Starlit Bonds

XII

Chapter 12: Midnight Shadows
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The atmosphere in the detention room was tense as I strolled in with my signature charm and self-assuredness. The other students serving their punishments seemed to watch with a mixture of curiosity and bemusement, clearly not accustomed to someone who appeared to relish being in detention.

Karina, seated at the front desk, maintained her composed demeanor but couldn't hide the exasperation that flickered in her eyes when she saw me. I couldn't help but find her reactions utterly entertaining.

I took a seat nearby, flashing Karina a playful and flirtatious smile. "Fancy meeting you here, Karina," I said in a velvety tone that carried a hint of mischief.

She sighed softly, her gaze fixed on her work. "Your choice, Winter," she replied, her voice steady but tinged with a touch of annoyance.

I leaned back in my chair, stretching my legs out comfortably. "Well, Karina, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining," I quipped, my tone light and teasing.

As I settled into the detention room, my eyes scanned the mundane surroundings. The room was disappointingly plain, with faded posters adorning the walls, reminding students of the consequences of their actions. It was hardly an inspiring environment.

Three other students were present, each engaged in their own activities. Some were diligently working on homework, while others stared off into space, likely lost in their thoughts of freedom outside these walls.

I reached into my backpack, which I had casually placed on my lap, and retrieved my source of sustenance - a blood bag. With my signature charm, I leaned forward, ensuring that no prying eyes were on me, and took a sip from the fulfilling bag. Aside from a pencil and pen, that's all I needed for my facade of being a regular student.

As I enjoyed my discreet meal, I glanced around the room. No one seemed to pay much attention to me, which was precisely how I liked it. However, my moment of indulgence was interrupted by Karina's stern voice.

"Winter, I know you're on your phone. They're not permitted in detention," she reprimanded.

I raised my head, my lips slightly wet from the bag, and flashed her an apologetic look. My eyes were hooded from the satisfying meal. "My apologies," I said in a low, husky tone, giving her a playful look.

Karina, ever the responsible one, gave me a concerned look. I nonchalantly wiped my lips with the back of my hand before letting my bag fall to the floor. Leaning back in my chair, I directed my gaze toward the ceiling.

Although I didn't require sleep, the sensation of weariness was a pleasant one. It was a temporary escape from my eternal existence, a reminder of what it felt like to be like everyone else, asleep, and I cherished it. If I closed my eyes and simply listened to the ambient sounds of the detention room, it almost felt as though I were a part of this world, blending in seamlessly with the others in slumber.

The classroom was a sanctuary of rhythmic heartbeats, a tempting dessert that beckoned me despite my recent satisfying meal. I couldn't help but groan inwardly, struggling to resist the allure of those beating hearts. "I'm just so full," I muttered to myself in silent frustration.

I tilted my head to the side, my gaze fixed on the window that opened into the bustling hallway. As students passed by, one girl in particular caught my attention. I focused my gaze on her head and, with a subtle exertion of my power, delved into her thoughts.

In her mind, I found a mix of teenage worries and daydreams. She was thinking about her upcoming exams, a boy she had a crush on, and what she would have for lunch. It was a typical whirlwind of adolescent thoughts.