Betrayed, I Knocked Demon Lord's Door - Chapter 24: Chapter 24

The Omnibus screeched to a halt at last, its doors hissing open.
Caitlyn lay in Leon's arms, her dizzy mind gradually clearing as she stared at the gates through the window. A faint blush crept up her neck. "It's not crowded anymore. You can let go now," she mumbled.
"Almost there," Leon muttered, his head spinning from Caitlyn's scent.
'God, she's so soft. And that scent, like oranges and ocean water,' he thought.
Caitlyn remained silent, too dazed to realise his response was answering beyond the point. There was no logical connection between the thinning crowd and his lingering grip.
Someone pulled the stop cord, and the bus came to a smooth halt at Ekavine Academy's stop.
Olivia slipped out with the crowd, shoulders hunched as she vanished into the morning rush.
On the platform, Caitlyn stared at the vast blue sky, the crisp wind tangling her hair.
When she turned, Leon crouched on the ground, eyes fixed on the ground.
"Thanks," Caitlyn whispered, fighting the blush rising to her ears.
Caitlyn murmured thanks as Leon carved out a space for her in the crowded bus, shielding her from the jostling crowd. Her face stayed a little red—maybe from feeling thankful, or something else.
"No big deal." Leon still squatted down, giving a glance at her.
Caitlyn twirled a strand of hair, avoiding his eyes. "Class begins soon. Come on."
"After you. My legs are pins and needles." Leon muttered.
"Shouldn't you stand to get your blood moving?" Caitlyn said.
Only stubborn silence answered. Leon still didn't move.
Caitlyn's eyes narrowed—then widened in realisation. Scarlet bloomed across her face anew.
'You… You utter pervert!' Caitlyn screamed inwardly.
But strangely, even after learning the truth, Caitlyn didn't feel sickened—just a simple blush spreading across her face.
Caitlyn stared at him quietly for a long time, then turned away to calm down.
Caitlyn mused, 'At least it can also be considered as proof of my attraction to him—otherwise that hug wouldn't end with his...'
"It's all right, let's go." Leon said behind her.
Caitlyn walked on silently.
Leon felt embarrassed and didn't dare to make any more teasing remarks. He just followed Caitlyn silently.
The classroom's doors creaked open. Gone was yesterday's din. Students sat rigidly, eyes trained on them.
Leon scanned the room—a few new faces, but Alex's seat sat obviously empty. 'Still nursing broken ribs,' he supposed.
"So, everyone. Let's begin roll call," Caitlyn announced.
A collective shiver ran through the students. Yesterday's terror still haunts everyone.
Faced with such a terrifying figure, some might dare whisper complaints.
But Arwen would remind them: absolute power bends reality.
"All present save Alex Sharp," Leon declared, turning to Caitlyn. His smirk belied the embarrassment in his eyes. "Shall we fail him, Miss Morrow?"
Caitlyn arched a brow. 'You know exactly why he's absent.' she thought.
Then she said, "Final exam determines it. 90 marks or he hangs."
Leon scowled. 'The whelp disrespected you yesterday.'
"And you will grade with me," Caitlyn added.
His sulk vanished. "Deal!"
After class, Caitlyn made for her new office before having lunch.
Leon hesitated for a moment before following her.
"Aren't you due to the Guild of Hunters?" Caitlyn asked.
"Lunch first." Leon smirked. "Can't wait to be rid of me?"
Caitlyn chuckled and did not reply.
Leon looked at her reaction and narrowed his eyes slightly.
'So what? I'll stay whether you like it or not,' Leon mused.
To be fair, Caitlyn didn't mind—she just enjoyed petty payback for earlier embarrassment.
Arwen had spared no expense in granting her a private office. By Caitlyn's academic title, such luxury would have been unthinkable.
But the dual names emblazoned on the door? They carried enough weight to command even Arwen's suite.
Over lunch, Leon blurted, "Aren't you going home?"
"Got another class this afternoon," Caitlyn answered, watching her short lecture notes.
Leon's eyes widened. "Since when?! Why didn't I know?"
"Last night. Arwen said one class today, one Friday, that's all," she said.
Leon frowned and looked conflicted. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Caitlyn put down the notes and looked up at him with great interest. She smirked," Since when is it mandatory?"
"I'm your assistant! I should've been informed!" Leon huffed.
Caitlyn set down her notes. "And what exactly would you do? Take attendance? Wow, so useful," she said.
Leon crossed his arms, sulking. "I'll stay. Keep the brats in line."
"Fine, I'll skip the Guild of Hunters today. I'll stay and keep orders for you," Leon added.
"No need. I won't keep you." Caitlyn stared at him.
Leon stared at her for a long time without a single word.
"Think I can't handle teens?" Caitlyn snapped, eyes narrowing.
"You look like a junior. Younger than half of them." Leon said.
Caitlyn's lip twitched. "Say that again."
Leon crossed his arms, legs propped, refusing to meet her gaze.
Caitlyn suppressed her anger and was so angry that she could not help but punch him.
'Junior?' Caitlyn mused. 'Do I look like a child to you? I'm a grown-ass woman.'
"Just go. Missing one day won't kill your paycheck. And if you call me a junior again, you're sleeping on the streets tonight." Caitlyn said.
Leon huffed louder. 'As your TA, I deserve to be kept in the loop. You didn't even mention it.' he mused.
He stole a glance at Caitlyn's face, which could've turned fifteen or sixteen, save for the faint air of authority. 'You do look a junior,' he thought, pursing his lips.
Caitlyn's citizen card had betrayed her—early twenties, just two weeks older than Leon. 'But add in my past life? I could've been your father.' Leon mused.