Aiden moved silently down the school corridor, keeping to the shadows. Every step felt heavier than it should. He was exhausted, his ribs still bruised, and the humiliation from the dormitory beating burned fresh in his mind.
Selene walked just a few steps behind him, pretending to talk with friends but never truly leaving his side. He noticed, of course, but refused to meet her gaze. The closer she came, the more he feared that trouble would follow.
The whispers started again.
"Did you see him? Selene's walking with him."
"He's just a scholarship kid. Why is she even near him?"
"They're hiding something… I can smell it."
He didn't understand. All he knew was that her presence had brought him nothing but pain so far, and he wanted to protect her from it, even if that meant keeping his distance.
At lunchtime, the same trio of bullies waited for him outside the cafeteria. The tall werewolf sneered. "Enjoying your time with Selene, weakling?"
Aiden tightened his fists but didn't answer. He only stepped past them, head down. A punch came from the side. He stumbled, barely catching himself.
"Still can't fight back?" the vampire cousin mocked. "Pathetic. You think she'll stick around if you're this weak?"
Aiden's stomach twisted, not just from pain but frustration. He didn't know why he couldn't push back. All he could do was endure.
Selene appeared at the edge of the courtyard, her crimson eyes fixed on him. She clenched her fists subtly, ready to intervene if needed. But Aiden didn't notice, his focus consumed by the need to survive another day.
The bell rang, scattering students in every direction. The bullies backed off — for now — leaving Aiden to limp toward his next class.