Chapter 13: Possession & Whispers
The next morning, the academy buzzed like always, but there was something different. Lucien was already waiting outside Aria's dorm when she stepped out, still brushing her hair with her fingers. She blinked.
"You're here…?" she mumbled, stunned.
Lucien didn't say anything at first. He simply turned and started walking, expecting her to follow.
She rolled her eyes but followed. "You do realize people are going to stare, right?"
"Let them," he replied coldly, not even turning to look at her.
Sure enough, as they walked through the academy corridors, heads turned, murmurs sparked, and eyes followed. Lucien Valemore, the cold, terrifying vampire prince, walking a human girl to class? It didn't go unnoticed.
Aria felt the stares burning into her skin. She glanced sideways at him.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Because I don't trust that new guy," he muttered without pause.
Aria chuckled. "You mean the human boy who saved me from slipping?"
Lucien stopped, turned, and looked at her. "Don't call him that. He's not just a human. He's hiding something."
She narrowed her eyes. "So now you care?"
"I always care," he said quietly, then leaned close, whispering near her ear, "I just don't show it like a fool."
Her breath hitched, and her cheeks flushed pink.
--
After classes, Aria exited the hall and spotted Lucien waiting against the far wall, arms crossed, like a perfectly carved statue with a frown. Without a word, he walked up beside her and began heading toward the dorms.
"Is this your new thing now? Escort service?" she teased.
Lucien didn't even crack a smile. "Stop acting like this is normal. You're not safe here."
"I think you're just jealous," she teased softly.
He shot her a dark glare.
They reached her dorm, and before she could step in, he grabbed her wrist. "I need something," he whispered, voice low and laced with need.
Her heart jumped. "What…?"
He stepped closer, hand sliding along her jaw, fingers gentle. "Your blood. I need it. I'm… hungry. And I'm losing control."
She looked into his eyes—red, glowing faintly, flickering with restraint.
"You're not going to hurt me?" she whispered.
He leaned in, resting his forehead on hers. "Never."
Nodding slowly, she tilted her head. His lips brushed her neck softly before his fangs sank in—not painful, just a warm pulse of sensation, like being claimed. She gasped but held onto him, his arms wrapping around her waist. The moment stretched, heat building between them.
When he finally pulled away, his lips stained with the faintest red, he kissed her forehead gently.
"I won't let anyone take you away from me," he whispered.
--
The next morning in the academy, Aria caught whispers swirling all around.
"Did you hear? The new guy—he got hurt. Bad. Lucien was involved."
"He fought back, but… no one's seen him since."
She froze, heart pounding.
Ezra leaned in, whispering, "They said it was over you."
Aria didn't wait. She dashed through the corridors, down the stairs, toward the courtyard. Her breath caught when she finally spotted him sitting on a bench, completely fine.
"You!" she gasped, out of breath.
He turned to her calmly, raising an eyebrow. "Me?"
"I thought—you were hurt. I thought…" she trailed off.
He stood slowly, offering his hand. "I'm fine. Rumors in this place fly faster than bats."
She laughed breathlessly. "I'm Aria."
"Callum," he nodded. "And you're the girl Lucien keeps staring at like a starving wolf."
Her cheeks flamed just as a voice boomed across the courtyard.
"Aria."
She turned sharply—Lucien stood by the stairs, arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes burning.
She stepped back from Callum instinctively.
Lucien walked forward slowly, looking between them, voice low. "Enjoying yourself?"
Callum smiled. "She's sweet. You don't deserve her."
Lucien's eyes flicked with fury. "You don't get to decide that."
Aria stepped between them. "Both of you—stop. This is insane."
Lucien looked down at her, expression dark. "You're mine. Don't forget that."
Callum's voice was quiet. "You don't own her."
Lucien turned without a word, grabbing Aria's hand. "We're leaving."
She stumbled slightly as he dragged her along, heart pounding. His grip was tight, but not painful.
"Lucien…" she whispered. "You're scaring me."
He stopped. Exhaled. And turned to face her again, softer this time. "I just… can't lose you. Not now. Not ever."
She looked at him, stunned. "Why?"
His hand moved to her cheek. "Because, Aria… I think I'm falling in love with you."