Chapter 37

The dean's office felt suffocating, the air heavy with disappointment and tension.

The stern gaze of the dean bore down on Jessica and me, his disappointment palpable.

The weight of what happened pressed upon my shoulders, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of remorse for allowing this feud to get to this point.

"I can't say I'm surprised to see the two of you back here again," he remarked, his voice tinged with exasperation. "I had hoped that our previous discussions would have put an end to these confrontations."

Jessica remained defiant, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

"She started it," she retorted, pointing an accusing finger in my direction. "She's always been the instigator."

“I’m not sure if that is true, at least not today,” the coach added.

I met the dean's gaze, my voice firm but filled with regret.

"I take responsibility for my actions, but I've been trying to find a way to resolve this conflict peacefully. Jessica refuses to let go of her anger and seeks revenge."

The dean sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This behavior is unacceptable, both of you. Your actions not only disrupt the learning environment but also perpetuate a cycle of aggression and hostility. It's time for you to face the consequences."

He ordered us to attend detention. On the advice of the coach, Jessica needed to stay half an hour longer than me.

But honestly, I felt as though it solved nothing. Especially since I would have to sit in a classroom alone with Jessica for a few hours.

We made our way to the designated detention room.

The atmosphere was dull and oppressive because not a single soul was in here besides the detention supervisor, Jessica, and I. I took an empty seat in the front, wanting to sit as far from Jessica as possible.

But as the minutes ticked by, I felt a gaze burning into my back. I turned around to find Jessica staring at me, a wicked glimmer in her eyes.

Her voice cut through the silence like a knife.

"I hate you," she whispered, her tone filled with venom. "You'll be sorry for ever defeating me. I won't rest until you've paid for what you've done."

A chill ran down my spine as her words hung in the air. It was clear that Jessica had marked me as her target, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about what else she might have planned. I clenched my fists, refusing to show any sign of fear.

"Jessica, this rivalry is driving me insane. It's gone on for too long now," I replied, my voice steady but tinged with caution. "We're trapped in a destructive cycle, and it's time to find a way out. More violence isn’t going to solve anything."

She scoffed, her bitter smirk revealing a glimpse of the darkness lurking within her.

The air crackled with tension as her words hung between us like a warning. It was clear that Jessica's determination to seek revenge had only intensified, her threats growing more sinister with each passing moment.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at her words. The thought of what she might have planned sent a shiver down my spine.

There was a coldness in her eyes that made me question just how far she was willing to go to fulfill her vendetta.

She seemed to take pleasure in my unease, relishing in the power she held over me. I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she had something up her sleeve, a plan that would push the boundaries of our rivalry to its limits.

Her unpredictability left me on edge, wondering what twisted scheme she would think of next.

But despite my fear, I refused to let her see my vulnerability. With a deep breath, I steadied myself and met her gaze head-on.

"Jessica," I replied, my voice laced with a newfound resolve. “Mark my words, I won't back down. We can continue down this destructive path, or we can find a way to rise above it. The choice is yours."

She sneered, a wicked glint in her eyes.

"Oh, how noble of you, Shana," she taunted. "But you'll soon realize that the darkness within me runs deeper than you can imagine. You'll regret ever crossing me."

As her words echoed in the room, a sense of foreboding settled over me. I couldn't deny the weight of her threats or the unsettling feeling that she possessed a darkness I had yet to fully comprehend.

But I refused to let her words paralyze me with fear. I would face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and determination.

Before I could respond, the voice of the detention supervisor cut through the silence. "Quiet down, both of you!" he reprimanded, his tone carrying a stern authority. "You're here to serve your detention, not to cause trouble."

Reluctantly, Jessica and I retreated into silence, but the tension remained palpable. We were both acutely aware that this was just a temporary ceasefire, a pause in the storm that raged between us.

The battle was far from over, and the question of who would emerge victorious still loomed ominously.

When I finally walked out, it was already dark outside, and I was surprised to see Lucas standing in front of the school gate.

Lucas walked towards me.

"Why are you waiting for me here? Couldn't you go home after your training guidance?"

“I tried texting you, but you never answered me."

"Sorry." I showed him my phone. "It's dead. I couldn't charge it. How was your day?”

"I learned a lot, but that's not the point. I couldn't get through to you when I called you after I finished. I heard about the fight and detention from the chat groups." He looked me up and down, as if looking for any injuries. "You're getting into fights every day now."

I gave him a dry, pathetic laugh. "Pretty much."

He frowned at the wounds on my legs and arms. "What happened?"

While talking, Lucas pulled out some cotton swabs and adhesive bandages again and started to treat my wounds right in front of the school gate.

“Do you just carry those everywhere now?” I asked, wanting to tease him.

He glared at me. “When you’re constantly hurting yourself, yes.”

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and gratitude for his concern. "It's just more trouble with Jessica. She's become fixated on getting revenge and won't let this go."

He stopped what he was doing and took another step forward, closing the distance between us. With gentle determination, he placed his hands on either side of my cheeks, his touch sending a surge of warmth through my skin.

I couldn't help but be drawn in by the intensity in his blue eyes as his gaze locked onto mine.

His touch was soft, yet filled with an unspoken understanding, as if he was silently conveying his support and care for me. It was a gesture that spoke volumes, a silent reassurance that I wasn't by myself.

"Shana, be careful around Jessica. She's got half the school following her every command, and I don't trust her intentions. It feels like you're constantly getting into trouble, and I can't help but feel responsible."

I placed a hand on his arm, reassuring him. "Lucas, this isn't your fault. I appreciate your concern, but I won't let her intimidate me. We'll get through this together."

"I'll be here for you," he whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with sincerity. "No matter what happens, remember that you're not alone."

I nodded.

I felt myself blush, realizing his hands were still on my face.

"I'll take care of the rest by myself,” I blurted, stepping away.

It was too dark for me to see, but it almost looked like Lucas was blushing too.

Footsteps came from behind us, and when I turned around, I saw that it was Jessica.

Seeing Lucas and I, Jessica sneered.

“I would never hurt a woman intentionally,” Lucas said, rushing forward. “But if you continue to push Shana and fight, I will make you regret everything you have ever done in ways not pertaining to my physical strength.”

Jessica shrugged Lucas off and left without looking back.

I frowned, confused as to why she had left so easily.

Perhaps Jessica realized that she could no longer hold me down physically, not even with her wolf.

Would she continue the physical entanglement?

Or would there be something else?