DELONIX [COMPLETED]

Chapter 31: Confronting the Shadows

"Why?" I asked, my heart sinking at the thought of facing him, of confronting the consequences of my actions.

Ana lowered her head, her fingers fidgeting nervously, a tangible sign of the gravity of the situation. "Maybe it's because... well, we accidentally-more like Dean got scared and reported to him-told him what happened in the classroom."

"What?!" The words escaped my lips involuntarily, my mind racing to comprehend the implications of this revelation.

The last person I wanted to find out about my inner turmoil was Mr. Caddel.

"It's okay, Ana," I replied, trying to suppress the panic that threatened to engulf me, to drown out any flicker of hope that remained. "When does he want to meet?"

"Immediately after you wake up," she answered. Ignoring the persistent hunger gnawing at my stomach, I nodded, steeling myself for the impending confrontation.

"Are you upset with me?" Ana asked, her voice tinged with worry, as I reached for the doorknob. I turned to look at her, noticing tears welling up in her eyes.

"Of course not," I responded sincerely. "It's not your fault, or the guys' fault, that you've been dragged into this mess. It's my fault for involving all of you and adding more problems to your lives." Her reaction wasn't what I expected. She walked up to me, gripping my shoulders tightly, forcing me to meet her gaze.

"Don't you dare say that, Red," she said firmly. "I don't know about the others, but I'm so glad we met, and I'm sure they feel the same way." Her words resonated within me, easing the weight on my heart.

"Thank you."

My trembling hands were drenched in sweat, as though I had just completed a marathon solely with my palms. The anxiety coursing through me eclipsed any discomfort I had previously felt while trying to ignore Xavier's ill-fated attempt at a kiss. But now, standing outside the door, I mustered the courage to give it a soft, hesitant knock, desperately hoping that he wouldn't be there.

"Come in," he commanded, his voice piercing through the door, leaving me with an unexpected sensation that sent shivers down my spine, awakening sensations in parts of me I hadn't even realized existed. I gingerly turned the knob, cracking open the door, and lowered my head in deference.

"Close the door, Red," he ordered, and I obediently complied.

"Sit, Red," he instructed, and I hesitated for a moment, my gaze fixated on the floor as if it held the secrets of the universe, before finally taking a seat.

"No, thank you, Sir. I'm fine," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, my eyes still avoiding his penetrating gaze.

"Why didn't you tell me?" His voice took on a new tone, infused with a touch of anger that sent chills down my spine.

"Tell you what, Sir?" I stammered, my voice trembling uncontrollably.

"Don't play dumb with me," he snapped in a harsh tone, leaving me quivering with fear.

"I-I'm not," I managed to stammer, my voice barely audible.

"Look at me, Red," he demanded, his seat shifting and the sound of his footsteps drawing nearer.

"I don't want to, Sir. Just tell me why I'm here so I can leave," I pleaded, my fear palpable.

"Hmm... Really?" he mused, his head tilting slightly. I nodded, unable to find the words to respond.

"How about the fact that you almost destroyed an entire classroom, endangering not only yourself but also your friends?" He unleashed his words with a vengeance.

I was rendered speechless, unsure of how to defend myself, so I chose to remain silent.

BANG! His fist slammed against the table with an intensity that reverberated through the room, causing my heart to skip a beat. I was certain that anyone passing by could hear the explosive sound.

"Do you have any idea how much trouble I would be in if the Elders discovered that you're a hybrid?" The mention of the Elders sent a jolt of realization through me. I had forgotten the very reason why I was here in the first place.

"I..." I began, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Speak up, Red," he demanded, his impatience evident.

"Look, Sir, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I let my emotions get the better of me, and I lost control. But that doesn't give you the right to yell at me, even if you are my guardian," I found myself speaking out, surprising even myself with the absence of stuttering or fear.

He appeared momentarily stunned by my outburst, his brow furrowed in contemplation, before quickly masking it with a frown.

I had expected an insult or another round of yelling, so I was taken aback by his next words.

"Have you eaten?" he asked, abruptly changing the subject, leaving me bewildered.

"What?" I blurted out, unable to comprehend his sudden shift in focus.

"Don't make me repeat myself, Red," he retorted, his tone stern. I slowly shook my head, my confusion mounting with every passing second. His smirk, accompanied by the appearance of his dimples, suggested that my response had satisfied him in some way.

This unpredictable bipolarity of his.

"Sit. I will instruct my assistant to bring us some food," he declared, retreating back to his seat and dialing his assistant's number.

"I appreciate the offer, Sir, but I promised the guys that I would eat with them," I responded, only to be met with a deathly glare in return.

"It wasn't a question, Red," he dismissed me, his attention now focused on the phone call with his assistant.

Defeated, I surrendered and took a seat in the nearest chair, my annoyance visible on the surface, while deep down, my heart was brimming with an inexplicable joy.

Hey guys I'm really sorry about my delay with everything, I had exams which meant my total focus on it but thankfully am done 🥳🥳🥳🥳 so I will concentrate more on the book.

Thank you all for your patience 🥰🥰🥰 .