RUEL!!??
What the what is he doing at the college?
Eiden's eyes locked on the familiar, infuriating figure across the courtyard. Ruel was walking with his usual entourage, a pack of smug-looking friends, the type whose laughter always carried a hint of cruelty. That cocky tilt of his chin, the slow swagger in his steps Eiden could spot it even in a crowd. It was the same kind of presence that said, I own this place.
A cold knot twisted in Eiden's stomach. He didn't even think his body moved before his brain caught up. He hurried straight toward Lyra, who was still facing the opposite direction, blissfully unaware of the predator in the vicinity.
He grabbed her wrist, pulling her sharply out of Ruel's possible line of sight. "Eh ?!" Lyra tensed instantly, shuddering from the sudden force, but when she turned and saw Eiden's face, her alarm melted into recognition. She didn't resist when he tugged her along, letting him steer her toward the shadowy corner of the walkway.
