POV AUTHOR !

The rain drizzled lightly as Celia and Justin approached Elena's house. The overgrown vines around the front gate and the dim light from her bedroom window painted a picture of loneliness. Justin hesitated before knocking, glancing at Celia.

"She hasn't been to school in a month. Something's definitely wrong," Celia murmured, her voice filled with concern.

The door creaked open, revealing a tired Elena. Her once-bright eyes were dull, and her figure seemed frail. She blinked in surprise when she saw Justin standing there with Celia.

"Elena," Celia started softly, stepping inside. "We've been worried about you."

Justin followed, giving Elena a small smile. "Mind if we come in?"

Elena hesitated but then stepped aside, allowing them into her room. The air was heavy with silence, broken only by the faint sound of the rain tapping against the window.

"Why haven't you been coming to school?" Justin asked gently as they sat down.

Elena looked away, avoiding their eyes. "It's... complicated."

Celia placed a comforting hand on her arm. "We're your friends. Whatever it is, you can tell us."

Elena's chest rose and fell rapidly as she struggled to speak. Tears welled up in her eyes, and finally, the dam broke. "I've been hiding something," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Justin leaned closer. "What is it?"

Elena took a deep breath, her hands clutching the edge of her blanket. "I've been seeing... things. Memories. From another time. It all started after I went to Edinburgh. The castle... Lucian's castle... it feels like I've been there before. I see myself in old dresses, living a life that isn't mine. And it's too much. I can't handle it."

Celia's face paled, but she stayed composed. "What do you mean, memories? Like visions?"

"Yes," Elena sobbed, her voice breaking. "Every time I close my eyes, it's there. The halls of the castle, the faces of people I don't know... but they feel so real. It's driving me insane. I can't escape it."

Justin reached out, grabbing her trembling hands. "Elena, look at me."

She hesitated but finally met his gaze.

"You're stronger than this. Whatever this is, it doesn't define you. You can fight it," Justin said firmly, his voice steady.

Celia nodded, sitting beside Elena and pulling her into a hug. "We're here for you. You don't have to go through this alone."

Elena shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I feel like I'm losing myself. I don't know who I am anymore. Sometimes I just want it all to stop... I've even thought about..." She hesitated. "Ending it. Who I'm Elena' or Elara?"

Celia gasped softly, her grip tightening around Elena. "Don't say that. Don't you dare say that. You are Elena..The sunbringer."

"Elena," Justin said, his voice low but intense. "You're not alone. We'll figure this out together. You just have to hold on."

The room was silent for a moment except for Elena's quiet sobs. Finally, she whispered, "I don't want to feel like this anymore."

Celia stroked her hair gently. "You won't. But you need to keep fighting. Be strong, like your father was."

Elena sniffled, her breathing beginning to steady. "Not like my mother," she muttered. "She ran from everything. I don't want to be like that."

Justin squeezed her hand, offering a small, encouraging smile. "Then don't be. Come back to school. Take it one step at a time."

As they stood to leave, Elena watched them go with a mixture of gratitude and determination. Alone in her room, she looked at the rain-streaked window and whispered to herself, "I have to be strong. No more running."

The next morning, Elena decided she would return to school. It was time to face whatever lay ahead.

POV Lucian !

The castle was silent, the kind of silence that hummed with tension. The torches along the walls flickered, casting long, wavering shadows across the stone. Outside, a wolf's growl echoed faintly in the distance.

Lucian stood in the center of the grand hall, his hands clenched at his sides. His golden eyes scanned the darkness, his expression unreadable but tinged with impatience. He had warned her. He had told her not to come here again.

But deep down, he knew Elena wouldn't listen.

A sudden blur of movement caught his attention, circling him like a predator. His head snapped toward the shadow, his voice steady but sharp. "Who's there?"

A soft laugh echoed from the shadows, low and familiar, sending a chill down his spine.

From the darkness, a figure emerged, her boots clicking against the stone floor. She wore a fitted black jacket, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, and her expression was one of casual amusement. Her eyes glinted with mischief, and a smirk curled her lips.

"Hello, brother," she said, her voice dripping with mockery.

Lucian's jaw tightened, his golden gaze narrowing. "Pearl."

She tilted her head, taking a slow, deliberate step closer. "Surprised to see me?"

"What are you doing here?" His tone was cold, his body tense. "Why now?"

Her smirk widened, her voice laced with feigned innocence. "Oh, I just thought it was time to check in on my dear little brother. It's been, what, a century? Thought you might miss me."

Lucian's patience frayed. "Cut the act, Pearl. What do you want?"

Her expression hardened, the teasing edge replaced by something darker. "I heard about her," she said, her voice sharp now. "Your human girl. Elara, isn't it?"

Lucian's eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

Pearl stepped closer, her boots stopping just inches from him. "You really haven't learned, have you?" she whispered. "Falling for humans never ends well. Do you remember what happened the last time? You know what is abandoned beneath our castle."

just don't talk about that thing. Its abandoned for centuries and it will forever. And if you are talking about Elena I won't let you touch her," Lucian growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Pearl laughed, throwing her head back. "Oh, Lucian, always so noble." Her dark eyes met his, filled with both menace and regret. "You don't understand. If I don't stop this, the council will. And if they find out she's alive... they'll kill us both. This is about survival, not your little love story."

Lucian stepped forward, towering over her. "Stay out of this, Pearl. I'll protect her. You don't have to do anything."

Her smirk returned, softer now, almost sad. "Oh, Lucian. You think this is about choice? It's not. I came here to save our family, even if it means ruining your life...again."

Lucian's voice broke with frustration. "Why are you always like this?"

"Because someone has to be," she shot back, her tone icy. "You think I enjoy this? Killing the people you love? Watching you hate me every damn time?" She paused, her expression softening for just a moment. "You know I'm right."

Lucian shook his head, his voice resolute. "I won't let you hurt her. Not this time."

Pearl's smirk turned cruel. "We'll see about that, brother." With that, she turned, disappearing back into the shadows, her laugh echoing through the empty hall.

Lucian stood there, his fists clenched, his heart heavy with the weight of her words.

POV Elena

The morning raindrops streamed through the windows of the classroom as students shuffled to their seats. I sat near the middle, with Celia perched beside her, im just thinking why he join school after saying i wont meet you again! Or whatever he is doing do, I don't care. when I thinks a lot I start tapping pen rhythmically on the desk. Across the room, Lucian leaned casually against his chair, his crimson eyes catching the light like glints of fire.

Celia nudged me. "You've been staring at him since we walked in. Subtlety isn't your strong suit."

I quickly looked away, my cheeks reddening. "I wasn't staring. I was... observing."

"Observing, Remeber what he is. Or if you love him just say it clearly that mama I'm in love with criminal" Celia teased me with a smirk. "Just don't start drooling."

Before I could retort, My history professor, a sharp-eyed man with gray hair and an air of authority, entered the room. He placed his thick books on the desk and cleared his throat. I never loved history, it's like filling with lots of years, I dont know when Jallian wala massacre take place and what is the ancient history of Edinburgh.

"Good morning, everyone. Today, we'll continue our discussion on ancient legends and their influence on modern culture."

The class murmured a lazy greeting in return.

As the lecture began, I found myself glancing at Lucian. His posture was relaxed, but there was something unnervingly composed about him, as though he had heard this all before. And why not he is living maybe for centuries by drinking human blood.

The professor suddenly directed a question at the class. "Who can tell me about the significance of the Crimson Wars in folklore?"

Silence filled the room. Celia raised an eyebrow, mouthing, What wars?

Lucian's hand went up. The professor gestured for him to speak.

"The Crimson Wars were a conflict between two ancient vampire factions," Lucian said, his voice smooth and deliberate. "It's said the battles were fought not just for territory, but for control over humanity itself. The losing faction was supposedly wiped out."

The class murmured in surprise, and the professor's eyes gleamed with approval. I feel impressed like I dont like history but he likes, like we will prove as the opposites to each other.

"Excellent, Mr. Valmont. Very impressive," the professor said. "Not many people know those details. Let's give him a round of applause." i was staring at him more than before but it was not good.

The room filled with polite clapping, though some students exchanged curious looks. I calpping for him with a smile and he as always ignoring me then Celia leaned toward me, whispering, "Why are you clapping, yesterday you told him to not to talk to you."

I didn't answer. I was too busy watching Lucian, he look at me, without smile he started focus on teacher, his expression unreadable.

The professor raised a hand to quiet the room. "Now, for your next project, you'll be working in pairs, a boy and a girl. Your topic will be mythology, focusing on a specific creature or legend."

My heart raced. I dont I anything about mythology cuz I'm just human student. Everyone has their partner but I dont have, only Lucian and me are alone, and for scholarship I've to ask him. What he will think about me, last night I scolded him that dont talk to me again but now I really need him. As the professor began assigning pairs, I turned to Lucian.

"Do you... want to partner with me?" I asked softly, trying to keep my voice steady. And my eyes innocent!

Lucian's crimson eyes met mine. For a moment, he didn't speak, and I wondered if I'd made a mistake.

Finally, he nodded. "No."

My beautiful fake smile tuned to Dulled I asked him "Why?"

He said "just stay away from me, I dont want anyone to come near me because..'

I asked "Becaused ?"

He replies in rude way "none of your business, remember last night, I'm not a human."

"Oh, mr. I'm not scared of you..I mean I was last night but after you..! I stopped in mid.

He said "After me..what?" I'm monster! I can killed you today or not today so I'll do it tomorrow!"

The professor clapped his hands to regain the class's attention. "Your project title will be based on the creature you're assigned. Let's start with... vampires." He paused dramatically. "Elena and Lucian, that's your topic."

Lucian shocked with wide eyes he said "We.. We are not in pairs, I want another pair." I was just looking at him I said sorry he ignored and I said "I trusts on you, you wont hurt me." He stared for a sec and said trust oh god.

Professor replies 'No one chose you both perhaps god wants you both together."

He relied "Never!" And left the room towards Professor Grahams office who is Principle and biology professor.

Lucian stood stiffly in front of Professor Graham's desk, his arms crossed. The dimly lit office smelled of old books and coffee. The professor adjusted his glasses and glanced at the paper in his hand.

"Lucian," Professor Graham began, his voice calm but firm, "pairing students for this project is not optional. You and Elena are assigned together."

Lucian shook his head, his jaw tight. "Find someone else for her. I work better alone."

The professor sighed and leaned back in his chair. "This isn't about what you want, Lucian. It's about what's best for the class."

"I'm not interested," Lucian said, his voice cold.

Professor Graham put down the paper and folded his hands. "Do you know anything about Elena, Lucian?"

Lucian remained silent, his gaze fixed on the bookshelf behind the professor.

The professor continued. "Her father passed away three years ago. Her mother..." He hesitated. "Let's just say she's not around. Elena lives with her aunt, works part-time at the grill, and manages to keep up with her studies despite everything."

Lucian's expression didn't change, but his grip on his arms loosened slightly.

"She's a scholarship student," the professor added, his voice softening. "One of the brightest in her year. But she's had a hard life, Lucian. Pairing her with someone as capable as you could actually help her. Isn't that worth considering?"

Lucian stared at the floor for a moment, the professor's words sinking in. Without a word, he nodded curtly and turned to leave.

As Lucian stepped out of the office, he nearly collided with Elena, who was waiting just outside.

She looked up, startled, and their eyes met for the first time that day.

Lucian hesitated, his usual cold demeanor faltering. "I'll do the project with you," he said quietly.

Elena's brow furrowed, her lips tightening. "Why? Did the professor guilt you into it?"

Lucian opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off.

"Don't bother," she said, her voice trembling. "I don't need your pity, Lucian."

His eyes narrowed, confused. "It's not pity. I'm just monster."

"I'm sorry?" I stepped closer, my voice rising. " I just scared a lot. I talked without thinking and its justified. Because since the moment we met, you've been avoiding me, ignoring me. I thought maybe you were different. Unique. But you're just like everyone else, aren't you? You see me as the awkward, foolish girl who lives alone, left behind by her parents, barely holding on with a scholarship."

My words hit harder than he expected. Lucian opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

"I don't need your help," I said, stepping back. "I've been doing fine on my own. Don't pretend you care now."

With that, I turned and walked away, My head held high despite the tears glistening in my eyes. Than, I realised what I'd said to him. He will never forgive me.

Lucian watched me go, a knot forming in his chest. He wanted to say something, anything, to stop me. But the words refused to come.

Instead, he stood there, silent, as the sound of my footsteps faded into the distance.