Chapter 20: The Consequences of Disrespect

  The afternoon sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the walls of the University of Varsovia. The normally tranquil atmosphere of the campus seemed to thrum with a different kind of energy, one that was charged with tension and anticipation.

  Inside a small, secluded room deep within the administrative wing of the University, the air was heavy with an oppressive silence. The walls were lined with arrays etched into the very stone, their runes faintly glowing with contained energy. At the center of the room, Professor Veronica Delys stood rigid, her usually commanding demeanor replaced with an air of strained apprehension.

  She wasn’t alone.

  Alexander Rest, Robert’s ever-present shadow and guardian, stood a few paces away, his expression inscrutable. There was a calmness about him that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She could feel the pressure of the defensive arrays surrounding them—arrays that she, despite her magical expertise, knew little about. It was clear that Alexander was in complete control of the situation.

  “Professor Delys,” Alexander’s voice broke the silence, low and measured. He spoke with a politeness that felt like a blade wrapped in silk. “I believe we need to have a conversation regarding today’s Rhetoric class.”

  Veronica swallowed, her throat dry. “I don’t understand—”

  “You addressed Lord Rest in a manner unbecoming of his status,” Alexander interrupted, his tone still maddeningly calm. “More importantly, you placed him in a position that showed disregard for his comfort and condition. That, Professor, is something I cannot overlook.”

  She blinked, confusion and fear warring on her face. “I meant no disrespect. I was merely encouraging him to participate, to engage with the class. He needs to learn how to project himself if—”

  “Silence.”

  The single word, spoken softly, cut through the air like a knife. Professor Delys flinched, the force of it pressing down on her like an invisible weight. She could feel the arrays reacting to Alexander’s command, the runes pulsing faintly as the room’s atmosphere grew heavier.

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  “House Rest,” Alexander continued, “has been a pillar of this Commonwealth for generations. Lord Robert Rest is not just another student. He is the heir to House Rest, a mage of considerable skill, and a future leader. To disregard his status, to treat him as if he were merely another child to be chastised, is not only disrespectful—it is a grave error in judgment.”

  The pressure in the room increased, the air itself seeming to thicken around her. Veronica’s heart raced, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. She could feel the defensive arrays closing in around her, the runes glowing brighter as if responding to Alexander’s will.

  “Please,” she managed, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to slight Lord Rest. I was only trying to—”

  “To what?” Alexander’s gaze was cold, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Humiliate him? Push him to the point of discomfort? If that was your intent, you have succeeded. But now, you will face the consequences of your actions.”

  The arrays flared to life, the runes glowing a brilliant blue as the walls seemed to contract inward. Veronica gasped, a surge of panic flooding through her as the space around her grew smaller, the pressure building. It felt as though the very room was closing in on her, crushing her with invisible force.

  Alexander stepped forward, his voice a soft murmur that somehow carried through the oppressive silence. “You see, Professor, these defensive arrays were designed not just to protect, but to constrain. To apply pressure, both physically and mentally. It’s quite fascinating, really, how a simple shift in the runic pattern can cause such… discomfort.”

  The walls continued to close in, the pressure around her chest tightening until she could barely draw breath. Veronica struggled, a strangled sound escaping her lips as she tried to move, to cast some form of defensive spell, but the arrays reacted instantly, neutralizing any attempt at resistance.

  “Consider this a lesson,” Alexander said quietly, his gaze never leaving hers. “A lesson in humility, and in respect. Lord Rest does not need to learn how to project authority. He already possesses it. What he needs is for others to recognize it, to show the proper respect due to his station.”

  The pressure intensified, and Veronica felt a tear slip down her cheek. The pain was excruciating, every breath a struggle, every heartbeat a reminder of how completely she was at Alexander’s mercy.

  “Please,” she gasped, her voice a whisper. “I understand. I was wrong. I’ll… I’ll show him the respect he deserves. I swear it.”

  Alexander tilted his head slightly, as if considering her words. Then, slowly, the pressure began to ease. The walls retreated, the runes dimming until they were nothing more than faint etchings in the stone once more. Veronica collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath, her body trembling from the ordeal.

  “I trust you will remember this, Professor Delys,” Alexander said softly. “House Rest does not forget slights, and we do not forgive disrespect. Lord Robert may be lenient, but I am not. If there is a next time… you will not walk away so easily.”

  With that, he turned and walked to the door, his movements unhurried and composed. He paused just before leaving, glancing back at her one last time.

  “And, Professor,” he added, his voice carrying an edge of steel, “if you ever address him in such an informal manner again, there will be consequences far more severe than this.”

  The door closed behind him with a soft click, and Veronica was left alone in the silent room, her body still trembling from the residual pressure of the arrays.

  She sat there for several long minutes, struggling to regain her composure. The weight of what had just happened settled heavily on her shoulders. Alexander’s words echoed in her mind, each one a reminder of the power and influence House Rest wielded.

  She had made a mistake—a grave mistake. And now she knew, without a doubt, that any further missteps would be met with far more than just a polite reprimand.

  With a shuddering breath, Veronica forced herself to stand. She would have to tread carefully from now on, to show Lord Rest the deference and respect he deserved. House Rest was not to be trifled with.

  And neither, it seemed, was Alexander Rest.