Elian and Felix strolled through the grand corridor of the academy, the sunlight streaming in through arched windows casting long, dappled patterns on the marble floor. The buzz of students engaged in animated conversations filled the air, but the two roommates seemed more intent on their own exchange.
Felix stretched his arms dramatically, his back arching slightly as he groaned, "Man, that lecture felt like it lasted an eternity. I mean, the stuff she taught was interesting, but still—hours of it? It's exhausting!"
Elian smirked faintly but kept his eyes forward. "I didn't think it was that bad. She knows her stuff, and her teaching style's sharp. Keeps you on edge."
Felix waggled his eyebrows mischievously. "Oh, no doubt about that. Still, you've got to admit, she's quite the looker. Total cutie if you ask me."
Elian chuckled softly, his tone contemplative. "Cutie doesn't quite fit. I'd say she's more… a beauty. But not just in appearance. There's something about her—like she could see through you with a glance. That kind of sharp beauty can be terrifying."
Felix grinned and nudged Elian with his elbow. "Afraid of a pretty face?.
"Not afraid," Elian replied with a slight shake of his head. "Just… cautious." His smirk faded as he glanced sideways at Felix. "By the way, how long do you plan to follow me without saying anything about it?"
Felix shrugged with an innocent grin. "Who said I was following you? Maybe I'm just going in the same direction."
Before Elian could respond, they heard hurried footsteps approaching. A small figure suddenly rounded the corner at full speed, her head turned back as if she were checking for someone behind her.
The girl slammed into Elian, bouncing off his chest with a soft "oof" and nearly losing her balance.
"Whoa," Elian muttered, steadying himself while reaching out instinctively to prevent her from falling.
The girl looked up, her green hair in disarray, her round glasses slightly askew on her nose. Her face was pale, her expression one of pure panic. "I-I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking—sorry, sorry!" she stammered, bowing repeatedly in a frantic attempt at apology.
Elian stepped back and waved a hand to calm her. "It's fine. Really, no harm done."
Felix, however, leaned forward slightly, his brows furrowing. "Hey, why are you in such a hurry? You look scared out of your wits. Is someone after you?"
Her eyes widened at his words, and she stepped back, shaking her head vehemently. "No! No, it's nothing! I—I have to go!" Without waiting for a response, she turned and bolted down the corridor, her hurried steps echoing behind her.
Elian and Felix exchanged puzzled glances, but before they could make sense of the encounter, a group of impeccably dressed nobles strode past them. The contrast between their elegant, confident demeanor and the girl's frantic one was stark.
The nobles' laughter echoed as they walked in the same direction the girl had gone, their presence commanding the attention of anyone nearby.
Elian and Felix resumed walking in silence, the mood slightly heavier. After a few moments, Felix broke the quiet. "Don't you want to see what's going on?"
Elian let out a soft sigh, his lips quirking into a wry smile. "I wasn't planning to, but now you've made me curious."
Felix grinned. "That's the spirit. Let's go."
---
The green-haired girl darted into an old storage room tucked away at the end of a seldom-used hallway. The air inside was dusty and stale, the faint smell of mildew clinging to the wooden crates stacked haphazardly around the room.
She crouched behind one of the larger crates, her breaths coming in short, shallow gasps. Her small frame trembled as she hugged her knees to her chest, trying to make herself as small as possible. Sweat dripped down her temples, and her glasses slid slightly down her nose.
Her mind raced with fear, the memory of the nobles' mocking laughter and cruel words fresh in her mind. *Why won't they leave me alone? Why did I even come here?*
The faint sound of approaching footsteps made her freeze. Her eyes darted toward the door as it creaked open, revealing the silhouettes of the very nobles she had been running from.
"There you are," one of them called out, his voice dripping with condescension. "Come out, little commoner. We're not going to hurt you… much."
Another noble chuckled darkly. "We just want to talk. Maybe have a little fun. And hey, if you behave, we might even pay you for your time."
The girl pressed herself tighter against the crate, her entire body trembling. Her breathing grew shallow as panic threatened to overwhelm her.
The nobles spread out, scanning the room. One of them smirked as he caught a glimpse of her green hair peeking out from behind the crate. "Found you."
Before she could react, he grabbed her by the hair, yanking her to her feet. She let out a pained cry, clutching at his hand in a futile attempt to free herself.
The nobles surrounded her, their eyes gleaming with malice. One of them leaned in closer, his expression one of mock curiosity. "Your hair is strange," he mused before striking her across the face.
A faint ripple of magic spread out from the impact, breaking the concealment spell she had been using. Her long, delicate elf ears became visible, catching the dim light.
The room fell silent for a moment as the nobles stared in shock. Then one of them sneered. "An elf? A filthy elf? How dare a lowly creature like you step foot in *our* academy?"
Another noble kicked her in the stomach, sending her sprawling to the ground. She whimpered, curling into herself as tears streamed down her face.
"Disgusting," one of them spat. "You should've known your place. Maybe we should teach you a lesson—"
"Stop right there before I break your legs."
The voice was cold and commanding, cutting through the oppressive atmosphere like a blade.
The nobles turned toward the door, where two figures stood silhouetted in the faint light. Both wore masks—one a skeletal visage that seemed to glow eerily, the other a horned demon mask that exuded menace.
Felix cracked his knuckles, his tone casual but laced with an edge. "Well, Elian, looks like this is going to be our first fight as roommates."
Elian's skeletal mask tilted slightly, his voice calm yet firm. "You've got one chance to walk away. Take it. Or I'll make sure you regret staying."
TO BE CONTINUED....