Chapter 6: Temptation's Trial

Back to the present:

Amelia demonstrated to her students how to act elegantly in front of people, regardless of whether their emotions were stable or not.

"Now, you all should pick a partner and ensure you practice together until you master it. But first, eat this. It will give you all different emotions. There's also a special challenge: anyone who successfully handles their emotions and escapes their space without fulfilling the desires given by the stone will receive a reward," Amelia explained, handing each student a small, shiny ball. Each ball was unique.

"Now, find your partner," she said, walking back to her post.

"Hey, Devon, let's partner up," Tris said, making her way over to him. However, Devon seemed to not hear her.

Before Tris could get closer, Devon stood up and walked over to Astrid.

"Hey, want to be my partner?" he asked, approaching her.

Astrid turned to see the caramel-skinned guy who had been staring at her intensely throughout the class. "Finished staring? You decided to talk now?" she asked, raising a brow.

"I'm sorry for staring so much. Your features are outstanding," he said, locking eyes with Astrid's sea-blue gaze.

"Ahem." Astrid cleared her throat, feeling awkward as he continued to stare deeply at her.

"*Cough* Sorry about that. Anyway, I'm Devon, and I'd like to be your partner," he said, stretching out his hand for a handshake.

"Well, I'm Astrid, and I don't mind you being my partner," she replied, shaking Devon's large hand. Her smaller hand seemed to disappear in his as his palm enveloped hers.

Tris, who had been watching and listening to their interaction from afar, clenched her fists in anger. "That cheap slut. What does Devon see in her?" she muttered under her breath.

"Calm down, Tris. He might not even like her. It's just a class activity," said a girl with raven-black hair, patting Tris on the shoulder to calm her.

Tris turned to see her friend. "You're right, Raven. It's just a class activity. Besides, there's no way Devon wouldn't fall for me—I've been pursuing him sincerely," she said with a forced smile, though her heart ached as she saw Devon chatting with Astrid, smiles all over his face.

"Definitely, Tris. Devon's yours. For now, though, would you be my partner for this activity?" Raven asked calmly.

"Sure. Let's sit there," Tris said, choosing a comfortable spot.

---

"Let's get started. Some people have already begun practicing," Astrid said calmly to Devon.

"Sure, but could you bring your chair over to my seat?" Devon asked, gesturing toward his seat at the edge of the class.

Astrid glanced at his seat. "Sly boy, trying to take me to his corner," she thought but said aloud, "Fine, then." She picked up her chair.

"Let me help," Devon said immediately, taking the chair from her hands like a gentleman.

A faint smile played on Astrid's lips as she watched his actions.

Soon, they were seated at Devon's spot at the edge of the classroom.

"Have you done this before?" Astrid asked, staring at the shiny stone in her hand.

"Yeah. Just pray you don't get the lust emotion," Devon replied with a friendly smile. "Alright, let's go." He swallowed the shiny crystal. His eyes closed immediately, and his posture straightened. Even with his eyes shut, he looked effortlessly elegant, almost like he was sleeping in style.

"Lust emotion? Weird," Astrid muttered as she swallowed her own shiny stone.

Immediately, she blinked and found herself in a completely different environment. Devon was sitting in front of her.

"Welcome to our personal space," Devon said, smiling.

Astrid looked around in awe. The sky was pink, with a serene lake surrounded by swans and flamingos. Doves flew above, and soft music played in the background.

"This place is beautiful... It's perfect for Valentine's Day," she murmured, her jaw slightly agape.

"Valentine's Day? What's that?" Devon asked, unfamiliar with the term.

Realizing her slip-up, Astrid quickly covered it up. "Valentine's Day? What's that?" she asked, feigning ignorance. Her eyes sparkled like she was hearing the term for the first time.

Seeing her intrigued expression, Devon felt it would be a shame to admit he didn't know. "Let's finish here first. Then I'll tell you all about it," he said confidently, flashing her an assuring smile.

"Hehe, I'll see how you figure that out," Astrid thought, though she allowed her expression to dim slightly, feigning sadness. "Alright. Don't forget," she said, laughing internally.

"Definitely. Shall we activate the crystals now?" Devon asked.

"Sure," Astrid replied, taking a deep breath. "I wonder what emotion I'll get," she thought.

Devon clapped twice, and a voice spoke.

"Hello, royals. Are you ready to activate your crystals? If yes, hit the green ball before you."

A green ball appeared on the table. Astrid glanced at Devon, who hit his first. She immediately followed suit, showing no hint of fear or hesitation.

Suddenly, a strange wave flowed through Astrid, making her clamp her legs tightly. "Fuck," she muttered under her breath.

She raised her head to meet Devon's gaze. His posture was calm, but his expression made it clear he was fighting the same battle.

"What's your emotion?" he asked, his voice slightly strained.

"Lust. You?" Astrid replied, noticing the bulge in Devon's pants.

"Same," he said, looking away from Astrid's inviting lips.

"What do we do now?" Astrid asked.

"Just don't... you know. Don't give in to it. We'll be fine," Devon replied, refusing to look directly at her.

"This should be easy. I've dealt with aphrodisiacs during my missions. I can handle this," Astrid thought, nodding at his suggestion.

The two sat in silence, staring at nothing, suppressing the raging desires within them.

Then the voice spoke again.

"Now we'll skip to the last stage."

Suddenly, their desires intensified drastically. Astrid's body reacted immediately, her arousal dripping onto the chair, soaking her panties and dress.

"This is fucking crazy!" Astrid exclaimed, her face flushed as she dug her nails into her palm, blood dripping but only serving to arouse her further.

The environment shifted, and they found themselves surrounded by large mirrors.

"What's going on?" Devon managed to ask, his voice thick with tension.