I hate being powerless. Unable to do anything meaningful.
But maybe this is fate's way of telling me I can't escape destiny. No matter how far I run, I'll remain powerless.
Yet accepting this power comes a curse. A curse that, when the time comes, will summon death itself to claim me.
So I have two choices: keep running from destiny until I inevitably face death head-on, or embrace this cursed fate and become what I was always meant to be.
The villain.
....
....
"Eloisa," she said with a smile, extending her hand to Selena for a handshake.
They all proceeded to introduce themselves while I lost my appetite. My gaze fixed on Eloisa, who ate without sparing me a glance.
Whatever. I might as well let it all play out. It's not like she's stronger than Selena... right?
The story had deviated significantly from its original direction, especially concerning Eloisa. But it was realigning - canon events were approaching anyway. She was engaged to Allen again, just like in the original storyline.
"I think we got off on the wrong foot," I heard a voice and turned to see a blonde-haired girl smiling at me.
Why is she even here?
Right. My actions today must have brought her closer to Ariana - a connection that didn't happen originally. Not my problem.
"Go screw yourself," I replied, turning back to my meal.
I chose not to become her object of curiosity or whatever twisted fixation she had.
"You really won't change, will you?" a familiar voice cut in.
I turned to see Ariana glaring at me.
Here we go again with her busybody routine.
"You two know each other?" another voice joined in, and I tensed.
Selena.
Ariana turned to Selena, her expression unreadable for a moment. "Well, yes. In fact, a lot of us did."
I groaned and rubbed my temples.
"Why not find something better to do than gossip?" I snapped, hoping to end this.
Ariana didn't seem fazed. She looked at me with that insufferable smirk, probably assuming Selena was my girlfriend and planning how to ruin a non-existent relationship.
"Like what?" she asked, almost playfully.
I paused, stealing a glance at Silver. That bastard was grinning like an idiot, clearly enjoying the drama.
"I don't know. Maybe touch yourself, like you always do," I shot back without looking up, casually cutting into my steak.
Damn, this steak is amazing.
The table fell silent.
When I looked up, Selena's expression was shocked. Even Eloisa had stopped mid-bite, and Silver alternated his gaze between us, his mouth twitching with suppressed laughter.
Then, of course, he had to speak.
"How do you know she does that?" he asked, grinning.
I heard the faint screech of metal against ceramic. A quick glance revealed Eloisa struggling to cut her steak, her hands shaking.
"How dare you?" Ariana snapped.
I smirked. "Relax. It's just my opinion. I didn't say you should do it now. You can save it for later."
At this point, I'm gambling with my life. If she decides to kill me right here, I wouldn't stand a chance. But she wouldn't... right?
"Well, at least I didn't try to rap—"
The sound of a blade snapping against porcelain cut her off.
"Oh, sorry. I couldn't control my strength for a moment," Eloisa said calmly, standing up and leaving with her tray to get another.
"Why are you so rude to everyone?" Rizel asked, exasperated.
"Why should I tell you, bit—" I stopped as Ariana interjected smoothly.
"I think I'm falling for this guy in class," she said loudly, catching everyone's attention.
Classic Ariana. She's probably been plotting this since class - some plan to make me jealous or something. It's not going to work.
"Really? Who?" Rizel fell right into the trap.
"His name's Lucas. I met him yesterday," Ariana said dreamily.
If I didn't know her as well as I did, I might've believed her act.
You should keep your emotions in check. I can sense your hatred growing. At this rate, the merging will begin on its own, a voice echoed in my mind.
I know. But I can't help it. When I see these heroines, the worst part of me takes over.
"Lucas Macendial?" Selena asked, frowning.
Ariana nodded, gushing over his "overwhelmingly good" qualities.
A wicked smile crossed my lips.
"Yeah, instead of touching yourself, why not just do it with him? You two look good together anyway," I said.
Ariana froze, her gaze locking onto mine.
Oh, hell.
Every instinct screamed one thing: Run.