121
Lucy
“I don’t think we ever left on time before,” Michelle said, packing her things. “I like her already.”
Duke couldn't help but comment on the change in our classroom dynamics. "Hey, guys, have you noticed how different our classes are now? It's like the universe shifted or something," he whispered, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"This all screams David,” Duke said with a smile. “No way they just replaced that harpy for no reason.”
Amy nodded in agreement. "Definitely!"
Michelle shuffled her bag on her back. “Let’s get out of here. We’ll walk you to the dean’s office, and then I’m off to work.”
Sarah’s shoulder slumped. “I want a rich man to take care of me. I hate working.”
“You only hate this job. There are others,” Michelle said, rolling her eyes. “And having a rich man to take care of you isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.”
Sarah scoffed. “Oh please, your sugar daddy treated you like a princess as much as you let him.”
My eyes widened as Michelle went bright red.
She shoved Sarah. “Stop calling him that. He was just an older guy.”
Sarah scoffed. “He was a sugar daddy. He gave you gifts, was older, and gave you money when you needed it. Julian might not be a sugar daddy, but he’ll be a good time… and he won’t suddenly just leave you.”
“Sarah,” Amy said. “You’re being insensitive.”
I looked at her. “Are you okay?”
Michelle huffed and looked down. “I’m fine.”
Michelle's smile didn't quite reach her eyes, but she shrugged nonchalantly. "It's no big deal. He was just an older guy I dated for a while. We had fun, but things didn't work out. I'm fine."
Sarah huffed again. “Don’t! He was more than just a casual date. You really liked him, he broke your heart, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I’m not—“She set her jaw. “So what? It’s done now.”
I placed a hand on Michelle's shoulder, offering her support. "We're here for you, Michelle.”
Her lips twitched. “Thanks, Lucy. But I’m getting over it.”
“By not dating anyone.”
“Leave her alone,” Amy hissed. “Breakups suck. Just because you can jump from guy to guy doesn’t mean Michelle can.”
“Thanks,” Michelle said. Then, we left it alone.
We stopped outside the dean's office.
“I’ll wait for you,” Duke said, shrugging. “I don’t have anything else to do.”
“Thanks.”
I walked toward he receptionist’s desk and the woman motioned for me to enter. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest, as I stepped into the office. The dean sat behind a desk, his gaze serious but attentive. The entire disciplinary board, along with Stacy and a representative from the Hecate Coven, were gathered there. Stacy offered me a warm smile.
"Miss Graves, please have a seat," the director said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
I settled into the seat, my nerves bubbling beneath the surface.
"We've convened here today to address the concerns you've raised regarding your academic records. I want to assure you that we have thoroughly investigated the matter and taken appropriate measures to rectify any discrepancies. You also have my deepest apologies for the entire situation.”
The representative from the Hecate Coven spoke next. "We understand the significance of these issues and their potential impact on your studies. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring fairness and transparency. Your grades should be completely updated by the end of the day, but I believe you are in excellent standing to sit for the exam."
"We take these matters very seriously," the dean emphasized. "Our goal is to provide a supportive and equitable learning environment for all students. If you encounter any further concerns or issues, please do not hesitate to reach out."
“Thank you.”
Stacy beamed at me. With the meeting over, I left. Duke was waiting in a chair. He looked up at me and he smiled.
“All David, princess.”
I stuck my tongue out at him. He laughed and stood. We left the campus and headed to the nearest bus stop.
As reached the area, a young woman looked up at us. Duke went stiff beside me and I recognized her from earlier. Her eyes lit up as she approached us with a flirtatious smile.
"Hey! Long time no see," she greeted, her voice laced with curiosity. "Is this your girlfriend?"
I blinked, caught off guard by her assumption.
"Oh, no, we're just friends. This is Lucy."
Alyssa's gaze shifted to me, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "So, Lucy, are you the reason Duke rejected me?"
Duke shook his head. "No, not at all."
Her jaw set. “And those other girls I saw you with?”
He shook his head again. “Really, it’s not like that. Like I said before I’m not… really in a position to date.”
She frowned. “That’s so vague.” She crossed her arms. “You could at least tell me why.”
Duke sighed. “I am telling you why.”
“Am I not attractive to you?” She narrowed her eyes and glanced at me. “Maybe you just have feelings for someone else.”
I stepped between them. “Duke doesn’t owe you any more explanation that he’s already given you. Leave him alone.”
She glared at me. “If you’re really just a friend, you should stay out of this.”
She let her gaze rake over me. “You’re totally out of his league.”
He laughed. “Is that what this is about?”
She flushed.
“You saw me dressed in new clothes and you’re attracted to me?”
“I—“
He shook his head. “Even if I was interested in dating right now, it wouldn’t be you. How many times have you seen me before and not said a word. Do you even remember how mean you’ve been to me?”
She flushed. “I haven’t—“
“My name is Duke,” he said, looking at her. “You sit in front of me in Frameworks. One the first day of classes, it was a literal monsoon outside and you asked your friend if you thought I was trying to embody a drowning dog.”
My jaw dropped as her jaw dropped. I could see the understanding coming to her as she dragged her gaze over him.
“I… I didn’t… You looked different.”
“And you’re still a mean person. Please leave me alone.”
The bus rolled to a stop in front of us and we walked around her, as she stood shocked and frozen in place. As we boarded the bus, I looked at Duke. He nodded me into the only empty seat and stood nearby as the bus pulled away.
His expression was distant and I smiled at him.
“You’d be a cute dog with all that hair.”
He scowled at me. “I hate this haircut. As soon as I can get away with it, I’m letting it grow out again… And wearing less fancy shoes.”
He eyed my feet. “Speaking of, when are you going to wear your fancy shoes?”
I huffed. “I haven’t been home.”
He chuckled. “It would make him happy to see you in them, though he’s not going to say that.”
I shook my head. “I think it makes him happy to take care of you too.”
Duke shook his head. “Not like it does you.”
The bus came to a stop and we headed down the street where the public entrance to the Hecate Coven campus. We headed through the gateway and walked past the main desk toward Luke’s shop entrance. As we opened the door, a wave of magic rushed out. A young man tried to push past us, but he fell to the ground nearby.
Luke came rushing out after him. “Wait!”
He flinched away. Water seemed to pour off him, soaking the floor. Luke cursed and grabbed him. The young man cried out, twisting in his arms as Luke grabbed the necklace around his neck. Waves of light washed over the young man. The water started to spread. His skin rippled like something was coming and then it settled.
His clothing was soaked. He panted in terror, trembling before curling into Luke’s arms.
“It’s alright,” Luke said, sighing softly and stroking his hair. “Better, yeah?”
He nodded shakily, burying his face in Luke’s chest. Luke turned his head and smiled at us.
“Glad to see you two.”
Duke was frozen beside me. I looked up at him. His eyes were completely vacant. He was pale.
Luke cursed. “This is not my lucky day.”
I looked back at Luke. “What… What’s going on?”
Luke sighed. “Duke’s slipped into a trance.”
I reached out to him and a wall appeared. “Don’t touch him! You could hurt yourself and him. You’re not trained for it.”
I swallowed. “Will he be okay?”
“Eventually.” He looked down at the young man. “You are going to lay down where I can observe you for at least an hour, okay?”
The man nodded shakily and let Luke help him up before Luke flicked his hand in Duke’s direction. He lifted into the air and followed us back inside.
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