A/N: Hey people! Thanks for the reviews. I have to say, I'm now a bit scared that my story won't live up to your expectations. And I'm also very sorry for the delay. Basically I had some FAT writer's block ans then I had my KS3 SATS and various other stuff like that. Rothen is included in this chapter. Oh yeah, and I am well aware that what Regin does is completely stupid and unrealisitic, but like Sonea crying, it all has to be included for the story to work. But I know that this chapter is crappy. Please don't kill me. If I am still alive and I get good reviews, I shall post the next chapter. Anyway, enjoy (or at least try to anyway...)

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Except the plot.

8

Through a window on the first floor of the university, a class of Second Year students could be seen leaving for their next lesson. As the class filed out of the classroom, the purple-robed alchemist cleaned the board and sat down in his chair. The door shut with a click and Rothen let out a sigh he had been holding in for the past hour. Today had not been a good day, so far. The Second Year summer class had spent the lesson trying to hide smug grins and laughter, but failed miserably. And for some reason, he suspected it had something to do with Sonea. He remembered the conversation he had had with Regin when he taught Sonea's class earlier.

'Why are you 10 minutes late for my class, Regin?' Rothen asked.

Regin didn't look at Rothen's face.

'My uncle said he wanted to see me, you know, just a guardian-novice chat.'

Regin had emphasised the words 'guardian-novice'. Rothen forced himself not to wince. That was a low blow, even for scum like Regin.

Rothen couldn't be bothered to argue. He nodded at Regin and told him to go and sit down.

And all that lesson, Regin had said nothing – just stared into the distance, as if daydreaming, an arrogant smirk on his face. That was one of the reasons why Rothen was so anxious. At least he knew what Regin was thinking about when he talked, but when he was silent – that is when he became truly dangerous. Who knew what schemes he was plotting in his head? But the thing that terrified him the most, was that Sonea didn't turn up at all.

2 hours earlier…

High Lord's Residence

Akkarin POV

It hadn't taken very long for the rush of determination I had got earlier to wear off. I had to help Sonea. Something bad had happened last night. I'm her guardian. So therefore, her health and happiness is my responsibility. I snorted at myself in mock amusement.

Health and happiness? Well, I'm doing a great job then, aren't I?

I gritted my teeth in frustration. It wasn't my fault. There was no other way. I guess I could only hope that once they found out the truth, they would be able to forgive me.

As I reached for her door handle, my resolve broke and I drew my hand away.

If she hates me so much, it would probably be better if I stayed away from her for a while…

Suddenly, the dining room door opened and I forced myself to push down the door handle and enter, refusing to be seen acting like a scared novice by Takan.

I peered around the corner, comforted by the sight of the human shape bump on the bed. A smile pulling at my mouth, I pushed the door open further and stepped forward. Then, I heard the front door shut downstairs. Surprised, I turned around to see Takan standing in the doorway, with the same expression on his face. But reality slapped me in the face – if Takan was there and Sonea was still in bed…who just left?

As the cloaked figure ran to the back of the High Lord's Residence, he let out a sigh of relief. That was close. That was also extremely dangerous. If he had been seen, he would have been expelled for sure and all the world would know that he had been caught in the room of the High Lord's novice. But know that it was done, his plan was almost complete. He grinned darkly. He was going to complete ruin her life with this. He was going to make her lose her guardianship and get kicked out of the guild for good – and teach her little helper a lesson. He hurried back to the Novice's Quarters, lessons had already started so he knew he was running out of time. Grabbing his books from his room, he started towards the University.

As Regin walked past the door to the office, he pretended to trip, dropping the cloak buckle from Sonea's room at the door entrance. Perfect. Laughing quietly to himself, he got up and continued on his way to his first class.

Let the fun begin.