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This part is a little late compared to the others BUT! School has been very overwhelming with lots of homework and exams so I obviously had a hard time finding time to write without falling asleep on my phoneš I hope I wonāt be exhausted for too long because Iām really excited to finish this fic lol
Female reader!, Twisted Wonderland fanfiction, angst
TW: mentions of injuries, being hurt, arguing about someone, arguingā¦
Part 9: It was unfair of me.
Heavy⦠your eyes were so heavy and tired. You tried opening them a first time but you were blinded by the light. It wasnāt the lighting that hurt your orbs though, it was the painfully pale, white bedsheets over you and over all the beds around you. With just that, you figured you were at the infirmary. You lifted your upper body just a bit, giving enough space for your arms. You rested on your elbows as you opened a second time your eyes, frowning at the strong cleaned smell: you couldnāt even tell if the tulip scent was in your head or not until you turned your glance towards the bedside table.
- "Get well soon"⦠You read on the note attached to a pink and yellow tulips bouquet. I mean, Iāll try-
You finally sat up and tried stretching out your arms only to whimper in pain: your muscles were sore. When you took a look at your skin, you realized you had a lot of bandaids⦠You then reached a hand to your neck, where you felt some sort of stinging sensation, not so faint.
- Bandages⦠You opened the drawer of the nightstand and grabbed a pocket sized mirror.
When you looked at your neck, it was wrapped in white bandages. You couldnāt help but look at your face: an eyeball with red instead of white, a bruise around it, another bruise on your cheek and multiple scratches that were already healed. It didnāt took you long to realize that the wounds, which were covered in bandages, had yet to fade.
- Y/n! Youāre awake..! You heard a sad voice say.
Grim was sitting on the end of the bed you rested in. His face had a worried expression, his eyes shining with tears as you asked what put him in such state.
- I was scared you would get worse over the night..! He stretched his tiny limbs as he climbed onto your lap. Everyone was worried.
You turned your head towards the door of the infirmary, holding back a yawn as your eyes frowned, looking at who just appeared at the door frame. There, were standing Cater and Jack, smiling at you. Behind them was Jade holding back a crying Floyd from pouncing at you. You also noticed Silver and Epel, who was carrying a plate of, what you judged by the smell, to be freshly baked pastries.
- Ah! Y/n! Epel walked towards you rapidly, placing the plate on the nightstand. How are you feeling..?
- Beaten up- You tried giggling but your throat started aching as you placed your hand around your neck, grimacing.
Cater was quick to grab a bottle of water he brought with him and handed it to you. You drank it, slowly, trying not to cause any more damage to your throat than there was already while you saw Jack, from the corner of your eye, take a seat on a chair next to your bed. His gaze was soft and he looked at you with worry but also relief: you were fine, thatās all that mattered for now.
He smiled at you and leaned against the wall next to the nightstand, crossing his arms over his chest. Jade finally let go of Floyd: you guessed he was calm enough because he did not jump on top of you. Instead, he sat on the floor, his arms on the bed, his face buried in the clean white bedsheets. He grabbed your hand in the process, holding it close to him.
- Y/n⦠the Headmage said he wanted to talk to yo- Jade said.
- We said weād take it easy! Jack growled lowly.
Jade sighed. The Headmage wanted to talk to you? You shouldāve been the one wanting that! What was he going to say anyway? "Sorry for kidnapping you in our world but you have to die for everyoneā safety."?! Literally nothing heād say would calm down your dark thoughts. It was clear that he wouldnāt let you leave⦠or live.
- Y/n⦠we told him you needed to rest before talking to anyoneā¦
- You did good Epel⦠I certainly donāt feel like talking to himā¦
He smiled shyly at you as you gave him a comforting grin. You laid back in your bed, apologizing for being tired. Silver nodded his head in approval but walked a little closer to your bed, ready to ask a question. You looked at him through heavy eyelids, hearing Cater said it probably wasnāt the right time, but you looked at the silver haired boy, indicating him to continue:
- When we heard you were at the infirmary, we didnāt know why at first. So Cater asked D- He got hit in the stomach by Floyd and stopped mid sentence because of the red headās glare. Uh⦠he asked whoever saved you an-
- About that⦠You fully ignored their behavior, not giving a chance to Silver to finish his sentence as you rested on your elbows. Can you tell me who brought me here?
Seems like the answer to your question was also what the others had try to keep Silver silent about. You sat up, eager to know. Grim gulped and your eyes fell upon his worried face.
- Grim? You said while he looked at the others who had a murderous glare.
The demon cat got closer to you, shrugging off the threats he was getting. You wondered why they didnāt want you to know⦠the person who saved you, literally saved you! They couldnāt be bad!
- I heard you scream yesterday but when I tried getting out of the room, the door was locked!! The cat started. So I opened the window and saw Deuce walking by, then I shouted his name and told him you were being killed so he would hel-
- Grim!! The grey cat talked so fast the others didnāt really have the time to stop him into telling you everything.
- So Deuce was the one to save me..?
They all nodded, slowly and after a few seconds of hesitation. Grim was relieved he didnāt get killed for telling you the truth: but you had to know, right? You scratched the catās left ear as you wondered: where was Deuce?
- Can you call him in here?
- Wha- Cater said, obviously against it.
- I need to talk to him, please?
Jack sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Floyd was still clinging onto you as you held his hand while Jade put a finger on his chin in a pensive way. Cater sighed, giving in.
- Alright, fine⦠Iām going to Heartslabyul, Iāll bring him here. Just because you asked me to.
- Thank you⦠You yawned with teary eyes.
Epel saw your fatigue writing itself on your face and he got up in a hurry, trying to drag Floyd away from your bed, unsuccessfully. Jade then intervened, grabbing his brother by under his arms, lifting him up effortlessly, dragging him away from the infirmary while giving you a smile. Epel followed them, Silver in their steps. The other two just looked at each other, unsure of their next movements.
- Y/n are you sure about this?
- Yeah⦠you donāt need to worry about me Cater, Iāll be fine. I promiseā¦
Jack sighed, once again, and got up from his chair, seemingly agreeing with this as he walked towards the door, looking back at the red haired to make he would follow him outside.
- Alright⦠Iāll go tell Deuce. He gave in, following the wolf outside the infirmary, leaving you with Grim.
You sighed quietly, feeling anxious about meeting with your ex friend again. Would it go well..? You rubbed Grimās head, trying to drift your thoughts away from your anxiety that was just building up inside you.
- Donāt worry! Great Grim wonāt let anything happen to you anymore!
You giggled, mentally cursing yourself for doing so because of the pain it brought to your throat. You laid back down in the bed, bringing the bedsheets over your shivering body as you looked up at the ceiling, counting every spot of dust or dirt that stained the white paint, feeling suddenly really, really bored.
- Talk to you. Cater replied with a dry tone.
Deuce looked at his feet, suddenly feeling very interested in everything that was on the floor, placing his gaze anywhere but into Caterās eyes. He tried at all cost to avoid his murderous stare.
- Look, Iām doing this for her, not because I forgive you. He took a step closer to him. I will never forgive what you put her through.
The younger one nodded, gulping audibly. He started playing with his hands, not knowing where to put them: his eyes finally looked up, only to notice that Cater was stepping out of the lounge. The red head turned around at the last second:
- And if you hurt her more than you already did, youāll hear about me very soon. He threatened before exiting the room, closing the door behind him.
The young man was left alone in the lounge, alone with his annoying thoughts. He let himself fall on the couch, trying to gather as much courage as he could before he could even think about making his way to you. It wasnāt going to be easy, to say the least⦠he did treat you like a monster, he couldnāt deny it and no one could. He wouldnāt ask for forgiveness: he thought and believed he wasnāt worthy of it. But he did hope youāll feel peace within yourself and he would remind you that he was terribly sorry, that he regretted everything he did, or said⦠alright, maybe he did hope for you to forgive him. Because he missed you. A lot. But he knew it was far too lateā¦
Silver walked into the hallway of his dormitory, walking quietly towards the lounge.
- Father!! He turned around abruptly.
The short man laughed, amused by the boyās reaction. It was one of Liliaās habits to spook people by sneaking behind them and jumpscaring them. He was ready to question him about your state but Silver cut him off as soon as he opened his mouth.
- It went okay, Y/n is fine.
Lilia had some business to do so he couldnāt visit you at the same time as the others did: instead, he asked Silver to represent the both of them. The fae was pretty worried about you, considering you already got hurt in the past⦠he didnāt expect you to be hurt once more, especially not so soon.
- We should now inform Malleus, he needs to know why she wasnāt at her dorm last night.
Thatās right. Malleus was supposed to bring dinner to your dorm the night you got attacked by Vanessa. He didnāt know your tastes very well so he was completely clueless as to what he should cook: instead of risking to bring you, either a disgusting or a ruined meal, he asked Lilia, who unlike himself, knew how to use a phone, and told him to order some of the "finest pasta" he could find.
- I want to tell him myself. I was the one who visited her after all. Silver said, walking towards the lounge under the, somewhat proud, stare of his father.
He opened the doors that would lead him inside of the lounge and took a deep breathe when he noticed his housewarden sitting in a dark, green colored armchair. He slowly made his way to him, deciding he wouldnāt sit when heāll inform him about your state: he would just stand in front of him, thatāll be good enough.
- Ah Silver. Good day to you.
- Good day to you too- he felt his knees twitching, a sudden fear taking over him.
- What seems to be troubling you boy?
Silver forgot how to speak: his mouth opened but he was unable to let out a single word. He tried gathering some strength, he tried really hard. But could he really tell him, Malleus Draconia, that the girl he took affection for was sent to the infirmary after a rough beating from a bit- Vanessa? It wouldnāt help that Vanessa was already on the horned manās black listā¦
And he did just that. He obediently sat down on another armchair, right in front of him. He automatically folded his hands in his lap, playing with his fingers anxiously. His gaze avoided Malleusā own.
- Okay⦠sooo- he finally found his words back. I-I went to visit Y/n at the infirmary⦠He mumbled the last word, unsure: but deep inside, he knew that the man heard what he said.
The dragon straightened his posture, his eyebrows frowning above his glowing, menacing eyes: if looks could kill, everyone in the room would be dead.
- Master!! An urgent meeting!!
Sebek bursted into the room, the doors flying opened as he slammed them against the walls. His face was red and sweaty, his breathing aching: he mustāve been running. Thatās what Silver thought while his mind still focused on telling Malleus about you.
- Sebek, Silver and I are in the middle of a conversa-
- Order of the Headmage!! All the dorm leaders are waiting for you!!
The dragon stood up, apologizing to Silver with a sorry look in his eyes. The young man understood, getting up as well: they would continue this discussion later, it could wait a bit longer. Sebek waited for his master to hurry out of the lounge to follow him.
~ At the Headmageās office ~
All the dorm leader were gathered around a table that had been brought to the office of the Headmage: they all sat in complete silence, waiting for Crowley himself but also for Malleus. Outside of the room were the vice-dorm leaders, waiting in silence as well.
- Make way!! Sebek said loudly, Malleus at his side.
- Diasomniaās housewarden⦠Trey said, looking at him with a neutral expression.
- Good day to you all. Malleus said.
Trey was leaning against the wall, right next to the door. Jade was on the other side of him, his arms crossed over his torso, an upset look on his face. Next to the moray eel were Rook and an annoyed Jamil. Lilia made his way over to them, smiling softly as he hid his worry pretty well: he knew what was going on, but he hid that fact, letting Malleus go inside the roomā¦
- Ah! Malleus! Youāre finally here. Riddle said, noticing his presence in the room.
- Took you long enough. Leona said as the Diasomniaās housewarden closed the door behind him.
The dragon apologized for being late: he slightly bowed to his colleagues before making his way to his assigned seat, in between Vil and Kalim. The white haired boy was pretty excited to see him but he was even more excited to know the reason why he was here.
- What is this meeting about? Malleus asked.
- We donāt know yet. Vil said. The Headmage has yet to com-
- Welcome in my office!~ Crowley appeared out of nowhere, leaving a trail of feathers behind him. How are my favorite students doing?~
Riddle gasped and accidentally elbowed Azul in the ribs, making him whimper as his foot ended up crushing Leonaās tail who growled at the octopus. Kalim gasped dramatically at the Headmageās entrance while Idiaās tablet went on mute. Surely to hide his mocking laugh⦠or maybe his scared and pathetic sounding noises. Vil frowned and rolled his eyes while Malleus just sat there in complete silence. A dead silence. Crowley broke the awkward moment by clapping his hands as loud as possible, putting on, yet another, fake smile.
- Iām sure youāre all wondering why I brought you here! Right?
- Just get on with it. Vil said, sighing in exasperation. We donāt have your time.
The Headmage coughed, closing his eyes as he took a seat at the end of the table, saying something alone the lines of « very wellā¦Ā Ā».
He hadnāt say a single serious word yet but the students around him already knew he wasnāt bringing any good news. Why else would he gather them around a table like the beginning of a horror movie where some stupid kids summon a demon? He cleared his throat, dramatically of course, and intertwined his fingers, locking his hands together on the table.
- As you all may know, an accident occurred yesterday which led miss Y/n L/n to end up at the infirma-
- What?! Malleus raised his voice in a menacing tone, his hands turning into fists. Why was I not told about this?!
- Not everything revolves around you Draco-
- Shut your mouth Kingscholar. His glare was heavy on the lion.
Crowley got up to ease the tension that was building up in the room and especially between the two dorm leaders. He tried reassuring Malleus but only angered him more by avoiding to tell him what happened to you.
- Vanessa assaulted her last night⦠Riddle said, escaping everyoneās eyes. Deuce told me he was the one to find and bring her to the infirmaryā¦
- And no one judged this dangerous enough to arrest Vanessa?? Azul said in utter shock. She should be locked up! The twins were horrified by Y/nā state!
- Iāve heard enough. Malleus spat as thunder was heard outside. Iāll go to Y/n. He then pointed at Crowley. And you, you better find this monster before I do. He exited the room without looking back.
He slammed the door open and slammed it close right after, startling the vice-dorm leaders with the loud noise. Crowley felt threatened but kept silent. Outside of the room, Lilia said nothing, he only readied himself to follow where Malleus would lead.
- What happened in there? Trey asked.
The dragon didnāt bother replying, he was too focused on finding you. He flew down the hallway, Lilia at his side.
- Mast- Sebek tried to follow them but Jade held him back. What are you doing Leech?!
- Leave them alone. The eel said.
He knew already what was said behind the door of the office: when he saw you earlier, he told everything to Azul, knowing damn well heāll find it interesting. Either for his own benefit or either for the slight sympathy he had for you.
- Jade. Azul opened the door, ignoring Crowley or Vilās complaints about doing so. Youāre going to find Vanessa. Grab Floyd on the way and bring her back here.
The tall man nodded and let go of Sebek, making his way down the hallway: he was going to look for his brother before heading on a Vanessa āhuntā. On his end, Azul went back into the office, closing the door quietly behind him, leaving the vice housewarden completely stunned.
- Azul what the hell are you doing? Vil called him out. We didnāt agree to thi-
- Oh stop this! Why would you defend that girl? She assaulted another student! The octopus yelled, insisting on the word āassaultedā. That should be enough to have her get a punishment!
Vil scoffed, still stubborn about the situation: to him, Vanessa did nothing wrong, she was an angel in a human disguise that would befriend everyone in the world if she wanted to. She had the voice of a mermaid, the hair of a princess and the body of a goddess⦠thatās how he would have describe her had he not have a huge ego. He couldnāt believe you or anyone that would take your side, it was impossible for him to be wrong about anything.
- Y/n was jealous of the girl, just accept it. The blonde said.
- Accept what? That she got beaten up for nothing?? Azul was getting quite angry.
Kalim was shifting on his chair, anxiously looking at the two students: he didnāt know that you were assaulted⦠why? What happened exactly? Why didnāt you tell him anything? Why wasnāt he able to notice things were getting odd since Vanessa got here? Why couldnāt he be a good friend to you? He wanted to get out of this room and pay you a visit at the infirmary, crying for Jamil to get you the best cooking and flowers he could find.
- Not now Kalim. Vil said.
- But itās serious! Why would Vanessa beat up Y/n if she was just jealous? That wouldnāt make sense⦠doesnāt that mean that Vanessa was the jealous one?
- Nonsense. She has nothing to envy of her.
- What does that even mean blondie? Leona growled, getting tired of this conversation.
Riddle couldnāt stand there -no- sit there and do nothing! He couldnāt possible wait for a fight to happen. He didnāt feel like himself⦠he was always confident about his doings⦠so why was he rethinking everything he had say and do to you in the past few days?
- Sheās not what? Not pretty enough for you? Not talented enough for you? We know that no one can be as āperfectā as yourself Vil. The Heartslabyulās housewarden said, not able to hold back his tongue anymore.
- Who are you to talk? I thought you banned her from your dorm!
- And I regret it! Riddle finally admitted.
Riddle had turned around in his bed, looked at his reflection in his cup of tea, so many times, thinking about the hurtful expression that was written in your eyes when he banned you from his dormitory⦠and he couldnāt stop thinking about the painful tears he saw cascade down your face before you fainted in your friendās arms. He felt so guilty for being the one who made you cry that day.
- It was unfair of me to take Vanessaā side without even hearing Y/nā¦
- Oh please! Donāt play innocent now! Vil crossed his arms. Itās not Vanessaās fault if Y/n was jealous of he-
- Stop this!! Kalim suddenly shouted. Why are you even arguing?? We should be visiting Y/n right now! Sheās our friend!! Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes.
He ran out of the room, hurrying to make his way down the hallways and towards the infirmary, Jamil yelling at him to come back as he ran after him out of habit. Riddle sat back down in his chair, a saddened look on his features. Kalim was right: they were supposed to be with you right now, like normal friends should do. But instead, he was in this stupid room, arguing with Vil about who was innocent. It was clear for him today⦠you were. And he regretted believing otherwise.
How did you manage to fall asleep with the burning sensation in your throat and the terrible wounds on your body that would hurt even more when the bedsheets rubbed against them? You didnāt know. What you did know though is that someone had been kind enough to burst into the infirmary, sending the door slamming against the wall as it made you jolt awake with a gasp.
- Y/N!! You saw Kalim run towards your bed with tears falling down his cheeks.
- K-Kalim..? He hugged your waist as he sat on the floor, sniffling like a child as you stroke his hair. What happened to you..?
- I was worried about youuu..! No one told me what happened! I didnāt know!
He then apologized and kept on doing so: « sorry!Ā Ā», « Iām sorry!Ā Ā», « Forgive me! »⦠it made your heart twist and you let a small smile slip⦠he was so sweet and you almost felt guilty for making him cry like that. From the side of your eye, you noticed another figure leaning against the door frame and when you looked up, you saw Jamil, a reassured look on his face.
- Thank god youāre not dead⦠I wouldnāt have been able to comfort Kalim if you were. You catched the small smile he sent your way.
- Hi Jamil⦠you waved at him, happy to see these two.
He walked towards the bed, grabbing Kalim by the arm as he told him to let you breathe.
- No buts! Just sit down on that chair. He showed him a chair next to the bed and urged him to take a seat.
You giggled lightly and quietly, feeling warm on the inside. They cared for you⦠thatās all that mattered to you, really. Kalim wiped his tears off -and his snot- as his eyes scanned the room, his eyebrow rising high. He looked at Jamil, then at you:
- What? You seemed confused. Heās not here-
- He said he would come here for you. Jamil said. He was⦠pretty angry.
- Yeah! When he learned about your injuries, he stormed out of the room! And thunder! There was thunder!
- Y/n. A low voice spoke, making itself loud and soft at the same time.
When you turned your head towards the door, you saw your horned friend walking in, a vampire fae at his side. Jamil had his hand on the chair Kalim was sitting on, preparing himself to hold the boy back if he ever felt like getting in the dragonās way by squishing you in a tight hug. Meanwhile, you took time to analyze Malleusā features: they were expressing worry, rage⦠emotions that made you realize he knew. He let out a sigh of relief as the skies became slightly clearer than before, letting go of the darkest clouds and only allowing the gray ones to stay. His lips turned into a small smile as he made his way to you, gently grabbing your tiny hand in his gigantic one.
- Y/n⦠how are you feeling..?
- Better⦠how are YOU feeling?
- Oh, terrible, terrible⦠Y/n?
The two Scarabia students felt as if they should leave and only did so when Lilia motioned them to follow him outside. The short man wanted to give you and Malleus some alone time to discuss things through.
- Allow me to secure you: come to Diasomnia⦠Malleus said as soon as he heard the door close. Lilia and I prepared a room specially for you. Thatās why I was late to visit you⦠He mumbled the last part, ashamed.
- From this schoolās irresponsibility, from this mad Headmage and from this monster that Vanessa is. I swear to protect you but I need you to be close to meā¦
You thought about it only for a few seconds: it was obvious you couldnāt go back to Ramshackle, you no longer felt safe at this place. Accepting Malleusā request would mean youād be protected, kept away from the hell youāve been put through. The dragon was right, the school and all the people who wronged you were irresponsible.
- Alright⦠just promise me that Lilia wonāt do the cooking-
- I second that! Grim shouted. The breakfast he made before we left was horri-
- Iāll do anything for you. Breakfast, dinner⦠any and everything. His thumb caressed the back of your hand.
- Then I accept. Tears threatened to spill down your face as you finally felt welcomed somewhere.
The Diasomniaās Housewarden then threw the sheets at the end of the bed, sliding his arms under your legs and around your back as he secured his hands on your body so he could pick you up gently. He held you close to his chest as you grabbed Grim, hugging him tightly as Malleus hardened his grip onto you gently, walking towards the exit while making sure not to let you fall as he opened the door.
- Iāll take her to the dorm. Malleus turned to Jamil and Kamil as he said that. Weāll be taking her in our care from now on.
- Alright- What do I do if the Headmage asks about her whereabou-
- Tell him heāll have to deal with me if he even tries to think about seeing her.
- Alright- Jamil said once more, feeling a drop of sweat sliding down his forehead.
The dragon made his way down the hallway, a loud silence covering the walls as only his shoes were heard on the floor. Lilia bowed and smiled to the two Scarabia students, quickly running after Malleus. He glanced over at you as he noticed you fell asleep: "you poor thing", he thought. You mustāve been so tired from all of this.
- Rest assured beastie, no one will dare hurt you again. He said as he tucked a piece of your hair behind your ear, looking up at Malleus who still held you close.
The tall man nodded: no one, and when he means no one, itās NO ONE⦠no one will hurt you ever again. He wouldnāt allow it. He never did and never will. He will protect you no matter what.