CHAPTER9
1209 Words
Zander’s pov
The cool night air wrapped around me as I stood in the shadows, my senses alert. The academy grounds were quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant hum of traffic. But my instincts told me something was off. Mira was up to something that could derail Sarah’s chances in this competition.
I tightened my grip on the small earpiece connecting me to Xavier. His voice buzzed softly in my ear. “Zander, any sign of her?”
“Not yet,” I whispered, my eyes scanning the darkened hall leading to the judges’ chambers. Mira wouldn’t risk being seen unless she thought the coast was clear.
And then I saw her. Mira’s sleek silhouette slipped through the side door, her movements smooth and calculated. She wore a fitted black dress that hugged her curves, her long legs moving with precision. Her beauty was the kind that could command a room, but her actions were anything but noble.
As she approached the judges’ door, her heels clicked softly against the marble floor. She pulled a folded note from her clutch, her lips curling into a sly smile.
I moved quickly but silently, closing the distance between us in seconds. Just as she bent down to slide the note under the door, I grabbed her wrist.
“Mira,” I said, my voice low and dangerous. “What’s this?”
She gasped, her eyes wide as she whipped around to face me. For a moment, she was stunned, but then her lips twisted into a scowl. “Zander, you really need to mind your own business.”
I plucked the note from her hand, ignoring her protests. “Fake accusations against Sarah? Pathetic, even for you.”
Her eyes narrowed, her confidence slipping. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, I think I do.” I held the note up, letting her see her plan crumble. “And so will Xavier. You’re done, Mira.”
She yanked her arm free, her expression venomous. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with,” she hissed. “This is bigger than you or Xavier.”
I stepped closer, towering over her. “Try me.”
I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring, the reality of the day hitting me like a freight train. Today was the day. The finance competition, my chance to prove myself not just to the judges, but to everyone who doubted me.
I pulled myself out of bed, every muscle tense with anticipation. The mirror reflected a pale, tired version of me, but determination burned in my eyes. Haylee had already texted a dozen good luck messages, and even though my nerves were shot, I felt ready.
As I arrived at the auditorium, the air was thick with anticipation. The grand space was filled with students, professors, and judges, all here to witness the competition. The stage loomed ahead, the spotlight casting an intimidating glow.
I took a deep breath, clutching my laptop like a lifeline. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Xavier sitting near the back, his gaze fixed on me. His presence was both comforting and nerve-wracking, his silent support a reminder that I wasn’t alone.
“You’ve got this, Sarah,” Haylee whispered as she squeezed my arm.
I nodded, stepping onto the stage. The world seemed to blur around me as I began my presentation, each word carefully crafted, each slide a testament to my hard work.
The judges watched intently, their expressions unreadable. But as I spoke, I felt a shift in the room. They were listening, really listening.
When I finished, the silence was deafening, and for a moment, I thought I’d failed. But then, applause erupted, filling the auditorium. Relief washed over me, and I caught Xavier’s subtle nod of approval.
As I left the stage, my heart still racing, I made my way to the side of the auditorium. The weight of the presentation lifted, replaced by a cautious hope.
Xavier caught my eye from across the room, his expression softening as he stood. He moved toward me, his presence magnetic, drawing me in despite the crowd around us.
“Sarah,” he said quietly, his voice cutting through the noise. “You were incredible.”
A warmth spread through me, and for a moment, the chaos of the competition faded. “Thank you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I couldn’t have done it without your support.”
His eyes darkened slightly, the intensity in his gaze sending a shiver down my spine. “You’ve always had it in you, Sarah. Don’t forget that.”
Before I could respond, a voice interrupted us. “Professor Steele, the judges would like a word.”
Xavier’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “I’ll see you later,” he said, his tone laced with promise.
As he walked away, the connection between us lingered, unspoken but undeniable.
The adrenaline from the presentation began to wear off as I left the auditorium, my body aching for rest. But the sense of victory was short-lived.
As I walked through the dimly lit hallway, a familiar figure stepped out of the shadows. Mira. Her face was a mask of controlled fury, her eyes glittering with malice.
“Congratulations, Sarah,” she said, her voice sickly sweet. “You must feel so proud of yourself.”
I stopped, my pulse quickening. “What do you want, Mira?”
She took a step closer, her smile fading. “Just a friendly warning. You may have fooled the judges, but you won’t fool me.”
Before I could respond, two men emerged from the shadows, their presence sending a cold wave of fear through me. They were tall, broad-shouldered, with an air of danger that made my skin crawl.
“Meet my friends,” Mira said, her tone icy. “They’ve been dying to meet you.”
My heart pounded as the men closed in, their intentions clear.
My mind raced as I backed away, my breath coming in shallow gasps. Mira’s smile widened, her victory almost palpable.
“You really should’ve stayed in your lane, Sarah,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “But now? Now, you’re going to pay.”
The men advanced, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. My back hit the cold brick wall, and I realised there was nowhere left to run.
“Stay away from me,” I said, my voice shaking but firm.
One of the men chuckled darkly. “Feisty. I like that.”
Panic clawed at my throat, but I refused to let them see my fear. My mind screamed for help, but the hallway was deserted, the sound of my own breathing deafening.
Just as one of the men reached for me, a low, dangerous growl echoed through the corridor.
The men froze, their eyes darting toward the source of the sound.
And then, out of the darkness, Zander appeared, his expression deadly. “Step away from her,” he said, his voice a lethal promise.
Relief flooded through me, but the tension in the air was far from gone. This wasn’t over not yet.
- Writer
