Bound To My Tormentor

Chapter2:Punishment without touch

RHEA

Thursday came, bringing my worst fear.

“Groups of four,” Professor Gerald announced. “Assignments will be posted shortly. This project counts for fifty percent of your grades.”

Students murmured with satisfaction, leaning toward one another to whisper, already confident about who they’ll be paired with.

My heart hammered. Fifty percent. As a scholarship student, I couldn’t afford to fail.

As names flickered onto the screen, I scanned the list with a pounding heart as I made a silent prayer not to be paired with some group of people. I prayed not to be paired with Kyros and his group. If I was paired with competent people, I could manage. I always do more than my share. I always made myself useful.

I found my name at the very bottom, isolated.

Rhea White— Independent.

For a moment, I assumed it was a mistake. I waited for the laughter of action from Professor Gerald but nothing happened.

There was a brief silence before someone broke it with mock laughter. I didn’t look around, not wanting to see the mockery in their eyes. I could feel the familiar humiliating feeling in my chest.

“That seems….unusual,” Professor Gerald said slowly. “Why is she paired alone, Mara?”

Before the course representative could answer, Kyros spoke before anyone else:

“She struggles to fit in. This ensures the rest of us aren’t slowed down.”

The humiliation was deliberate and intentional. Even the professor hesitated, then nodded. “Very well.”

I knew he was going to agree with what Kyros said, but I was still disappointed.

~

Two days later, disaster struck. My submission, which I had obsessively checked line by line, was wrong. Corrupted. Someone had tampered with it. My pulse raced as I scanned the room.

The data was riddled with errors. It was like someone had deliberately changed it. I glanced around the hall and saw Kyros staring at me with a smirk on his face. Was he the one behind it? Why would he do this?

Professor Gerald stopped the lecture. “Ms. White, explain this?” Gerald demanded almost angrily, further projecting the data on the board.

My hands dampened as I rose slowly, every eye in the room fixed on me. I heard whispers and snickers, some even going as far as to call me a worthless omega who should be kicked out.

“I…..it wasn’t like this when I submitted it,” I stammered.

“She worked alone, Professor Gerald,” Kyros reminded the room without raising his voice. “There’s no one else to blame.”

His words were like a stamp of death on me. With that wicked glint in his eyes, I was sure he did that. I searched every memory of mine of how I had offended him but saw none.

I cleared my throat softly. “I’m not blaming anyone,” I said timidly. “What I am saying is that there was no error when I submitted it this morning.”

A few students exchanged glances, clearly shocked I was trying to defend myself even after Kyros had spoken. Professor Gerald rubbed his chin. “Regardless, the responsibility is yours.”

I swallowed roughly, waiting for him to continue.

“This kind of mistake reflects poorly on the course,” he continued. “What do you suggest, Mr. Greywood?”

Kyros thought for a few seconds then spoke. “Penalization. Additional corrective work and full re-submission.”

Professor Gerald nodded in agreement. “Agreed. You’ll stay late this week, Rhea.”

I wanted to protest and argue. I wanted to expose him as the culprit but knew it wouldn’t end well for me. Instead, I let out a soft yes.

I was leaving the lecture hall when someone grabbed my arm.

“I told you to come over to my room, but you dared keep me waiting,” an angry voice hissed.

I stumbled, my books almost fell. The hallway was almost empty. I recognized him. It was Derrick, a warrior from my class.

“Let go,” I whispered, panic clawing up my throat. His grip tightened instead. I tried to pull free, but he was stronger.

"Give me reasons why you refused to show up and made me a fool among my friends, or I'd make life unbearable for you in this school."

I wanted to scoff. It wasn't like my life was great, but it could definitely get worse.

"Please, let me go," I struggled.

Derrick released me abruptly, stumbling. His eyes widened in terror as he stepped back. I turned back. Kyros stood at the corridor’s end, watching us silently.

“I…Kyros…..” Derrick stammered.

Kyros tilted his head slightly. “You were touching what doesn’t belong to you,” he said calmly.

Derrick swallowed. “I just…”

“Leave,” Kyros said.

Derrick stumbled back, eyes wide, and fled. Kyros’ gaze flickered to my red wrist and his eyes held restraint and anger. Then he turned and left abruptly, leaving me both terrified and confused.

I was grateful he came to my rescue, and I was sure after that I wouldn't be bothered by Derrick, but what baffled me was the anger not directed at me and the restraint I saw in his eyes.

I shrugged, scolding myself not to overthink. Kyros saving me doesn't make him a good person either. I made my way to the library.

~

I stayed up late every evening that week. By Friday, the building was empty. My body ached, hands numbed, and my stomach growled continuously begging to be fed.

The materials were laid over the table and I began to re-check them line by line. I lost track of time and looked up to see it was getting to nighttime. My palms dampened as I rewrote the assignment, each like a battle against exhaustion. A shadow fell across the table. I looked up to see Kyros standing there, silent, unreadable.

I realized how exhausted I looked, messy hair, hunched shoulders and exhausted eyes. He stepped away and relief washed over me. Then, abruptly, he turned back.

“Learn your place, omega,” he spat.