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Dominic’s breathing slowed down to the point of stopping as the man spoke. “If it’s your first year here, then the school’s made a hell of an impression, I’m sure.” His laugh grated on Dominic’s ears. Though a simple statement, he was likely hoping to hear Dominic’s impression of the academy. Once again, he had to think carefully. He’d made enough mistakes, and there was no knowing how many it would take before that monster snaps. But the bigger question was, just what would he like to hear? The silence lingered in the air, the short pause feeling like hours as the tension rose in the air. Dominic found himself looking into the crowd again, as if they were anticipating his response, even if they couldn’t care less.
“It has,” he answered simply, meeting the other man’s eyes. He let the words hang in the air for a moment, using every little moment to think. “It’s impressive, for sure. I’m both amazed by the architecture and the location they’d chosen. In plain sight, yet nobody could guess where it was hiding.” He found himself switching to an overly formal tone, dragging out his words. “And the ball last night, quite a way to welcome new students. I… Enjoyed my first stay at this academy, and I’m eager to see what other surprises it will hold.”
The name Miles North sounded familiar, and the mention of a case further confirmed Dominic’s suspicions. That was the man mourned at the ball, the one who’d disappeared. Dominic nodded in confirmation, the tingling in his hands slowly turning painful.
Cases, plural. Just as Dominic thought, the reason for everyone’s indifference at the ball was because there’d been prior disappearances. They were all aware of it, how a person had vanished without a trace time and time again. And yet the faculty gave a speech like it was the most normal thing ever, and everyone continued with their fun. Why wasn’t anyone doing anything? Dominic couldn’t tell who was involved, for all he knew, the man in front of him could’ve been the main culprit. His promise of sticking together seemed so empty, when he was a complete stranger in a world where you could trust no one.
The tense conversation soon came to an end, cut short as Dominic’s wrists were bound together. He knew how far he pushed it with his words, well aware of all his mistakes so far, and yet he couldn’t hold back from taunting the man even further. Curiousity got the better of him, wondering just how bad things can get. So many possibilities, so many questions swarming through his head. The uncertainty almost excited him.
In the blink of an eye, Dominic found himself on the ground. He gasped, his legs hitting the hard floor. Before he could even process, the man’s fist collided with his face. Sharp pain spread out through his sinuses, making his nose throb from the impact. His arms failed to hold him up, sending him falling to his back. He grit his teeth, exhaling sharply as his hands clenched into fists.
His reaction wasn’t nearly as entertaining as Dominic thought it would be. Just as expected, his words had provoked the man and he dived straight into combat. He was aware of his own strength, of the advantage he had against Dominic. Yet he felt the need to prove himself, maybe out of anger, embarrassment, his hurt ego. Dominic found it laughable. He was as reckless, fragile and stupid as he’d thought. Much like everyone who resorted to violence instead of negotiation. That was one thing Dominic could never understand.
“You’re free now, Nic. Hit me."
Was he playing with him? Testing him? Expecting him to stoop to his level?
Dominic’s eyes widened, instinctively shielding his face with his arms. The man’s fist collided with his bones, impacting both as sharp pain shot through his lower arms. He groaned, his brows furrowing in rage. Another wave of adrenaline rushed through his blood, boiling hot, his energy building up for the chance to strike back.
He clenched his hand into a fist, ignoring the pounding headache and the blood leaking down his lips. He gathered his strength and energy, channeling it into his arm and letting his anger guide him.
And… Nothing.
His arm was frozen in place. He couldn’t strike.
It wasn’t fear, he would’ve known if it was. No, it was something much deeper.
The thought of Dominic’s fist colliding with the other man’s body, inflicting pain regardless of how weak he was — it made him sick to his stomach. He couldn’t hurt another person. Violence despite the circumstances was never an option. Because if he resorted to it, even in this kind of situation, then what would stop him from using it again? What if he lost control? What if he hurt people who never deserved it? What if he became like… Him?
Dominic lowered his fist, his eyes wide as he stared at the ground. He couldn’t even gather the strength to look at the man. He suddenly found himself completely paralyzed, unable to even speak. Those two punches wiped his smug grin right off his face, and he was left completely helpless, just like he always was underneath his mask of arrogance.
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@raviola ⋅𖥔⋅ Vinnie ft. Chadbrad and Bradchad
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