AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Whether it’s because I’m in the front sitting next to Mr. Forbidden Underworld or have my feet on the desk like a rebellious gothic kid trying to get in trouble, he doesn’t speak up about his displeasure.
He gets right to businesses.
“My name is Professor Orpheus Maxwell North. I’ve been appointed the official professor for the Malevolence Dark Magic and Artistryclass, which is the class you’re attending today and only for today.” Knowing his words are going to ignite some sort of rebellious response, he lifts his hand to silence anyone from speaking up. He opens his mouth to speak but pauses as his gaze peers over to the classroom door.
I can’t help but be just as intrigued, my eyes drifting over just as the thick metal door slides open to reveal a student catching their breath.
“I-I’m sorry for being late!” The student announces and rushes through the opening.
Only to be nothing but a pile of minced remains in a blink.
The gasps and screams echo through our room as we stare at the pile of flesh that sits in the exact spot where this huffing and puffing student once stood.
I uncross my arms, so I can hide them in my lap, but it doesn’t do much to hide their trembling.
The light touch of warmth surprises me, my widened eyes lowering to confirm Hades’ hand is on top of both my hands, which are clenched together and trying not to fidget.
“Breathe,” he says so low, I’m positive no one else can hear him from the commotion of empathy igniting from watching a student die before our eyes.
I give a slight nod, coaching myself that this is going to be our new reality. Deep within, I can’t help but acknowledge I made the right decision not to touch the door handle.
He must have touched and triggered something.
“Since this is your first class for this arc for many of you, it only seems fair to have a sense of mercy and allow both new and repeat students the opportunity to gain their essentials,” Professor North carries on as if someone hadn’t died in our midst. “By the end of today’s class, you’ll receive your cloaks, wands, and emblems, which will show which society club you will be assigned to. Details revolving around that will be reviewed and spoken about next week. No point in diving into all the history and importance of these key items when seventy-five percent of you will be dead.”
The silence is chill-inducing.
“I’m not here to be your friend,” he begins, and his eyes seem to land on me. “I’m also not here to be your enemy.”
I notice he’s briefly acknowledging Hades’ hand on top of mine. His attention locks on him.
“Unless you entice me.”
Uh oh…
All I can do is side-glance over at Hades.
Only to witness the way the corners of his lips rise up.
I make a mental note to myself.
I’m surrounded by overprotective, over-possessive psychos.
“I’m not going to stand here and waste anyone’s time. You’ve noticed before arriving at your classroom, many students perished on the way. You’ll learn very quickly that N.M.U. isn’t a place to think is a safe space. It’s not.” His expression couldn’t be colder. “The Worlds of Nephilim and Malevolence are ruthless in nature. There are only so many rules, which aren’t many to begin with, that can protect you in the depths of the tainted wilderness to reach the towns, cities, villages, and the royal lands that try to discourage bloodshed.”
He scans the room and shrugs ever so slightly.
“Useless during the Hunt, but you’ll learn all about that with Professor Blackbird,” he sums up. “I’m sure you could tell that every seat is officially taken in this classroom. This is the allotted number we’ve allowed today. There could come a time that five hundred seats can go down to two hundred seats.”
Some people’s jaws drop at the imaginative thought.
“Other times, you’ll come in, and there will only be one seat.”
The tension can’t get any higher at this point.
“We’ve only had that happen once,” he admits. “It felt real good to sit in that chair.” When he smiles, it’s as malicious as ever, while his dusk eyes darken.
Giving a glimpse of the Fae side, I’m confident is hidden somewhere in his emotionless demeanor.
