Morning comes too quickly.
Campus is loud as ever — students rushing to classes, gossip echoing between buildings, couples kissing in corners, the usual chaotic buzz of Desire Hill University. But to Anabeth, everything feels… different.
Because last night, Rafael De Luca kissed her like she was something forbidden.
And he held her like he wasn't supposed to let go.
Her lips still feel warm.
Her heart still moves with the rhythm of his breathing.
She walks across the courtyard with her bag hugged to her side, trying to act normal.
But campus already knows.
People are staring.
Whispering.
Turning to look at her twice.
At first she thinks she's imagining it — until someone bumps her shoulder harder than necessary.
A girl with red lipstick and a tight black dress sneers at her.
"You must be new," she says.
"And stupid."
Anabeth frowns. "Excuse me?"
The girl's smile is sharp like broken glass.
"You don't get close to Rafael unless you want your life destroyed."
Anabeth opens her mouth to respond but the girl cuts her off.
"Just some advice before the others get to you."
She walks away, her heels clicking like a countdown.
Others?
What others?
Anabeth barely takes three steps before the whispers grow louder.
"Is she the girl he was with?"
"She won't last."
"Rafael always ruins the ones he touches."
"His family is the De Lucas — they don't date. They claim."
Anabeth's pulse stumbles.
She knew he was dangerous.
She knew there were rumors.
But this…
This feels like she has stepped into something far bigger than she expected.
---
• The Warning
Later, in the cafeteria, she tries to eat lunch, but every table she passes goes silent.
Bella hurries to her with wide eyes.
"Oh God, Ana — did you seriously get involved with Rafael De Luca?"
Anabeth presses her lips together. "…We're not involved involved."
Bella glares.
"He walked you to your dorm at midnight last night. Half campus knows. And the other half is terrified."
Anabeth leans back in her chair, exasperated.
"What's the problem? He literally just—"
"Just what?" a voice interrupts.
A boy sits down across from them without asking.
He's tall, athletic, wearing a varsity jacket.
Bella stiffens.
"Jayce," she mutters.
Jayce looks directly at Anabeth.
"You need to listen carefully. The De Luca family isn't normal. People disappear around them. Get hurt. Rafael is the worst of them all."
Anabeth folds her arms.
"You're exaggerating."
"No," Jayce says flatly.
"I'm giving you your first and last warning."
Bella's hand trembles slightly beside her plate.
"Rafael doesn't date, Ana. He claims. And once he does… you're in his world. Whether you like it or not."
Anabeth feels something cold curl in her stomach.
---
• Trouble Comes to Her Door
When classes end, Anabeth heads to her dorm — only to find three girls blocking the hallway leading to her room.
The red-lip girl from earlier stands in the middle.
"Oh look," she says mockingly. "The little campus princess."
Anabeth steps forward cautiously.
"Move."
"No," the girl says.
"Because you need to understand something. Rafael isn't single. He never has been. Girls throw themselves at him every semester, and every semester we handle them."
"Handle?" Anabeth repeats incredulously.
The girl smirks.
"You think you're special? You're not. So stay away from him."
Another girl steps forward.
"And if you don't?"
The threat hangs heavy between them.
Anabeth's heart hammers — but she forces her expression to stay steady.
"I'm not scared of you."
Red-lip girl's eyes flash with irritation.
"You should be. Because the last girl who tried this ended up—"
"Ended up what?" a deep, cold voice demands behind them.
The hallway freezes.
Rafael.
He stands at the far end of the corridor, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his helmet. His jaw is sharp. His eyes glint like knives.
The girls immediately stiffen, like prey that just realized the predator is real.
He walks toward them slowly, every step filled with warning.
"Say it," he orders softly.
"What happened to her?"
The red-lip girl swallows hard.
"We were just—"
"You were threatening someone who isn't your concern."
His voice drops lower.
"She is under my protection."
The words send a shock through Anabeth's chest.
The girls all bow their heads, trembling under his gaze.
"We're sorry," one whispers.
Rafael's eyes narrow.
"Leave. Now."
They scatter instantly.
---
• Confrontation
Once the hallway is empty, Rafael turns to Anabeth.
"You shouldn't walk around alone," he says quietly.
Anabeth clenches her fists.
"They were harassing me because of you."
His jaw ticks.
"I know."
"Rafael… I don't want trouble."
"You already have trouble," he replies.
"Because you're with me."
Her breath catches.
"I never said I was with you."
He steps closer, close enough that she can smell the faint scent of smoke and leather on him.
"No," he murmurs.
"You didn't. I did."
Her heart stops.
"You don't get to decide that."
His expression softens just enough to make her pulse race.
"I'm not looking to control you, Anabeth. I'm trying to protect you."
"From who?" she demands.
"Your reputation? Your enemies? Your little fan club?"
His eyes darken.
"From my world."
Silence falls heavy between them.
She should step away.
She should push him.
She should tell him she wants nothing to do with danger.
But she doesn't move.
Rafael lifts a hand and tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear, moving slow enough for her to pull away —
but she doesn't.
"Anabeth," he says softly.
"My life is dangerous. Anyone close to me becomes a target. But last night… I knew I wasn't letting you go."
Her breath trembles.
"Even if it puts me in danger?" she whispers.
He leans in, his voice brushing her skin.
"Especially if it does."
---