Echoes of Betrayal

Chapter Two Karyna

The autumn breeze rustled through the trees as I made my way across the academy grounds, my mind buzzing with thoughts of classes and assignments. I had no time for distractions.

As I rounded a corner, I nearly collided with Alexander, his arrogant presence grating on my last nerve. Alexander Stormwood, with his smug demeanor and entitled attitude, stood before me like a thorn in my side.

"Well, well, if it isn't the charming Alexander Stormwood," I remarked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "What brings you to this delightful corner of the academy?"

Alexander arched an eyebrow, his smirk infuriatingly smug. "Ah, Karyna Dagon," he drawled, his tone oozing with false charm. "How lovely to see you."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Save the pleasantries, Stormwood. We both know you're not fooling anyone."

He chuckled, the sound grating on my nerves. "My, my, aren't we in a pleasant mood today? Did someone forget to wake up on the right side of the bed?"

I narrowed my eyes, fighting to keep my temper in check. "Don't push your luck, Stormwood. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

He smirked, unfazed by my warning. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, Dagon. Truly, I am."

I gritted my teeth, struggling to maintain my composure. "You know, Stormwood, I've been meaning to ask you something."

He raised an eyebrow, his expression one of feigned interest. "Oh? And what might that be, Lovely?"

I bristled at the nickname, the thinly veiled insult not lost on me. "Don't call me that," I snapped, my voice sharp with irritation. "I'm not your 'Lovely' anything."

He shrugged, his smirk widening. "Suit yourself, Lovely. But you must admit, it has a certain ring to it."

I resisted the urge to punch him, settling instead for a withering glare. "You're impossible, Stormwood. Truly impossible."

He chuckled, the sound maddeningly infuriating. "And yet, here we are, having the time of our lives."

I shook my head in disbelief, turning on my heel and stalking off in the opposite direction. "Don't hold your breath, Stormwood. This is far from over."

And as I stormed away, his laughter echoing in my ears, I couldn't help but wonder how two people could dislike each other so intensely without ever having exchanged a single word. But one thing was for certain: Alexander Stormwood was going to be a thorn in my side for a long time to come.

I couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that gnawed at me from within. It seemed that no matter where I turned, he was always there, like a shadow lurking in the darkness, waiting to pounce.

But as much as I loathed to admit it, there was something about him, something that drew me in despite my better judgment. Perhaps it was his infuriating charm, or maybe it was the challenge of besting him at his own game.

Whatever it was, one thing was clear: Alexander was not someone to be taken lightly.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed the figure approaching from behind until a voice shattered the silence like a thunderclap.

"Karyna!"

I turned to see Lyra hurrying towards me, her expression one of concern. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I forced a smile, pushing aside my thoughts of Alexander for the moment. "I'm fine, Lyra. Just... dealing with a minor inconvenience, that's all."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "If you say so. But if you ever need to talk, you know where to find me."