Chapter 12 Caught by her Trap!
Chapter 12
Caught by her Trap
Lira's POV
As I made to leave, Nyra's voice stopped me mid-step. "Be careful, Selene, Lyra's claws becomes too sharp any time she feels cornered!"
Well, that has been Nyra's way of warning me, insisting that Lyra is a spoiled brat.
On second thought, instead of leaving, I decided to move closer to them. It has been a saying to keep friends close, and enemies even closer. But on seeing that I was coming their way, Lyra's clique straightened up like they weren't discussing me seconds ago.
"Don't try to stop because you saw me," I said sweetly. "Schemes sound even better when carried out in daylight."
Lyra's lips curved into a fake smile, the kind that didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, darling Lira. Don't overdo things by flattering yourself. You should learn to differentiate between wins and failures. Not everything revolves around your small world."
"Of course, I'm taking my lessons seriously," I murmured, as I circled her in a predatory manner. "But have you checked why it's only your voice that tends to rise in panic each time I enter a room?"
That got her foaming in rage, her nails dug into her palm, to the point she almost bruised herself.
Lyra has failed to learn her place in this Academy, and I'm ready to be steps ahead of her.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
By midday, we were already set for combat drills. The crowd was overwhelming, majorly students hungry for spectacle. The instructor was busy barking orders like his life depended on it, but I observed something strange. His eyes kept darting occasionally to Lyra. On a closer look, I noticed it was the same instructor from earlier on, the one who mysteriously mixed up unrealistic scrolls yesterday. There's no doubt that he was bought by Lyra with just a penny, not even worth the effort he put into getting disgraced.
As I stood there, Nyra murmured something which I didn't pay much attention to. She has been restless the moment we got here. "Don't make the mistake of underestimating desperation."
"I won't," I whispered through gritted teeth, already had had enough of her numerous warnings. With that, I stepped into the ring.
"Pairing!" The instructor announced the moment I stepped in. It was more like he had been waiting all it all his life. "Lira and Lyra."
The crowd erupted on hearing that. Many raised eyebrows, and her minions by the side, batting their eyelashes as if it were the biggest achievement of their lives.
Well, that was convenient. Too convenient to be ignored.
By the side, Lyra smirked, moving forward to the ring with her blade wiggling with so much practiced grace. "I would advise you to do your best not to humiliate yourself again."
Of course, I twirled mine lightly to show her who the boss is. "Oh, I will keep that in mind."
>>>>>>>>>>
The clash began too fast. It was more like we were in a hurry to show off our skills, well, that wasn't for me, that was completely Lyra. Lyra pressed hard, putting in all her strength, her movement very aggressive and noticeable. I could see how hard she was trying to corner me into making a mistake. But my instinct already saw it coming, how she wanted me in a particular position, just by the edge of the ring. I knew beforehand that they had hidden a trap there. They planned it that I would fall by just a slip, and not only lose the fight, but also break a bone.
"I see you are too careful not to hurt your pretty face." She taunted.
"You seem rather too obsessed with damaging my face. Why is that, if I may ask?" I shot back, and with so much ease, l deflated her calculated strike.
The crowd roared, cheering in my admiration. Her eyes burned with hatred, not taking it that I wasn't moved a bit.
"Fall already, Lira." She hissed with so much bitterness.
But instead of retreating as she anticipated, I bent low, letting her move forward to attack. My blade immediately got hers hooked at a panic point, and in a twist..her foot missed its balance, skidding over the oil she had hidden to get me.
The second she got to know what had happened, her eyes flew wide in shock. "What..."
But before she could regain her balance, she found herself crashing heavily, her back on the ground. Her sword flew miles away beyond her reach. The next minute, the crowd erupted in mocking laughter.
"Oh, dear Lyra," I said with false concern, my grin as wide as her shame. "Are you hurt anywhere? Don't be too careless next time. You should practice safer tactics. Let's blame it on the floor... It's too slippery."
I watched her cheeks burn with hot flames, and if given the opportunity, she wouldn't waste time in drilling deep holes in my heart. The instructor rushed to her side, but all was in pretence of one who cares. He clearly couldn't raise his face up because his bribe didn't go as planned. It was a complete waste.
I didn't know which one was sweeter, Lyra's fall or the mockery from the students watching everything unfold.
"She is daft to fall into her own trap."
"What a pathetic being."
"Did you see how Lira smartly turned in on her?"
Well, she scrambled up with the remaining dignity if she still have any left out. The worst of all, she was completely disfigured, her hair sticky, her uniform a complete mess from the oil she spilled. She was completely humiliated, her pride gone, even her friends couldn't help but giggle at her new look.
"You..." She started, but stopped halfway.
"Yes, Lyra?" I asked sweetly moving closer.
She froze, choking on her words, burning with fury, but there was nothing she could do.
As the class finally dispersed through the help of the instructors, I quietly slipped away through one of the corridors. Since my arrival, it has only been Nyra who's keeping me company. I hadn't gotten friends, not because I don't want to, but because I don't want anyone who would sneak into my safe space only to mess things up for me.
"That was rather ruthless, and funny enough, I love it." Nyra giggled happily.
"She's going to come harder next time," I replied.
"No, she will come dumber." Nyra corrected, earning my smile. "But watch yourself. She won't always fight alone without company. The Council won't fold their hands while you triumph over one of their favorite heirs."
That was true. But not really my concern at the moment. Through out the combat fight, I noticed neither Cael nor Riven intervened, and that was worrisome. Why did they suddenly go cold? Could it be they are planning something behind closed doors?