This was why I hated being here. It was just a little bruise, nothing that wouldn't be normal back at the Hunter's Association, where everyone carried a mark of their own. But the looks of terror on their faces, as if I were some abuse victim, were beyond irritating.
It was clear I was going home for the day. I didn't want to see anyone, or for anyone to see me. I wasn't ashamed—I was pissed. Angry at Andy for pulling my scarf off, angry at Rose for reacting that way, and most of all, angry at Jayden for causing the scene in the first place.
I walked home, fuming the whole way. I wanted to punch Andy and break her stupid nose. It took a lot to get me angry, but Lykaios Academy sure knew how to push my buttons. I hated that stupid school.
I slammed the door behind me, I could feel the frustration boiling over.
"Woah," my mom said, looking up. "What's wrong?"
"It's that stupid school," I snapped, throwing my bag on the floor as I walked toward her.
"They made such a fuss over my scarf until this bitch yanked it off and saw the bruise. You should've seen their reaction—it was like I was… a freak." I mumbled the last part, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Oh, honey," my mom said, pulling me into a hug. "This is all my fault. I went overboard. I didn't want to insult you by holding back when you were so excited to train, but I never wanted to alienate you." She kissed my forehead gently.
"This isn't your fault. It's Andy's for not listening to me. And Jayden's for causing a damn scene."
"Okay, Andy sounds like a bitch," she said with a wry smile, "but Jayden—whoever he is—just sounds worried. And anyone else who reacted that way was probably just concerned. It's not normal to have strangling marks on you, and you should've never grown up in an environment where it was."
"Then why did I?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.
"Because I thought it was normal too." She smiled, but it was a sad, distant smile.
"And when did you realize it wasn't?" I asked, searching her face.
"You might not remember this," she said softly, "but it was after your first mission. You lost so many teammates… and took a life for the first time. You cried yourself to sleep every night. You wouldn't eat. That's when I realized—you were just a child. And none of this was normal."
"Thank you," I said, pulling her into a hug. I wasn't even sure what I was thanking her for.
"You're welcome, dear. Now go change out of your uniform," she said, giving me a gentle push.
Talking to my mom was surprisingly calming, though that was usually my dad's job. For a while, I felt calmer. But the moment I looked in the mirror, it all came rushing back. My frustration flared up all over again. The bruise wasn't even that bad—I'd been dramatic this morning—but it felt like a brand. A reminder of everything wrong with the day.
I knew I bruised easily—my body was covered in small marks hidden beneath my clothes—but this one felt different. Not because of the pain, but because it was proof I didn't belong here. Why did I have to skip class? Why was I the one running out of the cafeteria in shame? The unfairness of it all made me want to break something—anything.
I thought about showering but decided to go for a run instead. I changed quickly and was out the door, determined to clear my head.
This time, I paid attention to my surroundings. Still, I found myself heading back to the same place where I got lost on Saturday. The people there—the homeless people—were kind. They didn't ask questions or look at me like I was strange. They just helped. And after the day I'd had, I needed that.
On the way, I stopped at a place called Bite and Bolt and ordered a mountain of food. The barista gave me a look, but I didn't care. I wasn't eating all of it anyway—I had other plans.
Carrying the food without spilling anything was difficult, but I managed. I gave it away to the homeless people before heading home. Next time, I'll bring blankets.
I don't want to go to school tomorrow. My phone wouldn't stop vibrating—it was the stupid group chat. They seemed really worried, but I could barely understand half of what they were saying.
Amythemagician: u home???
Amythemagician: we're rlly worry bout u
Rosebush: what Andy did was not okay.
Rideley: r u ok?
I debated replying. They even called a few times—one little text couldn't hurt.
Me: everything's good. I'm home.
Rideley: thank the moon goddess.
Me: ?
Amythemagician: don't just run out like that n then disappear 🙏
Rosebush: be honest. Are you okay?
Me: 👍
Rosebush: Don't you emoji me, young lady.
Me: phone's bout to die.
Which was a total lie.
Rideley: charge it n text us later.
Amythemagician: byeeeeee boo ily
Rosebush: kisses.
I managed to guilt-trip my mom into letting me stay home for a day, but there was no escaping school tomorrow.