The Long Way Back | Lady Lesso

Chapter 6

The next morning began with the sharp resonance of Lady Lesso's commanding voice. It sliced through the dim corridors of the School for Evil like a blade, jolting the Nevers from their restless slumber.

"Up. Now," she barked, her voice carrying from the halls and into the dormitories. "If I have to repeat myself, you'll wish I hadn't."

You sat bolt upright, heart racing from the sound of Lesso's voice. It was a voice that demanded obedience, one that filled the room with an air of urgency. Around you, the other Nevers were scrambling out of their beds, throwing on their black tunics and boots with the kind of haste born of fear.

"You think she's in a mood?" Anya muttered as she fumbled with her laces.

"She's always in a mood," You replied dryly, brushing off your shirt and tugging on your boots. But you felt a flicker of unease in your chest. There was something sharper about Lesso this morning, something more commanding than usual.

_________________________________

When you arrived at the Enchanted Garden, you were greeted by the sight of towering hedges twisting toward the sky, their green tendrils shimmering faintly in the pale light. The garden was alive, buzzing with an almost predatory energy. At its entrance stood the two deans—Lady Lesso and Lady Dovey.

Dovey radiated warmth, dressed in a flowing golden gown that seemed to capture the sun itself. Her serene smile was as steady as the sunrise, though her presence was dwarfed by the commanding figure of Lady Lesso beside her. Lesso's deep crimson cloak billowed slightly in the breeze, and her sharp, calculating gaze swept over the students like a hawk sizing up its prey.

"Good morning, students," Dovey began, her voice melodic and soothing. "Today's challenge is an exercise in collaboration and trust. You will each be paired with someone from the opposing school. Together, you must navigate the Enchanted Garden and retrieve the key hidden within its depths. Only by working together will you succeed."

The Evers exchanged excited whispers, their bright faces glowing with eagerness. In contrast, the Nevers groaned audibly, the very idea of working with an Ever making their stomachs churn.

"Quiet!" Lesso snapped, her voice silencing the crowd instantly. "This is not a choice. This is a test. Failure will have consequences. Do I make myself clear?"

The Nevers nodded reluctantly, muttering under their breath as they braced themselves for what was to come.

Dovey conjured a scroll with a flick of her wand, its parchment unrolling in midair. Names shimmered into view, pairing Nevers with Evers in an unexpected lottery.

"Y/N," Dovey said, her eyes scanning the crowd. "You will be paired with Tedros."

The moment the name was called, a ripple of chatter spread through the students. Tedros, the Ever's golden boy. Though his arrogance was legendary, it did little to diminish the effect of his broad shoulders, square jaw, and perfectly tousled brown hair.

He sauntered over to you, his signature smirk firmly in place. "Well, this is unexpected," he said, looking you up and down with obvious amusement. "Let's hope you can keep up."

You folded your arms, unimpressed. "I was just about to say the same thing to you."

Lesso's sharp gaze flickered toward you, her expression unreadable. For a brief moment, your eyes met, and you swore you saw a flicker of something—approval, perhaps? Or was it a warning? You couldn't be sure.

_________________________________

The garden swallowed you whole. Once inside, the towering hedges seemed to close in, casting deep shadows over the narrow paths. The air was thick with the scent of earth and magic, and the faint rustle of leaves hinted at unseen dangers lurking just out of sight.

Tedros walked slightly ahead, his confident stride betraying his belief that he was in charge. "You might want to stay close," he said over his shoulder. "This place isn't exactly friendly to amateurs."

You rolled your eyes. "Do you ever stop talking?"

"Not when I've got something worth saying," he shot back with a grin.

Your banter was cut short when a vine snapped toward you, its thorny tendrils aiming for your leg. You jumped back just in time, pulling out your dagger and slicing through the vine with practiced precision.

Tedros raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. For a Never."

"Try to keep up, Prince Charming," You said, brushing past him and taking the lead.

The deeper you ventured into the garden, the more treacherous it became. The paths twisted and turned without warning, leading you into areas filled with snapping flowers, bubbling quicksand, and shimmering mirages that threatened to lure you astray.

_________________________________

At one point, you stumbled upon a glowing pond. The water was eerily still, its surface reflecting the key you were meant to find. But when Tedros reached for it, the reflection vanished, replaced by a monstrous serpent rising from the depths.

"Back!" you shouted, grabbing Tedros by the arm and pulling him out of the way just as the serpent struck.

"What is that?" Tedros exclaimed, drawing his sword.

"The garden's protector obviously ," you said grimly, your mind racing for a solution.

The serpent lunged again, its fangs dripping with venom. You and Tedros worked together to evade its attacks, your movements surprisingly in sync. When the opportunity presented itself, you distracted the creature with a well-aimed dagger throw, giving Tedros the chance to strike it down with his sword.

As the serpent collapsed into the pond with a final hiss, the key floated to the surface, glowing faintly in the moonlight. Tedros retrieved it, turning to you with a grudging nod of respect.

"Maybe you're not as hopeless as I thought," he said.

"And maybe you're not as insufferable as you seem," You replied, though your tone was laced with sarcasm.

__________________________________

Back at the garden's edge, Lady Lesso and Lady Dovey watched the students' progress through a magical scrying mirror.

"They seem to be doing well," Dovey remarked, her voice tinged with optimism.

"Barely," Lesso replied, her tone cool. Her eyes lingered on Y/N, her sharp features betraying none of her thoughts.

Dovey smiled gently. "You have more faith in her than you let on. Admit it."

Lesso's lips twitched, though whether it was the start of a smile or a sneer was unclear. "Faith has nothing to do with it. She'll succeed because she knows she has no other choice."

Dovey chuckled softly. "And yet, you're watching her closer than anyone else. Interesting."

Lesso said nothing, her eyes fixed on the mirror as Y/N and Tedros emerged from the garden, battered but victorious.

__________________________________

As you handed over the key, Dovey beamed with pride. "Well done," she said warmly.

Lady Lesso, in contrast, merely nodded, her gaze lingering on you for a fraction of a second before she turned away.

You felt your chest tighten. You had survived the challenge, earned the approval of the Ever's most beloved prince, and yet it was Lesso's fleeting glance that stayed with you. There was something in that gaze—a challenge, perhaps, or a promise. Whatever it was, it left you wanting more.