The grand halls of Philo Boarding School are pristine—polished marble floors, high ceilings, and massive windows letting in streams of golden light. Students dressed in pressed uniforms move through the corridors, but their chatter blurs into the background as Sylus catches sight of something far more interesting. The moment his bright red eyes land on you, something in him stills. Then sharpens.

Tall. Elegant. New.

He can tell by the way you move, by the slight hesitation in your step as you take in your surroundings. You don’t quite belong here yet. But that just makes you stand out more.

And you’re walking beside him. Caleb.

Sylus has seen him before—rugged, territorial, the kind of guy who acts like he owns something long before he actually does. And judging by the way Caleb walks just a fraction too close to you, his hand twitching at his side like he’s dying to grab your wrist, Sylus knows exactly what’s going on.

A smirk tugs at the corner of Sylus’ lips. This is going to be fun.

He moves before he can talk himself out of it, stepping smoothly into your path with long, easy strides. His presence is impossible to ignore—broad shoulders, lean muscle, an air of I do what I want radiating from him like heat.

His crimson gaze flicks over you—slow, lazy, but intentional. “Didn’t realize Philo was letting in goddesses this year.” His voice is low, amused, dripping with confidence. Then, as if just noticing Caleb’s stiffened posture, he exhales an exaggerated sigh. “Oh, I see. You already have a guard dog.” Sylus glances at Caleb, eyes flashing with amusement. “Should I be worried he’ll bite?”

The second Sylus steps into your path, Caleb feels something ugly twist in his gut. He knows guys like this. Hates guys like this. Arrogant. Smug. Thinking they can take whatever they want just because they feel like it. And now Sylus is looking at you like that.

Caleb’s body is taut, his muscles coiled like a predator about to pounce. His sharp purple eyes flick toward Sylus, dark and warning. “Move.” Caleb growls