CHAPTER 186: ONE CONDITION

Andria’s POV

"Your pulse is racing," she murmured, looking at Aven and then back at me. "I really am bothered. This doesn’t seem as though you are just bored. Is something bothering you?"

I turned just slightly, eyes narrowing. "No, I have already told you, I’m just bored," I said under my breath, rolling my eyes at the same time.

She smiled faintly, shrugging her shoulders. "Ok then, good for you."

I noticed Sir Kaelric gaze immediately; he had been staring intently at me the whole time. I felt butterflies in my belly; they knotted and twisted as the possibility of his having read my mind the entire time pricked me.

I blushed, and he shifted his gaze at that exact moment, a quiet, controlled movement, but I saw the way his jaw flexed.

He looked away almost immediately, focusing on the Headmistress’s notes, but his knuckles had gone white where they gripped the table; his countenance screamed jealousy.

The door opened again. Becca slipped in, a little breathless, as if she had been running to meet up. She waved quickly at me before she was called to the front.

"Miss Becca, you are just coming? Weren’t you informed that you would be witnessing today?"

"I was told. Other activities have taken up my time, as I’m now organizing my small group for the upcoming sports festival. I’m sorry for keeping everyone waiting." Becca replied.

She was probably organizing her sports group now, but I knew that was only an excuse, a white lie, which would be acceptable.

"Ok, apology accepted. Now narrate your altercation with Liara on the night of the kissing booth."

Becca nodded, swallowing hard, and she began. "The event had just started, and I wanted to...."

"So, because you happened to catch a glimpse of what happened between Liara and Allison, Liara decided to tie you up under a table in another class. Is that what you are saying?" The headmistress asked, her hands akimbo.

"Yes, ma. There isn’t any other reason why."

"And you don’t think that it’s because you were her friend and suddenly you stopped relating to her, choosing Aria’s side?"

"They whispered, ma. They wanted to clear any student who saw them and could likely expose them, or go to rescue Allison."

"Ok, you are done here now, you may return to your seat."

Becca walked to the last seat beside the Alpha and gave me an eye that asked, Why aren’t you the one here?.

I chuckled under my breath and looked forward.

The council continued for another thirty minutes, a blur of questions and faint murmurs, before the Headmistress finally spoke.

"Given the testimonies and evidence presented, the council finds Jackson guilty of misconduct and endangerment. He will serve a one-week detention term in isolation under supervision."

She turned to Liara, whose eyes had dulled completely. "As for you, Miss Malverick, you are hereby suspended for one week. You will return to your family estate during that time."

The headmistress rose, and all other head council members, including the officials from the palace, rose with her.

The rest of us who were invited also began to rise after them. I glanced briefly at Jackson. His sleeve had shifted slightly during the session, revealing the bandage beneath, and the faint, darkening mark of infection spreading under his skin.

My breath caught. It was getting worse than before.

I looked toward Sir Kaelric immediately. He noticed. A silent understanding passed between us. We would have to see him soon.

I turned to the Alpha successors, my voice low but clear. "You are coming with us."

Aven arched a brow. "Is that an order or a request?"

"Neither," I replied. "It’s just... necessary."

They followed. Sir Kaelric and I walked ahead, the guards flanking Jackson as he was led toward the detention room. The corridors were dim, calm, and silent, with only our footsteps echoing against the marble floor.

When we entered, I stopped near the iron bars, the faint light flickering against my hands. Jackson looked up, the arrogance gone, replaced by fear.

"You think this is funny?" I asked quietly. "That mark on your arm, it’s not going to heal."

He swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"

I didn’t answer. Instead, I reached into my jacket and pulled out the same silver knife I had used before, twisting it in my hand so he could see the weapon that could end him.

I quickly stabbed my left arm with it. I saw the Alpha successors and Sir Kaelric adjust in shock. I felt the pain course through me instantly; it was a sharp and deep thrust, so it hurt like shit.

My arm bled for a while, and then suddenly started to close up on its own.

"In less than ten minutes," I said quietly, "it closes because I’m near my true mate’s energy. You, however..." I tilted my head slightly. "You don’t have that privilege; you forged your mate bond."

His breath hitched. "You are lying. How can I be sure the spell is still on the knife?"

I smiled faintly. "Am I really lying now? Hold on, if you want me to stab the other arm, and bring Liara, you find out if it’s true, I can."

Horror appeared on his face; he couldn’t speak.

"Then I guess I’m not lying then."

Sir Kaelric stepped forward, silent but watching closely. There was something dark in his expression, approval, maybe. Or admiration he didn’t want to name.

"The side effect," I continued, sheathing the blade, "is simple. If your true mate isn’t near you soon enough, the wound wouldn’t just stop healing; it will fester and spread like a cancer or bacteria, until it kills you."

Jackson’s face was drained of color. "You can’t...I..." His voice trembled, the arrogance gone completely now. "Please. I don’t want to die."

I looked toward Aven and then to Kaelric. "What do you think?" I asked softly. "Should I help him?"

Sir Kaelric’s lips twitched, the faintest trace of a smirk. "Do as you see fit, Wolfsburn."

I turned back to Jackson, my voice low, calm. "One condition, then. Undo whatever you have done to Liara. Free her from your false mate bond spell."

He nodded quickly, desperation in his eyes. "I will. I swear it."

"Good," I said simply. I reached into my bag and pulled out a small vial, the potion, faintly glowing a blue hue. "This is an antidote. For those who no longer have their mates... or were never meant to have one."

I poured a few drops over the wound. Steam hissed softly. Slowly, the darkness began to recede from the edges of the infected mark. He exhaled shakily.

"Try not to die before you keep your word," I said, then turned away.