In the quiet of the academy dormitory hallways, a handful of students moved around.
Whispering in low voices and wrapped up in their own conversations as they made their way to their rooms for the night.
The faint hum of magic-powered lights illuminated their way.
Until, suddenly, everything plunged into darkness.
"Did the power just go out?
One of the students muttered, barely able to see his own hand.
"Probably."
Another replied with a sigh.
"It'll be back in a few minutes.
The academy's usually quick with this stuff."
"Let's hope so."
A third chimed in.
"I've got a lot of work left tonight.
Can't afford to be wasting time in the dark."
"Cut yourself some slack."
A girl said with a chuckle.
"Tomorrow's the weekend.
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You'll survive a few minutes without power."
Before anyone else could reply, a piercing scream echoed down the hallway.
Followed by a loud bang that made everyone jump.
They exchanged wide-eyed glances, their previous banter forgotten.
"That came from down the hall..."
Someone whispered, a tremor in their voice.
Several of the students rushed toward the sound, meeting others who had also been drawn by the scream.
They all gathered around a door halfway down the corridor, whispering nervously.
It didn't take them long to recognize it as Noah Ashbourne's room.
"Of course, it had to be his room."
One student muttered, shaking his head.
"What kind of trouble could he be causing now?"
"Probably one of his outbursts."
Another said with a smirk.
"You know how short-tempered that guy is.
Who knows what set him off this time?"
"Knowing him?
It could've been anything."
A girl replied, rolling her eyes.
"If someone looked at him the wrong way, he'd probably lose it."
"But that scream..."
He glared at the group with a look that silenced them instantly.
"Whatever you think happened here, it isn't what you're suggesting."
The girl who had mocked Ariana raised an eyebrow, trying to put on a brave face.
"Oh really, Noah?
If she wanted to throw herself at you, she could've just asked.
Wouldn't it be nice to have someone like her as your personal... plaything?"
Noah's eyes narrowed as he walked up to her, his voice dropping to an icy tone.
"Is that what you want, then?
To be pinned down on my bed?
Because that can be arranged.
You'd make a fine personal toy, wouldn't you?
I don't mind you being my cock sleeve. "
His words cut sharply, and the girl's face turned scarlet.
Her confidence crumbling as she took a step back, lowering her head in shame.
The other students whispered, taken aback, watching as Noah's gaze scanned the group with a silent warning.
"If I hear a single word about Ariana," Noah said, his voice growing colder.
"If I hear even a whisper about what happened here, you'll answer to me.
Not that I care of whatever shit happens to her...but the rumours will involve my name in those dirty mouths of yours.
And I can assure you—it won't be pleasant."
One of the more arrogant students rolled his eyes, scoffing.
"Oh, please. Like anyone would believe you, Noah.
Everyone knows the kind of man you are.
I'm sure you forced her into this.
It's no secret you've had 'incidents' with the maids before.
Hardly surprising, really."
Noah's eyes locked onto the boy, and a wicked smirk spread across his face.
He knew him well enough.
An insignificant background character from a fallen noble family, clinging desperately to a long-lost sense of superiority.
Noah activated his skill, [Character Catalogue]
A stream of information confirming his suspicions.
[A once-respectable family now struggling, with a father who clung to his title like a drowning man clutching driftwood, and a mother who...]
Noah stepped closer, his voice dripping with venom.
"Tell me, does it bother you?
The fact that your family has fallen so low?
A fallen noble clinging to the last shreds of dignity.
And your mother, I hear... let's say, she's quite popular in certain circles, isn't she?
Anything to keep your family afloat, right?"
The boy's face paled, his fists clenching as he stammered.
Unable to come up with a response.