A KISS OF DARKNESS

The morning sky over Astraea University was still gray as Elara hurried toward her lecture hall. The autumn wind rustled the dry leaves along the sidewalk, while other students walked briskly, just as rushed as she was. Today marked the first session of Philosophy and History.

The classroom was already packed when Elara stepped inside. She quickly took a seat in the middle row, trying to steady her slightly labored breathing—she had almost been late.

"No one is allowed to be late."

That sentence echoed in her mind, spoken in a calm yet chilling tone by the man who would be teaching them—Lucien.

As the classroom door closed, the atmosphere shifted instantly.

Lucien entered.

Silence.

It was as if all the air in the room had been sucked away by his presence.

He was tall, with a strong, upright posture, dressed in his usual impeccably neat all-black attire. His dark hair was perfectly combed, though a few stray strands fell over his forehead, adding an untamed edge to his otherwise refined appearance. But the most striking thing about him was his eyes—piercing golden eyes that seemed to cut through anyone who dared to meet them for too long.

Elara swallowed hard.

How could a professor have such an intense presence?

"Good morning."

Lucien’s voice was deep and smooth, yet there was something beneath it that sent a shiver down the spine. "I hope you’ve all read the material I assigned. Philosophy is not just about thinking—it’s about understanding."

Not a single student spoke.

No one even dared to whisper.

Lucien walked slowly across the front of the class, his gaze sweeping over the students as if evaluating who among them was worthy of speaking.

"We’ll start with a simple question," he said. "What separates truth from illusion?"

Silence.

Elara could feel everyone holding their breath, hoping they wouldn’t be called on.

"Who can answer?"

No one moved.

A student in the front row buried his head in his notes, pretending to be busy. Others averted their gazes, as if avoiding eye contact could somehow make them invisible to Lucien.

Elara bit her lip. Why was everyone so afraid?

Lucien’s sharp eyes scanned the room, searching for someone brave enough to challenge his mind. Then, his gaze landed on her.

Her heart stopped.

"Elara."

His voice was gentle, but there was weight behind it. A subtle threat, or perhaps a test.

All eyes in the room turned to her.

Elara tried to stay composed, though her heartbeat pounded in her ears. She lifted her chin and met Lucien’s gaze—only to realize that was a terrible mistake.

His eyes were piercing, as if he wasn’t just looking at her but straight into her thoughts.

She swallowed hard. Then, in a voice that wasn’t entirely steady, she answered, "Illusion is a truth that has been misinterpreted… or perhaps, a truth that has been deliberately concealed."

Silence.

Lucien didn’t respond right away. He simply watched her, his eyes studying her as if searching for something hidden.

Then, he gave the faintest smile—barely noticeable, but enough to make something inside Elara stir.

"Interesting," he finally said. "But the real question is… who is concealing that truth?"

There was something layered in his words, something that felt like more than just philosophy.

Something bigger. Something darker.

And in that moment, Elar

a knew one thing for certain—Lucien was no ordinary professor.

Not at all.

The heavy rain poured over Astraea University, forming puddles along the stone pathways.

Elara pulled her thick coat tighter around her body, quickening her pace across the empty courtyard. The night was deep, and only the distant rumble of thunder accompanied her walk back from the library.