Threat [41]

The corridors were empty. I was the only one walking. The next class was biology and I made my way sauntering past the glass windows on my left and lockers on my right. I was about to take stairs for the class when something on the window caught my eye. On one of the windows, a condensed patch appeared. It was odd because the rest of the area on the glass window was clear. It seemed as if someone has blew hot breath on it. The patch got thicker and denser.

Startled, I found myself closing the distance to the window. The corridor was desolate and there was no one around. Silence stretched across the place. It felt like the whole school was empty. When I was right in front of the window, I felt like touching the glass. As soon as I stretched my hand to touch the condensed glass, something instantly made me stop and jump back in fear. On the condensed surface of the glass, words started appearing out of no where as if some invisible person was writing them on the foggy glass. I took hurried steps back till my back hit the cold metal of the lockers. Fear rooted me on my spot as I read the words on the glass.

[You cannot run away.] It read.

My hands flew to my chest. I couldn't breathe for a second. But with all the strength I had, I dug out the amulet from underneath my sweater and clasped onto it tightly. It was clear that it was a threat from the demons. My knuckles were freakishly white cause of my tight grip on the amulet. The message finally disappeared but the fear lingered and my feet went numb. I sank onto the floor and put my face on knees. I felt like crying but the tears didn't come. Instead I wondered how did the demons find me if I was wearing the amulet? Has the amulet's anti-locator spell stopped working? Or did the demons find another way to find me?

I wanted to run out from the school and go to Finn's hideout place. But his warning echoed in my head. Demons must be keeping an eye on me. They will know where I would be going. I didn't wanted to put Finn in harm's way because he was the only person who was helping me with this. I cannot lose the last hope I had. Gathering all the courage, I picked myself up from the floor and took a deep breath. I need to inform Finn about this, but this was not the right time. I clutched the strap of my backpack and jogged towards my biology class. I was already a few minutes late for the class and I couldn't waste anymore time.

When I reached the class, Mr. McKnight was already inside. He had begun teaching. I slammed the door open and it made everyone look at me. I felt a hot rush on my face which was probably cause of the embarrassment I felt. Mr. McKnight's mouth twitched in annoyance but he didn't say anything rude.

"Welcome to the class Miss Grayson. I hope you don't forget to arrive on time, from now on." He commented and I meekly nodded and rushed to my seat.

I slid into the seat beside Lucas and hurriedly zipped my backpack open to take out my textbook and my notebook. The book accidentally slipped out of my hand and fell on the floor between me and Lucas's feet. Before I could bend down to get my book, Lucas was already at it. He picked it up in one swift motion and handed it to me.

"Here." He said handing me the book.

I noticed his eyes reading me but I didn't pay attention to it. I was really not in the condition to talk or reply to anything. I just wanted to be invisible, so I don't have to care about demons or anyone else around me.

"You look pretty tense, Katherine!" He remarked. "What happened?" 

"Umm--- nothing." I said nonchalantly. Keeping my gaze steady on the chalkboard, I tried to concentrate on the class.

"You sure? You were acting a bit strange a second ago." He must have noticed my panicked state.

"It's nothing. I was just late for the class." I answered, still not looking at him. I hoped this conversation would cease once I stop showing any interest.

"What got you late?" He said but then in another instant one side of his lips curved and a sly grin formed on his face. "Or--- who got you late?" He smirked.

Lord knows what he was trying to imply but the reply left me tongue tied, wondering what he was up to. His choice of words was always so clever, witty and perfect that it would leave me speechless with my mouth agape.

I was at a loss of words and could not find a proper reply to respond. I thought he would think of me as mentally incompetent.

"Huhh?" I managed to say and I was sure a confused frown must have crossed my face on its own.

He slid a little closer and front onto me. "I am just trying to make sure who my competition is."

"That is none of your business." I snapped.

"It definitely is. Since you're the girl I'm trying to pursue, I should definitely know who is competing with me. Though I don't think you would be interested in anyone from the school. Except of course me." He smirked and his charcoal grey eyes intimidated me.

A strange rush of heat engulfed me all over. I wasn't expecting this kind of thing from him. He's insane. I reminded myself. No. He's totally out of his mind and crazy and deranged. He is just toying with me and I could not let my guard down in front of him. Shifting back in my seat, I gritted my teeth as if I still had some dignity left.

"Cut it out Lucas." I snapped. "Do me a favor and focus on the class."