INSIGNIAS: THE ABECEDARIANS

CHAPTER XXIX: LEI

She understood Skhy's sentiments and concerns but she couldn't help but be displeased with his statements. He tried comforting her and she couldn't help but accept his reasons. In the end, he just wanted to protect her. Tessa wandered to the library's second floor when Skhy asked him to take a seat. He gave him a sad smile before he proceeded with his intention.

"When we reach the Academy, please don't tell anyone that you are Carol's sister," he said slowly but the hurt and disappointment hit her so fast. It was as if saying not to tell anyone that her family studied and lived there. It was as if saying not to tell about her aunt. It took her minutes to regain her composure but continued to frown at him.

"Are you telling me not to tell anyone about who I am?" She clenched her hands placed on her lap. Skhy panicked a bit, his eyes widen and he shook his head several times.

"It's not like that. Please listen." He waved his open palm towards her. She didn't say anything. She was too consumed by her emotions.

"I was just hoping that you will give me a heads up before you tell someone there," he stated. What for? You don't have to monitor everything I do. Anger consumed her so she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm herself. When she opened them, concern was written all over his face.

"No one knew of your existence. I just want you to talk to your parents and sister's friends before...news spread," he explained. She just realized this basic fact. No one knew that Carol had a sister so everyone will question her whereabouts and stories behind.

"I just want them to know that their friendships meant a lot to your family." His voice was soothing. This boy had so much power within him but he can calm anyone at any time. So different from the person I met in Woodland.

"So I should talk to these people first?" Her voice, on the other hand, was accusing but anger was diminishing. She thought that her aunt would also want her to know their friends in the Academy.

"Yes, just talk to them so they can also be your...allies." He whispered the last word. They had many enemies inside the Academy. There was no way of telling who, and when, where, and how they will attack them. She bowed her head to stare at her feet. Her anger was no more but replaced with uncertainty. Can she trust those people? She hadn't met her parents and Carol. Her aunt told her stories but those people could change after years.

"I'm sorry. I stated it wrong." She faced him and found his tired and frustrated but tantalizing eyes on him. Tantalizing? Where did that come from?

"I will tell you later if I agree with this." Determined not to be handled by anyone, she voiced out her opinion. Skhy pursed his lips then nodded.

"I understand. And I'm sorry again." She knew that he meant every word.

"I- " She stopped, lost for words. "Thank you. I know you are only looking out for me...and my family." She wondered if his feelings for Carol is still there. Skhy gave her a reassuring smile. His gaze shifted to the second floor of the library.

"Tessa! Can you come down for a sec?" he shouted. When Tessa sat beside her, Lei was thankful for her concern and for not pressing the matter. She must have noticed her troubled expression but respected her silence. She's really nice. And unafraid. Her suggestion wasn't bad. Since the fortress was close to the edge of the city's territory, they could check if the other group, which consists of the other Regalis, went North. It's much safer and faster than traveling in the West. There were more cities and terrains in there. Not to mention the maze. Who wouldn't want to avoid that? So the probability of them crossing the borders after the attack was high.