Chapter 24 | Empty Seat
262 Words
The cafeteria was noisy.
I stood at the entrance with my tray, scanning the place—every seat was taken, except for one at the far corner.
Elysium was sitting there, head down, reading a book.
The seat next to him was empty, like it had been left open for someone.
I hesitated for three seconds, then walked over.
“Anyone here?” I pointed at the empty seat.
He looked up, his gaze sweeping over me slowly. “Yes.”
I froze. “Then I’ll find somewhere else.”
“Sit,” he said softly, but it sounded like an order.
I put my tray down and pulled the chair out.
A few seconds of silence passed before he glanced at me. “You were late today.”
I kept my head down, eating. “Got stuck in the hallway.”
“Lucien?” he asked like it was the most natural guess.
I paused. “…Yeah.”
Elysium closed his book and pushed it aside. “You shouldn’t spend too much time with him.”
“Reason?” I looked up.
He stared at me, as if making sure I truly didn’t understand. “He won’t leave you a way out.”
I gave a small smile. “And you will?”
Elysium didn’t smile. His fingers tapped on the table. “I’ll leave one I can control.”
He said it like it was already decided—without asking for my opinion.
The air went quiet.
I took a sip of soup, but my heartbeat felt a little off.
- Writer
