Whispers of Worlds Beyond: A Series - Chapter 48

Chapter 48: Defend Your 10th Place Chapter 48: Defend Your 10th Place The room bustled with lively chatter and the clinking of silverware, but at one particular table, three boys sat slouched, their faces reflecting exhaustion from the night’s misadventures.

Aiden poked absentmindedly at his toast, Sevan sipped his tea in resigned silence, and Adrian attempted- poorly- to appear unaffected, though the dark circles under his eyes betrayed him.

Sevan finally broke the silence.

“I’m serious, Adrian.

Never again.

Whatever your ‘plans’ are, count me out next time.” “Come on, Sevan, admit it.

Last night was kind of exciting.

Besidesss, technically, we didn’t start the fight.

Shiloh did.” Adrian grinned.

Aiden shot him a tired look.

“You threw a karatula stone at him.

You started it.” “Semantics.” Before Aiden could argue further, a familiar voice interrupted their table.

“Morning, sleepyheads!” The three boys looked up to see Morrigan and Amihan approaching with their breakfast trays.

Morrigan, as always, exuded energy while Amihan followed more quietly, her violet eyes warm with concern as she took in their weary faces.

“You all look awful,” Morrigan stated bluntly, plopping down across from Adrian.

“What happened to you three?” Amihan hesitated, her voice soft.

“Did you not sleep well?” Adrian made a show of waving a hand dismissively.

“Oh, you know, just another quiet night of being unjustly persecuted.” Morrigan raised an eyebrow.

“Unjustly persecuted?

That’s a new one, even for you.” “What he means,” Aiden cut in, giving Adrian a look, “is that we got into a fight with Shiloh last night, got caught, and ended up with detention.” Morrigan’s eyes widened in shock.

“Wait-Shiloh?

You fought Shiloh?

What on earth happened?” Aiden and Sevan exchanged glances, neither looking particularly eager to recount the details.

Adrian, however, leaned forward with dramatic flair.

“Picture this: a dark hallway, shadows everywhere, and one overconfident Shiloh lurking where he shouldn’t be.

Naturally, we had to investigate-” “You mean you decided to pick a fight,” Sevan interrupted.

“Semantics,” Adrian said again, waving him off.

Morrigan sighed, rubbing her temples.

“Let me guess- Professor Flinders caught you.” “Bingo.” Amihan’s expression grew troubled.

“But…

detention?

For all three of you?” “Yup,” Sevan muttered, his tone flat.

“Flinders dragged us to his office, lectured us for an eternity, and handed out detention like it was candy.” “But what about Shiloh?” Morrigan asked, frowning.

“Didn’t he get in trouble too?” Adrian snorted.

“Of course not.

Flinders practically has him on a pedestal.

He said Shiloh had his own reasons for being out of bed.

Probably sucking Shiloh’s dick from the way he’s acting.” “That’s ridiculous,” Morrigan said, crossing her arms.

“If he was out of bed too, he should’ve gotten detention just like you guys.” “That’s what we said.

But Flinders wouldn’t hear it.

As far as he’s concerned, we’re the villains, and Shiloh’s some misunderstood hero.” Aiden sighed.

Amihan bit her lip, her gaze softening as she looked at Aiden.

“I’m sorry…

that doesn’t seem fair at all.” “It’s not,” Aiden said simply, though his tone was calm.

Morrigan leaned back with a sigh.

“Honestly, I don’t know why you even bother.

Everyone knows Shiloh can get away with anything because his family is part of the court of Soleil.

Next time, just leave him to it.” “Trust me,” Sevan said dryly, “there won’t be a next time.” Adrian raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes.

“Oh, don’t be so sure.

You never know what kind of adventures the night might bring.” “I’m serious, Adrian.

I will lock you in your room if I have to.” Morrigan laughed, clearly amused by their dynamic.

“You three are hopeless.” Amihan, who had been quietly observing, suddenly spoke up.

“Even if you got in trouble…

thank you.

For everything.

Yesterday, I mean.” Her voice was soft, but her gratitude was genuine, and Aiden nodded in response.

“It wasn’t a big deal.

We just wanted to help.

Morrigan smirked.

“Well, it is a big deal.

You earned some respect from us, at least.

But maybe try not to land yourselves in detention next time.” Adrian grinned.

“No promises.” As the conversation between the group grew livelier, the soft hum of the dining hall buzzed in the background.

Adrian had just made a sarcastic remark about Morrigan’s ability to tame chaos when a new figure approached their table.

Ivara gracefully slid into the seat beside Aiden, her piercing blue eyes scanned the group as she placed her tray down.

“Morning,” she greeted casually.

Adrian raised an eyebrow.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our favourite warrior elf.

What brings you to our little circle of chaos today?” Ivara smirked, ignoring the jibe, and took a sip of her drink before leaning back in her seat.

“Just thought I’d check in on the infamous trio.

Word travels fast, you know.

Fighting in the halls, detention with Flinders, and yet here you all sit like nothing happened.” Morrigan snorted.

“Ivara, you act like you’re surprised.” Ivara shrugged.

“Not really.

I half expected one of them to lose a limb, but I see you’re all intact.

Boring, honestly.” Her gaze flicked to Aiden.

“Speaking of boring…

it’s been dull without a good fight since that whole Shiloh and Emmeranne thing.” She took a casual sip from her glass before smirking at Aiden.

“So, I’ve decided I want to duel you.” The table went silent.

Adrian stopped mid-bite, his fork hanging in the air.

“Wait. You want to duel Aiden?” “What for?” Sevan asked cautiously, already sensing trouble.

“The 10th place,” Ivara said casually.

Aiden frowned, his expression guarded.

“You’re serious?” “Do I look like I’m joking?” Adrian immediately burst into laughter.

“I’m sorry-this is the best thing I’ve heard all week.” From the nearby table, Rupert Lons Dalate snorted into his coffee.

“Ivara, you’re actually insane.

Challenging him?” He leaned back, grinning as he pointed a thumb at Aiden.

“Good luck not getting roasted.” Jarek, seated a few chairs away, raised an eyebrow.

“Aiden versus Ivara?

Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.” “Don’t,” Sevan muttered, rubbing his temples.

“Don’t encourage this.” At the far end of the hall, Shiloh glanced over from his seat and smirked.

“Aiden?

Fighting Ivara?

That’s going to be a short match.” “I could say the same about your duel with Emmeranne,” Aiden shot back.

Shiloh scowled, returning to his breakfast without another word.

Amidst the murmurs and reactions, Emmeranne appeared behind Ivara.

She stood silently for a moment, before her cold, unflinching gaze landed on Ivara.

“You’re challenging him?” she asked softly, her voice low and measured.

Ivara turned to look at her, unbothered.

“Yes.

Why?” Emmeranne tilted her head slightly, her black hair falling over her shoulder.

“He’ll win.” The table stilled again, and Ivara’s grin widened.

“We’ll see about that.” Aiden sighed, setting his utensils down and leaning back in his chair.

“Fine.

If you want a duel, you’ll get one.

But don’t expect me to hold back.” “Good,” Ivara said simply.

Adrian’s grin returned in full force as he leaned in.

“Oh, this is going to be fun to watch.” “It’s going to be a disaster,” Sevan muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

Rupert chuckled, folding his arms.

“I’ve got ten coins on Aiden.” Jarek smirked.

“Ivara’s got the precision, though.

I’m betting on her.

If she wins you have to do the dare I told you last time to Shiloh.” Rupert groaned.