Chapter 2 0002

The moment I stepped into the school, the atmosphere changed. No longer the naive girl I was, not the happy Zara that left the school three years ago, but something different and dark.

At the heart of all attention was Matteo, seated gracefully while surrounded by women.

He seemed a lot more different-he had grown in a good way, his physique more defined, his face looking innocent yet dangerous, but as usual, prideful and boastful.

I didn't understand what led to our breakup, but I had already accepted the fate.

It seemed like my presence went unnoticed, as he didn't even turn his head to look at me. But I could only pity the girls-if only they knew the man he was. Nothing impressed him. But I'd love to see them try. I knew him too well to expect anything different.

I walked down the academy halls and straight to my dorm, where I met my roommate Agatha. Nothing seemed to have changed about her-still lively and always recording-as she welcomed me with a camera in my face.

"Look who's back, guys!" she said excitedly.

But I didn't have the time. I only needed rest, since I hadn't had any for days.

I could tell my actions were seen as arrogance to her by the facial expression.

I was drowning in sleep but the room was so busy, my roommate's footsteps could be heard everywhere, making it difficult to sleep.

"Could you just stay in one place," I yelled my lungs out to her since I had had enough?

"Relax girl,"

"Easy for you to say you're not the one being hunted, are you," I whispered under my breath.

"It's the selection day, so I'm surprised that you're sleeping!" She said,

How could I have forgotten, I quickly rushed down to the bathroom but when I came out she was already gone, I had no time to look around as I reached out to change and quickly rushed down out?

I walked into the training room and there he was, Mr. Varane looked at me like he was waiting for me.

"I'm... sorry," I said, bowing my head out of shame.

"Tell me, Missy, is it your habit to pop up late or just wanting the spotlight?" He spoke so coldly, but I had nothing to say back since he was right.

"Get in line and don't waste any of my time,"

I quickly rushed down to see the girls and boys wearing their ballet clothes. It was a tough competition, but I had to win no negotiations.

I stepped into the room and two female judges entered the room and sat gracefully next to Mr. Varane.

"Music!" Mr. Varane commanded, and suddenly the room went dark as the spotlight shone on the first candidate.

"Get off my stage!" Mr. Varane talked again, and the girl went down the stage crying.

"Disqualified, next time do better," One of the female judges spoke coldly.

Couldn't they find a softer way of speaking to her, but that didn't matter to them?

"Next," they called again.

I had the same words for the next hour and the same music for the last hour and a half, and I was honestly getting tired as I was the last candidate.

As I was trying to make myself comfortable.

"Next," He commanded, and this time it was my turn.

I walked to the stage nervously. I've done this before and even won two trophies at the academy, but this time it was different. Not only that, but I wasn't Their ally but an enemy.

Furthermore, I started dancing, and my spirit felt free as my body moved to the rhythm of the music. For the first time, I felt it... freedom.... I felt myself not the bitter Zara, but for the first time I was myself.

I broke down to tears as I told my story through dance, my vulnerability took place and I remembered the reason I started to dance in the first place.

It was for joy. Then suddenly the music stopped, and the heavy light fell on me.

No amusement showed Mr. Varane's face, but I could tell I impressed the other judges, but the hands clapped, Matteo's.

What is he doing here? I thought he didn't notice me?

He clapped so softly but gracefully enough just to make me give a courtesy.

"The results will be announced in the evening, good luck Zara," the female judge spoke with a smile and I walked out of the stage.

I could feel his footsteps behind me, but I didn't care as I increased my speed to get away from him, but it was no use.

He was faster than me. Suddenly a hand pulled me and pinned me in the wall, getting close to me, not giving me space to breathe.

"Your stubbornness was one of the reasons I fell in love with you," He whispered in my ear.

"If I knew, I would have chosen to be softer," I spoke out of disgust, but he interpreted it as playing hard to get.

"Like I said, your stubbornness," He said, then reduced his grasp towards me.

"If I may ask, why is the queen of dance back," he whispered.

"I missed the culture," I lied.

"Lie... you can't lie even if you tried your eyes to tell the truth," He spoke softly.

There was something about the way he spoke that made me soft and just wanted me to reach up and kiss me, memories of our past resurfaced, but I had to fight it.

There was no way I was getting in a relationship with a son of someone who wiped my family out.

"Let me go now!" I said, finally regaining my confidence back.

He smiled, letting me go, and finally, I gained the confidence to walk away, but I could feel his eyes all around me as I walked away.

Back at the dorm, I sat down holding the picture of my parents and my uncle and I couldn't help but break down

Especially for my uncle, that I didn't get the time to even give him a decent burial.

I could feel the anger of his spirit looking down at me, but I was here to avenge all of them.

"Zara, the results are out!" I heard the shout and excitement outside my roommate.

I wiped my tears and gathered my courage to go down to the hallway where all the competitors struggled to look for them. Their names, some were excited, some were crying as they hugged themselves.

I didn't have to check further before I saw my name and was stationed in Mr. Varane class. I didn't know if I was happy or sad, but one thing was sure.

Let the game begin!