Chapter 208 You Played Yourself (1)
Kelly was Rachel's closest friend, and people often said that like attracts like. In their case, the saying fit perfectly. Both carried the same sharp-edged pride, the same instinct to size up a room and decide who belonged -- and who didn't.
From the very first time Kelly had seen Amelia at the Williams family's banquet, she had felt an immediate, unshakable dislike. In class, she never missed a chance to stir trouble, though Amelia rarely gave her the satisfaction of reacting. On rare occasions Amelia responded, her calm, flat words cut so cleanly that Kelly was left speechless.
But today was different.
Lon was here. On the surface, his manner was warm, almost genteel, his voice patient as he gave instructions. Yet Amelia knew better. Every seemingly casual movement was a test, every glance that flickered and then withdrew was an assessment. He never let his guard down.
From the moment they stepped into the arena, Amelia matched his composure with her own. Outwardly, she focused on the horse beneath her, while inwardly she was alert and locked in a quiet duel with Lon that no one else could see.
Which was why she had no interest in wasting energy on Kelly. When Kelly rode up and threw down her challenge, Amelia didn't even pause to consider. Her first instinct was to refuse. She wasn't someone who cared about proving herself in front of a crowd.
Then Kelly mentioned Moonfern.
Amelia's brows drew together, her gaze lifting. She was a Rose Dryad, born with an affinity for plants and with extensive knowledge of medicinal properties.
Moonfern was rare enough that botanists spoke of it in hushed tones. It was renowned for its restorative effects on the respiratory system and kidneys. It could ease asthma symptoms and, over time, strengthen the body against relapse. It grew only in remote mountain forests, where harvesting conditions were so exacting that even wealthy collectors struggled to obtain it.
Since that night at THE DEEP when she had first met Zander, Amelia had been crafting herbal pills to strengthen his health. The formula for his asthma required Moonfern, but without it she had been forced to substitute a lesser ingredient. With Moonfern, the pills would work far better.
And Kelly had it.
Amelia's gaze narrowed as she took in Kelly's lifted chin and smug expression. Kelly clearly believed she wouldn't dare accept. Offering Moonfern as a prize was a calculated move, meant to corner her, so she could look cowardly in front of the class.
Refusing would not only cost her face; it would make her seem indifferent to Zander's health.
It was exactly the sort of move Rachel would make.
A few sharp words, and Kelly could raise herself while undermining Amelia, stirring tension in the process. Amelia saw it for what it was, and her eyes cooled.
If someone handed her an opening to strike back, why waste it?
She raised her head, meeting Kelly's gaze. "Fine. I'll compete with you."
The answer came so quickly, so decisively, that Kelly who was still holding her proud posture blinked in surprise.
The students nearby looked equally stunned.
Amelia had agreed? On her first day riding, she was going to attempt a jump-off? It was like someone who had just learned to walk signing up for a sprint race.
Jumping meant clearing obstacles in full flight. The risk of injury was high. Murmurs spread through the group.
Lon stood close enough to hear her clearly. His brows drew together, a flicker of concern in his eyes.
"Amelia, you may not understand exactly what Kelly means by jumping," he said, his voice steady but edged with warning. "In equestrian sport, obstacle jumping tests the precision of horse and rider working as one—navigating a set course and clearing multiple barriers quickly. Your horse may have the ability, but as a beginner, you're unfamiliar with the timing and rhythm needed for takeoff."
He glanced toward the far end of the arena. "Prestige High School's courses are divided into low, medium, and high difficulty. Even on the lowest—a single horizontal rail, can be dangerous for someone without training. Kelly has years of professional practice. One misstep on your part could mean a fall and injury."
Kelly's lips curled into a smile, her posture tilting toward arrogance. Hearing Lon emphasize her professional background was exactly what she wanted. She turned toward Amelia, her tone dripping with mockery.
"That's right, Amelia. Be honest -- you don't even know what jumping is, do you? Agreeing without a clue... that's reckless. You're not afraid you'll get hurt?"
Her laugh was soft, but the contempt in it was unmistakable.
"You're right," Amelia said, her voice calm as she met Kelly's eyes. "I don't know. But I can learn. You said you'd give me the Moonfern if I beat you. I expect you to keep your word."
Learn? The word rippled through the crowd. Was she serious? Jumping wasn't something you picked up by watching a demonstration. Did she think she could master it in minutes?
In Class A, Amelia kept to herself. She sat in the far corner during lectures, often resting through breaks, and left with Zander and Tobias when the day was done. Even after winning a piano competition and stealing the spotlight at Vaughn's birthday banquet, she returned to her routine without fuss.
That quiet nature made it easy to forget the truth -- she had scored perfectly on the entrance exam, claimed championships in both piano and combat. Her learning curve was sharper than anyone else's.
Most of the class thought she was allowing pride drive her into a reckless contest. Only Lon understood that when Amelia said she would learn, she meant it. She had told him herself she was a genius. What others saw as impossible might be, but for her, only a matter of time.
Kelly's smile widened at Amelia's condition. "Fine. If you think you can learn on the spot, let Mr. Ramos teach you. And if I lose..."
She leaned forward slightly, her tone turning bold. "If I lose, not only will you get the Moonfern, but I'll follow your lead in Prestige High School from now on."