chapter eighteen

The student council office was filled with quiet murmurs as members debated the events for the academic session. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting shadows over the polished mahogany table where Selene sat with some other members of the council. The air carried the distinct scent of parchment and ink, a silent testament to the significance of their discussions.

Selene listened attentively as ideas were exchanged, her hands resting lightly on the table's surface. When the murmuring settled, she spoke.

"I suggest we host a masquerade ball on the final day of the session."

Several heads turned toward her, curious to see where she was going with the idea.

"It would be a grand occasion," she continued, her voice steady but she portrayed a certain amount of confidence in the way she carried herself. "A chance for students to celebrate the culmination of the academic year. It would also grant a rare opportunity for nobles to remain anonymous and enjoy themselves, allowing commoners and aristocrats alike to share a night without the burden of status."

The student council hall was filled with murmur from the council members who were at awe of the unique suggestions by Selene they all could not help but discuss it with those around them.

Selene waited, then added, "I would also like to propose a sword-fighting tournament." Her tone remained poised. "It would uphold the academy's deep-rooted tradition of combat excellence, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their skill. To add an element of excitement, the victor of each category or duel may present a rose to a lady of his choosing."

A few council members exchanged glances, weighing the proposal. It was Lord Cedric Greystone who leaned forward at last, his fingers drumming lightly against the table's surface.

"A competition would motivate students to sharpen their abilities, and foster a spirit of friendly rivalry," he remarked. "It could prove advantageous."

After extensive discussion, both of Selene's suggestions were approved, alongside several additional contributions from other members. By the time the meeting concluded, a tentative schedule for the academic session had been established.

As the council members collected their papers and began to depart, Selene's heartbeat remained steady, though she had anticipated this moment the need to speak with Keith Everhart.

Drawing in a breath, she approached him just as he rose from his chair. His golden eyes flicked toward her, his impatience thinly veiled beneath a carefully impassive expression.

"We need to talk."

His expression remained unreadable, though a hint of irritation sparked in his gaze.

"Here?" His voice was clipped.

"No," she replied smoothly. "The secluded garden behind the academy."

Keith studied her, as though considering refusal. Then, without a word, he pivoted and strode away, leaving Selene to follow.

The garden was still, enclosed by towering hedges, the only sounds the whisper of leaves in the light breeze. The scent of blooming roses lingered in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil.

Keith stood before her, his posture rigid, his golden eyes glinting with restrained hostility. He looked every bit the untamed predator, unwilling to lower his guard.

"Say what you need to say, Selene."

She exhaled, steadying herself.

"Our arrangement," she said, her voice unwavering. "We need to define its boundaries."

Keith scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "And you assume I'm still in agreement?"

Her gaze remained firm. "You need this as much as I do. Perhaps even more."

A muscle twitched in his jaw.

"This arrangement serves us both," she continued, her voice measured. "It keeps our parents content while granting us the freedom to lead our lives as we see fit."

Keith's lips curled into a smirk, though it lacked warmth. "How convenient for you. Standing beside me only elevates your standing."

Selene remained unshaken. "And it shields your lover from your father's interference."

His smirk wavered, however briefly.

Selene took a step forward, lowering her voice just enough to ensure her words were precise. "I have no interest in you, Keith. Not anymore. Whatever existed between us before is irrelevant. This agreement is nothing more than a means to an end."

A silence stretched between them, heavy and unrelenting. Then, finally, Keith let out a sharp breath, as though surrendering to an unseen battle.

"Fine," he muttered. "But we establish clear boundaries."

Selene inclined her head. "Agreed."

Selene gave the terms of the agreement"First when we are in public we will play the roles, of a devoted couple at academy functions and family gatherings, executing our deception perfectly".

"But beyond those moments, they would have nothing together. No interference, no entanglement Keith your affairs be your own, and it's the same with selene. No question and no obligations

And above all they had to ensure that their agreement was kept a secret from others. No one could ever uncover the truth, especially their families.

Yet, there was one concession. Each of them would confide in a single person someone they trusted enough to spare from the pain of misunderstanding.

When everything was finalized, Selene gave a curt nod, satisfied. "Then it's settled. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

With that, she turned and walked away, her steps purposeful, unhurried.

Yet, as she vanished from sight, Keith remained rooted in place, his expression unreadable.

His thoughts were tangled, not with Selene, but with Evangeline.How would this arrangement affect the woman he truly loved?