DARK CAMPUS

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4: Unexpected Protection

The next afternoon, I was walking through the hallway with my books held close to my chest

when Kiel and Rich stepped out from around a corner, blocking my path completely. They stood

shoulder to shoulder, grinning in a way that made my skin crawl — the kind of grin that said they

knew they had power and intended to use it. Other students passed by, looking away quickly,

pretending not to see anything. No one wanted to get involved.

"You're the new girl and already the professor's favorite," Kiel sneered, stepping closer until I

could smell something sour on his breath. "What, are you flirting with him or something? Is that

how you get special treatment?"

Rich shoved me hard against the wall, his palm striking my shoulder painfully. My books

tumbled to the floor, pages scattering across the tiles. "Watch yourself. He might want more

than just your grades. People like you don't belong here anyway — you're just a charity case."

Suddenly, the hallway lights flickered once, twice, and went out completely. In the darkness, I

heard a sharp intake of breath from Rich, then silence. When the lights flickered back on,

Professor Lux stood at the far end of the corridor. He didn't speak — he simply walked forward, his stride slow and deliberate, and with every step he took, the air grew heavier, harder to

breathe. Kiel and Rich took several steps back, their faces draining of all color, their earlier

arrogance dissolving into raw, trembling fear.

"Is there a problem here, gentlemen?" His voice was calm, yet it shook the very floor beneath

our feet. It wasn't a question — it was a warning delivered with terrifying clarity.

They didn't answer. They didn't even apologize. They turned and ran without looking back, their

footsteps echoing frantically down the hallway until they disappeared around a corner.

Professor Lux reached down and picked up my fallen books, brushing off the cover gently with

his hand. His touch was surprisingly warm, completely different from the cold dread he inspired

in everyone else.

"Don't be afraid, Iyanna. As long as I am here... no one will hurt you."

I looked up at him, confused and flustered. The golden glow in his eyes seemed softer now, less

intimidating, but that only made me more uncertain. Why was he protecting me like this? What

did he see when he looked at me that made me different from everyone else here? "Why?" I

whispered, the question slipping out before I could stop it. "Why are you doing this for me?" He

didn't answer immediately. He simply handed me my books and stepped back, his expression

unreadable once again. "Because you are special, Iyanna. And some things are worth

protecting."