friend chapter 19

“It would be even better if you joined my research lab, Lumina. You have the makings of a researcher.”

Last time, it was the makings of a student council member. I truly am a student brimming with potential, though I don’t need it.

“Don’t even think about it. Lumina will be joining my department.”

“Ha! I’m afraid I can’t yield to you this time, Edward.”

They exchanged a knowing smile, a spark seeming to fly between them. It was rather unnerving. I quietly slowed my steps, intending to make my escape. My ears tingled with a primal instinct to flee as I watched the two continue their tense exchange. I began to back away slowly when a rustling sound, like something brushing against leaves, reached me. I glanced towards the source and saw a bulging shape shift amidst the green foliage. 

What is that?

Its body blended perfectly with the leaves, making it difficult to discern. After a long moment of observation, I finally recognized its form and, momentarily stunned, let out a piercing scream.

“What’s wrong?” Edward was the first to turn around. My trembling finger pointed towards ‘it.’ Panic-stricken, I hid behind Edward, my hand gripping his shoulder, my head buried against his back. My body trembled uncontrollably. ‘Ugh, I hate this.’ It was a snake. Judging by its near-invisible camouflage, it was likely a magical beast in serpentine form. 

But a snake nonetheless! And it slithered like one! I’d been bitten by a snake once, in the mountains of the Ashford Estate when I was a child. It had been a viper, and I’d nearly died. Jade had rushed me to a healing mage, saving my life, but the experience had left a deep scar. The feeling of my body slowly stiffening from the bite still haunted me. It was the same sensation of death I’d experienced in my past life.

“Don’t worry.” Edward gently enveloped my hand resting on his shoulder. His tone was so tender, I almost didn’t recognize him. Reassured, I cautiously peeked over his broad, solid back. Where the snake had been, only ashes remained. Black flames still flickered within the grey remnants. Edward cast a spell, extinguishing the last embers. 

Black flames…

The most potent of the fire-based attack spells. The pinnacle of fire magic, said to burn even water. It must have consumed a considerable amount of magical power. 

To use such advanced magic on a mere snake…

It was uncharacteristically inefficient of Edward. 

Could it be… because of me?

I shook my head. 

Impossible.

Mary’s nonsense must be rubbing off on me. I keep forgetting that Edward is a psycho. I vividly remember what he did to Jade in the original story. He tied her up and starved her until she confessed her love for him. 

Ugh. I can’t tolerate anyone who withholds food.

We’d barely met; there was no way Edward could have reformed so quickly. 

Well… it’s true that I unintentionally confessed to Edward…

That was the only thing that had changed. Oh, and the club was different too. 

Come to think of it, I’ve never seen Jade and Edward interact.

It was natural for Jade to be indifferent to Edward, since I (falsely) claimed to like him. But Edward? In the novel, he was captivated by Jade’s spirited nature. Her personality remained largely unchanged, yet Edward hadn’t shown the slightest interest in her. 

…Have I drawn too much attention to myself?

Perhaps. I was probably the only woman who’d ever declared a desire to be torn apart by Edward’s gaze. I’d saved Jade at the cost of my own dignity. Hooray…