Chapter 48: Conversation
The classroom had emptied, and Athar now stood in front of the podium, facing Vale directly. His mind churned with a thousand possibilities, each more unlikely than the last. What could Vale possibly want to talk to him about? He had no idea. Even though, he could not think of the reason, the feeling of unease was getting stronger.
"Mr. VonCruz," Vale said at last. His usual calm, almost gentle tone was gone replaced by something colder, more clipped. It was like a different man altogether.
"Sir," Athar replied respectfully.
Vale gave a slight gesture, motioning for Athar to climb onto the podium. A wooden stool had been placed there, and Athar sat as instructed. Vale took a seat directly opposite him, the distance between them uncomfortably close.
"Do you have any idea what I want to talk to you about?" Vale asked, his voice low and unreadable.
"No, sir," Athar answered honestly.
Vale let out a dry chuckle though there was no humour in it. It was forced, mechanical, and his posture remained stiff, his expression serious.
A moment of silence lingered between the two and Athar felt the rising tension with each passing moment.
"Trux," Vale said suddenly. "You know someone by this name?"
He had not even finished the word before Athar reeled inwardly in shock. Outwardly, he kept his expression as composed as possible, but a flicker of change crossed his face just enough. If this was the name by which the conversation started, it meant only one thing.
Though Athar was still confused it would be about him beating Trux or related to Dervin too. After all, the instructors at the academy were doing their best to find the culprit who had beaten Trux.