Kingsley Academy

Chapter 4

The next morning, Kingsley Academy is its usual whirlwind of students shuffling to and from classes, all trying to look as bored and detached as possible. But there's something different in the air today. It's charged, like everyone's waiting for something to happen. And they should be, because today is the day I take my power back.

I've spent the entire night thinking about Kade, replaying everything Cole told me. The scars. The abuse. The one thing that makes him vulnerable. For someone who walks around like he's untouchable, Kade has a weakness—and I'm going to expose it.

I spot him in the courtyard, leaning against one of the stone pillars with his usual entourage of admirers. He's laughing about something, the sun catching his dark hair, his sharp features set in that infuriatingly cocky expression. He hasn't noticed me yet, but he will soon.

"Kade," I say, loud enough for everyone to hear. He looks up, that smirk never leaving his face. Perfect. He still thinks he's in control.

"Well, well. If it isn't the princess herself," he drawls, pushing off the pillar and taking a step toward me. "Come to apologize?"

I tilt my head, giving him a smile that doesn't reach my eyes. "Apologize? No. I just figured it's time someone knocked the king off his little throne."

A murmur ripples through the crowd, but I don't care. I'm focused on Kade. His eyes narrow slightly, and I can see the flicker of irritation behind his confident facade.

"Oh, really?" he says, taking another step closer. "And who do you think is going to do that? You?"

I shrug, keeping my voice calm, casual. "I don't need to do anything. Everyone already knows the truth about you, Kade. That you're nothing but a coward hiding behind daddy's money and power."

Kade's smirk fades, replaced by something darker. "Careful, Allison," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't want to push me."

But I step closer, refusing to back down. "Push you? You're already on the edge, Kade. You walk around here like you're untouchable, but we both know that's a lie."

His jaw tightens, and I can see the fury building in his eyes. But before he can respond, I lean in slightly, lowering my voice just enough for the crowd to lean in, straining to hear.

"What's the matter, Kade?" I say, my voice dripping with mock concern. "Afraid Daddy's going to come down here and give you a beating? Like he used to?"

A deadly silence falls over the courtyard. Kade's face pales, and for a moment, I can see the raw anger and panic flash in his eyes. The crowd is stunned, frozen, as my words sink in.

Kade's fists clench at his sides, and for a second, I think he might actually hit me. His entire body is trembling with rage, but I don't flinch. I stand my ground, my chin held high, daring him to make a move.

"You don't know what you're talking about," he growls through gritted teeth, his voice barely controlled.

"Oh, I think I do," I say, my voice cold and unrelenting. "All that tough guy act, all that power? It's nothing. You're just a scared little boy who couldn't even stand up to his own father. Everyone here thinks you're some kind of god, but I know the truth. And now they do too."

Kade's breath is coming faster, his eyes blazing with pure fury. The crowd is dead silent, hanging on every word, watching him unravel. And that's when I know I've won.

His hand shoots out, knocking a nearby trashcan so hard it crashes into the stone wall with a deafening bang. The metal clatters, the sound echoing through the courtyard, making everyone flinch.