SOULBOUND: THE ABYSS WITHIN

Chapter 77: Whispers of Thunder

Lafrosa hadn't buzzed this loud in a century.

Every café, dojo, sparring ring, market square, and lecture hall echoed with one topic—the Ikemba-Hawthorne Confrontation. Soul Island's capital city, normally a bastion of order and power, now thrummed with fresh tension.

> "Did you hear? Muna Ikemba struck the Hawthorne estate with lightning—black lightning."

> "No one's ever challenged Michelle Hawthorne and walked away unscathed."

> "It was over her daughter, Cassandra, and that Hawthorne girl's obsession with her."

> "About damn time someone snapped."

> "The Council's going to react. Has to."

Inside Soul Academy, the air was thicker than usual. Students gathered in murmuring clumps, some feigning calm, others openly delighted by the drama. The Soul Board was unusually silent. Eyes trailed the halls, waiting—watching—for the Ikemba heir to appear.

---

Joshua Ikemba sat in the staff lounge, fingers pressed to his temples. Several instructors tried to carry on as if nothing had happened, but the tension was visible. Some gave him sidelong glances. Others kept their distance.

He exhaled, long and slow.

"She actually did it," he muttered. "She actually did it…"

Across the room, Dean Elandra rubbed her brow. "Your aunt's sense of diplomacy is nonexistent."

"She doesn't believe in diplomacy," Joshua said, staring into his tea. "She believes in dominance. Especially when it comes to Cassandra."

---

Meanwhile, in a quiet courtyard behind the eastern dormitory, Karen, Leslie, Marie, Jim, and Cassandra sat together—though it was less of a conversation and more like holding formation through a storm.

Karen exhaled. "So… it really happened."

Jim groaned. "More like it exploded. You know how many people stopped me in the halls today asking if I was close to 'that Ikemba girl's circle'? I haven't had this much attention since I passed out from aura exhaustion last semester."

Marie looked at Cassandra with wide eyes. "Did you know she'd do that?"

"I hoped she wouldn't," Cassandra replied quietly. "But I'm not surprised. She doesn't like... limits."

Leslie leaned forward, serious. "What happens now?"

Cassandra, composed but clearly tight under the surface, replied, "That depends on the Hawthornes. And the Council."

Karen glanced at her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Cassandra said, brushing back her hair. "But you should all stay out of it. This is between bloodlines now."

Marie frowned. "But you're our friend. That makes it our concern."

Cassandra paused.

Then nodded once. "Thank you. But just… don't provoke anything. If Mira pulls something again, I'll handle it. Personally."

Jim crossed his arms. "Not that she's stopped stalking you."

"No," Cassandra said flatly. "She hasn't."

Karen looked away toward the academy towers. "This could affect our advancement. Our rankings. Everything."

Cassandra glanced at her. "Then let them try."

---

In the shadows beyond the academy gates, Ramses stood watching from atop a glowing arch, arms folded.

He smirked.

> "All according to plan. Let the Ikembas and Hawthornes dance. I only need the opening."

Then he vanished into the night.