Chapter 14

“ ... and so, as we can see from the graph, the current market trends indicate a significant downturn in the” blah blah blah...

Derivatives? Who the hell cares about derivatives? Mark stared blankly at the equations on the whiteboard, the Professor Miller’s voice a droning monotone in the background.

Nothing was registering, his mind a million miles away.

A month.

A whole month had passed since the attack, and they were no closer to finding Elia and that creepy Vora woman. Every lead had turned into a dead end, every contact had come up empty. It was like they had vanished into thin air.

Where the hell are they? The question gnawed at him.

His frustration simmered, a low burn beneath the surface. He wanted answers, he wanted revenge. He wanted to make them pay for what they had done, for putting Ria in danger, for disrupting his life, for the constant unease that gnawed at him.

Ria, too, had been bit distant, preoccupied with some kind of crisis at her association.

But the weirdest change was Lida. Ever since that night, she was ... different.

Growing up, he’d constantly butted heads with his aunt, pushing against her overprotective nature, her insistence on shielding him from the supernatural world. He’d argued, pleaded, snuck out to explore the city’s hidden corners, the places where magic whispered and shadows danced.

Lida’s response had always been the same - a stern lecture, a worried frown, a reminder of the dangers lurking in the darkness.

He’d always wanted to know more, especially about his parents’ death. He craved answers, a way to avenge them.

She’d shut down that conversation faster than he could summon a blade.

’It’s too volatile, Mark. Too unforgiving. I want you to have a normal life.’

But after the attack, something had shifted. She was different. More open. More willing to let him in.

Is she finally realizing I can handle myself? Or was he just imagining it?

He remembered how, in the past, any question would be met with evasive answers or a stern rebuke. But now, Lida seemed more willing to answer his questions, share her knowledge, and offer guidance. Is she finally trusting me? Or was it the fear in her eyes that night, the realization that he couldn’t be sheltered forever?

Whatever the reason, he still wasn’t pushing it, not wanting to trigger another argument, but he was grateful for the shift.

He squirmed in his seat, trying to focus on the lecture, but it was no use. He felt like a coiled spring, just waiting to snap. Suddenly, his phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him out of his thoughts.

Ria: Hey babe, where r u?

Mark: Econ class. Y?

Ria: Can u meet me at the auditorium?

Mark: Be there in 10.

Ria: Great! Can’t wait to see u;)

Soon, the class ended and Mark practically bolted from his seat. As he made his way, his thoughts drifting back to the previous weekend. He’d introduced Ria to Ron and a few of his friends a couple of weeks ago at their usual bowling alley. She’d ended up beating them all, even Ron, who considered himself the king of the lanes.

Later, at karaoke, a few too many beers in, Ron had unleashed his epic rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody”—a glorious train wreck of a performance that left them all gasping for breath between laughter.

Mark chuckled, shaking his head at the memory. It was good to see her fitting in with his friends, to see her letting loose, to see the different facets of her personality shining through.

The auditorium was dimly lit, the stage empty, the rows of seats mostly deserted. Mark spotted Ria in the front row, her bright red dress a splash of color in the otherwise muted space. She was chatting animatedly with a group of people, her laughter echoing in the huge room.

Her face lit up when she saw him, eyes sparkling. She rushed over, arms around his neck, kissing him hungrily.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey yourself,” he replied. “What’s going on?”

“I want you to meet some of my friends,” she took his hand, leading him toward the group.

“Everyone, this is Mark,” Ria’s arm looped through his. “Mark, this is Sarah - you already met her - and this is Tom, Jack, Emily, and Jane.”

Mark checked out the group. There was Sarah, the dance hall receptionist, who gave him a knowing smile. Tom, tall and lanky, messy brown hair, mischievous eyes. Jack, built, arms crossed, serious. Emily, petite and bubbly. Jane, tall and elegant, dark hair in a sleek ponytail, gave him an appraising look.

“Finally!” Jack exclaimed, clapping Mark on shoulder. “We finally get to meet the infamous Mark. Ria hasn’t stopped talking about you for weeks.”

“Yeah, she’s always going on and on about you, “ Emily continued. “We’ve all been curious to meet you, actually.”

“Really?”

“Oh yah, let’s just say that you’re quite the topic of conversation among our circle these days. Ria never shuts up about you!” Tom added.

“I had no idea.”

“Tom!” Ria swatted his arm playfully. “Don’t embarrass him.”

“It’s true, though,” Emily chimed in. “She’s been practically glowing ever since you two got together.”

“Glowing?” Mark raised an eyebrow at Ria.

“Yeah, glowing,” Jack confirmed. “Like she swallowed a sunbeam.”

“Okay, enough teasing,” Ria turned to Mark, “Don’t mind them. They’re just jealous that I’ve finally found someone who can handle my ... eccentricities.”

“Eccentricities?” Jane chuckled. “That’s one way to put it.”

“So,” Sarah said, her smile widening, “tell us, Mark, what’s your secret? How did you manage to tame this wildcat?”

Mark laughed. “I have no idea. But I’m definitely enjoying the ride.”

“Just be careful,” Tom warned, his voice dropping to a mock-serious whisper. “She bites.”

“Tom!” Ria exclaimed.

They found some empty seats, settling into a comfortable circle. As the conversation flowed, Mark felt his initial nervousness fade, replaced by a sense of ease.

Sarah was bubbly and talkative, making conversation easy. Tom’s dry humor had everyone laughing. Jack was a bit reserved but still friendly, and Emily was charming and confident. Jane was the quietest of the bunch.

“So, how did you two meet?” Emily asked, her eyes twinkling.

Mark’s mind flashed back to their first encounter in the library, the intense attraction, the awkward chase.

He stammered, unsure how to answer, when Ria jumped in, “We met in the library,” she leaned against him with her head on his shoulder. “We were both cramming for midterms and just struck up a conversation.”

“Yeah, we hit it off right away,” Mark added, grateful for her quick save. No way these guys are ready for the full uncensored version.

“Oh, I saw how well you two ‘hit it off’ at The Groove,” Sarah teased.

“Sarah!” Ria playfully swatted her arm. “Stop it.”

“What? I saw the way you were all over him.”

“That bad, huh?” Tom asked.

“Oh, yeah,” Sarah continued, her voice laced with playful exaggeration. “They were practically dry humping right there in the middle of the club.”

Mark’s squirmed, but Ria just laughed. “Oh, please. Sarah would be doing the same if she had a hot guy like my man grinding on her.”

“Damn straight,” Sarah agreed with a wink. “Why don’t you just loan him to me for a night?”

“No way.”

“So stingy. Not even for one night? What about our friendship?”

“Our friendship doesn’t mean that much, really.”

“Ouch ... You hurt me, Ri. Mark Just in case things don’t work out, you know. I’m always available.”

Mark laughed, shaking his head.

“Damn,” Sarah said, feigning disappointment. “Worth a shot, though.”

“Seriously though, Mark,” Tom said, turning to him with a sly grin. “You’ve got to teach me your secrets. How’d you manage to win over Ria? She’s been immune to every guy who’s tried to chat her up since freshman year.”

“Yeah, man,” Jack chimed in. “To think, someone actually managed to snag Ria. It’s like she’s got a force field around her. No one could get through. Color me impressed.”

“Don’t exaggerate,” Ria protested.

“We’re not!” Emily insisted. “You are like ... a fortress. Impenetrable, Ri.”

“Tell me about it,” Sarah sighed dramatically. “I’ve tried setting her up with so many guys, and she always shoots them down. Not even interested in a casual coffee date.”

“Remember that guy from our history class?” Jane chuckled. “He practically threw himself at her, and she just blinked and walked away.”

“And the guy from the coffee shop? The barista?” Emily added.

“Seriously,” Sarah shook her head. “Just getting her to agree to hang out for coffee is a miracle. You must have some Jedi mind tricks going on, Mark.”

“It’s not that complicated. We just ... clicked.”

“Don’t underestimate what you’re in for, my friend,” Jack warned, his voice laced with a playful seriousness.

“Come on, Ria’s not that intense,” Mark said, though a flicker of doubt crossed his mind.

“Oh, you sweet summer child,” Tom said, shaking his head. “You have much to learn. Just wait till she decides your entire wardrobe needs an overhaul.”

“Or worse,” Jane chimed in, her voice soft but firm, “till she decides to redecorate your apartment.”

“She’s a handful, alright,” Jack agreed. “Just buckle up, dude. You’re in for a wild ride.”

Ria rolled her eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Drama queens.”

It was far-cry from the usual awkward meet-the-friends scenarios he’d experienced in the past. These guys were cool, and clearly adored Ria.

As they were talking Mark noticed a group of people walking towards them.

“Hey guys,” Sarah greeted them, waving them over. “Mark, this is Nisha, Peter, and Alex. Guys, this is Mark.”

Mark exchanged greetings with the newcomers, but Ria, still nestled comfortably against his shoulder, seemed indifferent to the interruption.

“How’s everyone’s midterm prep going?” Peter asked.

A collective groan echoed through the small group.

“Don’t even ask,” Tom complained. “I’m drowning in organic chemistry. I swear, that professor enjoys torturing us with impossible equations.”

“Tell me about it,” Emily chimed in. “I’ve been living on caffeine and ramen for the past week. I think I’m starting to see things.”

Studying? Yeah, right. Mark mused, thinking back on past few days.

The conversation drifted to the usual college gripes—professors, exams, stress.

“What about you, Ria?” Nisha asked.

“Oh, she’ll ace everything as usual,” Peter said with a shrug.

“I don’t know about that,” Sarah said, eyes twinkling mischievously. “She’s got a pretty cute distraction these days.”

“Hmm, that’s true,” Jane agreed. “All that time spent canoodling must be cutting into her study time.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Alex asked, looking confused.

“Mark and Ria are dating,” Tom explained.

“What?” Alex exclaimed, his gaze snapping to Ria.

“See?” Sarah said. “That’s why I always tell you to keep up with the campus gossip. You never know what juicy tidbits you might miss.”

“Is it true, Ria?”

She simply shrugged. “Yeah.”

Mark watched Alex’s face. Surprise shifted to a frown, then disapproval. He could tell the news hadn’t gone down well. What’s his problem?

“Since when?” Alex asked sharply.

“Why do you care, Alex?” Ria snapped, annoyed.

“You know why,” Alex said, his voice low and urgent. “You can’t just...” He trailed off, glancing at Mark, then back to Ria, his frustration evident.