Chapter 73: Bastian’s ability
Sylra’s eyes blazed, her arms still crossed tightly, her auburn hair glinting under the cafeteria’s chandelier light as she leaned forward, her voice sharp enough to slice through the hum of student chatter.
"You cheated, Bastian," she snapped, each word a dart aimed at his smirking face. "I don’t like cheaters, and I never will."
Her jaw was set, her cheeks flushed with indignation, the vibrant energy of Starhaven’s cafeteria, its nebula-painted ceiling pulsing faintly, its long tables laden with steaming dishes, fading into the background as her anger filled the space around their corner table.
Bastian leaned back in his chair, his ruffled brown hair flopping, his piercing blue eyes twinkling with a mischief that seemed to thrive on her fury.
He shrugged, the gesture lazy but deliberate, his lopsided grin flashing as he popped a crimson berry into his mouth, chewing with exaggerated nonchalance.
"Just ’cause you weren’t good enough doesn’t make me a cheater, Sylra," he said, his voice a teasing drawl, laced with a playful arrogance that danced on the edge of provocation.
"Maybe you’re just sore you couldn’t keep up with my brilliance." He shifted, his posture relaxed but radiating a confidence that dared her to push back.
Sylra’s face darkened, her lips parting as she drew a breath, ready to unleash a retort that promised to escalate their spat into a full-blown spectacle.
The cafeteria’s clatter, trays clinking, students laughing, seemed to hush, nearby tables glancing over, drawn to the brewing drama.