Chapter 255 My stand

Chapter 255 My stand
Aria's pov
The students in the front row begin inching backward the moment they see my eyes change, knowing my monster is on the surface. 

Their fear rolls off them in waves, sharp enough for Lux to taste, and I brace myself for her to revel in it. Instead, something entirely different rises inside me. She doesn't want frightened prey. She doesn't want to attack defenseless people.

The realization catches me off guard.

We're afraid of the exact same thing.

She doesn't want to lose control and slaughter innocent people any more than I do.

We'll only shift if we're protecting ourselves then I tell her.

But the councillors and the president behind me, those are another story. They’re the threats my wolf wants to eliminate. The people that had put me in this position. I feel her rage grow as she takes in their scents one after the other. I have refused to submit to anyone all my life and I had fought with those who had and they still made me. 

It’s clear now that Lux’s ego is wounded and she wants to see that rectified. She wants to see them all bow to her. 

Even the president. 

Uhhhh, I’m not sure that’s going to happen, Lux, I tell her.

"We don't have all day, Miss Evans. Give me the names. Show everyone why you were chosen. Show them why you're better than all of them."

My own anger rises and my hands curl into fists.

Better?

I’m not better than anyone. From the Omegas to Alphas, from the youngest vampire still learning to control their hunger to the oldest vampire, from the less seasoned witches to master witches. Not better than the the other shifters, the Nymphs, Phantoms, Empaths, Gargoyles, Gorgons. 

We're all the same.

I glance sideways at Kael. His own eyes is glowing gold now, Ghost answering. I already know my mate will go ahead with whatever decision I choose even if he won’t be happy with it. But I know Ghost isn’t made to be caged by the system. 

Lux too. 

I turn my head to look at Mr Benson who grins when he sees my eyes, his excitement showing on his face at the entertainment he thinks he is about to get. 

"We can do this another way,” I say, my voice surprising me. 

It's deeper now and huskier

"Oh," Mr Benson says, resting one hand casually on my father's shoulder, confidence exuding from him. "And what other way would that be, Aria?"

Nerezza frowns at me as if to ask me what I’m doing.

Kael was right.

I can't trust these people. We aren’t going to commit series of despicable acts that we’re going to live with for the rest of our lives, just to satisfy the cravings of a madman. If they can't stand against him, then I and my friends will.

"These people are just numbers to you. But to me, they're someone’s children, siblings, grandchildren, friends. And I'm not going to murder them so you can build yourself an army."

Shouts comes from the crowd and students begin stumbling backward, shouting over one another.

"Have you forgotten what you did to earn this position?" Benson asks calmly.

How could I ever forget?

It was either them or us, Lux reminds me.

I know. She saved me. She is my darkness. My monster.

"I know exactly what I did and I've never hidden from accepting the punishment."

Benson shifts toward Kael. "And you, Mr Blackthorn? Do you stand with your mate?"

"I will always stand with my mate."

Kael’s word gives me more confidence and I stand taller even knowing we will die. Professor Claude had let us down. We’re are on our own. 

“Alright then.” Mr Benson’s smile widens, almost as if he wanted our resistance. “You have made your stand. It’s time I make mine.”

A painful scream comes from behind me and my head snaps toward the crowd of students to see Nathaniel rising into the air. His arms jerk helplessly at his sides, and panic floods his face as he struggles against Mr Benson’s magic.

I had a flashback about how easily Nerezza had slit Doris’s throat and my heart drops to my stomach. Professor Claude had said that I and Kael can do this because we’re monster, but we can’t compete with this. 

I take back control from Lux. 

Nerezza has been right. 

We can’t do this.

"Let him go. He hasn't done anything,” I plead.

"No, he hasn't. But he's about to pay for your sins. Just like Doris did. Just like those students in training did. Every death traces back to you, Aria Evans."

"Please...please……" Nathaniel whispers.

My eyes waters. God please no.  

“I expected some resistance from you two so I’m not surprised. You two wouldn’t be worth my time if you were meek little lambs.”

“You can still train us in whatever role you have for us,” Kael says. “There are other people that deserves this fate but not here, not from the students. 

"You're absolutely right,” Mr Benson nods. "But in here is where all your dear loved ones are, waiting to know if they will be next. You can save them. Put them out of their misery. Give me ten names.”

I can’t take my eyes away from Nathaniel. No matter how horrible he is, he didn’t deserve this. 

"I'll do anything else," I beg. "Please."

Mr Benson tilts his head."I wish I believe you, Aria, but this step is essential. I need to break you. To own you totally and let you know the consequences of ever going against me. You will be better after this."

"Please..."

The word comes out as a sob.

Where are you, Professor Claude? How could he do this to us. The plan had being that he will protect the students while I and the rest focuses on the president and the council members.

The next second, Nathaniel is hurled forward, past the stage until he's suspended only metres from the edge of the Dark Forest. I hear movement inside, the creatures in it approaching. Tears are running down his eyes now and he had stop begging for his life. 

My heart broke. 

I had know there will be death today but I had assumed it will be I and Kael’s to bear. I turn back toward Mr Benson. He's watching me and smiling, enjoying every second.

"Please..."

His smile grows wider.

I hear a snap and look towards Nathaniel to see his head in an awkward angle, the light dimming from his eyes. There is scream from behind me before I understood what happened. 

“No!” I scream running towards him, knowing there is nothing I can do.

I can't hear his heartbeat anymore. I have killed another person.

I've barely taken three steps before a force yanks me off the ground, carrying me across the stage until I'm suspended directly in front of Nathaniel's lifeless face. The vacant eyes of my former bully stare through me only seconds before his body flies backwards......straight into the Dark Forest.

"Now, who’s next?"