Eighteenth Birthday - Chapter (61)

Ch. 18th Birthday 61 18th Birthday 61

Chapter 61

(Lily’s POV)

I had been up since dawn, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing.

Aria was still asleep beside me, her soft breaths steady and calm. I envied her peace. I didn’t have it–not even close.

Ever since Zion left, I’d been restless. My chest ached, not just because of him, but because school was today.

+20)

I wished I could stay home… Hide under the duvet and never show my face again. But what good would that do? Sooner or later, I’d still have to face them; my classmates, the students, and everyone who saw what happened at Zelda’s party.

They saw me shift.

They saw me kill.

And they would never forget it.

I turned on my side and whispered a silent prayer.

“Dear Moon Goddess… please let today go well. Give me strength to face them. Help me remember who I am.”

Soon, morning crept fully into the sky.

The boys were already dressed by the time Aria and I joined them. None of us said anything about how we looked, though we all looked good. The mood was too grim for compliments.

Aunt Lamia gave us a tight smile and waved from the porch, her eyes lingering a second longer on me. We bowed slightly before piling into the same car my friends had arrived in the day before.

The drive was silent, but the tension hung in the air like thick smoke. I could feel the weight of what this day might bring, and from their stares, I knew my friends did too.

When we arrived at school, hushed whispers floated around us like cold wind. My friends stepped closer, forming a protective wall.

Oddly, I felt a stir inside me.

Ravena and Vaelith’s energy pulsed within me. Suddenly, I could feel my domineering aura pressing outward like a silent wave. It made everyone else cower but wrapped my friends like a comforting veil.

We were untouchable.

The crowd parted for us. Students stepped aside as we walked through the school. Some looked shocked, many looked scared, even teachers shivered in fear. I held my head high, even though my knees were wobbly.

Eventually, we had to split to our various classes. When I walked into mine, that warm, sweet smell hit me first.

Zion.

My heart skipped, and my eyes found him quickly. He was seated with Kade, who scowled slightly the moment he noticed

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Chapter 61

Zion’s smile widening at the sight of me.

I wanted to run to him, to bury my face in his chest and forget the world… but I didn’t..

I just smiled softly, and sat close to the window.

The first period passed.

Then came Shift Control.

Everyone buzzed with excitement; it had been a while since we had a duel day.

We all moved to the training chamber, a wide, circular room where all practicals took place. The floor was made of enchanted stone that healed itself after impact.

Our instructor, Mr Drenor, stood tall with his arms crossed. His face lit with a wicked grin as he spoke.

“Today’s practicals will be one–on–one duels.”

The students cheered.

Then he looked down at his scroll.

“First up… Lily.”

The cheer died, and a low murmur rose instead.

My stomach turned, but I stepped forward.

“Who’ll fight her?” Mr Drenor asked loudly when Celeste’s minions chanted,

“Celeste! Celeste!”

She stood with a proud toss of her hair and smiled at me like she already won.

Zion’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t speak.

“Shall we?” Celeste taunted. “Time to put this demon in her place.”

Her minions chuckled loudly.

We stepped into the ring. She didn’t wait for the count.

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Celeste charged with her claws out, and slashed at me before I could fully steady my stance. I stumbled back, catching her elbow just in time to avoid a nasty cut to my jaw.

The students cheered wildly for her.

She came at me again. I dodged, blocked, then threw a punch. It connected with her ribs, but before I could land a second, Mr Drenor barked, “Too aggressive, Lily!”

What?

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+20

SHERL

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Chapter 61

I blinked.

Celeste didn’t even flinch at the call. She used the distraction to kick me in the stomach. I staggered and heard laughter ripple through the crowd.

+20)

She was strong, yes. But she was also a cheat. Every time I had the upper hand, Master Drenor stopped me but when Celeste clawed my arm and I bled, he said nothing.

I saw Zion stand halfway from his seat, fists trembling.

I tasted blood in my mouth.

And something inside me snapped.

No more playing fair.

I ducked her next strike and spun low, sweeping her legs. She hit the ground with a thud, snarling. Before she could rise, I pounced; hitting her ribs and landing another to her jaw. She tried to punch back, but I caught her wrist and twisted until she yelped and tapped out.