Chapter 101: _The ’Helpful’ Witch
Atlas’ POV
*****
7:25 pm, Outside the residential buildings.
He lingered in an alley opposite the female Dormitory building Celeste’s suite was located. Silent. Observing things he would’ve overlooked before.
Outside the building, students gathered, chattering, laughing... Some are even chasing each other like love-struck teens.
In Bloodoak Academy, the night was never dull. It was alive—but Atlas Stormwood felt nothing.
Minutes ago Celeste had left his suite to see her mother. Moments after walking in hand in hand with Silas Hale.
He was no fool.
Even though he didn’t say a word, he knew there was something up with their increasing closeness. Celeste had been about to explain it when her mother called.
As much as he’d have liked to get a glimpse of North America’s Luna Queen, even from a distance... He couldn’t. Not with the overwhelming and annoying feeling gnawing at his chest.
Jealousy.
Since his first week in this academy, getting attention was a natural feat. He became a top student from year one—and had looks to match.
So why did Celeste Bloodoak rarely ever look his way?
"Perhaps my ’patience’ isn’t a fruitful approach," he mumbled, exhaling heavily. "Even Azrael and Luther didn’t stand a chance. Because time and time again... Silas was the one who showed up. Made her feel seen. Loved."
He loathed how he led himself to an answer there.
Celeste felt seen and desired with Silas. With him? He was just the witch who once wanted nothing to do with her but now proved helpful once in a while.
It might be a harsh judgment. But he saw it as true.
Sighing, Atlas’s eyes locked on the female Dormitory building again.
Just in time to see Celeste ascending the steps, a blonde woman in a beautiful cream white dress holding her arm softly. Many students paused, murmuring or throwing curious stares.
"It’s... It’s Luna Queen Odessa." A voice resounded loud enough for him to hear.
Some who stood on the steps bowed or gave exaggerated greetings. Odessa merely acknowledged them with nods and smiles, all her focus on her daughter.
"Tch," Atlas sucked air through his teeth. "Now they chose to behave themselves around Celeste."
The temptation to use the bracelet he gave Celeste to spy on them was great. But alas, he had to choose morality.
She was already angry at him for being in her room earlier today anyway.
"Just one more thing before I leave." He flicked his wrist, enchanting his eyes.
Soon, he could see the wards across each building. He noted every rune and how each ward was arranged. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary but he had to be certain.
With Celeste’s mother here, there was no telling if another mysterious occurrence just decided to happen tonight.
Removing his enchantment, he adjusted his clothing, about to step out of the alleyway and find his way to his suite—
"Already leaving?" A voice echoed behind him, low and unbothered.
Atlas jolted, fingers instantly lighting up with golden energy. He spun around, pointing a palm into the darkness. Right close to a dumpster stood someone he least expected.
Luther.
"W–What the...?" He frowned, hesitating. "Luther, is that really you?"
The Alpha had his head lowered, expression broody. Yet he managed a dry laugh. "What? You think I’ve been possessed or something?"
That snark was all it took to make Atlas trust the man. "By the spirits, how long have you been hiding in there?" He queried, arms lowering.
Luther shrugged, finally taking a step away from the dumpster. "About two minutes before you showed up. I originally came here to see if Celeste would walk past—instead, I got haunted by you talking to yourself."
Atlas’s fists balled, a small warmth pooling in his cheeks. "You’re spying on her now?"
"Just like you are, yes."
Ancestors help him, he didn’t even have the mental energy to indulge in whatever this was.
"Well," Atlas clapped once. "Don’t let me distract you. I was on my way—"
"Not until you answer a couple of questions." Luther waltzed away from the dumpster now, sniffling in the darkness. When he came into view enough for Atlas to see him under waning moonlight, he continued. "First... You knew about Silas and Celeste already. Didn’t you?"
The witch gawked at him for well over a few seconds.
Then, "If you’re talking about their relationship, they made their stance crystal clear when they kissed in front of everyone. During the trials."
Luther grunted. "That’s different. The kiss could’ve meant anything. Azrael kissed her too, didn’t he?"
"And yet he’s nowhere to be found." Atlas flicked invisible dust from his fingers. "If this is really all, I—"
"Don’t be in such a hurry," the Alpha loomed over him now, just a few feet ahead. "I... I’ve been following comments from Blood Eye viewers. From that one time Celeste kissed Azrael."
Atlas’s brows furrowed.
Where was he headed?
"I saw a few talking about how they’ve spotted you, Silas and Azrael—together with Celeste." The jealousy in Luther’s tone was unmistakable. "Back then. Stepping out of the male dormitory building. Standing outside and... Whispering things."
It was at this point that Atlas’ mind sparked with realisation.
"I have this... Feeling," Luther tapped his head repeatedly. "That I’m out of a loop. One Celeste might’ve intentionally left me out of because of what I did with Lysandra."
The more he spoke and the more pathetic he made himself, the more pity Atlas felt.
He could feel the cracks in the Alpha’s psyche. His pain and dejection. For whatever odd reason, a part of him related to it.
And made him decide it was time to put him out of his misery.
"Luther, stop." Atlas raised a hand, drawing in a light breath. "There are... Some things you might need to know. Now that you’re out of Lysandra’s influence."
Within two minutes, he broke down all that’s been happening the past nine days.
From the letters Azrael got and the reappearance of Miss Benedicta’s body. To Celeste’s magic spiking out of control, activating wards in ways it shouldn’t.
Then, of course, the note left in Celeste’s bedroom earlier today.
Each revelation brought a different silent reaction from Luther.
By the time he was done, Luther looked... Puzzled? Confused? Relieved?
Several emotions flashed past his features.
His mouth opened and closed repeatedly—until his chest fell. "All this time Celeste kept this away from me."
Atlas subconsciously held his breath.
If Luther reacted badly to this, he might become a liability. And if he did... Atlas would be the one to stop him.
