Aiden moved silently through the dim corridors of Aurelian Academy, careful to avoid anyone's gaze. Every step reminded him of last night's beating and the whispers that seemed to follow him everywhere.
He thought of Selene. Her presence always seemed to attract trouble. And, frustratingly, he blamed her — even though part of him wanted nothing more than to stay close.
"Hey," a soft voice called from behind.
He froze. Selene's crimson eyes were fixed on him, searching, her posture tense. "Why are you avoiding me?" she asked.
Aiden turned slowly, keeping his expression neutral. "I… I barely know you," he said honestly. "And… I don't want to cause trouble. Every time you're near me, people notice. They talk. They… I don't want anyone getting hurt because of me."
Selene's eyes softened, but her resolve didn't waver. "You're not alone. If anyone dares to touch you…" Her voice sharpened, low and deadly. "…they'll regret it. Consider this your warning."
Before Aiden could respond, Selene strode down the corridor with her usual grace. She found the trio of bullies in the courtyard, laughing and tossing a ball between them.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice calm but carrying an edge that silenced them instantly.
The werewolf boy looked up, smirk fading. "What do you want, Selene?"
"I want you to listen carefully," she said, stepping closer, eyes blazing crimson. "Anyone who lays a hand on him — anyone — will be in serious trouble. Do I make myself clear?"
The vampire cousin's lips curled nervously. "You can't—"
Selene cut him off with a glance sharp enough to chill blood. "Try me. I won't hesitate."
The bullies swallowed hard. The entire courtyard felt colder somehow, as if her presence carried an unspoken threat that none of them dared challenge. They backed off, muttering under their breath.
Aiden stood at the edge of the corridor, watching her. For the first time, he felt both relief and confusion. Relief that she was protecting him, and confusion because… he didn't understand why.
She turned her gaze back to him, softer now. "See? You're not alone. But don't avoid me, Aiden. Not now. Not ever."
He nodded slightly, unsure what to say. His chest burned, but not from hunger this time — it was something else entirely, something unfamiliar.
And for the first time since the rumors had begun, Aiden felt… seen.