"I'd rather have an enemy who admits they hate me than a friend who secretly puts me down."
Guess who said it .
Of course the great ME.
---
Vega's POV
After taking down that overdramatic skeleton and practically slicing it into oblivion, I was left feeling... exhausted.
And I'm not talking about the physical exhaustion-nah, that's nothing.
It's the mental exhaustion that comes from having to deal with Clary Mayer's smug face all the time. Like, seriously, how does she manage to look so condescending without even trying?
Anyway, Clary was back on her feet, eyes glaring at me like she was plotting my demise. Too bad for her, I don't take things that seriously.
She came at me like a tornado, sword drawn and definitely in a mood. I ducked just in time, but then-of course-I felt the sting of something sharp on my shoulder. Her hidden dagger.
Nice try, sweetheart. Blood dripped down my arm, but I only rolled my eyes. She really thought she could get me with that?
I swiped my sword away, grabbing my trusty Scorpion Spear, and turned up the heat. It was time for some real fun. I twirled the spear with dramatic flair, launching a series of strikes that had Clary stumbling back. The best part? She didn't even see half of them coming.
I was toying with her now.
Within seconds, she was on her knees, panting like she'd just run a marathon. Oh, the sweet sound of victory.
"Clary Mayer," I said, putting the point of my spear right at her throat, "admit your defeat."
She glared at me like she was going to punch me in the face any second, but instead, she muttered through clenched teeth, "I admit my defeat... to Vega Malfoy."
"Zeta Malfoy, actually," I corrected, winking.
But she didn't look amused.
Fair enough. Only people I consider close can call Me Vega (humph)
The crowd went wild, and I turned to give a little salute to my adoring fans. Alya and Anastasia rushed over, looking at me like I was some kind of legend.
Yeah, yeah, save the applause for later, I thought. They were probably more relieved that I didn't die.
Even Chris and Ash some friends of mine gave me nods of approval, which was cute. I could get used to this.
But then, the crowd parted like the Red Sea, and there she was-Headmistress Aurelia Cromwell.
She looked at me with that all-knowing stare that screamed I'm about to lecture you.
"Vega, are you alright?" she asked, her voice like honey, but her eyes said you're in trouble.
I gave her my best sarcastic smile. "Did you really think I'd go down that easily?" I shot back, eyebrow raised, and watched her lips twitch.
Maybe I wasn't in too much trouble.
"Rose, Alya, take her to the infirmary immediately," she said, ignoring my charm and making sure I was treated like I'd been in some life-or-death situation.
Classic Aurelia.
"But what about my prize? I won, didn't I?" I asked, tilting my head in mock confusion.
This was supposed to be about me, after all.
"You'll get your results this afternoon," Aurelia said with a smile that was way too sweet for my liking. Then her gaze snapped to Clary, and her smile disappeared. "Clary Mayer, your actions were reckless and in direct violation of tournament rules. Magic is not allowed in the swordsmanship ground, I hope you drill it into your mind, if you are staying in this school for next year. I'm letting you off lightly this time."
Clary's eyes went full rage mode. "You're biased! You're only doing this because you favor Malfoy," she snapped.
I flinched on hearing my last name shouted but i I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm 's cooler," I said, throwing a quick wink to Aurelia.
She just sighed like I was the problem.
"Of course I'm biased," she said with a sharp look.
*drumroll-please*
"Vega is my goddaughter."
The whole room gasped.
I couldn't help myself-I had to chuckle. Honestly, who would've guessed? Not like I made it a secret or anything, literally every staff here and even some students know it.
"What? She's not wrong," I shrugged with mock innocence, and suddenly, it was all eyes on me. Of course. Let's make this my moment, shall we?
Clary stared at me in disbelief, her hostility morphing into confusion. I took the chance to step a little closer. "You know, Clary, you're a pretty damn good fighter. And..." I hesitated, I don't know what made me say it but i did,
"I saw something in your eyes back there. Something I've been through myself."
She seemed to hesitate, and for a moment, I thought she was going to punch me. But instead, she did the unthinkable. She took my hand.
"Fine," she said, her voice trembling ever so slightly. "But don't expect me to go easy on you next time."
"Wouldn't dream of it," I grinned back, feeling like I'd just won a lifetime supply of sarcastic victories.
And then, the voice of doom. "Enough chatter, girls. Both of you, to the infirmary. Now."
---
In the Infirmary
As I sat on the bed, trying my best not to fall asleep on the healer while she patched up my shoulder, I couldn't stop thinking about what I saw in Clary's memories during the fight.
It was like I'd accidentally tuned into her personal trauma playlist.
I saw her-her family's cruel expectations, the pressure to be perfect, the constant fear of being nothing-it felt like looking into a mirror.
I know that feeling...that...
The healer finished and left me to stew in my own thoughts. Alya and Anastasia were talking, but my mind kept wandering back to Clary.
She was no longer just an annoying opponent. I had this odd feeling of kinship with her. Like I understood her pain without even trying.
---
In the Mess Hall
When it was time for the results, I finally had time to relax. My shoulder was bandaged up, and surprisingly, Clary wasn't acting like she was about to murder me.
Who knew?
I might just have a future as a therapist.
The staff handed out result letters, and of course, the spotlight was on Alya first.
ALYA MIRANDA SWAYER
Herbology: D
Ancient Runes: E
Muggle Studies: O
Charms: O
Potions: O
Class Rank: 5
"Congratulations, Alya!" Clary said, her tone completely sincere."Yeah, congrats!" Anastasia added, clearly relieved."Thanks to Vega for helping me study," Alya said, tearing up a little.
Next was Clary.
She opened her letter like it was a regular Tuesday.
CLARY AMARS MAYER
Transfiguration: O
Potions: O
Defense Against the Dark Arts: E
Swordsmanship: O
Class Rank: 2"
Impressive," I said, nodding in approval.
"Second place isn't a walk in the park."Clary smirked at me.
"Don't get cocky. I'm coming for you."
Finally, Anastasia opened her letter with one hand, like she was about to solve an ancient riddle.
ANASTASIA ROSE PARKER
Transfiguration: O
Herbology: A
History of Magic: E
Charms: O
Class Rank: 4
"Fourth place!" Rose exclaimed, almost collapsing from relief.
"Well done!" we all cheered, though I was still waiting on my own results.
"I guess they're saving the best for last," I said, shooting them all a teasing smile.
Everyone groaned.
And just like that, it was done. The tension from the fight had vanished, replaced by laughter and playful banter. It felt weird, but nice.
For the first time, Clary wasn't just my enemy.
Maybe-just maybe-she could be someone I could actually work with.
TO BE CONTINUED...