Iris met Alex's challenging gaze, her interest piqued despite herself. "What kind of wager?" she repeated, her voice steady.
Alex's smirk widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Let's see how well you can keep up. There's an exam in three days – the first major test of the semester. If you score higher than me, I'll grant you a favour, anything within reason. If I score higher, you owe me a favour."
Iris arched an eyebrow, her competitive nature sparking to life. "Anything within reason?" she echoed, considering the proposition.
"Anything," Alex confirmed, his eyes never leaving hers. "But if you lose, you'll have to accompany me to the upcoming charity gala. Deal?"
The charity gala was the event everyone talked about – a glamorous affair attended by the academy's elite and their families. The idea of being Alex's date was both daunting and intriguing. Iris hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Deal."
Alex's smirk softened into a genuine smile, and he extended his hand. "May the best student win."
Iris shook his hand, feeling a thrill of excitement. She turned her attention to the front of the classroom as the teacher began the lesson, her mind already strategizing. She was determined to win this wager, not just to prove herself to Alex, but to solidify her place at the academy.
After her eventful first day at the academy, Iris returned to the Agrest mansion, her mind buzzing with the day's events. The wager with Alex Thorne weighed heavily on her, but it was the unexpected sense of intrigue and challenge that fueled her determination. She knew she needed to prepare, not just for the exam, but for the inevitable confrontations with her family.
As she entered the mansion, the grandeur of the entrance hall felt more oppressive than ever. The familiar coldness of the marble floors and the impassive faces of the staff only heightened her sense of isolation. She made her way to her room, hoping for some solitude before dinner.
However, as she reached her door, she heard hushed voices from the hallway below. Curious, she quietly descended the stairs and saw her brothers, Dain and Noah, engaged in a heated discussion.
"Dain, it was just a joke! We didn't mean to hurt her," Noah's voice was tinged with regret.
"Well, it did hurt her, Noah. You saw her face at dinner," Dain replied, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "We need to make it right."
Iris's heart skipped a beat. She had never seen Dain so concerned. She decided to confront them, stepping into view. "What are you two talking about?"
Both brothers turned, surprise flickering across their faces. Dain recovered first. "Iris, we didn't see you there."
"I heard you," Iris said, her voice steady. "If you want to make it right, start by explaining why you thought it was funny to trick me with the pendant."
Noah looked away, guilt evident in his eyes. "It was supposed to be harmless. We thought... we thought it might lighten things up. We didn't realize how much it meant to you."
Iris crossed her arms, feeling the familiar weight of the pendant against her skin. "Well, it did mean something to me. And now, it feels like a mockery."
Dain stepped forward, his expression sincere. "We're sorry, Iris. Truly. We were out of line." And left.
Iris's heart hammered against her ribs as she rounded the corner, her textbooks clutched tightly to her chest. She wasn't looking forward to another accidental collision in the crowded hallways of Aden Academy. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.
A blur of blonde hair and lavender eyes materialized in front of her, and before Iris could react, she felt a sharp jolt as their shoulders met. Books went flying, papers scattering across the polished floor like panicked pigeons.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry!" A flustered voice exclaimed as a hand reached out to help Iris gather her belongings. Iris looked up to meet the concerned gaze of a girl, her eyes an arresting shade of violet framed by long, flowing blonde hair. An apologetic smile played on her lips, revealing a set of perfectly straight, white teeth.
"It's alright," Iris mumbled, brushing off a stray strand of hair that had fallen across her face. "We were both in a hurry, I guess."
The girl bent down to retrieve a stray sheet of paper, her eyes widening in recognition as she glanced at the inscription on the top. "Agrest? Are you Iris Agrest?"
"Yes," Iris replied cautiously, unsure where this conversation was headed.
"I'm Rachel Sweeney!" The girl exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "It's so nice to finally meet you! I've heard all about you."
Iris raised an eyebrow, a flicker of apprehension sparking within her. The Agrest name wasn't exactly synonymous with warm welcomes, especially not here at Aden. "Heard what?" she pressed, her voice carefully neutral.
Rachel's smile faltered slightly, a hint of understanding colouring her eyes. "Oh, well, just the usual rumours, I suppose. You know, new student, wealthy family, all that jazz." She waved a dismissive hand. "But don't worry, I don't pay much mind to gossip."
Relief washed over Iris, a silent sigh escaping her lips. "Thank goodness," she admitted, a genuine smile gracing her features for the first time that day.
"So," Rachel continued, hoisting her backpack onto one shoulder, "where are you headed? Maybe I can help you pick up the rest of your things."
Iris glanced down at the scattered papers, a wave of gratitude washing over her. "I was actually on my way to the library. I'm looking for some reference materials for Professor Walsh's class."
"Professor Walsh's class? Me too!" Rachel's eyes widened with excitement. "That man is a genius, isn't he? The way he breaks down complex theories into bite-sized pieces – it's almost poetic."
A surprised laugh escaped Iris's lips. She hadn't expected to find someone who shared her enthusiasm for Professor Walsh's esoteric lectures on ancient artefacts and forgotten civilizations. "Exactly!" she exclaimed, the shared passion sparking a newfound connection. "And his analogies? Brilliant! Who knew Babylonian clay tablets could be so fascinating?"
Rachel grinned, her earlier nervousness replaced by an infectious energy. "Right? We should study together sometime. Misery loves company, you know, especially when it comes to deciphering those indecipherable cuneiform scripts."
As they walked towards the library, a comfortable conversation flowed between them. Rachel, it turned out, was as academically curious as Iris, her thirst for knowledge rivalling even the most studious scholars at Aden. Unlike Iris, however, Rachel's background wasn't steeped in wealth or privilege. Her family ran a cosy bookstore tucked away in a quaint corner of the city, a haven for bibliophiles and bookworms alike.
Iris found herself captivated by Rachel's stories of late-night reading sessions surrounded by towering bookshelves and the comforting scent of old paper. It was a world far removed from the sterile opulence of her own life, a world that pulsed with a vibrancy she craved.
"But enough about me," Rachel interjected, sensing Iris's introspective silence. "Tell me more about yourself, Iris. What are you passionate about besides ancient Mesopotamia?"
Iris hesitated, unsure how to articulate the turmoil brewing within her. The pendant, a constant weight against her chest, served as a stark reminder of her family's deception. Yet, there was also Alex, the infuriatingly arrogant boy who had ignited a spark of competition within her.
"Well," she began cautiously, "I'm still trying to figure things out, honestly. A lot is going on in my life right now, family stuff, and..." she trailed off, unsure if she should confide in Rachel about the wager.
Rachel's gaze softened with understanding. "Family can be complicated," she said gently. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here to listen."
Iris offered a grateful smile.
As Iris and Rachel approached the library, they were suddenly interrupted by a familiar, assertive voice. A boy with striking blue hair and intense black eyes strode confidently towards them. Ethan was his name, known for his charm and effortless allure.
"Iris Agrest, isn't it?" Ethan greeted, a sly smile curling on his lips. He reached out, taking Iris's hand in his. "I've heard so much about you."
Iris, her expression as cool as ever, looked at him with a hint of disinterest. "Have you?"
Ethan's smile widened as he gently pressed a kiss to her hand. "Indeed. I must say, the rumors don't do you justice. You're even more intriguing in person."
Iris pulled her hand back, her eyes cold and unwavering. "I'm just here to study, Ethan."
Before Ethan could respond, Alex entered the library, his gaze landing on the scene immediately. His face remained carefully neutral, but his eyes held a hint of something unreadable. Rachel, catching a subtle shift in Alex's demeanor, looked between him and Iris, sensing the tension.
"What's this about?" Alex's voice was even as he approached the group.
Ethan straightened, his confident demeanor unshaken. "Just a friendly introduction. Iris and I were getting acquainted."
Alex's gaze flickered to Iris, but his expression remained unreadable. Iris met his gaze coolly, not offering any explanation.
Rachel was so shocked at that moment. Still she was thinking aboit a game.
"She is Rachel" introduced Iris.
Ethan offered a polite nod to Rachel, but his focus remained on Iris. "A pleasure to meet you, Rachel."
Rachel smiled politely, her eyes flickering back to Iris. "Looks like we should get back to our studying."
Ethan's smile didn't waver as he took a step closer to Iris. Alex, however, did not react outwardly to Ethan's closeness. His expression remained carefully neutral, although a flicker of something unreadable danced in his eyes.
"I suppose I'll see you around, Iris," Ethan said with a lingering glance.
As Ethan left, the atmosphere in the library shifted. Rachel gave Iris a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Ready to dive into those Mesopotamian mysteries?" she asked, attempting to lighten the mood.
Iris nodded, grateful for Rachel's presence. "Absolutely."
As Iris and Rachel settled into a quiet corner of the library, the tension from Ethan's unexpected appearance still clung to the air. Rachel's attempt to shift the mood with a lighthearted comment seemed to have worked, but Iris's thoughts were far from academic.
Rachel glanced at Iris, a curious expression on her face. "That was an interesting encounter with Ethan. He seems... charming, but also a bit intense."
Iris nodded, focusing on organizing her notes. "Yeah, he has that effect on people. It's pretty typical."
Rachel tilted her head, studying Iris closely. "You didn't seem too thrilled about his attention. Is everything okay?"
Iris hesitated, then shrugged. "It's nothing. Just... I don't like it when people make a fuss over me, especially not in a place like this."
Rachel raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "It's not just that, though. You seemed a bit...uncomfortable. Maybe Alex is also intrested in you"
Iris bit her lip, her thoughts a swirl of frustration and uncertainty. " We are just study rivals. I guess I'm just not used to this kind of attention, especially when I'm trying to focus on my studies."
Rachel's gaze softened with understanding. "That makes sense. And with everything else going on, you don't need any extra stress. If you want to talk about it, I'm here."
Iris offered a faint smile, grateful for Rachel's support but unwilling to delve into the complexities of her feelings. "Thanks, Rachel. I appreciate it."
Rachel nodded, sensing the conversation had reached its limit. "Alright, let's dive into Professor Walsh's notes. We've got a lot of material to cover."
As they began reviewing their notes, Iris couldn't shake the image of Ethan's lingering gaze. She was relieved to have Rachel's company, but the encounter had stirred a mix of emotions she wasn't ready to confront. For now, she focused on the comforting routine of studying, hoping it would help her clear her mind.