Serpentine Desires

The prey

Sometimes even eyes could deceive you. Just like mine were doing right now.

Though I should believe it. But I couldn't. My luck couldn't be any worse or better.

Standing in front of the college, I felt the cold air seep into my bones. Entirely different from the life I had been living in the penthouse. Was it the chill of the winter air, or had I simply grown too accustomed to the penthouse's warmth?

Whatever it was, the cold gnawed at me making me wish I could return to that insulated prison. But no, hell was where Judas was, and right now, he wasn't here.

A shiver ran through me as I walked towards the college gate, and I felt a piercing gaze on my back. "Stop staring," I muttered under my breath.

"I'm doing my job," Kyle's voice came from behind, his tone as cold as the winter air. I glanced back to see him leaning against the black Mercedes, dressed in his usual dark clothes. His tattoos, skull rings, and the ever-present cold expression made him look like an enigma wrapped in leather.

I rolled my eyes. "Seriously, Kyle, you're not exactly inconspicuous."

"Never claimed to be," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Somebody has to keep an eye on you. What, you thought you'd get a free pass just because Judas is not here?"

"Yeah, well, maybe I don't need a babysitter." I snapped, tucking my hands into my jacket pockets for warmth.

Kyle smirked. "Sure. I'm just here to make sure you don't get any bright ideas."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

"You know, for someone who hates his job, you sure are good at it. Maybe you should be grateful for the break."

Kyle's smirk widened. "Oh, I am. But don't get too used to it. One mistake, and I'll be right back on you like glue."

"Yeah, whatever. Just stay out of my way." I turned back towards the college gate, feeling his gaze follow me.

"And don't get any funny ideas," Kyle called after me. "I'll know."

I rolled my eyes again, muttering, "Screw you, Kyle."

I was still very confused and not believing if I was actually out in open and not locked up. For a moment I thought Judas would kept me locked up till he was bored, but I was glad. This feeling.... This air.... It all felt different out in open.

A strange feelings washed over me as I walked through the gate, I could almost feel Kyle's smirk boring into my back. If only he knew how determined I was to not let him get to me.

But I ignored him. This college was the only place where Kyle could not enter or bother me. It was my safe sanctuary. And I'd die before let anyone... and I mean anyone take this away from me.

The sudden familiarity of the college embraced me like an old friend. I exhaled, feeling the weight lift off my shoulders and my muscles relaxing.

The noise of the students, the smell of old books, the hum of the vending machines—everything felt like a return to normalcy. I'd missed this. I'd missed being alone, in control of my own life.

But as I wandered through the hallways, a flicker of unease settled in my chest. Would anyone have noticed my absence? Especially Alina, who must be questioning why I left the dorm so abruptly.

And Ivan—last time we spoke, his words were cryptic, laced with a hidden agenda and I didn't know if he should be trusted. I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to be cautious around him.
It was for between if I keel low profile and...