Chapter 25 The Worst Outcome
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
Jessie explained a lot, and I took down every word in my notes, afraid I'd miss something important.
After all, I was about to become a "teacher," and I had to make sure my student was satisfied.
Honestly, I could already picture the scene—it was going to be fun!
At first, I'd be all serious, putting on a teacher's authority. I might even nitpick at Kane a little, telling him to sit up straight, pay attention, and stop looking around!
But then again, that would probably be pointless. Kane would never make such rookie mistakes. Sometimes he was so precise he seemed like a machine.
Of course, a machine made of ice.
Before long, Jessie placed the Black Orchid in front of the students in the first row. "Everyone take a close look. You can even smell it if you want. In a moment, I'll ask you what makes this flower different from ordinary ones."
"Be careful. No sudden movements. Stay alert—this is no joke!"
I could see throats bobbing nervously all around me. Mine included.
But beyond the fear, I felt more excitement. If I hadn't come to this academy, I'd never have seen something like this in my entire life!
Besides, compared to previous teachers who just read from textbooks, this class was actually engaging. I had to seize this opportunity!
If I could eventually create my own herbs someday, that would be even better!
I watched carefully. Each person handled the Black Orchid with extreme caution, terrified of exposing themselves to danger.
Yes, Jessie's warnings had worked. No one dared take this lightly.
But just as the Black Orchid was about to reach me, I noticed Rowan smiling beside me.
No—not smiling. Sneering. A chilling sneer.
I didn't know why she'd make such an expression, but I had to admit, it was terrifying. Like some long-brewing conspiracy was about to unfold.
"What are you smiling about?"
Rowan shook her head lightly. "Nothing. I just feel lucky we get to see a dangerous flower on our very first day."
"You don't know this, but previous students stayed in class for a whole year without ever seeing a Black Orchid. We just arrived and we're already getting this chance. Shouldn't I smile about that?"
Her explanation seemed reasonable enough, but something still felt off.
Soon, the Black Orchid passed into Rowan's hands. After she finished examining it, her smile grew even wider.
Suddenly, Rowan turned the Black Orchid toward me, pointing it directly at my face!
I could clearly see her hands applying force. The flower's stamen suddenly spurted a drop of pink liquid.
I jerked back, but the plant's fluid still splashed onto my hand!
The next second, my entire hand went weak and numb. Then half my body. Then all of it...
I tried to raise my hand to alert the teacher, but my arm wouldn't obey. Finally, my legs gave out and I collapsed to the floor.
"Teacher! Teacher, come quick! Something's wrong! The Black Orchid suddenly leaked a drop of fluid and it got on her hand!"
"Teacher! Please save her!"
Rowan sounded frantic, but I knew it was all an act. She was the one behind this!
This wasn't an accident. The Black Orchid hadn't lost control. She'd done this deliberately!
But I couldn't say a single word. My teeth, tongue, even my entire mouth were numb.
For some reason, Kane's face appeared in my mind at that moment.
I didn't know if I was going to die. Didn't know if I'd ever see him again.
Yes, that was my honest thought. But no one could give me an answer.
Or even if someone did, I wouldn't hear it. My current state was strange—all kinds of emotions were flooding through me.
Fear. Worry. And a fierce desire for revenge...
Yes, as someone who'd spent years being invisible, I shouldn't have such a strong urge for revenge. But right now, that urge was undeniably real.
Why would Rowan do this to me? Hadn't they agreed to stop targeting me?
I kept asking myself—I didn't think I'd done anything to wrong her.
Sure, I hadn't listened to her and still stayed with Kane. But that was my business. What did it have to do with her? I hadn't brought any curse upon her.
I just wanted to study magic properly, successfully suppress my witch aura, control the energy inside me, and stop living a life of constant hiding. Why was that so difficult?
Obviously, no one answered these questions either.
About five minutes later, I was rushed into the infirmary's emergency room. Ms. Davis, the head physician, treated me personally, along with a dozen medical staff in white coats.
I could feel all kinds of instruments being applied to my body. The numbness turned into pain!
I had to admit—it really hurt. So much I wanted to cry. But I couldn't even manage tears anymore.
I didn't know if this pain came from the instruments or if the poison had already spread deep...
But whatever the outcome, I couldn't change anything. I could only lie quietly on the bed, entrusting my life to these doctors.
In other words, I was now a "living corpse." Whether I could be saved, I had no idea.
In my understanding, no one could face death calmly. At least I couldn't.
So gradually, my desire for revenge was consumed by fear. But above that fear, I felt something else.
Yes—worry for Kane!
I didn't dare imagine what crazy things he'd do when he found out.
He'd definitely go after Rowan for revenge. And he wouldn't talk it out peacefully—he'd use force. Not a sparring match. A fight to the death!
Most critically, once Kane lost control, no one could stop him.
Well, maybe I could. But I was lying on a hospital bed, unable to even protect myself. How could I stop him?
Kane would take revenge. He'd turn the entire academy upside down. And then it wouldn't just affect his reputation—it would determine whether he could stay at the academy. Whether he could even survive!
At this thought, my heart twisted in agony. I didn't want to drag Kane down, but clearly, I had no say in the matter.
Then I thought of Grandpa. I wondered if his body could withstand this blow.
I thought about many things. Perhaps only by doing so could the pain in my body lessen slightly. But it turned out I was overthinking.
I don't know how much time passed before I gradually lost consciousness. I could no longer feel the pain. I didn't know if this was the worst outcome.