Silas didn't leave the campus that night.
Davon's warning echoed in his mind, but instead of fear, it sparked something far more dangerous — defiance.
From across the courtyard the next morning, Silas watched as Ellie tried to speak to Davon.
She smiled at him. Laughed softly. Stepped into his path.
Davon didn't even slow down.
He walked past her as if she didn't exist.
Ellie's smile cracked.
Silas noticed everything.
That afternoon, Silas found her alone near the old library wing, pacing angrily, muttering under her breath.
"You hate her," Silas said casually, stepping out of the shadows.
Ellie spun around. "What do you want?"
Silas tilted his head. "The same thing you do."
She scoffed. "You don't know anything about me."
"Oh, but I do," he replied calmly. "You want Davon. You've always wanted him. And Elise stands in your way."
Ellie stiffened.
Silas took a slow step closer. "And I want Elise. She's everything that was taken from me."
Ellie's eyes narrowed. "You're insane."
"Maybe," Silas said softly. "But we're aligned."
She shook her head. "I'm not working with you."
Silas smiled — patient, calculated. "You already tried hurting her. You already crossed lines. Don't pretend you're innocent now."
Ellie's hands trembled.
"You help me," Silas continued, voice low and persuasive, "and Davon will finally see Elise for what she really is — a weakness. You get him when she's gone. I get her when he falls."
Silence stretched between them.
Ellie swallowed hard. "And if I refuse?"
Silas leaned in just enough for his words to land like a blade.
"Then I tell everyone what you've already done."
Her breath hitched.
She looked away… then back at him.
"…Fine," she whispered. "But this ends with Davon."
Silas's smile returned — slow and satisfied.
"It ends with exactly what we want."
From afar, unseen by either of them, Davon paused mid-step — a faint, uneasy chill crawling down his spine.
Something had just shifted.
And it wasn't over.