The silver crescent charm rested against my collarbone, faintly warm from my skin.
It was supposed to hide my aura — to make me less of a beacon.
But as I stepped into the dining hall for lunch, every gaze that mattered found me instantly.
Lys was the first.
Her deep crimson eyes narrowed as she approached, tray in hand.
"That necklace," she murmured, sitting beside me without asking. "Where did you get it?"
I hesitated. "…The Headmistress."
Something unreadable flashed in her eyes — interest, but also… caution.
"Be careful. In the wrong hands, charms like that aren't just for hiding things. They can bind you."
Before I could reply, Rena slid into the seat across from me, her usual fiery grin softened by curiosity.
"Ooh, shiny. That from a secret admirer, Airi?"
Her gaze lingered on the charm a moment too long, her hand almost reaching over. Lys's fingers twitched beside her tray, and Rena pulled back with a teasing smirk.
I tried to eat in peace, but peace never lasts long here.
From the far table, Tsukiko stood and glided over, her pale hair swaying like moonlight on water. She didn't speak — just stared at the charm as if she could see through it.
Finally, she said,
"That should not be in your possession."
My fork paused mid-air. "Why?"
Her eyes flicked to Lys and Rena before lowering her voice.
"Because charms conceal… but they also invite. Predators are drawn to prey that hides itself — it's instinct."
Before I could process that, Celene's lilting laugh cut through the air like silk.
She leaned over my shoulder from behind, her perfume intoxicating.
"Mmm, it suits you, little Airi. Makes you look… claimed."
My cheeks heated. "Claimed?"
Her fangs flashed in a grin.
"In vampire society, certain charms are worn by those under protection. Or ownership."
Lys shot her a warning glare, but Celene only winked at her.
The tension was thick enough to taste.
Four pairs of eyes, each with their own claim, their own intent.
I clutched the charm without thinking — and that was when I noticed it.
It was warmer.
Not just from my skin, but pulsing faintly, like a heartbeat.
Lys noticed too.
"You should come with me after class," she said quietly. "I want to check something."
Rena leaned forward, eyes sharp.
"Or you could come with me. I know a few tricks for testing magical items."
Tsukiko's hand brushed mine under the table — cool, but steady.
"Neither of them. I'll take you to the lunar shrine. It's the only safe place right now."
And Celene, ever the disruptor, whispered near my ear:
"Or… you could come to my tower tonight. I promise I'll keep you safe… and entertained."
I swallowed hard.
The charm's pulse quickened, and for a second, I could swear I heard a faint whisper in my mind — too soft to catch the words.
Suddenly, the room felt smaller, the air heavier.
Every girl watching me wasn't just looking — they were calculating.
One thing was clear:
The charm wasn't just protection.
It was an invitation.
And sooner or later…
someone was going to try to take it.