Chapter 31 CHAPTER 31
ALIRA'S POV
Master Florian’s shoulder dug into my stomach as he ran with me across the long journey back.
Let me emphasize what was happening right now.
My new handsome and rude as fuck, perfectly tatted Tutor had me across his shoulder, his hand over my waist and was running.
It felt like he was running honestly, everything was blurry. Styx wasn't half as fast as this male, and I couldn't complain about one thing.
Not the tingle in my neck, not the way his powerful hands felt gripping me tightly and I definitely wasn't complaining about the way air flew through my hair as my long trek was cut short and I didn't have to stress myself further.
The downside was that my body wasn't stable enough to understand the difference between a lover and a century or two old Tutor who was out of reach.
If I don't control myself, I might begin rubbing my thighs on his strong chest. I'd endured and survived so much but nothing was as torturous as this.
I needed it to end but I wanted it to never ever end. I wanted more, I needed more
My skin was hot to the touch, and I shivered all over every minute, and each time, he'd squeeze tighter, as if in reassurance, as though he could tell I was in need but couldn't help me.
If Jake saw me right now, he'd definitely hurl insults me, prominent amongst them, a whore.
And I felt like one
A disgraced, weak and confused one feeling unspeakable things for two strangers.
The second he slowed down, by resolve to find a way out if here increased.
I couldn't stand the man and get here I was, wishing he'd take me somewhere more private and…
“Run along, Princess,” his voice, deeper and more erotic than before, like white honey dripped over my ears, “you don't want to be late for dinner.”
“You say that like you care,” I found myself saying.
Trying to cling to my sanity.
“I don't. But if you die just one night after I'm assigned to you, I'll be in trouble and we didn't even train. Now stop being a brat and be on your way.”
“I'm not a brat,” I threw back, sticking my tongue out childishly but still obeying.
It's when I turned around that I realized he'd dropped me very close to the bustling dining area.
It was an open place with one house at the other end where students and teachers stood in different lines, trays in their hands.
Fucking hell, did they see me?
There was no pause or dramatic staring in my direction so I hoped no one did.
I remembered the uproar riding atop Styx caused, riding on the instructor’s shoulder would definitely cause more problems.
More than I was ready for.
So I slinked by the edge of the crowd scattered across different seating positions, some on trees, others on chairs and some even standing up even though there were empty chairs around.
I searched for Erin with frantic eyes, hoping to get to her before people begins paying attention to me.
The clique, as dysfunctional as it was, saved me from anxiety and having to endure the stares and questioning glares of students whose lives have been interrupted by my presence.
I guess my eyes were becoming a less preferable sense because it was my nose that figured out exactly where she was, and my eyes followed.
Next to Asher and some of his friends and she was laughing heartily at something he said.
I knew that look, and I knew it was best not to interrupt, I'd already stressed the girl enough.
So I walked towards the line instead, food will definitely make this entire experience better.
Maybe the butterflies in my stomach will focus on some meat and vegetables rather than telling me about Master Florian and how I want to rub my boobs all over his chest like a wild animal.
I found myself on a line filled with familiar faces from my class and I spied where they were picking the trays from and I did the same.
By the time I was done getting some food, a humongous heap more than this afternoon’s portion, I looked back to see Erin was no longer there.
So I found myself a seat and settled in, and dug in.
“How are you settling in?”
The purple coloured juice I was drinking went down the wrong pipe from the shock, I'd been so engrossed in the food that I didn't realise someone coming next to me.
After a fitful of coughs and getting my system regulated, I looked at the stranger with red eyes.
She was a tall girl, taller than most people here who towered above regular men back on earth, green scales designing her nose in a pretty way and she had snake heads around her head.
Although they were tiny and probably harmless, there were at least twelve of them and I was terrified of snakes.
I moved back instinctively.
“Don't worry, they don't bite. Much.”
“Thanks for the clarification,” I muttered, wiping my mouth and trying to not offend this probably dangerous person.
She's clearly in our class and I don't know what she wants with me.
She chuckled and threw her scaly arm around my shoulder.
“I like you,” she said as she ruffled my head. “Let me know if anyone looks for your trouble, alright?”
I frowned.
“Why?”
“You can't be this pretty and dumb, Lira.”
“But –”
“I literally just said I like you. Why would I need more reasons?”
My mouth opened but words didn't come out.
Everyone else who has been nice to me has been commanded to. Why would she be trying to be nice to me for no reason?
Liking me just because I coughed my guts out doesn't make sense either.
Or I'm genuinely scarred so badly that I can't trust people.
“Thank you,” I told her as she stood up.
“Kassandra.”
I swallowed, nodding and commuting her name to memory.
Maybe she'll help me survive this place until I can find a way out.
She was gone a few seconds before Erin showed up with a sad look in her eyes.
Before I could ask what was happening, she was speaking.
“Asher said he likes you and would like for me to help you guys become Soul Ties. What do you think? Ready to be Lady Thornwick?”
“Um, no thank you,” I shook my head instantly, getting up.
She clearly liked him and I could tell that this was hurting her and he was stupid to not see it but that wasn't the only reason I was upset about the matter.
The idea of belonging to anyone, after everything that happened the last time that happened finally took my appetite away.
“You don't want to finish your food?”
“Can I take it back to the hostel?”
“Yea sure, just make sure to return the tray tomorrow. Madam Rina get’s very dramatic about her utensils.”
I looked at the heap of food, knowing I would be hungry later on, and I took it with me.
“Ready to go back?”
“No I'm going to hang around for a while. We might have a bonfire later tonight. Don't worry, Akua is back in the room, she'll open the door for you.”
“Alright,” I said, picking up the tray and my bag.
I waved her goodbye and began the trek back home.
I needed a long bath, I needed a plan and I needed a new mindset about this entire thing.
But one thing I was sure of, I was done playing with my life or letting others decide if I get to keep it or not.
I don't know where the strength and audacity was coming from but I'll do anything to survive even though the odds were stacked against me.