Chapter 42 finally alone with him.

Chapter 42: Chapter 42 finally alone with him.

Eugene stared at the guy standing at the front of the class, unease twisting in his gut. He turned to Noah and caught the way his eyes widened in alarm. Something was definitely wrong with the newcomer. The instinct hit him hard, a sharp warning he couldn’t ignore.

"Marcus," he whispered, leaning closer, "I know you’re arranging Ashton’s birthday thing tonight, but can we cancel it?"

Marcus frowned, clearly caught off guard. "Why would I do that? It’s his special day, and I’m sure you want to spend some time with him. I’ve been starving for that too."

Eugene groaned under his breath. Marcus tilted his head, waiting for more.

"Didn’t you feel it at the graveyard?" Eugene pressed. "I haven’t been the same since. All I want to do is pull him close, kiss him, and claim him completely. I’m tempted in ways I’ve never been before. I know I’m not the only one feeling this. Even you, of all people, taking his side—I’m sure you sense it too." He gave a pointed look.

Marcus’s lips curled into a sly smile. Seeing the usually cold and stoic Eugene this disoriented was a rare sight, one he wouldn’t forget anytime soon.

"Of course I feel it, Marcus. Should I scream it out loud?" Eugene sighed heavily. "I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anyone—male or female. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

The confession hung between them. Marcus’s grin widened, but Eugene pushed on.

"It’s not just about privacy. I’m worried about him. That guy who suddenly seems to be everywhere..." Eugene pointed toward Philip. Marcus glanced over, confused.

"I thought that was just his roommate. What kind of threat could he pose?"

Eugene sighed again. Marcus clearly wasn’t picking up on the same danger. That deep instinct screamed at him that Philip was something far more sinister, with clear intentions toward Noah. And he wasn’t alone in sensing it— Noah’s own discomfort was written across his face.

"Is there something I’m missing here?" Marcus asked. "He looks completely normal to me."

Eugene stayed quiet. Maybe the conversation he’d overheard from the dean’s office was clouding his judgment, but the warning in his bones wouldn’t fade. "Just keep it in mind that Ashton needs protection. After what he released that night at the grave, he might be in real danger. Don’t trust anyone alone with him."

Marcus studied him closely, still looking puzzled. "So we’re invading his privacy now? He wouldn’t like that. You know what kind of person Ashton is."

Eugene groaned in frustration. The guy kept twisting his words. Before he could clarify, the professor introduced Philip to the class.

"He’s one of us now. Later, you can all learn about his affinity. For now, take the seat beside Ashton Lane—there should be space there."

Noah’s expression tightened, turning cold. Eugene wasn’t about to let that happen. He quickly raised his hand.

"He can take my seat. I’ll move beside Ashton."

The professor shrugged. "Whatever works."

Eugene stood and walked over without hesitation. As Philip approached, their eyes locked. Philip’s face remained rigid and icy, like a frozen mask. Eugene felt a chill but didn’t care—he had achieved his goal. He settled next to Noah, who looked at him in surprise.

"Did you do that on purpose? Chase him away?"

Eugene shrugged. "What do you think?"

Noah studied him, trying to read the emotions behind those striking hazel eyes. "I can’t put my finger on it, but I feel like you sense the same thing I do."

Eugene reached over and patted Noah’s knee lightly. "All I can say is the guy seems like a complete creep. Trust your instincts. Mine are telling me loud and clear that he’s not a good guy."

Noah smiled faintly, relieved he wasn’t alone in his unease. Yet the usual lemon scent that often surrounded him had vanished. Why now? Could it be connected to this stranger? If Philip wasn’t who he claimed to be, what had happened to the real one? A chill ran down Noah’s spine at the thought that the original Philip might already be dead.

Meanwhile, Professor Warwold had clearly given up on the lesson. "You know what? Sometimes I wonder how any of you would survive a real battle with attitudes like this. You’re not ready to learn anything. I’m never coming back to this class." He hissed in irritation and stormed out.

Killian immediately approached Eugene and Noah. "What was that about, Eugene? Why switch seats with Ash? What’s your real aim here?"

Noah didn’t want another fight, especially today. He clapped his hands to get their attention. "Please, not this. Remember, it’s my birthday."

The others calmed slightly at the reminder. "Oh, right," they both muttered.

"That’s better," Noah said, offering a thumbs-up. "I know you two are like cat and mouse sometimes, but try to get along—at least for today. You can tear each other apart tomorrow if you want." He grinned and walked off with Lamia and Rose.

The moment they were out of sight, Eugene and Killian started arguing again.

"Stop it," Eugene snapped. "I was protecting him from that guy. He’s after Ashton for some reason—I can feel it."

Killian’s eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

Without another word, they both rushed after Noah.

"We can’t let him out of our sight," Killian declared.

Damian noticed them dash out and narrowed his eyes. He glanced back at Philip, who ignored everyone in the room. Then he stood and moved toward Marcus.

"What’s going on? I feel like I’m the only one left in the dark here," Damian asked.

Marcus looked around and caught Philip staring straight at them. He frowned. "Can this motherfucker actually hear us from over there?" He quickly took Damian’s arm and pulled him farther away from the classroom.

"What’s wrong? You just—argh!" Damian started to protest.

"Please, I need Ashton right now," Damian requested, his voice strained.

Marcus looked confused. "What’s the problem? Are you turning into the monster again?"

****

Rose and Lamia were walking with Noah when he noticed Killian and Eugene signaling him urgently from behind. What now? They’re always causing trouble, and I already have enough problems trying to figure out what’s happening to me.

"Ashton, you wanted to know what you released that night," Rose suggested. "Why don’t we head to the library? I know exactly where to find the information we need."

When no one answered, she glanced back. Lamia looked surprised too. "Where did he vanish to?"

****

"What’s the issue? You guys are disturbing my study time," Noah said firmly as he positioned himself between the two rivals. He waited for them to explain when Killian suddenly froze.

"Do you guys hear that?" Killian asked, scanning the area.

Eugene scoffed. "What, ancestors whispering secrets to you now? What are you even hearing?"

Noah looked down and noticed they were standing on a huge glowing circle etched into the ground. His eyes widened in panic. "Guys, we have—"

His warning came too late. The ground opened beneath them, and they plummeted into the hole. It sealed shut above with an ominous click.

Killian hit the bottom first. "Fuck, that hurt more than I expected."

Eugene landed next, and Killian quickly rolled aside, letting him crash onto the hard floor. Eugene grimaced in pain.

"You motherfucker," he growled.

Killian grinned. "You’re on your own, kid."

Then Noah fell. Both of them tried to catch him, but he landed across them, collapsing the pile. "Oops, sorry..."

Eugene groaned. "Wow, you’re heavier than I thought."

Noah glared at him. "That’s a rude thing to say to someone." Eugene wisely sealed his mouth.

Once they regained their bearings, they realized they were in a massive underground chamber—dark, filled with ancient antiques and thick cobwebs. A heavy, oppressive energy pressed down on them. Noah felt it strongly, and judging by their expressions, so did the others.

"Okay, let’s get the hell out of here," Killian said, standing up.

They all nodded and began searching for an exit, but found none. The walls seemed solid and endless.

"No, no, no—this can’t be happening," Noah muttered. "I can’t be trapped here with you two on my birthday." He kept looking around desperately. This was supposed to be the day he finally learned more about himself, not this.

"But it’s not so bad," Killian said with an innocent pout. "We finally have you to ourselves without the others interfering."

Eugene and Noah stared at him, stunned. Noah immediately pulled off one shoe and chased after him.

Eugene facepalmed. "I feel like I’m the only mature one here."