The next morning, Elise walked through the courtyard, books clutched tightly against her chest. Her eyes stayed fixed on the ground, heart pounding every time she sensed Davon's presence nearby.
She could feel him watching her. Waiting. But each time their eyes almost met, she turned away.
Don't look at him. Don't feel this way. Just… ignore him.
Her chest ached as she passed him in the hall, his crimson eyes following her. She pretended not to notice. Pretended not to care. Pretended her heart wasn't screaming at her to stop.
But every step away from him felt heavier.
---
Meanwhile, Davon stood frozen in place, his hand twitching at his side as if it longed to reach for her. His heart twisted with every avoidance, every silent rejection.
"She won't even look at me…" he whispered to himself. His voice was hoarse, broken. "I'm losing her all over again."
Later that day, Davon found Patricia sitting under the old oak tree, her notebook in hand. She looked up as his shadow fell across her.
"Patricia," he began, his tone low but urgent. "I need your help."
She tilted her head, studying him with those sharp, knowing eyes. "This is about Elise."
Davon's throat tightened. "…Yes. She won't listen to me. She doesn't trust me. And… there's someone poisoning her against me. Ellie. She's not what she seems."
Patricia closed her eyes for a moment, her ability reaching out like invisible threads. A chill ran down her spine as Ellie's thoughts flashed before her—schemes, jealousy, her connection to Nikki.
When Patricia opened her eyes again, they glowed faintly. "You're right. Ellie isn't her friend. She's dangerous."
Davon's fists clenched. "I knew it… but Elise won't believe me. She doesn't even want me near her." His voice cracked, his chest heaving with suppressed emotion. "Patricia, I can't lose her again. Not now that I've found her. She's my everything."
For a moment, Patricia simply watched him—this powerful, feared vampire who now trembled like a broken boy. Her heart softened.
"Davon," she said firmly, placing her hand on his. "I believe you. And I know your past with Elise runs deeper than anyone else can understand."
His eyes widened.
"I'll help you," Patricia promised. "Even if it costs me everything, I'll make sure you two are reunited. She deserves the truth… and so do you."
Davon's breath caught, a mix of relief and gratitude filling his chest.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice trembling.
Patricia nodded, her eyes narrowing with determination. "We'll expose Ellie for what she really is. And when the time is right… Elise will see you for who you are."