Son of Hades (Redo)

Thanks for the Card

       No one, not even Castiel, will tell me what to do and get away with it. From what happened, I figure that he's been blind-sighted by Jasmine. Most likely, she told him that I was the one who tried to recruit her in a little scheme to get rid of the other competitors. Stupid bitch.

       Xavier is waiting for me outside of my room. By his rigid, barely-blinking stance, I could tell that something was wrong. "What happened to your neck?"

      I went very stiff. "Nothing," I lied. Why was I protecting Castiel? "What are you doing here?"

        "If I were you, I wouldn't go inside."

       But of course, I wasn't smart. I've been drowned, stabbed and nearly strangled, what's the worst that could happen? I barged into my room to find Jasmine and Angelique. Angelique was laying on my bed, and Jasmine was pacing. Always pacing. Always thinking.

       "Welcome back, Princess." There was a wicked glint in his eyes. Wicked, black heart. "I bet you had an eventful evening."

       I scowl.

        Xavier slips inside, and closes the door behind him. He's standing right behind me, and Xavier's skin brushes mine. His warmth flows through me, slivers into my heart and gives me strength to face them. Together. Anger scorches my chest. My fingers clench into a small fist. "You told him." My breath shook with accusation; heavy with warning.

        "Well, of course I did sweetheart," Jasmine drawls. "You didn't think I'd actually let you win him over, did you?" She was completely serious, and delirious, if she really thought I wanted to win this.

        Xavier's voice is steady despite his expression. "What did you do Jasmine - "

        "What I have done is no concern to a servant. You've both broken the rules of this competition, Ariel, and if I were you, I'd drop out before things get worse. Much worse for you." This was a threat; she came here to tell me the rest of her plan. And my room wasn't a safe zone. "Ariel, there's a fine line between friendship and betrayal. You've helped me, yes? You have proven yourself useful."

         I stand my ground; resisting the urge to punch that smile of her face. Xavier's warmth flooded through me. His hand laced with my own and held me back. "What do you want? Explain why you're here in the next three seconds, or - "

         "You'll tell Persephone, again?" Angelique was laughing. "I guess you haven't told her about - "

       "Shut up, Angelique." Xavier growls. "You were out of bounds. You know as well as I do that it's clearly forbidden to hurt a competitor."

         "Oh? And here, her handsome servant is lecturing me about what's forbidden? Because I'm 100% positive that it's forbidden to fall in love with a contestant, too. You have her that advantage. Huh? Not to mention, beating Castiel to a bloody pulp after kissing a competitor. Secret words and kisses aren't secret unless they're done beyond notice and reach. You of all people should know that. Not being very smart, are we, dear?"

         Xavier's face pales. Xavier loved me? I felt giddy, and I squeeze his hand. But the extent of Angelique's words were weighing down on me, too. If Angelique were to leave, she would take Xavier down with her. Because of me. 'Pride' suddenly began to glow and itch. The giddy feeling fades quickly as I see the registered look of hurt on Angelique's features.

         "Truly, we could banter our advantages here all night, dearie. Castiel and I have got a hot date in less than an hour. Xavier will be here too keep you company. Angelique, too."