Chapter 70 Pink Crystal

Chapter 70 Pink Crystal

Cecilia Blackwood's POV

Yes, Kane was as stubborn as ever—especially when it came to things like this.

I sighed softly. "I understand how you feel, and I appreciate it, but really—it's not necessary. I can protect myself."

"No. I'm coming to class with you." Kane moved toward the classroom, but I stepped in front of him.

"Listen to me. The academy arranged that special curriculum specifically for you. You have to attend, or people will use it against you."

"Remember what I told you before? You need to avoid trouble right now—not just for your sake, but for mine too."

I took his hand. I wasn't sure when holding his hand had become so natural.

"Listen to me this once, okay? Don't make me worry about you anymore."

"How about this—I'll text you every ten minutes to let you know I'm safe. Does that work?"

Kane thought for a long moment before finally nodding. "All right. I'll listen to you. But let me walk you to the classroom."

"Sure. But class is about to start—we need to hurry."

When we reached the classroom, Rowan and the others were standing outside as usual, textbooks and notebooks in hand.

This was Ms. Moria's punishment—and they deserved it.

Because if I hadn't chosen to forgive them, they wouldn't just be standing outside. They would've been expelled.

Kane walked straight up to the three of them, his voice ice-cold. "I'm warning you—don't hurt Cecilia again. Or no one will be able to save you."

All three stepped back, panic flashing across their faces. "D-don't worry. We've turned over a new leaf. We won't hurt her anymore."

"Yes, yes—what happened before was all a misunderstanding. It won't happen again."

Kane's gaze swept over them, dripping with distrust.

I stepped forward and tugged on his arm. "Come on. Class is about to start. You should get to your classroom."

"Mm. I'll come find you the second class is over."

"Okay."

I entered the classroom and took my usual seat in the back corner.

There used to be no seat for Kane in the front row. Now, gradually, it seemed there was no seat for me either.

But I didn't care. The classroom wasn't that big anyway—I could see fine from anywhere. And sitting in the back was quieter.

A moment later, a girl with a ponytail approached me with a smile. "Hi. Can I sit here?"

I narrowed my eyes slightly. Her name was Rosie—Rowan's distant cousin, actually. Rowan had introduced us before.

And Rowan had also mentioned that despite Rosie's sweet, innocent appearance, she had a terrible temper and could explode at the drop of a hat.

So why did she want to sit next to me now? Was she trying to get revenge for Rowan? Or was she planning to pull the same stunt as before?

To be fair, this did feel eerily similar to the last Herbology class—because Rowan had also approached me on her own that time.

Rosie asked again. "Excuse me, is this seat taken? Can I sit here?"

I was about to say no when Rosie cut in. "I remember that Dark Mage has to attend special curriculum, so this seat should be empty. I think I can sit here."

"Unless you have a problem with me. Unless you want to isolate me."

Those two sentences instantly choked back the words I'd been about to say.

Yes. The thing I hated most was being isolated. Being treated differently. How could I turn myself into the very thing I despised?

"Fine. You can sit here."

The moment the words left my mouth, a booming voice rang out from the front of the room. "You cannot sit there!"

I looked up. The speaker was Ms. Jessie.

She was holding her textbook—she must have just walked in.

Jessie stood and walked over to Rosie. "Go back to your original seat."

Rosie looked confused. "Why? No one's sitting here. Why can't I sit here?"

"There is no 'why.' You can't, and that's final. This is my classroom. I make the rules."

Jessie's tone was firm and unyielding.

"What? Are you refusing to listen to me now? Do you want to stand outside and listen to class too?"

Rosie sighed. "Fine. I'll go back to my original seat."

But just as she turned to leave, she paused. "Someone's already sitting there. I can only sit here."

Jessie glanced around the classroom, then at me, before pointing to the seat in front of me. "There's an empty seat right here. Sit there."

Rosie pouted, clearly unwilling, but eventually sat down obediently.

Ten minutes passed quickly. I texted Kane to let him know I was fine—but I didn't mention the little incident with Rosie.

Because even I could tell she was targeting me. Kane would've figured it out instantly—and probably stormed over here on the spot.

The first half of class went smoothly. Ms. Jessie taught us about five different herbs, each with unique properties, and explained how to cultivate them.

But in the magical world, herbs weren't grown with fertilizer—they were nurtured with spiritual power.

In other words, the stronger your spiritual power, the more vigorously the herbs would grow.

I was thrilled. This was exactly what I needed.

I need to study hard with Mr. Crom and strengthen my spiritual power as soon as possible!

The second half of class was group work—students were supposed to form small groups and discuss together.

I lowered my head and started reviewing my old notes.

In the past, Kane and I would automatically form a group during discussions. But now that Kane wasn't here, I had no reason to try pleasing anyone else.

A moment later, Rosie turned around. "Let's discuss together."

I shook my head gently. "Sorry. I'm not feeling well today. I'd rather be alone. You should find someone else."

I wasn't refusing because I was afraid. I just didn't want to give her an opportunity—or invite unnecessary trouble.

Because if I got into trouble, it wouldn't just affect me. It would affect Kane too. We'd finally had a few peaceful days—I didn't want to stir up more problems.

Suddenly, Rosie pulled out a pink crystal from her pocket. It was beautiful—but I couldn't shake the feeling that beneath that beauty lurked something dangerous.

In the next instant, Rosie hurled the pink crystal straight at me—so fast I barely had time to react.

It was aimed directly at my face. I didn't dare imagine what would happen if it hit.

Because I had no idea what that pink crystal was. Would it disfigure me? Or would it be like last time—leaving me unconscious, maybe forever?

Danger surged through me like a blaring alarm. I activated Dodge Magic as fast as I could.

I'd only just reached the beginner level, but it was enough to let me flash to the side in an instant.

Smack!