𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒚𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎 | Riven

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═━ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 ━═

Fallin shadowed Rosalind as she moved briskly from her office to the courtyard, keeping her expression neutral as Rosalind listed off tasks without so much as a glance in her direction.

"Make sure these reports get to the faculty meeting by noon, and send a reminder to all first-year students about the revised class schedule. Oh, and review the weekly expenditure reports and bring them to me by tomorrow," Rosalind said, each instruction landing with a cold efficiency.

Fallin nodded, maintaining her composure. "I'll take care of those after my checkup in the greenhouse," she replied.

Rosalind's gaze shifted to her, a faint hint of curiosity in her sharp eyes. "How are you feeling without your magic?" she asked, her voice almost indifferent, as if she were asking about the weather.

Fallin hesitated, glancing down. "I feel... powerless. Drained. Like a part of me is gone." She tried to keep the vulnerability out of her voice, but a hint slipped through.

Rosalind didn't respond, her gaze drifting back to the courtyard as they walked. The silence stretched on until Fallin finally asked, "Why am I your new secretary, anyway? Beatrix was doing this before, wasn't she? She lost her magic too. Why does she have to do school chores while I get to do her job?" She paused, a trace of defiance in her voice. "It's a bit harsh on her, don't you think?"

Rosalind stopped walking, her expression unreadable as she turned to face Fallin. "You seem to forget that I am the headmistress, Fallin. I can appoint anyone I choose as my assistant."Fallin's brow furrowed, but she pressed on. "Then why me?"

Rosalind regarded her for a moment, a faint smile ghosting her lips. "I'm doing this for your mother's sake. She was one of my best students, a woman of remarkable potential. It would be a shame to see that potential wasted in you."

Fallin swallowed, absorbing the weight of Rosalind's words. She continued to walk beside Rosalind, her thoughts a jumble of frustration and resignation. She was about to speak up again when Musa approached, looking slightly flustered but determined to make a good impression.

"I finished cleaning the bathrooms and even helped Doris prep for tonight, all before lunch," Musa said, her voice carrying a hint of pride as she brushed a stray hair back.

Rosalind raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And?" Musa shifted, glancing between Rosalind and Fallin. "I was hoping, once I've had my checkup at the greenhouse, I could maybe have the afternoon off."

Rosalind narrowed her eyes, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "So, you get a break while the students study their magic?" Her tone was icy. "Be grateful you're still here. You both should be."

Musa's face fell, her shoulders slumping as Rosalind continued. "Come to my office. I'll find you something to do." She turned to Fallin with a dismissive look. "Fallin, you're dismissed."

Fallin sighed, throwing Musa a small, sympathetic smile before nodding. She glanced to the side, catching sight of Bloom, Stella, and Aisha standing nearby, watching them with looks of quiet sadness. 

Fallin quickly looked away, unwilling to see the pity in their eyes. Bloom was out there every day, risking her life to lure Sebastian, who turned out to be a Blood Witch into a trap, while she was stuck here, organizing papers and completing menial tasks. She clenched her fists, feeling the familiar sting of resentment building in her chest.

Without another word, she turned on her heel, heading toward the greenhouse. As she walked, her mind churned with thoughts of what she'd lost—and what she could still reclaim.