Dark Faïz ( Book 1 ) [ COMPLETED]

Chapters 4-7

My legs were tired at the end of that trying day in the cafeteria. Standing for almost two hours, it was impossible to find a break from the many orders that were coming in. David was as fast as I was, waiting impatiently for the rhythm to calm down so he could finally learn the whole story of our altercation with Rachelle. The whole university was already aware of the clash. The girls were sitting in a corner of the cafeteria and studying quietly. Asarys had asked me to hang out tonight, but I had to refuse because of a delay in my homework. In addition, I was also planning to take the opportunity to rest. Deep down, I feared the moment I would return to Elora, because seeing Charles, Lily, and Victoria again was to immerse myself in the reality and horror that lay dormant in the darkness.

— "Coffee, please."

This voice, which was not unknown to me, pulled me out of my dreams. I did not dare look up in order to avoid the confrontation of his gaze, preferring to focus on preparing his order.

— "Look at me, Zoe," said Faïz in a soft voice.

I looked up, hesitant, and my heart immediately went wild. His hands in his pockets, looking abrupt, he gratified me with a dark, almost threatening look. I concluded that the news had also reached him.

— "I'll bring it to you," I managed to articulate calmly by turning immediately to the espresso machine.

— "I'll be waiting for you at my table... We need to talk," he said, in a bad mood.

I suspected by the intonation of his voice that the conversation would not be easy. He turned on his heels and walked away. All eyes in the cafeteria had turned to us. Uncomfortable, I addressed my friend.

— "David, I..."

— "Go ahead, sweetheart. Don't worry, I'll take over."

**

I sat at Faïz's table without having the audacity to look him in the face. My eyes preferred to seek some comfort from the girls further away, on the other side where we were settled. Lexy, while watching me, was mimicking a rope around her neck, indicating her lack of support. I tied my hair up in a bun to keep my hands busy, nervously waiting for Faïz to start the discussion. He stared at me intently, as if to assess the situation, which made me turn pink.

— "I like it when your hair is raised like that," he said.

I blinked, incredulous, and remained speechless.

— "Thank you," I whispered, on my guard.

After these few words, I gradually relaxed, which allowed me to add,

— "Apparently, I'm your date for the Halloween party."

I tried to decipher his reaction to this revelation. Embarrassed, he cleared his throat before tilting his head and retaliating coldly,

— "I saw that, but I think it's rather bad timing, given the events of earlier, Zoe. No? You obviously punched my girlfriend in the face!"

— "I can't believe this." I frowned. "Your crazy girlfriend literally jumped me and slapped me first! She thought that..."

I stopped, not wanting to go into details. Why explain everything, anyway? Faïz already had his own version of the facts. I fought against the rage that was running up my throat in the face of such injustice. The coldness of Faïz towards me added a little more water to my already very full glass. I got up suddenly, which surprised him, and I decided to go out to get some fresh air.

**

I filled my lungs with a deep sigh. It was already getting dark. With my arms crossed, I didn't hear him approaching. Only the smell of his cologne told me that he was right behind me.

— "Listen, Zoe," Faïz said slowly, "on Friday, I will share a dance with you, but there will be no more. In general, I never participate in this kind of event. Many other boys will be happy to spend the evening with you."

I was stunned. How could he say that to me, when he knew how I felt about him? Still behind me, I didn't bother to turn around.

— "It's not the kind of event I like, but for once, I was happy to be able to take my mind off things, after everything I learned last night: the prophecy, and everything else. It's a lot for me," I told him.

I finally decided to face him. He suddenly seemed so fragile and vulnerable.

— "You know about this?"

His voice broke.

— "Yes, since last night. I discovered everything."

His jaw suddenly tightened. I knew he wouldn't say another word. His eyes scanned the parking lot in the distance, looking for his car.

— "Where are you going?" I insisted when he started to leave.

— "I'm going back to Elora! I have to see my parents."

— "Faïz, wait. I'm coming with you."

— "I'll be waiting for you in the car," he grunted reluctantly.

I had thirty minutes left before the end of my shift. I hoped David wouldn't mind letting me go a little early.