Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 210 - 208: Adrianna’s funeral

Everyone turned to him. "I think it’s more like a... pentagon," Levi continued thoughtfully. "You know. Five sides."

There was a split second of silence, before the table exploded with laughter.

Leo slapped the table. "A love pentagon! I’m crying."

Alaric laughed quietly, shaking his head. Even Armand’s lips twitched.

Athena stared at them all, unimpressed. "I can’t believe you’re laughing at my misery."

Leo wiped imaginary tears from his eyes. "Oh, we absolutely can. That’s what friends are for."

"And for the record," Levi added, still grinning, "you’re handling it way better than we would. I’d have transferred schools by now."

She sighed, shaking her head, but a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "You’re all terrible."

"But loyal," Alaric said gently.

"And entertaining," Armand added.

Leo leaned back again, smirk firmly in place. "So don’t worry, Athena. Whatever geometric shape your love life turns into, we’ve got front-row seats."

She groaned. "I hate all of you."

Suddenly Adrianna stood up from her seat, the scrape of her chair cut through the cafeteria noise.

Conversations slowly died down as she lifted her chin, a practiced smile on her lips.

"Everyone," she said sweetly, voice carrying easily, "I just want to remind you all that tonight is my birthday party." She paused for effect. "It’s going to be a lot of fun, especially since the Phantom Fours will be there..."

Her gaze moved deliberately to Eryx "...especially Eryx."

A murmur rippled through the room.

Eryx shut his eyes for a brief second, jaw tightening.

Theo leaned closer to him. "Did you tell her that?"

Eryx opened his eyes again, expression flat. "No."

Rhydric took a slow sip of his drink, unfazed. "I hope I’m not part of the ’Phantom Fours’ she’s talking about," he said calmly. "Because if I am, she won’t be having a birthday tonight. It’ll be her funeral."

Azrael let out a sharp laugh. Theo followed immediately. "Damn."

Even a few nearby students snorted. Only Eryx remained still, his face cold.

Across the cafeteria, Adrianna continued, her smile sharpening. "And of course," she added, "everyone is welcome. Even those who like to show up uninvited... or insert themselves where they don’t belong."

Adrianna’s smile widened, as she tilted her head slightly. "Right, Athena?" she added sweetly, her tone dripping with false innocence. "Wouldn’t want anyone feeling... left out."

The cafeteria went quiet in that subtle way.

Leo slowly turned his head toward Athena. "Oh," he whispered. "She said your name."

Athena smiled as she peered at Adrianna. It was kind of smile that made people nervous.

"Yes," Athena said lightly. "You’re absolutely right, Adrianna."

Adrianna’s eyes gleamed, thinking she’d won.

Athena continued, tilting her head with mock thoughtfulness. "It’s very generous of you to invite everyone. Especially when attention is... so important on birthdays."

A few students exchanged looks.

"And honestly," Athena added, still smiling, "it must take a lot of courage to throw a party knowing people are only coming out of curiosity, not loyalty."

A soft oof rippled through the room. Adrianna’s smile faltered for half a second.

Athena clasped her hands together, with all sweetness. "But don’t worry. I’ll be there. I wouldn’t miss seeing you enjoy your moment, after all, moments like that don’t last forever."

Leo had to bite his lip to stifling a laugh.

Levi leaned back, impressed. "Good."

Alaric blinked. While Armand nodded once, approving.

Adrianna’s jaw tightened, her nails digging into her palm, but she forced a laugh. "I’m glad," she said tightly. "I’d hate for you to feel overshadowed."

Athena’s smile didn’t waver. "If I were capable of being overshadowed," she replied gently, "we wouldn’t be having this conversation, my dear."

The cafeteria erupted in a scattered laughter.

Azrael, from across the room, watched her with an amused smile.

Leo leaned in and whispered, "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Athena finally looked away, picking up her drink like nothing had happened. "Trust me," she said softly. "That was me being nice."

Adrianna huffed angrily and slammed her hands lightly on the table before sitting, her composure slipping just a little. She muttered something under her breath, clearly irritated.

The cafeteria settled back into its usual buzz for a moment, until Levi leaned in toward Athena, his voice low but teasing. "Did you hear what Rhydric did to Mr. Meadow on your behalf?"

Athena’s head snapped toward him, alarm written all over her face. "What did he do?"

Levi smirked, shrugging casually. "First, according to what I heard, he beat him up pretty badly... and then, get this, he threatened him with a gun. Told him to apologize to you... in front of everyone."

Athena’s eyes widened, heart skipping a beat.

Did he really do that? She thought as her gaze drifted slowly to his.

She forced herself to take a slow breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She gave Levi a shaky smile, hoping it looked casual.

Leo leaned in, lowering his voice with a grin. "Don’t act all innocent now. You know he’s been looking out for you. That guy’s like a... guardian angel, but way scarier."

"I don’t need a scary guardian angel," Athena muttered, though the corner of her lips threatened a smile.

Levi chuckled. "Oh, come on. Admit it. You kind of like knowing someone’s got your back... even if it’s a little terrifying."

Athena rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. "Maybe. But I don’t need people causing chaos for me either. That’s not my style."

Levi leaned closer, speaking quietly. "He’s... intense. But that’s just how he is. Don’t let it make you nervous."

Athena nodded, taking another sip of her drink, trying to calm the flutter in her chest.

Leo grinned mischievously. "Honestly, you should see the look on Adrianna’s face right now. She’s probably plotting something even bigger."

Athena snorted quietly, shaking her head. "I wouldn’t be surprised. She really hates it when I steal the spotlight."

Levi laughed, bumping her shoulder playfully. "Then tonight’s going to be fun. Trust me."

Athena nodded with a smirk. " Yeah... it’s going to be hot too."

The cafeteria fell into a sudden hush as all eyes turned toward the voice that spoke. A tall handsome guy with a blond hair stood up, and raised his drink.

"To the newest couple in the building!" he announced, his voice carrying easily across the room. "Azrael and Athena!"

A few students clapped, some whistled, and a ripple of laughter spread through the cafeteria.

Azrael’s head snapped toward the source and raised one brow. His jaw tightened slightly, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Athena felt her cheeks heat up instantly. She glanced at her friends, who were now stifling giggles. Leo trying and failing to look serious, Levi shaking his head with a smirk, and even Alaric letting out a quiet chuckle.

She glanced at Azrael from where she sat, and the sight of him leaning casually against the table, arms crossed, that infuriating smirk on his lips... made her blush even harder.

Leo leaned in close, whispering loud enough for her to hear, "Well, well... looks like someone’s got their head in the clouds. Or should I say, in Azrael’s arms?"

Levi nudged her shoulder. "Careful, Athena. You’re practically glowing. People might start thinking you’re melting from the heat of your own romance."

Athena groaned, hiding her face behind her hands, trying not to laugh. "You guys are impossible!"

Alaric smirked softly. "Not impossible, we’re just good observer."

Armand, ever the deadpan, leaned back with a small smile. "Honestly, it’s kind of adorable. You’re like a kid caught stealing cookies from the jar."

Leo grinned wickedly. "Yeah, except the cookies are Azrael. And you’re caught. Red-handed."

Athena pushed him playfully, trying to hide her growing grin. "Stop it! You’re all horrible!"

"Only because you make it so easy," Levi teased, flicking her shoulder lightly.

Despite herself, Athena laughed, shaking her head. The teasing, the laughter, the warmth of her friends, it all made the heat in her cheeks spread even more.

She inwardly groaned. This is going to be a long day...After the final bell rang, the school finally quieted down, and Athena hurriedly packed her bag.

Stepping out of the classroom, she nearly collided with Theo. "You’re leaving already?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," she replied, brushing past him lightly.

He stepped closer, his gaze lingering a little longer than usual. "Are you... coming to the party tonight?"

Athena smiled softly as she turn and walk away. "Of course."

Theo nodded, but his eyes trailed over her from head to toe, taking in the way she carried herself, the small bounce in her step, and the confidence she radiated even in a simple uniform.

She paused at the doorway, then, turned back to him. "I might actually need your help with something," she said, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Theo’s expression softened instantly, a small, warm smile formed on his lips. "Anything for you."

Athena’s smile deepened, grateful for his quiet support, and she nodded before finally turning away. Her heart fluttered slightly at the way he was looking at her.