Sweet Like Poison

Chapter 14

Zero

I should've skipped.

But the last thing I needed was another one of Ellis's lectures — all smug smiles and thinly veiled disappointment — reminding me I'm "setting a bad example for the Young Lady."

So here I was. Dragging myself through the pristine, oversized hallways of Twilight Academy.

The whispers started before I even rounded the first corner.

"That's him—"

"—the Dusker."

"—I heard he—"

"—monster—"

I clenched my jaw, shoving my hands into my pockets, head down, strides sharp enough to slice through the crowd. The sting of their words? It barely grazed me these days. But the sheer volume of it — the eyes, the gawking, the way they shrank back like I was diseased — yeah, that grated.

My gaze flicked up briefly. Some flinched. Some stared too long, testing their luck. Most looked away.

They didn't know the full truth — no one did. But they saw enough. That moment in the courtyard when my control slipped, when the shadows curled and my blade burst in that unholy flame— it was enough to spark rumors that refused to die.

Good. Let them be afraid.

Twilight's gothic arches and flickering enchantments blurred past as I moved, my focus locked on getting to class, suffering through it, and getting the hell out.

When I finally pushed the door open, the substitute standing at the front looked ready to faint. Some junior vampire hunter, probably straight out of training, pale as death and sweating through their uniform.

They stammered, "Ah—Master Zero, sir… welcome… I—"

I leveled them with a blank stare, unimpressed.

Master? Spare me.

Brushing past them, I slid into my usual seat by the window — the only corner of this suffocating place I could tolerate.

Outside, the rooftops of Solaria shimmered under the rising sun. Somewhere out there, Ellis was probably throwing Roxana into her first real test. Knowing that dork, it was most likely a private lesson on how to tap into her magic.

My jaw tightened. She wasn't ready for this— is what I would like to say. But after seeing her heal me, I do have a little faith in her. But just a little.

I rested my chin in my palm, eyes half-lidded, already counting down the minutes until I could ditch this circus.

The hum of the classroom dulled into background noise, my eyelids already heavy. The lecture was a blur — politics, vampire defense, something about new patrol rotations — none of it worth staying awake for.

My chin propped on my palm, I let my eyes drift shut, tuning out the static of bored students and the rustle of papers.

***

It was break time, surely a small nap wouldn't kill me. Goddess knows I could use the sleep—

"Good morning, Zero!"

The voice was so bright, so… painfully sweet, it sliced right through my half-conscious state. I cracked one eye open, gaze landing on the last thing I wanted to deal with: a girl.

Her dark hair framed her face in neat curls, glasses perched delicately on her nose. Her eyes practically sparkled behind the lenses, her lips curved into the kind of nervous smile people wear when they're either about to confess or vomit.

Behind her, a small herd of girls stood near the door, whispering frantically, throwing her clumsy thumbs-ups like they were rooting for a sports team.

I cocked my head, unimpressed. "What do you want?"

The girl fumbled, holding out a small, carefully wrapped box — red paper, golden bow, the works.

"I-I… um… brought these for you," she said, cheeks pink. "Don't listen to those dummies… what they say about you—"

Her eyes darted to the far end of the classroom where a group of guys snickered and whispered, no doubt spreading more nonsense about me.

"To me, you're a total hero," she rushed out, hands trembling slightly as she shoved the box into mine. "You… you protect us. You risk your life fighting those monsters out there…"

My brows lifted faintly, an unfamiliar flutter tightening low in my stomach. I stared at the box, still warm from her grip, the scent of chocolate faint beneath the wrapping.

"They're imported from Argentia," she explained, breathless with excitement. "They're… special. Only a few families get access."

"Consider it a small thank you… for keeping us safe."

Her words should've raised flags, but I was too distracted by the fact someone was thanking me, instead of spitting on my name.

I sighed through my nose, still half-expecting this to be some elaborate prank. But the sincerity dripping off her was hard to ignore.

"What's your name?" I asked, finally meeting her gaze.

She brightened, nearly stumbling over her own feet. "Mira. Mira Edolas. My father's on the congressional board."

Of course, I thought bitterly. Congressmen had their fingers in everything these days — policies, public image, but I shoved the thought down.

Whether I liked to admit or not, it wouldn't be right of someone of my position to deny the gift of someone with political power. I had a reputation too.

"Right…" I pocketed the box. "Tell your father thanks for the overpriced candy."

She flushed scarlet, eyes wide, before spinning on her heel and sprinting back to her friends — who immediately swarmed her, giggling and whispering like she just won the lottery.

I slumped back in my chair, tugging the chocolates out again, dangling the small box between my fingers. The corner of my mouth twitched upward — barely there, faint enough to vanish if anyone looked too closely.

A hero, huh? That's a new one.

I turned back to the window, the fragile smile lingering for a moment longer than I intended.

***

Ellis and Roxana appeared at last, stepping into the classroom long after the time Ellis said he'd have her back.

My jaw tightened. I'd been waiting, restless, the knot in my gut twisting tighter with every passing minute.

As they drew closer, I didn't hesitate. I reached out, catching Roxana's wrist and pulling her in close, my arm curling around her like a shield.

"Did Ellis do anything… weird to you?" My voice was low, but the edge was sharp enough to cut glass.

Roxana's eyes widened in surprise. "Why would you ask that?"

I threw a quick glance at Ellis, who simply whistled like he was above suspicion, his easy smile never wavering.

"Don't let the mature, pretty-boy act fool you," I muttered, voice tight. "He's a major player."

Ellis gasped as he tossed his long dirty blond hair to the opposite shoulder. "Me? A player? Come now, that's so scandalous! I can't help that the women fall for me with just a glance. How is that my fault?"

"It's your fault when you invite them into your bed every chance you get. You're supposed to be a holy man! Have some self-respect!"

"Says the school's Dark Prince that has girls fawning over him when he doesn't even show up for school! You're no better than me!"

Sparks flew between us, and Roxana was unfortunately caught in the middle of it.

She frowned, shooting Ellis a glare, but then her eyes softened as she looked back at me. "He's been teaching me, Zero. Nothing shady. Just... hard."

Hard or not, I wasn't about to let my guard down. I kept my hold firm, fingers digging lightly into her wrist. Her warmth under my arm was grounding, something real in this swirling mess.

"If that's all that happened I'll let it slide. This time. But you," I said, pointing at Ellis who tried to make a quick getaway. "I don't give a damn if you're helping her tap into her powers or what. Keep me waiting again like you did today, and I'll snap that stupid staff of yours in half!"

Ellis snorted, wiping a finger under his nose. "You really are like my little brother. You lecture me just like how I do you. But alright mister Dusker, next time I won't keep you waiting to reunite with your precious Elaine."

"My precious… What?" My cheeks felt hot. Looking down at where I was still holding onto her, I pulled away and briefly cleared my throat. "Don't make it sound like she's important to me or something— Ow!" I clutched my foot.

Roxana had her arms crossed with her head turned in defiance. "Well, if that's how you really feel, then you're not important to me either… Jerk."

"No! That's not what I meant!" I growled, my eyes darting toward Ellis who had slipped away during the chaos.

The lunch bell rang—sharp and insistent. The sound echoed through the courtyard, dragging me back to the present.

"Guess you were saved by the bell this time," Roxana said with a huff as she strode toward the door.

I stared in shock, arm half outstretched, then was completely wrapped in a feeling of unbridled rage.

"Ellis, you are so dead when I get my hands on you."

I rushed down the hall, searching for her. That's when I saw her, sitting outside in the courtyard beneath the shade of a large oak tree.

I sighed, brushing my hand through my dark locks. "Sometimes Zero, you can be a real idiot. I should probably go apologize to her."

By the time I made it to the courtyard, other students were settled down at picnic tables or sitting on the steps. I brushed past them and sat beside Roxana who ate delicately from a lunchbox Kieran undoubtedly made for her.

I scratched the back of my head, waiting for the words to come to me but I didn't know what to say.

"If you're thinking of trying to apologize, just don't even worry about it," she said, as if she was reading my mind.

I guess there wasn't much more to say. Without having to use words, we were finally on that level where it was like we didn't even need them. I couldn't help but smile, then remembered the gift I received earlier.

Maybe she'd like to share some of these.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the small, carefully wrapped box of chocolates. The red paper gleamed softly under the dappled courtyard light.

Roxana's eyes immediately snapped to it, curiosity flickering across her face. "Where did you get those?" she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice. "I didn't think you were into sweets. You've only ever been seen chugging coffee by the pint."

I smirked, setting the box gently on my lap as I met her gaze. "They were a gift. From one of our female classmates."

Her eyes narrowed playfully, that familiar jealous look sneaking back in. "A gift? Really?"

I raised an eyebrow. "No doubt a power move. Her dad works for the Empire. I'm probably just a pawn in some political game."

Roxana snorted softly. "Figures."

"But," I added, shrugging, "I've never actually gotten a gift before. So, I figured now might be as good a time as any to try one out."

She gave me a soft smile, eyes bright. "Well, I'm glad you did. You deserve it, I mean it."

I hesitated for a moment, then, with a bashful shrug, I held out the box toward her. "Want to share?"

Roxana's cheeks flushed as she smiled and nodded. She carefully peeled back the wrapping, the red paper rustling softly in the quiet courtyard. She lifted a piece of chocolate and let it melt slowly on her tongue, her eyes fluttering closed as she savored the unfamiliar richness.

"You've got a thing for all kinds of food, don't you?" I teased with a faint smirk.

She grinned, eyes sparkling in the dappled light filtering through the leaves above. "Hey, you'd be reacting the same way if you tried one. The way they melt in your mouth—it's perfect."

"Sure, fine," I muttered, plucking a piece for myself. The chocolate felt smooth and dense between my fingers, the faint scent sweet and foreign. I brought it to my mouth, the first bite promising a brief escape from the weight on my chest.

At first, it was just as she'd described. Sweet, melting. Addictive almost. Then, something went wrong.

A sharp heat exploded behind my eyes. A sudden, searing pain tore through my chest, like white-hot fire clawing its way into my ribs. My breath hitched in my throat. My fingers trembled as I crushed the chocolate in my palm.

A distant ringing hummed in my ears, drowning out the murmurs of the courtyard, the rustling leaves.

I swallowed hard, fighting to steady the wild pounding of my heart — or what felt like a heart. A hunger rose from the depths of my being, raw and savage, clawing to the surface.

Roxana's voice was soft, almost scared and distant through the haze. "Zero... are you okay?"

I pressed my hands against my thighs, digging my nails in, desperate to hold the storm back.

My vision blurred for a moment, edges darkening like ink spilling over parchment.

"Stay back," I rasped, voice rough like gravel. "Please don't make me beg. Just do as I ask." I bit my tongue, the taste of my own sweet copper flooding down my throat. But it was just a simple tease that left me wanting more.

She took a step closer, eyes wide and full of concern. "Let me help. I can heal you, please."

I snapped, my voice cracking like a whip through the still air. "No! Get away. Now." I shoved her gently but firmly aside, my hands shaking.

I tore at my collar, gasping for fresh air. My mind raced, trying to force the storm inside me to calm. But the heat kept spreading — not warmth, but something wild and dangerous, curling under my skin like wildfire.

The world tilted. My pulse roared in my ears, and every distant footstep, every flutter of wings in the trees, sharpened with brutal clarity. The courtyard blurred to shades of red and black, shadows warping at the edges of my vision.

I need Ellis. I need help. Now.

I dashed through the school grounds, every step fueled by raw, frantic urgency. But the path ended at a cold stone wall. I slammed against it, my face pressed against the rough cool surface, sweat stinging my eyes.

Footsteps echoed behind me, hesitant but purposeful.

"Zero," Roxana's voice trembled, "please, just tell me what's wrong. We can figure this out. Together."

A humorless, bitter laugh escaped me. "You don't understand. This isn't something you can fix. Not like that."

I turned slowly, my eyes blazing bright red in the shade, fangs bared just enough to glint in the fading light.

Roxana froze, her breath catching as she took a stumbling step back.

Her voice was barely a whisper, laced with disbelief and fear.

"Zero… you're a vampire."

I could feel the hot tears streaming down my face. Right when I thought someone believed in me, Mira, the one who called me her hero, when I thought I had someone on my side…. I was wrong.

I was foolish to fall for such an obvious trap.

And to top it off, the one person I didn't want to see me at my worst. Was you.