Chapter 11: Threat in the East Corridor

That afternoon, after the mentally draining magic tutoring session with Elena in the library concluded, I decided to walk back to the dormitory alone via the east wing corridor, a path rarely used by other students. 

The route was much quieter, illuminated by the orange glow of the setting sun piercing through large stained-glass windows. 

I walked casually while tidying up the roll of parchment in my hands, enjoying a brief moment of peace before nightfall. 

However, my footsteps abruptly halted when someone's shadow suddenly blocked my path at a slightly dark corner of the corridor. 

A youth with striking silver hair and a slightly disheveled uniform stood right in my way. His gaze pierced through me with a sharp, hostile smirk. 

Cedric? No. Raven? Not him either. 

It was Marquis Vane, one of the arrogant nobles from the old faction who, in the original novel, often acted as a disruptive pawn before ultimately being crushed by the prince. 

"Well, well... if it isn't Lady Alicia, who's now famous for playing around with commoners," Vane spoke with a sickening, sarcastic tone. 

I instantly let out a cold snort inside my head. 

*What is this guy's problem now? Picking a fight out of nowhere in the afternoon. Does he think I'm lacking stress dealing with the prince and the heroine?!* 

Outwardly, however, I straightened my chin, projecting an arrogant and toweringly cold expression. I stared at him as if he were nothing more than dust beneath my boots. 

"Watch your tongue, Vane," my voice slipped out low, flat, and full of authority. "Your presence in my path is merely wasting my air. Move aside." 

Vane snorted loudly, deeply offended by my tone. He clenched his fist, and flashes of minor fire magic began to spark across his palm. 

"Don't think that just because Professor Orion praised you lately, you can act arrogant in front of me, Alicia! The Valerian family might hold power, but our patience has run out seeing your weird changes!" Vane yelled emotionally as he stepped forward. 

Deep inside, panic began to creep in. 

*Oh no, is he going physical?! If I mess up my magic, my disguise could blow up! Please save me!* 

However, before I could raise my hand to unleash ice magic, a dark shadow moved swiftly from behind. 

*Boom!* 

A bolt of lightning struck the floor right beside Vane's foot, startling the silver-haired youth so badly he stumbled backward. 

From behind a pillar, Raven D'Ark stepped out with eagle-sharp eyes and hands still crackling with lingering electric sparks. 

"If you want to find an enemy to vent your frustration on, look for me, Vane," Raven said coldly, his voice echoing through the silent corridor. "Do not disturb Lady Alicia." 

Terrified by Raven's genuine threat, Vane scrambled up in a panic and fled down the corridor without looking back. 

I stood frozen, staring at Raven with the cold expression I was struggling desperately to maintain. 

Raven turned his head, looking intently at me. "Are you alright, Alicia?" 

"Naturally. Even without your help, I could have handled it," I answered arrogantly on the outside, while internally screaming hymns of gratitude at the top of my lungs.