Page 68 of The Fractured Veil

All eyes were on us as we made our way across the room, the whispers not entirely silenced but much more subdued. I sat beside Nox, and he surveyed the room, his glare scanning the students as if trying to remember their faces. His hood was pulled up, and those curls fell across his forehead, casting shadows over his intense gaze.

Butterflies filled my stomach for whatever dumb reason his action brought on, but also guilt. I had crossed a line with Zarek this morning, a line I hadn't intended to cross, and I wasn't sure what that meant for us. Would he hate me? Would he think I was leading him on? The heat from Zarek's touch still lingered on my skin, a stark contrast to the icy dread that now crept through my veins. I wasn't sure what that meant for Zarek and me—or for Nox and me. Or even Damon, who I was sure would use this against me.

I was snapped out of my thoughts as class started, the professor clearly annoyed by my change of location as he went on and on about the lecture. I tried to focus on the his words, but it was difficult to ignore the way Nox's presence seemed to command the space around me.

As the class drew to a close, the professor’s voice broke through my thoughts, sharper than before. "Thalia, a word after class, please."

I exchanged a quick glance with Nox, his jaw tightening. He gave me a slight nod, a silent assurance that he wasn’t far. As the other students filtered out, casting glances in my direction, I rose from my seat and made my way to the front of the room.

Professor Walkins, watched me with an expression I couldn't quite read—somewhere between impatience and curiosity. He waited until the room was empty before speaking.

"Miss Thalia," he began, his tone clipped. "You seem to be attracting quite a bit of attention. Not all of it positive."

I swallowed, standing straighter. "I'm aware, sir."

He studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I hope you understand the importance of your position here. Nexara Academy does not tolerate disruptions, nor do we make exceptions for those who cannot prove themselves worthy." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over me. "I suggest you tread carefully, Miss Thalia. There are many who would be all too happy to see you fail."

The implication hung heavy in the air, and I nodded, forcing my voice to remain steady. "Understood, Professor."

He gave a curt nod, dismissing me with a wave of his hand. "See that you do. You’re dismissed."

I turned to leave, my heart pounding in my chest. As I stepped out of the classroom, Nox was waiting just outside, leaning against the wall, his eyes searching mine.

"What did he say?" Nox asked, his voice low.

I shook my head, trying to push down the mixture of fear and frustration. "Just a warning. To watch my step."

"Fucking prick," he muttered under his breath.

* * *

After each class,either Zarek or Nox was waiting for me, their presence a silent but noticeable shield against the barrage of stares and whispers that followed me everywhere. It was overwhelming, this sudden shift in the social dynamics. I supposed it was shocking news. The human was now being escorted by the gifted, the elite who ruled Nexara Academy. Of course, nobody knew I had any gifts of my own; that secret was between the four of us. It was a fragile truce, a delicate balance—and I wasn't sure how long it would last.

As lunch approached, Zarek and Nox walked with me. Zarek's arm was draped over my shoulder, a lazy smile playing on his lips. Meanwhile, Nox glared at the students who stopped to stare, his eyes flashing with a silent warning that made them quickly avert their gaze.

The cafeteria went silent as we walked in. Conversations died down, replaced by hushed whispers and curious stares. Elara and James's eyes widened as we passed their table, Zarek motioning for them to follow us. Elara hesitated, her eyes flicking between me and the brothers. She grabbed her tray and trailed behind us. James, however, rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath before turning and leaving altogether. A pang of guilt twisted in my chest at his obvious displeasure, but there was also a sense of safety—of belonging—in Zarek and Nox's presence that I couldn't ignore.

We made our way to their usual table, Damon was already there, his expression as impassive as ever. I could sense the annoyance simmering beneath his stoic facade in the tightness of his jaw, the way his gaze swept across the cafeteria, lingering on the whispering groups and curious stares as if irritated by the sudden, dramatic shift in the room's atmosphere. He looked like a predator, momentarily disturbed from its lair.

El took a seat across from me, her eyes searching mine for answers I didn't have. A nervous flutter erupted in my stomach under her stare. Zarek and Nox settled in on either side of me. Damon sat beside Nox, his presence a silent but formidable force. He still hadn't acknowledged me directly, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the cafeteria windows. The atmosphere at the table was heavy—the unspoken tension a reminder of how much had changed in just a few short days.

El leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thalia, what’s going on? Why are they..." She glanced at the brothers, a small crease appeared between her brows.

How could I even begin to explain? Aethrax, the strange pull I felt towards the brothers, the danger that seemed to linger everywhere I went. It was a tangled mess of emotions and instincts I couldn't unravel—let alone explain. Zarek's fingers drummed lightly on the table, a rhythmic tapping that drew my attention back to him. He gave me a small, reassuring smile, as if sensing my inner turmoil.

"It's complicated," I finally said.

Elara’s eyes narrowed slightly, her skepticism clear. "Really? Complicated? That's the best you can come up with?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but Damon’s voice cut in, low and annoyed. "If you two want to gossip, do it when I'm not around." His attention was still fixed on the window.

Elara's gaze snapped to Damon, "Well, if you guys would give her some breathing room, I could talk and gossip withmybest friend."

Zarek's arm tightened slightly around my shoulders, his tone playful as he spoke. "Don’t worry, El. We’re not as scary as we look. Though… " he added with a dramatic pause, "I can't speak for Damon."

"We can partner up in Combat Trainingandgossip, El," I laughed, wanting to ease the tension.

Combat Training had a different energy today. The sun was shining, the field buzzing with activity as everyone gathered to warm up. I glanced over my shoulder to see Nox, Zarek, and Damon standing a bit away, talking amongst themselves. It felt strange—almost vulnerable—without them hovering near me, but also liberating. They were giving me some space.

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