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ELEVEN

Jungkook sat in the living room with Storm and others. Ray was pacing and Fausta kept on glancing at the door. Today was the day their scores would come in.

„You did great." Marco told him. „Why are you worried?"

„He is still Storm's junior. You were there, you heard the complaining." Rose said. „Things might turn out bad for us."

„Or not." Storm said. She was very relaxed.

„How do you know?" Fausta asked.

„Sabinus might've looked at the Training center log." Storm said casually. „Guess who was frequent visitor?"

Fausta smiled. „Xander clan?"

Storm nodded. „All those lanistae who complained the loudest, were there the most. There is a possibility they even saw what the tests will be. That is why results will be sent home, and not posted for others to see."

„Still, we won't know who got the same score as our juniors." Rose said. „I don't like that."

„We will have to guess and pray we made a good guess." Fausta said.

„Or I can ask Sabinus for another favor." Storm said.

„Why he keeps on doing favors for you, I have no idea." Ray said. „Everyone knows you two are impossible."

Jungkook looked at Storm. „Sabinus and you?"

„Nope." Storm shook her head.

„He did try." Rose told him. „For all I know, he is still trying. But Storm is saying no."

„He would buy you out, girl." Fausta said. „He already spent enough money on you to buy twice."

„I want the gladius and complete freedom, or no freedom at all." Storm said. „He understands that."

„As long as he keeps on sending money, it's good." Rose said.

The bell rang and a moment later a servant appeared with three letters. Fausta took all three. „Tobias." She opened it and read trough. „Middle rank, second tier."

„Perfect position." Ray said. „Well done."

„Marco." Fausta opened his letter. „Middle rank, second tier."

Rose clapped her hands.

„Jungkook." Fausta opened his letter. She read it once. Then she read it again. and again.

Jungkook sat up a little straighter. „Is it bad?"

Storm took the letter form stunned Fausta. She fell back in a chair. „Oh no."

Jungkook took the letter and read it. „High rank, first tier." He said.

Ray snatched the letter. Rose leaned over Ray's shoulder to read. „Damn boy." Ray said.

„What does it mean?" Junkook asked. „I don't understand."

„They put you with us." Storm whispered. „You won't be going against other juniors because they all got Middle and Low ranks. You will go against us, against other mentors. I'm so sorry, junior."

„Pair up!" Fausta said. „If we pair him up, they won't be able to kill him "accidentally" during first match. There would also be no one-on-one matches."

„I will do it." Storm said. „I made this mess, I will fix it."

„It's fine." Jungkook said. „You trained me. I can do it."

„No, you can't." Storm jumped on her feet.

„It's fine."

„No it isn't." She started to pace, her eyes wide.

„Storm-" Ray started, but she cut him off.

„No!" She shouted. „You don't get it! None of you do! I'm afraid of them! Completely terrified! And now, my junior will pay the price of my arrogance and stupidity! Can't let that happen." She ran out.

Jungkook shoved past Ray and Rose and followed Storm out.

„Wait!" He yelled. She didn't slow up, so he ran faster to catch up with her. „You trained me, so you know I can keep this tempo."

She stopped and turned her back to him. „I'm sorry."

Jungkook put his hand on her shoulder. „It's not your fault. You wanted to give me the best chance and you did. Look at me."

When Storm remained immovable, he moved and stood in front of her. He gently lifted her head. She was seconds away from tears. „We got this. Together, ok?"

She nodded slowly. „Together."

He pulled her for a hug. „You got me, I dream when I look at you. I got you, in nights that are like pitch darkness. We see each other's light." He murmured against her hair.