Beneath the Bloodstained Moon Chapter 9

The crack of Kael’s punch against Ronan’s jaw shatters the silence.

Ronan stumbles back, gripping his face, rage flickering in his eyes. But before he can say anything, Kael steps forward, his voice dangerously calm.

Kael Vortigern (ML)

I don’t care who you think you are, Ronan… but if you ever lay a hand on her again, I’ll make sure you don’t have hands left to fight with.

A heavy silence falls over the class, the tension so thick it’s suffocating. No one dares to breathe.

Ronan Drax (ML friend)

You’re taking her side? *Spits words like a venom*

Kael’s lips curl into a smirk—cold, merciless. He steps closer, his voice dropping to a whisper meant only for Ronan.

Kael Vortigern (ML)

I don’t take sides. I take down threats. And right now, you’re looking like one.

Alarica, still on the ground, watches the scene unfold, her heart pounding. Kael is standing up for her? Why?

She grits her teeth, forcing herself up. She doesn’t need saving.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

I didn’t ask for your help. *Muttered*

Kael doesn’t even look at her. His gaze is still locked onto Ronan.

Kael Vortigern (ML)

You didn’t have to.

Alarica opens her mouth to argue, but then—she sees it.

The way Ronan clenches his jaw. The way his confidence has cracked. The way everyone is looking at Kael—terrified.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

*Staring at kael*

He isn’t just taking a stand for her. He’s making sure no one ever dares to touch her again.

Alarica swallows hard, her protests dying in her throat.

She doesn’t like it. She doesn’t need anyone fighting her battles. But for the first time in a long time… someone did. And for once, she lets it happen.

Kael Vortigern (ML)

Next time, finish the fight before I have to *Muttered to her*

Alarica Volkova (FL)

Next time, don’t get in my way. *Muttered*

Ronan’s jaw is clenched, his fists curled, so tightly his knuckles turn white. He’s humiliated. Furious. But most of all… he feels betrayed.

Kael just stood against him. For a girl. For Alarica.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

I’m only going to say this once, Ronan.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

If you ever—ever—lay a hand on Sienna again, I swear, I will make you regret the day you were born.

Ronan Drax (ML friend)

*Scoff* You think you can threaten me?

Alarica Volkova (FL)

Oh, no, Ronan. My father didn't teach me to threaten. He taught me to destroy.

Ronan’s jaw tightens, but for the first time, there’s hesitation in his eyes.

Ronan Drax (ML friend)

*Look at kael* I'll remember this day.

Kael Vortigern (ML)

You are not meant to forget *Said calmly*

Just as Ronan left from there, Kael pulled her closer.

Too close

Kael Vortigern (ML)

I have to admit… that was kind of hot. *In low teasing tone*

Alarica Volkova (FL)

Shut up

Kael only smirks, eyes flickering with amusement. But there’s something else in them too. Something deeper. Something dangerous.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

*Push him* Stay out of my way kael.

He lets her go, but his smirk never fades.

Kael Vortigern (ML)

Not a chance. *Murmuring to himself*

Meanwhile, on the other side of the campus...

Ronan punches the wall. Hard.

His knuckles sting, but the pain is nothing compared to the burning humiliation in his chest.

Alarica humiliated him. Kael turned against him. He grits his teeth, breathing hard. His vision is blurred with rage.

Ronan Drax (ML friend)

You’ll pay for this, Alarica. I swear… you’ll pay. *Muttered to himself*

His mind is already working. Already plotting. Because no one—no one—crosses Ronan without consequences.

And Alarica?

She just signed her death wish.

. . . .

During lunch break

Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)

Alarica… *Sit beside her slowly*

Alarica turned, her expression softening slightly when she saw Sienna. She looked even paler than before, her fingers twitching as if unsure whether to speak or stay silent.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

Are you okay?

Sienna nodded weakly but didn’t meet her eyes. Instead, she took a step closer, voice barely above a whisper.

Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)

You shouldn’t have done that.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

Why? Because Ronan will hold a grudge? He can try.

Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)

It’s not just Ronan you should be careful of.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

*Frowned* What’s that supposed to mean?

Sienna hesitated, looking around as if afraid of being overheard. When she finally spoke, her voice was careful.

Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)

You think Kael is standing up for you?

Alarica Volkova (FL)

What are you trying to say?

Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)

Just… don’t think you’ve figured him out. He’s not what he seems.

There was something off in Sienna’s voice—like she was holding back something important.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

You’re scared of Ronan… but you’re warning me about Kael? *Frown*

Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)

Because it's not what it looks like. Ronan is not a threat, but kael is. He can look sweet but he is worse than Ronan. Trust me... I see them both and I know. How dangerous kael could go.

Alarica Volkova (FL)

Sienna....

Sienna was about to warn her further, but then she saw Elena approaching near them and got silent.

Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)

I have to go. Remember this—you're safe with Kael, but you're never safe from him. *Said and left from there*

Alarica Volkova (FL)

Sienna wait

For the first time, she wondered—had she underestimated just how dangerous he really was?

To be continued...