Rose's POV

⚠️ Triggering scene in chapter ⚠️

It's been almost 2 weeks since the Chimera incident, and life has been a bit more hectic than usual. I am constantly getting more orders to make specialized weapons. Most of the time, people place these orders requesting for 'Wellington' to craft them.

I decided to use my last name in my 'signature' letter over my first name because no matter how much we like to deny it, the fact is that men will always be preferred over women. So, by only putting my last name, there is a higher chance of more personalized orders being made. I was caught up will all of the orders just a few days ago, but now I am slightly behind again. Also, I have been nursing the Chimeras back to health with help of my powder and making sure that they are well cared for.

I feed Caesar, Aurelius, and Cornelius after I complete a weapons order in the morning. Next I redress their wounds, like I do everyday before school starts. Then I feed them again during my lunch period, and spend at least an hour with them everyday after feeding them dinner. I still sleep in my dragons' stables three days out of the week.

I find myself singing more and more often, but only to my companions and the other creatures. During my free time, I am learning to fly the twins and practice stunts on them as I do with Belvedere. My training is still keeping me in great shape and I am continuously developing my abilities. During my classes and lunch, I catch up with my friends. We sometimes spend time together during the week, but mostly during the weekends. Belvedere and I always enjoy our time watching the sunset together as well.

Today I woke up with a weird feeling. This is definitely not a good feeling, it's like knowing something is going to happen, but not knowing what.

'Belvedere, Artemis, Apollo, be cautious today. I am getting slightly off put vibes and feel as if something bad is going to happen. Let the dragons in the stables know that I said to be weary of the events to come today.' I warn my dragons.

My gut feelings have never failed me before, so I am just ensuring that everyone close to me stays vigilant. I get ready for the day, put on all of my items, the ankle weights, my weapons, and walk out of my dorm barefoot.

Because it is early morning, I am going to complete two separate orders. One of them is twin daggers with personalized engravings on them, the other is a set of throwing stars. I get started on my two orders quickly by multitasking. I melt silver into twin dagger molds, while waiting for that to set, I make the specific mold design that the throwing stars were ordered to be made from.

I finish the detailing of the twin daggers quickly after it sets, my artistry never losing its touch. I then add my signature letter to the package and leave it in Mr.Gordon's office to oversee. I then complete the throwing stars set, the order requesting individual markings on the six crafts, but forming a unique symbol when connected together. This must have been one hefty order to place given the materials and necessities to craft it. I wrap the weapons in a package, adding in my signature note, and leave the shop after dropping the envelope in Mr.Gordon's office. I have been working so efficiently, I remember I have only one more order to complete before I am entirely caught up with the demand.

I head over to the sanctuary and prepare each of the Chimera's food bowls. I add in meat and vegetables with nutritional benefits to the bowls, attempting to convey their importance. I set the food bowls on a cart with medical supplies and make my way towards the somewhat isolated enclosure. I open the gate and wake up the three creatures by rubbing soothing circles on their backs.

"It's time to wake up everyone." I gently say. They stretch out their limbs and yawn, nothing out of the ordinary. I hand each Chimera their food bowls and they begin digging in. "Cornelius, you have to eat the vegetables. They aren't so bad and will help you get better sooner." I scold the white Chimera.

"Caesar, I better not see you clawing at your bandages again." I eye the black Chimera. Aurelius looks me in the eye, "I better not see you avoiding your vegetables either mister." I tell him. All of the Chimeras roll their eyes at my usual morning banter. I collect their bowls when they are done eating and reapply bandages to their wounds. I near the enclosure gate when I warn them too.

"I will check up on you three later. Try and be more careful today, I am getting a weird premonition that something bad will happen." I inform them, they stick out their tongues at me. Mr.Everglade was first baffled at their behavior, then slightly impressed when I explained our code system in place. I rid of the cart and make my way towards breakfast hall. I lead grace and dig into my food.

"Guys," I wait till I have my friends' attention to continue. "Be careful today. I woke up with a really weird feeling and I can sense that something bad will happen today. Just be more vigilant than you normally would, alright?" I ask. Mikey and Danny voice their concern.

"I will be more cautious today." Tony states. Oliver, Andrea, Jake, and the rest of the boys nod their head in agreement. I sigh in relief.

"It will make me feel more at ease now that you will all be more weary today." I say gratefully. We continue the conversation from beforehand and depart when it is time for class.

The first thing I do when I get to class is restock my healing powder, making a few extra vials to help aid the Chimera's burns. We take notes on how different herbs can affect energy reserves, but I still can't shake off this bad feeling in the back of my mind. Because today is Thursday, I have individual training will Mr.Casey and the other masters instead. We work harder than usual today, my movements needing to be more exact and precise.

"I have this weird feeling that something negative will happen today. Can you feel it as well?" I ask Mr.Casey when the hour is about to end.

"Yes, its like getting a premonition but not knowing any of the details." He tells me. I nod, thankful that I am not the only one sensing it. My other elemental lessons train me harder than most other lessons too, I am guessing they can sense the bad feeling as well.

I'm on my way to my Life forms and Mythical Creatures class when I feel the vibrations of others approaching me. I remain calm and continue walking towards my class, taking the longer route by the central courtyard for precautions. I stop walking to my class when I feel plants about to sprout from the ground and hold me down. I quickly move out of the way and face the group. Imagine my surprise when I see Iverson, Emmanuel, Xavier, Nithin, Victor, Gregory, a nature wielder, and Avery, another air wielder.

I am surprised that the energy in my aura crystal hasn't shifted around yet, but then I realize that it is within the group's intentions to harm me, not my possession.

"Hello Rose." My name venomously coming out of Emmanuel's mouth.

"What do you want Emmanuel?" I ask, eyeing their figures.

"Just you." He responds, not giving any context. I shift into my defensive stance. I know I can take down all 7 individually, but I may not be able to defeat them depending on whether or not they work together.

'Get someone to unlock your gates. Now!' My voice booms through the heads of those I can communicate with. I register that Belvedere is asking me why, but I block him out, focusing on the threat in front of me.

Emmanuel motions for them to do something and all 7 advance to me. I push my hands out in front of me and push out air towards Emmanuel. He is protected by Gregory and he tries to attack me, as well as Nithin. I curse the torch that is always alighted nearby the Academy gates. Fireballs are coming my way fairly quickly, while I must dodge them, avoiding staying in the same spot for too long.

The other fire wielders join the battle, this is where it may become difficult. I am dodging the attacks quickly, meanwhile doing my best to fight each individual with an element opposite of their own. My already worn out state is not favoring me whatsoever. Avery blows a gust of wind my way at the same time Xavier uses his fire. I jump back from the flames, avoiding them narrowly.

I momentarily forget about the others but am too late when Avery and Iverson combine their efforts and force me back with a large gust of wind.

I don't spring back up in time after landing on my back. Gregory has already taken advantage of my delayed reaction and has wrapped thick smilax vines around my body. He keeps the plants holding me to the ground, uncaring if the thorns are piercing my skin. Before I can remove the vines and free myself, the three air wielders manipulate the air around me. They hold me down much like Mr.Ivanov did during my placement test.

I feel suffocated, and the pressure on my chest constricts my breaths. Xavier and Nithin come to my sides and hold down my arms. They warm their hands up, a silent warning that they could burn me badly at their beck and call. It figures that it would take 7, really 6 of some of the strongest elementals to take me down. Emmanuel now walks towards me menacingly. I am at his mercy and boy does he know it.

"Why?" I wheeze out, still trying to free myself. Xavier throws a forceful punch at my cheekbone, trying to silence me. I send glare in his direction. Emmanuel darkly chuckles and crouches down next to me.

"Has anyone ever told you that you are quite beautiful?" He asks caressing my face. I am confused as to where this is going. "Such a shame a beauty has to be wasted on filth like you." He slaps me. My head whips to the side, blood beginning to flow from my busted lip.

"This filth has to be taught a lesson." Iverson evilly smirks. I see beads of sweat running down his face, still maintaining his firm grip on the air around me. The other two air wielders have their faces scrunched up in concentration. Emmanuel looks at me lustfully, his eyes sweeping over my assets. I curse picking out a cropped blue tee with black compression shorts this morning.

The boy crawls on top of me and drags his thumb across my lips, adding pressure to the wounded part. My eyes widen in realization of his fantasy. I struggle even more to get free, but the smilax vines tear into my skin with every jerk I make. I could careless about that right now though, I will not allow myself to become a victim.

Emmanuel brings his head down to my face, I whip my head to the side. There is no way I will let him touch me. He growls at my defiance and begins kissing along my jawline. With nothing else to do, I scream aloud.

"HELP!! SOMEBODY HELP ME PLEASE!!" I cry out in despair. Emmanuel stops what he is doing and sends a few punches to my face and ribs.

"Shut up." He growls. Nithin places his filthy hand over my mouth, attempting to muffle my cries for help. I am aware that I am late for class ..... I am never late for class. The boys must know that something is wrong, especially given my warning this morning. They will find me. Emmanuel begins sucking on my skin forcefully, leaving welts in his trail. He bites and nips at my neck, kissing and murmuring sickening words. The other boys are watching the scene with no remorse what so ever, caressing my breasts or stomach occasionally.

'BELVEDERE!! TWINS!! PLEASE HELP ME, ANYONE!!!' I shout in my mind. I send a mental image of the situation through all of my bonds, I just hope someone will save me. I continue struggling, attempting to get free.

The three air wielders never lighten up on the air pressure, Gregory keeping the vines in place, binding me helplessly to the ground. Nithin and Xavier are holding my arms back so forcefully, they will surely leave bruises. Emmanuel continues his assault along my jawline, neck, and chest. He leaves many marks along my shoulders and collarbone as well, biting so hard that he could draw blood. I continue pleading in my mind for someone to save me. I attempt to scream again, but Nithin's hand clamps my mouth shuts.

Emmanuel rips my shirt apart in one motion. My bare breasts only being separated by a piece of fabric. He lowers his head into the valley of my breasts, never letting up on his attack. It is now that I begin to cry, tears streaming down my bruised face.

Why would a group of 18 year olds assault me? What did I ever do to them? Emmanuel looks up at me and smirks upon seeing my tears. He grabs my throat tightly with his left hand.

"I bet you like this don't you?" He toys with me. He tightens his grip on my neck, squeezing at the pressure points. He will soon stop my airflow if I don't follow his delusional 'fantasy'. "Don't you?" He growls.

I try and shake my head no, but the grip he has on my neck restricts me from doing so. He leans down and kisses me on my forehead. Emmanuel begins kissing my cheeks, getting closer to my lips. I turn away my head the best that I can, I will not allow him to rob me of my first kiss. The dragon rider lowers his head into the crook of my neck.

"Don't worry, I'll take it slow." He murmurs against my neck. I freak out and attempt getting out of this position twice as hard when I register his words. Xavier throws another heavy punch to my cheek, as well as my jawline.

"We will soon get our turns." Nithin whispers in my ear. I come to the conclusion that they were promised time with me, how twisted their minds are. Emmanuel loosens his grip on my neck, only for his other hand to travel down my stomach. He takes his left hand and grabs my waist forcefully, tugging at the hem of my shorts with his other hand. His lips never leave my skin, making me feel utterly useless and dirty. I continue crying, knowing that there is no way out. We are literally in the central courtyard, how can people not see what is happening.

Emmanuel begins tearing at my shorts. A sob wracks my body as he touches me non-consensually. He hold my private parts in his hands, forcing his fingers inside my body.

'PLEASE SAVE ME!! I BEG, HELP ME!!" I cry through my words. Emmanuel just begins removing his pants when I hear the most earth shattering roar. My bones shake from the force of the sound.

With the boys momentarily distracted, I dispel of the vines and blast them all with as much air as I can. I send the 7 boys flying back towards the fountain. I look to see my savior only to find Belvedere in a ferocious state. I cry tears of joy at the sight of my companion. Belvedere roars again, his voice full of rage, all directed at the group of boys. I curl myself in a fetal position, trying to shield myself from the horrendous truth. I recognize Artemis and Apollo's presences.

They cover me with their wings protectively, growling at the boys. I break down into another round of tears, I wasn't victimized completely, not today. My companions saved me. I hear a chorus of loud roars that soundly oddly familiar. I look through Apollo's mind to see that Oceanus, Nightshade, Ampiere, Star, and a few other dragons have come to my rescue.

They surround the twins and I, another barrier of protection. I can also see the growing crowd, lots of students are gathered a few meters away from the dragons. I notice some of the familiar faces of my instructors, friends, and brothers. It is not very long until the whole faculty and student population is outside trying to understand the situation. I look through Belvedere's mind and see that the boys have frightened looks on their faces, they look petrified and have not moved from their positions. Not even Star is listening to Headmaster Jackson to calm down.

'Thank you, thank you, thank you.' I chant in my head. I send calming and reassuring feelings to all of the dragons. They become slightly more rational, but are still tense at the sight of the group.

"What is going on here?" Headmaster's voice booms. I understand that Star has not alerted her companion of what just happened.

'Can you tell Lucas to give me his shirt please?' I mind-link Ampiere, seeing as how he is towards the front of the crowd.

'Of course.' She replies. I can sense Lucas's vibrations going past the initial barrier of the dragons, stopping before my twins.

I shamefully lower my head, nudging Artemis's wings to let me through. He hesitates, but obeys. I send appreciative feelings through all of my bonds the whole time. I emerge from my companions' shield and Oceanus is the first to spot my state.

His eyes light ablaze and snaps his head towards the boys. He steps out of the line the dragons formed, now closer to Belvedere, growling loudly. Star looks at me in simpathetically, Ampiere looks at my distressed figure in shock, and Nightshade looks furious, as do the other dragons. Lucas looks utterly heartbroken, having already taken off his shirt.

I take it with a thankful nod, the never ending tears falling down from my face as I try to regain my breath. He leaves quickly, respecting my privacy. I feel weak, I have to forcefully move my legs to get closer to my companion.

I step into the line of sight of the student body and hear many gasps. I know I looked distressed, bruises and love bites littering my skin. There is a small tear at the hemline of my shorts, not leaving much to guess about the situation.

I hear a few shouts in the crowd, pushing to get through the front. Roman and Oliver emerge from the crowd. They gasp at a closer look at me and Roman immediately rushes towards me. He pulls me into a tight embrace, I slightly wince at the pressure against my chest. He lessens the pressure but still holds me. Oliver approaches me as well, and I notice a few tears running down his face. He wraps me into a hug just as comforting as Roman's.

"It's okay, don't cry." I weakly smile towards my brother. My voice hoarse from its torment, I wipe Oliver's tears and hug him back. Tony then comes to me and sweeps me off me feet.

"You don't know how worried I was." Tony's voice cracks. I hug him back, reassuring him that I will be okay. He takes a step back and looks at every inch of my body. His eyes harden at the sight of my upper body region, being able to see the hickeys traveling down my neck. He takes off his shirt, larger than Lucas's, and puts it over my frame.

Tears come to my eyes when I can smell the signature cologne of his apple wood scent. His comforting scent reassuring me that he is right in front of me, Belvedere got to me in time. Tony pulls me into another hug, I can feel his large muscles and six-pack against the shirt. For a 15 year old, he is quite buff.

"Have you been working out?" I tease, trying to lighten his mood. It didn't work. Roman wraps his arm around my shoulder, Tony holding my other side. I gaze up to Headmaster Jackson and all of my personal trainers. I don't look them in the eyes when I say,

"They ambushed me. I held them off for a while before I was almost burnt and they combined their efforts. They all...uh...caressed me at some point, but Emmanuel ..." My voice cracks, trying to explain. My head remains low.

"H-He assaulted me." I stutter out, my voice barely above a whisper. My face is buried in my hands, not wanting to look so helpless in front of everyone. I turn my head away.

"Поднимите голову." Mr.Ivanov orders. [ T : Raise your head. ]

I do as he tells me. I see pitiful looks, everyone is furious, others are still in shock. Mr.Ivanov's eyes reflect nothing short of pride.

"Вы не слабые. Вы здесь сильнее любого другого человека. Вас просто оскорбили, и вместо того, чтобы сломаться, вы все еще стоите. Роза, ты мое вундеркинд. Вы отогнали 7 сильных учеников, поскольку все они шли против вас. Ты тоже никогда не сдавался, я вижу признаки борьбы. Не опускайте голову, вы достойны восхищения во многих отношениях." He says with conviction. [ T : You are not weak. You are stronger than every other person here. You were just violated, and instead of breaking down, you are still standing. Rose, you are my prodigy. You fought off 7 powerful students as they were all going against you. You also never gave up, I can see the signs of struggle. Do not hang your head, you are admirable in many ways. ]

I nod my head, taking in his words. I almost gave up hope, but I never did stop struggling. I made it difficult for the boys. It also took three advanced air wielders and a promising nature wielder to hold me back, never did I once make it easy for them.

I look at Headmaster Jackson, he seems troubled. I assume that Star replayed the mental scene I showed her to him. He looks at the boys in utter disgust. I back away from my friends, only wanting to feel the comfort my companions can provide. Belvedere immediately comes to my side, bringing his snout to my forehead. I feel him channeling his powers into me. I am healed in a few short moments, all bruises, love bites and cuts are removed from my body. If only it were that easy to erase the memory of what happened.

"I love you so much. Thank you for protecting me." I whisper aloud to my savior.

'I am sorry I could not find you sooner.' He tells me in shame.

'Belvedere, look at me. I am alright, you saved me. I knew that something bad was going to happen, I am just glad that the situation didn't escalate any further. You stopped him from taking advantage of me, and for that, I will always be in debt to you.' I praise my dragon. He nods, wrapping his tail around me, bringing me closer.

"This behavior is unacceptable. There is no doubt in my mind that you have lost all respect we held for your abilities. Because of your horrible misuse of magic, I will officially file a report to have all of your status's revoked." Headmaster Jackson glares at the group of 7. Instead of breaking out into hushed whispers, the crowd of students cheer on behalf of Headmaster's decision. Emmanuel breaks out of his trance first.

"But... b-but my dragon!" He yells out. I notice one of the dragons looking at the rider in shame and utter disappointment. I tell Belvedere to inform the female dragon to enter my mind. I feel her presence and allow her into my mind. The pain gets easier with every dragon that enters my mind, though I can still block all of them out if I wanted to.

'What is your name?' I ask her.

'My name is Fern. I am incredibly sorry for the trauma my ex-rider has caused. He has been more distant these past couple of weeks, and now I know why. I am very sorry for what you experienced.' Fern says, disappointment and sorrow lacing her voice.

"I will care for her." I declare, looking Emmanuel in the eye. Everyone looks at me shocked, Belvedere with pride and my twins in confusion. Headmaster Jackson raises an eyebrow.

"She is not responsible for your actions. She has already apologized for your intentions and is ashamed of being associated with you. It is easy to see that Fern has a pure soul and has a kind heart. How she got paired with you? I don't know. But even though you have done more harm than good, I give you my word that I will care for your ex-dragon." I look right into my assaulter's eyes.

I see that everyone has a sense of pride in their eyes while Roman smiles sadly at me. Headmaster nods his head, as do my individual trainers. Mr.Ivanov's words ring through my head, you are admirable in many ways. Fern sends appreciative feelings through our new connection. We will not be companions, more so acquaintances.

I inform Headmaster that I want to be alone with my companions. He nods in understanding, excusing me from my classes for the rest of the week. I leave the area of assault, escaping the prying eyes of everyone.

I head to my dorm first, telling my companions to wait outside the building. I hastily turn on the shower and step in. The ice cold water soaks through the torn clothes I am wearing. I wait a good minute in the shower before everything comes crashing down.

I sink to the shower floor cradling myself in my arms. I sob uncontrollably, releasing all of my pent up emotions. Sobs rack my body, my hoarse screams fill the bathroom. I quickly shed of my drenched clothes and harshly scrub my body. I don't leave any crevice untouched. I wash my hair so hard that I am scratching at my scalp. I don't change the temperature of the shower all the while. I let the cold water hit my back, my skin so red and raw from the force of my scrubbing. I hold my head in my hands and continue the river of tears.

I don't know how long I've been in here for, but if I stay any longer, I will run a fever. I get out of the shower and put on a grey sweater and some black leggings from my village. I then dry my hair, styling it into a side braid. I touch all of my items, making sure that everything is where it's supposed to be.

I go outside and find my three companions waiting patiently. I know that they could feel my emotions from my mental breakdown, but I think they understand that I needed to let it out. I've experienced before how unhealthy keeping to yourself can be, I will not travel down that path again. I mount Belvedere's back with ease, and we take off flying, Artemis and Apollo keep up with us in the air. I let my companion take control of our flight, relaxing under the sun. I am dwelling in my thoughts. Why? Why must I have been assaulted? I silently pray to the goddess from above.

Dear heavenly goddess, I pray to you asking for your strength and guidance. I have very recently been put in a situation I would much rather forget. I understand that I have to acknowledge what has happened to me, so I ask you to help me overcome my trauma and get me through these next couple of days. I just hope you and your fellow gods will lead me in the right direction. I know that there is an unidentifiable lesson to learn from the situation, I just have not figured it out yet. I wish to be strong enough to combat anyone who dares to put me in the same position once more. In goddess name I pray, Gratia.

I come to the conclusion that there is a hidden lesson to learn throughout my recovery from the situation. I put the thought in the back of my mind for now and enjoy the company my companions are providing me with.

'Thank you for protecting me my saviors,' I voice to my companions. I continue speaking. 'It will be hard to overcome everything, but with you three by my side, I have no doubt that I will be okay.' I smile at my companions. I am eternally grateful for their never ending flow of love and support. I will get through this.

~~~~~~~~~~~\\~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey guys, it's me, the author! I know that this chapter's events were unexpected, but my plan for Rose is to overcome her trauma and develop self-love. I hope to raise awareness for sexual assault victims with this chapter, and I am deeply sorry if it has ever happened to you. If any of you ever need someone to talk to, you can always privately message me. Thank you for your constant support of my book and for being patient with me. I do update more than regular writers, but please take into consideration that I am only 14 and am a freshman in high school. Please vote for your favorite chapters and comment any suggestions. Thank you once again for reading my book and I hope you all like the chapters to come!

🌸 Jada Denae 🌸

~~~~~~~~~~~\\~~~~~~~~~~~