CHAPTER 48: A CONFESSION IN THE DARK...

Charis

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of warmth and unexpected joy.

Despite all my fears and anxieties, I found myself having a genuinely wonderful time with Marcus’s family.

Even though many conversations were awkward, they had an easy, natural relationship that drew me in without overwhelming me with attention. I loved how they paid just enough notice to make me feel included without putting me under scrutiny that might expose my secrets.

I still didn’t understand why Marcus and his extended family had come to the academy for the induction ceremony in the first place—Marcus wasn’t being inducted, and it seemed too flamboyant for it just to be a family visit.

However, I was thankful for having them here; they had given me invaluable information about myself and my mother’s current situation.

Now, the field was quiet, and they were packing up with the help of some sentinels. I approached Luna Alice, who was talking animatedly with the man who had a striking resemblance to Marcus.

"Luna Alice," I said quietly, flashing her a smile. "Thank you so much for including me today. The food was incredible, I had a wonderful time, and you have a beautiful family."

Luna Alice beamed at me with warmth. "You’re welcome anytime, sweetheart. Marcus has told us so much about you—it’s clear you mean a great deal to him. By the way, this is my mate and Marcus’s dad. Jason, say Hi..." she nudged the man.

Alpha Jason gave me a blank stare as he nodded in my direction. "Don’t encourage him, this is just a phase, and it will pass."

"Jason!" Luna Alice hissed. "You can’t say that to him," she glared at her husband before turning to me hastily. "Take care of yourself, Eamon. And remember, if you ever need anything, our family considers you one of our own now."

The kindness in her voice made my chest tight with emotion. I nodded gratefully and said my goodbyes to the rest of the family.

"Come on," Marcus said with a smile. "I’ll walk you back to your dorm."

We walked through the academy grounds in comfortable silence, the evening air was cool against my skin. The campus was quieter now, with most students having returned to their rooms after the day’s celebrations. We still had thirty minutes before the curfew, too, so I wasn’t worried about being penalised.

Marcus and I walked through a pathway illuminated with string lights, creating a romantic atmosphere that made me aware of being alone with him.

When we reached the area where Slater’s residential quarters were located, Marcus stopped walking and turned to face me. The expression on his face had grown more serious.

"Can I ask you something?" he said quietly.

I nodded, eyeing him warily.

"Do you have any...relationship with Kael?" he asked. "I mean, beyond him being your First-Year Coordinator?"

My breath caught, but I said nothing. I didn’t know how to answer the question without revealing too much about my current living situation, especially with Kael.

"It’s just that the kiss video looked so real, and I was wondering if... You know, there’s more. I wouldn’t want to come between an already existing relationship," he added.

Or you want to know, so you can keep tormenting me. I said in my head.

"I know the kiss video is so misleading, but honestly, I have no recollection of that night. I didn’t know I and Kael..."

Marcus let out a short, strained laugh and lifted both hands, palms out. "Sorry—that’s so silly of me to make such inquiries about your life. It’s none of my business, honestly." He gave me a lopsided grin, but it didn’t reach my eyes.

He started to reach for my hand, but I instinctively flinched away from the contact. He immediately stepped back, running a hand through his already tousled hair.

"Look, Eamon," he began, "I know I’m probably the last person you want to hear this from, especially as we didn’t start on the right foot, but I just... I need to say it."

I took another step backwards, for safety.

"I understand that you’re afraid of me," he said with a heavy sigh. "I don’t blame you. The way I acted when we first met—I wish I could take back those moments. I was...I don’t know. Overwhelmed. Confused maybe. I didn’t know how to control the overwhelming emotions I felt for you."

My eyes narrowed with suspicion. What did he feel?

His voice dropped to barely above a whisper, taking on a broken quality that made my heart ache despite myself.

"Eamon, I like you. So much, I swear. I’m not just saying this to please you or sway you; I know it’s too early to say things like this, but I mean it with all sincerity. I’m attracted to you in a way I’ve never experienced with anyone before."

I blinked rapidly. This wasn’t the Student President who had cornered me in the stairwells or his room a week ago. The confession felt genuine.

"There’s something about you. I don’t know what it is, but I’m drawn to it and you. I hope we can at least have a friendship," he continued, his hands clasped tightly behind his back as if to prevent himself from reaching for me again. "And maybe...maybe something more later."

I blinked again, still speechless.

He laughed lightly, trying to soften the awkwardness. "I won’t rush you, I promise. Or be creepy. I’ll try my best always to protect you and respect your boundaries. Just..." he looked away for a moment before meeting my gaze again.

"Nothing would make me happier than for you to accept my mentorship."

That caught my attention. Darian had mentioned something like this earlier.

"Do I even have a choice regarding that?"

His face lit up with a smile. "Yes. If you would like me to serve as your mentor, you must formally accept my offer. No one can force that relationship on you—not me, not the administration, not anyone. Until you do, it’s just a nomination."

"Wow! I didn’t know that."

I’d assumed that his public announcement about mentoring me had made the arrangement mandatory, but apparently, there were still protocols to follow.

"Other seniors or even second years might approach you too..." he trailed off and then exhaled deeply. When he turned back to me, he had a vulnerable expression on his face.

"Can I hug you?" It came out as almost a whisper.

In response, I stepped back immediately, wrapping my arms around myself.

After a moment, he nodded, though I could see the pained expression on his face.

"Fair enough," he said softly. "I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then. Sleep well, Eamon."

He turned and began walking back towards the main campus, his shoulders slightly hunched. I watched him go, feeling a confusing mix of guilt, sympathy and relief.

Just as Marcus’s figure disappeared into the shadows between buildings, a familiar figure stepped forward from the shadows near the base of the dorm building.

It was Rhett.