Lucien and Dorian exchanged uneasy glances as they rushed toward the balcony. Something felt wrong - they had sensed it in the air, in the silence that followed.
But when they arrived, the balcony was empty. No trace of Iman.
Layla joined them, worry etched across her face. "Where is she?"
The group scattered through the halls, searching every corner. The laughter from the garden faded into tension, each step heavier with dread.
Lucien's instincts pulled him toward his room. he opened the door quietly - and there she was.
Iman sat curled on his bed, hugging his pillow and blanket tightly, her shoulders trembling. Tears streamed down her face, her breath uneven.
When she saw him, her sobs broke louder, "Lucien..." she whispered, her voice cracking.
Lucien rushed to her side, kneeling beside the bed. "Iman, what happened?" His voice was gentle, but his eyes burned with worry.
Through tears, Iman explained everything - the Professor's embrace, the wrongness of his touch, the invasive kiss, the suffocating claim. Her words spilled between sobs, each one heavier than the last.
Finally, she buried her face in the pillow, whispering, "It's my fault... I let him get close. I thought it was you. I should have known."
Lucien's heart clenched. he pulled her into his arms, holding her firmly. "No, Iman. This is not your fault. He deceived you. He crossed a line. Don't blame yourself."
But Iman shook her head again and again, tears streaming. "It's my fault... it's always my fault..."
Lucien silenced her with a kiss - gentle, steady, meant to quiet the storm inside her. His lips lingered just long enough to remind her she was safe, cherished, and never alone.
He eased her back against the bed, laying her down carefully, his movements protective rather than forceful. His hand caressed her waist, grounding her, pulling closer as if to shield her from the world.
"Iman," he murmured softly, his forehead resting against hers, "you are not to blame. He crossed the line, not you. You belong to me because you chose me - and I will never let anyone take that away."
Her tears slowed, her trembling eased, and she clung to him, finding peace in his embrace.
Outside, Dorian lingered near the door, his expression grim. he had heard enough to understand.
The Professor's shadow was no longer hidden - it was a threat. And Lucien's vow to protect Iman had just become unbreakable.