The door finished opening.
For a fraction of a second, Elliot's brain refused to process what his eyes were seeing. It was like looking at a familiar nightmare through a fogged mirror recognizable, impossible, wrong.
Then the man stepped fully into the room.
Tall. Relaxed. Dressed too well for a university lecture, like he'd wandered in from somewhere far more dangerous than a classroom. Dark hair neatly styled, sharp eyes carrying that same lazy, predatory confidence Elliot had memorized in fear.
Lucian.
The professor smiled politely, completely unaware of the way Elliot's world had just cracked open. "Everyone, quiet down," he said. "This is Lucian. He'll be joining our department starting today. I trust you'll make him feel welcome."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room. Curious glances. Whispered speculation.
Lucian dipped his head in a mockingly respectful nod. "Nice to meet you all."
His gaze lifted.
Locked.
Straight onto Elliot.
