CHAPTER 246: A PACT BORN OF VENGEANCE [3]

The café smelled like heaven.

Roasted coffee beans and sweet pastries mixed in the air, wrapping around the small space like a cozy blanket.

Zahra leaned back in her chair, arms crossed and a satisfied smirk on her face. It was the kind of smirk someone wears when they think they’ve caught their prey off guard.

"So that’s what the exam was about, huh."

Across from her, Kyle sat with a chocolate latte cupped between his hands. His back was straight, his face polite as always, but his eyes, those betrayed him.

Tired.

Drained.

All he wanted was to get back to his room, kick off his shoes, and collapse.

But no.

Fate seems to had other plans.

On his way out of the academy grounds earlier, he’d bumped into Zahra and Elizabeth.

He’d tried to escape politely, mumbling about needing rest, but Zahra had that way about her. Persistent but playful.

Before he knew it, here he was, sitting at a small round table with them, trapped by kindness.

Beside Zahra, Elizabeth sat quietly, orange juice in her hands. She held the glass gently, lifting it to her lips every so often for small, careful sips.

It was a subtle change from the first time Kyle had met her. Back then, she’d been drinking green tea, composed and distant.

Now, with the orange juice, she seemed just as composed, but... softer somehow. A little more at ease.

She hadn’t said much since they arrived, but Kyle could feel her eyes watching.

Zahra tapped her cup with one finger, the sound sharp in the stillness.

"The rumours didn’t do it justice. A Fractal Veil? That sounds... next level."

Kyle set his cup down with a soft clink, keeping his expression even.

"Yeah. Professors didn’t give us a warning or anything. One moment we were in class, next thing... everything shifted. Students panicked. They thought it was real."

"The bodies... the screams... students ripped apart by monsters in front off them,"

"It was all simulation, but they didn’t know that. To them, it was death."

The air grew quiet.

The scrape of Elizabeth’s straw against her glass was the only sound for a moment. Her eyes didn’t move, but Kyle could feel her listening.

Zahra grinned again, brushing away the heaviness with her usual playful spirit.

"Well, I guess they needed it," she laughed. "Better a fake death now than a real one later."

Kyle allowed the corners of his mouth to curve into a small, restrained smile.

"I suppose."

Zahra’s eyes twinkled as if that was enough encouragement to poke at him some more. She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice like she was about to spill a secret.

"So, you look calm enough. How’d you do?"

Kyle shrugged, as if it didn’t matter.

"I did alright."

"Alright, he says!" Zahra burst out, nudging him with the corner of her smile.

"Coming from you, that probably means top ranks."

Before he could protest, she waved him off.

"No need to be modest."

Kyle just sipped his drink without replying.

For a few seconds, none of them spoke.

The café’s soft murmur wrapped around them again, cutlery against plates, laughter, murmured conversations.

After a brief pause, Zahra tapped the table thoughtfully.

"You know..." she said, glancing between Kyle and Elizabeth,

"I’ve been meaning to ask... how are you handling all this?"

Kyle blinked, surprised.

"All this?" he asked.

"You know," she grinned mischievously. "All this academy life. Training. Pressure. Oh, and... marriage talk."

Her eyes sparkled like she was ready to stir the pot. Elizabeth’s face stayed calm, but the smallest crease appeared between her brows.

Kyle’s eyes flicked to Elizabeth and back to Zahra.

"We’re... managing," he replied simply. "It’s not complicated."

Zahra’s grin widened like she’d hit pay dirt.

"I mean... it must be weird," she chuckled. "All this engagement nonsense. People must be gossiping like crazy."

Elizabeth’s lips twitched. She looked like she wanted to say something but stopped herself, lips pressed together. Her eyes stayed fixed on her glass, calm as ever.

Kyle, however, didn’t flinch. No awkwardness, no embarrassment.

"It’s just an arrangement," he said plainly.

"That’s it?"

Zahra’s eyes widened in mock shock. She leaned closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a juicy secret.

"Just arrangement? No butterflies... or whatever else people talk about?"

Kyle gave her a soft, neutral look.

"No butterflies."

Zahra burst out laughing, throwing her head back like she couldn’t help herself.

"Okay, okay! I get it!" she cackled, then winked at Elizabeth. "You two are practical people."

"I guess that’s better than getting carried away."

Zahra’s expression softened. Her eyes danced between them, amusement and fondness mixing.

"I think... I approve him," she whispered conspiratorially toward Elizabeth, grinning.

Elizabeth’s eyes flickered but she didn’t say a word.

Zahra clinked her glass against Kyle’s.

"And today’s treat’s on me, junior! You can’t say no."

Kyle let out a soft chuckle, raising his glass in salute.

"Thank you, Senior."

Elizabeth’s lips twitched in amusement, but she stayed quiet, letting Zahra’s cheerfulness wash over them like a warm wave.

The conversation drifted after that.

They shared funny stories of academy life, first-years messing up, teachers with quirks, strange training mishaps.

The tension eased, but Elizabeth’s eyes stayed sharp, watching Kyle with quiet attention. Even when they laughed, it felt like she was always half listening.

Eventually, the evening stretched toward its end.

Chairs scraped softly as they stood up.

Kyle slipped his hand into his coat pocket and pulled out a small slip of parchment. He handed it to Elizabeth.

"My number," he said softly. "I’ll contact you soon."

Elizabeth took it without a word. Her fingers brushed the edge briefly before she tucked it into her pocket.

Her eyes flickered once, but Kyle saw it. She understood. This wasn’t about casual conversation. It was about their plan.

Zahra, however, noticed and grinned like she’d caught a secret.

"Oh-ho!" she teased, clapping her hands. "Already exchanging numbers? How forward!"

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed like she wanted to glare her into silence.

"It’s not what you think."

"Of course not!"

Zahra sang, wagging her finger with mock innocence.

"But don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone."

Kyle stayed quiet, expression calm, but the corner of his mouth twitched. There was amusement there, just enough to make the moment playful.

Elizabeth sighed, shoulders drooping slightly.

Arguing with Zahra was useless. She let it pass, resigned.

Zahra giggled, clearly thinking she’d stumbled into harmless mischief.

"See? Told you! Nothing to worry about."

The three of them stepped out into the cool night together. The chatter of the café faded behind them.

Between Kyle and Elizabeth, silence hung thick. A quiet understanding wrapped around them.

The plan, the trust, the things left unsaid, none of it needed to be spoken aloud.

It was all there.

Hidden beneath smiles, jokes, and polite words.

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