Something

Chapter 7

"What are you thinking about?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin. "Shit, Xander, don't do that!"

It's been a month since Xander and I decided to be "friends," though it often felt like he was trying to redefine that term daily. His presence was constant and, at times, overwhelming. I'd see him in all my classes, and every time I looked back, he'd be there, grinning like a cat that just caught a mouse. If I questioned him about his relentless pursuit, he'd just smile and walk away, leaving me more confused than before.

The rumors about me trying to steal Xander from Avannah had mostly died down. People had become more friendly, and I had a sneaking suspicion that Xander had something to do with it.

So, here I was, walking through the school garden, lost in thought when Xander's voice startled me. "I'm sorry," he said, though his smile betrayed any semblance of genuine remorse.

I couldn't help but smile back as I picked a white rose. White roses had always been my favorite. Their purity and simplicity always brought me comfort.

"Go away," I said, though my tone lacked conviction.

"I don't want to," he replied, leaning casually against a nearby tree. "Besides, being with you is much better than what I originally planned."

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the fluttering in my chest. "I feel so honored," I said sarcastically, and he sighed dramatically.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered, his eyes softening.

I chose to ignore the comment, focusing instead on the surrounding beauty of the garden. The trees were lush, and the flowers painted the landscape with vibrant colors.

"Wanna do something fun today?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Like what, Xander?" I asked, genuinely curious but also wary of his impulsiveness.

"Like going to my kingdom," he said with an exaggerated flourish.

"So, you want us to sneak out of school, leave this territory unguarded, and go to your realm?" I asked, incredulity dripping from my voice.

"Exactly," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"How about no?" I replied firmly.

"Why not?" he persisted.

"Leaving this place to go to your kingdom is dangerous, especially for me. You know that. I have zero abilities and an allergic reaction to dogs' fur," I said, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

"You're allergic to dogs?" he asked, seemingly surprised.

"Is that the only thing you caught?" I asked, exasperated.

"Aisha," he said, taking a step closer.

"We aren't high school kids, you know. So, no, I won't sneak out of school with you," I said firmly.

"I'm sorry for this then," he said, his voice tinged with something that resembled regret.

Before I could react, everything went black.

When I came to, I was lying on the back seat of a moving car. My eyes fluttered open, and I quickly shut them, disoriented by the unfamiliar sensation.

"I'm sorry, Aisha," Xander's voice was soft, but the remorse didn't quite reach his eyes.

"What for?" I asked, my voice coming out as a harsh whisper. The disappointment in my tone was evident. "Is it because you failed to respect my decision or because you kidnapped me?"