The note in Clare's hand felt heavier than it should've. Just a few scribbled words — "Meet me at the infirmary. Midnight." — but her heart reacted like it was a secret code unlocking some ancient door in her chest.
She stared at the handwriting again. It was definitely Asher's — sharp, slanted, like someone who didn't want to be figured out. She stood under the buzzing light of the hallway, trying to decide whether to go or throw it away.
"Girl, you're thinking too much," Tara whispered behind her, peeking at the note. "That boy is obsessed with you."
"I don't know," Clare murmured. "The infirmary? At midnight? Why not just the garden or something normal?"
Mia stepped up, snatching the note gently. "Sounds kinda romantic if you ask me. Maybe he wants to talk without people gossiping."
Emily said nothing. She just gave Clare that same unreadable look, the kind that made Clare wonder if she knew more than she was letting on.
Kylie smirked. "You're not scared, are you? It's Asher. He's weird but not weird-weird."
Clare laughed nervously. "Okay. Fine. I'll go. But if I get murdered, I'm haunting all of you."
"Deal," Tara winked. "And wear something cute. Just in case."
The school halls were quiet at night — too quiet. Clare's footsteps echoed like secrets. Her fingers trembled slightly as she turned the corner leading to the infirmary, her palms tightly folded.
When she got there, the door was slightly ajar. Soft light spilled through the crack. She paused.
Lord... if this is a mistake, stop me now, she thought.
But the door didn't slam shut.
So she stepped inside.
What she saw stole her breath.
The infirmary — the same cold, sterile place where sprained ankles and migraines were handled — was transformed. The cots were gone. A small table was in the center, draped in black velvet, with a single candle burning in the middle. Two plates. Silverware. And Asher.
He stood near the window, dressed in all black, but something about him was softer tonight. Less dangerous. His smile was calm, inviting.
"Hey," he said. "You came."
Clare exhaled, a shaky laugh escaping. "What is all this?"
"I thought you deserved something... special," Asher replied. "Away from the noise."
Clare's heart slowed. Her doubts melted just a little.
She sat across from him. "You're full of surprises."
"I try."
They ate quietly at first — nothing fancy, just sandwiches and sparkling juice. But the silence between them felt thick with meaning.
As the night deepened, so did the conversation.
He told her about growing up in foster homes. About feeling like he didn't belong anywhere. About how this school was just another stop in a long, lonely journey.
And then, he asked gently, "Have you ever... been with someone before?"
Clare's eyes dropped to her lap. Her voice was small. "No. I'm a virgin."
Asher's gaze didn't change. No mocking. No surprise. Just soft curiosity.
"Have you ever wanted to?"
Clare's breath caught. The question wasn't forceful. Just... honest. Like he really wanted to know.
She swallowed. "I don't know. Maybe. But it's always been complicated."
Asher leaned closer, his hand brushing hers. "What if it wasn't?"
The air between them shifted. Clare's heart thudded in her chest. The world outside the room felt far away — like they were suspended in a moment outside of time.
And for reasons she didn't fully understand, she whispered, "Okay."
They kissed slowly. Carefully. Asher was gentle — like he was afraid of breaking something precious.
Clare let go of the fear. She trusted him. Or maybe she just wanted to trust someone for once.
But as things grew more intense — as they crossed a line Clare never thought she would — something began to change.
Literally.
Asher's veins, once barely visible under his skin, began to glow.
Green. Bright. Pulsing.
At first, Clare thought it was the candlelight. A trick of her eyes.
But then the glow spread — from his arms to his chest — and down into her.
She gasped, a jolt of pleasure and confusion flooding her. Her skin prickled. Her breath quickened.
"Asher... what's happening?"
But she couldn't move. She didn't want to move. The sensation was overwhelming — like her body was being rewritten from the inside out.
His eyes turned completely green — not just glowing, but shining like gemstones. And then, with a final shudder, he reached climax — and the light poured into her.
Clare's entire body tensed.
She felt something — not pain, but change. Her bones buzzed. Her veins pulsed. Her thoughts twisted.
Then Asher leaned in close, his voice like thunder hidden in a whisper.
He repeated one phrase.
Over. And over.
In a language she didn't understand. But somehow... she knew it.
And before she could stop herself...
Her eyes turned purple.
And her lips spoke the words too.
The room stilled.
The candle flickered.
And Clare... was no longer just Clare.
She blinked, eyes glowing violet.
Asher smiled. "Welcome, vessel."
To be continued in Episode 5: The Night of Transfer