Chapter 66: Whispers and Warnings
By morning, the academy buzzed with whispers.
Mira Hawthorne hadn't returned to her quarters until well past midnight, her aura erratic and eyes glazed in a haze of something no one could name. Rumors spread fast—too fast. Some claimed she had clashed with Cassandra in secret. Others believed the Soul Board was planning something behind the scenes. A few even dared to suggest romance.
Karen, Jim, Leslie, and Marie sat in their usual courtyard bench under the shadow of the west hall. Cassandra stood a short distance away, hands behind her back, staring at the horizon in silent thought.
"She's not talking," Jim muttered. "Not about what happened last night."
"No one's saying it outright," Marie added, voice low, "but it's obvious Mira came to her room."
Leslie frowned. "That's an invasion of privacy. What did she want?"
Karen leaned forward, narrowing her eyes. "What do you think? She wanted a fight. A reaction. Maybe something more."
Leslie blinked. "More?"
Karen didn't elaborate.
Just then, Cassandra turned and walked toward them. The silence that followed was thick. She stopped beside the group, her expression unreadable as always.
"Mira won't be bothering me again," she said simply. "And if anyone spreads anything more, I'll shut it down myself."
"Did she attack you?" Karen asked directly.
"No." Cassandra's eyes met hers. "Not physically. Not in any way that matters."
Jim clenched his jaw. "She crossed a line."
"She did," Cassandra replied. "And she won't get a second chance."
Marie exchanged glances with Leslie. "But… she's Rank 7. One of the Soul Board heads. If she—"
"I don't care if she's Rank 1," Cassandra cut in coolly. "If she tries anything again, I'll erase her standing."
There was nothing boastful about it. Only certainty.
Karen studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Good. Just don't shoulder everything alone. We've got your back."
Cassandra gave a small nod of acknowledgement and walked off again, as if nothing had happened.
Later that day, Joshua summoned Karen privately after a lecture.
"You've heard what happened," he said, arms crossed.
"I have."
"She's not the first Ikemba to attract that kind of trouble," Joshua said. "But she handled it well. Still… keep an eye on her. You're the only one she even tolerates talking to."
Karen paused, then asked, "You think Mira will back off?"
Joshua's gaze hardened. "No. She won't. Not for long. And obsession like hers? It festers."
Karen's fists clenched. "If she tries again—"
"Let Cassandra deal with it," Joshua said. "But be ready. This isn't over."
As Karen left his office, one thought stayed in her mind.
This wasn't about rankings anymore.
It was personal.