Regicide [ORIGINAL SERIES]

14. Academy's Return Arc.

Reputation.

PREVIOUSLY...

"Where's Felix? Doesn't he usually walk with you?" Amy asked, her tone mingling relief with a tinge of curiosity.

Madeline gave a sheepish chuckle, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she confessed, "Well... I might have suggested he take a different route today, after spotting you here."

Amy let out a soft sigh, her relief palpable yet laced with a hint of concern. "You didn't have to do that for me," she said, her gratitude shining through despite her words.

Madeline shrugged, an easy smile playing on her lips. "No, it's fine. Honestly, I've been getting a bit fed up with his attitude recently," she admitted, as they continued their walk, the rain creating a serene backdrop to their conversation.

———
5:30AM

Amy and Madeline made it to the Academy just in time, their arrival sparking whispers and turning heads in the hallways. It was clear that the Haeni's return was a big deal. Felix followed a bit behind them, his looks towards Amy filled with clear disapproval, even as he kept a careful distance.

The air buzzed with excitement as they walked through the halls. They were quickly greeted by Vanessa, a senior and the school's nurse, also in Felix's class. Seeing Vanessa reminded Amy of past events, but her thoughts were quickly interrupted by Vanessa's warm welcome.

"Madeline, you're back," Vanessa exclaimed, her voice a melody of genuine delight. "And hello, Amy."

Madeline responded with a playful wink, her charisma unfading. "Sure am. Still reigning as the top nurse, Nessa?" she inquired with a lightness that belied the weight of her recent absence.

Vanessa nodded with a smile."It's great seeing you again. Let's hope there's no encore of the fight club; you know how much the students appreciate having you around."

Laughing, Madeline said, "I'll keep that in mind. Though I can't make any promises on Felix's behalf," she quipped, her humor not lost on her companions.

As they conversed, Felix approached his locker nearby, instantly becoming the center of attention among the male students. His arrival, though less celebrated than his sister's, did not go unnoticed at all.

"Hey, Felix," Vanessa called, catching his attention. As he turned, a smile that could only be described as disarmingly charming spread across his face.

"Just so you know, our class has been moved next door to the old one. Make sure you remember," she said, her tone friendly. They are in the same grade as senior 2, and there had been rumours about them, hints of romance, but their interaction was nothing but cordial and warm.

Felix's grin widened. "You're always looking out for me. Thanks, Ness." He quickly gathered his books and made his way toward the classroom, immediately becoming the center of attention. His peers crowded around him, eager to catch up on his suspension period and fill him in on the latest school gossip.

"Tsk." Amy couldn't hide her disdain, her eyes rolling at the sight. Vanessa let out a light laugh at the scene before she too headed off to her first class.

Madeline, ever the peacemaker, broke the tension. "Shall we head to our class?" she suggested, ready to start the day afresh.

———
6:56AM