First Bite, First Love?

Chapter 21 | The Red Dot

The next morning, the hallway outside Elysium’s office was quiet.

Elysium (hands in his pockets, blocking the door): “Inside.”

Isolde (raising a brow): “I’m going to be late for class.”

Elysium: “I said, inside.”

(Isolde steps in. The door shuts behind her with a heavy click.)

Isolde: “What now? Docking my points again?”

Elysium (leaning against the desk, looking down at her): “Last night, someone saw you in the west wing.”

Isolde: “A lot of people use that hallway.”

Elysium: “Not many stop in front of the wall with the red dot.”

(Isolde frowns.)

Isolde: “Were you following me?”

Elysium: “Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t waste my time trailing students. But in this school, I know exactly who reacts to that dot.”

Isolde: “So what? I just looked.”

Elysium (taking a step closer, voice sharp): “Once is enough. That place is death, Isolde. Staring at it is already digging your own grave.”

Isolde (with a short laugh): “You all love making it sound dramatic.”

Elysium: “That’s because dead people can’t argue.”

(A few seconds of silence.)

Elysium (lowering his voice): “You’ve got two choices — forget it, or let me take you there myself.”

Isolde (looking up at him): “Is that a threat?”

Elysium: “No. A promise.”

(She turns to leave, opens the door — and hears a voice down the hall.)

Lucien: “She’s not going.”

(Isolde turns. Lucien is walking toward them, his eyes fixed past her on Elysium.)

Elysium (smirking): “And you think you get to decide for her?”

Lucien (calm, eyes narrowing): “I know she’s not that stupid.”

Elysium: “Do you know? Or are you just hoping? You think she listens to you?”

Lucien (coldly): “I know she won’t listen to you.”

(The air between them drops to ice. Isolde feels the tension pressing on her from both sides.)

Elysium (straightening up): “Then let’s see who keeps her.”

Lucien (leaning in slightly, voice almost a warning): “I’m not waiting.”

(They stare at each other, the air heavy enough to break.

Elysium is the first to move, turning back into his office, idly spinning a silver pen in his hand.)

Elysium (over his shoulder): “Remember this, Isolde — once you walk the road to the red dot, there’s no turning back.”

(The door closes. Only Isolde and Lucien remain in the hallway.)

Lucien (glancing at her): “Don’t let him win.”

(Isolde says nothing, just walks away. Lucien watches her go, his gaze following her like he’s making a silent note.)