Dark Allure

Mock Fight

I dodged Kyle's fist with ease, countering with a swift kick to his ribs that sent him flying. I turned my attention to Kennith, who hesitated, fear flashing across his face. With a smirk, I beckoned him forward, daring him to make a move.

Ava watched from the sidelines, her eyes wide with worry. She knew I was an exceptional fighter, but the sight of the blood made her queasy. Me, however, seemed unfazed, my movements fluid and precise.

As I landed a powerful punch on Kennith's jaw, the sound of a whistle cut through the air. Alberta, the fighting teacher, marched toward the commotion, her expression stern.

"Rose! What's going on here?" Alberta demanded, her voice echoing through the gymnasium.

I paused, my eyes narrowed in defiance. "They started it," I replied coolly. "I'm just finishing it."

Alberta glared at Kyle and Kennith, who shrank back under her gaze. She turned back to me, her lips pursed. "This isn't the way to handle things, Rose. You know better."

I rolled my eyes. "I know how to take care of myself, Alberta. You've taught me well."

Alberta sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Rose, you're one of my best students. Don't let your talent go to waste on petty fights like this. You have the potential to be a true champion."

Smirking, my confidence unwavering. "Don't worry, Alberta. I know exactly what I'm doing."

With a final glance at the defeated Kyle and Kennith, I strode off the mat, leaving a trail of blood in her wake. Ava rushed to my side, tears streaming down her face. I gave my friend a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Ava. I'm fine. No one can take me down."

Later that night, Ava sat across from me in the library, her fingers drumming nervously on the table. She kept stealing glances at me, worry etched on her face. I was still lost in thought though, my eyes scanning the pages of the book in front of me without really seeing them.

"Rose," Ava said softly, "are you okay?"

I looked up, my brow furrowed. "Of course, I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

Ava bit her lip, unsure of how to proceed. "It's just... the fight earlier. You seemed so angry, and I know you've been going through a lot lately."

I sighed, closing my book and leaning back in my chair. "Ava, I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. Really. I can handle myself."

Ava hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I know you can, Rose. But I'm not just talking about the fight. I mean... your parents. I know you're still searching for them, and that can't be easy."

I tensed, jaw clenching. "I don't want to talk about that, Ava."

Ava reached across the table, placing her hand on my arm. "Rose, you're my best friend. We've known each other since we were kids. You can talk to me about anything."

Looking away, my eyes brimming with unshed tears. "It's just... it's been so long, Ava. And every lead I follow turns out to be a dead end. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever find them."

Ava squeezed my arm, her heart aching for her friend. "Don't give up, Rose. You're the strongest person I know. If anyone can find them, it's you."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Ava. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Ava grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You'd be lost without me, that's what. Now, come on. Let's go get some ice cream. It'll make us both feel better."

I laughed, my mood lifting. "You're on."

The next day at first period, I stared out the window, my mind a million miles away from the droning voice of Mr. Dumont in our history class. My thoughts kept drifting back to the fight earlier and the weight of my search for my parents.

"Rose?" Mr. Dumont's voice cut through my thoughts, making me jump.

I turned to look at him, realizing with a sinking feeling that he'd been talking to me. "Yes?"

"If you wouldn't mind joining us here in the present, perhaps you could tell us the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

I felt my face flush with embarrassment, but before I could respond, Kyle chimed in from the back of the class. "Maybe she's too busy daydreaming about her next fight."

I bristled, clenching my fists under the desk. Kennith snickered, adding, "Yeah, or maybe she's just not as smart as she thinks she is."

Mr. Dumont sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's enough, boys. Rose, please focus on the lesson."

I nodded, my cheeks burning with anger and humiliation. I tried to focus on the class, but my emotions were running too high. I needed to get out of there.

Without a word, I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the classroom, slamming the door behind me. I leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm myself down.

I knew I shouldn't let Kyle and Kennith get to me, but their words had hit a nerve. And Mr. Dumont's condescending tone hadn't helped.

I closed my eyes, trying to center myself. I had to focus on what was important: finding my parents. Everything else was just noise.