The Twilight Children//The School for Good and Evil

20 ~ Training

. : Sebastian of Havfrue : .

"I don't know why you are moping so much," Sebastian spoke. He was sitting on his bed, hands braced on his thighs. The eggshell breeches were tight, and his coat and vest laid haphazardly across his pillow. He had been in the process of buttoning up his white shirt when Tedros dragged himself back into the room. "You made it through the Trial by Tale."

Tedros looked up at him; his eyes were red-rimmed. "I fell for it. I thought she was going to be the next Queen of Camelot," He twisted so he was on his side instead of his stomach on his bed. "Instead, I've made a fool of myself and of the school. I got saved by a girl, and nearly got myself killed, all trying to prove that Sophie was in the wrong school when she clearly isn't."

Sebastian huffed, running a hand over his face and threading it through his auburn hair. Tedros had been sulking for days now, ignoring everything he could. He loved the man like a brother, but this was one of two things that were frustrating him.

He hadn't heard a peep from Laura since the trial ended. The magic was eating at his soul, taking away little bits of happiness. He could feel any semblance of joy leeching from him, leaving him with nothing but sadness, frustration, and anger. Sebastian was beginning to see how it could drive a person insane. All he wanted was for it to either be gone or for it to be under control. Not to mention he was fucking cold. All the time. Even in swordplay, he was shivering.

"Tedros, are you going to leave the room today?" 

Sebastian looked up as Nikolas entered the room. The tall dark-skinned boy glanced at Tedros, and then back at Sebastian, who shook his head. 

Nikolas shrugged and grabbed his coat off his bed. "I'll bring you back some food before class."

Sebastian waited until Nikolas had left the room before speaking again. "Tedros, I understand that you are upset. I understand that it sucks being embarrassed, but for fuck's sake you are acting like your father," It was a low blow and Sebastian knew it, but anything to get the damn boy out of bed. "You messed up! But guess what, good still goes on. Only the best evil can disguise itself as good, so you fell for it. You need to get your ass out of bed and get back to work. You can still win this fight, but only if you go back to your life!"

The room was silent for a moment, and Sebastian nearly regretted his outburst, until Tedros let out a heavy breath and sat up. 

"Fine," Tedros spoke. "But don't ever fucking compare me to my father again."

Sebastian nodded once but remained seated, watching Tedros dress and comb his hair. He didn't look entirely better, but at least he was moving.

Sebastian stood and finished dressing, ignoring the way anger and stress dragged sharp nails along his spine. The magic was acting up. Finally, both boys were out of the door and in the hallway. 

"You should really thank Agatha as well," Sebastian spoke, once Tedros had visibly calmed. "She did save your life."

Tedros snapped crystal blue eyes to his face, scanning. "Are you okay? You've been acting weird."

Sebastian glanced at Tedros before turning his gaze back to the hall as they walked to the long staircase. "I am fine."

It didn't seem enough to satisfy Tedros, but he didn't press it. A small wave of guilt pushed at Sebastian's conscious. He didn't like keeping secrets from Tedros, but he feared for his friend's safety. He knew it had created a rift between them, yet he didn't say anything.

They climbed down the stairs, their boots clicking on the glass until they got to the bottom. 

They approached the banquet hall, and Sebastian hesitated. Laura leaned against the wall outside. Her chocolate brown hair had been braided and pulled back into a bun, and she wore the pink-coloured uniform, looking entirely unimpressed with him as they approached. In one hand, she held a few black discs.