CHAPTER 108: 108. COLLEGE DRAMA

Maria noticed Bernard’s eyes hadn’t left her since she and James began their conversation.

Though she tried to ignore the intensity of his gaze, it grew more distracting by the second. She knew she had to do something, something clever.

Turning toward James, she offered a soft smile. "Excuse me for a minute, okay? Please stay here with Laura till I return," she said calmly.

James nodded. "Of course."

Maria stood and motioned for Cassandra to follow her outside the classroom. Once they stepped into the hallway, Maria quickly pulled her close and whispered urgently.

"Cassandra, I need a favor. When we get back inside, go over to Bernard and talk to him. I’m planning to step out with James, but I don’t want Bernard to realize we’re leaving together."

Cassandra glanced around, cautious. "Alright, I’ll do it. But I can’t just walk up to him randomly—it might look suspicious."

"I trust your instincts. Do it your way, just keep his attention," Maria replied with quiet confidence. "I know you’ll handle it well."

They returned to the classroom, and Maria was surprised to see James and Laura laughing together, seemingly lost in conversation.

Maria sat down with a curious smile. "What’s making you two laugh so much?"

"Just some funny memories," James replied, chuckling.

Moments later, Cassandra stood up, flashing Maria a quick nod before walking toward Bernard. His eyes lit up with curiosity and pleasure when he saw her.

"Good morning, Cassel," Bernard greeted with a low voice.

"Good morning, Bernard. Can we step outside for a moment?" Cassandra asked with a knowing look.

Without hesitation, Bernard followed her out of the classroom. They made their way to a nearby storage room, quiet and tucked away.

Inside, the tension quickly ignited into passion. Cassandra’s hands moved over Bernard with growing urgency as she whispered, "Since the last time we were together, I’ve missed you. I want you now."

Bernard didn’t resist. Their bodies collided in heated desperation. She stroked him, arousing him until he was hard, and then turned to bend over a chair, lifting her skirt in silent invitation.

Their coupling was fast, rough, and urgent. When they finished, they held each other briefly in silence, exchanging nothing but heated looks.

Bernard stepped out first to ensure the coast was clear. Once he was certain they wouldn’t be caught, he gave a signal knock on the door for Cassandra.

She followed his lead, letting him walk ahead to avoid any suspicion. A few moments later, she entered the classroom again and found Laura there alone. Bernard, too, was nowhere in sight.

Cassandra composed herself and took her seat beside Laura, who remained buried in a novel.

Leaning closer, Cassandra whispered, "Where’s Maria?"

"She left with James," Laura replied bluntly, not even lifting her gaze from her book.

Cassandra narrowed her eyes. Something about Laura’s tone felt off. ’Does she know?’ Cassandra wondered silently. And that’s when Laura paused, closed her book, and looked directly at her.

"How do you do it, Cassandra?" Laura asked, her voice calm but probing.

Cassandra blinked in surprise. "Do what?"

"How do you get Bernard to be so open with you? He usually acts cold and distant, but with you, he looks almost... soft," Laura said, her tone unreadable.

Cassandra smiled coyly. "Maybe he likes me. But I wouldn’t call him weak."

"That’s funny," Laura replied. "So if he’s so into you, why haven’t you gotten any solid information from him? You know, about what Maria’s really meant for."

Cassandra stiffened at the unexpected question. She scrambled to maintain her composure. "I’m working on it. Give it a few more days."

Laura gave a faint nod and returned to her novel. But Cassandra could feel the tension between them. ’She knows something,’ she thought.

Laura, reading her mind, remained composed but alert. ’She’s acting sweet, but behind Maria’s back, she’s playing a dangerous game. I wish I could expose her now.’

***

Meanwhile, Maria and James sat near the basketball court, laughing and enjoying each other’s presence. The sun warmed their faces, and for the first time in a long while, Maria felt at peace.

"How have you been since the hospital?" James asked, concern softening his features.

"I’ve been fine. Don’t worry so much," Maria replied with a playful smile.

"I’ve been terrified, Maria. Hearing you were in a coma nearly broke me," James confessed, his voice shaky with emotion. "It scared me to death."

Maria’s heart swelled at his honesty. "You don’t need to worry anymore. I’m okay now."

Changing the subject slightly, she asked, "How’s exam prep going?"

"It’s alright. But I’m more concerned about you," James replied.

Maria laughed. "Everyone’s acting like I’m fragile porcelain. I’ve been preparing for exams long before I passed out."

James smiled and reached for her hand. "Just promise me you’ll keep taking your meds, and always remember I love you."

Blushing, Maria looked away, but her joy was obvious. She leaned closer, and soon they were lost in a tender kiss. When things started to heat up, James pulled away abruptly.

"What’s wrong?" Maria asked, confused.

"I don’t want to push things. Not when you’re still recovering," James said gently.

Maria appreciated his restraint. "Thank you, James. You’re sweet."

They walked back toward the classroom, Maria going in first with a bright smile.

---

Far away, Mrs. Spencer and Hadizah approached the sacred lands of the Holy Ones. Their car stopped near a thick forest.

"Why are we stopping here?" Hadizah asked.

"We can’t enter by car. Only pure souls may walk this path," Mrs. Spencer explained.

They journeyed by foot, walking deeper into the woods. After about fifteen minutes, they arrived at an ancient gate where monks sat quietly in front.

As they neared, a woman in a white robe stepped forward.

"Stop. No darkness may pass here. No unclean spirit may step onto this land," she declared.

"We come in peace. We seek help," Mrs. Spencer said respectfully.

The woman’s eyes narrowed. "One among you bears unclean energy. Let her leave."

Hadizah stepped forward. "Yes, I was born among the ones you deem unfit. But I’ve chosen to use my powers for good. I come not in darkness, but to protect this world from chaos."

The woman studied her in silence. "You must undergo the test of purity. If you fail... you will be beheaded."

Hadizah’s face was calm but determined. "So be it. I have nothing to hide."

Mrs. Spencer nodded quietly. Their journey for salvation had begun, and the fate of many now depended on a single test.