CHAPTER 11
933 Words
Annabeth's Pov.
It was already seven in the evening when I woke up, my stomach twisting painfully. Only then did I remember—I hadn't eaten lunch. I was too exhausted earlier. It felt as if Luciana had sucked every ounce of strength out of my body. Damn her.
After our intense match, I went straight to the Bronze dormitory and skipped the rest of my classes. I found my assigned room quickly and collapsed onto the bed. I didn't realize it then, but despite how much I enjoyed fighting Luciana, a part of me kept whispering... You shouldn't have done that.
Sure, if I hadn't let myself get carried away, I wouldn't be this drained. But what was I supposed to do? I am Annabeth—the serial killer in the world of ordinary people. Backing down from a fight has never been an option. I don't lose. I refuse to lose. Even if I kill someone without warning, I wouldn't regret it.
I stood up and grimaced as I looked around the room. Calling it dirty would be an understatement—it was a disaster. The ceiling was discolored with age, the metal door was rusted, and both the sofa and the bed looked like they might collapse at any moment. The living room and kitchen were crammed into one space, separated only by a thin divider from the tiny bedroom I was in.
Honestly, they could've cleaned this place just a little. But wow... the basement I lived in back when I was still Annabeth was probably cleaner than this.
I rolled my eyes and yawned, then got ready to go out and look for food. I pulled on gray joggers and a loose white V-neck shirt. Once I was done, I grabbed the card Mommy gave me before I left the palace. She told me it was loaded and that I could buy whatever I wanted. A slow grin crept onto my face as I imagined all the things I could buy with this.
The moment I stepped outside, a filthy hallway greeted me—dimly lit, rust creeping along the walls. I shook my head as I walked, choosing to ignore my surroundings. Downstairs, I reached the Bronze building's common area. A few students were there, and I didn't even need to describe the kind of disgusting things they were doing.
As I headed for the exit, I could feel their stares burning into me. Instead of bothering me, it only fueled my excitement. What if I destroyed all of them? What if I killed them all at once? The thought sent a thrill through me. Strangely enough, my exhaustion faded as countless violent scenarios raced through my mind.
I didn't notice someone stepping into my path until it was too late. We collided, and my weakened body hit the floor. Laughter echoed behind me. My expression darkened the moment I recognized that kind of laughter. When they sensed my rising anger, they fell silent. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to the person who had bumped into me.
"Hi, Annika! Do you still remember me?" she asked cheerfully, extending her hand.
I raised an eyebrow. I don't take help from just anyone. Ignoring her hand, I stood up on my own and met her gaze.
"No. Who are you?" I asked flatly.
She straightened her posture, brushed her hair back, and smiled brightly before offering her hand again.
"I'm Natasha—from the dean's office! You're still young, but you're already forgetful? Hahaha."
A flicker of recognition crossed my mind. Right—she was the girl who assisted me at the dean's office. I forgot about her because her face was painfully easy to forget.
"You're not important enough for me to remember," I said bluntly, grabbing her arm and dragging her out of the building.
"Take me to the cafeteria."
She suddenly stopped, forcing me to stop as well. When I looked at her, she was pouting like I'd offended her.
"My friend, Annika, you're heartless huhu. You ask for a favor and still insult me? Wow. You're unbelievable," she said, clearly sulking.
I frowned. Friend? Since when? She must've been the only one who thought that. As if reading my thoughts, she let out a soft laugh.
"You called me Tasha when we first met. That automatically makes us friends!"
"That's not how it works, Natasha," I replied.
I remembered calling her by her nickname—but friends? I didn't recall ever agreeing to that.
"Haven't you ever had friends before, Annika? My god!"
The question made me pause. I had. Once. But they all left in the end. Or rather... they're somewhere very hot now. If I had to guess, they're probably dancing in hell. I warned them not to be stubborn. They didn't listen. Now they're dead. I rolled my eyes as irritation bubbled inside me.
"I don't," I said coldly. "So don't cling to me. I don't like it."
I pulled my arm away. She pouted again, but I ignored it.
When we reached the cafeteria, she opened the door and peeked inside first. A second later, she turned to me, worry written all over her face.
"Maybe we shouldn't eat here..."
"Why? What's wrong?" I said calmly. "Let me see."
She stepped aside, clearly uneasy. I remained unfazed as I looked inside—and instantly understood why she hesitated.
So that's why.
The Royalties were already there, laughing and talking among themselves.
Hmm.
What should I do?
Should I make fun of them?
Or pretend I didn't see them?
Well...
Let's see.
- Writer
