The tension didn't stay hidden.
It spread.
Because secrets—
never stay quiet for long.
By afternoon—
the entire campus was buzzing again.
But this time—
it wasn't about Kael.
It was about Aeris.
"Did you hear?"
"She got a message…"
"Something about her past…"
Lira smiled.
Perfect.
She found Aeris in the courtyard.
Surrounded—
but alone.
"You're interesting," Lira said softly.
Aeris didn't respond.
"So quiet… even now."
A step closer.
"But I wonder—"
Her voice lowered.
"How long before you break?"
Silence.
Then—
Aeris looked at her.
Calm.
Unmoved.
"…You first."
The smile dropped.
Gone.
And just like that—
Lira snapped.
Her hand moved—
fast.
But it never landed.
Because someone caught it.
Mid-air.
Firm.
Unforgiving.
Kael.
His grip tightened—
just slightly.
Enough.
"Careful."
Lira froze.
Not because of the pain.
Because of the tone.
"You're crossing a line."
His voice was low.
Dead calm.
Dangerous.
"Serath mbilu…"
Literal meaning:
"I will destroy anyone who harms you."
Real meaning:
"You're already making a mistake you won't survive."
Lira pulled her hand back quickly.
"…You're serious."
Kael didn't answer.
Didn't need to.
Because his silence—
said everything.