Rejected bond

Chapter 4

Waking up to another red card on my desk, I shook my head with a smile. I was already getting used to this strange, abnormal routine.

Some part of me wanted to see how it would end. I longed to be strong like others, and I couldn’t resist the mystery surrounding the red cards—especially how they kept appearing despite me always locking my door.

I picked up the card to read what it said—and froze.

“Your first task: Dress hot, with makeup, and walk around the school with your head held high.”

What?! Was this a joke? Was this person trying to sign my death warrant?

Spirit, whoever you are, what exactly do you want from me?

What would the students think of me? I’d be the laughingstock of the entire school!

And Calista—what about her? She’d think I was trying to get attention from some new guy she’s probably already marked as hers.

I just can’t. I’m sorry, but this task has failed.

Shaking my head, I sat on my bed, recklessly trying to think of what to do, when another card suddenly dropped at my doorstep.

I frowned, staring at the red card on the floor. I rushed outside to see who had dropped it—but there was no one. That was when I finally agreed: this had to be the work of a spirit.

I picked up the card again, but as I read what it said, it slipped from my hands. Fear clenched around my chest like a vice.

I slammed the door shut and leaned against it, terrified I might get killed at any moment.

I collapsed to the floor, tears slipping down my cheeks. I blamed myself for ever agreeing to this game.

I should’ve told Ruby—or better yet, reported it to the school authorities. Maybe then I wouldn’t have a death threat hanging over my head.

With fear swirling inside me, I rushed to my closet to start getting dressed. I hoped whoever sent the card would see I was obeying.

Finding a short dress wasn’t easy—it wasn’t my style. But after a while, I found one. I slipped it on and applied a little makeup.

“It’s better to be laughed at than to be dead,” I whispered to myself, breathing deeply a thousand times before finally stepping out of the room.

“I see someone’s trying to look sexy,” one of the students in class said loudly.

Laughter erupted. Some of the guys made nasty comments.

I ignored them and walked to my seat like nothing had happened, burying my face in my book for the entire class. I couldn’t meet anyone’s eyes.

After the teacher left, Ruby came to sit beside me, her face saying everything: Talk. Now.

I tried to fake a smile, even though I was seconds away from collapsing from the weight of embarrassment.

“Don’t give me that look. I know you’d never wear something like this on your own. Who put you up to it?” she asked, like a mother scolding her child.

“You’re scolding me too?” I replied, hoping to get at least a little support from someone.

“I’m just surprised,” she said, softening. “But it actually looks good on you. I never realized you were this beautiful. You should wear more makeup—it really suits you.”

“Are you serious? Or just trying to make me feel better?” I asked, unsure whether to believe her.

“Let’s go, I’m starving,” she said, standing up. “And yes, I’m serious—you look great.”

We made our way to the cafeteria, but then—

“Well, well, well… look who’s trying to get attention. But let me be honest: you look like a w***e. Or should I say, the baboon that you are?”

I turned to see who had the audacity to say such cruel words. Of course, I already knew. Calista.

But this time… Ruby’s compliment stuck in my mind. For once, I wanted to feel good about myself.

I wanted to boast about my looks. Or maybe I just wanted to follow what the card said.

If dressing this way meant becoming stronger… then I wanted to see how strong I could really be.

I walked up to her with pride, stopping just a few feet away.

“Are you blind? Or maybe you’re just jealous because I look prettier than you—and it bothers you,” I said calmly.

Gasps erupted. In seconds, we were surrounded by students—some cheering my name, others chanting Calista’s.

I knew it wasn’t really me speaking. But whatever it was—please don’t stop. I was finally standing up to her.

Then—cold water splashed on my face, snapping me out of my fantasy.

I had forgotten I was on a battlefield.

“How dare you talk to me like that, you brat?” Calista yelled, yanking my hair tightly, sending pain shooting through my skull.

I winced. All the courage and strength vanished. I was back to being weak. Tears rolled down my face.

I tried to free myself from her grip, but she held on tighter.

Some students laughed and cheered her on. Others walked away, pity written on their faces.

Ruby returned with one of the school authorities, who immediately pulled Calista off me and scolded her before dragging her to his office.

Ruby gently held my hand and led me back to our room.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I went to get someone who could stop her. I knew I wouldn’t be able to help you alone.”

“You don’t need to be sorry. I should be thanking you. If you hadn’t called for help, who knows how far she would’ve gone?”

“Thanks for walking me back. I’ll get some rest now. You should too.”

We waved goodbye, and I walked to my closet to change.

And there it was again.

Another red card.

Lying on my desk like it had been waiting for me.

I kept undressing, ignoring it for now. I was still angry about what had happened earlier. And honestly, I was scared to know what the next task might be.