Chapter 94: Reckoning and Recognition
Shade Cromwell sat in the center of the laboratory, the very room he’d once demolished with his bare hands. His wary gaze tracked the young professor who had summoned him.
"What do you want?" he demanded, his voice laced with suspicion.
Ms. Rebecca Bozzelli, the young female professor of magic and crafts, clutched a flask, her hand trembling. The air in the room felt thick with her nervousness, a stark contrast to Shade’s simmering irritation. "I know you’re angry with me, but I want to help you."
Shade scoffed, a bitter sound. "What? Don’t tell me you’re believing that ’true love’s kiss’ garbage too? You want to kiss me? You?" He rolled his eyes, a gesture of intense weariness. "Just like you said before, you’re a teacher and I’m just one of your students. Let’s not cross that line, shall we?"
He pushed off the stool. Normally, he’d rise to his full, imposing height, but now, being no taller than an elementary school boy, the indignity of the situation chafed him even more.
Ms. Bozzelli’s emerald green eyes followed Shade’s every move. Before he could reach the door, she placed the flask on the long table with a soft clink and rushed to block his escape. Her long wavy dark green hair fanned out around her as her pale face flushed a deep crimson, drawing Shade’s attention.
It was the exact appearance Shade fell for, before.
The miniaturized boy crossed his arms, rolling his eyes once more. "I don’t understand why you’re doing this. What’s the difference? I’m still the monster you saw before. Wasn’t it you? The one who called me with that despicable nickname?"
Ms. Bozzelli bit her lower lip, her gaze pleading. "I didn’t mean that, Shade. I—You know I love you, right?" The words, sweet from her mouth, caused a wave of disgust to ripple through Shade. "I was young back then, but now I understand. I only want to help lift the curse."