Chapter 2 Zara

But I didn't let that phase me and stayed perfectly still.

Isabelle Ravencroft and her little group of followers had moved closer to the bed. Their voices were full of smug confidence, like they owned the entire academy and nothing in the world could touch them. 

"They're both really dumb. Thinking they can challenge people above their league. The way Zara tumbled down those stairs was actually quite impressive. But just to be safe, we need to make sure both Thorne sisters are dealt with permanently this time."

One of her friends let out a soft giggle. "Of course we will. It's happening right now in the main arena. The little girl actually thinks she can avenge her pathetic sister's death. Can you imagine? A weak little Beta challenging the academy champion."

Another girl joined in, her tone excited. "Marcus is going to destroy her in seconds. He'll rip her apart in front of the whole school. One problem solved, and we don't even have to lift a finger."

Isabelle's voice turned colder, more satisfied. "Good. Once the weak little sister is gone, no one will care if we completely finish this one up. The nurse said she was still breathing, right? Maybe she suddenly won't."

Rage surged through me like ice and fire mixed together.

Ivy.

The only thing from Zara's miserable life that actually mattered to me was her little sister. I had one once, but due to my work and position, I hadn't been able to see her much. Then one day she suddenly died. I still regret not having been there with her before her death, up till this day.

Yet, these spoiled, arrogant girls were casually planning to have one killed for entertainment. They spoke about it like it was nothing more than removing an annoying bug. Like two human lives were an inconvenience they needed to clear off their schedule before dinner.

I had executed enemy commanders on the battlefield who showed more honor than this.

It just proved how disgustingly weak they were.

I lay there listening as they continued their cruel conversation, detailing exactly how they wanted both Thorne sisters erased from the academy. Their laughter echoed around the small room. They truly believed they were untouchable and that no one would stop them. 

They had no idea what they had just done by walking into this room.

I let them talk for a few more moments, letting their words fuel the cold anger building inside me. Then, slowly, I opened my eyes.

I pushed myself up into a sitting position on the bed. The bloody, torn hospital gown stuck to my skin. My dark hair fell messily over my shoulders. I looked directly at the group of girls without blinking.

The room went completely silent.

Isabelle's perfectly made-up face twisted in shock. Her green eyes widened. "You're… awake? How are you even conscious right now?"

I didn't answer.

Instead, I gave them a slow, cold, predatory smile and all three girls couldn't help taking a  step backward.

Good. Seems I haven't lost my spark.

I swung my legs off the side of the bed and stood up. My bare feet touched the cold stone floor. The room swayed slightly. This body was still adjusting and unfamiliar afterall. I breathed through it and kept my posture straight. Without saying another word, I started walking toward the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" Isabelle snapped, quickly stepping in front of me to block my path. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her chin lifted. She was trying to look in control again. "You're not leaving this room. Lie back down before you embarrass yourself even more."

I stopped right in front of her.

For a long second, I simply looked at her. I had faced warlords who were more intimidating. I had stared down men twice her size on open battlefields. Isabelle Ravencroft, with all her cruelty and her little circle of followers, was nothing.

I stepped neatly to the side with smooth, effortless grace. Isabelle reached out to grab my arm, but her fingers caught only empty air.

I paused at the doorway and glanced back over my shoulder.

"Run while you still can," I said calmly, my voice low and steady.

I didn't wait for their reaction and walked out of the infirmary and into the long stone hallway.

Students passing by stopped dead in their tracks. Whispers exploded around me like wildfire.

"Is that… Zara Thorne?"

"She was supposed to be dead after that fall…"

"Look at her, she's still in the hospital gown. It's covered in blood…"

"Why is she walking like that? She looks… different."

I ignored every single stare and whisper. My bare feet made almost no sound against the cold floor as I moved. The hospital gown fluttered loosely around my legs. I didn't care how ridiculous I looked. I've faced worse.

I only had one destination in mind:

The main arena.

The roar of the crowd grew louder with every step I took. The hallways were filled with students rushing in the same direction, eager and excited for the fight like it was entertainment. Like a real person wasn't being destroyed in front of them. I kept walking straight ahead, my mind calm and focused.

This body was still weak but my mind and instincts were sharp. 

I finally reached the wide, arched entrance of the massive arena. Hundreds of voices were shouting, cheering, and laughing. The heavy smell of sand, sweat, blood, and excitement filled the air. I had stood at the entrance of many battlefields in my life. This was smaller. But the smell of blood was the same.

My eyes locked onto the fighting ring in the center.

There she was.

Ivy.

My little sister was thrown violently across the sand by a massive brown wolf. It was Marcus in his fully shifted form. She hit the ground hard and tumbled, blood already staining her clothes and her hair. She tried weakly to push herself up, but her arms gave out and she collapsed back into the sand.

The crowd cheered louder.

A boy near the entrance laughed and shook his head. "She's done. Should have stayed in her place."

My hands clenched tightly into fists at my sides.

Ivy pressed her palms into the sand again. Trembling, bleeding but still trying to get up.

At least one person had spine in this place. I would love to see more of what she could do but not today.

I stepped through the entrance and walked toward the ring.