Masquerades

Chapter 13

There was a shift in the air as Arcane’s voice reached everyone’s ears. The sudden tension between him and William is enough to silence the whole crowd, including Cali – who is still yet to escape danger.

After a long stretch of silence, William scoffed. “What the f**k did I do? I’m only following your orders!”

“And I said not to hurt her.”

She was too far to see the expression on Arcane’s face, but due to the hardness of her tone, she could almost imagine the cold look on his face. His words brought confusion to her once again. It wasn’t the first time she heard him mention not hurting her, but because of the situation she was in earlier, she wasn’t able to dwell on it that much.

What was that supposed to mean? What game is he playing now? Didn’t he realize how much of a hypocrite he sounded just now?

“Do you really expect not a single strand of her hair won’t be untouched after telling every damn soul in this place to catch her? Wong, aren’t you contradicting yourself right now?”

This is the second time she actually agreed to William’s sentiments. She almost nodded, but quickly schooled her actions and expressions, and analyzed the situation instead.

It is unusual for Arcane to be like this. He usually just stays put with a watchful gaze when stuff like this happens, but now he’s the one who initiated it. Fine, he must be bothered by her name, hence his instruction for everyone to do anything to make her leave Xian. She thought he’ll just let the students do the work after that, but to organize all this after her petty provocation yesterday? Seriously, what’s with him?

And what’s with the sudden change of heart about hurting her? She was certain that additional instruction wasn't there at first, not to mention, the worry in his eyes before she jumped out of the window earlier. Oh… she almost forgot about that one thing—he asked her if she was the Calista Song for the first time, too.

Is he starting to consider that possibility? The first time they met, there was only hostility in his eyes—like he was talking to a stranger who offended him or something. But after dropping that question earlier, she remembered that fleeting look of wonder… or was it interest? The nanosecond of hesitation made him seem like there was a tinge of familiarity in the way he looked at her.

What did he find out?

Wait… Callum must have already ordered someone to arrange whatever’s needed for the announcement tomorrow, right? And it won’t be surprising if the Wongs have a spy in their company. Did he, by any chance, hear about it?

Her train of thought was interrupted when the staircase produced another high-pitched sound once again. There was a faint vibration under her feet that made her tighten her grip on the handrails.

Though she wasn’t able to focus on the thing that was putting her life at risk right now, and instead kept on watching the figure standing in the middle of the commotion. Arcane unconsciously took a step forward and looked up, causing their eyes to collide.

His expression was unclear due to the distance, but she was suddenly reminded of earlier… does he have worry written all over his face once again? If so, why? Why worry about her?

Don’t tell me one of my friends’ assumptions was actually true – that Arcane Wong must’ve loved his former fiancée?

“Cali!”

This time, she turned towards the rooftop along with everyone. She was met by Warren, some of her classmates and the five other targets leaning against the rails and looking down at her. She almost sighed in relief, seeing that her best friend successfully did the favor she asked. The only thing that was left to do now is reunite with them.

She’s halfway there, she just had to continue climbing up, but what if this staircase completely gives out?

“Let’s stop,” Arcane’s voice caught everyone’s attention again. “The game is over. No one won.”

“No!” Calista immediately reacted, as if the guy had uttered something forbidden. “We have ten minutes left! The game is far from over.”

“Don’t move. We’ll call someone to get you out of there.”

She almost felt offended when the jerk completely ignored what she said. So to make a point, she ran five steps up, making the staircase groan beneath her feet.

“Calista!” he loudly warned. “I said, don’t f*****g move! You too,” he glanced at William and his crew. Of course, those guys will obey him like dogs to their master.

“And I said, this game is not f*****g over.” Fine whatever, I guess it’s time. “I’m going to leave.”

“What?”

“You did it, Wong. You convinced me to leave Xian. I’m going to drop out right after this.” He was about to say something but she hurriedly interrupted him by pointing at the five students who were supposed to be caught alongside her. “They’re the ones who caught me, so they should be rewarded.”

“No one caught you, Calista—“

“I said they did, Arcane.”

Another stretch of silence ensued. No one thought the tension could be more intense than earlier, but here they are, witnessing a staring match between the guy who’s considered the most powerful person in all of Xian High and the first girl who had the guts to challenge him.

And to their utter surprise, Arcane Wong conceded to Calista Song.

“Fine. They did,” he breathed out, looking back to his friends. Cali watched them share a look and some kind of understanding, before Arcane turned to her once again. “I hereby declare that the five of them,” he nodded towards the direction of the rooftop. Of course, the bastard doesn’t remember their names. “Are now acknowledged by the Masquerades. They will be protected from any harm and are to be treated with respect for the rest of their lives.”

A smile instantly graced her heart-shaped lips. Mission accomplished. Now, time to get out of this hell.