Chapter 111: Chapter 111

JONEA

I wandered aimlessly through the university garden. The evening breeze brushed my face, but it didn’t calm my restless mind. My steps were heavy, dragging against the gravel path, squeaking faintly with every movement. The trees swayed gently around me, whispering as if mocking the foolish mistake I’d made last night.

I skipped class today. Honestly, I didn’t care what the professors or my classmates might say. My head felt like it was going to explode. I just needed to get away—from everyone, especially Daran. His words from last night kept replaying in my head, like a broken record stuck on the most painful part.

"I need their energy to survive. And the purest energy comes from the sacred blood of the red moon. That’s why I bought you from the auction for a high price."

I froze mid-step. Standing in the middle of the garden, under a large tree with its dense leaves shielding me from the westward sun, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I could still see Daran’s gaze from last night in my mind. The look I’d always thought was gentle and full of care hid something terrifying underneath.

"Aren’t you immortal? Why would you need energy to survive? Does that mean you can die anytime?" I had asked, my voice trembling. I couldn’t make sense of it all. The man I’d always believed to be my protector turned out to have a side I didn’t recognize.

"I am immortal. I don’t need food like you do to stay alive. But I need energy to keep myself under control. If I don’t get it, you know I’ll turn into a far worse monster than this."

His words made my skin crawl. That voice—low, cold, yet laced with undeniable honesty. Last night, I’d unconsciously stepped back in fear, my lips trembling as I whispered, “You already are a monster.” Then, without thinking, I turned and ran, leaving Daran standing there alone.

Now, under this tree, I realized how stupid those words were. They must’ve hurt Daran. But what about me? The truth hurt me too.

I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to shield my body from the creeping chill. I should’ve known from the start that something was off about Daran. He wasn’t just an ordinary lycan. But all this time, I pretended not to care. I acted as if all the oddities between us were just my silly imagination.

I tilted my head up, gazing at the sunset sky, its colors shifting into shades of orange and red. Aland’s words suddenly echoed in my head:

"Daran is a predator, Jonea. You know that, don’t you? He could devour you anytime."

Aland had always tried to make me hate Daran. But I never believed him. I trusted Daran to be a good man, someone who always protected me. Now, that trust was beginning to crack. Fear crept into every corner of my being. What if Aland was right? What if I had been playing with fire all along?

“Jonea?”

A voice snapped me back to reality. Startled, I turned quickly. Hunter stood a few steps behind me, his eyes filled with concern.

“What are you doing here, alone? Skipping class?”

I wiped my face, trying to hide the turmoil swirling inside me. “I just… needed some time alone. None of your business, Hunter.”

He approached, his steps casual yet deliberate. Standing in front of me, he studied my face closely. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s going on, Jonea?”

“I’m fine,” I replied quickly. Too quickly, making it obvious I was lying.

Hunter sighed. “You know you’re terrible at lying, right?”

I bit my lip and looked down. I didn’t want anyone to know what was going on—not now, especially not Hunter.

“I can help if you tell me what’s wrong,” he offered gently.

“You wouldn’t understand, Hunter.”

“How would I understand if you don’t tell me?”

I lifted my head, glaring at him. “This isn’t your business, Hunter. Just leave me alone.”

He stayed silent, but he didn’t budge. “Jonea, is this about Daran?” he asked cautiously.

I let out a long breath. Of course, Hunter would bring up Daran. I shook my head slightly, though it felt pointless.

“Stop meddling in my life, Hunter. Please.”

Hunter stared at me for a while before finally sighing. “Fine. If that’s what you want.” He turned to leave, but before he walked away completely, he glanced back. “Take care of yourself, Jonea. If you need someone, I’m here.”

I didn’t respond, just stood there until his figure disappeared among the trees.

*

EVANGELISTA

I walked briskly through the main building’s corridors, my destination clear: I was going to leave this place as soon as possible. I’d had enough of cleaning up Daran’s mess. My steps quickened, but as I passed the university garden, my eyes caught a sight that made me stop abruptly.

On a wooden bench near a small pond, Jonea sat with her head bowed. Her shoulders moved with heavy breaths, and even from a distance, I could tell she was holding back tears. Something was wrong. Something far bigger than just a petty issue.

Narrowing my eyes, I scanned the area to see who was around her. And then I saw him. Hunter Abraham.

The man approached Jonea with calm steps, his face full of sympathy. Immediately, I was on high alert. I knew who Hunter really was. Despite his friendly, nearly perfect appearance, my instincts screamed that he was nothing more than a treacherous wolf—always hiding some agenda behind that charming smile.

“How dare you…” I muttered, clenching my fists. A wave of heat surged through my body, and my instinct to attack flared up. If Hunter laid a finger on Jonea, I wouldn’t hesitate to intervene.

But as the seconds passed, what I saw surprised me. Hunter merely stood before Jonea, his voice low and gentle, though I couldn’t make out what he was saying from here. He didn’t touch her hands or do anything suspicious—he was just… talking.

Jonea lifted her head slightly, her eyes puffy. She seemed to listen to Hunter, her expression blank. This wasn’t the lively, spirited Jonea I knew. What had happened? Did this have something to do with Daran?

Slowly, I relaxed my clenched fists. If Hunter was only talking, I didn’t need to cause a scene. But I couldn’t shake the unease creeping into my chest. I had never seen Jonea this broken.

Reluctantly, I turned and left the garden. There was one person who could give me answers.

I found him in his office—a place always shrouded in darkness and mystery. Daran sat there, his head bowed, elbows resting on his knees. He looked like a stone statue drained of life. His gaze was empty, his hair disheveled, and a dark aura surrounded him.

I stood at the doorway, glaring at him sharply. “What happened?” I demanded, skipping any pleasantries.

Daran didn’t respond. He stayed seated, as if he hadn’t heard me. My patience wore thin. “Did you hear me? What happened to Jonea?!”

Silence.

I marched closer, my voice growing colder. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. But I know where this is headed.”