Chapter 11: Threat in the East Corridor

That afternoon, after my exhausting magic tutoring session with Elena in the library concluded, I decided to return to the student dormitory alone via the East Wing corridor—a path rarely used by other students.

The route was much quieter, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun filtering through the large stained-glass windows.

I walked leisurely, tidying the scroll of parchment in my hands and savoring a brief moment of peace before nightfall.

However, I came to an abrupt halt when someone’s shadow suddenly blocked my path in a dimly lit corner of the corridor.

A young man with striking silver hair and a slightly disheveled uniform stood in my way. He fixed a mocking, hostile gaze upon me.

Cedric? No. Raven? Not him either.

It was Marquis Vane—one of those arrogant nobles from the old faction who, in the original novel, often acted as a troublesome pawn before ultimately being crushed by the prince.

"Well, well... if it isn't Lady Alicia, now famous for flirting with commoners," Vane said, his tone dripping with repulsive sarcasm.

I let out a cold snort inwardly.

What is this guy's problem? Picking a fight out of nowhere in the middle of the afternoon? Does he think I don't have enough stress dealing with the prince and the heroine?

Outwardly, however, I lifted my chin, projecting an arrogant and utterly icy expression. I looked at him as if he were nothing more than dust beneath my boots.

"Mind your words, Vane," I said in a low, flat, commanding voice. "Your presence in my path is merely a waste of my time. Step aside." Vane snorted loudly, deeply offended by my tone. He clenched his fist, and flickers of minor fire magic began to erupt from his palm.

"Don't think that just because Professor Orion has been praising you lately, you can act arrogantly in front of me, Alicia! The Valerian family may have power, but our patience has run out watching your strange changes!" Vane shouted vehemently, taking a step forward.

Deep down, panic began to take hold of me.

*Oh no, is he getting violent?! If I botch my magic, my disguise might blow up! Please, save me!*

However, before he could raise his hand to unleash his ice magic, a dark shadow moved swiftly from behind.

*Boom!*

A bolt of lightning struck the ground right next to Vane’s foot, startling the silver-haired young man so much that he stumbled backward.

Raven D'Ark emerged from behind a pillar, his eyes sharp as an eagle's and his hands still crackling with lingering electric sparks.

"If you want to find an enemy to take your frustration out on, come for me, Vane," Raven said coldly, his voice echoing through the silent hallway. "Leave Lady Alicia alone."

Terrified by Raven's genuine threat, Vane scrambled to his feet in a panic and fled down the hallway without looking back.

I stood frozen, gazing at Raven while maintaining the cold expression I was desperately trying to keep up.

Raven turned his head and fixed his eyes on me. "Are you alright, Alicia?" "Of course. Even without your help, I could have handled it," I replied with outward arrogance, while internally screaming hymns of gratitude at the top of my lungs.