Some nights, I would find myself wandering onto the balcony with a bottle of juice, convincing myself that I was there to enjoy the summer breeze rather than anything else.

It would usually happen on busy days. When I had heavy training or I had submitted a late-night assignment. I had been pushing myself hard lately, I didn't want to fall into Jaxton's prophecy of "average".

I know! I shouldn't take it seriously, but harmless words tend to be used as leverage by my insecurity.

I looked up at the stars. It would seem that they were the only witness to our "crimes" and secrets.

I would often wonder where he was. Was he hurt? Bleeding in someone else's dorm instead of mine? Or worse, was he dead? Would I hear his news the next morning?

I sipped my juice, a suspicious itch in my throat. It was unclear to me why I would be worried about him. He wouldn't care what happened to me, so why should I? He was none of my business.

When I settled on that thought, I was calm again. My mind would still slip back to Jaxton, to our argument we had a few nights ago, but I let it, knowing without fear and doubt that we were nothing to each other and that soon, time would do its thing. I would forget about him, and he would do the same with me – not that he had me in mind at all in the first place.



***



The next morning, I awoke with a splitting headache; my throat was the new Sahara desert.

Ugh, I don't feel so good.

I pulled myself from the bed, freshened up, and ate some breakfast before I settled in bed again. I wasn't going to last an hour in class. I eyed the balcony briefly. I didn't lock it. I should lock it. And before anything was decided, my phone rang. I swiped open the notification.

Dear Cassandra Williams: you receive this message from the school's official system announcements. Your attendance is required at Assembly Hall 1. Your attendance is compulsory.

I frowned, not quite sure why I was receiving this message.

I feel terrible! I'm not going to some stupid assembly.

There was another message that sent through.

Professor Allistar: Cassandra, this is important. Come to Assembly Hall 1. Delete this message once read.

I got up immediately. It sounded bad. If Allistar was alarmed, then I had to properly brace myself for it.

I changed out of my PJs and settled for a simple navy tee and skinny jeans. I wasn't going anywhere after assembly. I grabbed Reflecta off the desk and headed to the hall.

The sun seemed to shine in an irritating brightness, and the heat was doing insufferable things to my body. My palms were cold, but sweat slung to my back when I arrived at the entrance. I let out a breath.

Get this over and done with, and I'm going back to bed. Yeah...

I inhaled a deep breath, hoping my dizziness would fade soon.

Just a little longer, Cassie. You can do this.

With a small nod of encouragement, I pushed the door open. The assembly was buzzing with people, one side completely full. When they saw me, they quietened.

My confused gaze settled on Professor Mortimer, Professor Allistar and another lady I didn't recognise. Professor Mortimer waved me forward and I did as I was told.

The sun was bright. It shone brightly to the centre of the hall. I slowly made my way toward them, slowing when I thought I was close enough. My glance flicked past a familiar figure, his golden eyes narrowing. My heart gave a jolt. Lambert stood next to Professor Mortimer, his smile was unkind and predatory.

"Quiet down, please!" Professor Mortimer waved and the crowd settled. They took their seats.

I resisted my urge to glance at Professor Allistar for help; I already had a general idea what Lambert was up to.

Oh no, please don't.

"Cassandra," Professor Mortimer's smile was comforting, but there was a nervous edge to it. "We've gathered everyone here to investigate on a matter."

"A serious matter," the lady said. I glanced at her uneasily.

Professor Allistar noticed. He introduced with a slow nod, "this is Professor May."

I nodded, "morning."

"Morning, Cassandra," Professor May took the lead. She took out her unsheathed katana and whacked me at the back of my legs. I went down on my knees and I could hear the whole assembly gasp in shock.

"Was that necessary, Catlin?" Professor Mortimer said, startled.

"It's to disarm her," Professor May came forwards and reached out. My chest tightened when she placed her hands on Reflecta. I instantly shot out my grip and held her there.

"Professor, what are you doing?" I breathed.

"We need to inspect it, sweetie," she said, her voice dripping with venom despite her smile. There was nothing genuine in it. "It'll be over soon."

I looked at Professor Mortimer and Allistar. Allistar gave a subtle nod. With some invisible agony, I let go.

"That's it. Won't be long." Professor May retreated back to her spot, placing the sword on a table they set out. It glimmered under the rays of sunlight. Dizziness washed over my forehead in waves of numbness, and I clenched my jaws to resist showing it.

Professor Mortimer swallowed, "Cassandra, may you repeat to us the law of..." she cleared her throat, "what is the punishment for owning a blade of Iridescent?"

I looked up, acting shocked. "What? Are you saying-"

"Not yet. This is an investigation," Professor Mortimer calmed me, her teal earrings swinging as she moved her head to address the rest of the assembly. "Cassandra, in a loud voice for everyone to hear."

I breathed in a shaky breath. "The punishment is death."

I could feel the uneasy air steaming off everyone.

"We have called the crowd here to witness this. We want it to be a fair and transparent judgement." Professor Mortimer added. She gestured at Lambert. "This student here has reported that he saw you use the blade of Iridescent. Is that the blade?"

I kept my gaze steady, keeping it on Professor Mortimer, "No."

"Lambert said you used an element that's not yours," Professor May cut in.

"I have ice powers," I stated simply, "if that's what you're asking, ma'am."

"Lambert," Professor May looked at him, "tell everyone what you saw."

"She was attacking me, ma'am," he said, putting on a goodie-good face, "I saw a flash of green light! She was using green elements."

"Unless you can explain why you have two powers, Miss Williams..." Professor May gave me a warning look.

"I don't have the blade of Iridescent, and I don't have two powers," I said sternly, feinting disbelief. "I can't believe this. I've told you the truth."

The students began to murmur. Professor Allistar raised his hands. "Perhaps we could inspect the blade."

The three professors held the blade in the light, but all they saw was the Light Divergence technique, nothing else.

"Looks like plain metal," Professor Allistar stated simply, not an emotion on him.

"Maybe it's a way to avoid attention," Professor May gestured at the blade, glinting with a metallic shine.

Professor Mortimer furrowed, I heard her whisper to May. "Why are you so against Cassandra? I've seen her fight, there's no way-"

"But what of these accusations?" Professor May waved at Lambert. "They can't pop out of thin air-"

A sharp, piercing noise echoed the assembly hall, its sound waves bouncing off the walls. It didn't help with my throbbing headache, but I was more than relieved to hear the distraction.

A fire alarm.

"What a coincidence, am I right?" Professor May spat.

Everyone made their way outside, and I did so slowly; I found it hard to stand up without feeling faint.

"Are you alright, Cassandra?" Professor Mortimer genuinely looked concerned, a side I've never seen when she was teaching in class.

"I'm feeling a bit sick, Professor," I said quietly. "A cold, maybe."

"We can get her to sit in the shade," Professor Allistar suggested, a knowing look in his eyes. I nodded, grateful.

I flopped down on a bench in the shade as the rest gathered outside to wait out the fire alarm. Professor May still wouldn't let me go.

"I have asked someone to search your room," she announced loudly. I stiffened, my face pale.

"You have no right to do that," I breathed.

"I have every right to do it," Professor May turned to look at me. "It'll give you back your innocence."

I wanted to roll my eyes; that statement was unarguable. If I acted desperately, I'd only look suspicious. All I could do was hope they never find that box of molten crystal I use to polish my sword. Without even hearing the judgement, I already foresaw my doom.

I'm going to die.

The next fifteen minutes of waiting felt like an eternity. The fire alarm was turned off, with someone running over to tell the three Professors that it was forcefully triggered by someone. I could hear Professor May mutter something and offer me a dubious look. The next person that ran over sent a chill running down my spine; I breathed deeply, willing myself to stay calm.

"We found nothing in her room that was suspicious."

I internally breathed in relief, sweat layering my temples.Thank goodness...

"What? None of those... crystals?"

"No, ma'am."

Professor May glared at me displeasingly, but soon recovered with a smile. She touched my shoulder, "you may go, but we might request you for another meeting if needed."

I nodded. I had to use every muscle in my body to resist bolting away from the scene. Professor Allistar breathed a quiet breath before he waved everyone dismissal.

"What! You can't let her go!" Lambert exclaimed, gesturing wildly. "She's guilty, I swear!"

"Lambert, come to my office," Professor Mortimer said sternly, her glance unforgiving.

Professor Allistar handed me my sword, and I held onto it so tightly as though it was my life. "Take care," he breathed. I didn't say much, I simply bobbed my head and slipped away; disappearing with the crowd.



***

A/N

Phew! Cassie, you got us all nervous back there!

See you all next chapter ;)

L