"No!"

The scream escaped Arwen's lips, loud and full of uncertainty.

Her breath was ragged. Both hands clutched her head as if trying to drive something urgent from her mind.

Zion stared at her intensely, his eyebrows furrowed, his eyes narrowed sharply. "You shouldn't be awake yet," he muttered softly but clearly.

The look in his eyes showed that he was surprised. It was impossible for Arwen, a human girl, to escape the influence of his power. He knew that he had not completely withdrawn the influence of his suggestive magic.

"I want to go home," Arwen hissed, regulating her breathing. Her voice trembled, but her eyes showed determination. "I can't stay here."

"Arwen." Zion was still standing, his tall figure towering over her, his shadow lengthening under the dim light of the chandelier. "At least stay the night. You're not fully recovered yet."

"I don't care," Arwen cut him off quickly. She rose from the bed, slightly unsteady but promptly regaining her balance. "I can't trust anyone right now, including you."

Zion stared at her silently. His alpha aura emanated from him, dominating the room, but the girl remained tall. Despite the slight ripple in her pupils, Arwen did not flinch.

"Arwen, if you step outside this mansion tonight, you may-"

"Whatever happens out there, it can't be worse than being in a place that makes me doubt my mind," she said, her voice low but emphatic. "Please take me home."

For a moment, only silence answered. Zion took a deep breath. His gaze remained piercing, but he knew exactly when to hold back.

"All right," he said, his voice flat but deep. "I'll take you home."

A few moments later.

The night sky was shrouded in a thin fog. A shiny black car stopped in front of an old apartment building on the corner of the city. Zion got out first, then opened the right door for Arwen.

The girl got out without saying a word. The night wind blew her hair, and her face looked tired but enthusiastic in the dim light of the street lamp.

"I'll wait until you go inside," said Zion.

Arwen nodded softly, but before stepping away, she turned her head. "I know what you were trying to do earlier."

Zion didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on hers-deep, intense, hiding something he hadn't revealed.

"I'm not a puppet that can be controlled," Arwen continued. "And I don't belong to anyone."

Her words seemed to swirl between them.

Then she turned and stepped into her apartment building. The door closed with a soft click.

Zion stood frozen for a few seconds before finally returning to his car.

His gaze was fixed on the third-floor window, directly at the room holding the person who had shaken the very foundations of his control.

Inside Arwen's apartment.

"What was that feeling?"

Arwen muttered softly, her hands clutching her messy hair that fell onto her shoulders.

Her gaze was empty, staring at her faint reflection in the mirror on the wall of the narrow room.

Her face was pale, and her eyes seemed darker than usual, as if their light was fading.

She took a deep breath and held her temples again. A faint throbbing pulsed inside her head, disturbing the calm she had been trying to build since returning to the apartment.

"I was at a party... Lionel..." she thought softly. "Then, why did I wake up in Professor Zion's mansion?"

Small steps carried him back and forth across the wooden floor, which creaked with every step.

He pressed his lips together, trying to decipher the fragments of events that felt like a fog in his mind.

"Am I starting to like Professor Zion?" he said softly, almost not believing the words coming out of his mouth.

She stopped walking. The statement echoed in the room. Silence. Painful.

She looked down and hugged herself. "It doesn't make sense. But he is very handsome, and all the girls want him. Oh my God, am I falling for him?" she whispered, but her voice sounded shaky.

In her heart, she knew something had shaken her from the way Zion had looked at her earlier. It was as if invisible magic was running through her veins, demanding, guiding, and seducing.

"I'm going crazy trying to remember..." she hissed, frustrated.

She collapsed into a chair near the window and stared outside.

"Where is Lionel? And the others. Are they really-" She held her breath. "... out to get me?"

The question hung, settled, then fell like a stone into the lake of her consciousness. She had no answer, only suspicion, fear, and a sense of betrayal.

Arwen closed her eyes for a moment, trying to regulate her breathing. "Calm down..." she muttered.

Her feet moved slowly toward the bed. She sat on the edge, clutching the edge of the blanket, her head still throbbing softly.

She tilted her body, slowly lying on the thin, uncomfortable mattress, but it felt safe.

The clock ticking on the wall was the only sound accompanying her. In the silence, one thing continued to haunt her thoughts-Zion's gaze. A gaze that seemed to pierce through all layers of her logic.

And even though her body was lying down, her mind was still wandering, fixated on the man who should not be disturbing her nights.

***

The next morning.

Arwen's footsteps sounded steady as she walked down the campus corridor.

The morning breeze blew the ends of her jacket, but her heart felt chaotic, like a thick fog covering her mind since that night. Her head still felt heavy, even though her body forced her to move as usual.

"She looks quiet, but she's a bitch."

The voice hit her ears like a whip. Arwen turned slowly, only to find three female students standing not far from her, staring at her mockingly.

She took a deep breath, trying to ignore them, but her steps grew heavier as voices rose from various corners.

"I heard her go into Lionel's room that night."

"I think she deliberately sold herself to keep her job at Lionel's cafe."

"How shameful. A scholarship student, but look at her behavior..."

The closer she got to the main building, the more eyes stared at her, narrowing, sneering, accusing. Arwen bit her lower lip, her heart sinking.

What did they all mean?

Her eyes fell on the crowd in front of the notice board.

Astrid, Lionel, and several students stood there, handing out pieces of paper. Arwen approached, grabbed one of the flyers, and her body froze.

It was her photo.

She was lying on a bed, her dress slightly open, her eyes closed-taken from an angle that made her look as if...

"N-No..." Arwen whispered, her body trembling.

She stared at Astrid with wide eyes. "Where did you get this?!"

Astrid smiled slyly. "Oh, so you admit it's you?"

"Answer me!" Arwen shouted, breathing heavily.

"They all need to know who you are," Astrid replied loudly. "You've disgraced this university. Disgusting! A scholarship student acting like-"

"Enough!" Arwen replied, her voice trembling. "I was framed! This is all-"

"What? Slander? We have proof. You think the campus will believe a slut like-"

Laughter and murmurs spread quickly, like poison spreading through the blood.

Several students began to push, throwing flyers at Arwen's face. Some even threw water bottles, hitting her shoulder. Arwen backed away, staggering.

"Stop!" Her voice was hoarse. "I'm not guilty! I don't know what happened!"

Laughter, insults, jeers.

Until finally-

"Enough."

The voice boomed, echoing like thunder splitting the sky.

Everyone fell silent. It was as if time had frozen.

Heavy, authoritative footsteps approached from the main gate.

The students moved aside to make way, like a river parting at the appearance of a majestic figure in its midst.

Professor Zion.

His black suit enveloped his tall, authoritative figure. He was handsome with a strong jawline. His eyes were sharp, dark as a moonless night.

His face was unreadable, but his aura was so strong and dominant that it forced everyone to bow down.

Zion looked directly at Astrid, then at Arwen, cornered against the wall, her face full of emotional pain and tears.

"Whoever dares to touch her again must deal with me," Zion said calmly but firmly. His voice was low, but it was enough to silence everyone.

Astrid gritted her teeth. "Professor Zion, you don't know who Arwen is. She-"

Zion raised his hand, silencing Astrid. "I know far more than any of you."

Astrid laughed cynically. "Then you should know that she has tarnished the name of this campus. We have already submitted a petition. The rectorate is considering revoking her scholarship. In fact-"

" If she is expelled, "Zion interrupted softly," I will resign from this university."

The room fell silent.

All eyes widened. Astrid was transfixed. Lionel looked incredulous.

Arwen looked at Zion, her eyes brimming with tears.

Zion stepped forward and hugged Arwen in front of everyone. He hugged her with strong, comforting arms, protecting her small, trembling body.

"Arwen is mine," he said, his voice sounding like an ancestral oath.

Whispers immediately spread. Astrid's face paled. Lionel clenched his fists.

Zion lifted Arwen's face, looking deeply into her eyes.

"You are not alone. I am here."

Arwen sobbed, her body going limp in Zion's embrace. For the first time since the incident, she felt safe. Protected.

Zion looked at all the students who were still watching. "I'll repeat it. I will leave this institution if the campus council punishes Arwen without a fair investigation. Not just as a teacher, but as a man who protects his woman."

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent.

"Let's go," said Professor Zion softly, hugging Arwen, who was still sobbing in his arms.

Arwen gasped softly. She didn't mean to accept the hug, but her body was already trapped in the professor's warm embrace.

Her heart was beating fast, as if it were about to burst. Slowly, she lifted her face, her tear-stained eyes meeting Zion's sharp, mysterious gaze.

Arwen said nothing. Her lips trembled, but no sound came out. Only a fragile gaze that seemed to demand an answer: why did this man, revered by so many female students, suddenly admit his feelings for her?

Zion held his breath when he saw Arwen's face. The face of his mate was so heartbreaking.

"Don't be afraid," he said softly. "You're with me now. And I will always protect you."

Without waiting for an answer, Zion stepped forward. His strong arms remained around Arwen's shoulders.

His movement caused the crowd of students surrounding them to part, as if the professor's aura was forcing a path open.

The atmosphere was instantly silent; only whispers of curiosity and shock could be heard. Some students stared enviously, and others couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Arwen could only obey. Her legs were weak, but Zion's grip seemed to guide her without giving her a chance to resist.

On the other side, Astrid stood with a pale, tense face. Her fingers were clenched, her sharp nails almost piercing her skin. Her eyes flashed with hatred.

"Did you see that?" she whispered to one of her friends in an angry tone. "He's getting more and more proud."

Astrid's voice was filled with envy and a desire to destroy Arwen right then and there.

Lionel, who was standing not far from her, also stared at Zion and Arwen's departure with a hardened jaw. His lips were tightly closed, holding back his overflowing anger.

Astrid glanced at Lionel, a sly smile appearing on her face.

"We can't just stand by. Arwen must be eliminated," she said softly, only loud enough for Lionel to hear.

Lionel didn't answer, but the look in his eyes said it all, and he agreed.

Meanwhile, Zion's footsteps grew fainter, leaving behind a place filled with increasingly loud whispers.

Arwen tried to catch her breath, her head bowed. But just as they reached the main campus building, Zion lowered his face and whispered in the girl's ear.

"You know, Arwen..." Zion hissed. "I won't let anyone touch you. Because from the beginning, you have been mine and will always be mine."

Arwen froze. The world seemed to stop spinning. She still didn't fully understand Zion's repeated words.

***

Professor Zion's office on the top floor of the main building was quiet; only the ticking of the clock could be heard. The large glass walls offered a view of the campus, but Zion's attention was fixed on the girl sitting in front of him.

Arwen was still looking down, her fingers clenched tightly in her lap. Her face was pale, even though she was trying hard to hide the remaining tears.

Zion sat in the chair opposite her, his gaze soft.

"Arwen," he said in a low, soothing voice, "you don't need to be afraid anymore."

Arwen shook her head slowly. Her voice trembled as she said, "Professor, if the campus council really expels me, what should I do?" She swallowed hard, holding back the tears that were welling up in her eyes.

"I just want to graduate on time. I want a steady job so I can bring my grandmother to live with me in the city. I don't want her to be alone in that small village..."

Arwen covered her face with both hands, her body shaking violently. The sound of sobbing could be heard again.

Zion got up, walked around the table, and stood beside her. He looked down, staring at the girl with a determined gaze. It was the gaze of an Alpha toward his wounded mate. Slowly, he placed his hand on Arwen's shoulder, giving her strength to stay strong.

"Arwen," he whispered. "You will not lose your future. As long as I am here, no one can take that away from you. "

Arwen slowly lifted her face, her eyes wet with despair.

" But they all hate me. Astrid, Lionel, and even my classmates. I'm just a nerdy girl with no one. What's the point of fighting them?"

Zion resisted the urge to hug her again. His jaw tightened, his gaze turning cold as he mentioned those names.

"They may have many followers, Arwen. But you have something stronger."

Arwen fell silent, staring at him in confusion. "What is it?"

Zion leaned forward, his voice low but cold as ice. "You have me. If you want, I can make them all pay for how they treated you."

Arwen's heart was beating fast. For some reason, she felt this way more and more often when she was around Zion. Arwen gasped, her lips slightly parted, but unable to say anything.

Zion looked at her deeply, holding back the anger and pain he felt every time he saw Arwen suffer.

"If the campus council dares to expel you," he said firmly, "I will face them myself. And if the decision cannot be changed, I will leave this position with you."

Arwen's eyes widened, becoming increasingly teary. "Professor, you can't-"

"I can," Zion interrupted quickly, his voice firm. "Because to me, none of this means anything without you."

The room fell silent. Only the sound of their breathing could be heard.

Arwen bowed her head again, her chest tight with fear mixed with something else, a warm, unfamiliar feeling that she couldn't deny.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, but this time they weren't just tears of despair. There was a sense of relief creeping in, albeit faintly.

Zion looked at her, then gently said, "Those tears are not a sign of weakness, Arwen. They are a sign that you are still fighting. And I will always fight with you."

Arwen lifted her face and stared intently at the professor, her clear eyes full of doubt. However, before she could say anything, there was a loud knock on the wooden door of the study.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Both of them turned abruptly. Arwen held her breath, her body tensing spontaneously.

Zion, curious, got up from his seat.

***

Whispers filled the campus cafeteria. Arwen's name, which usually never left anyone's mouth, was now the center of attention.

"Professor Zion is really defending her."

"That's crazy, it doesn't make sense. A professor as great as him siding with a useless nerd?"

"I heard he claimed Arwen as his property-"

The whispers made Astrid feel even more disgusted. She stood in the middle of her circle of friends, her face pale, her jaw clenched in anger.

"His?" Astrid emphasized the word mockingly. "That's just a silly illusion. Professor Zion would never tie himself to a cheap girl like Arwen."

One of her friends, Reina, tried to calm her down: "Maybe Zion just made a mistake. You know, to protect the campus's reputation..."

Astrid turned sharply, her eyes flashing with anger.

"No. He was humiliated. We were all humiliated. And the one who enjoyed all this the most was Arwen."

Lionel gulped his drink roughly.

Since last night, his ego had been wounded. His once respected name was now the subject of ridicule because Arwen was being defended by a professor who was revered by the campus.

Astrid approached him, her voice low, sharp as poison. "Lionel, are you just going to stay silent? Everyone is laughing at you. Arwen made you look weak in front of the entire campus. Professor Zion is only making things worse. "

Lionel stared at her, his eyes dark." What do you want, Astrid? "

Astrid smiled crookedly." Something simple. Let's make everyone realize who Arwen really is. I'll spread the truth that she's just a despicable woman who used dirty tricks to ensnare a professor."

Stella, Astrid's other friend, whispered hesitantly, "That's slander, Astrid. If Zion finds out-"

Astrid patted her on the shoulder, leaning in with a

sly smile.

"Zion is only human. And even a professor's reputation can be destroyed."

Lionel sighed deeply, but there was a sly smile on his lips.

"If that's what you want, I don't mind making Arwen regret ever setting foot on this campus."

Astrid moved closer, her eyes flashing with envy. "Good. If Professor Zion wants to protect Arwen, then let him go down with her."

"It sounds like you have a good plan," Lionel said curiously.

Astrid smiled crookedly, then leaned her face close to Lionel's ear, whispering something that made Lionel smile slyly.