Chapter Two; Life Afraid
“Mariah!” I heard Andrew exclaim, running over to my locker. I smiled at him.
“Hey!” I cheered, grabbing my Phantom Physiology book from my locker.
“I wanted to tell you to have a good class! I’ll see you for lunch.” Andrew gave me a fist bump before running off to his gym class. I laughed. He’s such a great friend.
I made my way to Liza’s classroom, two other royals trailing behind me. One was Princess Lora, who was pretty nice, and Prince Ryan. He was on the soccer team. This was a pretty boring class for me since I knew everything already. Liza said we’d be getting into cool stuff that wasn’t structure. I hoped it was the unit on motives. That sounded interesting.
We had already talked about the beginning of phantoms, which was Phantom Physiology I. This was Phantom Physiology II. We were supposed to discuss structures, motives, and how the Alphas handle phantoms now. Next year’s class is all on current events, strategies to defeat the phantoms, more stuff on motives, and comparing and contrasting Jammers and Phantoms. It was easy for me to understand this class since I was a phantom.
Life was a lot different than it was before. I wear dresses now. Yes. Dresses. I’ve learned that although my life as ‘royalty’ was EXHAUSTING, there were good things. I got to take fabulous classes, make wonderful friends, and have a supportive family by my side. Even if things weren’t always splendid, there was always a bright side to look at. Besides, some dresses are comfy.
“Welcome, students!” Liza beamed, the word Motives on the board behind her. Yes! “Great job to our soccer team on their win yesterday.” Liza started, walking towards her desk. I smiled.
“Now, let’s get into today’s lesson. We will be discussing motives of-” Liza began, but was stopped when the intercom came blaring on.
“Phantoms are spotted a few feet from the school gates. Prepare for lockdown.” Headmaster Cruizer’s voice filled the room. I shook my head, hearing large gates starting to close around the school. Xavier’s gonna freak out.
“Well class, this is an unexpected start to our lesson.” Liza nervously laughed as a substitute came rushing into the door. I stood up, but Liza gave me a glare that caused me to sit back down. I need to help!
“Students, stay here.” Liza narrowed her eyes at me, exiting the room. The cougar sat down at Liza’s desk, keeping close eyes on all of us. I felt my phone buzz, and I pulled it out of the pocket of my dress.
You okay? From Andrew.
I sighed, typing back my response.
I’d be better if I could’ve gone to help. From Mariah.
Andrew responded almost instantly.
It’s for the best. You have to keep a low profile. Looks like lunch might be pushed back. That sucks, because I’m starving lol. From Andrew.
I laughed, typing a goodbye message. I knew phones weren’t allowed in class. What? Sometimes I listen to rules. I sighed, trying to look out the bars that formed on the window. I saw lights, which I assumed were the Alphas fighting the phantoms. I should be out there!
“I thought this place was heavily guarded. How did a phantom get in?” Princess Lora asked, her phone buzzing on her desk. She looked at it and gasped. She showed it to her friend, who covered her eyes.
“What’s going on?” The substitute asked, standing up from the desk.
“You’re kidding? Where?” I asked, whipping around. She shrugged, scrolling through her phone. My phone buzzed.
Phantom spotted near the gym. We’re okay. It doesn’t seem to want us. Do you know what it could be looking for? From Andrew.
If I had a guess, I’d say either the Alphas who took their King away or the hybrid who helped. From Mariah.
What?! You need to tell someone. From Andrew.
Who? Liza’s gone. I can’t tell anyone else. I can handle it. I doubt it’s gonna find me. From Mariah.
I slipped my phone back into my pocket. I heard running in the hallway. Students hopped up and rushed to the door.
“Students! Sit back down!” The sub exclaimed, standing up.
“Liza!” The girls cheered as she opened the door. She was still in her armor. She looked at me with calm eyes.
“The pesky phantom was taken care of. No need to worry.” Liza smiled, taking off her helmet.
“So that’s it? We return back to class?” A boy asked. I looked back at Liza.
“Yes, we do. The Alphas and Headmaster Cruizer will take care of this. You guys don’t need to worry. You are safe in our hands.” Liza assured us as we all took our seats.
“Students, the phantom has been taken care of. Professors, please let your students out of class in five minutes. The coaches will be arriving soon.” Cruizer’s voice blared over the intercom. Voices began to chatter throughout the classroom as he spoke.
“Children,” Liza began, packing up her things, “This doesn’t mean we talk.”
“Why are we being sent home?” I asked, putting away my own things. She sighed.
“I’m not entirely sure, Princess Mariah.” Liza said quietly, walking over to my desk.
“But I have a feeling this isn’t over.” She whispered, kneeling down at my desk.
“I have a few suspicions if you’d like to hear them.” I whispered back, looking around the room. She shook her head.
“I’m meeting with your father for dinner along with the other Alphas. Wait until then. Right now isn’t a good time.” She finished, standing back up. She walked towards the back of her room, clearing off her agenda for the day.
After about five minutes, Liza allowed us to leave. I saw Andrew already standing at my locker, his book bag slung over his shoulder. I saw his cap on his head, which I knew he loved. It was a gift from his mother. He always wore it and carried his crown. He said it makes him feel like his mom was with him. I wish he had an amulet like I did that had his mother’s spirit.
“Looks like we get an early dismissal.” Andrew laughed, high fiving one of his friends as he walked past.
“I guess so.” I said quietly, zipping up my bag.
“Are you alright?” He asked me, putting a paw on my shoulder. I shook my head. He looked at me with a concerned face.
“What is it?” He asked.
“I think the phantoms are expecting something. I’m not sure what, but I can feel it in my bones. They’re expecting something big to happen.” I whispered, looking around for other royals.
“You mean like the Phantom King escaping?” He asked, his voice lowered.
“I don’t know, and I don’t want to find out.” I shuddered, closing my locker.
“I’m sure it’s nothing. Who am I kidding? Your gut is always right.” Andrew sighed, opening the door for me.
“I just hope I’m not right this time.” I sighed, saying my goodbyes. I knew I’d text him later tonight on what happened at the dinner. I got into the carriage, which was silent. Liam was on his phone, Olivia took one look at me and snarled, and my father and Lucy were next to Liam.
“Dad? Lucy? What’s going on?” I asked, sitting next to Olivia.
“I wanted to ask you the same thing, Mariah.” Xavier asked, narrowing his eyes at me.
“What?” I asked, starting to get nervous.
“You’re the phantom hybrid here. You have to have some sort of idea what they’re planning.” Liam chimed in, putting his phone away.
“I-” I stuttered, watching the school get smaller and smaller as we drove away.
“What is it?” Xavier asked me, putting a paw on mine.
“I don’t know what, but they’re planning something. Big. They’re almost waiting for something.” I explained, fidgeting with a ruffle on my dress.
“Like the Phantom King escaping? That’s impossible.” Lucy tagged in. I shrugged.
“I don’t know. I just feel like it’s big.” I finished, laying my head on the window. Whatever this was, I didn’t want to find out. I just silently prayed to Mira that my gut feeling would be wrong this time.
***
“King Xaiver, Queen Lucy. Thank you for having us.” I heard Liza’s calming voice say. I was sitting at the table in the same dress I wore to school. Olivia had changed into something fancier, and Liam was wearing a fancier tux as well. I didn’t mind. I was wearing a comfortable dress, so why would I change?
I watched Liza and Sir Gilbert come in, with Greely and Peck not far behind them.
“Cosmo and Graham have stayed behind to work on strengthening the defenses of Magestia Prep.” Liza explained, sitting down at the large table. Everyone else followed suit. I sighed, playing with my fork.
“Now, shall we begin?” Greely snarled, looking at me. I lowered my head, looking at the table. I never understood that guy.
“Magestia Prep was attacked. That’s an issue.” Liza began as the servants brought plates of food.
“It truly is. Those children should be at top priority.” Sir Gilbert added.
“What about everyone else?” I asked. Liza looked at me.
“Pardon?” She asked, thanking the servant for her food.
“What about the other Jammers living in Jamaa? Where’s their protection?” I asked, looking straight at her.
“Rest assured, Princess, that we are doing everything in our power to keep Jamaa safe- and everyone in it. We have stations in every land of Jamaa, and all of the surrounding areas.” Sir Gilbert explained, picking up his fork.
“But how did a phantom get in?” Lucy asked.
“We’re not sure. It was a surprise to all of us. But we’re doing everything in our power to keep it from happening again.” Peck smiled.
“You can’t be sure anymore. The phantoms are ruthless, even more than before. Their ruler is gone.” Xavier explained, looking at me.
“You took out the Phantom King. Not the entire ruler's bloodline.” I explained, picking at my salad.
“What are you talking about?” Xavier asked, dropping his fork. I told you about this before. I know I did.
“My aunt still exists. Not to mention my cousin. I met her once, but she exists. Not to mention if my aunt had any other kids she didn’t tell my mother about. My mother is an heir. I’m technically an heir, but obviously not anymore.” I explained again. Xavier shook his head.
“So you’re saying they’re not totally helpless?” Greely growled. I nodded.
“Then why would only one phantom appear at the school?” Peck asked the Alphas. I looked over at Liam, who was already finished with his food. He was sitting in attendance, just as I learned in my Royal Etiquette course. Olivia was still eating her salad, but she had a dark look on her face. She had been different the past few days. She’s been quiet and even more short-tempered than normal. She looked up at me, glaring at me. She flicked her eyes down to my necklace before going back to her food. What?
“That’s the million dollar question.” Greely lowly stated, finishing his food. The other Alphas were also finished. I ate a few more bites before I stood up.
“Mariah, honey. You didn’t excuse yourself.” Lucy said quietly, looking over at me.
“I-Can I be excused to my room? I’m not feeling too well.” I said, a sick pit sitting in my stomach. Lucy looked at me concerned.
“Of course, honey. Let the servants know if you need anything.” Lucy smiled. I nodded, closing the door.
“Olivia-” Xavier called. I looked behind me to see the door swing open. She glared at me as she stomped to her room. Something’s off with her.
I made my way to my room, closing the door behind me.
“Something’s happening.” I heard Aura’s little voice squeak.
“I think so too.” I said quietly, looking in the mirror. I saw my necklace flash a quick black color before it returned to it’s purple color.
“Mother, what are you planning?”
“I won’t live my life afraid.”
BOY HAVE I MISSED WRITING READY OR NOT!
After Book 2, I learned a lot. I discovered that I really dragged out the filler chapters and barely had any “plot” chapters. Starting book three, I want to improve on that. I’m going to make sure I don’t rush the plot, but I don’t put it off and cram it at the end. Besides, this chapter has a LOT to unpack. Every chapter, I learn more about what it means to be a “good writer.” Ready or Not has been a way to improve and grow for my future endeavors. Some of you may know this, but I have a goal of being an author when I’m older. Ready or Not is like a “first step” for me.
I hope you enjoyed! Jam On!
