Elara's POV

"I only need your best pose, not that sheepish posture," Alric muttered, irritation curling in his voice.

"So-sorry," I blurted, fumbling for words. Being this close to the almighty, most popular, ridiculously handsome hockey player makes me nervous.

"Relax, dear. Just close the distance and give me a smile." The photographer mentioned.

My legs felt like jelly as I stepped closer, but Alric didn't wait. His arm snaked around me, pulling me flush against him. I felt my breath stop momentarily, an awkward smile forced onto my lips as the flashes exploded.

Click. Click. Click.

The shoot ended almost as quickly as it started. I grabbed my phone, but it buzzed before I could even breathe. Notifications poured in like an avalanche.

Breaking News: Alric Harlow Spotted With Mystery Girl.

Exclusive: Hockey Star's New Girlfriend Revealed.

"Go change. Quickly." Alric's voice resounded, leaving no room for argument.

I slipped into my usual simple dress for college-nothing fancy, just me.

On the drive, I kept my eyes glued to the scenery outside, forcing myself not to scan or admire the sleek interior of his luxurious car. If I did, my heart might actually burst out of my chest.

The car stopped at the college entrance. Fear rooted me to the seat; I sank lower, pinching my fingers nervously.

Alric's voice cut through. "We're only pretending to date, and already you're looking for princess treatment? Should I open the door for you before you get out?"

"N-no... no."

He smirked faintly. "I will anyway. Good acting-you're already doing well. Guess you're not as dumb as I thought."

As we walked down the hallway to my class, all eyes turned on me. Whispers filling the hall. Gazed on me, some twisted in disgust, others wide-eyed in curiosity.

Alric held me close-so close I could feel his chest against mine, his cologne sharp and Rosey, definitely one of his most expensive scents. Each step made my heart hammer harder, trying to ease my breathing.

"No... way. Is this true?"

"Who does she think she is?"

"Seriously... Harlow's dating her?"

My knees nearly gave way. I wanted to vanish, melt into the floor.

We stopped at the entrance to my classroom. My mind raced, words stuck in my throat.

"I... I... should go in now," I stammered, voice barely audible.

Alric bent slightly, brushing his lips against my cheek in a quick, almost casual peck. My stomach flipped, a surge of heat and somewhat jelly feeling over me.

By four, he had whispered it-"At the stadium"-and then left like it was nothing.

The rest of the day dragged on. In class, every single eye was pinned on me. Not the teacher. Not the board. Just me. I kept my gaze down, glued to the corner seat by the window. My only hiding spot.

It felt like everyone studied me harder than the subject. Each whisper, each stare, burned more than any chalk line across the board.

Finally, the bell. My chest loosened. I packed up fast, ready to bolt for my shift at the supermarket.

But I didn't even make it out the door.

Lyra's friends. Blocking the way.

One shoved me against the wall, her nails biting into my dress. The fabric strained. Their perfume was suffocating.

"You bitch," one spat, face inches from mine. "The nerve you have to take a picture. Do you know Lyra's been crying all day because of you? When she's back-you're done. Graveyard done."

Another sneered, her hand sliding up like she wanted to leave a mark across my cheek.

"Argh, your existence is so fucking irritating."

The hand drew back. My breath hitched.

Then-

"Alric is coming!"

The words shot through the hallway like a gunshot. Their grips faltered instantly. My lungs filled again, but my knees nearly gave out. Because if Lyra was my nightmare... then Alric was something else entirely.

She let go of me so fast it was like I burned her, stumbling back before hitting the floor. I bent, snatched up my bag that had been shoved aside, clutching it tight.

"Hi, Alric," one of them chirped quickly, voice dripping fake sweetness. "Are you here to see Lyra? She's been looking for y-"

She didn't even get to finish.

Alric brushed her aside without a word, his broad frame cutting through them like they were air. His eyes landed on me, sharp, heavy, and my heartbeat slammed against my ribs.

"Let's go."

Two words. Low, commanding.

Before I could argue, his hand caught mine. Fingers strong, warm-intertwining like he'd done it a thousand times. The casual dominance of it made my skin prickle. His friends followed behind, tall and built, their presence alone radiating a pressure that made the hallway shrink. Every student nearby froze, eyes wide, not daring to breathe.

By the time I realized where we were heading, we were already there.

The school stadium. Packed. Every seat filled, everyone buzzing with pre-match energy.

And me? Pulled right to the front.

For the first time, I sat where the spotlight actually touched, not hiding in the back, not invisible. My chest tightened. This was a world I'd only ever watched from far away.

The whistle blew. The game started, and the crowd roared.

Ulric Hale, team captain of the rivals, skated like a predator circling prey. I wasn't blind-I saw the way his eyes cut toward Alric every time he moved. It wasn't just a game for him.

And then I noticed it. The flick of his wrist, the deliberate angle of his stick-not aiming for the puck, but for Alric's knee.

My breath hitched.

He was cheating. Over and over, subtle, but lethal if it landed.

But Alric... Alric was faster. Every time Ulric lunged dirty, Alric dodged clean, sliding past with a smirk that only seemed to enrage him more. It was like watching two wolves fight for dominance, the whole stadium feeding off the tension.

By halftime, sweat gleamed on Alric's temples. The players broke for a breather, benches filling. And that's when it happened.

Girls swarmed.

Cheerleaders, classmates-hands shoving water bottles, towels, anything just to get close.

I sat frozen, clutching the cheap plastic bottle I always carried, until Alric's gaze found me.

Cold. Intense. A look that burned straight through the crowd and pinned me to my seat.

My body reacted before my brain did. I stood, walked stiffly toward him, and held out my water. My hand trembled, but I kept it steady enough.

He didn't take it.

I stretched the bottle toward him, but in a split second his hand clamped around mine. My balance slipped-I fell against his chest, breath knocked out.

Before I could think, his cold lips crashed onto mine. He didn't stop, he grabbed my waist sucking on my lips.

Elara's POV

"You should learn to keep up with your acting-argh, shit!" Alric groaned, dragging his hand through his hair in frustration. " Why the f*ck do I have to be tied up with you."

The parking lot was almost empty, the only light a dim bulb flickering at the far end. Even in the shadows, his sharp jawline and pointed nose stood out. He was taller, broader-so much more than me. I had to tilt my head back just to see his face.

After that kiss... my heart hadn't stopped racing. To Alric, it was probably nothing. Just strategy. But to me? It was everything. My first kiss, stolen under stadium lights, burned into me like a brand.

My throat tightened. I lowered my gaze, blinking against the tears in my eyes.

"I...I'm sorry. I'll do better next time," I whispered, voice cracking. Tears threatened, but I forced them back.

His grip shot out suddenly, rough but steady, fingers clamping under my chin. He tilted my face up until my blurred vision met his. My lashes fluttered, clearing the tears, and then-there it was again. That flash in his eyes. Strange, unnatural. Like a wild flame hidden in ice. Not human.

"Kiss me," he said flatly.

The words punched the air from my lungs. My eyes widened. "W-what?"

"Kiss me." His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.

Panic rushed through me. I jerked away, shaking my head. "I have work. I'm leaving now."

He stepped closer, cutting off my escape. His voice dropped, low and furious.

"Your basic work is me. Learn to kiss me, and learn to do it in public."

My chest ached. The tears broke free this time, hot trails down my cheeks. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to step toward him. My feet dragged. My body trembled. Rising on my toes, I stretched toward his height, heart hammering-

But before my lips could brush his, his voice snapped.

"Get out."

Arriving at the supermarket breathless, I had run all the way from school. The first thing I saw was my boss standing by the canteen doorway, his gaze sharp and piercing.

I had an excuse ready, but under that glare, it slipped from my mind.

"Go...ood evening, sir. I'm sorry I'm late, I had an extra cla-"

Before I could finish my lie, he shoved his phone screen in front of me.

It was me-being dropped, being kissed by Alric.

Now I understood why everyone's eyes had been glued to me the moment I walked in.

"You're fired."

Three words. Like cold water crashing down on me.

"Please..."

"Being late is one thing," he snapped, "but showing up here after your little honeymoon-that's your reason? Out. Youngsters like you are never ready for real life." And with that, he walked away.

I changed into my waitress uniform in silence, the sting of humiliation burning through me. Serving drinks, forcing a smile at customers, every second felt heavier. But I needed the money. I had no choice.

Still, I couldn't shake the intensity of what had happened with Alric. His kiss, his hold-it clung to me like a shadow. I couldn't stand against Lyra, nor Alric. They had everything: luxury, power, control.

All I had was one goal-finish college, just like my mother dreamed, and start a simple restaurant. But everything... everything was already slipping away.

A few minutes after I finished with a string of difficult customers, they came-Lyra and her pack of sycophants.

I quickly lifted a tray to shield my face, praying they hadn't noticed me.

"Elara! Go serve them," Jane's hurried voice cut through me.

Taking a deep breath, I muttered, What could go wrong? Then, with my head lowered, I walked toward their booth in the VIP section. Only a handful of people were here-no witnesses to whatever was about to happen.

"What would you like to order?" I asked quietly.

That's when it began.

Lyra's hand shot out, yanking my ponytail until it snapped loose. My head jerked back with the force, her grip tightening.

A hard kick slammed against the back of my knees-I collapsed onto the floor. Cold whiskey poured over me, soaking through my uniform.

"You bitch!" Lyra's scream echoed in the small room, followed by a harsh slap that stung across my cheek. Her face twisted, tears mixing with rage. "I don't want to f*cking see you with Alric again. I'll gouge those eyes out if I have to!"

Her voice broke, raw and venomous. "Anyway, I just need you drunk tonight. Don't worry... a handsome guy will put you on your knees. He'll satisfy you well." Her nails dug cruelly into my scalp, forcing my head back further.

Pain burned, but anger sparked hotter. I grabbed her wrist and shoved her with everything in me. Lyra stumbled, crashing against the table, spilling glasses everywhere. Her friends held her as they gasped in surprise at my actions.

For a second, the words almost slipped out of my mouth-"I'm sorry."

That's what I was supposed to say. That's what I'd always said. Keep quiet, keep my head down, if Lyra decides to slit my throat tomorrow I won't be able to stop her.

But something inside me snapped.

I scrambled to my feet, my chest heaving, whiskey dripping down my skin. My knees shook, but my defiance was louder.

"I'm sorry." I muttered low, my voice barely audible.

"How dare you-"

Lyra's words froze in her throat when a familiar voice cut across the room.

"Alric..." she gasped, whipping around.

I followed her gaze-and there he was. Alric. Broad-shouldered, ice-cold, flanked by his teammates. The whole atmosphere shifted like lightning snapping through the air.

"Ouch! My hand-" Lyra suddenly whined, releasing me like Id burned her. She clutched her wrist dramatically. "I...I didn't mean-"

Alric's stare was merciless as he stepped closer, towering over her. His voice was low, sharp enough to slice through bone.

"Didn't I tell you to keep your hands off what's mine?"

Elara's POV

"Maybe fake dating him wasn't so bad after all."

I sighed in relief, clutching my bag tighter. For once, Alric hadn't misunderstood me or mocked me. He had turned on Lyra instead, cutting her down in front of everyone. I never thought I'd see the day.

It was 4 a.m. by the time I finished my shift and dragged myself out of my uniform. The streets were empty, damp with the chill of night. I was half-asleep, ready to collapse into bed, when a sound froze me mid-step.

Breathy. Urgent. "Alric... please... touch me."

I stopped dead. My chest tightened. Was that-?

I turned my head slowly.

In the dim corner of the street, two figures tangled together in the shadows. A man's broad shoulders, a woman's desperate hands tugging at him. Their mouths locked hard, bodies pressed close.

My throat went dry. My feet refused to move.

The man tilted his head, dark hair falling across his face. I didn't need to see more. I knew that frame, that voice, the way the world seemed to bend around his presence.

Alric.

I tore my gaze away so fast my neck ached. Whatever it was-it wasn't my business. He had a reputation, after all. Wild. Reckless. Dangerous. Maybe this was just... him being him.

But the sound of her moan-his name tangled in her plea-chased me all the way home.

★★★

The next day arrived too quickly.

The stadium was already packed by the time I slipped into the student stands. Flags waved, drums pounded, and the announcer's voice cracked over the speakers, hyping the crowd. This wasn't just a game. It was his game-the championship.

And somehow, after mastering faking smiles and handholding, I had perfected the role of Alric Harlow's girlfriend. At least, in everyone else's eyes.

My stomach churned as I spotted him on the ice. He looked like a machine-skating sharp, stick clashing with bone-rattling force. Too focused. Too angry.

Ulric Hale skated close, jaw set, movements sharp with something more than competitiveness. Every chance he got, he slashed his stick near Alric's legs, aiming for bruises not goals.

The crowd hissed, the referees blew warnings, but Ulric didn't stop. His grin grew sharper each time Alric narrowly avoided him.

I gripped the rail, nails digging into my palm. Alric was fast-faster than Ulric could anticipate. Every scheme Ulric set up, Alric dodged it with ease. It was almost... satisfying, watching him win at a game that wasn't just about hockey.

Then came the snap.

The referee blew the whistle, arm raised high. Penalty-against Alric.

The crowd erupted into chaos. Half shouted in outrage, half cheered like they'd been waiting for this.

Ulric smirked. Alric's face hardened.

Before I could process it, Alric grabbed the referee's arm. Not like a player protesting a call-no, it was harsher, sharper. The ref cried out, stumbling back. His sleeve tore, and red welts slashed across his skin.

The entire stadium gasped.

I froze, my breath caught in my chest. Because I saw it. Clearer than anyone else.

Those weren't nails.

They were claws.

The hall buzzed with panic, eyes locked on Alric. Shock. Confusion. Fear. The medical team rushed to the referee, pressing cloth to the blood dripping down his arm. Students shouted over each other-some calling it an accident, others swearing Alric had attacked him.

No one noticed me slip away.

★★★

I pushed through the heavy doors and stepped into the night air, lungs aching as though I hadn't breathed in hours.

The rooftop balcony stretched before me, cold wind whipping my hair. And then I saw it.

The full moon hung heavy and bright above the city, silver light spilling across the rooftop tiles. My chest tightened. Something about it felt... alive.

My lips parted, and for a moment, it wasn't the chaos I remembered-it was my mother. Her laughter. The way she'd hum under the moonlight while braiding my hair, whispering, "The moon makes even broken things shine."

Tears threatened, but I blinked them back, clutching the railing.

A thud snapped me back.

I spun-and froze.

Alric was there. Alone. His fist smashed into the brick wall with brutal force. Blood smeared across the stone, dripping from his knuckles. He hit it again, harder, like he was trying to break himself before he broke the world.

I opened my mouth, words tangled in my throat. "You'll... you'll break your hand if you keep that up."

His head jerked toward me.

For a second-just a fleeting second-his eyes weren't the stormy gray everyone knew. They burned red, glowing under the moonlight.

I gasped. My back pressed against the railing instinctively.

But just as quickly, the glow vanished. His eyes returned to normal, shadowed and unreadable.

And yet-I knew what I saw.

"What are you looking at?"

Alric's voice was lower, deeper than usual-like it vibrated straight through my bones.

I was still clutching his hand, knuckles raw and bleeding from the wall, the heat of his skin searing into mine.

"Tell me," he pressed, his gaze sharp, cutting through me like glass. "What did you see?"

My chest rose and fell too fast. I stepped back, but he followed, each step closing the distance until my back hit the cold wall. No way out. His shadow loomed, caging me in.

"I... I didn't..." My voice broke. "Your eyes. They... they weren't-"

His jaw flexed. Silence stretched, heavy and suffocating, until it felt like the night itself was holding its breath.

Then-footsteps. Fast. Echoing closer.

Alric moved in a blur. His lips slammed against mine, rough, forceful, his hand locking me in place as he spun me hard against the wall. His tongue shoved past my lips, stealing my breath, sucking on my lower lips like he owned the air in my lungs.

I pushed hard on his chest, desperate for space, but he only crushed me tighter, his forceful kiss making me breathless, as sounds of his lips slamming on mine filled my ears.

My eyes flew open-and met his eyes.

They weren't normal. Not anymore.

Under the cold wash of moonlight, they glowed-deep, violent red