Chapter 2
Five Years Ago... Grade 7.
The classroom was filled with the rhythmic shuffling of feet as the students stood up in unison. "Good morning, Teacher!" they chimed.
The teacher smiled, gesturing for them to sit. "Sit down, everyone. Let's begin the roll call." He started scanning the register, his voice echoing in the quiet room. "Roll Number 35... Sofia?"
Silence.
"Is Sofia Maseka in class?" the teacher repeated, looking over his spectacles.
A girl in the front row giggled mischievously. "Sir, she's here. She's just hiding her face on the desk again."
The teacher walked toward the back, placing a gentle hand on Sofia's shoulder. Sofia flinched, her head snapping up in terror. Her eyes were red, brimming with fresh tears.
"Sofia? Why are you crying?" the teacher asked, concerned.
Sofia's gaze darted to the boy sitting next to her. He was staring at her with cold, predatory eyes, giving her a sharp, silent warning to stay quiet. She quickly looked away, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.
"It's nothing, Sir," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Just a headache. I was just resting."
The teacher sighed. "If you're truly unwell, you should go home and rest."
Sofia didn't wait for a second offer. She grabbed her bag and bolted from the room. As the door swung shut, whispers erupted behind her.
"Good riddance," one girl sneered. "Finally, that dark-skinned gloom is out of our sight."
The boy who had been sitting next to Sofia stood up, asked for permission to leave, and hurried after her. He caught up to her in the hallway and delivered a violent shove. Sofia sprawled onto the floor, her knees scraping against the hard tiles.
"Listen to me," the boy hissed, looming over her with a look of pure disgust. "In a class where a handsome guy like me exists, there is no room for an ugly creature like you. How many times do I have to tell you? Get lost. If you don't leave this school, my friends and I will bully you until you beg for death."
Sofia looked up, tears streaming down her face. She didn't argue. She didn't fight back. She just looked at the floor and whispered, "I understand... it will be as you say."
She stood up slowly and walked away, her spirit crushed. Behind her, the boy's laughter echoed like a whip. "Look at her! The ugliest, darkest girl in the whole school!"
Those words didn't just hurt; they began to kill the girl named Sofia from the inside out.
Back to the Present...
Aleza stared into Rayzon's eyes, her shimmering purple lenses hiding the storm within. But why you? she thought, her heart racing. I haven't forgotten a single thing you did to me. Why have you come back as my 'guardian' now?
But this time, the reflection in his eyes was different. There was a spark of genuine sympathy. He extended his hand again.
Slowly, Aleza placed her hand in his. Rayzon turned to the crowd of stunned boys, a smug, dominant smirk on his face. "Sorry, boys. But Aleza is having lunch with me today."
He turned back to her, his expression softening. "Shall we?"
Aleza's face was a mask of unreadable emotions, but she forced a breathtaking smile. "Yes, why not?"
Even Rayzon seemed momentarily dazed by the radiance of that smile, but he regained his composure and led her through the crowd. Every eye followed them. To the other girls, this was nothing short of a catastrophe—the school's golden boy was finally choosing someone.
He led her to the secluded rooftop and sat at a quiet desk. "Sit here. No one will bother you while you eat."
Aleza looked at her empty hands and giggled. "Oh no! I think I left my lunch downstairs."
Rayzon stood up, offering her a neat container. "I usually bring my own lunch from home. Since it's your first day, consider this my treat."
Aleza placed a hand over her mouth, acting shy. "Why are you doing so much for me? I'm just an ordinary girl..."
Rayzon leaned back, staring at the sky with a long, pensive sigh. "Five years ago, there was a girl in my class. When I saw you for the first time today, you reminded me so much of her. She was dusky, just like you. If I ever meet her again... I think I owe her a sincere apology."
Aleza gasped, her hand flying to her face. No... it can't be. How could he change this much in just five years?
She quickly masked her shock with a smile. "Well, whatever the reason, thank you for sharing your 'important' lunch with me."
She sat down and began to eat. When she caught Rayzon watching her, she protectively covered the food. "I know it's yours, but I'm not giving it back now! Understood?"
Rayzon chuckled.
"What are you laughing at?" Aleza asked with a pout.
"Oh, nothing," Rayzon replied, his eyes twinkling. "I didn't realize I was smiling."
Aleza burst into a genuine laugh. "You really are strange!"
Rayzon stood up. "Enjoy the food. I'm going to the washroom, okay? I'll be right back."
As he walked away, Aleza looked at the lunch with a sudden wave of melancholy. I came here for revenge... but you...
Suddenly, the rooftop door slammed open. Four boys with predatory grins stepped out. Aleza didn't flinch. Instead, she stood up, a dangerous smile touching her lips. "Looks like someone is about to get a legendary beating today."
The boys laughed. "Listen to her! It's like a jackal thinking he's the king of the jungle just because he had one lucky day. Today, the lion is going to finish you off."
Aleza's eyes turned cold. "But if a jackal is smart enough, he can strike back so hard that even a lion won't be able to stand."
She dropped into a professional combat stance. "Come on then. Let me show you what a 'comeback' looks like."
"You've got a lot of heat in you, don't you?" one of the boys sneered, his gaze turning foul. "Maybe after we're done with you, that fire will turn into something else..."
Aleza's smile didn't waver. "In a hundred years, you wouldn't be able to touch me."
When Rayzon reached the stairs leading to the roof, he heard the sounds of a violent struggle. His heart plummeted. "No! Aleza!"
He burst onto the roof, but the scene before him made his jaw drop. The four bullies were sprawled across the floor, groaning in agony. Aleza was calmly sitting back down, finishing the last of her lunch.
The boys scrambled to their feet, terrified. "That girl... she's a monster!" they screamed as they fled the roof.
Rayzon took a cautious step forward. "Did you... did you do all that, Aleza?"
Aleza paused, looking up with a sweet, innocent smile. "Yes, I did. I'm a martial arts master. I'm trained in several lethal styles, and I'm a professional with a Katana too."
Rayzon was stunned. Behind that delicate, beautiful exterior was a dangerous warrior. "Why... why did you learn all that?"
Aleza looked down, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Just... because."
Rayzon squinted, stepping closer to examine her face. "Wait... Aleza. Your makeup. I think the sweat is making it run."
It was as if the ground had vanished beneath her feet. Aleza bolted upright, her eyes wide with panic. "I... I have to go!"
"Go where?" Rayzon asked, blinking in confusion.
Aleza didn't answer. She turned and sprinted away, not daring to look back once.
Rayzon rubbed his chin, a slow smile spreading across his face. "What a strange girl. But she really does remind me of her now..."