Campus looked deceptively normal.
Students laughed, backpacks slung over shoulders, couples holding hands, phones glowing with meaningless messages. The sun shone too brightly for a place that now felt like a battlefield.
Anabeth stepped through the main gate of Erythros University and felt it immediately.
Eyes.
Not just the shadowy kind — but the curious ones, the lingering ones, the ones that followed her just a second too long. Whispers passed like quiet wind.
She had returned.
And everyone knew.
Rafael walked beside her, tall and commanding in a dark jacket that screamed out of place in the middle of a university campus. He didn't care. His presence was a warning.
Mine.
Cassian followed a few steps behind, dressed casually, blending in so well that no one would ever guess he was the most dangerous man there.
And that… that was what ignited the fire.
Anabeth felt Rafael's tension like heat rolling off him. His jaw stayed tight, eyes sharp, scanning every face that dared look at her too long.
"You're gripping my hand," she murmured.
Rafael loosened his hold slightly but didn't let go. "They're staring."
"It's a campus," she said softly. "People stare."
"They shouldn't stare at you."
She glanced up at him. "You can't control that."
He didn't answer — because the truth was, he wanted to.
They passed the library.
Anabeth's breath hitched involuntarily.
Cassian noticed immediately.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
Rafael's head snapped toward him.
"She's fine," Rafael said sharply, answering for her.
Cassian didn't react outwardly — but his eyes flicked to Anabeth, checking anyway. It was instinctive. Protective.
And Rafael saw it.
The Third Fire ignited.
They reached the political science building, and Anabeth stopped. "This is my first lecture."
Rafael looked at the entrance like it was a trap. "I don't like this."
"You agreed," she reminded him.
"I agreed because you asked," he said tightly. "Not because I trust this place."
Cassian stepped closer. "I'll take position inside."
Rafael turned on him instantly. "No."
Cassian blinked once. "Excuse me?"
"I said no," Rafael repeated. "You stay outside."
Anabeth frowned. "Rafael—"
"You don't need two men hovering over you," Rafael snapped, eyes never leaving Cassian.
Cassian's jaw ticked. "You don't get to sideline me because you're uncomfortable."
Rafael stepped forward, lowering his voice — but it carried steel.
"I don't like the way you look at her."
The words landed hard.
Cassian didn't deny it. That was the problem.
"I look at her like someone who wants her alive," Cassian replied calmly.
Rafael's jealousy flared violently. "Don't twist this."
"I'm not," Cassian said. "You're the one reacting."
Anabeth stepped between them before it escalated. "Stop. Both of you."
Rafael exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face.
Cassian spoke again, softer. "Let me stay close. It's safer."
Rafael stared at him — then at her.
"Fine," Rafael said coldly. "But don't forget your place."
Cassian's eyes darkened. "I know exactly where I stand."
And that was the truth neither of them wanted to admit.
---
Inside the lecture hall, Anabeth took her seat. Rafael lingered near the back wall, pretending to check his phone while watching everyone who sat near her.
Every male student who smiled at her felt like an insult.
A guy leaned over from the next row. "Hey, are you Anabeth? You missed last week's study group."
Rafael's head lifted instantly.
"She's busy," Rafael muttered.
Anabeth ignored him. "Yes. Sorry about that."
The guy smiled. "No worries. I'm Jonah."
They spoke quietly — normal campus conversation. Innocent.
Rafael was losing his mind.
Cassian watched from the side aisle, noticing the subtle shift in Rafael's posture — shoulders tense, fists clenched.
Rafael stepped forward before Anabeth even realized it.
"Problem?" Rafael asked Jonah flatly.
Jonah blinked. "Uh—no?"
"She's taken," Rafael said.
The room went silent.
Anabeth's face burned. "Rafael!"
Jonah raised his hands. "Relax, man. I was just talking."
Rafael's stare was lethal. "Then talk somewhere else."
Jonah didn't argue. He left.
Anabeth stood, furious. "What was that?"
Rafael didn't lower his voice. "A reminder."
"I'm not property," she hissed.
Cassian moved closer, voice calm but firm. "Rafael. Outside. Now."
Rafael rounded on him. "Stay out of this."
Cassian didn't back down. "You're drawing attention. That helps our enemies."
That hit its mark.
Rafael turned and stormed out.
Anabeth followed.
In the hallway, Rafael spun around, eyes blazing.
"You don't see it," he said. "Every man looks at you like they're allowed to."
"They are allowed to look," she snapped. "I chose you. That should be enough."
"It's not," he admitted harshly. "Because I know what kind of world I come from. And I know what happens when men think they can take."
Cassian stepped into the hallway then, keeping his distance.
"This isn't about them," Cassian said. "It's about your fear."
Rafael's jaw clenched. "Careful."
"You're afraid of losing her," Cassian continued. "So you're tightening your grip."
Anabeth's heart thudded painfully. "Rafael… is that true?"
He looked at her — really looked — and something broke.
"Yes," he said quietly. "I am terrified."
The anger drained, replaced by raw honesty.
"I've buried people I loved," he continued. "I've watched enemies use affection as leverage. When I see anyone near you, I don't see a student — I see a threat."
She stepped closer, placing a hand over his chest. "I'm still here."
His breath shook.
Cassian looked away, giving them space — even though it hurt.
Rafael lowered his forehead to hers. "I don't want to become someone who cages you."
"Then don't," she whispered. "Stand beside me instead."
Silence settled.
Then Cassian's phone vibrated.
He checked it once — and stiffened.
"We have movement," Cassian said. "Inside the faculty wing."
Rafael straightened instantly, jealousy burning but focused now.
"Who?"
Cassian's eyes lifted. "Professor Hale just changed offices."
Anabeth's stomach dropped.
Rafael's hand found hers again — this time not possessive, but united.
"Stay between us," Rafael said.
Cassian nodded. "Always."
As they moved down the hallway together — three figures cutting through a place that pretended to be safe — one thing was clear:
Rafael's jealousy wasn't just about love.
It was a warning.
A fire fueled by fear, loyalty, and the knowledge that daylight made danger bolder.
And somewhere on campus…
Someone smiled.
Because jealousy made people reckless.
And recklessness could be exploited.