His rich, velvety voice sent thrills down my spine as he spoke my name. His intense, mesmerising gaze focused on mine, making it impossible to look away. As he drew me closer, his powerful arms wrapped around me, and I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin. The aroma of his fragrance, a seductive blend of spice and musk, filled the air, making my heart race and my senses whirl. It's as if every aspect of him is intended to captivate and enchant me, keeping me completely entranced. Release me," I muttered, feeling my cheeks heat up as I stubbornly avoided his gaze. He let go like he had forgotten to do so. For a few seconds, neither of us said anything. I fiddled with the hem of my sleeve, pretending I was calm, while secretly screaming inside. Why is he just standing there? Say something, idiot! Finally, he broke the silence. "So, why were you ignoring me?" he asked in low, almost accusing. "Why would I ignore you?" I lied without flinching, acting like innocent. But he wasn't buying it. "I saw you," he said, stepping a little closer. "You ducked behind a door like you were dodging bullets. You thought I wouldn't notice?" Ugh, busted. I rolled my eyes. "Maybe I just didn't have any reason to confront you," I replied, crossing my arms as a shield against how close he was now. He leaned in slightly, smirking, "Oh, but you had plenty of reasons to hang around those guys at the swimming pool, huh?" he shot back. "I was just... talking," I said defensively. "It's called being social. You should try it sometime instead of lurking around like a spy." He chuckled, "Lurking? Please. I was just passing by. I was surprised when I saw you laughing with those guys like you were starring in some rom-com." I refuse to back down. "And what if I was?" I challenged. He didn't flinch. Instead, he tilted his head with a mock-thoughtful expression. "Then I guess I'd have to remind you... there are better options around " he said, tapping his chest casually.

My palm cracked against his cheek before I even realised I'd raised it. He froze, then smiled-slow, cruel, like he saw something ugly inside me I tried so hard to hide. And then his hand shot up, fingers sliding into my hair.... enough to make me meet his eyes. Enough to remind me how easily he could close the distance between anger and something darker. "You think this makes you brave?" "No," I said. "It makes me done being scared." "Do that again," his breath touch my cheek, "and I'll make sure you never forget how I'll ruin you." I laughed breathlessly. "You already did. You've been ruining me since the day I stepped into this place." He smirked. "If that's what you call ruined, Sunshine, you haven't seen anything yet." "Obsessed. Psychotic. You can't stand not being in control, can you?" He leaned in, voice cutting. "Control? No. I just hate losing. And I hate you more than anyone I've ever met." "Leave me alone... demon," I managed, "stay out of my life." hating the tremor in my tone. He stared at me. "Demons never let go of their prey." his thumb brushes on my lower lip. "Until you do what I say." He stepped back and took off his jacket and held the jacket out between us. "You want me to leave you alone?" He said slowly like a challenge disguised as mercy. I crossed my arms. "What are you doing?" "Making it official." "Official?" He stepped closer, so close I could feel the faint heat still clinging to the leather. "You'll wear this," his grey eyes locked on mine. "You'll wear my jacket. Every time you feel it, every time someone looks at you, you'll remember who made you take it. You'll remember me and I'll stay away." For a heartbeat, I stared at him, hated him for how much I understood his madness. How he twists me, questioning my own sanity, using every crack in me as a weapon. Would Elara choose peace over him? Tale of vengeance, obsession and defiance. Dark academia aesthetic. Morally heroes, slow-burning romance. Enemies-to-lovers.