It was meal time.
Everyone gathered around a long dining table set in a straight line — polished cutlery, crystal glasses, soft golden lights overhead. It felt less like a college event and more like a VIP dinner.
It was already 8.
My stomach reminded me I hadn't eaten properly since morning.
I exited toward the buffet immediately.
Varieties everywhere — warm breads, curries, grilled vegetables, salads, desserts.
Amara noticed and waved.
"Guys, look there," she said. "That corner looks peaceful. No flashes. We can eat without people eavesdropping."
I nodded instantly.
That was exactly what I wanted.
Peace while eating.
We settled in the quieter corner.
Soon enough, Adam brought along two guys.
"Guys, these are my previous year college friends," Adam said casually. "You won't mind them joining us, right?"
I muttered under my breath,"I mind."
But Amara smiled politely.
"No, it's fine. It's good to know new people and make new friends."
They thanked her and sat.
The food was already arranged on the table.
Lucien leaned toward me and said quietly,
"You sit here. Everything here is veg."
I looked at him.
"Did you arrange?"
He nodded once.
I said softly,"Thank you."
And took my seat.
Lucien sat beside me.
Across me sat a guy I assumed was one of Adam's friends.
Everyone started small talk.
Introductions.
Laughs.
I didn't join.
I started eating.
And I noticed something immediately.
The guy across me kept staring.
Not casually.
Not curiously.
Staring.
My instincts tightened.
He wasn't good.
Lucien cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.
"Okay," he said evenly. "This is Armor. My cousin. He joined us tonight — uncle's guest."
So this no-good guy was Armor.
I continued eating cabbage from my fork and glanced at Lucien.
He didn't look happy Armor was here.
I ignored it.
Introductions went around.
When it reached me, I simply said,
"I'm Nyx."
And continued eating.
Armor smirked.
"Looks like you don't have manners."
I lifted my eyes slowly.
"I do have table manners," I said calmly."That is to eat the meal without talking."
Silence dropped.
Everyone froze.
I knew I hit his fragile ego.
Ram interrupted awkwardly.
"Well… I'm Ram. And he's Sam."
I nodded once.
"I'm Nyx."
They smiled politely.
I stayed neutral.
Everyone resumed eating.
Armor leaned back in his chair, eyes dragging over me.
"So Nyx… how long has it been that you're close to Lucien?"
I kept eating.
Didn't even blink.
He smirked.
"He allows you into his study room but not me."
I finally lifted my gaze.
"That's not my problem."
His jaw tightened.
Lyra tried stepping in."Mr. Armor—she only went to grab her outfit—"
He snapped,"Did I ask you to speak?"
I turned slowly toward him.
"She doesn't need your permission to speak."
I took another bite, calm as death.
Armor laughed bitterly.
"They need permission. In fact, everyone needs permission before they speak when I'm in a circle."
I tilted my head slightly.
"Funny."
He raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"You think this is your circle."
His lips curled.
"And what if it is?"
I wiped my fingers with the napkin, eyes still on him.
"Then get up and leave if my silence offends you."
The table froze.
Armor leaned forward.
"You have a lot of attitude for someone sitting at my table."
I answered flatly,
"You have a lot of ego for someone nobody here respects."
A few gasps.
Adam shifted in his seat.
Armor slammed his palm down.
"I control everything here, alright? And I'm very capable of controlling you too. Don't you dare speak to me in that tone again."
I slowly placed my fork on my plate.
Clink.
I met his eyes.
"Mr. Armor… do you always threaten women when your authority feels small?"
His face darkened.
"You're crossing limits."
I shrugged lightly.
"You drew them too close."
He scoffed.
"You think you're special?"
I replied without hesitation:
"No. I think you're replaceable."
That hit.
His nostrils flared.
"Watch your mouth."
I leaned back in my chair, voice ice-calm.
"Watch your existence."
Silence.
Armor stood slightly from his seat.
"I control people like you."
I extended my hand slowly.
"Then show me."
He hesitated.
I added softly,
"Come on. Demonstrate."
Everyone was frozen.
He placed his hand on mine arrogantly.
Lucien and Elias looked at each other gasping , they exchanged texts in between .
Lucien : you know right what's gonna happen ?
Elias : its his fault we both know she is more violent in this group .
Lucien : she is calm
Elias : she is always calm . Its just we know her .
Lucien : hope that she don't kill him.
Elias : same here.
Big mistake.
I pulled him forward, twisted his wrist hard enough to make him gasp, rotated his arm behind him, and smashed his head against the table.
Hard.
Crystal rattled.
Plates shook.
I leaned close to his ear.
"Lesson one: " first learn to control your tongue ."
Then I straightened and said calmly:
"Lesson two: "power doesn't scream."
He staggered up.
"How dare you—!"
I looked at him with dead eyes.
"Oh. Still talking?"
I tilted my head.
"Looks like instead of breaking your arm, I should rip off your tongue. That seems to be the real problem here."
His face went pale.
Lucien stood immediately.
Security was called.
As they dragged Armor away, he shouted,
"I won't spare you, bitch!"
I picked up my fork again.
Didn't even look at him.
"Take your time," I said quietly."I'll still be here."
Then I resumed eating.
Everyone was shocked.
Even Lyra.
Adam blinked.
"…from where did you learn those moves?"
"It's basic."
Amara whispered,
"What if he tries something?"
Lucien replied coldly,
"Don't worry. I'll handle him. He won't."
Silence followed.
Cutlery slowly resumed clinking.
But the air had changed.
Adam cleared his throat.
"That escalated quickly."
Ram stared at me.
"Basic… you said?"
I nodded.
Sam leaned back.
"Remind me to never annoy you."
I didn't respond.
Lucien watched me closely, jaw tight.
Lyra leaned in.
"Nyx… are you okay?"
"Yes."
She studied my face.
Nothing.
Elias muttered,
"He always had a god complex."
Lucien spoke low.
"He won't return tonight."
Then softer, only for me:
"Did he hurt you?"
I shook my head.
"He tried."
His fist tightened.