《Slave of the Dark (BL)》


 ~ Prologue ~

    "Step up on the alter," a cold voice resounded in the hall as the circle of hooded men waited for the young child to proceed as they instructed.


    The cold walls were frosty with the soft blue hue, as the light from the narrow ventilation openings, brought in a surreal feeling of stagnant suffocation. While the old blue fire on the torches that hung from the decorative cornices, flared some much needed illumination towards the only raised platform at the center, the comfort remained a fleeting grace.


    The marbled floor echoed the soft steps of the child, who walked naked, with his head down as if too scared to look up and find something ghastly hanging from the domed ceiling.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    "Sit at the center and don''t move," another set of instruction came for the child, as the hooded men stood stiffly, watching for the right opportunity to chant their wordings.


    The child sat as though under an alien influence, the aura of blue surfacing up from his navel, dragging its claws over his tender flesh.


    "We shall lock your core now, and it would be painful, but hopefully, you will be able to endure."


    The child didn''t know how much pain they were talking about, but as soon as he thought the mantras would be spoken, his body seemed to be pierced from all directions as the sharp pain started to spread in every part of his nerves.


    The experience was soexcruciating, that a scream tore through his gut and all that could be heard was the shrill howl of a child''s tortured soul.

 ~ President of the Student Council ~

    Sora was a typical campus sweetheart, whose grace and supremacy awed the people when they saw him in person. There wasn''t any student who hadn''t heard about the campus prince. The respect he received was uncharted.


    Even the professors loved him and always fawned at his skills and prowess in academic field.


    There wasn''t a day when his highness wasn''t called upon by the needy and praised by the seniors.


    His tall height was one feature that unsettled many when they stood next to him, so that meant Sora was lucky even in terms of his physical attributes. And as if a birth right, his sharp features, thin lips and the pale beauty, gave away a certain frost which attracted people despite their resistance.


    His intense blue gaze locked with his friend, as they sat ideally to chat and gossip about the student council. Of which he was the current president.


    A years had passed and he was quite happy with where he was.


    "I heard they are organizing a fest by the end of the year," His friend, Rizel, stated energetically, although his gaze was intense and unwavering as they stared back at him.


    The huge green field that sat in front of them, was surrounded by each four side, with huge grey fortresses, that could be passed as the modern day castle.


    The campus had four separate blocks, and each block had its own facilities, the only common space was the central green field which Sora and his friend were currently staring at.


    Their gazes absently noting the scattered crowd of students, wearing grey and white uniforms, which was the standard dress code for everyday use. The breeze was mellow and the sun was still young.


    "I won''t be there for the fest, master gave me an assignment which has to be done separately."


    Rizel nodded, turning to look at his friend whose hair sparkled silver under the rays, the strands long and silky, tied behind into a single loose ponytail.


    If he wasn''t familiar with the beauty of his friend, then he would have been struck still in awe, the President of the Student council was really immaculate, royal and magnificent, like the imperial jade finely polished.


    "Has your master told you anything regarding me?" Sora asked Rizel, still not really immersed into the subject, his mind seemingly floating in his own world.


    Rizel nodded, trying not to think too much about the soft and gentle voice which would lull even the rowdiest of bunches into a deep sleep. Sora had that effect on people, it was inevitable.


    "My master told me not to meddle in your business and keep the council running in your stead when you are absent," Rizel recalled, "not that I wasn''t planning on it."


    Sora nodded, "Good," he stood up from the stone bench that was placed right below the protruded canopy of grey slabs jutting out from the old styled fortress wall, favoring the cold morning look.


    Shivering slightly, Sora rubbed his palms on his arms, the sound of crisp clothes getting rubbed, drifting towards Rizel.


    Sora was apparently the best dress student in their campus, not even a crease could be seen on his ironed white shirt or trousers, and the grey heavy cape reaching over till his torso, cleanly covered the plainness of the uniform.


    If one was to rank Sora''s appearance in the campus, he would be the first one to be entered in the register.


    Rizel sighed internally, he often got Jealous of his friend when he thought too much about the difference in them. While Rizel was the flat and common kind, Sora was too extravagant in looks. When they walked together, their auras clashed rather badly.


    Alas, the popularity also had a backlash as he watched several girls in a group of four, strutting over to them from the open corridor that faced the central Field. They weren''t a bunch of fangirls, but one of those rival teams who always competed with Sora whenever they could find an opening.


    Rizel noted that Sora wasn''t happy to see these girls, but quickly morphed his displeasure with a blank face instead, the switch genuinely deserving awards. If he was as experienced in the art of reserving his emotions, he would have achieved great rewards form his master, since his course was basically related to infiltration into the enemy camp as a spy.


    Yet, he was more expressive than even the dumber ones. And it was like a thorn in his side, always prickling his conscience.


    "What can I do for you, Miss Rose."


    Rose was the height of feminism, everything about her was bold and clear, as a set of grey eyes and blond hair highlighted her cute features. She was not easily subdued by any and if Sora wasn''t her enemy, Rizel would have even considered proposing to her, he really liked strong young women.


    "No need for that hospitality Sora, you know what I have come for."


    Her appearance had actually called the attention of the bystanders and now everyone was curious as to what she was planning, a hush falling over the onlookers who couldn''t be more than 30. Still, the number was enough to spread rumors like fire and Sora wondered how far Rose would go to corrupt his image if she got the chance.


    "You wanted to challenge me for the president seat."


    Rizel''s eyes widened as he quickly looked over at the challenger, the girl simply unfazed by the shock of the viewers and the frost in Sora''s words. It wasn''t really that abrupt though, since everyone knew how desired the throne was, anyone with even half a brain would not stay still and watch some junior take away their target. And that is what had happened with Rose, she was a year senior than Sora and since Sora was a sophomore, his enthronement had caused ripple the day he received the badge.


    Rizel darted his eyes to see the small silver badge resting at the base of the shirt''s collar that Sora wore, the glint of the metal very obvious in the sudden tension filled surrounding.


    "I will not consent to your request, you know that Miss Rose."


    The girl sneered, which looked quite ugly on her pretty face, "How dare you keep repeating my name like that, you should be calling me Senior Rose, or ma''am, not Miss Rose."


    Sora looked rather unchallenged, "So?" his aloof reaction was enough to make even Rizel pissed, when he wasn''t even the one who was at the receiving end.


    It was known that a Council''s president wasn''t required to follow hierarchy, since they were the top most on the pyramid in the student body. So him calling her ''Miss Rose'' was quite normal, however, for a senior, being called in such a manner was a total disrespect even if the one not following the order was a Student President.


    "You cannot refuse my request each time, you-"


    Sora cleared his throat, the gesture stopping Rose from saying anything further, as if struck by thunder, and Rizel understood why, since Sora used his enchantments to silence her vocal cords, effectively showing his status as her superior, "You will bring me a formal challenge letter, and if given the grant, I will fight you, but without a base, stop rushing at me like some immature goon."


    Rizel frowned, really worrying with how much Sora could get away with, since even a President wouldn''t be so shameless as to keep ruffling the wrong feathers, waiting to get backstabbed.


    But at the end of the day, Rose and her group had no choice but to depart and the onlookers, after having their fill, quickly dispersed under the scrutiny of the president.


    Rizel thought that this whole scenario was rather exhausting and one look at Sora told him he felt the same.


    So even if it was a Saturday and their classes started after 1 in the afternoon, Rizel still felt that relaxing in the class was much better than getting caught by some impending doom looking for trouble. So taking his friend''s arms in his, he dragged the man upstairs until they reached their study hall on the third floor.


    The corridor sunlit and the breeze stronger.


    The array of classes arranged one after the other were conditioned with a very normal layout, that everyone saw in any common Academy, and it wasn''t much innovative. Still, the fact that this academy was the famed Silver Sect, even the simplistic layout was made to be worshiped. The walls were all patterned with silver murals and even the study halls were all huge, like a mini opera house.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Sora and Rizel both walked up for their class, planning to relax on their cozy seats, but a senior staff suddenly came to a halt with them and asked them to meet Master Xui and Master Kellan as soon as they could.


    Master Kellan was Sora''s master, while Master Xui was Rizel''s. Both of them were best of friends and so even their disciples were expected to be on a friendly term. Thankfully Rizel considered public relations an important factor in reaching his goal, thus he was always glued to Sora even after the classes finished.


    "We will be there soon, thank you for the message."


    The staff nodded and left the corridor in a rush, as if delayed over something.


    "It would have been good if the only study we were to do was given by our masters, yet, we are taught by the professors as well, and that consumes so much time."


    Sora knew that Rizel wasn''t a stingy man, but he couldn''t help himself from asking, "Why are you so restless today."


    Rizel deflated on hearing the question, he knew that now Sora wouldn''t let him go until he gave him the answer, so considering his weak fortitude against his friend''s rapid fire round, he gave in sullenly, "My master gave me so much to work upon that I couldn''t finish the assignments that we were given in class."


    "I see, so you can copy mine."


    "R-Really?" Rizel was moved.


    "Why not."


    In their campus, their master and professors were two different set of powers. And the student had to endure both of them even if they were dying.


    The Master''s task was to help their Disciples grow into young fine specimens, while the professors imparted those basic knowledge that a master left out due to their laziness to teach.


    Although the world was changing and technology had hit the market, the master and disciple rule ran strong despite the obsolete value of it.


    In their world, enchanters, mages, warriors, demons, angels, and other beings ruled the government. While the enchanters were considered the lowest in the strata, the Demons and angels were highly revered to.


    So in such a world where people worked with core energies and mantras, the older practices were regarded superior. And hence, the Silver Sect, was considered one of the best academy out there that students actually fought for.


    Sora himself had to endure great pains, just to enter the academy, so no wonder he did not give up on his desire to reach the top.


    However, no mountain could be climbed if there was no slope, thus it was a given that Sora had to cross the obstacle to reach the top. And in their case, the obstacle was none other than the Demon boy and dark horse, Jeha, the only other person in their campus who could dethrone Sora. But thankfully, his taste wasn''t towards the Council, rather he rarely took part in those internal matters.


    And Sora believed that despite the lack of interest Jeha showed for the Council seat, he was not just a name which was whispered among the students, so it was his goal to outshine even the Demon, since his pride as an enchanter was on stake.


    If an enchanter could win over a demon, then... how would people react?


    So previously last year, due to lack of knowledge, Sora hadn''t known about the annually held competition which their campus organised each year, and he hadn''t participated in it due to missed luck. But this year he would prove himself to all and sit on the highest throne there was for a student, he would win the competition.


    Rizel was in his own merry world, not having any inkling to the thoughts of his friend, because if he did, he would have laughed at the absurd amount of stubbornness and immaturity exhibited by their president.


    It was not positive to have such targets set where winning was difficult, yet Sora was very much determined to prove his worth to the world and even if Rizel had known, he couldn''t have done anything, since Sora was like a headstrong snake, would keep on hissing until the enemy retreated back.


    ~~


    Their classes started after 1, and as time drawled out, Rizel grew more and more sleepy, almost falling asleep in front of the professor. And this professor was a tough one, he taught them etiquette lessons, and if his fierce gaze ever found anybody slouching, an electric rod would lash out from his hand and the amount of pain inflicted on the target would keep them miserable for an entire week.


    The wooden furnished study hall was big enough for a few hundred students to sit together at one go, yet the only drawback seemed to be the amount of space given between each row, it would eventually be walked upon by the professors, and it gave the student no leniency to even slouch.


    If here Rizel was dreading the class, Sora was in his own world, wondering how he was going to fish out the courage to go and interact with the Evening scholars. He wasn''t afraid of them, but he also did not find them friendly.


    Right before the classes had resumed, a senior from the potion batch had met with him and asked him to collect the names of those who were interested in the summer camp which would be held next month. The responsibility fell upon the Student council to arrange a list of names and forward it to the Activity department. Thus, the senior''s visit wasn''t uncalled for.


    The main issue lied in Sora''s thought process, he was really not eager to interact with a bunch of misfits.


    Their campus, like many others, had two time tables, for two batches of students. The day scholars would be people like him, the enchanters, mages, witches, healers, dwarfs, elves, etc. While the evening scholars were the folks who came out at night. Werewolf, Vampire, Demons, Fairies, etc.


    The day scholars studied from 8 to 4, while the evening scholars had their scheduled timetable from 5 to 1 at night.


    Since Enchanters were more ordinary, and in majority, their value was greatly degraded and they were often made fun of. And the evening scholars were nasty creatures, they were too oppressive and their hearts were dark.


    To even speak to them, very few in the day scholar batch had the courage to do so. And since he was a president, it would be very shameful to get ridiculed by the evening community.


    "...Sora, what do you say the answer would be?"


    Hearing his name getting called, Sora''s attention snapped on the black board at the front, where the professor had written a few heavy words of wisdom.


    He had been lost in thoughts so he wasn''t aware of what the question had been, and his mind supplied that the professor was also well aware of it.


    Sighing he hung his head and got up to bow, "I am sorry Professor Meng, I did not hear the question, my mind has been heavy with slight sickness since morning."


    Lying was an art he was good at, and after years of practice, he was very assured that his words were effective, it even earned him a few looks of sympathy form his fellow batch mates.


    And as suspected, due to his track record and performance since the past year, the professor took pity on him, "Since that seems to be the case," he spoke gently, his gaze softer, "I will overlook the matter, but if you do the same mistake again, be prepared for the punishment."


    Sora nodded and without further show, sat back down as the professor continued with the lessons.


    What he didn''t know was that a girl sitting behind him was rather clever and had seen through his act. The girl clenched her fist angrily and huffed, in her mind she was wondering why such a person would be so respected, her Vampire boyfriend was right, the new president was nothing but a con artist.


    Her boyfriend did tell her how he hated Sora, but she had been doubtful, however, after seeing the falseness of his, she thought she had made a mistake earlier.


    It would have been nothing, since she knew people lied and cheated all the time, so such practice was not really a big deal, but before the professor had called Sora, he had targeted her first, and when she wasn''t able to answer correctly, he had asked her to stay back, so that he could give her a lashing.


    The professor was very strict, so a lashing would be given to anyone who would fail to answer his question, be it a girl or a boy, but what made her mad, was the treatment he gave Sora. What was about Sora that even the strictest of professor would melt into a puddle?


    Her humiliation was nothing to laugh at, it was surely biased.


    And Sora, who was still in his own musings, wasn''t able to catch the malice directed at him.


    ~~


    The sun was slowly turning red when the classes ended and the students were relieved.


    Sora and Rizel had met their masters before the class started, so they didn''t have any new tasks set upon them. The only eye sore was the white blank page folded in his palm into a small chit. It was fluttering even when they crossed a particularly airy bridge that connected the second block to the first one.


    "Do you need me for anything or should I go?" Rizel asked Sora, hinting at a permission to leave, it was very obvious how tired he was.


    So Sora took pity on him, "You can go, just tell me if any member of the council is free."


    Since Rizel was also part of the council, his position was also revered by many people, so he was always aware of who was where, or who was doing what at what time. And it was convenient for Sora, since their academy didn''t allow internet, phones and cables, the only other way of communication was rumors, letters, mouth to mouth verbal news and direct meet up.


    "At this time every council member would be busy with their own chores, but if you want I can arrange someone to help you out."


    "I want someone to make a visit to the evening dorm and list down the names of those who would want to do summer camp." Sora spoke the matter briefly, despite knowing that no council member was courageous enough to do that.


    The disparity between the Day Scholars and the Evening scholars was huge.


    "I don''t think anyone would be willing on their own," Rizel stuttered, clearly turning pale, "But if you order them..." he left the sentence blank, but his words were clear.


    If Sora wanted to enforce his will, the members would acknowledge him, but if he did not do that, nobody had the guts to actually step foot into the evening scholar dorm.


    Sora had an inkling as to what will happen if he went there by himself, his status as a president would surely be ridiculed, but if he tagged along with someone, he would first have to force the person to go with him. No matter what angle he took, the future didn''t look bright.


    "Rizel," he stated the name knowing his friend already knew what the call was for.


    "Yes," a quivery voice spoke back.


    Sora wasn''t evil, but at the moment he felt like Rizel was really cursing him to hell, "Don''t be afraid, they will listen to you, you just have to go, take down the names, or give the list to someone to sort out the names. You know that if I go there alone then my name would be tarnished."


    Rizel knew, however he was feeling rather unhappy with the sacrificial arrangement.


    "You do know that no matter what they think, a president''s work is never questioned?"


    Rizel wasn''t one to cower, but he had seen all sorts of things in the evening dorms, and he wasn''t willing to experience it again.


    Sora sighed in his mind, since most seniors were his rivals, the ones in his council were like him, young and junior. Their energy cores weren''t fully developed and so their reasons for fearing the evening scholars were well given.


    The academy had rules for everything, but internal matter between the students were often ignored.


    "Then I will go there alone," Sora stated, coldly facing the path ahead, "You can have your leave."


    This is what Sora wanted to end, his own subordinates feared the evening community, and even if he would order them around, the fear wouldn''t disperse so easily.


    Whatever the case, he decided to suck up his pride and go.

 ~ Guest of the Hour ~

    Sora frowned when he saw the rusty gates of the 4th block, which housed the hostel arrangement for the evening scholars.


    The high walls of the fortress made him tensed, but his expression never gave way to any negative feelings.


    If someone saw him now, they would wonder why such a high and mighty president would venture so far into the unknown territory. Given the time, not many visitors came by.


    The rusty door opened as a guard wearing long overcoat greeted his face, the crinkles on the forehead defining the stressed character of the middle aged man, whose back was slightly hunched and hands were too large, almost twice of Sora''s.


    Sora wondered what species he was graced with, however he did not voice out his opinion, fearing he would upset someone he wasn''t meant to.


    Putting up a frosty front, the president raised up his chin in an act of defiance, "Myself Sora, Student Council President, have an announcement to make, would sir let me enter?"


    The guard was a bit surprised upon hearing the contrasting kind speech with the frosty face that he was seeing, it was slightly alarming. He rarely met such people of high bearing, even the straight posture gave him a migraine.


    "Do you have a pass?"


    Sora nodded, opened the first few buttons of his cuff and showed his left wrist to the gate keeper, the bar code and numbers very visible, all done in black ink.


    Satisfied, the guard pushed the gate up front, making up a small crack which was broad enough to let Sora pass through.


    For the president, his slim frame was easy to slide in with, as he stepped into the dark halls of the Hostel lobby.


    Sparing no glance, Sora graciously stepped further in, each stride measured and precise, his movements like those of the royals. "Where will I find the most crowd at this hour?"


    The guard grumbled a few sentences out, but to Sora they were very clear, "So I will leave for the mess hall."


    He crossed the low hanging chandeliers, the cold red carpet, the drafty ruptured walls and finally climbed the staircase, to the first floor, where he believed each dorm had its mess hall on.


    And he wasn''t let down, the minute he stepped on the first floor, greeting the grey stone walls and dark interiors, a patch of light slipped through a crack in the door further ahead right next to the intersection of two corridors, the blue light from the torches that lit up the interior decorating his vision.


    The evening folks were really into dark stuff, weren''t they? Sora mused absently.


    When he reached the front of the door, his eyes were entranced by the partial view he got of the mess hall. It was entirely laid with pools of fountains and green moss. The natural light entering was also in contrast with the shadowy entrance Sora was currently standing at.


    Taking a deep breath, his flat palms slapped the doors open, and he entered the mess hall with a gracious posture of some rich prince who had been hand fed his entire life. The aura he previously never concealed, was also put under check, to ensure he did not startled some sensitive fellow with fangs.


    His steps halted when he found himself at the center of the hall, several hundreds of students, all silently watching him, having pardoned whatever they were doing earlier, in interest to see what he was up to.


    Each of them wore black uniform of similar styling as the day scholars. But if the grey and white, made the day scholars appear calm and serene, sophisticated even, then the black uniform was rather piercing and edgy on these evening scholars.


    Under the intense glances of many, Sora felt unnerved, but he also wouldn''t show it to anyone, so his poker face slipped on and soon his robotic voice was heard echoing in the silent hall.


    "Thank you for listening so aptly, would cut short greetings and get straight to the point," he wanted to get out as soon as he could, even his masked performance would end up in drains if he was to stand under their scrutiny any longer, "There is a summer camp going to be organised next month, is anyone willing to give their names for it?"


    The silence was frustrating, even Sora whose nerves were made of steel, couldn''t help but feel nervous.


    His years of practiced tolerance would dwindle with the silent response he got.


    "If anyone would like to participate, you need to give me your names, so instead of just staring at me, I would like for you to speak."


    Sora was pretty sure he heard someone snort in the crowd, as the students kept sitting on their long mess table, simply watching him, the lack of response was getting on his nerves.


    He thought about leaving if nobody was enthusiastic about a camp, but his pride would be wounded if he just turned tails and ran away. He could even hear the ridicule he would face if his white piece of paper was returned empty. Yet even as a president, the chances of moving the crowd with his words alone, looked like a far cry.


    He heard about the evening scholars, how they operated like a cult, only listening to their leader, so no wonder even their masters had separate quarters.


    Just when he gave up on thinking of a strategy, his ears perked up when he heard the entry doors to the mess hall opening up with a slight groan. The metal of the frame as rusted as the main entrance he had entered from.


    Sora had half a mind to go and repaint the door panels, the rusted metal really was an eye sore.


    And the person who entered was even more so.


    If his memories were right, then the target of his personal annoyance had just entered the radar. The slim waist, broad shoulders, high chin, sharp features, dark short hair and long leather boots, really was a collage of perfection. There was no ugliness he could find and no peculiarity he could pin point.


    He wondered if in this world, his luck was rubbed against some prickly fate, because having an enemy who looked this gorgeous, was the worst luck one could possibly have. And even if Sora had no interest in living beings, his heightened senses were brutally murdered by an ethereal Deity.


    His nose picked up an otherworldly scent which could only be termed as sensual and dark, a stark contrast with his own scent, which he had heard people call, ''sweet and fruity.''


    ''His eyes are close to violet, a bit in between lilac and mauve,'' Sora noted as he took in the details at a close proximity. Since it was rumored that nobody sane enough would step under the radii of 2 meters when they were faced with this person, because once they entered his personal radii, their minds could be controlled by him.


    Of course, Sora never believed that such theories were true, because even demons weren''t that high and mighty to be able to control another being. And if such strengths and abilities were made public, then how safe was the world for them even. Greedy people would stand in lines just to exploit those powers.


    Whatever the case maybe, he was not pleased with meeting his enemy.


    "Oh?" the deep voice assaulted Sora like a gentle breeze, "you are the new president..."


    "...Jeha," Sora greeted back, simply pushing up a formality, although he was well aware that he had yet to take another look at the man standing right in front of him, Jeha''s tone of speech said he was surprised to find him here, in the middle of his domain.


    Even he was perplexed as to why he would chose to torture his soul by coming here, he might look strong and was respected, but he wasn''t as formidable as people thought.


    Jeha exhaled, his demeanor changing slightly when he shifted closer, "Is there a reason why you are here?"


    Sora looked up, finding two intense gazes running on him as if trying to burn into him and find reasoning.


    Sora wondered if all demons were this blatant with their curiosity. Because he was feeling rather unsettled under the focus.


    "I was here to take up names of the people who want to participate in the summer camp, but having repeated myself twice, I have still not received back a response yet, seems like they are afraid of me."


    Sora vigilantly verified the crowd to see if his taunt was working, and he was surprised to find the rage he felt from the crowd. "Now they look angry with me, have I done something wrong?"


    His question was directed at Jeha, who was as calm as the sea, and Sora wasn''t sure if he would be able to see the sea lashing out with waves, because Jeha seemed to have excellent control over his emotions.


    "They are angry for you taunt them, but I would apologize if their behavior bothered you earlier, they are edgy when faced with a new person."


    He was speaking as though the hundreds of student weren''t right there sitting and watching the interaction.


    "I see," Sora cooperated, and unfurled his slip of paper which would be used for listing names. "Then it would be appreciated if you would fill this form for me."


    "Right," Jeha nodded, holding out his hand to receive the paper.


    Sora saw a flash of amusement there when he walked closer to give the list to him, not trying to appear apprehensive.


    "Send me the list back when you have written down the names, and thank you for your cooperation."


    Sora thought he would be able to leave just like that, but Jeha wasn''t one to let go of people who had insulted his crowd even if they were the ones at wrong.


    "I will let you leave if you spend an hour with me in the lounge, we seldom have guests coming by," Jeha then smiled, which actually made Sora nervous, "you are the president, it would be rude to send you away empty handed."


    The words put a halt on Sora''s thoughts and a low mocking laughter was heard from somewhere behind him.


    He thought he felt Jeha directing a glare in that direction, but he could be imagining it, since he didn''t waver his eyes away from the person even once.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "But don''t you have classes to attend?"


    Jeha tilted his head in a mannerism that suggested innocence, "I can afford to be late, but you won''t visit again would you?"


    Somehow, the words put Sora in a difficult state of mind, he wasn''t able to tell if the man was blaming him for being scared of them, or if he knew Sora didn''t wish to come back again. Whatever the case, a pause stilled the gathering.


    The rays of the sun were still visible, yet faint, warning Sora of the time.


    Internally, Sora was screaming at himself to just show the finger and leave, but outwardly, he stayed vigilant and cold. "Alright."


    His announcement echoed in the mess hall, as ripples of the fountain water intertwined with his tone, tuning out a melody of calm. Yes Sora wasn''t tired of life, but his goal was to reach the top, and to do that his first priority should be making connections that would be beneficial in the long run.


    However what he subtly ignored was the crowd of students who were shocked to hear an agreement being passed between the two. Some of them were seniors, and were older than Sora and even Jeha, and in their entire duration of campus life, they had never seen anyone agreeing with an evening scholar out of free will.


    Most knew how dangerous it was to agree to something a demon would suggest, yet either Sora was fearless or his knowledge about them was lacking.


    "Is he dumb?" a boy no taller than 5 foot butted in with his whispered scathing remark for his close friend to hear, directing a glare in the direction of the President. He acknowledged the beauty that the man exhibited, what with those long silver strands of hair and delicate features, but he wasn''t sure he would praise his decision making skills.


    Jeha wasn''t feared by their batch only, but anyone who knew him made sure to stay away after the first meet.


    Still, this foolish person was agreeing to him? Ridiculous.


    "Let it be, it is not our matter to handle," his friend spoke in an ignorant manner, eyes straying from his food to the visitor despite saying so.


    Their table and the next one to that, and even the next one to the next one, every occupant was either just curious or very curious.


    It was true that they never saw a day scholar entering their dorm, what few there were who were in some relationship with their batch, even they weren''t keen on stepping inside their dorm.


    Because the games the evening scholars played and the rules they had was different than those the day scholars followed. And in relation, even the outside world was well aware that the night creatures, lived by their own rules.


    Fear was an emotion inevitable, no amount of friendly resolves would mend the trust issues between the two communities. It was a fact.


    "Come with me, we will have special tea," they heard Jeha saying, his charming grin reflecting his emotions, which were rather fake. They all knew this, but the president didn''t.


    "Let''s leave then," the soft voice of the president entered their ears, and it was quite surprising how naive he seemed. Was this the president everyone thought was cunning and ruthless? Was this the president they heard had snatched away the council seat?


    Sora and Jeha left the mess hall soon and a loud chattering roar erupted in the premise behind their backs. Everyone had a gossip to share about the president and everyone was attentive to the thoughts they had about the president.


    While the students were excited, Sora was feeling rather low, almost as if his feet were refusing to step any further inside their lair.


    Since his hair was always neatly combed back into a loose tail, he couldn''t even hide his dismayed eyes behind his fringes. What a difficult situation he was in.


    Sighing with remorse, he guided his eyes to observe the scenery, which was back to cold grey walls and blue fire torches hanging from the cornices right below the ceiling.


    A movement from Jeha caught his attention as well, and Sora watched transfixed, as Jeha''s muscular back moved within his black cloak as he rolled his shoulders in an instinctual manner, a move which those who had just participated in physical activity would do. And since his lower back looked drenched, Sora concluded that he must have done some exercising or practiced whatever art demons practiced these days.


    Jeha wasn''t very burly, his height was only slightly taller than him, but the arrogance and leisure pace he attained while walking, was slightly daunting.


    If Sora had practiced the art of masking his self with grace and composure, than Jeha must have been thrice his age to practice the level of fine poise he had today.


    "The lounge is at the sixth floor, where my dwelling is," Jeha didn''t mind making the small talk, "you can always knock on my door if you face any crisis. We demons are efficient."


    "Right."


    "You don''t believe so?" he asked while turning back slightly to have a look at Sora''s face, and the other cursed himself mentally to have slipped in his conduct.


    He quickly refuted, "You are wrong, I believe you, but why would you help me, a stranger?"


    "You aren''t a stranger, Mr. President, I have a heard a lot about you."


    "Like what?"


    "Like you are proficient in what you do, your work is always outstanding, and you get top score during exam periods. They say you are honest and straight forward."


    "So... you want to make friends?" Sora asked dryly.


    Jeha laughed when he heard the retort, "You can say I am very... hospitable to young naive little presidents." The shallow dip of his pitch made Sora shiver, it felt odd to hear a man flirt with him. He wasn''t stupid enough to not know what was going on.


    ''So he thinks I am naive? Being friendly puts me in his naive dictionary?'' Sora felt ridiculed.


    "If I am trying to be approachable and cordial, that doesn''t means I am naive," he pressed, "so I am definitely not naive."


    Jeha only chuckled in response, which made Sora annoyed, he had never talked to Jeha before and now that he had some conversation with him, he felt that the man deserved to be alienated.


    When they reached an intersection again, where this time three corridors met with some sort of dome shaped structure resting directly above the meeting point, Sora realized that the corridors were darker here, with almost no light.


    But being an enchanter had its own perks, as he whispered a spell and suddenly could see every little detail of the surrounding elements. Even the small traces of damp moss on the crevices of the walls were visible to him.


    He absently wondered why Block 4 lacked maintenance when it was clear that it was in urgent need of one.


    "You should call for maintenance, this place needs it."


    Jeha nodded when he heard Sora''s deduction, "Well, indeed you are right, but we have called for maintenance many times and even after service the result was the same."


    Sora frowned, "You mean there is something wrong with the maintenance team?" As a president, he felt it was necessary to know the issues.


    Jeha shook his head, "Not at all, they are good with their job, but you should know that the amount of dark energy that accumulates around a night creature is excessive, so because of strong wavelengths, the materials we come in contact with start to rot."


    Sora understood, the night creatures ran on dark energy that resided in their core, while people like enchanters, mages and others, they supported white energy cores. Every energy impacted its surrounding, and since dark energy was too concentrated in mass, it was easier for the holder of that type of energy to influence his surrounding.


    "Do we have to climb?" he asked when Jeha took him towards the stairs, a few traces of faint rays lighting up the flight.


    "Yes, our dorm doesn''t support escalators and lifts like the modern day structures do, so you will have to adjust."


    Sora felt like he was getting trolled again, since every dorm had the same facilities and he knew that their were no lifts around here. Yes he asked the question without much thought, since he was lost in his own world of thoughts, but hearing the mockery, he felt disgruntled.


    ~~


    It wasn''t after a few severe minutes, that they reached the top floor and Jeha introduced Sora to the beautiful huge entrance hall, the area packed with rich carpet, wooden furnishings, huge chandeliers and expensive sofas. A round fire hearth sat in the center, heating up the entire space.


    "The private lounges are aligned by the left corridor, we are going in the one which is right next to my room. Others don''t use it."


    The meaning wasn''t lost on Sora, he found it amusing how Jeha was quick to showcase his power and hold over the place. He had been doing it since Sora saw him in the mess hall.


    He had heard how well known and respected he was among his peers, that they listened to his will. Yet the situation was worse than the rumors, they actually behaved as if he was their king.


    They reached the lounge Jeha was so fond of right away, the distance was shorter to travel and with less talking, the time taken also reduced.


    A huge silver door barricaded the lounge, with carved ancient letters marking the edges. Two tall vases were kept by the sides, each holding a single long reed with white tips.


    Jeha pushed the door open and Sora''s eyes widened as he took in the interior of the lounge.


    It was an old styled cozy layout with carpeted floor and wooden interior. The intricate detail which went into the carvings on walls and furniture was genuine, Sora thought it was a lot of hard work for one little space.


    "Do you like it?" Jeha asked, having been watching the admiration in the other''s eyes.


    Sora was sincerely honest when he nodded, but quickly schooled his features again, "Why asking, will you be buying this for me?"


    "Do you want me too?"


    The question made the situation awkward very quickly, since Sora had been joking obviously, and Jeha... wasn''t.


    "Shall we?" the dark haired one asked, quickly handling back the situation with a graceful smile. And Sora took the hint, striding in with his head held high.


    When they were both settled in on opposite couches, Jeha poured in some tea for his guest. "Here you go, I had been planning on having tea after I came back from breakfast."


    "Oh, sorry, I forgot you all have different schedule."


    Jeha didn''t seem to mind, he waved his hand in ignorance and sipped his own tea.


    A tensed silence befell on them as Sora wondered what to talk about and Jeha found staring as the best option for interaction.


    "Was there a reason why you brought me here in your lair?"


    Upon hearing the decorative term ''lair'', Jeha burst out laughing, the sound melodious and heavy. "L-Lair?" he stumbled through in between his laughter.


    Sora found himself getting flustered, directing his gaze down at his tea, "Sorry, have a habit of speaking my mind."


    "No, no, it is rather delightful to hear sincere words from our president," Jeha returned the reply gently, as if not wanting to hurt Sora.


    Feeling the respect he received from his enemy, Sora was moved, although his face showed no emotion which could reflect his gratitude.


    "So why am I here?"


    Jeha did hear the same question being asked again in different phrasing, so his reply was given instantly, "I want to give you a gift."


    "What gift?" Sora frowned, tilting his head thoughtfully, his tea cup being kept back to make sure he was attentive enough.


    Jeha''s violet eyes gleamed, "You want to see what it is?"


    Sora nodded, very intrigued, "Although I don''t want the gift but I am indeed very curious."


    Jeha smiled, his face looking blinding, it was so charming, "Close you eyes then, open them only when I tell you to."


    Sora nodded almost obediently and closed his eyes in anticipation. Wondering what the Dark horse Jeha wanted to gift him.


    No sooner had he closed his eyes, he felt Jeha''s presence come closer and distance between them shortened. With his heightened senses, he immediately sensed something was off. But before his mind could settle on what course of action was to be taken, he felt warm lips closing upon his, dragging along his in a sensual manner.


    What?


    Sora was so shocked, he couldn''t react to what was happening, but as soon as he felt a warm tongue lap at his lips to part them, his body quickly reacted and slapped the face away... or tried to, but his now open eyes watched as his hands were ceased and pinned by the sides, as Jeha kissed him with a stronger force, even managing to successfully shove his tongue in.


    The hot appendage dragged inside his mouth as if exploring his taste, making Sora dazed with disgust.


    And then the violet eyes opened abruptly, and froze Sora in place, since they stared with an intensity which could freeze people in their bodies.


    It wasn''t as if the eyes were too beautiful, or alluring, but rather, they were sharp as if warning Sora of the danger he would be in if he kept resisting.


    The threat was real, and the pressure that had been lacking earlier, suddenly intensified ten folds. A strong sense of oppressive dark energy was sneaking into their bubble and Sora could literally feel the air stiffening next to him.


    His soul quivered as if losing to some external force that was too powerful to even face.


    Cursing in his mind, Sora glared at the harasser even if his mouth was being forcefully captured, and his hands were being tied down by larger fingers.


    Since Jeha was hovering over him, his front wasn''t pressed and his legs were rather free.


    So seeing the opening presenting itself, Sora kicked Jeha on his stomach and quickly dodged away when Jeha seemed distracted.


    Only when he had reached the door, did he turn to look at the un-bothered Jeha, whose eyes were a bright violet and mauve, staring at him as if he was a prey and running was futile.


    "You disgust me," Sora spat, not hiding his true feelings, "the next time I will think twice about getting friendly with you, you are worse than those rumors."


    He didn''t wait to see how Jeha would react to his anger, but simply left through the door, knowing he wouldn''t be stopped this time.


    While he was angry with what happened, his lips still wet with the saliva and his mouth still tasting like his enemy, Sora was more frightened than he would ever admit.


    As he raced down the staircase, his body still buzzed with a static which wasn''t desire, but nervous tension instead. While being kissed, he almost felt like the person above him was not only pressing his body down, but also suppressing his energy core which was his life support. And that feeling of being dominated, made him feel ill.


    After such a long struggle, he had finally managed to make a name for himself, so he had seen all kinds of people, but just now, all his achievements felt empty, since he knew withing his heart, that if Jeha had wanted to keep him inside, he would have. And Sora would have been powerless against him.


    ~~


    Back in the lounge, Jeha smirked as he touched his lips, still tasting the sweetness of the enchanter''s energy core. "I finally met him and he ran away. How cute, our president. Zor was right in his deductions."