Chapter 12: The Anonymous Warning
845 Words
Three days had passed since the laboratory accident.
The bandage on Ariana’s arm was smaller now, and the pain had faded into a dull ache.
She was back on campus, determined not to fall behind on her research.
“You’re unbelievable,” Mia said as they walked toward the library. “Most people would still be resting.”
“I’ve already missed enough time.”
“You were injured, Ari.”
“And deadlines don’t wait.”
Mia sighed.
“You’re starting to sound like Professor Villanueva.”
Ariana laughed softly.
“Is that a compliment or an insult?”
“I’m still deciding.”
⸻
That afternoon, Ariana stopped by her locker between classes.
As she opened it, a plain white envelope slid onto the floor.
There was no name.
No return address.
Curious, she unfolded the note inside.
Stay away from Professor Kael Villanueva.
If you really respect him, stop giving people reasons to talk.
The next complaint won’t end with rumors.
It will end his career.
Ariana felt her hands tremble.
She looked around the hallway.
Students walked past without paying attention.
Who had left the letter?
And how long had it been sitting in her locker?
⸻
She slipped the note into her notebook and hurried to the library.
Mia noticed her pale expression immediately.
“What happened?”
Without a word, Ariana handed her the letter.
Mia’s eyes widened.
“What is this?”
“I found it in my locker.”
“This isn’t funny anymore.”
“I know.”
“You have to report it.”
Ariana hesitated.
“If I report it, more people will ask questions.”
“And if you don’t?”
Mia lowered her voice.
“Whoever sent this might think they can intimidate you.”
Ariana looked down at the folded paper.
For the first time since the rumors had begun…
She felt afraid.
⸻
Across campus…
Professor Kael sat in the faculty lounge reviewing papers when the dean approached him.
“The investigation has reached a dead end.”
“No suspects?”
The dean shook his head.
“The complaint was submitted anonymously.”
Kael closed the file in front of him.
“So the rumors continue.”
“I’m afraid so.”
The dean sighed.
“Until we identify who’s behind this, I suggest limiting private consultations even further.”
“I already have.”
“I know.”
The dean paused.
“But someone clearly wants to create the appearance of impropriety.”
Kael’s expression hardened.
“This isn’t about protecting academic integrity anymore.”
“No.”
“It’s becoming harassment.”
⸻
Later that evening…
Ariana gathered her books and headed toward the campus gate.
The sun had already set, leaving the pathways dimly lit.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.
She turned.
Nothing.
Just students walking home.
As she continued toward the exit, footsteps echoed behind her.
Her pace quickened.
So did the footsteps.
Before panic could set in—
“Miss Monteverde.”
She turned immediately.
Professor Kael stood several meters away, keeping a respectful distance.
“You forgot your research folder.”
He held it up.
She had accidentally left it in the library after the group consultation.
Relief washed over her.
“Thank you, Professor.”
He handed it to her without stepping any closer.
As he did, he noticed the folded letter sticking out from between her notes.
“Is something wrong?”
For a moment, Ariana considered saying no.
Then she remembered Mia’s words.
She slowly handed him the anonymous message.
Kael read it once.
Then again.
His jaw tightened.
“This wasn’t a prank.”
“I don’t think so either.”
He folded the letter carefully.
“You should report this to the dean tomorrow.”
“What if it makes things worse?”
“It may.”
His voice remained calm.
“But staying silent could make it worse still.”
For several seconds, neither of them spoke.
Finally, Kael said quietly,
“Miss Monteverde…”
“Yes, Professor?”
“Until this is resolved, don’t walk across campus alone after dark.”
She nodded.
“I understand.”
He gave a brief nod in return.
“Good night.”
“Good night, Professor.”
As Ariana walked toward the gate, Kael remained where he was, watching only long enough to make sure she reached the security checkpoint safely before turning back toward the faculty building.
Whoever had written that letter had crossed a line.
This was no longer just about gossip.
Someone was deliberately trying to frighten one of his students.
And Professor Kael had no intention of letting that continue.
⸻
End of Chapter 12
Chapter 13 Teaser:
The university opens a formal investigation into the anonymous threats. While security reviews campus cameras, Ariana and Professor Kael discover that the warnings may be connected to someone competing for the university’s lone spot in the national research competition. As the pressure mounts, the true motive behind the harassment slowly begins to emerge.
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