Chapter 18: sign in refresh
Alex’s smirk made Zara’s fingers itch for his throat, his lips twisted in a nasty sneer. The guy oozed smugness, standing there in the academy class like he owned it.
Mia shot him a hard look, stepping up. "Alex, what’s your deal? Why’re you talking crap about my friend?"
Alex turned to Mia, his face screwing up like he smelled something bad. "Mia, come on. You know I’ve got top-tier magic talent. Your friend? She’s got nothing."
Zara’s eyes narrowed, her hands balling into fists. "Nothing? With those skinny arms, you think you can take me?"
Elira snorted, doubling over with laughter, one hand on her stomach. "Skinny arms! Zara, you’re savage!" she cackled, making alex’s glare burn hotter.
Alex eyes blazed with fury as he jabbed a finger at Zara. "Huh? What’d you say, you lowly noble?" he spat, his voice dripping with venom.
Mia’s face turned scarlet, her fists clenched tight. Before anyone could blink, she swung, her fist cracking against Alex chin. He stumbled back, crashing to the class floor with a grunt. Mia loomed over him, her voice shaking with rage.
"How dare you talk to my friend like that! Your family’s just a measly viscount line, so don’t act all high and mighty. Zara’s the daughter of a marquess from the Caelvaris Empire—you’re the only lowly one here!"
At the mention of Caelvaris, a flicker of fear crossed Alex’s face, his eyes widening for a split second. But he shook it off, scrambling to his feet, dusting off his cloak with a forced smirk.
"Huh, so what? Her talent’s just mid-class. What can she even do?" he scoffed, his voice thick with bravado.
Mia’s fist clenched again, ready to slam into Alex’s smug face. But Zara grabbed her arm, her gaze locked on Alex, steady and sharp. "You think you’re so powerful, huh? We’ll see who’s stronger at tomorrow’s tournament," she said, her voice calm but laced with steel.
Alex’s sneer returned, his eyes glinting with challenge. "Oh, tomorrow? I’ll crush you and prove I’m better than you, marquess or not," he spat, turning on his heel with a mocking hum.