Fated to kill you

Field Trip

Leah woke early, her excitement bubbling over as she prepared for a field trip. Today, all the UL students were heading to the Ivory Meadows for a day trip. The meadows, nestled in the mountains of Ivory City, were famous for their sprawling beauty, including an apple orchard owned by the royal family.

Leah had barely stepped outside the dorms since arriving at UL, save for her term holidays back in the Shadow Village. The thought of visiting Ivory City filled her with a mix of curiosity and wonder.

She rushed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, eager to ensure she and Sath had something to eat before leaving. To her surprise, Sath was already there, pulling a tray of his signature croissants from the oven.

“Hey! Isn’t breakfast my job?” she asked, stunned.

Sath glanced at her and shrugged. “Woke up early. Felt like cooking,” he said simply, beckoning her to the table.

Leah’s mouth fell open. It wasn’t just croissants. There were scrambled eggs, sausages, and perfectly stacked sandwiches.

“Felt like cooking? This is a feast!” she exclaimed, sitting down.

Sath laughed softly, and for a moment, Leah froze. His laughter was rare, and every time she heard it, it took her by surprise. It wasn’t just the sound—it was the warmth it brought with it, making her feel inexplicably happy.

“Hey, you’ve never been to Ivory City, right?” Sath asked, placing a steaming croissant on her plate.

“Nope, but I was hoping to explore a bit after we settle at the camp,” she said, her voice laced with excitement.

“Want me to show you around?” he offered, passing her scrambled eggs.

“Ooh, I’d love that… but stop with the food already! You’re spoiling me,” she laughed as he piled more onto her plate.

Sath grinned. “Don’t mind me. Cooking is my therapy.”

Leah took a bite and sighed dramatically. “This is beyond delicious. I could get used to this.”

“Hey, I love your cooking too,” he teased, earning a playful glare from her.

The bus ride to Ivory Meadows was short but filled with anticipation. Without teachers accompanying them, the trip was centered around self-discovery, with students expected to submit a reflective report afterward. Leah sat next to Sath, feeling at ease as the bus hummed along the mountain roads.

Suddenly, a flash of golden hair caught her eye. Just a few rows ahead sat Liam and Lena, their heads close as they chatted. Leah’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t deny the pull she felt toward Liam, but it frustrated her to no end. Why did she always lose her focus when she thought about him?

The bus soon came to a stop at the edge of the Ivory Meadows. As Leah stepped out, she gasped. From their high point on the hill, the entire view of Ivory City unfolded before her. Gleaming white villas with domed roofs sparkled in the sunlight, their beauty almost blinding. In the city’s heart stood the Royal Castle, with soaring spires and walls of pristine marble. The lush green gardens surrounding the castle and the towering gates added to its majestic presence.

“Is that where Prince Liam lives?” she murmured aloud, unable to hide her awe.

“Why? Want to see where I live?” came a familiar voice.

Leah turned sharply to find Liam standing right next to her. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and her cheeks flamed red.

“N-no, I was just…” she stammered, struggling for words.

“I’m sure my mom would love to meet you,” Liam teased, a wide grin spreading across his face.

Leah froze at the thought. Meeting the Queen? Her heart hammered at the impossibility of it all.

“Can you not tease her?” a calm, quiet voice interrupted. Sath stepped beside her, his expression unreadable but his tone firm.

Liam chuckled, patting Leah’s arm lightly. “Relax, I’m just messing with you,” he said before strolling away, leaving Leah rooted in place, her heart still racing.

“You really shouldn’t hang around him,” Sath said, his tone laced with disapproval. “He messes with every girl who looks at him the way you do.”

Leah blinked, taken aback. “You’re friends with him, aren’t you? Can’t you help me get closer to him?” she asked, completely ignoring Sath’s warning.

Sath’s jaw tightened, and for the first time, Leah saw irritation flash in his usually calm demeanor. “Absolutely not. He’s a womanizer, Leah. He hits on every girl who gives him those smitten eyes of yours.”

Leah giggled, startled by his sudden bad mood. “Don’t be jealous,” she teased playfully.

Sath stared at her for a moment, his expression softening into something almost amused. Shaking his head, he gestured toward the path leading down the hill.

“Look, I’m heading to the city. If you want me to show you around, you’re welcome to join me. Or you can follow Liam,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips before he started walking.

Leah hesitated for a second before bursting into laughter and running after him. “Wait!” she called, clinging to his arm as they made their way down the hill together.

To Leah, Sath was already her closest friend at UL, her anchor in a world that often felt overwhelming. But Sath knew the truth: Leah was becoming much more than a friend to him. And he wasn’t sure if he could ever let her go.