Beneath the Bloodstained Moon
Chapter 10
The sun was setting, casting an amber glow over the campus. Alarica sat on the bench, knees drawn up, staring into the distance. Her mind was still replaying the events of the day.
A presence settled beside her. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
Kael Vortigern (ML)
You hit Ronan pretty hard. *sit beside her*
Alarica scoffed, not sparing him a glance.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
He deserved worse
Kael Vortigern (ML)
*Chuckled* Not saying he didn’t. Still, I suppose I should say sorry on his behalf... in my own way.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Jaw clench* Sorry doesn’t erase what he did to Sienna. He abuses her, and you stand by like it’s nothing?
Kael Vortigern (ML)
*Sigh and rub his temple* It’s between them. I don’t interfere in things that don’t concern me.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
But I do. Sienna is my concern. *Muttered slowly*
Their eyes locked, tension thickening between them. A silent battle of wills. But then Kael noticed something—her exhaustion.
Kael Vortigern (ML)
Why are you staying in the hostel? *Asked calmly*
Alarica’s fingers twitched. The question was casual, but the weight behind it wasn’t.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
Why does it matter?
Kael Vortigern (ML)
It just doesn’t make sense. You don’t act like someone used to this life. You don’t belong here.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
Maybe I don’t, but I don’t have another choice. *Said blankly*
Kael Vortigern (ML)
Where are you from?
Alarica Volkova (FL)
Someplace far from here.
Kael Vortigern (ML)
And your family?
Alarica Volkova (FL)
Not important
Kael’s eyes sharpened. That was too vague. Too carefully constructed. A slow smirk curled on his lips.
Kael Vortigern (ML)
You are hiding something?
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Frustrated*
Kael Vortigern (ML)
Or maybe… you’re hiding from someone?
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Laugh sarcastically* You watch too many movies.
Kael leaned back, as if he had all the time in the world, but his gaze never left her.
Kael Vortigern (ML)
Tell me something, Alarica. Who is your father? *Staring at her for answer*
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Frozen*
For a split second, panic flashed in her eyes, and Kael caught it. A slow realization settled in his expression, his fingers tapping against his knee.
Kael Vortigern (ML)
Interesting
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Quickly stoodup* I don’t owe you any answers.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Turn to leave*
Kael Vortigern (ML)
No, you don’t. But I think I already have one. *Smirk*
Alarica’s blood ran cold. She needed to be more careful—Kael wasn’t just dangerous.
The days slipped by in an unusual calm.
Ronan had been absent for almost a month now, and for the first time, Alarica felt like she was actually living her college life. No twisted games, no threats lingering over her shoulder—just a normal routine.
Kael, too, had changed. He still showed up, but his presence felt… different. The usual arrogance, the teasing smirks, the calculated looks—gone. He barely spared her a glance, his demeanor distant and unreadable.
Something about him felt colder.
Not that Alarica cared. If anything, she welcomed the peace.
Sienna had slowly started to return to her usual self, though a quiet fear still lingered in her eyes whenever Ronan’s name was mentioned.
The evening breeze was soft, carrying the scent of freshly bloomed roses as Alarica and Sienna wandered into the campus garden.
It was one of the few places where no one would bother them—except for the occasional nosy squirrel.
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
You’re walking too fast! *Complaining*
Alarica Volkova (FL)
And you’re walking too slow! Hurry up, old lady.
Sienna rolled her eyes but picked up her pace. Alarica had dragged her here after class, claiming she had a “brilliant plan.” Knowing Alarica, that could mean anything—from stealing extra snacks from the cafeteria to pulling off a ridiculous prank.
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
Alright, what’s your so-called genius idea? *Huffing*
Alarica grinned and pulled out a small slingshot from her pocket.
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
No. Absolutely not. *Eyes widen*
Alarica Volkova (FL)
Oh yes *Smirk*
Before Sienna could stop her, Alarica picked up a small pebble, pulled back the slingshot, and fired. The pebble hit a tree branch right above a group of seniors sitting on a bench.
Leaves and tiny twigs rained down on them.
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
You did NOT just do that! *Eyes widen*
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Grab her wrist* Run. Now.
Students/teacher
WHO DID THAT?! *Shout angrily*
Behind them, heavy footsteps pounded against the gravel.
Students/teacher
You two, STOP!
Alarica stole a glance back. Bad idea. One of the guys was faster than she expected, closing in with a furious expression.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
Move faster, slowpoke! *Shout*
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
I'm trying *gasping for air*
Alarica suddenly yanked her to the left, nearly sending them both tumbling into a bush. They slipped between flowerbeds, ducking under a wooden arch covered in vines.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Chuckled* That was fun
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
*Look behind with fearful eyes*
Just when Sienna thought they had lost them—
Students/teacher
THERE THEY ARE
Alarica Volkova (FL)
They’re persistent. Respect. *cursed*
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
RESPECT?! YOU’RE GOING TO GET US KILLED! *Scared*
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*grabbed her hand tighter* Relax it's just a friendly chase.
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
Nothing about this is friendly! *Running for her life*
A low hedge appeared in front of them. Alarica didn’t slow down.
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
What... No!!!
Too late. Alarica leaped first, pulling Sienna with her. They tumbled to the ground on the other side, panting. From behind, the voices grew distant. The seniors had lost them.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
*Laughing*
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
*Lay in the ground, Breathing* I’m never trusting you again.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
Sure you won’t. *brushing dirt off her jeans.*
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
I swear, you’re the reason I’ll have trust issues.
Alarica Volkova (FL)
Come on. Next time, I'll teach you how to run faster. *Laugh and offer her hand*
Sienna Larke (Fl Friend)
You’re exhausting, Alarica. *Sigh and stand up with her help*
Alarica Volkova (FL)
That’s what friends are for. *Grinned*
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