35. The Challenge

The Challenge

A fter dinner, the three of us head back to my dorm, the cool night air wrapping around us as we walk side by side. Derek's arm brushes against mine as Sebastian walks on my other side, hands stuffed into his pockets. It feels normal, easy—like this is how things were always supposed to be.

I glance at Sebastian and smirk. "So... Phoebe, huh? Looked like she's got a little crush on you."

Sebastian groans, rolling his eyes. "That tiny creature tried to bite me . That's not a crush, that's an act of war."

Derek snickers, clearly enjoying the whole thing. "Give her a break, man. She was just trying to make you feel more comfortable. You know, like part of the family."

Sebastian gives him a deadpan look. "Part of the family by gnawing on my arm like I'm a chew toy?"

I can't help but laugh. "To be fair, I think she was just testing the waters. Maybe seeing if vampires taste like, I don't know, marshmallows or something?"

Sebastian snorts, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, she's lucky I didn't bite back. I don't think Derek's parents would've been thrilled if I chomped down on their kid."

"Aw, don't worry," Derek says with a playful grin. "I'm sure you would've been her favorite vampire chew toy."

I nudge Derek with my elbow. "Hey, now. No bullying the guy who's had to deal with your sister's... uh, enthusiastic welcome."

"Enthusiastic?" Sebastian arches an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "That's one way to put it. I think I still have tiny teeth marks on my arm."

Derek laughs. "She just wanted to see if you were made of stronger stuff. You passed. Barely."

"Barely?" I chime in, grinning. "Seb here has survived Kyla's nonsense and a literal chewing from Phoebe. I think he's passed with flying colors."

Sebastian gives me a sideways glance, that cocky smile returning. "Oh, so now I'm a survivor, huh?"

I shrug, doing my best to keep my face serious. "You are. You survived dinner with Derek's family, too. Pretty sure that's a rite of passage."

Derek raises an eyebrow at me. "Hey, my family's not that bad. Besides, they adore you."

Sebastian chuckles, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, and somehow, I ended up getting chewed on while you got free rein of the family vineyard."

I bite my lip to keep from laughing too loudly. "What can I say? Phoebe has her favorites. Maybe if you bring her a stuffed animal or something next time, she won't try to nibble on you."

"Noted," Sebastian mutters, rubbing his arm as if the phantom bite still aches. "Maybe I'll bring a chew toy for her instead."

Derek smirks. "Honestly, she'd love it. Might even leave you alone for five minutes."

As we reach the dorm entrance, I turn to face them both. "Well, thanks for walking me back. I guess we all survived the night—barely."

Derek chuckles and leans in to give me a quick kiss on the cheek. "We survived. But just remember, next time, I'll make sure Seb gets the chew toy treatment before dinner."

Sebastian groans dramatically, giving Derek a playful shove. "I hate both of you."

I laugh and push open the door to the dorm, but something nags at me. I glance back at them, trying to act casual, though the question has been building in my mind for the past few minutes. "So… are you guys heading home now or…?"

Derek tilts his head, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "What? Why would we leave?"

I shrug, trying to play it off, though my heart skips a beat. "I don't know. I just figured you might want to… I don't know, sleep in your own beds for once."

Sebastian looks genuinely offended, crossing his arms over his chest. "Zaria, come on. You really think we're not staying with you tonight?"

I blink at them both. "I mean, I wasn't assuming anything…"

Derek steps closer, his smirk playing on his lips. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

Sebastian nods, moving to stand beside Derek. "Yeah, seriously. What do you think we're doing, dropping you off like a date? You're stuck with us."

I can't help but laugh a little, the tension easing out of me. "You both make it sound like I'm holding you hostage."

Derek grins and pulls me into a quick kiss. "Pretty sure that's what it feels like when you're mated to two guys."

Sebastian leans in, his voice low and teasing. "Two guys who aren't going anywhere, by the way. So stop thinking we're leaving."

I smile, warmth spreading through my chest again. "Alright, alright. You've made your point."

With a quick wave of my hand, I motion them inside. "Now come on. Let's get out of this hallway before people start getting ideas."

Derek chuckles as he steps inside, and Sebastian gives me a playful nudge as he follows. "Ideas, huh? We wouldn't want that."

I close the door behind us, shaking my head at the both of them. "You two are impossible, you know that?"

Sebastian leans in, his voice warm and teasing. "You love it."

And, of course, I can't argue with that.

I wake up to the familiar, comforting warmth of limbs tangled around me, Derek on one side, Sebastian on the other. They both seem to enjoy using me as a human pillow, and honestly, I don't mind. It's cozy. But as I shift slightly, they remain dead to the world, both of them clearly exhausted. Carefully, I wiggle my way out from between them, managing not to wake either of them. A small victory, considering their usual wolf-vampire alertness.

Stretching, I head over to my wardrobe, picking out my clothes for the day—red knee-high socks, my favorite red boots, red shorts, and a black jumper that's a bit oversized but perfect for the slightly chilly morning. As I'm getting dressed, I realize I need something from the top of my cupboard. Of course, it's too high up for me to reach or even see properly.

With a quiet huff, I stretch on my toes, fingers barely brushing the surface. Before I can even get frustrated, I hear Derek stir behind me. Without a word, he gets out of bed, walks over, and effortlessly picks me up, sitting me on his shoulder like I'm light as a feather.

"There you go, princess," he says with a grin.

"Thanks," I mutter, reaching for the object I was after—a flat, black round fabric, a bit dusty from being up there so long. To anyone else, it might look like an old rag, but to me, it's something more. Derek gently sets me back down as I hop off his shoulder, walking across the bed to the window on the other side of the room.

As I stand on the bed, practically over Sebastian's head, I give the fabric a good shake out of the window. Dust flies everywhere, and that's when Sebastian, who's been watching with half-lidded eyes, smirks up at me.

"I could get used to this view," he says, his voice still a little rough from sleep.

I roll my eyes, but a smirk tugs at my lips. "I'm sure you could."

He stretches lazily, not even bothering to get up. "What is that thing, anyway? Looks like you're trying to fish for spiders."

"This," I say, stepping off the bed and back onto the floor, "is more than just some dusty old cloth."

Both boys sit up, intrigued now. With a quick wave of my hand and a soft murmur of magic, the flat, round fabric suddenly unfolds, transforming into a conical witch's hat. Not one of those overly ridiculous ones with a massive brim, but cute, the way I like it. The black material shimmers slightly in the light.

Derek chuckles. "You're seriously going to wear a pointy hat?"

Sebastian raises an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "It's cute, I'll give you that, but you know people are going to mock you, right?"

I put the hat on my head and adjust it slightly, giving them both a smug look. "Mock all you want, but a conical hat is a powerful item in witchcraft. It helps you center your magic, keeps you focused, and channels your energy. It's not just for aesthetics."

Derek looks amused. "And here I thought it was just a fashion statement."

Sebastian leans back against the headboard, arms crossed, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, if it helps with your magic, who are we to argue?"

"Exactly," I say, flashing them a grin. "Now, stop teasing me and start appreciating the magical brilliance standing before you."

They exchange a playful look, and Derek chuckles. "Alright, alright. Lead the way, oh great and powerful witch."

"Damn right," I say with a wink, feeling just a little bit more confident with the hat firmly on my head. Time to face the day, with or without their teasing.

I make my way through the morning with a permanent smirk plastered on my face. Magical Influences in Society is a breeze—Professor Bellamy spends most of the class rambling about how magic shapes political structures, but my mind is more focused on the entertainment coming later. Illusions & Glamours is more hands-on, but still, nothing particularly groundbreaking. At least it keeps me from zoning out.

But lunch? That's where things get interesting.

We walk into the cafeteria, and the entire room feels like it's vibrating with tension. Everyone's either sneaking glances or full-on staring at me, Sebastian, and Derek like we're some kind of freakish exhibit at a magical zoo. I swear, I could probably make a career out of charging admission for people to ogle us at this point.

Sebastian leans in, his voice low. "Relax. They're just curious. Let them look."

Derek nods in agreement, taking a bite of whatever the mystery meat is on his plate. "Yeah, they'll get bored eventually."

I roll my eyes. "Oh, I'm not worried about them looking. They can stare all they want. What's cracking me up is the fact that neither of you have figured out what they're actually curious about."

The boys exchange a look, both frowning slightly. "What do you mean?" Derek asks, clearly clueless.

Sebastian raises an eyebrow. "You're saying it's not about you having two mates?"

I shake my head, biting my lip to hold back a laugh. "Nope. It's not just that. You two are missing the best part of the gossip mill."

They look even more confused now, and I can't resist anymore. Leaning in closer to them, I whisper, "They're not just wondering about me having two mates. They're wondering if you two are... you know... sleeping with each other. "

Sebastian chokes on his drink, and Derek's fork clatters to the table as they both stare at me in horror.

"What the hell?" Derek sputters, looking like he's just been slapped.

Sebastian wipes his mouth, his face twisted in disgust. "No way."

I burst into laughter, practically doubling over. "Oh, come on! You really didn't see that coming? Two ridiculously attractive guys, always hanging out with me, no one's gonna think something is going on between you two?"

Derek shakes his head, still looking flustered. "I mean... no! What is wrong with people?"

Sebastian rolls his eyes, leaning back in his chair. "People are so... ugh. What, just because we're both into you, they think we're into each other too? That's insane."

I smirk, loving every second of their reactions. "Welcome to my world. Now you know how wild the rumors can get."

Derek groans, running a hand through his hair. "Great. Just great."

Sebastian's lip curls, and he shoots me a look. "You're enjoying this way too much."

I wink at him. "Maybe. But hey, you two really should've seen it coming. I mean, you practically look like the next big power couple."

They both groan in unison, and I can't help but laugh again. For once, I'm not the center of the school's twisted rumors. The boys might just survive... if they can stop looking so utterly horrified.

Lunch continues without any major incidents, but the stares don't stop. If anything, the added amusement of the "are they or aren't they" debate only makes the whispers worse. But honestly? I'm having too much fun watching them squirm to care.

As we step into the packed auditorium, the usual noise and chatter dies down almost instantly, like someone flipped a switch. It's amusing in a way, how the entire room seems to tense the moment I walk in with Derek and Sebastian. The rumors have clearly spread far and wide—about me, my two mates, and the chaos that's unfolded with Derek shifting in the middle of class and Sebastian being under some kind of "binding hex." People don't know the half of it, but that doesn't stop them from speculating.

I keep my head high as we walk further inside, though I can feel the weight of the stares. No one's sitting near us, not that I expected anyone to. They're treating us like we've got the plague, but I'm not about to let that bother me. We've got bigger things to worry about.

As we're about to find some seats, Mr. Halford, the principal, approaches me, his face as serious as ever. He leans in, his voice low but steady. "Are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this, Zaria? You understand the consequences."

I meet his gaze and nod without hesitation. "Yes, I'm sure. Kyla needs to be held accountable. It's time."

He sighs, clearly not thrilled about the situation but respecting my decision. "You'll make the challenge at the end of the assembly. Be ready."

"I'm always ready," I reply with a small, confident smirk before moving past him. Derek and Sebastian exchange a glance, but they don't say anything. They're with me every step of the way, even though we all know it's not going to be pretty.

We move to the middle of the auditorium, where, predictably, no one else wants to sit. Everyone seems to be actively avoiding us, like we're dangerous animals who might lash out at any moment. It's almost funny, really. The looks on their faces are priceless.

Just as we sit down, Hank strolls in and, without a word, plops himself into the seat right in front of us, his eyes glued to his phone. He's so casual about it, like it's no big deal, but the gesture speaks volumes.

I lean forward, resting my chin on the back of his seat. "You know, if you keep hanging out with us, people might start thinking you're my third boyfriend."

Without missing a beat, Hank looks up from his phone, smirking. "Please, Zaria. Everyone knows if I'm interested in anyone at this table, it's Sebastian and Derek, not you."

Sebastian raises an eyebrow, his mouth twitching into an amused grin. "Well, I feel... honored, I guess?"

Derek chuckles, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, good luck with that, Hank."

Hank shrugs, clearly unfazed. "Hey, I like a challenge."

Before I can fire back, I hear familiar voices. Skylar and Hazel stroll in, chatting like nothing's wrong and the entire school isn't whispering behind their backs. They take seats right behind me, their smiles saying it all—they're here, and they don't give a damn about the rumors.

Skylar grins. "Whatever happens, we've got your back." She must think Derek's behaviour in class is about to be brought up at the assembly. If only she knew.

"I know," I say, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. It's one thing to have Derek and Sebastian with me, but having friends like Skylar and Hazel—who don't care about the whispers or the rumors—means more than they realize.

As Mr. Halford begins his speech, talking about school events and upcoming projects, I want to tune him out, focusing on the challenge ahead. But by the end of this assembly, the entire school will know the truth.

Kyla's reign is about to come crashing down.

The assembly drones on, filled with updates and announcements that no one, least of all me, really cares about. Normally, I'd be one of the first to tune out, but today... today is different. My attention is locked on every word that spills from Mr. Halford's mouth, waiting for that pivotal moment.

I sit at the edge of my seat, my leg bouncing uncontrollably under the table. My thoughts are running a mile a minute. What if she refuses? What if the plan doesn't work? What if—

A hand gently presses against my thigh, and I glance to my side to see Sebastian, his eyes calm but focused. His touch anchors me, steadying the chaotic swirl in my mind. I exhale slowly, letting the tension ease, but the adrenaline is still there, pulsing under my skin.

Finally, Mr. Halford clears his throat, his voice louder and more deliberate than before. "While it is not usually something we condone for witches who have not yet graduated," he begins, and I feel my breath catch, "a very unusual circumstance has come forward."

Here it is.

"A young witch wishes to proceed with The Rite of Arcane Reckoning." The room practically hums with energy as those words sink in. This is what they've all been waiting for—what they've been gossiping about without even knowing it. "As you know," he continues, "this is a magical duel, a challenge from one witch to another. No death spells are permitted, and the winner is granted something the other witch possesses. The terms of the duel are determined at the beginning. The duel can be refused, but in doing so, the witch who refuses must immediately give up the item or request to the challenger."

I barely hear the rest of his explanation, my focus solely on the moment he'll say my name.

"Miss Vexx," Mr. Halford says, his voice resonating through the enchanted auditorium.

All eyes are on me.

If it weren't for the enchantments keeping the students quiet, I'm sure the room would be a cacophony of whispers and gasps by now. The tension is palpable as I rise from my seat. I can feel every gaze on me, burning with curiosity, judgment, and excitement. My heart pounds in my chest, but I keep my expression neutral as I step into the aisle.

Taking a deep breath, I begin the formal incantation of the Rite of Arcane Reckoning. My voice is steady, strong, carrying the ancient words across the auditorium.

"I, Zaria Vexx, challenge thee, Kyla Kendle, to The Rite of Arcane Reckoning."

As soon as I finish, I can feel the shift in the room. Everyone turns their heads to Kyla, waiting for her response.

With a scowl etched deep into her perfect features, Kyla rises from her seat, her movements sharp, her body language brimming with arrogance. She strides down the aisle, every step a declaration of her perceived superiority. I stand tall as she approaches, meeting her halfway in front of the stage, the entire school now our audience.

Face to face, Kyla's lips curl into a sneer. "So, Zaria," she spits, "what is it you want from this never-gonna-happen victory of yours? A confession? For me to say something that isn't true?"

I wait, letting her rant, because I know exactly what she's expecting. She thinks I want her to admit she stole my grimoire in front of everyone, to admit that she's a fraud. But I'm not here to play her petty games.

When she finally stops talking, I smirk, my eyes locked on hers. "No, Kyla. I don't need you to confess anything. What would be the point? Everyone would assume I forced you to say it anyway." I pause, savoring the way her expression falters, just for a second. "No, I want something more important." Her eyes narrow as I lean in. "I want your wand."

There's a stunned silence, followed by Kyla's immediate scoff. "My wand?" she repeats, her voice dripping with disdain. "A witch without a wand can't perform any advanced spells." Her mockery is practically dripping from her voice, but it only makes my smirk grow wider. She has no idea what's coming. Kyla leans in closer, her voice barely above a whisper, but venomous all the same. "When you lose, Zaria, I get Sebastian and Derek. Both of them. Do you understand?"

A rush of anger surges through me, but I hold my composure. Barely. My fists clench at my sides, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to lash out right then and there. I've already hit her once. I don't need a repeat... yet.

We extend our hands, clasping them in front of the school. The moment our hands meet, a magical pact forms, glowing runes swirling up our arms, binding us to our agreement.

"See you at the Proving Grounds," Kyla whispers, her voice filled with malice, as the markings fade.

"I'm looking forward to it," I reply coolly, my voice laced with a confidence I've earned.

We pull our hands apart, and the assembly stirs back to life, everyone whispering and buzzing with the anticipation of what's to come.

Kyla turns on her heel, striding back down the aisle, while I stand there for just a moment longer, letting the weight of the challenge settle over me. This is it.