CHAPTER 25: AND WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING HERE?!

"Master Joe handles swordsmanship and physical combat," Callum began. "He’s a military man....strict, disciplined, and no-nonsense. He teaches everything related to weapons, tactics, and real battle scenarios. But trust me, dear sister..." He leaned in slightly. "He’s nearly impossible to impress."

Victoria swallowed hard, her nerves prickling.

"Then there’s Master Austin," Callum continued. "He’s in charge of alchemy. Technically, he’s more like a renowned laboratory scientist. Father referred to him as an alchemist because his inventions always contain traces of his magic....almost like he breathes life into his creations. But given how civilized the world has become, ’scientist’ is probably the better term."

He paused, letting out a thoughtful sigh.

"And lastly, we have Miss Ameera. She focuses on refinement and poise. Think etiquette, painting, calligraphy....everything a high-born lady is expected to master. She’s graceful, but extremely selective. If you don’t catch her eye on the first day, you’ll be invisible to her forever. She only gives her time to those she deems worthy."

Victoria let out a dry chuckle, though her eyes were sharp with annoyance. "So basically, I have to earn their favor just to be taught? Isn’t it their job to educate me? How can someone determine a student’s potential just by looking at them? And if I fail to meet their ’expectations,’ I have to kiss their boots just to be acknowledged?" She placed her hands on her waist, frustration written across her face. "Unbelievable. But fine."

"Oh, it’s not fine, young lady. "You can rant whatever more you have to rant. It’s a free world anyways," came a voice....deep, masculine, and cold as ice.

Startled, Victoria and Callum both turned toward the source of the voice. Standing at the edge of the mansion gate was a tall man dressed in a black suit, his long black hair falling past his shoulders. His eyes were like sharpened, unyielding and cold.

Beside him stood a woman clad in a figure-hugging gown that accentuated her elegant curves. Her hair was jet black, flowing over her shoulder. Her red lipstick stood out boldly against her pale skin, drawing the eye immediately. There was an aura of calculated grace about her, like a rose with hidden thorns.

"Who are they?" Victoria whispered, leaning toward Callum with her brows raised in curiosity.

"Your teachers," Callum replied quietly, the simple words sending a wave of shock down Victoria’s spine.

Her eyes flicked back to the pair standing near the entrance. Just as she took a tentative step forward to greet them, another figure entered the room.

Victoria froze.

Her breath hitched the moment she saw who it was.

Alpha Darius.

"And what the hell is he doing here?!" Victoria yelled with anger etched on her face.

Her heart thundered in her chest. Everything else her brother, the teachers, even her earlier frustration blurred into the background. All that existed in that moment was the figure now striding into the room with his usual calm arrogance, dressed in dark tailored clothing.

His eyes swept the courtyard and soon landed on her with hatred burning in them.

Callum leaned closer to her, his voice low but grim. "Alpha Darius should be the least of your problems right now, little sister. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m afraid your teachers heard everything we just said."

Victoria’s stomach twisted in alarm. "Huh?" she murmured, her gaze darting back to Miss Ameera and Mr. Austin, who were now staring directly at her, expressions unreadable but undoubtedly unimpressed.

Ameera let out a sharp scoff, as she tucked her hair behind her ears. Her eyes were narrowed like a predator circling its prey. "Is this new student of mine unwilling to greet her teachers as well?" she said with biting sarcasm. "I assume that means you’re also unwilling to learn. Such a shame."

Callum cleared his throat and chuckled lightly, trying to diffuse the tension. He placed a steady hand on Victoria’s shoulder and gave her a gentle push forward.

"Come on, little sister. Just greet them properly."

Victoria swallowed hard, stepped forward and bowed deeply with her two hands stretched forward to greet. "Good morning, Mr. Austin. Good morning, Miss Ameera. It’s a pleasure to meet you both."

But before she could straighten up fully, a sharp crack rang through the air as Miss Ameera struck her hand with a thin wooden stick.

"Ouch!" Victoria winced, jerking her hand back and clutching it tightly. The sting lingered, she looked up, eyes blazing. "Why did you do that teacher?"

Miss Ameera’s red lips curled into a faint smile, the kind that didn’t reach her eyes. "You’ll understand why when your training begins," she said coolly. "Consider it a small preview. For now, gather your things. You’re coming with us to the centre arranged for your training."

Victoria blinked. "A centre? Wait, what do you mean? Aren’t I supposed to train here, at home?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion ma’am? Her hitted hand still throbbed, her mind struggling to keep up with the sudden shift.

Just then, a familiar voice echoed across the courtyard.

"You’re here. Greetings, Mr. Austin, Miss Ameera." Mr. Ashford’s warm tone filled the space as he approached with steady steps. "I’m truly grateful you’ve accepted the request to tutor my daughter."

Callum and Victoria instinctively stepped aside as their father came to stand before the teachers, Mrs. Ashford gracefully joining him at his side.

"Yes, thank you so much," Mrs. Ashford added with a radiant smile, her voice smooth and welcoming. "Before the training begins, please come inside and allow us to offer you some food and refreshments. You’ve had a long journey, I’m sure."

"Alpha Darius was the one who made it possible to be able to teach your daughter," Miss Ameera announced coolly, her voice sharp. Her words struck, sending visible waves of shock rippling through Victoria, Callum, and even Mr. and Mrs. Ashford, who instinctively turned their gazes toward the man in question.

Darius stood with an unmistakable air of arrogance, arms folded, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"Him?!" Victoria blurted out before she could stop herself.

Master Austin stepped forward, adjusting the cuffs of his long coat with a sigh. "Yes. He happens to be the top student of Master Joe, who was originally assigned to teach you swordsmanship. Unfortunately, Master Joe is unavailable, which means Alpha Darius will be stepping in to teach you instead."