The fellowship building in Averion was quieter in the morning, sunlight spilling across the marble floors in soft sheets. Selene walked through the lobby with her ID badge clipped neatly to her coat, her steps measured and steady.
She told herself she was calm.
She wasn't.
Because she knew he'd be here.
She saw the signs long before she saw the man himself security positioned near the entrance, staff standing straighter, whispers traveling quickly in the air.
Ryan Aster Varyncliff had arrived before her.
Of course he had.
Selene exhaled, straightening her shoulders.
She refused to be thrown off on the first official day.
When she entered the conference hall, dozens of fellows were gathered, mingling near the long tables lined with medical prototypes and schedules. Her eyes swept the room and stopped.
Ryan stood near the registration desk, his presence turning the entire space into a divided field. People formed an invisible circle around him, unsure whether to approach or keep distance.
His suit was dark. His expression was unreadable. His posture was precise. A quiet force.
Selene tried to walk past him without slowing.
She made it three steps.
"Selene."
His voice landed like a command.
She turned slowly. "Good morning, Ryan."
His eyes swept over her once too assessing, too calm. "You're on time."
"I planned to be."
"You always plan," he said, walking toward her.
Selene instinctively took half a step back before catching herself.
He noticed. Of course he did.
Ryan stopped in front of her, leaving just enough space to be respectful and just enough to make her heart thud against her ribs.
"You look different today," he said quietly.
Selene blinked. "Different how?"
"Focused," Ryan said. "Sharp."
"I'm always sharp."
"Not when you're distracted."
Selene's pulse jumped. "I'm not distracted."
His gaze held hers for a second too long, as if he already knew the truth.
Before she could answer, a cheerful voice interrupted.
"Dr. Caelisborne! You're finally here!"
A tall fellow named Alric hurried toward her, smiling brightly. He'd tried speaking to her at the gala but had been blocked by the crowd. Today he looked determined.
"Can we go over the surgical rotation list together?" he asked. "I was hoping to partner with you."
Out of the corner of her eye, Selene saw Ryan's jaw tighten.
Not a big reaction.
Just enough.
Selene turned slightly. "We can review it after orientation, Dr. Alric."
"Great, I'll wait for you!" he said enthusiastically, unaware of the tension he had just stepped into.
Alric walked away, humming.
Ryan's voice lowered dangerously. "I don't like him."
Selene raised an eyebrow. "You barely know him."
"That's enough," Ryan said.
"Jealousy doesn't suit you," Selene muttered.
"It's not jealousy," Ryan replied. "It's observation."
She stared at him. "You observe too much."
"And you pretend too much," Ryan said calmly.
Before Selene could respond, a small commotion at the door made her turn.
Amira had just entered with her badge. She looked nervous but excited. Her gaze swept the room and landed straight on Hanzen.
He stood near a structural model, arms crossed, posture straight, observing everything with quiet intensity.
Amira froze.
Hanzen's gaze flicked to her.
For a moment, they just stared.
Selene cleared her throat. "Amira. Come here."
Amira hurried over, cheeks pink. "I didn't expect… all this security."
"Don't worry about it," Selene said.
However, Hanzen walked over at that exact moment and spoke without changing expression.
"You should stay close today. The building layout is unfamiliar."
Amira blinked. "You're… talking to me?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
Hanzen looked like he didn't know what to do with that response.
Selene did.
She sighed inwardly.
This was definitely going to be a problem later.
Orientation began with Dr. Keiran's briefing about research modules, international rotations, and partnership rules. Selene listened intently, taking notes.
Ryan didn't take notes.
He didn't need to.
Every time she glanced his way, she found him watching her instead of the screen.
She quickly looked away each time.
When the meeting ended, the fellows split into groups to review their assignments.
Selene was about to step aside when she felt Ryan move behind her.
Close.
Too close.
"Your rotation overlaps with mine," he said.
"I saw that."
"We'll be paired for the first two months."
Selene stilled. "Was that your doing?"
"No," Ryan said. "But I'm not complaining."
She turned to face him. "Ryan—"
He stepped closer before she could finish.
"Don't avoid me today," he said quietly.
Selene's heartbeat stumbled.
"I wasn't avoiding—"
"Yes, you were."
He didn't raise his voice. He didn't touch her. He didn't need to.
His presence alone cornered her.
"You're afraid of what happens when I'm close," Ryan said.
Selene inhaled sharply. "I'm not—"
He leaned in just slightly, his breath brushing her cheek.
"Then prove it."
Her pulse raced.
Their eyes locked.
Her breath hitched.
For a terrifying, thrilling second, she thought he might—"Dr. Varyncliff," a staff member called from across the hall. "We need you for sign-off."
Ryan's gaze lingered one more second before he stepped back.
"We're not done," he said.
Selene swallowed hard, trying to steady her pulse.
This wasn't just the first day of the fellowship.
This was the beginning of something she wasn't ready for.
Something she wasn't sure she could stop.