?Atticus might not have been very attentive when it came to how the people around him were feeling—just like when he hadn’t known how Nate and the other Ravenstein first years had been feeling.
But since then, he had made it necessary and important to make sure that didn’t happen anymore. He was aware of all the subtle changes in Aurora’s expressions, the way her fists clenched, and the determined gaze she directed at him.
Her admitting it back in the caves during the competition only served to prove his observations. But at the end of the day, it was her battle to fight.
The only thing he could do was cheer her on.
Atticus felt Aurora nod her head subtly against his chest before leaving the hug after a few seconds and turning away from him.
Before Atticus could turn and say something, another figure rushed in, enveloping him in an even tighter hug.
This one slightly shocked Atticus, but not only him—Zoey’s gaze darkened slightly.
What shocked Atticus was the identity of the lady: Sophie Ravenstein.
“Ahhh, Atticus! I’ve missed youuuu,” Sophie squeaked while hugging Atticus tightly. But seeing that he simply stood there like a log, not reacting to her hug, she let go of Atticus, taking a step back.
Her eyes shined brightly as she spoke, “Hi, Atticus! It’s been a while,” her lips curling up into a bright smile with a hint of seduction.
Atticus could still vividly remember Sophie. Despite his high intellect and ability to never forget things, Sophie had been too vibrant a lady to forget even if he had neither one of those qualities.
As Atticus focused his gaze on her, one of his eyebrows couldn’t help but raise upwards.
‘Damn,’ he thought. He hadn’t seen her since the reward ceremony at the estate, but Atticus couldn’t help but think she was very… lady-like.
Although not all, most Ravenstein ladies he had seen had chosen comfort and looks in line with a warrior, but Sophie had clearly chosen the opposite and excelled at it. She was… full.
She had meat in all the right places and packaged them well.
Seeing Atticus’s slightly surprised expression, the smile on Sophie’s face widened.
“Congrats on winning the summit, young master,” Sophie added softly and in a cute tone.
Her words snapped Atticus out of his thoughts, his mind suddenly remembering something.
Atticus swiftly turned and saw a small frown on Zoey’s face. ‘Shit!’ he thought. He had been too surprised by the significant changes Sophie had undergone that he had forgotten himself for a second.
“Ahem, Sophie. It’s been a while. You’ve… changed,” Atticus cleared his throat, offering a response.
Sophie beamed and suddenly grabbed Atticus’s arm, inching her chest closer to him.
A murderous aura suddenly engulfed the whole platform, making even Atticus shiver.
He didn’t need to turn to see who it had come from. The shape of a large shadow suddenly started taking form just behind Zoey, her gaze narrowed and focused coldly on the spot where Sophie’s chest was touching Atticus’s arm.
Atticus immediately tried to pull his arm away from her grasp, but she held it surprisingly tightly. Orion couldn’t help but smirk as he saw Atticus’s plight, while Hogan sighed softly as he once again witnessed Sophie’s shenanigans.
Ember appeared neutral, not caring about the unfolding scene, while Aurora didn’t seem to understand what was going on.
Zoey’s gaze became colder as she saw that Sophie didn’t want to let go. Just as she was about to move, someone beat her to it.
Kael suddenly walked forward, reaching Atticus and Sophie in a second. With his characteristic expressionless face, he turned towards Sophie and spoke, his gaze narrowed, “Release his arm. He has a woman already.”
Kael’s words were blunt, so blunt that Zoey couldn’t help but blush slightly upon hearing him.
Atticus breathed out a subtle sigh of relief, while Sophie appeared confused, seemingly not understanding Kael.
Sophie smiled innocently, “Ah, but I’m just his cousin. I do—”
“Your breasts are currently in contact with his arm. Cousins don’t do that,” Kael suddenly interrupted Sophie’s words with another blunt response, his face still expressionless.
Sophie abruptly paused, her bright smile threatening to crumble with the edges of her lips subtly twitching. ‘Who the hell is this dude? He’s ruining everything!’
Sophie suddenly cleared her throat, regaining her composure. She released her hold over Atticus’s arm before responding, “Ah, I’m sorry about that. I was just so excited to see Atticus that I lost my composure,” Sophie twirled her hair with her fingers with an innocent face.
Kael didn’t seem to care about her reaction and instead nodded his head slightly before stepping back and taking his gaze away, not uttering a word.
Atticus couldn’t help but give his friend an inward high five for that assist. His eyes landed on Zoey, surprised to see her approaching him.
He was half expecting her to walk away and then he would have to beg or something in line with that.
Zoey approached Atticus with an expression the latter didn’t seem able to discern. Everyone watching couldn’t help but wonder what was about to happen.
But her next actions left them all confused as she suddenly grabbed Atticus’s hand and started walking away from the platform.
After a minute, they both reached the entrance to one of the large halls Atticus had come from with Aurora. Atticus allowed himself to be pulled, not saying anything.
Seeing as they were both the only ones in the immediate area, Zoey pulled Atticus against the wall and then simply stared without uttering a word.
“Hey, beautiful,” Atticus suddenly greeted with a charming smile.
“…”
All Atticus got in return was a deadpan stare. He cleared his throat awkwardly, scratching his head.
“You’re looking more radiant today.”
“…”
Atticus sighed, “Alright, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I was caught off guard, and she truly is just my cousin.”
Seeing Zoey maintaining her silence, he let out another inward sigh. ‘Women,’
“C’mon, Zoey, it’s me. You have no reason to be jealous,” Atticus said, suddenly using a finger to adjust a strand of Zoey’s hair behind her ear.
A frown suddenly marred Zoey’s face, her hand hitting Atticus’s away. “Jealous? Why would I be jealous?”