Chapter 55 Play it Like a Pro
Play it Like a Pro
Heaven
Iam in control.
I am control.
My heart is aching as his words ring in my head.
“… so, there’s this girl, who’s kinda hot, you know, exactly my type? Tall, athletic, dark hair, blue eyes…”
Everything I’m not…
I didn’t know he had a type…
I thought…
I cast a spell and teleport into my bedroom. My roommate would be heading to the next lesson, where I should be too, but…
I press my back against the door, taking deep, steadying breaths, my eyes prickling.
No. No. I’m fine.
I am fine.
I own my emotions; they do not own me.
I take one long, level breath before I go and sit down at my desk.
I had been so excited to give him his gift… but his words had taken the joy out of it. It took my all to hold myself together and act indifferent.
He really is just a player, a good one at that. He doesn’t even realise he’s making girls fall for him… and that girl, she doesn’t know what she’s missing.
I frown, massaging my temples.
Who is she? He’s never mentioned her before, ever.
I sit back, tilting my head, and I pause.
Something isn’t right.
And then I laugh silently. I tilt my head back, laughing as I realise what he’s trying to do.
He’s lying to me. He’s pushing me away. For a moment there, I almost let my emotions get in the way. How ridiculous of me.
That dance didn’t lie. Eyes don’t lie.
I was about to let my emotions get the better of me.
Sighing, I tilt my head back and stare at the ceiling, my cheeks burning when I think of what I’ve done. Something I shouldn’t have. I hexed him, so if he tries to get intimate with anyone, they will be forced to leave.
I know it’s wrong, but I don’t care.
If Allie and Sienna knew, Goddess, I don’t know how I’ll admit that I feel jealous of who the idiot touches. Allie would find it funny, but Sienna wouldn’t. I know it’s immature, but just the thought of him being with someone else drove me to do it.
It all started two days after we returned from the Rossi Mansion, and there he was chatting, or more like flirting, with some senior, and I had cast the spell in a moment of pure jealousy.
But… even though I’m calm now, I don’t want to remove the spell. It’ll fade away after a few weeks. I pout in displeasure at the thought.
If he has feelings, then how dare he even think of another woman? And why is he pushing me away? I mean, if there’s something-
My phone rings before it cuts off just as I pick it up. I glance at the caller ID – it’s Allie.
A message pops up, and unlocking my phone, I read it.
ALLIE: You’re late to class. Where are you?
HEAVEN: On my way.
I text her back quickly.
We’ve been training both with Mama and alone for the last two weeks.
Mama comes every few days and gives us tasks to work on for when she’s not around, and some days if she isn’t able to come as planned, Aunty Delsanra will come instead.
Along with the training we are given by the teachers at the Academy, this extra training is helpful.
Allie’s improving rapidly, and her magic is growing more potent, which makes me so proud of her.
There’s a lot for us to learn, but with Sienna’s training in the Gods’ Realm and my own, we’re moving along impressively, and I know both Mama and Aunty Delsanra see it. They’re teaching us spells they weren’t keen on before.
Two Days Ago
It’s still dark as we train in one of the outdoor training grounds.
You don’t have a direct link to your ancestors anymore, but you’re still able to call on the spirits of witches for help. Can you teach us how to do that? I ask Mama as my magic dances between the hovering, fragile glass vases. The aim is to use immense power without impacting anything around it.
Mama nods. “Yes, I do that in the same way anyone who hasn’t inherited the direct link would.
When you have that link, it just makes it easier and more accessible to call on them.
Often, witches don’t like to be told what to do, but by the laws of magic, these spirits of our ancestors have to help when called by the direct line.
All witches who aren’t the firstborn can reach out to their ancestors, although this requires a lot more work.
But with your skill, I’m sure you’ll do fine,” she says with a small smile.
Thank you, I write, truly appreciating those words. I haven’t told her about Endora yet. I’m just afraid of how she’ll react, but I do know she needs to be told soon.
“Control is the most vital thing a witch needs,” Mama continues.
“Yeah, and it’s exactly what I lost,” Sienna says with a small wry smile. “Rendering me dangerous and useless.”
“That’s true. I wouldn’t say useless, but in a fight, yes, and dangerous, yes.
Control is vital. Emotions are good, but only when you can channel them.
If you give in to the rage or sadness, that is weakness when it comes to how magic works.
” Mama circles us. “Mordana, Aldona, you both continue with the task at hand. I’m going to work with Caladena.
You two are stronger in the magic department, so Caladena will have to rely more on crystals, herbs, and the likes of such. ”
“Sure,” Allie says, “More work.”
But despite her complaining, she’s been focusing well. I turn my attention back to what we’ve been set to do.
Mama’s target is moving faster and faster, and I’m chasing it whilst trying not to shatter any of the hovering vases, my magic weaving in and out of the narrowest paths, focusing.
“Shit,” I hear Sienna mutter. Glancing towards her, I see one of the vases in her section has cracked.
You got this, I write. She nods as she brushes her hair back, focusing. Moments later, I see one of her jars cracks and shatters, making both Mama and Allie turn.
“Are you ok, Sienna? You were more focused yesterday,” Mama says, a frown on her face.
Sienna shakes her head, rubbing the back of her neck. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just feel hot and stuffy…” She trails off as all three of us look at her sharply, just as my powers hit the target, shattering the little ball, the same thought crossing all four of our minds.
Heat.
“How long has it been since that’s been happening?” Mama asks, concerned.
Sienna looks away. “More than a week.”
“That’s fast, but we were expecting it. Jayce is a strong alpha… We’re going to need to figure out a plan, because it’s just going to get worse,” Mama says gravely.
Sienna nods. “Yeah… I know.”
I get up, ready to get to class. That’s another thing that’s worrying me – Sienna’s heat. She’s a tribrid, her heat mixed with her demon, and Jayce being so strong is going to be so much worse.
Much, much worse.
Night has fallen, and I’m preparing to go to bed soon when my phone lights up. I pick it up, frowning as I read the message.
SIENNA: He’s leaving.
She doesn’t need to say who – it’s Jayce. My stomach sinks. Oh no, this isn’t good.
HEAVEN: Have you tried to talk to him?
ALLIE: Yeah, why would he leave?
SIENNA: I don’t know. I just heard from the other girls. He’s leaving, and I’m probably the reason… Renji said he just doesn’t think the Academy has anything left to offer him.
HEAVEN: Want us to come over?
There’s a pause before she starts typing, but she keeps stopping. I wait patiently, knowing no matter how much she plays it off, she’s hurting.
SIENNA: No, I’m fine. I’m going to try to talk to him again. Thanks, I just wanted to let you know that he’s going.
ALLIE: That’s not like him…
HEAVEN: Men. Such idiots.
I frown as I stare at my phone. Sienna’s been going through a lot, but she has kept her emotions to herself. She knew he would avoid her, and she’s accepting of that, and every time she has tried to talk to him, he shuts her down.
But if he’s leaving, what about her heat?
I know Mama said they’ll give her something, but it’ll only do so much until she mates. And I know Sienna, she’s stubborn, and rightfully so. She will not sleep with anyone else, and neither would she beg Jayce. She will stubbornly take the heat and suffer in silence.
Sighing heavily, I look down at my screen.
HEAVEN: If you do want me to come over, I can cast a spell and be right there. Just say the word, ok?
ALLIE: Yeah, I’ll just tag along since I can’t do that yet.
SIENNA: Thanks, but I’m ok, just… upset that he’s leaving. ??
She’s downplaying her emotions, but if she wants space, then we have to respect that. I sit there for a while staring at my screen, wishing there was something I could do, but this is her journey…
I remove my clothes and slip on my nightdress. My roommate’s breathing heavily, already fast asleep.
I sit down on my bed, applying moisturiser to my legs, unable to stop thinking of Sienna. I wish Jayce just understood why she did what she did. Life would be so much easier without misunderstandings.
Speaking of…
I smile as I finish applying my moisturiser.
Theo Westwood.
You want to act like you don’t care and that you like someone else? Then so will I. Two can play this game, and you will learn that Aldona always plays better.
And I know exactly what I’m going to do.
I just hope Sienna and Jayce can fix things, too, because the things I’ve heard about going into heat are not pleasant.
The bell rings for lunch, and I saunter into the dinner hall. It’s the next day, and I’m ready to play a little.
I have my hair up in a high ponytail, a few curls framing my face. I made my eyes a little smokier, with a touch of shimmer and eyeliner, and my lips are extra glossy.
I’m wearing one of my plaid pleated skirts.
This one is a nice black and grey, with a black net ruffled underlayer for an extra bounce every time I move.
I’ve paired it with sheer black stockings that reach mid-thigh, a few inches beneath my tiny skirt.
And since we’re not training, I am not wearing shorts beneath my skirt today.
I’ve paired it with a fitted black off-shoulder top with long, tight sleeves, and showing just a hint of cleavage with the strapless push-up bra I’m wearing.
Who needs cleavage? This just makes me look even sexier.
High-heeled boots in a dark grey and my Schattenblüte belt complete it. My look is finished with a black choker necklace with a metal ring at the centre and dangly dagger earrings.
All morning, I’ve had extra attention and some unwanted attention from Holden. I know he’ll be here; he usually is. Sienna isn’t here, and Allie said she’ll be spending lunch training, which makes it easier for me to be just a little extra.
“Looking good, Aldona,” one of the seniors says with a wink as he passes me by. I think he’s a third year.
Tossing my hair over my shoulder, I offer him a small smile. He seems surprised at that and smiles slowly, his eyes trailing over me for a second, and I turn away.
Then I sense his eyes on me. Feeling them simmer against me.
Perfect.
Just loosen up a little and show him Heaven.
Alright. Phase one.
I reach for the salad, letting my hips sway just a fraction more than necessary.
Effortlessly, innocently and of course, intentionally.
My fingers drift over the salad bowls as I choose what to add to my plate.
And then I ‘accidentally’ nudge one of the serving spoons, causing it to clatter to the floor.
In one smooth movement, I drop down to retrieve it. My skirt slides up my thighs, cool air brushing my skin as I keep my knees together, back straight, posture perfect, tray balanced easily in my other hand, as I pick up the spoon.
I rise, handing it to a staff member with a small, apologetic smile. He’s still watching me.
Sorry, I write, turning and pretending to scan the hall for a seat, and then I spot him.
He’s sitting at a table like he owns the room, one arm draped lazily over the back of his chair, his boot propped on another. But it’s not the position that’s caught my attention; it’s the expression on his face.
There’s no cocky smirk, no raised eyebrow, or playfulness to it. Just piercing blue eyes that are locked on me with such intensity, it sends a shiver down my spine. It’s as if he can see right through me and doesn’t find it amusing.
And there you go, Westwood. You just proved me right. You feel something for me.
My heart skips a beat as I look away from him.
Phase one was supposed to simply annoy him, but as I walk towards a spare table, feeling his eyes following me, I realise I may have awoken the wolf.
I sit down at a table where he still can see my right-side profile, and I lean my elbow on the table, crossing my right leg over my left.
Phase two.
And…
Action.