Chapter 4 0004

It had been a week since I joined the academy, and still no word from Sultan....the man who got me in, the one who promised answers. He said he had someone on the inside, an informant working closely with him. I'd tried watching everyone, searching for odd movements or suspicious behavior, but so far, nothing.

The alarm clock rang, dragging me out of my thoughts and back to reality. Exercise class.

The gym was in chaos, as usual. No one wanted to start with workouts; everyone was busy chatting. No group made more noise than Selene's.

She was the star of the school, branded the best dancer once a title I held, but unlike her, I was never arrogant. I stayed out of her way, walking toward the open window to sit by myself.

Then, of course, trouble had to find me. She approached, flanked by her two brainless friends. She didn't just stop there, she had the nerve to remove my headphones.

I wasn't one to take disrespect lightly.

I stood and slapped her across the face, hard leaving her cheek flushed red. I didn't care. I simply returned to my seat, blasting my music louder, drowning out whatever garbage was coming out of her mouth.

"What do you want with me, Selene?" I finally asked, bored with her existence.

"What are you doing with Matteo?" she snapped.

I giggled.

"Why don't you ask him? Why bother me?"

"Stay away from him!" she hissed, storming off as her friends rushed to console her.

If she was truly dating Matteo, she wouldn't be this insecure. He might be ruthless, but when he commits, he commits fully. No wandering eyes. No half-baked games. He shuts out every other girl the moment he's taken.

So one thing was certain: they weren't dating. If they were, he would've shown her off just like he did with me. Back then, he was my shadow, always trailing behind me.

"Can we get this class started already?" a soft voice called out.

Mrs. Sophie. The kindest teacher on campus.

We all straightened up and got into line.

"To dance, you have to be flexible," she began. "And to be flexible, you have to exercise or else you'll be thirty with knees like Verane." She joked, and laughter echoed across the room.

"Now let's get to work. On the floor, press-ups. If you mess up or stop, frog jumps. Understood?" She blew her whistle, and we got to it.

This was easy for me. My uncle drilled this into me every morning. Still, by the end, tired was an understatement. I walked out drenched in sweat.

Exactly how I liked it.

"Look who we have here," a voice called.

Leo.

"What do you want, golden boy?" I asked, too tired to entertain nonsense.

"Should I say... a dance lesson?"

Of course. Mockery.

He was the best male ballet dancer on campus....only second to Matteo. His only competition.

"I don't have time for you, Leo," I muttered, trying to pass him, but he ran ahead and blocked me.

"And she knows my name!"

"Because it's infamous," I said flatly. I was exhausted.

"How does it feel knowing your star will always be overshadowed by Matteo?"

Ouch. That one clearly stung him.

I walked past without looking back as the boys behind him laughed. Let them. He was the least of my problems.

Where was Sultan? What was he planning?

If I didn't hear from him soon, I was walking out of this school. I'd rather disappear than slowly die from the silence.

As I passed Viviana's office, the door was slightly open. Something in me stirred. I looked both ways. No one was in the hallway.

Curiosity won.

I slipped inside quietly, scanning the room without knowing what exactly I was looking for just anything that could help.

Then something caught my eye.

A file labeled "Santiago." My uncle.

I grabbed it and tucked it inside my hoodie.

Just then, I heard the sharp click of heels. Panic surged through me.

I scanned the room for a hiding spot and stupidly ducked beside the bookshelf.

She entered.

Viviana.

She paused for a moment. My heart nearly exploded. She could sense someone was there. I knew it. Her footsteps grew louder as she walked toward where I hid.

"You called me?" Matteo's voice cut through the silence like a lifeline.

A breath of relief.

"Sit," she commanded.

"What are you doing with her?" Viviana demanded.

"I don't even leave my room and you're accusing me of being with someone?" Matteo replied coolly.

"I have eyes and ears everywhere in this school. Don't lie to me," she snapped.

Matteo remained unfazed. Calm. Fearless.

"So, I'm not allowed to associate with anyone anymore?" he asked.

"The last time, you know the mess it caused. But maybe this time... it could be useful," she said, her tone sharp with suggestion.

"Keep her close. Watch her every move. Report everything. Even if she moves a damn cup."

He nodded once and walked out.

Then her phone rang.

Perfect.

While she was distracted, I slipped out the way I came in...silent, careful...and bolted toward the changing room.

And just like that, the hunter became the hunted. But in this jungle, it's survival of the fittest.

I'll play their game. Let them think I'm falling right into their trap.

Then, when they least expect it...I strike.

Later that day, Matteo's name was on every girl's lips. They couldn't stop gushing about him. I tuned it all out and went straight to my locker.

Something felt... off.

The lock was slightly twisted. I knew someone had been here.

I opened it slowly.

Inside was a note, neatly folded.

I unfolded it and read:

"Meet me at the cafeteria by 8PM."

No name. No clue who it was from.

But I'd be there.