"This is kidnapping!" Andrew snapped, finally losing control. "Director, how are we supposed to just leave without our student?!"
I said nothing.
Just watched Gordinstreet's calm face—and Pavel, as always, standing at her side like a shadow.
Alan disappearing on the final day of the trials.
Blocking nowhere to be seen when his students left the arena.
There was only one conclusion.
"What did Blocking promise you in exchange for Alan?" I asked.
Andrew's rant died mid-sentence.
A few seconds later, it hit him too.
"That's impossible… Director, you knew?" he asked.
"Silius, don't jump to conclusions," Pavel said coldly. "The academy's internal matters are none of your concern."
"I made a contract with Alan Holivan in this academy," I shot back. "That makes everything related to him my concern."
"Calm down," Gordinstreet said with a quiet sigh. "Holivan did leave with Blocking, but he is still our student. Your contract remains unaffected, Silius."
"He's supposed to be at my side!" I snapped.
Silence slammed into the room.
Andrew's grip tightened on my shoulder.
The air turned cold.
I felt it.
I was losing control again.
I was never going to get a handle on this power.
Because of him.
Alan Holivan brought me nothing but trouble.
Nothing but problems.
And still—
"He needs to learn how to protect me," I said, forcing the words out, dragging my voice back under control. "And get used to it. He has one badge left before graduation. We're already out of time."
"I can't change this," Gordinstreet said. "Holivan made this decision himself. Blocking and I made a six-month agreement. He'll return two days before the New Year."
"I don't believe that," Andrew said sharply. "Alan wouldn't just leave. Not after what he did at the ceremony. Blocking did something. He didn't give him a choice. Director—you always protect your students. I know you do. So do something."
The anger was gone.
Stripped out of his voice.
What was left sounded worse.
Desperation.
"I'm sorry, Andrew. This is necessary," she said quietly, looking away.
"In that case, I'll bring him back myself. Storik—are you with me?"
Andrew hesitated.
Looked at Gordinstreet.
Then nodded.
Once.
Then again—this time without doubt.
"I'm sorry, Director. I owe you everything, but I can't just stand by—"
"Andrew," she cut in, softer—but firm. "You are a worthy warrior. A teacher. A good man. And I'm sorry I can't help you more."
A pause.
"But listen carefully. Do not interfere."
Her voice hardened.
"If everything goes well, Holivan will return, and this will resolve itself. But if you interfere—both of you—"
"What are you hiding?" I cut in sharply.
"Silius," she said, fixing me with a steady look, "everyone has secrets. You know how carefully I keep them. Is it really worth asking me about someone else's?"
I went quiet.
She was right.
Gordinstreet was one of the few who knew my worst secret—and still let me stay.
More than that—she helped me survive it.
Found me the best teacher.
Let me develop abilities elites weren't supposed to have.
"I'm not asking about his secret," I said at last. "I'm asking if you're sure he'll be safe there."
"No," she said without hesitation. "I'm not. But it was his choice. And I supported it."
A beat.
"Believe me—it's necessary. Just don't interfere. He'll be able to return if things go too far. I made sure of that."
I held her gaze.
Didn't look away.
At the same time, I could feel Storik watching me.
Waiting.
In the end, I exhaled slowly.
"…Fine. But if anything happens to him—"
"If anything happens," she said firmly, "I will do everything in my power to make sure you get justice."
I didn't even have time to drop my things before my room turned into a damn meeting hall.
Everyone wanted answers.
Answers I didn't have.
"Clyde, how the hell did you let a demon snatch my student?!" Taisha snapped. "I taught you how to fight—but clearly I should've started with your brain!"
"He didn't even say goodbye!" Torent slammed his fist against the table. "I knew that last trial messed him up, but I didn't think he'd go this far! I don't care what the rest of you do—I'm spending the next two months tracking down that monster's academy and dragging him back!"
"First of all," Taisha raised a finger, "no one knows where Blocking's academy is. And second—do you seriously think a demon has ordinary students?"
"He took three with him. Yeah, they're strong—so what? None of them even made it to the finals!" Robert shot back.
"Enough," I said coldly.
"This is pointless."
"Oh, really?!" Kristina snapped. "You've always been like this! He's been right next to you this whole time—don't tell me you're not worried! You cold, heartless bastard, I swear I'll—"
"Clyde's right," Storik cut in.
Everyone turned.
"Alan made this choice himself," he said. "And there's nothing we can do about it. I don't know the full story—but I know this wasn't random. His 'reward' proves that."
"What are you talking about?" Taisha frowned.
"Let's meet with Marta tomorrow," I said. "She'll show you everything from my memories."
"What reward?"
"They offered him his status back," Kristina said sharply. "A new noble branch. A high-ranking position in the Administration after graduation. And he gave it all away—to that heartless bastard."
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Then Taisha spoke.
"He's a smart kid."
She leaned back slightly.
"That was the best move he could've made."
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Torent snapped. "He's lost his mind!"
"Clyde," she said, ignoring him, "don't screw this up by letting your emotions take over. He gave you exactly what you were missing. If you mess this up now, everything falls apart."
She stood.
"I want to see it myself tomorrow."
Then she walked out.
Leaving the rest of them staring after her.
Confused.
But I understood.
She was right.
I knew she was.
I understood everything—
and still couldn't think straight.
Not now.
Not when I had no idea what was happening to him.
How the hell was I supposed to move forward when every thought kept circling back to him?
"Handle your side," Storik said, his voice steady. "I'll handle him. We've got two months. I'll find Blocking's academy—and protect him if I have to."
Then he left too.
I hadn't expected that.
Alan was the only reason Storik had joined me in the first place.
I thought he'd drift away now that Alan was gone.
But instead—
he stayed.
I didn't like that Alan had feelings for him.
I didn't like that Storik was always there.
But I couldn't deny it.
Andrew was the best possible option.
If anyone could be trusted with Holivan's safety—
it was him.
Another knock at the door pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Why does everyone suddenly think this place is a damn hallway?" I muttered, shooting an irritated look at Kristina and Robert, who were still sitting at the table. "You two—out."