Dark Path to Heaven [Demon Romance]

Chapter 3

Chapter Music: "Waltz of the Fairies" by Brandon Fiechter

"However," Ms. Meredith went on, ignoring my agitated expression, "because we'll be covering all your needs, you'll need to provide us with some service as long as you have no salary of your own. I've heard that some professors have a need of an assistant, correct?" she looked at Seraphina and Mr. Stanwood who nodded in confirmation.

"Within a week you are to tell me who you want to help," she said in a tone implying that I was not allowed to have any objections and handed me a letter. "Here you can find all the information you might need. Of course, you must tell no one about this except for your professors and high ranked staff of the academy. You must not leave your room until you memorize everything in this letter and you can never leave the academy no matter what other students might do. We will try to give you the mark you need on your left wrist somehow but we have no idea when this will be. Besides, I don't think you're ready to live alone in this world just yet."

"I see. Thank you for your hospitality," I answered, truthfully. Whether they were only doing it for their own interests or not, I still had a safe place to stay for the moment.

"It's nothing. Your appearance here has a lot to teach us as well so don't think this is entirely selfless," she said standing up and excused herself.

"Mason, you go first," Seraphina suggested.

"Alright," the challenging smile returned to his face and he looked at me. "I can't wait to be hurt!"

Upon his signal, I stood up and faced him as I had done before. I prepared for a strong punch on his stomach as I kept telling myself that he would be alright and that I should better worry about myself instead.

So I hit him with all my might... something that left my hand nearly broken.

Ouch! That hurt!

I glanced at the man in front of me as he was trying to contain himself and not laugh again.

Seraphina who had seen the whole thing quickly approached me and said worriedly "It's alright! It's supposed to hurt so much! I'll heal you in no time at all!" she took my hand in hers and closed her eyes, trying to concentrate probably.

A few seconds later she opened her eyes and most of the pain was already gone. I could not believe it. She had healed my hand right before my eyes!

"There were no major injuries anyway but now you needn't worry about a thing!" she assured me. "It might hurt a little for a few days but apart from that you'll be just fine," her smile was calming and I was thankful she was here but... what was that guy thinking? How far were professors willing to go in order to test me?

"Can you also heal people?" I couldn't stand it and asked him.

"No," he replied with a half grin. "None of us is good at everything. Each one specializes at his own domain."

I felt the rage boiling up inside. It was evident that, unlike me, my punch had not hurt him in the slightest but what would he do if Seraphina hadn't been there? How irresponsible of him! And on top of that, he had found it funny!

"Hey now!" he tried to explain himself, a guilty expression on his face: "I wasn't really going to let you punch me if Seraphina wasn't here!"

I hope you're right Mr. Stanwood!

I nodded, unable to find any other way to acknowledge his attempt to justify himself. I couldn't exactly say that no harm had been done. But, quite frankly, his irresponsibility hurt more than physical pain at that moment. Because his lie was written all over his face. At least, he didn't look like he meant any harm.