Mutant awakening: My evolution knows no bounds

Chapter 166 A disgrace

Angelica sat still, her heart pounding hard against her chest as Sir Dominic's words echoed in her mind. She had promised Silas that she would protect his secret, no matter what. But right now, it felt like her anxious face would give everything away.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Sir," she finally said, her voice low and shaky.

"Come on, Angelica. We both know I'm right," Sir Dominic replied, his voice calm but firm. "Why are you still pretending? I've already told you I don't want to hurt him. The academy just wants to help. Why are you keeping this secret from me?"

"I already told you, Sir. I don't know what you're talking about. Silas is just a boy with no active skill slot. He didn't do those things you're accusing him of. He's innocent. You really think I wouldn't know if he had that kind of power? If he did, I would have told you already," she said, finally finding enough courage to speak without stammering.

"Is he threatening you?" Sir Dominic asked, his tone sharpening.

"What?" Angelica blinked, confused by the question.

"Did Silas threaten you to keep quiet? Is that why you're denying everything? Angelica, listen to me. I know Silas has those powers. Right now, he's dangerous. He needs someone to guide him, to help him. Please, just be honest with me."

"I already told you, Sir. Silas is innocent. He hasn't gained any powers, and he didn't kill anyone," Angelica said firmly.

Sir Dominic's smile disappeared, his face growing cold and stern.

"Do you know why your father disowned you, Angelica?" he asked, his voice low and cutting. "He thought you were a disgrace. He didn't want people gossiping about your family, laughing at them."

Angelica's heart sank. She lowered her eyes to the floor, shame burning in her cheeks. She knew this already. Why did Sir Dominic have to remind her? It felt like he wanted to hurt her even more.

"But," Sir Dominic continued, his voice softer, "I've heard some rumors recently. Rumors that your father is thinking of taking you back."

Angelica's head shot up, her eyes wide with shock.

"Yes, Angelica. Your father plans to bring you back into the family, to call you his daughter again. You've worked hard to prove yourself, and it's paying off. But what do you think he'll say if he finds out you're hiding a dangerous secret like this?"

He leaned in closer, his eyes dark and serious. "What will he say when he learns Silas lost control and killed people—and you could have stopped it? That would ruin his reputation. You'd lose any chance of being welcomed back."

"Think about it, Angelica," he said, his voice steady and pressing. "You've spent years trying to earn your father's respect, trying to show him you're not a disgrace. Are you really going to let all that go to waste?"

Angelica sat frozen, her mind swirling with fear and doubt.

"This shouldn't be so hard for you," Sir Dominic said gently. "I've told you, we only want to help Silas. But I get it. He's your friend. Telling on him feels like a betrayal. But think about your family. Are you really willing to lose them for Silas?"

She had spent so many years fighting to show her father that she was worth something, that she wasn't a failure. Finally, he was starting to believe in her again.

She couldn't throw that away. She had given up so much to reach this point. But at the same time, how could she betray Silas? He trusted her with his secret. If he found out she told Sir Dominic, it would destroy her. Would he ever forgive her?

But what choice did she have?

"Let me make this easier for you," Sir Dominic said, clearing his throat. "I'll give you one month to decide. On the final day, if you choose to tell me the truth, don't come alone. Bring Silas with you. But if you keep lying, your father and your whole family will hear about it. And you know what that means."

"You're free to go," he finished.

Without hesitation, Angelica rose from her seat and left Sir Dominic's office, her hands trembling at her sides. The door clicked shut behind her, but she didn't hear it; her mind buzzed with conflicting thoughts. Sir Dominic returned to his desk, his gaze cold as he watched her leave.

Angelica hurried through the dimly lit hallway, her eyes glistening with tears. Her chest tightened with every step as she wrestled with the impossible choice laid before her. She had only a month to decide: betray Silas and secure a place back in her family, or remain loyal to him and lose her father's acceptance forever.

Her footsteps echoed through the corridor, each one heavier than the last. The walls seemed to close in on her, the weight of her dilemma pressing down like a storm cloud.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't see Sebastian until she collided with him.

"Ouch, take it easy," Sebastian chuckled, rubbing his shoulder. But his smile faded when he saw Angelica walk past him without even a glance. "Hey, is everything okay?" he called out, concern in his voice.

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Angelica didn't respond. She just kept walking, her eyes fixed ahead.

As she neared the classrooms, she spotted Vic stepping out with David. Her hand shot up to wipe away the tears pooling in her eyes, her fingers trembling.

Vic's eyes widened when he saw her. "Oh, thank goodness you're okay. I was really worried about you," he sighed in relief. But his expression changed when he took a closer look at her face. Her eyes were red and puffy, like she'd been crying for hours.

"Is everything alright?" he asked gently.

Angelica forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine."

Vic studied her for a moment before nodding slowly. "If you say so." He hesitated. "So… what did Sir Dominic want? Why did he call you to his office?"

Angelica's breath caught in her throat. She swallowed hard, her heart thundering. "He just… wanted to see how I was doing," she stammered. "You know, after Ivy died. He knew she was like a sister to me, so he offered some words of comfort."

Vic nodded, though his eyes held a flicker of doubt. "That's… kind of him, I guess."

"Hey, have you guys seen Silas?" Angelica asked, glancing around nervously.

"Not since he left the rooftop earlier," Vic replied. "He's probably back in his room taking a nap. Why do you ask?"

"I just need to talk to him about something," she said quickly. "I'll catch you guys later."

"Do you want us to come with you?" Vic offered, his eyes following her worriedly.

"No, it's nothing serious," Angelica replied, already walking away. "Don't bother."

Vic watched her retreating figure until she disappeared around a corner. He turned to David, a crease forming between his brows.

"You don't think there's something going on between them, do you?" Vic asked.

David shook his head and walked off, leaving Vic standing there, lost in thought.

---

Angelica's feet carried her toward Silas's room, her mind swirling with dread and confusion. The long hallways felt endless, and her breaths came shallow and quick. When she finally stood in front of his door, her fingers curled into her palms, trying to summon the strength to face him.

For a moment, she just stood there, her heart thumping so loudly she feared it would burst. Finally, she took a shaky breath and knocked.

Nothing.

She knocked again, harder this time.

"Silas?" she called out, her voice breaking.

When there was still no answer, she hesitated before gripping the doorknob. It turned easily in her hand.

"It's open," she murmured, pushing the door gently. It creaked as it swung inward.

She stepped inside and scanned the room. Her eyes widened in disbelief at the mess before her—clothes strewn across the floor, papers scattered like leaves in a storm, empty cans piled in the corners. It looked like a tornado had torn through.

But she didn't care about the chaos. Her eyes searched desperately for Silas.

"He's not here," she whispered, dread curling in her stomach. "Where on earth is he?"

---

Meanwhile, in the Grade 5 Realm…

Silas stood in the pitch-black void, his muscles tense and his breaths ragged. Shadows shifted and flickered around him, each one a hidden threat. Dark creatures lunged at him from every angle, their eyes glinting with malice.

His reflexes saved him from some strikes, his body twisting and dodging with practiced speed. But not all. Sharp claws scraped his arms and legs, each hit a reminder of his exhaustion. His blood ran hot, his frustration mounting.

He swung his fists, aiming for the shadows. But every time he struck, they melted away, slipping back into the darkness like smoke.

"How the hell do I defeat these things?" Silas growled through gritted teeth, his voice edged with anger and desperation.

His fists clenched tighter. He knew he was running out of time—and out of options.

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A/N: Vote with your Golden Tickets and Power Stones.