MARKED BY THE ENEMY

THE WARNING

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Chapter 10 – The Warning

The following Friday, the school’s gymnasium buzzed with energy. It was “spirit day,” and most of the student body had gathered for friendly competitions and games. Ashley had planned to stay out of the spotlight as usual, but fate—and Kika—had other ideas.

During the relay race, Ashley was nudged forward by a teacher to join in. She hesitated, nerves pricking at her skin. Before she could protest, Kika was already whispering to her clique, a sly grin spreading across her face.

As Ashley prepared to run, someone “accidentally” loosened the cap of the water bottle placed in front of her lane. She didn’t notice—until halfway through the run, when she grabbed it for a quick sip.

The bottle exploded all over her front, soaking her shirt through.

Gasps and laughter rippled across the gym.

Ashley froze, water dripping down her arms, her face flushing red-hot as whispers echoed:

“Did you see that?”

“She’s drenched!”

“She looks ridiculous.”

Kika’s laugh rang out above the rest, sharp and triumphant.

But before Ashley could bolt for the locker room, a tall figure was suddenly in front of her. Devin. His jacket slid off his shoulders, and in one swift motion, he draped it around her, shielding her from the stares.

“Cut it out,” he said, his voice like ice. His eyes locked on Kika.

The laughter died instantly.

Kika flicked her hair, trying to look innocent. “Relax, Dev. It was just a joke—”

“Don’t,” he cut in sharply. His tone left no room for argument. “Next time you pull something like this, it won’t end well for you.”

The room went silent. Even Kika, usually unshakable, faltered for a moment under his glare.

Then Devin turned back to Ashley, gently steering her toward the exit. His two friends—Jace and Kai —flanked them, keeping anyone else from getting close.

When they were out in the hallway, Ashley clutched his jacket tighter around herself, avoiding his eyes. Her heart raced, not just from the humiliation, but from the way he had stepped in so fiercely.

But then his words hit her.

“Don’t let it get to you,” he said, voice calmer now. “You and I—we’re just friends. That’s all. She’s got no reason to target you like this.”

Just friends.

The words stung deeper than any laughter could.

Ashley forced a smile, nodding quickly before he could see the tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. “Y-yeah. Of course. Just friends.”

As Devin walked her toward the nurse’s office, Ashley’s chest tightened. She should’ve felt safe with him. She should’ve felt grateful.

Instead, all she could think about was how much it hurt that he didn’t see her the way she was beginning to see him.