The Long Way Back | Lady Lesso

Chapter 20

The hallways of the School for Evil were as dark and foreboding as ever, yet you felt as though you were navigating an entirely different world. The realization that you were falling—deeply and irreversibly—for Lady Lesso clung to you thoughts, a constant, quiet hum beneath every lesson, every interaction. The feeling was terrifying and exhilarating all at once, and no matter how hard you tried to push it down, it only seemed to grow.

Today, you found yourself once again heading toward the Hall of Shadows, where Lady Lesso had called a special session for a select group of students. The reason for the gathering wasn't clear, but your pulse quickened at the thought of seeing Lesso again.

_____

The hall was dimly lit as always, the flickering green flames casting long, jagged shadows against the stone walls. You arrived early, but to your surprise, Lesso was already there, pacing in front of the lectern. Her crimson cloak billowed behind her as she moved, and her sharp gaze flicked to you the moment you stepped inside.

"You're early," Lesso observed, her tone neutral but not unkind.

You hesitated, unsure if this was a critique or a compliment. "I... thought it would be better to arrive ahead of time."

Lesso stopped pacing, her head tilting slightly as she studied you. "Preparedness is a virtue," she said, almost to herself. Then, after a beat, she gestured to a chair. "Sit. The others will arrive soon."

You obeyed, lowering yourself into one of the cold stone chairs. You couldn't help but steal glances at Lesso as the Dean returned to her pacing, her movements precise and deliberate. There was something captivating about her presence—an unshakable strength paired with an elegance that felt almost otherworldly.

"Your mind seems elsewhere," Lesso said suddenly, her voice breaking through your reverie.

You blinked, startled. "What? Oh, no, I'm focused," you lied, though you face betrayed you as heat rose to your cheeks.

Lesso's lips curved into the faintest smirk, a knowing look in her sharp eyes. "You're a terrible liar, Y/N."

Before you could respond, the heavy doors creaked open, and the rest of the students began to file in. Lesso's attention shifted back to the group, her expression hardening into the strict, composed mask she always wore during lessons.

_____

The session was grueling, as most of Lesso's lessons were. The students were tasked with summoning and controlling shadow familiars—creatures born from the darkest parts of their minds. You struggled at first, but under Lesso's sharp, occasionally cutting instructions, you began to find her footing.

As the lesson wore on, You noticed something strange. While Lesso was as demanding as ever with the other students, her critiques toward you felt... different. They were still sharp, but there was an undercurrent of something else—an almost protective tone, as though Lesso was invested in your success in a way she wasn't with the others.

It was subtle, but it didn't go unnoticed.

Professor Dovey, who had been watching the lesson from the shadows, stepped forward as the students began to disperse. "Another excellent display of cruelty and precision," she remarked dryly, her golden aura a stark contrast to the darkness of the room. "Though some might call your methods... harsh Lesso."

Lesso turned, her expression unreadable. "Harshness prepares them for the world, Clarissa. It's not a place of kindness."

Dovey smiled faintly, her gaze flicking to you. "Perhaps. But even the harshest environments can benefit from a little balance, don't you think?"

The tension between the two deans was palpable, though neither raised their voice. You lingered near the back of the hall, unsure if you should leave or stay.

"What are you implying?" Lesso asked, her tone clipped but controlled.

"I'm implying that even you, Leonora, are not immune to softness," Dovey replied, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Though you'd never admit it."

Lesso's jaw tightened, but she said nothing.

You felt your breath catch. Were they talking about you? You didn't dare move, hoping to remain unnoticed as their conversation unfolded.

Dovey's gaze shifted briefly to you, then back to Lesso. "She's an impressive student," she said lightly, though there was a weight behind her words. "But perhaps you should ask yourself why you're so invested in her progress."

Lesso's eyes narrowed, her voice low and sharp. "I invest in all my students."

Dovey chuckled softly, the sound almost affectionate. "Of course you do, Leo. But not like this."

With that, she turned and left the hall, her golden light fading into the distance.

For a long moment, the silence between Lesso and you was deafening. Finally, Lesso spoke, her voice calm but laced with an edge. "You're still here."

You swallowed hard. "I wasn't sure if I should leave."

Lesso studied her for a moment, her piercing gaze softening ever so slightly. "Go. Rest. You've done well today, Y/N."

You hesitated, searching Lesso's expression for something—you weren't sure what. "Thank you," you said quietly before turning to leave.

As you walked away, you couldn't shake the feeling that Dovey's words had struck a nerve. And for the first time, you allowed yourself to hope that maybe—just maybe—Lady Lesso felt the same pull that you did.