Vanessa's Point of View
I've always put Zein first, but now I'm the one stuck here for the long haul. It's exhausting trying to act smart when you're forced into it. I've turned myself into a total bookworm just to keep my spot in the Highest 10. Sigh.
"Here..."
A voice broke my concentration. Someone placed a book on my desk. I looked up to see a thin man, only slightly taller than me, smiling warmly.
"I'm finished with that assignment. I found all the answers in this book," he said, pointing to the volume he'd just set down.
I checked the title—it was exactly what I needed for my research. I picked it up, feeling a bit relieved.
"Do I get to hear the magic word?" he asked, sliding into the seat Zein had occupied earlier.
"T-thank you," I muttered.
"There it is! I thought you'd forgotten how to speak. I was about to start teaching you," he joked. I couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. He was a bit corny, but his energy was light and jolly.
"I'm Liam." He stretched his hand out across the desk, waiting.
"Vanessa," I replied briefly. I ignored his hand and turned my focus back to the book. I heard him chuckle softly. I'm not exactly the "friendly" type; I'm perfectly content with the circle of friends I already have. I usually make it a point to ignore anyone trying to get close.
"Page 256," he whispered.
I flipped to the page and scanned the text. My heart lifted—every answer I needed was right there. I pulled out my notebook and began scribbling furiously.
"Vanessa... such a beautiful name," he remarked.
I froze for a split second but refused to show it. I kept writing. A few minutes later, I finished the assignment. Liam was still sitting there. I hadn't looked up, so I didn't know if he was reading, sleeping, or just staring at me.
"Are you done?" he asked.
I realized I should probably return the book I'd borrowed. "Thank you." I mustered the courage to look him in the eye as I handed it back. He was still smiling. What is with this guy? Does he have a permanent facial cramp?
"Nah, keep it. I'm done with it for the semester," he said, pushing the book back toward me.
I wanted to argue that I didn't need it anymore, but I took it just to avoid dragging out the conversation. I packed my things and stood up. My brow furrowed when he stood up, too. Still smiling. Is he making fun of me?
I kept my mouth shut and headed for the door. I was stunned when he hurried ahead to open it for me. I raised an eyebrow but walked past him without a word. I don't need a bodyguard, and I certainly don't need an assistant.
"Do you have another class?" he asked.
"Later," I replied weakly. I was trying so hard not to be rude since he'd helped me, but he was being very persistent. I knew nothing about him—not even his surname. We were total strangers.
"Why the rush? Are you hungry? I'm free if you want to grab a bite."
"Okay," I relented.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the cafeteria. I winced. Seriously? Does he not know how to be gentle? One minute he's a gentleman opening doors, the next he's pulling me along like a pack horse.
"You should learn to take things a little slower," I snapped as we finally sat down.
"I get bored easily when things move slowly," he replied. "I prefer to fast-forward everything."
I didn't quite understand what he meant by that. He was a hard person to read.
A waiter approached us. "Good afternoon. May I take your order?"
"The most expensive meal, the most expensive drink, and the most expensive dessert," I said, my voice dripping with annoyance. "And serve it on your most expensive plates."
I saw a girl at the next table holding a stack of books start to giggle. I glared at her. Is she laughing at me? Does she think I can't afford it?
"And for you, Sir?" the waiter asked Liam.
"The same as her," Liam said, his voice light.
"And please, tell the lady next to me that the food here is free of charge today. No bill." He let out a soft laugh.
My jaw dropped. Free? I realized then that every time Matt or Dave had taken us here, I just assumed they were paying. I had no idea the cafeteria was subsidized. I felt like an idiot for demanding the "most expensive" items.
"Why are you so angry with me?" Liam asked, still smiling. "I helped you with your work, didn't I?"
"You're just... annoying! And I hate that you dragged me here," I grumbled. "Consider us even for the book. I already said thank you."
"Do you really hate everything about me?" he asked.
The question caught me off guard. Had I gone too far? Was I being a "mean girl" again? "No... it's not like that," I stammered.
"I just want to be your friend," he said simply.
I looked at him, weighing my options. It wouldn't kill me to have one more friend, and my conscience was nagging me for being so sharp with him. "Fine. Whatever."
The food arrived, and we ate in a somewhat awkward silence. That is, until Jerome appeared. He was wearing a huge grin—honestly, he and Liam looked like two peas in a pod.
"Am I late?" Jerome asked.
"Late for what?" I replied.
He just laughed and winked at me, then turned to Liam. "And you are?"
"Liam."
"I'm Jerome!" The two shook hands and started chatting as if they'd been friends for years. Soon, the rest of the gang arrived. Mia teased me immediately, pointing out that Liam was the guy all the girls in school were obsessed with.
"Is that your new boyfriend, Van?" Zein teased, poking my side.
"Shut up!" I pushed her away, but they just laughed. It was nice to hear the cafeteria get noisy again. For a moment, we felt like normal students.
But the peace didn't last.
The sound of shattering glass cut through our laughter. We all turned to see a woman in high heels standing near a broken pitcher. She was stunning, but she looked like trouble.
"Gosh! The noise was so loud the glass just broke," she drawled.
None of us said a word. She looked like a "mean girl" archetype—perfectly coiffed and utterly arrogant.
"Roxane?"
Liam stood up and hurried over to help her step away from the shards. I rolled my eyes at the way she carried herself—strutting in six-inch heels like she was on a runway. The cafeteria staff scrambled to clean the mess and check if she was hurt.
"Seriously?" I muttered. "Is she a Queen or something?"
"OMG! My leg has a scar!" she shrieked.
We looked. It was a tiny red dot, barely visible. The staff nearly panicked.
"You!" She pointed a manicured finger directly at our table. "This is all your fault. You will regret this," she spat, before allowing the staff to lead her toward the clinic.
I almost laughed. How was it our fault she dropped a glass? She was just looking for someone to blame for her own clumsiness.
"Sorry about that," Liam said, returning to the table.
"Who was that?" Zein asked.
"That," Liam said, his voice dropping an octave, "was Roxane Allister. She's the girlfriend of Raze Silvenia."
My heart skipped a beat. Raze Silvenia—the Number 1 ranker in the Highest 10. The leader of the Devil God Warriors.
"Raze is the King of Hell University," Liam continued. "Which makes Roxane the Queen."
I hadn't realized the school had a formal King and Queen, but it explained the staff's reaction. I still hadn't seen Raze's face; he'd been wearing a mask at the party.
Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the cafeteria. We all bolted upright, our hearts racing.
"What happened?" I whispered, a cold dread settling in my chest.