Reiju Tenjin had never felt irritation as much as she did this whole day. Wherever she turned, students kept going for her neck. She was in Poison Class, a classroom whose walls were packed with cabinets containing different colored vials.

Professor Cox was in the middle of drawing NH3's chemical structure when someone slid a can of Surge on her table. She glared at the girl beside her.

The girl grinned at her, displaying her perfect teeth. Her fingers twirled the ends of her high ponytail. "Try it."

Reiju opened her mouth to argue when she was tapped on the shoulder. She turned to see a rather cute boy with a heart tattoo above his eyebrow. "What's your problem?"

He responded with a smile and handed her a candy.

Reiju scoffed, throwing the candy back at him. She straightened on her seat, catching Professor Cox's disapproving glare as he set the chalk down. He rubbed at his thick greyish beard as he addressed his students. "For your assignment, I want you to write how would you use Ammonia as a weapon. The more creative, the better."

Reiju stuffed her notebook in her bag before eyeing the drink. Seeing the condensation indicating its temperature, her throat became parched. It wasn't open so maybe it was safe.

She grabbed the can and went outside. Reiju opened the beverage, bringing it to her lips when a large hand snatched it from her. She met Professor Shah's amber eyes before she blinked with confusion. "What?"

He brought up the can, twisting it around to show her the pin-sized hole on the top part. "It's probably Thallium," he muttered before he shot her a scornful look. "Don't you know better than accepting gifts from strangers?"

Reiju clenched her jaw, her nails digging into her palms. His criticism hurt because it's true. She had let her guard down.

Reiju stole the can back and marched forward, spotting the familiar dark ponytail. She halted in her tracks, blood pumping fast in her veins as she threw the can at the girl.

There was a shriek before the girl stomped towards her. Her uniform sleeve had a green stain, dripping on her arm. Students clamored to get out of her way, shoving those who were too slow to do so.

The yakuza princess met her halfway, pulling a knife from her waist. The girl punched, right, left, an uppercut then a kick.

Reiju dodged her attacks. She grabbed the girl's hair and rammed her face against the wall. She dug the blade on her hand, causing a loud yelp. "If you want me dead, you should've used a knife."

"'suka!" she screeched.

"That's enough!"

Reiju recognized Professor Shah's voice. She let go of the girl, relishing the way she clutched her bleeding hand. The girl's lips curled in contempt before tears welled up in her eyes.

Unbelievable!

"Miss Orlova, find your way to the infirmary. And you," he eyed her with an unreadable expression. "Come with me."

Reiju snorted, moving past him as she hid her knife. He caught her wrist and forced her to stand in front of him. She winced at his hold as a tingle of fear ran down her spine. "Alright. I'll go with you."

The professor seemed satisfied with that. He released her and started walking down the stairs. She followed him to the northern part of the castle where the offices were located.

The north wing had the same gothic touches though the windows were scarce. Swords decorated the wall where Carmine's red banners hang. A huge painting faced the line of rooms. It depicted the hooded figures of the old assassins. Bulbs were dispersed on the walls, giving the wing an amber glow. Professor Shah trudged to the room in the left corner.

Now that her mind was clear, the situation hit her with full force. She was alone with a dangerous man. How many times in one day did her guard drop?

Reiju gritted her teeth. She had to face this head on. It was a good time to test her abilities anyway.

Professor Shah's office was cozier than she expected. Bookshelves and cabinets lined the right wall. A brown sofa set was on the left with a small kitchen table where a coffee maker stood. His desk was situated in front of the shelves, filled with more books and paperwork.

Reiju sat on the couch, seeing the older man on his desk. "So? Are you gonna talk to me from there?"

The professor grunted. He took a seat in front of her and bent forward, fingers clasped together. "Miss Tenjin, your behavior was unacceptable."

"Really?" she growled, carding her fingers through her wavy hair. She was being reprimanded. Like a child. "So? Am I being punished?"

"No." His tone was cold.

"Because I didn't break any rules, right?" Reiju smirked at the man. crossing her legs. The short skirt did well to showcase her long legs clad in black thigh-high socks and flat shoes. "Trust me, professor. If I break the rules, you'd know it."

Professor Shah chuckled darkly. His thumb rubbed at his chin. "Is that your strategy to avoid interrogation? To use coquettish gestures?"

Her cheeks reddened at his observation. But it would take more than that for her to shy away. Reiju arched an eyebrow. "Maybe. You did invite me here after all. So unless I'm getting punished—"

"For fuck's sake! Just keep your head down!" he roared and realized his mistake instantly. He rubbed a hand over his taut features.

Reiju shot up, glaring down at him. His words reminded her so much of Yami. And subsequently, the family she had to leave behind. "Who do you think you are to tell me that?"

"Miss!" He stood up, clasping her wrist. "This is for your own sake!"

Reiju shook his hold off and faced him. He stepped back but she raised her hands and played with the collar of his shirt. She lifted her eyes to his. "Do you think I want to be in this school? Do you think I want to be initiated?"

"I don't—"

"Thank you for saving me earlier, professor. But I'm telling you..." Her hands shifted to his arms, squeezing softly. "It will be the last time I would ever need your help."

She shot him one last smile, disregarding the unspoken anger in his eyes, and exited the office. The hallway was darker as the sun disappeared on the horizon. Reiju was passing by Thanatos' statue when she saw the cartel's leader, leaning against the pillar.

Lorenzo stalked towards her, eyes gleaming with mirth. "I heard what you did to Anna!"

Reiju halted and sighed. She folded her arms. "She was pathetic."

"Don't worry, cariño." He traced the line on her cheek. "We'll make it more fun."

His tone dripped with a promise of danger. Yet for some reason, Reiju's blood ignited with delight.

She smirked. "I'm ready."

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