Chapter 54: A Brewing Storm
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
In the aftermath of the chaos at the drama club, all involved students were rounded up and taken to the police station, save for one exception–Carolyn. She stayed behind, seemingly to take care of minor matters, such as assisting in the cleanup and offering support to those in
shock
It was strange how the entire incident seemed disconnected from her, yet whispers among the club members painted a different picture. Apparently, Carolyn had brought the fruit knife to school, claiming it was to slice fruits for lunch. She had also stepped in during the fight, attempting to mediate between Adam and Ryan. But what truly caught my attention was how she openly admitted that Ryan had stripped Chloe of her role at her request.
This strange sequence of events unsettled me. I couldn’t shake the eerie feeling creeping into my thoughts. Carolyn’s actions and timing felt too deliberate, as though she orchestrated the chaos yet remained unscathed. However, I didn’t want to accuse her unjustly. It
Would i
be wrong to place all the blame on a single girl just because others were jealous of her beauty and confidence. That logic seemed overly simplistic and unfair.
Later that evening, during training, I recounted the incident to Aldrich.
He frowned deeply. “Students using knives in a fight? That’s reckless. Impulse is no excuse for such behavior. The police and the injured parties won’t let them off lightly.
‘Exactly,” I agreed, wiping the sweat from my forehead with a towel. “Three people were seriously injured. It’s bound to make headlines tomorrow. Reporters were swarming around the school like vultures. Sivir Academy won’t have a moment of
peace now.”
Aldrich nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. Some tabloids thrive on sensationalism. They’ll twist the story into something scandalous to draw attention. You should remind your classmates to keep their personal information private. Otherwise, ridiculous headlines like ** Scandalous Secrets of Sivir Academy* or *A Beauty’s Jealousy Sparks Violence‘* might dominate the news.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “How do you know so much about how tabloids operate? Have they written stories about you before?”
He shook his head. “Not directly. They tend to steer clear of those with high status. But soldiers, especially those from civilian backgrounds, aren’t exempt. The press loves to stir trouble, even if it means targeting those who defend them.”
The disdain in his voice mirrored my growing frustration. “That’s vile. Exploiting the sacrifices of soldiers for a few headlines? It’s like they feed on blood and chaos.”
I made a mental note that if I ever ascended as Queen, I would consider reforming media
wan
repulations To be a great later, I need that pudica and rasaan gepraat
wh
After training, Aldrich and redreted to the fryer, wwww wwe www des The sweet aroma filled the alt, providing a small rep from the day’s women.
reps
“Winter break is just around the common fles wgy The Moong Pestival is next week Have you decided what you’ll play this year
The Moonlight Festival was one of the ment cheed tradits www sy celebration of the Moon Goddess’s blessings on this day, the wires took on roles as the Moon Goddess herself, her maidservants, or legendary Valkyries Mauble, the be–wohes played as her guards, followers, or devoted admiters
Aldrich smiled. “What about you? What role are you considering
“I’d like to portray the Moon Goddess,” I admitted, a stry unite spreading press my face.” The Queen has prepared stunning dresses and acessories for me. I’d hate for her Mons to go
to waste.”
I recalled my human days, when the Moonlight Restival felt like a distant dream. Back then, 1 rarely participated, knowing that I didn’t quite belong on the few occasions 1 accended, 1 chose the most inconspicuous roles, blending into the background to avoid judgment Now, the idea of standing out as the Moon Goddess felt both thrilling and surreal.
Aldrich chuckled. “Then I’ll play a shepherd enchanted by the goddess’s radiance. I’ll name him Aldrich, of course.”
His playful tone brought a smile to my face. “A shepherd in love with the Moon Goddess? Howar romantic!”
With mock seriousness, he recited, “I will follow, respect, and love you forever. Wherever the moonlight falls, my heart will find peace. Please guard my heart, and if it ever wavers, let me become a firefly basking in your glory.”
I laughed softly. “There’s no firefly as handsome as you, Mr. Shepherd.”
Our exchange ended with a sweet kiss, tasting faintly of chocolate waffles. As much as I wanted to linger in his company, curfew was approaching, and Aldrich had to return to his
post.
“See you tomorrow,” I said, reluctantly hugging him goodbye. “Maybe we can discuss your costume then? I’ll ask the Queen to recommend a few skilled tailors.”
Aldrich kissed my forehead gently. “We’ll follow your will, Your Highness.”
The next morning, as expected, reporters besieged the school gates. The chaos was so intense that the school had to enlist police assistance to create a path for the students. Even so, the journalists persisted, thrusting microphones toward anyone who dared approach.
Chapter 54 A Brewing Stor
The chauffeur who drove me to school clicked his tongue in annoyance. “This is madness. These reporters are like flies, buzzing around for any scrap of information. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had informants planted in every institution, waiting for a story to pounce
on.”
Once I managed to evade the reporters, I arrived at the classroom, only to find my classmates whispering amongst themselves. Their hushed tones carried an air of intrigue and concern. “What’s going on?” I asked Dorothy, who was nibbling on a piece of dry whole–grain bread for breakfast.
Her expression darkened as she swallowed her bite. “You haven’t heard? Something’s happened again.”
The ominous–tone in her voice sent a chill down my spine. Whatever had occurred, it was clear that the storm brewing around Carolyn, the drama club, and the recent fight was far from
over.
