252 Mary's Thoughts

[Mary's POV]

You see? You saw it, right?

I asked him—my eyes wandered towards him as he stared at me, serene.

I wanted to show him that I am great; I can defeat anyone and anything—this is what I learned in this academy.

I always said that I wanted to grow, and see, I have grown as a warrior and a swordsman too.

You saw it? Right, Ruu?

His eyes didn't linger on me for long before he turned them towards the girl fallen behind me, on her knees. Why wouldn't he keep his focus on me and me only?

"Hey! What was that!?" I was shaken out of my thoughts as someone grabbed my shoulder.

I looked at Adam, who shook me. I unconsciously stepped back. Ruu didn't see me like this, right?

"Why did you do that? What's going on with you, Mary? First Raven, now Cecelia—are you alright?" He drew closer.

"Y-yeah," I nodded, creating some distance. Right now, I just didn't want his touch—especially not in front of Ruu.