Lesso's POV
The glass shatters against the wall with a satisfying crash. I pick up another, watching as it bursts into a million pieces. I reach for another before realising all my whiskey glasses are in smithereens on the bedroom floor. Surveying the destruction I caused, the only things still intact are my potions kit and books – even the ancient oak cabinet in the corner wasn't spared in the onslaught. I realise it had done nothing to ease the panic rising like bile in my chest. With a furious cry, I make my way over to the bedside table. My hands are shaking uncontrollably as I withdraw an ornate silver blade and press it against my wrist. I don't even wince as I draw it down my arm. Ruby-red blood wells to the surface and collects in a pool at the base of my wrist. I make two cuts and then another three. Control. I focus on the pain, on the biting sting in my arm and find I can finally take a deep, clean breath. Control. Blood drips onto the floor, staining the stone.
I realise someone is knocking on the door. Fury crashes over me like a tsunami. Throwing the blade back into the drawer, I stomp over to the door, glass and splintered wood crunching underfoot. I hurl half a vase at the door, and it smashes against the wood. I fling the door open a crack, just so my face and crumpled white shirt are showing and find myself looking into the startled face of Emma Anemone.
"On the wrong side of the bridge, aren't you Professor?" I sneer, leaning on the doorframe casually but mindful to keep my arms hidden.
"Um, sorry to bother you, Lady Lesso, but-" I snort, like hell she was sorry. "But," she continues forcefully. "I was wondering if I could have the rest of the potion you made me. You did tell me to come back and, well, you weren't in your office so-"
"No, you can't," I say, cutting her off. I know it's petty, but I am still pissed off, and the potion is in my office.
"What? Why not?" I can't help thinking how much she looks like a flamingo in her stupid pink dress with ridiculous sleeves. I roll my eyes.
"Because I have better things to do than sit around all day making potions for beauty teachers." I am aware of the blood running down my hand and dripping onto the floor. I fight to retain control on my breathing.
"What?! Lesso, you're being unreasonable! You said last month that you'd give me the rest and I'm here to collect it. Bloody Nevers, you always- are you alright?" Anemone peers up at me with concern. I snap out of my stupor and stand upright again, taking a deep breath. It feels like I'm thinking through a haze.
"Yes, of course. Just waiting for you to leave," I say coldly. My voice sounds strained, and I pray she doesn't notice.
Anemone huffs and pushes against the door, trying to force her way in. Thankfully my body blocks her way. Something within me snaps and my carefully bottled emotions overflow momentarily: "I told you to leave!" I scream and slam the door in her face.
"Fuck," I breathe. It's been a while since I lost control like this.
In the bathroom, I bandage my hands and arms clumsily. The wolves howl in the distance, signalling breakfast. Cursing, I pull on a pair of black leather gloves and do my tie hurriedly not even bothering with a pin. I shrug on my heavy grey coat and leave the room.
The day crawls by. I am aware of my exceptionally foul mood and almost feel sorry for the fifteen students I've sent to the Doom Room. Finally, I sink down at my desk and shut my eyes against the blinding pain at my temples. I have not yet been game enough to return to my trashed room and instead prepare to settle in for yet another long night of work. I am pulling a pile of essays toward me when I remember we have a staff meeting at four. Shit. I have five minutes to get ready and get my arse over to the Good school.
