“What did I say about disobeying my rules?” Yasmine’s volume becomes primal, hovering over Gina.
“I–I didn’t mean–”
“Your target was the mannequin, not another student.” She yanks on her magical chains, and a *pop* answers back, dislocating Gina’s shoulder. I shudder, hearing her relinquish a painful wail. *Pop* The other falls limp with another cry of agony. “He didn’t die. That’s good for you, but I doubt you’ll be using any more magic today. Paige, escort your…friend to the infirmary. See she gets medical attention.”
As if nothing happened, Yasmine instructs us to proceed. No one objects, but we all watch them depart without speaking. She is brutal, yet honored her word.Damn.
Our exercise picks back up, and before long, it’s Tish’s and my turn. I’ve rehearsed the shielding spell plenty of times, and now I stand in my respective square, unsure how I’ll pull this off. Yasmine summons a two-minute clock and urges us to begin.
I raise a hand at the mannequin, announcing with conviction, “Scutum,” but nothing happens. Speaking it again and again, my results are repeated.
Tish snickers and folds her arms, not even lifting a finger to use magic. She wants to humiliate me, and despite my side of the room remaining quiet, her side cheers her on, praying for my downfall.
“Another easy win for you, Tish,” one yells.
“Show her mortals don’t belong here,” screams another.
Irritation slithers under my skin, and I peer over to Yasmine who has a, ‘what are you going to do’ brow raised. An all too familiar look. She is not doubting me, instead, demanding I silence these naysayers.
“Let’s hope this bitch is fire resistant,” one of the males babbles, blowing me a kiss as though I don’t hear him. Piece of shit. All of them.
They have made it clear, I’m not wanted here. But what they failto understand is I’m not here for them. I’m not here to gain friends, to find lovers, to fall in the rhythm of their society. No. I’m here with the sole purpose of seeking out Rosie’s true killer and ending them myself. If I need magic for it to happen, so be it. I’ll become the most powerful ‘bitch’ this realm has laid eyes on. Because now–now–I want to stay.
Gossip further rings out, and my irritation grows. Doubt wrestles conviction, smothering purpose, and strangling ambition. My own mind spirals from an overcast of insecurities. But hidden in the back, buried under a mountain of pain, lies my…Goals…Objectives…Desires.“DESS. Don’t ever submit or surrender.”
My veins sting as the blood warms within my hands, changing its hue to a murky ruby-red. I can feel energy coursing through them, begging for release.
“Go ahead. Show me and everyone else how weak you are. Pretenders can’t hide behind being powerless. Furthermore, hiding behind the males you steal,” she speaks, frowning with disgust as fire now licks around her fingers.
Not this shit again. My first official day and I’m the brunt of everyone’s jokes. A mortal being slut-shamed for something they wouldn’t bat an eye over if it was anyone else, despite it all being false.
Irritation turns to anger, and my fists clench.You want to see what I can do? Fine.Visuals of making the mannequin disappear have images dancing within my mind, and my chest pounds, blood burning beneath the skin of my hands. Then it’s gone, the sensation, with a push of red energy. But the mannequin remains.Shit.
The whole room gasps, springing to their feet, and I frown at their reaction.
“Get. The. Fuck. Out. Did she really do that?” Jace marvels.
Yasmine approaches, remaining silent whilst leaning her body left and right, seeming to be inspecting something and mumbles, “I see,” before turning away. “Tish, your time’s dwindling. What’s your move?”
“How the hell am I supposed to hit it?” she rebuts.
My uncertainty grows. Can this be a prank they’re all in on? The mannequin is right there. Standing in front of me. Vulnerable.
“Did y’all see that? Hasanyoneseen this before?” Jace asks, wearing a broad smile, pulling my attention. He is recording, talking to those joining in live.
“Yasmine, you told us to create a shield. That’s not what she did. Kyra, should be disqualified,” Tish whines.
*Beeeep* Our match ends, and we both look to Yasmine for a verdict. “House Death receives the points for this round,” she says, giving me a slight smirk after sending yet another text.
Chiming in, “Hell yeah,” Jace waves me over, pulling out my chair, and my lips part in shock. Is this a joke? With a surge of energy returning, I avoid the incoming stares and whispers while heading back.
“Tish, take your seat as well. This class isn’t over.”
“It’s not fair,” she complains. “Kyra didn’t play by the rules. We all can see she didn’t.” She continues pleading her case.
“You lost. Deal with it. Either you take your seat, or I’ll do it myself.” Yasmine prowls her way, grinning and flexing her fingers. She wants a reason, but Tish sighs and walks away. “Kyra, your shield.”
They both move from my line of sight, and I notice the reason behind all of their surprised responses. Yasmine retains a grin, gesturing her head where the mannequin should be, and I gasp.
