Falling for Midnight

Chapter Twelve

"Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness and still become something beautiful."
— Anonymous

¬Thalira's Pov¬

''Would you take me for a mate?'' He asked lowly.

 My eyes widened, a flicker of surprise lighting them up as I registered his question. I was genuinely caught off guard. 

His question lingered in the air, unexpected and bold, leaving me breathless. I blinked, my cheeks flushing faintly as the meaning of his words sank in, I felt a mix of surprise and curiosity.

A nervous laugh escaped my lips as I looked away, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear to steady herself. 

"Wait, did you just...?" I started, trying to play it off, though my voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty. I wasn't sure if he was serious or simply teasing, but the thought of him considering me like that sent an unexpected thrill through me.

When I looked back at him, my gaze softened, lingering on his face with newfound intrigue.

 "Well, that's... a bold question," I murmured, a shy smile breaking through despite herself. 

''Say the one who literally bounded the table in an attempt to take my eyes.'' He smirked.

The surprise hadn't entirely, but there was something else there now—a spark of interest that hadn't been there before, leaving me both flustered and curious about what had prompted him to ask.

''Why do you ask though?'' I asked curiously.

''Just curious.'' He said with a shrug.

''Oooh....do you perhaps have a crush on me-''

''Just drink your damn smoothie Quinn.'' He grumbled. I couldn't help but laugh.

We sat in silence and drank our smoothies occasionally biting into our cupcakes. I processed everything I had heard and the logical part of my brain was still trying to fight the information. 

I glanced at my palm while Lysander was preoccupied with his phone. How else would I explain the branding? I could also feel the necklace pulsing in my bag.

Just what are you, you weirdo...

''The ritual. What is it really about? and why are people so hushed about it?'' I asked. He glanced up, dropping his phone.

''I prefer not to say around here. Too many ears if you know what I'm talking about. How about I tell you after class today? My place.'' He suggested.

''You're not going to mark me and make me yours right?'' I teased. His eyes flashed with amusement and something darker flashed across his face.

''I wouldn't mind. If you're willing I could make it a very pleasurable experience for you Thali.'' He said suggestively. The sentence rolled off his tongue like butter. I gulped down the rest of my smoothie to hide my flushed face.

''And we're done here. You perverted little chipmunk. I said and picked up my stuff, hurrying towards the door.

''Hey! Wait up!'' He hollered behind me as he hurried to catch up.

I had Ethics in Genetic Engineering and I sat with Ashton and Ciara. They were all over each other it was actually puke worthy.

I tried my best to concentrate but the exchange was too much for my single soul to handle.

''You both are shameless,'' I whispered to them. Ciara blushed and Ashton chuckled.

''I can't help that I love her Thali bee.'' He cooed.