Patricia stirred awake, her lashes fluttering as she shifted against the warmth that cradled her. For a moment, she thought she was dreaming—Lucian's arm was wrapped securely around her, holding her as though letting go wasn't an option.
Her cheeks burned. She gently tried to move, but Lucian's grip tightened unconsciously. His voice, low and rough with sleep, broke the silence.
"Stay," he murmured. "Just a little longer."
Patricia froze, her heart racing. "L-Lucian… I…"
His crimson eyes opened, glinting in the faint lamplight. "You don't have to explain," he said softly, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "You're safe with me."
Patricia turned away quickly, but not before he caught the redness in her face. He chuckled under his breath, pulling her a little closer as she gave up resisting, her heart pounding in confusion.
---
By morning, the four of them—Devin, Lucian, Anastasia, and Patricia—made their way out of the dorms. Their steps were heavy, shadows of the night still lingering in their hearts.
They met Elise and Davon in the courtyard. Elise's eyes were swollen, her face pale from crying through the night. The moment Anastasia spotted her cousin, she broke into a run, throwing her arms around Elise. Patricia quickly followed, wrapping them both into a tearful embrace.
Elise sobbed, clutching them tightly. "I thought I lost you… I was so scared."
Anastasia's voice cracked, but she tried to smile. "We're here. We're not going anywhere."
Davon stood a step back, watching silently as Devin and Lucian exchanged a knowing glance. Though relief washed over them, the tension in the air hadn't disappeared. The danger hadn't passed.
---
Across campus, in a dimly lit room, Ellie's voice dripped with venom. She paced back and forth, eyes wild with fury.
"They think they can escape me? That Davon, his cousins, and those pathetic girls can stand in my way?" She slammed her hand against the desk, rattling the objects on it. "They'll pay. All of them."
Nikki sat hunched in the corner, her fingers trembling. "Ellie, maybe we should stop… it's already gone too far. If we're caught—"
Ellie whipped around, her eyes blazing. "Quiet! You're in this as deep as I am. Don't you dare back out now."
Nikki flinched, swallowing hard. Fear kept her silent, but guilt gnawed at her heart.
Ellie's lips curled into a dark smile. "They'll know fear soon. Especially Elise. She'll watch everything she loves burn."