Chapter 204 Lon's Probe Begins
The logic was simple.
First, even among the Demon Hunters, few understood that certain nonhuman races could anchor themselves inside a human body and live again—a second rebirth, hidden in plain sight.
Second, Lon was not the type to waste time. If he had already confirmed she was Rosie, he would never have bothered with the charade of teaching an equestrian class at Prestige High School. Without a word, he would have driven the Wraithbane Nail into her heart the moment he saw her.
That meant he wasn't certain yet. And uncertainty meant she didn't need to panic… not yet.
If she skipped today's riding lesson, it would be a red flag. Lon would notice, and suspicion would follow.
Leroy was out, feverish, with a note excusing him from the session. Zander, with his chronic health issues, was exempt from the course altogether. Asher had chosen to stay in the classroom to keep him company.
So when the time came to collect the gear, only Dorian and Amelia walked together.
The school's riding kit was basic—jacket, breeches, boots, helmet, gloves, and an inflatable safety vest. Same uniform, different bodies—and a different presence.
In the changing room, Amelia tied her hair into a high, efficient ponytail, baring the clean line of her neck. The deep navy jacket made her skin seem even paler, the fitted white breeches tracing the length of her legs, straight and unyielding. Black boots ran sleek from knee to heel. Helmet and gloves matched in crisp contrast, stripping away a hint of her usual aloofness and replacing it with something sharper—an English sort of poise, confident and self-contained.
When she stepped out, Dorian's eyes lit up like a night sky scattered with stars. "Not surprised. You look insanely cool in that."
Kelly and Grace emerged from the other side of the room. Kelly's gaze flicked over Amelia, and her mouth curved into something edged. "Looks fine, I guess. Some people can wear the gear and still look… off. Just not built for it."
Grace's glance was quick, her smile light but pointed. "She grew up in the countryside. Never touched a saddle. Bet she's still figuring out how to strap that vest properly."
Kelly and Grace were Rachel's closest friends. Their digs at Amelia were nothing new.
Amelia didn't bother replying. But Dorian's patience snapped. She strode up to them, voice cutting. "Jealous much? A few riding lessons and you think you're royalty? You say she looks awkward, but maybe you're just choking on the fact she's better-looking and more talented than you'll ever be."
Kelly's eyes went wide. Her chin tilted upward. "Jealous of her? That's a joke. She's a nobody from nowhere, never ridden a horse in her life. What's there to envy? She's the only one in class who can't ride. She'll have to start from scratch while the rest of us move ahead. Talk about embarrassing."
Her tone sharpened. "Low-tier stays low-tier. Change the scenery, it doesn't change the rank."
"You…" Dorian faltered, caught off guard by the bluntness.
Amelia hadn't planned to step in, but seeing Dorian take the hit for her twisted something in her chest. She lifted her gaze to Kelly, voice calm. "You're right—low-tier doesn't become high-tier. But at least high-tier doesn't waste breath."
Kelly blinked, thinking Amelia was conceding… until the second half landed. Wasting breath. She was calling her out for talking too much.
The flush in Kelly's cheeks deepened. She opened her mouth to fire back—but Lon's voice cut in, smooth as silk.
"What are we all discussing here? Class is about to start."
Kelly turned toward him instantly, her sharpness melting into something softer. "Mr. Ramos… you're here."
Lon's smile was warm. "You wear the riding uniform well."
Her blush spread. "Oh… well, you're the one who looks amazing."
Lon let the compliment slide with a flicker of amusement. "You've all had riding lessons before. Head to the stables, choose your mounts, tack them, and get reacquainted. The assistants will help."
His gaze shifted to Amelia. "As for you… since you've never taken equestrian before, I'll walk you through selecting a horse and the basics. Your session today will be under my full instruction."
"What?" Kelly's softness cracked into disbelief. "You mean you're only teaching Amelia today? What about the rest of us?"
"You're already intermediate to advanced," Lon said evenly. "You can work independently. My concern is Amelia's adjustment and safety."
Kelly's jaw tightened. She had never met a riding instructor like him—tall, striking, composed, the exact image of her ideal. She'd felt the spark the moment she saw him in the corridor. She had been counting on this class to get close to him… and now he was giving his entire attention to Amelia?
If she'd known that was all it took, she'd have claimed she was a beginner too. The thought burned. She shot Amelia a glare sharp enough to cut glass before turning away with Grace.
Dorian gave Amelia a quick nod and headed for the stables.
And then there were two.
Lon's words were clear enough—this wasn't about safety. It was about testing her.
They had barely reached the stables when Lon spoke casually, as if making conversation. "I'd heard of you before I came to Prestige High School."
Her pulse didn't change. "Oh?"
"You're young, yet you count the pianist Osborne as a close friend. You won first place at the River City Piano Competition this year. And years ago, you took the title at the Novaria Abyss Underground Fights, bringing home rare artifacts for the nation. Heroic, really."
His tone shifted, just slightly. "But Kelly mentioned your family wasn't well-off. I'm curious… how does someone from that background master the piano to that level, and still travel abroad to fight?"