The dormitory was quiet that night, the long halls lit only by dim lamps. Most students were in their rooms, laughing over games or scrolling their phones.
Aiden had just stepped out of the showers, hair damp, towel slung over his shoulder. He barely made it to his door before the sound of footsteps closed in behind him.
Three boys blocked the hallway — the tall werewolf from earlier, flanked by two vampire cousins. All of them heirs of powerful families hiding in plain sight. Their smiles were sharp, hungry for cruelty.
"Well, well," the werewolf drawled, folding his arms. "The scholarship mutt. Heard you've been getting cozy with Selene."
Aiden didn't answer. He kept his head down, trying to step past them.
The vampire cousin shoved him back against the wall. "Don't ignore us, bloodbag. You reek of her. What did you do? Did she pity you? Or maybe…" He smirked, eyes flashing red. "…maybe you forced her?"
Aiden's fists clenched, heat flaring in his chest — not just anger, but that strange burning from the mark again. For a moment, he thought his control would snap.
But he swallowed it. Slowly. Quietly. He met their eyes with a calmness he didn't feel. "Move."
The werewolf's grin widened. "Or what?"
The first punch came fast, slamming into Aiden's stomach. He doubled over, breath ripped from his lungs. Another blow to his back sent him sprawling to the floor.
The vampires laughed, kicking him while he tried to rise. "Weak. Pathetic. And this is the boy Selene chooses to follow around?"
Aiden's vision blurred. Pain burned through his ribs, but he refused to cry out. He forced himself up on shaking arms, even as blood trickled from his lip.
The werewolf crouched beside him, sneering. "Look at you. On your knees. Remember this, scholarship — you don't belong here. And if Selene doesn't stay away from you…" His claws slid out just enough to scratch Aiden's cheek. "…we'll make you disappear."
With that, they left, their laughter echoing down the hall.
Aiden slumped against the wall, breathing hard. His body screamed in pain, but his mind burned hotter. Not with hatred. Not even with shame.