Back on campus, Elena tried to act normal.
She walked straighter. Smiled tighter. But the flower in her bag felt like a chain. She didn't tell anyone about the trip, or the daisy, or the note.
But Professor Halley noticed.
He always noticed things.
"Elena," he called softly after class. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"
She hesitated, then nodded.
He led her to his office, where warm tea and soft light made the world feel gentle again.
"You're distracted," he said kindly. "You're flinching when doors close. Looking over your shoulder."
"I'm fine," she whispered.
"Is someone following you?"
Her hands gripped the edge of the chair. Too tightly.
"Elena," he said again, "if something's wrong—if someone is hurting you—you can trust me. I can help."
Her eyes filled with water.
And still, she said nothing.
---
The next morning, Professor Halley didn't show up for class.
No warning. No message.
By noon, whispers were swirling around the campus. That he'd fallen. That he'd been injured. That something had happened in his apartment — broken glass, police tape.
Elena's blood turned cold.
She ran to the staff bulletin board and saw the notice.
> Professor Halley will be on medical leave for a few weeks due to an unforeseen accident.
But it wasn't an accident.
Because tucked inside her locker that day…
Was another note.
> "You don't need help."
"You need obedience."
"Anyone who steps between us… doesn't walk away clean."
Her breath caught.
He hadn't touched her.
He never did.
But everyone around her?
He could touch them all.
---
That night, Elena sat at her desk, fingers numb.
She looked up at the window.
It was still closed.
Curtains drawn.
But she whispered anyway.
"I know you're there."
She didn't expect a response.
But the next morning…
There was a cup of her favorite coffee on the windowsill.
Still warm.
He'd heard her.
He always did.
---
Somewhere near, Luca watched her through a cracked curtain, sipping his own coffee.
She was beginning to speak to him.
Even if only in whispers.
He could wait for the rest.
Because no one could save her now — except him.
And she would understand that soon.