I fought not to roll my eyes and he grinned at my struggle. I could tell he was trying to lighten the mood a little.
"In all seriousness, I wasn't the best student. I had power, sure, but I didn't know how to use it or control it. That led to a few screw ups and even though I was worthy of this club, I didn't have the control or guts to stick with it. I pulled out because I knew once I graduated, my brothers would be next up and if they targeted me for my power, they might do the same to them."
"It's that bad, huh?" I whispered.
Gabriel. Were you a part of this?
"You said you're here because your mom mistook you for your older brother, right?" Braxton whispered.
I noticed the hint of magic in the air, ensuring our words were kept between us.
I stared into his eyes, wondering if I could tell him about it.
They could have figured it out by my last name, but many people forgot about the incident like they did anything that didn’t really impact them directly .
The world would always move on, it’s just the individuals affected that would have the lingering memory of their lost loved one.
"I bet everyone has forgotten or graduated since then but my older brother died here. You see the left tower where they would practice wind magic through flight?"
Braxton nodded.
"Yes. The one they shut down and haven't used for years."
"It was closed after his murder. They are opening it back soon, but it's only for advanced students or you can be kicked out of the school or charged for being up there," I revealed.
"Your brother was the one who was pushed over the edge by that Huntly dude," Braxton realized.
I slowly nodded. His stern expression showed hints of anger but then he hid it just as quickly .
"When I was a part of their club, that incident came up once in conversation. Some punk was asking about it. Your brother hadn’t been a part of that club, but they wanted to recruit him. He declined which led to them arguing and apparently they threatened him with something. I don't know exactly what, but it led to him taking the initiation test. They were supposed to scare him, but he and the person who was acting leader got into an argument and you know what happened next," Braxton concluded gravely.
I was silent, returning my gaze to the party happening before us.
A part of me was happy to know Brother hadn't been necessarily a part of this club, but I was angered that he had been threatened and forced into something which ultimately led to his death.
He didn't deserve to die.
I felt a hand rub my back and I looked back to Braxton, who was staring forward while finishing his beer.
"I enrolled again not only to ensure my brothers didn't experience the bullying I did, but to try and shut down whatever this club is. Maybe it’s stupid and risky, but if I can prevent inconsequential deaths from happening, I'll do it. Maximus is willing to help me," he revealed.
My female side was in awe that in this large crowd of people he was willing to openly give me comfort regarding the situation.
"I'll help," I replied, my deep voice devoid of emotion which made Braxton turn to meet my hard gaze.
I was angry and sad but I was determined to stop this so-called club.
My brother's death may have been forgotten by many, but it changed my entire life.
It ruined my innocent mind that thought the world was a nice place and showed me how cruel and evil it could really be. I had to grow up a lot faster than a child should have in order to support Mother who couldn't handle another loss in our little family, and later with the onset of her disease.
His hard expression softened and he reached up to ruffle my hair.
"I'll think about it. I don't want Logan and Nixon deciding to kill me and hide my body,” he mumbled.
"Logan wouldn’t. Nixon...I don't know for sure. Wait, why only them?" I wondered.
Braxton grinned before he starting chuckling.