Chapter 38 After Trials
“Congratulations on your win, uh—”
Kaitlyn’s voice came from behind me, calm and measured, yet still carrying unmistakable authority.
I turned quickly. “Lexie Lambert,” I supplied.
I was still holding the flower against my chest as I made my way back toward my dorm that evening. Kaitlyn stepped directly into my path, forcing me to stop.
“Lexie,” she said thoughtfully, “that name is rather rare on my tongue.”
I exhaled through my nose. “Is there anything else you wanted to say?”
She shrugged lightly, rolling her eyes. “What? I’m just here to congratulate you.” A faint smile curved her lips. “You’re the first less-privileged student who has fought this hard for a post in this school… all in the name of helping me.”
There was pride in her tone, undiluted and unapologetic.
I hesitated for a moment. “Thank you,” I said at last, flatly. “I need some rest.”
I turned and took a few steps forward when—
“You’ll be joining your first student council meeting next week Wednesday.”
I paused.
She stepped closer. “Mondays and Wednesdays are general meeting days.”
I tilted my head toward her. “Then why don’t I get to attend on Monday?”
“Good question,” she replied smoothly. “You’re not a rated member yet. I’m rated four stars, and only members with three stars and above attend Monday meetings.”
Something tightened in my chest.
What was so special about that Monday meeting that it required ratings to participate?
“So how do I get rated?” I asked.
“That,” she said lightly, “is what we’ll be discussing on Wednesday, only if you don’t mind.”
She leaned closer, her lips near my ear. “See you there.”
Then she turned and walked away, her heels echoing sharply down the hall.
I stared after her for a moment, clutching the flower tighter.
I just hoped earning that star wouldn’t cost me more strength, or time, than I could afford.
“You’re not seriously thinking of chasing that star, are you?”
Julian’s voice came from behind me, smooth and knowing, as if he had plucked the thought straight from my mind.
“Stalker,” I muttered, not turning to look at him.
“I’m observing you,” he replied evenly. “Not stalking.”
I started walking again. He followed at an unhurried pace.
“You’re in the council now,” he continued. “Your priority should be securing the ring, not scrambling for access to meetings designed for rich, spoiled brats.”
I slowed slightly, absorbing his words.
The flower in my arms suddenly felt heavier than before.
I paused and exhaled. “I’ve done half of what you wanted, getting into the council. Getting the ring won’t be difficult. But to know where it’s hidden, I need to understand everything about the council, the ins and outs, the advantages and the flaws.”
“It’s—”
“Julian. Lambert.”
Professor Ashcroft stood before us.
We straightened immediately.
“Professor Ashcroft,” we said in near unison.
His sharp eyes assessed us both, my forced brightness, Julian’s carefully neutral expression. “I presume you’re both doing well,” he said evenly.
“Yes, Professor,” I replied without hesitation.
“I was referring to the manuscript,” he clarified. “I assume you’re nearing completion by now. You have twenty-five days remaining.”
“I—” I nudged Julian sharply with my elbow, stopping him before he could speak. “Yes, Professor. We’ll be finished soon.”
He studied my smile. I could tell he sensed the insincerity beneath it, though he had no proof. After a brief pause, he nodded. “Very well. I expect results soon. And congratulations, Lambert.”
“Yes, sir.”
He walked past us and disappeared down the corridor.
Julian dragged a hand through his hair. “Why don’t you just tell him the truth, that I wasn’t involved?”
“I can’t,” I replied quietly. “He’d be disappointed.”
“Have you translated the pages yet?” he asked.
I said nothing.
He took my silence as his answer. “Translating Latin shouldn’t take this long.”
Something inside me snapped. “If you had actually agreed to help me,” I said, struggling to keep my voice even, “this wouldn’t have dragged on like this. By now, I’d probably be searching for the missing pages.”
“You don’t understand—”
“Then make me understand,” I cut in, “or stop asking about the translation altogether.”
He shrugged, his face unreadable. “Fine. Just get me the ring,” he said casually, too casually. “Unless you want your memories erased.”
The words landed like a threat.
He turned and walked away without waiting for my response, leaving me standing there, the weight of his warning settling heavily in my chest