Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Sera POV

Today was academy sports day and the teachers decided it is better if we do it with Aldich girls academy. I was on the sidelines cheering for the boys who were currently playing football on the field.

“Come on, River! You can do better than that!” I shouted from the sidelines, waving my hands frantically.

River shot me a sheepish grin, tugging his jersey as he ran down the field. “I’m trying! It’s not exactly my sport! I better swim all day but not this!”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop smiling. Watching him try so hard made my day . Maybe cheering for someone else would distract me from… everything else.

Luca was laughing on the field, clearly enjoying himself as he passed Kael, who scowled but stayed focused. Kael’s jaw tightened as Luca kicked the ball again this time intentionally slamming it straight toward him.

The smack of the ball hitting Kael’s chest made him stumble, and I winced reflexively. The way Kael’s eyes narrowed, flicking toward Luca, I knew that he wasn't happy with Luca at that moment.

Theo who sat besides nudged me, following my gaze. “Uh… is that normal for them?” he whispered.

I shook my head, trying to appear casual. “Nope that is totally normal. All part of Virelade sports day…” I trailed off, my voice breaking slightly. My eyes couldn’t leave Kael.

The ball went to the goalpost, and Luca ran past Kael, smirking as if he hadn’t just knocked the most infuriating boy on campus off his balance.

Kael’s lips were pressed into a thin line, anyone could see that he was beyond mad but I was wondering why didn't he lash out at him? It was suspicious like he had something on his mind.

I chewed on my lip, I wanted to shout some warning or some encouragement words but I stayed rooted on the sidelines. Theo looked at me nervously, and I realized my hands were gripping the bench too tightly.

“Are you okay softie? !” Theo said quietly.

I flushed. “Don’t call me that…” I muttered, but my voice was blocked out by the cheers around the field. Aldich girls were screaming so loudly and thirsting over the boys, something I couldn't blame them because if it were me in their place I would have done the same.

Luca turned around with the ball again his eyes were mischievous, but Kael seized the moment, pushing forward and took the ball away from Luca.

I turned my gaze toward River, who was casually jogging towards the sidelines as he lifted his jersey and swiped sweat from his forehead. “I swear,” he muttered, “you will think this was the last game on earth the way Kael and Luca are glaring at each other.”

I smiled faintly, though my chest still felt tight. “They’re… complicated,” I said, my voice barely audible, even to Theo beside me. "I think they are having bad moments?"

Theo gave me a pointed look. “You mean… with you?”

I froze. His teasing tone wasn’t mean, but it was like he was stating a fact. “N-no,” I stammered, looking away.

Then, as if on cue, Luca charged forward and deliberately knocked Kael with the ball again. Kael stumbled, catching the ball awkwardly against his chest. His glare landed on Luca, and I could swear smoke practically shot from his ears.

He was shaking with fury as he clenched his fists tightly.

I gritted my teeth, trying not to squirm. Part of me wanted to run onto the field and stop them another wanted to continue watching.

Luca smirked. “You okay there, Kael? Or do you need a minute?”

Kael’s hand brushed the ball, not touching Luca hand but his posture was rigid like he was trying to stop himself from lunging to Luca.

The teacher blew the whistle signaling a pause in the game. The boys jogged to the sidelines for a quick water break. I exhaled, letting myself sink into the bench, grateful that they didn't fight each other.

But it was short-lived because my stomach cramped painfully, maybe it was stomach bug because I was not expecting my period to come so soon until at the end of the month.

I realized I had to excuse myself so I shot a quick glance at Theo. “I… uh… I need to go to the washroom,” I muttered. "I will be back"

He nodded. “Go ahead. I’ve got you covered.”

I slipped away from the sidelines, careful to avoid the gaze of Kael, Luca, and Alexander who were speaking with the teacher but kael's eyes were locked on me.

I walked down the hall toward the bathrooms, my mind racing with everything starting with the football game to the lingering heat of Kael’s glare. Luca had planned something,I was so sure because he kept pushing kael's limit hoping kael would snap but he didn't.

As I walked through the corridor, it felt emptier, quieter than the noisy field, and that only made my nerves spike higher.

Juliette POV

I saw him.

Seth or whatever that thing pretending to be a boy was. I kept watching him from the sidelines where he sat with Theo, they were both cheering for the sovereign circle but all I had on my mind was to follow his movement closely from across the academy grounds.

Our school might not be participating today, but I was prepared.

Camille and Elsa followed me silently. My minions were useful for the less subtle parts. Today, their task was simple watch, follow, and report anything interesting.

The moment Seth slipped away from the sidelines, I motioned them forward. They knew exactly what to do. Keep distance and don’t get noticed.

I almost smiled. This was way too easy. The way he moved… completely oblivious. He was so small and so nervous. I could practically smell the fear.

We followed him down the hall. Trying to act casual just enough for us to see when Seth slipped into the bathroom.

He didn't close the door fully which made it easier for us to see. I walked forward slowly with Camille and Elsa beside me then peeked through the door when my breath hitched.

He was adjusting the strap across his chest. The strap that kept… everything hidden

He was a girl?!! In boys academy? How did he... Scratch that,how did she manage to fool everyone especially the sovereign circle to believe she was a boy?

I leaned closer, holding my breath. My pulse raced with excitement as I saw her trying to adjust her uniform.

My plans… everything suddenly clicked into place. Finally! I had proof. Undeniable proof to show kael and finally he will be mine.

Camille whispered, “Oh my God! did you guys saw that?.” Elsa nodded silently her eyes were wide with disbelief, it's like she was dumbfounded.

I didn’t speak. I let myself have the moment, letting the knowledge sink in. The thrill of it, the control… it was intoxicating.

Seth moved slightly, completely unaware of our eyes on her. I suppressed a grin. The moment would come when she realized the danger she was currently in was when I will strike.

“Remember,” I whispered to my minions, “not a sound or a word to anyone!. Let him think he’s safe.”

I watched as she adjusted the strap again, oblivious, unaware that everything had changed in a single glance.

The pride I felt was unmatched and I knew one thing that Kael would never see this coming and when I tell him the truth, he will despise her forever.

At this moment, I had to find her real name and her motive for doing this.

"Game on Seth!"