The next morning, Eric's eyes felt heavy, as if he hadn't slept at all. He dragged himself out of bed, the memory of the dream clinging to him like a shadow. That feather… it couldn't have been real.
"Eric! You'll be late again!" his mother called.
"I'm coming, Mom!" Eric rushed through his morning routine, though his mind was far away.
---
At school, the atmosphere buzzed. Jackson had only been here a single day, and already he had the whole class under his spell. Girls whispered and giggled when he walked past. Boys glanced at him with a mix of envy and admiration.
Eric, meanwhile, kept his head low. He thought he'd be invisible, as always. But the moment Jackson entered the classroom, his eyes found Eric's—and didn't let go.
Eric shifted uncomfortably. His classmates noticed.
"Why is he staring at that Omega again?"
"Seriously, what's so special about him?"
"Maybe they knew each other before?"
The whispers grew louder. Eric clenched his fists under the desk. He hated this kind of attention.
When the bell rang for lunch, Eric slipped out, heading toward his usual quiet corner near the back garden. But today, he wasn't alone.
Jackson was already there, leaning casually against the wall as if he had been waiting.
Eric froze. "W-What are you doing here?"
Jackson smirked. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
Eric's pulse quickened. "Stay away from me."
Jackson tilted his head, his gaze sharp but amused. "Why do you keep saying that… when your eyes tell me something else?"
Eric flinched. "You don't know anything about me!"
Before Jackson could answer, a group of students rounded the corner. Their eyes widened at the sight of the two together.
"Well, well… what do we have here?" one sneered. "Looks like the new guy likes hanging around losers."
Eric's stomach dropped. The last thing he needed was more trouble. But Jackson pushed off the wall, his presence instantly dangerous.
"Say that again," Jackson growled.
The air shifted. The students backed away, unsettled by the intensity in his voice.
Eric's eyes widened. That tone… it's the same as in my dream.
Jackson glanced at him, and for a moment, Eric couldn't breathe.
"Don't worry," Jackson said softly, his voice meant only for him. "I'll protect what's mine."
Eric's heart pounded. He didn't understand what Jackson meant—but the entire school would, very soon.