Chapter 50 Possessive stranger.

Chapter 50: Chapter 50 Possessive stranger.

At the dormitory, they all gathered at one place in particular—the King’s Lodge. It was the residence of the two Alphas and stood a few buildings away from Noah’s own dorm.

Noah couldn’t hide his surprise the moment he stepped inside.

This wasn’t an ordinary student dorm.

It was practically a mansion disguised as one.

Every corner screamed royalty.

The polished marble floor shimmered with golden patterns, reflecting the warm lights hanging from the ceiling. The creamy walls carried a silver sheen whenever the light touched them, while expensive paintings and carved pillars completed the luxurious atmosphere. Nothing looked out of place.

For some reason, Noah found himself smiling.

It was beautiful.

Beautiful enough to make anyone forget they were still inside a school.

"Whose lodge is this?" Noah finally asked.

Rose answered calmly without even looking back.

"Killian’s. It seems they agreed to hold the birthday party here."

Noah nodded slowly.

The Alpha certainly had impeccable taste.

Meanwhile, outside the school grounds, the once lively campus had become eerily quiet.

The field looked almost like a deserted graveyard.

Most of the students had already left for Killian’s lodge, each carrying beautifully wrapped gifts for the birthday celebration.

The unlucky few who weren’t invited, people like Slyvia, remained behind with nothing but disappointment.

Back inside the lodge...

"Sit over there. Let me prepare the potions."

Rose pointed toward one of the luxurious couches.

Damian and Eugene obeyed immediately.

The spacious sitting room resembled a royal hall more than a lounge. A magnificent golden table rested at the center, surrounded by elegant cream-colored sofas.

Noah couldn’t stop looking around.

Everything was expensive.

Everything.

"Have you done this before?" Eugene suddenly asked. "Healing people, I mean."

Rose nodded while taking out two crystal vials from the pocket of her coat.

"This is nothing. Just drink these. They’ll neutralize the lingering Oak energy and help straighten your bones before morning."

She placed both bottles on the table.

The faint blue liquid inside glowed softly.

"Drink it and watch the magic."

Eugene stared suspiciously at the bottles before raising an eyebrow.

"I hope this isn’t poisonous."

Rose shrugged innocently.

"Maybe...

"Or maybe not.

"We won’t know unless you drink every drop."

She laughed.

Eugene rolled his eyes.

"You witches seriously enjoy stressing people."

On the other side of the room, Killian quietly sat beside Noah.

Unlike the noisy atmosphere around them, the two remained unusually calm.

Killian gently wrapped his fingers around Noah’s soft hands before speaking.

"Don’t be scared."

His voice carried a strange warmth.

"Tomorrow your training begins."

He paused briefly.

"And... about what you saw behind that strange door..."

His emerald eyes met Noah’s.

"Would you mind telling me?"

Noah lowered his gaze.

Killian squeezed his hand a little tighter.

"As I said before, I don’t want you carrying everything by yourself."

"I’m here."

"I can’t speak for the others..."

"But I won’t stand by and watch you suffer alone."

His soothing voice almost felt magical.

It made Noah want to believe him.

Almost.

"You already have your own burdens."

Noah forced out a weak smile.

"I think everyone should carry their own problems."

"That includes you."

He didn’t want to become too attached.

What if one day...

Killian disappeared?

Or worse...

Betrayed him?

People always left eventually.

If he handed over his heart now...

What would remain when they were gone?

Killian seemed to understand exactly what Noah was thinking.

"I think you’ve been lonely for so long that opening up has become frightening."

He smiled gently.

"But that’s alright."

"It doesn’t happen overnight."

"It’s a gradual process."

He leaned back comfortably.

"So for tonight..."

"Forget everything."

"We’ll make sure you enjoy every second of your birthday."

"Let’s party like it’s the last day on earth."

As he adjusted the glasses resting on his nose, his green hair slipped over his forehead while his emerald eyes sparkled beneath the chandelier.

Noah quickly looked away.

Oops.

He almost got pulled in again.

God help him if Killian ever decided to betray him.

He would be completely doomed.

"So are we all going to keep moping around?"

Eugene suddenly yelled from across the room.

"Let’s get this mother-fucking party started already!"

He jumped so high that Rose nearly lost her balance.

"You’re not even done with the pot—"

He cut her off immediately.

"I already feel perfectly fine."

"And I’m definitely not letting some potion stop me from seeing Ashton smile today."

Rose almost laughed.

She managed to stop herself midway.

Truthfully...

She wasn’t used to parties.

In fact...

She was already wondering how to sneak out without anyone noticing.

Before she could move, Lamia hurried over to her.

"Are we really pretending everything is fine?"

His voice remained low.

"There are monsters outside."

"And Philip could still be after us."

"We shouldn’t be celebrating."

Somewhere along the way...

He had completely changed his mind.

Rose sighed.

"Unfortunately, Lamia..."

"I actually agree with you."

"But once the Alphas make up their minds, nobody can stop them."

She glanced toward the entrance.

"The guests are already on their way."

"So it’s too late."

She folded her arms confidently.

"Besides..."

"I’ve already fortified the entire lodge."

"No monsters."

"No evil spirits."

"No curses can cross the barrier."

"As long as nobody leaves unexpectedly..."

"We’re safe."

Lamia frowned.

It sounded like a perfect plan.

Except...

Teenagers never stayed in one place for long.

Someone would eventually wander outside.

"This is insane."

He shook his head.

"I’m sorry, Rose..."

"But this won’t work."

Before Rose could reply...

The grand doors opened.

Students immediately began filing into the hall one after another.

Every single person carried a brightly wrapped present.

"Happy birthday, Ashton!"

"We love you, Ashton!"

"Many happy returns!"

The greetings echoed continuously until the lodge became lively with laughter and chatter.

Meanwhile...

The real birthday boy quietly slipped upstairs.

For the first time all evening...

Everyone finally left Noah alone.

Inside one of the luxurious guest rooms, he changed into a fresh outfit.

He slipped into a fitted blue long-sleeved shirt before adjusting the sleeves neatly.

Standing before the mirror, he reached for a silver earring and carefully fixed it onto his ear.

His reflection stared back at him.

Different.

Older.

Almost elegant.

He let out a quiet sigh.

This was the first birthday he had ever celebrated surrounded by so many people.

It felt...

Strange.

Then another thought crossed his mind.

One thing he and Ashton actually shared.

They were both orphans.

The only difference was that Ashton had once known his parents before they abandoned him at an orphanage.

He had spent his childhood desperately searching for the love he never received.

Maybe...

That was why the original Ashton became obsessed with chasing after the male leads.

He simply wanted someone to choose him.

Someone to stay.

Noah couldn’t decide whether to continue blaming the original owner of this body...

Or simply pity him.

Perhaps...

He had only been desperate to be loved.

The realization left a bitter feeling in Noah’s chest.

It was honestly heartbreaking.

"Why are you frowning..."

"...when I’m here?"

The voice appeared so suddenly that Noah almost believed he imagined it.

Soft.

Low.

Almost like a whisper carried away by the wind.

His eyes widened.

"Who’s there?"

He immediately looked around the room.

Silence.

The window beside him stood wide open.

A powerful breeze rushed inside, making the curtains dance wildly.

Noah exhaled slowly.

"Maybe..."

"It was just my imagination."

He started walking toward the window, his boots clicking softly against the polished floor.

Then—

Cold hands suddenly wrapped around his arms.

Another hand slid across his neck before ghosting over his temples.

It almost felt like...

A tongue.

Noah stumbled backward in horror.

He spun around frantically.

Nobody.

There was absolutely no one.

"Show yourself!"

His voice came out sharper this time.

"If you’re brave enough, then stop hiding like a coward!"

The invisible hands suddenly covered his mouth.

His breathing stopped.

Then...

Inside the mirror—

A figure slowly appeared behind him.

It was Philip.

No.

Not Philip.

It was the stranger wearing Philip’s body.

His unfamiliar face twisted into a smile that was both beautiful and terrifying.

"You’re mine..."

The stranger whispered against Noah’s ear.

"Body..."

"Heart..."

"And soul."

His smile deepened.

"And I don’t think I’m very good at sharing."

Noah’s heart nearly stopped.

He couldn’t breathe.

Couldn’t scream.

His entire body froze.

Was this real?

He thought their encounters only happened inside dreams.

Then...

How was he standing here?

"How are you here?"

Noah’s voice trembled.

"Please..."

"Tell me you’re not actually inside this school."

More than anything...

He prayed Philip was still alive.

The stranger chuckled.

A dark, chilling sound filled the room.

"I grew tired of waiting."

His crimson eyes narrowed.

"And contrary to what people believe..."

"I’m actually a very patient man, Noah."

A cold shiver crawled down Noah’s spine.

What did that even mean?

The stranger leaned closer until his lips nearly brushed Noah’s ear.

"I’m here..."

"...to claim you."

"Right here."

"Right now."

His laughter echoed throughout the silent room.

Dark.

Possessive.

And Completely inhuman.