The bell rang. A real one this time.
Lucien didn't let go of my hand.
"You're not supposed to be here yet," he muttered.
"I got lost."
"Doesn't matter. You're marked now."
I touched my neck. It still burned.
"People are staring."
"They feel the mark."
"What does it mean?"
"It means you're mine."
My stomach twisted. "Excuse me?"
"For now," he added. "It keeps you safe. Mostly."
We walked. I didn't know where. I didn't ask. Everyone we passed looked at me, then at Lucien, then back at me. Some looked confused. Others annoyed. A few amused.
A girl with silver eyes and black wings sneered. "Fresh meat."
Lucien didn't flinch. Didn't stop. Just walked faster.
We reached a door labeled Initiate Dorms — North Wing. He stopped.
"This is you."
I crossed my arms. "That's it? No instructions?"
"Stay in your room after dark. Don't open the window. If someone knocks past midnight, don't answer."
I frowned. "What happens if I do?"
He didn't answer. He just looked at me — too long, too hard.
Then walked away.
I watched him disappear around the corner. I didn't know what I hated more — the silence, or the fact that some part of me didn't want him to go.
The door closed behind me.
And I was alone.
Again.
---