The air in the mansion was heavy. Though Iman rested in Lucien's arms, her confession still echoed in his mind like fire. Dorian's grim silence outside the door only sharpened the edge of his rage.
Lucien rose, his jaw tight, his eyes burning with fury. "He touched her," he muttered, voice low but trembling with anger. "He dared."
Dorian stepped forward. "Lucien, wait. If you confront him now, it will explode."
Lucien's gaze snapped to him. "Then let it explode."
The Professor appeared in the hall, calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. His eyes flicked toward Lucien, then toward the closed door behind him.
"You looked troubled," the Professor said smoothly. "Is something wrong?"
Lucien strode forward, his voice sharp as steel. "Stay away from her."
Professor Alaric's smile was cold. "She belongs to me, Lucien. You cannot protect her from what is inevitable."
Lucien's fists clenched, his fury barely contained. "She chose me. She will always choose me. And if you ever touch her again, I will end this charade."
Layla and the others gathered at the edge of the hall, tension thick in the air. Dorian's hand hovered near his sword, ready if Lucien's words turned into violence.
The Professor's gaze swept over them all, unbothered. "You cannot stop destiny," he said, his voice echoing like a curse.
Lucien stepped closer, his voice a growl. "Then I will rewrite destiny myself."
The hall fell silent, the weight of Lucien's vow pressing against every heart.
Professor Alaric's shadow lingered, but now it was met with fire - Lucien's unyielding rage, Dorian's watchful blade, and the groups unity.
Iman's tears had sparked a storm, and the storm was only the beginning.