THE VAMPIRIC POTION

Powder and Words

(Marrianne’s POV)

The hallways buzzed with the usual afternoon chatter, students moving in cliques, discussing everything from last night's TV shows to upcoming exams. I walked with my head high, pretending not to hear the murmurs behind me. She looks so fake with all that makeup, one girl whispered. I bet she takes hours just to look like that.

I ignored them. I always did. But today, I was already in a foul mood, and their words stung more than usual.

Then came the voice I couldn’t ignore.

"Marrianne, do you always carry that much weight on your face, or do you have a personal assistant to help apply it?"

Lila Monroe.

I stopped mid-step and turned slowly, meeting her gaze. She leaned casually against a locker, her arms crossed, a smirk dancing on her lips. The girls beside her giggled, waiting for my reaction.

I gave her a slow, unimpressed once-over. “At least I make an effort. Unlike some people who think dry shampoo and lip balm count as self-care.”

Lila gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "Ouch. You wound me, Marrianne. But seriously, do you ever let your skin breathe? Or are you scared people will run away if they see the real you?"

The words hit deeper than I wanted them to. But I wasn’t about to let her see that. I tilted my head, a small smile playing at my lips. "Sweetheart, the real me is too much for people like you to handle. That’s why I add a little barrier—so you don’t get overwhelmed."

The students around us "ooh"-ed at my response, but Lila just smirked wider. “You know, you’re really good at acting confident. But I wonder if you’d still be this bold if someone wiped all that off your face.”

My fingers twitched at my side. Calm down, Marrianne. She’s just trying to get under your skin.

Before I could fire back, a voice cut through the tension.

“That’s enough.”

I turned to see none other than him.

Felix Wellesley stood there, his sharp eyes sweeping over the scene. His presence alone was enough to make everyone quiet down.

“Monroe, do you have something more productive to do than starting pointless arguments?” he asked, his tone calm yet firm.

Lila pouted, clearly unaffected by his authority. “Just having a little fun, sir. Marrianne doesn’t mind, do you?” She shot me a look, daring me to agree.

I clenched my jaw. Oh, I mind. I mind a lot.

Felix glanced at me, waiting for my response. I could tell he was expecting me to de-escalate things, but my pride wouldn’t let me back down.

“I don’t entertain clowns,” I said coolly. “If Lila wants my attention so badly, she should work on her act.”

Lila’s smile twitched, but before she could respond, Felix sighed. “That’s enough from both of you. Marrianne, head to class. Monroe, I’ll be speaking to the principal about this behavior.”

Lila groaned but didn’t argue. “Seriously? It was just a joke.”

“Find better jokes,” he replied simply. “Now go.”

She huffed, turning on her heel and walking away with her friends, but not before shooting me a pointed glare.

Felix then turned to me, his gaze unreadable. “Next time, don’t entertain people like her.”

I crossed my arms. “So I should just let her say whatever she wants?”

“You should be above it,” he said simply.

His words irked me more than they should have. But before I could argue, he walked past me, heading down the hall.

I stood there, watching his retreating figure, my heart beating a little too fast.

Damn it. Why did he have to look so effortlessly cool while ruining my chance at a proper fight?