It was the weekend.

The campus felt slower, quieter—like it was holding its breath in anticipation of the full moon the next day. Aria needed an escape, something to keep her mind off Lucien, the cold looks, the silences, and the weird energy that seemed to hang in the air all week.

So she agreed to meet Elias at the library.

He had texted her earlier, something about wanting to show her a rare book he found for her literature project. Sweet, thoughtful, perfect Elias.

Or so she thought.

***

The library was half-empty. Dust motes floated lazily in the sunlight pouring through the windows. Elias greeted her with his...