WILLA
I closed in on the students gathered in front of the parking lot.
It was the first open area before the entrance of the large dormitory, filled with rows of expensive cars.
It was barely seven. I glanced at my watch. 6:30 AM. The sky was still dark and the air freezing.
"What is going on?" Elliott murmured.
We had just finished our punishnt drills. My entire body ached, especially after yesterday’s intense training. All I wanted was to collapse into bed.
I never expected to see this many Valerius students outside in their pajamas, silently watching sothing. Or maybe soone who was at the middle of the circle.
"Did soone die again?" Elliott muttered under his breath.
I slowed my jogging pace, panting, and turned to face him. His eyes were narrowed worriedly at the crowd.
"I thought it was the norm here," I said, raising one brow. "It’s not like anyone actually does anything when a student dies."
Just like the last ti.
Elliott’s eyes darted to mine. "You should know ntal health issues affect werewolves the most. Unlike humans, who can sotis be talked down when they’re suicidal, it’s harder with us. You have to reach an agreent with your wolf."
"Why?"
Elliott shrugged. "You just have to. It’s like you arguing with Eric right now..."
I glowered at him the mont his na ca up.
"It’s just an illustration," he said quickly.
"I don’t appreciate it," I replied.
"Okay," Elliott nodded. "Imagine you’re mad at Kol..." He trailed off, watching my face for a reaction.
When I didn’t give him one, he continued. "So... you like him." His voice carried a bitter edge, but his expression remained neutral.
I scoffed but didn’t deny it.
It was weird to admit I liked him. Not just him, but any of the boys. Yes, I found them extrely attractive, but that didn’t an I wanted to jump into bed with them or open my heart.
I had only known them for about a week. That was nowhere near enough ti to fall in love.
"When you don’t agree with each other, it’s hard for you to be persuaded," Elliott continued. "Because both of you would want completely different things."
Make sense.
"The wolf inside of us is a really strong entity. It often defines our ntal strength," he added.
Was Nyra strong? I wondered. I didn’t feel particularly strong ntally, so I couldn’t really tell. And she was always absent, barely helping with anything.
As we got closer to the crowd, I didn’t need to ask who they were watching. I already felt it.
The students parted before I could turn away. My eyes locked on Eric’s back.
He had pebbles in his hands, with more scattered beside his blue sneakers. He was hurling them at our window.
My room was on the third floor of the five storey building. I looked up at the glass and let out a deep breath. It was still intact. Maybe he was missing on purpose. Still, it was insane.
Verah pushed her head out. "Cut it out!" she yelled. "I’m trying to fucking sleep!"
But Eric didn’t stop. He threw another pebble. Then another. I decided to intervene.
"Do you intend to get punished for this?" I murmured.
Eric froze. Slowly, he lowered his hand and turned to face . His eyes slid down my body, then back up.
"Elyse," he started, regret flashing across his face.
He took a step forward, then paused, glancing behind at Elliott. His jaw clenched.
"I didn’t say you could co here," I said, my voice edged with annoyance.
Eric didn’t look at . Of course — he was too busy staring at Elliott. I could practically see the jealous wheels turning in his head, which in fact wasn’t necessary.
"We were serving our punishnt," I blurted before I could stop myself. "Don’t misunderstand it."
I didn’t know why I was even explaining myself. Eric visibly relaxed. His eyes finally moved back to my face.
"We need to talk," he grumbled.
"No," I stated flatly.
Eric let out an irritated sigh. "I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I didn’t an it. I already apologize. What else do you want to do?!"
"Too late," I said. And for the record, I never even asked him to apologize. Yet, he was acting like I was the one who offended him.
I inhaled and exhaled slowly, nudging the fury back in. Then I offered a small polite smile in Elliott’s direction. "I guess I’ll see you later."
"Sure," Elliott nodded.
"Why are you seeing him?!" Eric snapped.
I continued toward the entrance, barely paying him any attention.
"Did you go to a secret location to fuck him?!" he growled.
I flushed, stopping dead in my tracks. After making feel so cheap yesterday, he was doing it again — right in front of everyone.
My eyes caught so students trying (and failing) to hold back their laughter.
Eric shoved his fingers through his hair, yanking hard. "I’m sorry. I didn’t an to say that."
I scoffed, staring at him seriously. He looked genuinely frustrated. But that didn’t an he had the right to say shit and take it back whenever he desired.
"Can we talk?" he tried again.
"No," I said coldly, without hesitation. "And yes, I slept with Elliott. We had a lot of fun while observing our punishnt with the sentinel supervising us. You could say it was a threeso. Too bad, it’s not with you."
I ant it as pure sarcasm. Anyone with working ears could hear the mockery in my voice. But Eric couldn’t.
"That bastard!" he snarled. "I am really going to kill him!"
Elliott was still standing where I had left him. I stepped closer and positioned myself in front of him before Eric could reach him, shielding him with my body.
It was foolish. Eric could easily shove aside if he wanted. He hadn’t done it yesterday when I interrupted their fight — probably because of Professor Marcus. But nothing was stopping him now.
Eric’s hands fisted at his sides. His eyes burned with anger as he glared past at Elliott.
I didn’t look away.
"Elliott did nothing wrong to you," I said. "I did."
Eric snarled but held his ground.
"I’m the one telling you to back off. Stay the fuck away from . I’m the one rejecting you."
"Rejecting ?" Eric asked, his eyes widening in shock.
I knew how mate bond rejection worked, but I wasn’t sure if it even counted in my case. Our bond hadn’t been officially recognized by the council yet.
The shock in his eyes quickly twisted into rage. "Are you rejecting , Elyse?"
I nodded.
The crowd gasped.
Perfect. More gossip for the day.
Eric growled, low and dangerous. Veins bulged on his forehead and neck, nearly popping. His teeth bared, canines lengthening outward. His eyes flashed golden. He stalked forward.
I sucked in a deep breath, bracing myself as he lifted his hand.
My eyes squeezed shut, heart racing wildly.
He clutched my wrist instead. I flinched hard at his touch.
"What the hell, Elyse?" he hissed.
I shivered, resisting his pull.
"Open your damned eyes!" he ordered.
I obeyed, lifting my gaze to et his. Eric shook his head, looking torn between fury and sothing else.
"You think I am going to hit you?" He asked in astonishnt.
I didn’t think so. But I knew how hot-headed people acted. My mother. My father. Even Rachel.
"Leave alone, please," I whispered, swallowing past the thick lump in my throat.
Eric’s hand dropped from mine. He stared at one last ti, hurt flashing through those beautiful crimson eyes.
Then he turned and walked away without another word.
My shoulders sagged in relief. Yet, my chest tightened in pain as I watched him leave.
The students were still gathered, watching. Their eyes were filled with open disdain and disgust. Pure hate they didn’t even try to hide.
I clasped my trembling fingers and forced a wide smile onto my face, pretending none of it affected .
"Show’s over," Elliott’s voice cut through the silence. "Return to your rooms."
The crowd groaned in disappointnt but slowly began to disperse. Once the last person slipped inside, I started walking toward the entrance.
"Wait," Elliott said.
I stopped but didn’t turn to look at him. I was too embarrassed.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Do you care?" My voice ca out sharper than I intended. I winced, clearing my throat.
Elliott walked around and stopped in front. He gripped my shoulders gently. My eyes flickered up to his involuntarily.
"Of course I care about you," he said.
"We are broken up," I reminded him.
Elliott’s brows furrowed. "You think I only care because we were in a relationship?"
Why else would he care?
"I’m offended you still don’t understand my feelings for you," he said.
Maybe. After all, I wasn’t really Elyse.
"I’m exhausted," I muttered.
"Do you want to beat him up?" Elliott asked.
"Absolutely not." I wasn’t interested in seeing anyone else fighting over or for . Not anymore.
"Then what do you want to do?" he pressed.
"Nothing," I replied. "I really am exhausted."
Elliott stared at for a few seconds, clearly thinking over my words. "Fine. We still have four hours until class starts. You should rest."
I nodded and started walking away. But I doubted I would get any sleep.
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