foods ready honey." She joked.
Kenneth smiled as she graciously accepted the meal.