Elara's POV
He's in my classroom again.
For the third day in a row, Caspian Noctis sits in the back of my morning class, pretending to read while his eyes follow my every move. Students whisper and stare. The professor stumbles over his words whenever Caspian looks up.
I'm going insane.
After class, I try to escape quickly, but Caspian's already at the door. He's always at the door.
Good morning, Elara. His voice is warm, almost playful. Sleep well?
Why are you here? I demand, keeping my voice low so others won't hear. This is basic magical theory. You're a Duke. You don't need this class.
I'm auditing. He falls into step beside me as we walk down the hallway. Learning is a lifelong pursuit.
You're following me.
I'm walking to the library. If we happen to be going the same direction
We're not going the same direction! My next class is in the opposite wing!
Then you're going the wrong way. He gently steers me by the elbow, redirecting me. The East Tower is this way.
He's right. I was so flustered I was walking toward the library instead of my next class.
Students stare as we pass. Some girls shoot me looks of pure jealousy. Others look terrified for me, like I'm walking with a bomb that could explode any second.
When we reach my classroom, Caspian stops. I'll see you at lunch.
You don't need to
I want to. He says it so simply, like it's the most obvious thing in the world. Then he walks away, leaving me standing there with my heart doing strange flips.
At lunch, Iris grabs my arm the moment I sit down.
Elara, you need to be careful. Her voice is urgent. People are talking. Bad things.
What kind of things?
They're saying you're using dark magic to bewitch Duke Noctis. That you're trying to seduce him for his power and position. Iris glances around nervously. Some are saying worse that you're the one who poisoned him in the first place, and the whole 'saving him' thing was an act to get close.
My stomach drops. That's insane! I would never
I know that! But they don't. Iris squeezes my hand. Duke Noctis is showing you attention no one's ever seen from him before. It's making people suspicious. And scared.
Before I can respond, Caspian appears with his lunch tray. Again. He sits across from me like it's completely normal.
Ladies, he says pleasantly. Beautiful day, isn't it?
Iris makes a squeaking sound and suddenly remembers she has somewhere else to be. She practically runs away.
I glare at Caspian. You're scaring my friends.
She'll adjust. He slides a pastry across the table toward me. You skipped breakfast again. Eat.
Stop doing that!
Stop skipping meals and I will.
I mean stop I wave my hand between us. all of this! The constant following, the gifts, the attention. It needs to stop.
No. He says it so calmly, biting into an apple.
What do you mean, 'no'?
I mean I'm not stopping. He looks at me with those intense dark eyes. You're under my protection. That means I need to know you're safe. And eating properly. And not being harassed by people spreading rumors.
Your protection is what's causing the rumors!
Then people need to learn to mind their own business.
I want to scream. Instead, I stand up. I'm going to the library.
Excellent idea. I'll join you.
No, you won't!
But he does. Of course he does.
In the library, I hide in the furthest corner I can find, pulling out homework I can't focus on. Caspian sits across from me with a book, seemingly content to just... be there.
The silence stretches. I try to read the same sentence five times.
Finally, I snap. Why are you doing this?
Doing what? He doesn't look up from his book, but I see the smile tugging at his lips.
Following me! Sitting in my classes! Sending me gifts! My voice rises, and the librarian shushes me. I lower it to a harsh whisper. You're drawing attention I don't want. People think I'm trying to bewitch you or use you for power!
Are you?
What? No!
Then why do their opinions matter? He finally looks up, his expression unreadable. Let them think what they want.
Easy for you to say. You're a Duke. I'm nobody. These rumors could destroy me.
You're not nobody. His voice turns sharp. Don't ever say that again.
The intensity in his eyes makes my breath catch. For a moment, neither of us speaks.
Someone tried to kill me, he says quietly. Until I find out who I can trust, everyone around me is dangerous. Everyone except you.
Caspian
Besides. His expression softens slightly. I enjoy your company. You're the only person who doesn't bore me.
I'm not interesting
You saved my life without asking for anything in return. He leans forward. You blush when I look at you too long, like you're doing right now. You have opinions about everything and aren't afraid to argue with me. You're the most interesting person I've met in years.
My face burns. You can't just
I can. And I will. He stands, gathering his books. I'll see you at dinner, Elara. Try to eat something this time.
He leaves me sitting there, my heart pounding and my mind spinning.
That evening, Iris corners me in my room.
Four days, she whispers. The festival is in four days.
My blood runs cold. I haven't forgotten. In the book, the festival is when Caspian loses control. When he becomes the monster everyone fears. When he kills dozens of students including me.
I know, I say quietly.
Elara, you need to stay away from him. Whatever's happening between you two, it needs to stop before then. Iris's eyes are full of worry. Please. I don't want you to get hurt.
After she leaves, I sit on my bed, staring at the pile of gifts Caspian's sent over the past three days. Rare books. An enchanted bracelet that glows softly. A music box that plays the most beautiful melody.
He has to stop. For both our sakes.
Tomorrow, I'll confront him. I'll make him understand that this whatever this is can't continue. Before the festival. Before everything goes wrong.
I'm about to get ready for bed when I notice something on my pillow. A small black envelope, sealed with red wax.
My hands shake as I open it. Inside is a single card with a message in elegant handwriting:
The Duke's new pet thinks she's special. But even he can't protect you from what's coming. Stop interfering or the festival will run red with more than his victims' blood. We'll start with your friend Iris.
Attached to the card is a lock of red hair.
Iris's hair.