The Fallen HODWIII

Chapter 9 : Dane

**Venice Claire's POV**

“Hey, Miss!” I was walking toward my class with Drena and Cassy flanking me when someone called from behind.

We stopped and turned to look back, finding Julius striding closer. What does he want?

He approached, a pink handkerchief in hand. “I bet this is yours; I saw it on the ground right where you left it.”

I glanced at the handkerchief before shaking my head. “That isn’t mine.” I aimed to turn around, but—

“My mistake. By the way, I’m Julius. You are?” He extended his hand.

Tension crackled in the air, and I could feel Cassy and Drena stiffen, along with someone’s intense gaze from a distance.

Just as I was about to speak, Xenon’s voice sliced through the air. “Back off, dude. She’s mine.” He moved swiftly to put himself between me and Julius.

Julius raised his hands in a surrendering gesture. “Chill, dude. I’m just giving this back. I thought it was hers, but it was a mistake.” He displayed the handkerchief.

I instinctively held onto Xenon’s arm, sensing the tension escalating. “We have to go,” I said, dragging him away.

Cassy and Drena followed closely behind us as I pulled Xenon away from the confrontation.

Once we were far enough, I halted and turned to face him.

“Claire, we’ll be going first,” Drena stated. I nodded, watching as she led Cassy toward their classes.

“Why were you there?” I asked Xenon, trying to mask my curiosity.

He looked at me intensely, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. “I missed you. Seeing that guy talking to you makes me mad.”

I sighed, beginning to walk again. “I can handle myself, Xenon.”

He followed closely. “I know, but I don’t trust him.”

I stopped, taking a deep breath before facing him. “Neither do I. I don’t trust anybody, especially myself. I’m not stable, Xenon. I could shift into a horrible monster at any moment... I don’t trust myself when I’m around you.”

His eyes widened in realization. “So, that’s why you keep avoiding me.”

Swallowing hard, I struggled to find the right words. “I wasn’t avoiding you,” I murmured, but the admission sounded hollow.

“Obviously, you were, Claire. Every time I offer to take you to the mansion, you reject me. When I ask for a date, you give excuses.” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

“I... I have to go; my class is about to start.” I turned, intending to leave, but he grasped my arm, halting me.

“Is this what you want?” he pressed.

I glanced down, wrestling with my emotions. The rage within me simmered, my blood boiling as her presence intensified, urging me to reach out.

I turned to face him, my expression softening. “I love you, Xenon. I really do, but the monster inside me is getting hysterical. Just give me time... please.”

“Then tell me what I can do. I can’t live a day without you, Claire.”

I could feel his pain, and somehow, she could feel it too. We didn’t want him to suffer because of me.

Taking a deep breath, I made my decision. Whatever happens, I’d trust in my strength, believing I could manage her for a while longer. I smiled sweetly and pulled him closer by his collar, whispering, “Kiss me.”