Chapter 5: Help from an unlikely source

Ariella’s POV

Shock flickered in Sebastian's eyes, but I didn’t have the luxury to care. The rejection from Thunderclap Military College still stung, and what he thought of me didn't matter. I swallowed the dry bread in large gulps, the rough texture scraping my throat. My desperation for sustenance overwhelmed my caution until I choked, triggering a violent fit of coughing that drew the attention of the nearby warriors.

Panic set in. If they discovered I'd escaped from the underground, there'd be more punishment. I scanned the kitchen for an exit, but the door was blocked, and there were no windows. My pulse raced as I desperately searched for a way out. Suddenly, Sebastian stepped out of the kitchen, his broad shoulders filling the narrow doorway. The warriors eyed him warily, their suspicions evident.

“What’s going on here?” the tallest warrior demanded, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon holster.

Sebastian didn’t flinch. “Just handling a small issue,” he said smoothly. “A kitchen mishap, nothing to concern yourselves with.”

The warrior’s eyes narrowed. “We heard coughing. Didn’t sound like a kitchen mishap.”

"It sounded like coughing," the other added, trying to peer over Sebastian to get a look inside the kitchen.

Inside the kitchen, I strained to hear every word, my heart pounding in my chest. The fear of being discovered gnawed at me, but so did curiosity about how Sebastian would handle the situation.

Sebastian’s tone remained steady. “A spice container broke. The dust was everywhere. You probably just heard me cough. Don't worry. I've sent for someone to come clean it up.”

One of the younger warriors, clearly emboldened by his comrades, took a step forward. “We should check for ourselves. Make sure everything’s in order.”

Sebastian’s eyes flashed dangerously, and he took a deliberate step forward, closing the distance between himself and the young warrior. “You doubt my word?” he asked, his voice cold.

The young warrior hesitated, but the leader of the group wasn’t convinced. “We’re just doing our duty. Can’t be too careful these days.”

Sebastian’s expression hardened. “I'm sure you are, but if you insist on creating an issue where there is none, I’ll have to report this to Alpha Hayes. I doubt he’ll be pleased to hear his warriors are questioning his honored guest over a kitchen incident.”

The mention of Alpha Hayes made the warriors exchange uneasy glances. The leader finally spoke up, trying to regain some authority. “We’re just being cautious, Professor.”

Sebastian held his ground. “And I’m telling you there’s no need. Now, unless you want to explain to the Alpha why you’re harassing his guest, I suggest you move along.”

One of the warriors, still unsatisfied, made a move to step past Sebastian, but he blocked the way, his posture unyielding. “Last warning,” he said softly, but the threat in his voice was unmistakable. “Leave. Now.”

The warriors hesitated, then reluctantly bowed and turned away, muttering among themselves.

After a while, the kitchen door opened again and Sebastian walked in, his eyes now softened.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice gentler than before.

I hesitated but then nodded. The need for food and water was stronger than my distrust. “I’m fine,” I croaked, though my throat burned.

Sebastian gestured towards the door. “Let’s get you something better than that dry bread.”

I followed him, my footsteps hesitant, a mixture of confusion and gratitude swirling in my mind. As we stepped into the hallway, I paused and looked around cautiously, causing Sebastian to look at me with concern.

“I can't let anyone see me,” I whispered. “If the house staff or any warriors see me, there'll be trouble.”

Sebastian nodded. My heart was pounding. The fear of being discovered gnawed at me, but the hope of finding solace pushed me forward.

We moved quietly, hugging the walls and ducking into alcoves whenever we heard footsteps approaching.

As we rounded a corner, we nearly collided with a maid carrying a tray of dishes. Sebastian quickly stepped in front of me, blocking her view.

“Excuse me,” he said smoothly, his voice calm. “I seemed to have made a mess in the kitchen. Could you go take care of that for me, dear?”

The maid looked puzzled but nodded. “Of course, Professor. Right away.”

We waited until she disappeared around the corner before continuing. Sebastian glanced back at me, his expression serious. “Stay close.”

We tiptoed past a group of warriors discussing their latest training session. My breath hitched, but Sebastian’s calm demeanor gave me a sliver of confidence. Just as we were about to reach the guest wing, we heard heavy footsteps approaching.

“Quick, in here,” Sebastian whispered, pulling me into a small storage room. The space was cramped, forcing us close together. I could feel the warmth of his body pressing against mine, his breath hot on my ear. He smelled like coffee and aftershave, it was oddly comforting.

We stood in the darkness, the sound of my racing heartbeat loud in my ears. My chest rose and fell rapidly. What was I even doing, sneaking around Alpha Hayes mansion with a professor from Thunderclap? I knew I was putting Sebastian at risk.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. "You don't have to do any of this for me. You do realize if we get caught, you might lose your position at the institute."

“I know,” he replied softly, his breath tickling my ear. “We won't get caught, trust me.”

I shook my head. I couldn't understand why anyone would risk so much for someone they barely knew. "Why are you helping me, Sebastian?" my voice rose. I stared at him intently, waiting for an answer.

Instead of answering, he raised a finger to my lips. "Shhh, someone is coming."

My heart sank. Could it be the Warriors? Or worse, Hannah?

We fell silent as the footsteps drew nearer, stopping just outside the storage room door. I could see the shadows of their feet through the gap beneath the door, and my heart nearly stopped when the handle began to turn.

Sebastian’s hand found mine, squeezing it reassuringly. I held my breath, every muscle in my body tense.

The door creaked open a fraction, and I could hear the muffled voices of the house staff. My pulse quickened, and I could feel the tension in Sebastian’s body as he prepared to react.

“Where did you say you put the brooms?” the housekeeper asked, his voice uncertain. He was staring at his colleague. If he had turned his head at that moment, he would have seen Sebastian and I hurdled up like rats in a grain silo.

“I think I left them in the pantry outside,” the colleague replied. “yeah, I remember. I definitely left them there.”

With a sigh, the housekeeper closed the door. I could hear their muffled voices in the hallway, and after a while, the housekeeper's footsteps retreated, and the shadows disappeared from under the door.

We waited a few moments, ensuring the coast was clear. Sebastian let out a slow breath, and I realized I had been holding mine. My legs felt like jelly, and my heart raced like a track horse. This was way too close for comfort. I thanked every heavenly deity I knew.

Sebastian wasn't faring any better. A sheen of sweat had formed on his forehead, and his hand was squeezing mine. He soon realized this and released my hand. He cleared his throat as if trying to banish the awkward situation. I honestly did not mind.

“Alright, I think it’s safe now,” he whispered.

We stepped out of the storage room, the cool air of the hallway a stark contrast to the warmth of the cramped space. Sebastian glanced around, ensuring no one was in sight before motioning for me to follow.

Finally, we reached the guest room where Sebastian was staying. He opened the door and ushered me inside, closing it quietly behind us.

The room was modest, compared to the rest of Alpha Hayes’ mansion.

There was a small table in the corner of the room laden with desserts and biscuits. In a crystal bowl was some Moonlight Fruit, the same ones I had picked earlier.

“Go ahead,” Sebastian encouraged, his voice gentle. “Eat as much as you need.”

I hesitated, my eyes flicking to him and back at the table. Hunger overtook hesitation. I devoured the desserts and biscuits, barely tasting them in my haste. Sebastian poured me a cup of hot tea, the steam curling upwards in delicate tendrils. The warmth of the tea soothed my throat, and I finally felt a semblance of calm.

As I ate, I noticed Sebastian’s eyes lingering on my torn clothes. I pulled the remnants tighter around myself, suddenly very aware of how much they revealed.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered, my cheeks flushing. “I didn’t have time to grab anything else when I escaped.”

Sebastian moved quickly, heading to a closet and pulling out some clothes.

“These should fit,” he said, handing them to me. “They’re not fancy, but they’ll cover you up.”

I took the clothes gratefully, feeling the soft fabric between my fingers. “Thank you.”

“There’s a bathroom through that door,” he added, pointing. “You can change in there.”

I nodded and made my way to the bathroom, closing the door behind me. The clothes were simple but comfortable—a plain shirt and trousers—but they weren't my size. I couldn’t help but sigh in relief as I looked at myself in the mirror, no longer feeling exposed.

When I emerged, Sebastian was waiting, a look of approval in his eyes. “Much better.”

I offered a tentative smile.

I settled at the table, and he poured me some more tea. “Do you need to see a doctor?” Sebastian asked, his concern evident. “Or any medicine for your injuries?”

I shook my head, not wanting to reveal the full extent of my suffering. “I’m used to it,” I said quietly. “The wounds will heal on their own.”

His eyes darkened with understanding. “This isn’t the first time, is it?”

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, I considered lying. But something about his demeanor made me want to tell the truth. I let out a bitter laugh. “No, it’s not. I’m being punished because I stood up for myself. You remember those boys in the forest?.”

He looked at me knowingly but didn't speak. I continued, "They would have done a lot worse for me. So I fought back, and now I'm being punished. I don't regret what I did, but I'm starting to get sick and tired of being treated like trash."

Sebastian’s expression was a mix of empathy and anger. “Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

“Who would I tell?” I retorted. “Alpha Hayes is cold-blooded and cruel. His daughter is somehow even worse. I applied to Thunderclap to escape this hell, to have a chance at a life I deserve. But now…”

My voice trailed off, the hopelessness of my situation crashing over me again. I didn’t expect Sebastian to understand, not after the bad impression I’d already made.

After finishing the last of the desserts, I stood to leave. “Thank you,” I muttered, turning towards the door. “For the food and for... helping me.”

“Wait,” Sebastian called out, stopping me in my tracks. “Do you still want to apply for Thunderclap?”

I turned slowly, stunned by his question. My heart pounded in my chest, hope flickering faintly. “What?”

Sebastian’s gaze was steady. “Do you still want to apply for Thunderclap Military College? I mean, it's the least I can do.”