Breaking Rules ( Radioapple )

The Hidden Truth - Part 5

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It had been a week.

A week since Alastor found Lucifer beaten up in his classroom, and he still hadn't woken up. Alastor's days had become a blur of classes and restless nights. The visits to the hospital had ceased; he couldn't bear the sight of Lucifer lying motionless, the machines beeping rhythmically as if mocking his inability to help.

Alastor had fallen back into old habits, the familiar sting of the blade a perverse comfort in the chaos. He hadn't told anyone, not Angel, not Husk, not even Niffty. He didn't want to worry them, or worse, burden them with his problems. He convinced himself that it was better this way.

This morning, the weather seemed determined to test him. The heat was oppressive, making his dorm room feel like an oven. Alastor stood in front of his closet, staring at his clothes. His only clean long-sleeved shirt was a turtleneck, far from ideal for the sweltering day ahead. But it was better than exposing the angry red lines that crisscrossed his arms.

He pulled the turtleneck over his head, wincing as the fabric brushed against the tender skin. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, pale and drawn, eyes haunted by sleepless nights and relentless worry. Shaking his head, he grabbed his bag and headed out the door, determined to get through another day.

When he entered the common room, Angel, Husk, and Niffty were already there, chatting and getting ready for the day. Angel was the first to notice him, his eyes narrowing in concern.

"Hey, Al. You alright? You look like you haven't slept in days," Angel said, frowning.

"I'm fine," Alastor replied, forcing a smile. "Just...a lot on my mind."

Niffty bounded over, her usual energy a sharp contrast to Alastor's lethargy. "It's really hot today! Aren't you boiling in that turtleneck?"

Alastor shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm fine. I get cold easily, you know?"

Husk, who had been watching silently, gave Alastor a skeptical look. "Yeah, well, make sure you stay hydrated. Last thing we need is you passing out."

"Thanks, Husk," Alastor said, grateful for the change of subject.

They headed out together, the sun beating down relentlessly. Alastor could feel the sweat pooling under his shirt, each step an effort to maintain composure. As they walked across campus, he found himself lagging behind, his energy drained by the oppressive heat and the weight of his secret.

At one point, Angel reached out to grab Alastor's arm, intending to pull him into their conversation. Alastor flinched, jerking his arm away instinctively. Angel's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, Alastor thought he might have given himself away.

"Whoa, sorry, Al. Didn't mean to startle you," Angel said, his tone light but his eyes searching.

"No, it's...it's fine. Just lost in thought," Alastor stammered, avoiding Angel's gaze.

—

Vox paced back and forth, his agitation palpable. "I can't believe Alastor wasn't there when I visited Lucifer," he spat, frustration evident in his voice. "I would have loved to see the look on his face as I beat Lucifer up."

Alastor's father, leaning against the wall with a calm, calculated demeanor, merely shrugged. "Patience, Vox. We've played it low for long enough. It's time we escalate our efforts."

Vox paused, turning to face him. "And what exactly do you propose?"

A sinister smile curled Alastor's father's lips. "We need to torment Alastor. We've been biding our time, but now we need to act."