DELONIX [COMPLETED]

Chapter 45

Red POV

The look on Mr. Caddel's face was a chilling sight that sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if his gaze could strip away any semblance of courage or strength, reducing me to a mere trembling soul. In that moment, I couldn't help but recall the descriptions I had read about the unforgiving anger of a wolf, capable of inflicting great harm upon the weak and vulnerable. Sadly, I realized that my own powers were still undeveloped, leaving me defenseless against his wrath.

"Put it down and leave!" His voice sliced through the air, filled with a palpable sense of command. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, my body immobilized by an overwhelming fear that rendered me incapable of movement. It was as if the weight of his words had turned my legs into lead.

I noticed his impatience with my immobility, and he began to approach me. Panic surged through my veins, propelling me backward until I collided with the shelf that concealed the entrance to the secret room. My back hit the solid surface, and I cringed at the impact, but this time the shelf was already closed, sealing off any escape route.

I felt like a helpless prey, being meticulously observed by its relentless predator before the inevitable moment of devouring. He closed the distance between us, standing in front of me with an intensity that made the space between us feel suffocatingly small.

His eyes, once filled with a captivating glow, now darkened with a mix of frustration and something else I couldn't quite comprehend. They fixated on my left hand, and confusion swept over me. I followed his gaze and widened my eyes when I realized I was still clutching the bottle.

Is that why he's upset? I wondered, my mind racing to understand the cause of his sudden change in demeanor.

"U-Um, I-I'm s-sorry, I-I d-di-" I stammered, desperate to explain myself, but before I could utter another word, he seized the bottle from my hand with a forceful grip. The intensity of his grasp startled me, and though tears welled up in my eyes, I fought to hold them back, determined to remain strong.

Why is he acting this way? The question echoed in my mind, further fueling my confusion. Something was undoubtedly amiss. His eyes, once filled with warmth and kindness, no longer held that familiar glow. Instead, they seemed to harbor a doppelganger, one that despised the sight of me.

"Leave, Red!" he commanded, his voice laced with a mix of anger and frustration.

"But-" I attempted to protest, to demand an explanation, but his vehement interruption silenced me.

"I said get out!" he thundered, his words ringing in my ears. Overwhelmed, I fled from his office, tears streaming down my cheeks. The emotions that I had fought so hard to contain now rushed forth, cascading down my face with an intensity that matched the ache in my heart. Fortunately, the hallway was deserted, as classes were still in session.

Stepping outside the school building, I found myself frozen, staring at my reflection in the window. The sight that greeted me was disheartening. My eyes were bloodshot, as if I had been punched in both of them, mirroring the pain within my heart. Swiftly, I wiped away the tears, using the edge of my shirt to dab at the mucus that had escaped my nose.

I still couldn't comprehend what had just transpired between Mr. Caddel and me. What I did know, however, was that I needed to keep my distance from him. His behavior was an enigma, oscillating between treating me as though I were the most precious being in existence and recoiling as if I were a contagious disease he had to avoid at all costs.

The clamor of approaching footsteps reached my ears, and I knew that people were already making their way towards me. I couldn't bear the thought of having to answer questions about why I looked as though my heart had been shattered into a thousand pieces. It felt as if I had been dumped, emotionally and mentally.