Chapter 88: Fumes from the laboratory
Andria’s POV
Sliding a hand beneath the desk, I brushed my fingers against the small syringe I had brought out of my bag earlier.
I was twirling it in my hand, waiting for the right time to mix it with the compound in front of the desks. It’s either the blood component spreads to everyone in this class or allows us to carry out our plans.
I waited. Miss Linda’s voice filled the room, and the attention of every student was fixed on her; some scribbled notes. No one could even notice anything happening at this moment, even Daman and Tristan were engrossed in her teaching.
With practiced calm, I drew out the syringe, keeping my movements subtle. I positioned it over the pale-blue chemical on our desk.
One careful push, and my blood slid into the liquid, curling like smoke underwater. For a second, it stayed there, dark tendrils spreading through the solution.
Then it began to change, deepening in color, pulsing faintly, almost like it was alive. I hoped the difference in the color wouldn’t draw the attention of Miss Linda or any student. That means I have to act fast before it is noticed.
I capped the syringe and hid it in the pocket of my lab coat, and leaned forward as if I were adjusting my notes. My heart pounded, but my face stayed cool.
When Miss Linda instructed us to heat the solution, I made my move. I lifted the beaker, my hands steady on the outside but trembling inside, and deliberately let it slip.
Glass shattered on the floor. The liquid hissed as it spread, and within seconds, fumes rose into the air, thicker, darker than expected.
They curled through the room fast, faster than the harmless fumes Miss Linda had promised. Students coughed. Chairs scraped back.
I was coughing too.
"Aria, what came over you?, This is quite unlike you," Liara whispered. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I’m very okay. I just experimented with plan B," I replied to her, a smile curling up my lips.
Then she arched an eyebrow, as if she recognised what my plan B was all about.
Miss Linda stepped forward immediately, not looking panicked but alert. "Everyone, back away from the spill. Keep calm." Her tone carried neither harsh reprimand nor softness, just explicit instruction. She is the best teacher for this course, consistently temperate.
"Gather your belongings. Class dismissed until further notice, move quickly and in a single file out of here," She said as she packed up her files.
The alarm blared overhead, a shrill cry that sent waves of unease through the building, as students rushed out of their classes to the lawn.
The fumes slithered beyond the lab door, reaching into the hallway like a living shadow. I didn’t expect the fumes to have such a reaction, but that was perfect.
I caught Liara’s eyes as we got out of the laboratory. A tiny nod was all it took.
She understood, and without hesitation, she slipped out with the others, heading straight toward the cafeteria, where the second part of the plan would unfold.
Now she wouldn’t have to convince any staff to employ anyone to get to the kitchen, as they had already abandoned their tasks and rushed out to the lawn.
The few remaining at either the royal cafeteria or the general students’ cafeteria were easily knocked down by Aven. We successfully injected my blood into every food.
When we were done infusing every food, we had to blend in with the crowd; the smell of the fume was still all over the place.
Becca and Arlo were getting weak. I forgot that she was a weak wolf, and she might not be able to endure it like the three successors or Liara could.
We tried carrying Becca and Arlo out of the fume before they finally passed out, but it was too late. Becca had already passed out, and we were only able to rescue Arlo before he passed out.
Around me, students scrambled, some whispering about poison, others fanning the air uselessly.
"Impressive," Aven said, nodding his head in acknowledgement, a genuine smile curling up his lips for the first time, "Didn’t know that you aren’t only just stubborn and strong, but this smart too. So you had this plan up your sleeve all this time?"
I was shocked at his statement. In fact, I was shocked that they helped us carry out this mission, and then it clicked: maybe Liara had told the Alpha successors about the plan before I got to class today.
I had hoped Mel wouldn’t be around when she disclosed the plan, but given the circumstances, Mel disappeared immediately after the fumes dissipated, indicating she was unaware.
The school microphone blared to life, and in that instant, I was scared that maybe I would be punished for spilling the chemicals in the lab if Miss Linda had seen me and had reported me to the academy’s headmistress.
"I was informed that there was a minor accidental occurrence at the school’s lab a few minutes ago. Safety precautions are being undertaken to rectify the situation. You are asked to stay on the lawn for a little while to fix the issue, as the fumes could cause damage to your health, especially for low-ranking wolves," The headmistress announced from behind the microphone.
Students began to mumble, and some were coughing out loudly from the effect of the fume. Almost sixty per cent of the students’ population inhaled the smoke.
"We already have an emergency as one of the weaker ranks, a wolf student, just passed out. So we advise you to stay out of the school halls for now," she finished.
She was referring to Becca who had been rushed to the sick bay, I was sad but I smiled because the plan should start having its effect soon at least that was the positive take on this risky stunt pulled.
I looked towards the place where the trio sat with other students gathered around them.
"Liara, look over there, they look like they want to start something," I told Liara, gesturing towards where Tricia, Alexa and a few of Tracy’s supporters were.
"I wonder what Tracy’s minions are up to this time," Liara responded.
I looked away from them. Whatever they are planning, I hope my plan works before they plan on carrying out theirs.
Meanwhile, Arlo just got himself back, and he was panicking on behalf of Becca.
He was pacing to and from the lawn, hoping Becca survives the outcome of the fume.
He looked at me accusingly, but he didn’t utter a word.
I really hoped Becca survived this, although I had a strong feeling she would.
The Alpha successors had already disappeared, and I wondered where they had gone. But why do I even care much about their whereabouts?
"Look, Aria, something strange seems to be happening between Tricia and Tracy’s supporters," Liara pointed out to me, drawing me out of my thoughts.
I turned around, surprised by the sight I beheld.