Mrs. Marie Langford stood tall on the stage, her pale face stern as she delivered her final announcement.
"Go to your classes and make sure you listen carefully to your teachers, especially today’s lecture. It may one day save your life. And lastly, do not let me catch you outside your dormitory after lights out, or you will be expelled."
Noah didn’t want to imagine what expulsion truly meant, but a dark inkling told him it was worse than death. The way she said it carried a heavy finality that made his stomach twist. But what about the stranger—the creature that had appeared at their window last night? What if it came back? He couldn’t simply stay locked inside forever, waiting to be killed.
As the assembly began to break up, Noah felt eyes on him again. Even without turning, he could sense Killian’s intense gaze fixed entirely on him. It was creepy. That level of attention should have been aimed at the desperate girl sitting opposite them, not at him—the supposed villain in this tangled story.
"And I am sure you don’t want to know what happens to those who are expelled," Mrs. Marie added coldly. "So go on, head to your classes. Any reports of misconduct will come straight to me, and trust me, you don’t want that. You will hate me for it."
As she finished, Noah couldn’t help but shudder. Damn, the woman was way too cranky. Was this her normal personality, or had someone shattered her old, fragile heart? Whoever it was should have finished the job, he thought darkly, then immediately caught himself. Why were such grim ideas bubbling up in his head lately?
"Ashton, get out of my thoughts," he muttered to himself.
Students were already streaming away toward the buildings, but Noah remained seated, his mind racing. Only when Killian gently tapped his shoulder did he snap back to reality.
"Aren’t you going to class? The professor usually gives about five minutes grace."
Noah stood up quickly, not wanting to attract another scene like before. Killian moved ahead of him, brushing past Sylvia as if she were invisible. Noah watched her stiffen, her forehead creasing with deep wrinkles. He almost laughed. That was what happened when someone spent all day frowning. He wasn’t ready to deal with her drama either, so he walked past without a glance. She could act as childish as she wanted, chasing someone who clearly wasn’t interested. Those games weren’t for him.
He was about to turn toward Rose and Lamia, who were waving at him from a distance, when Killian motioned for him to come closer instead.
"I don’t understand. My friends are over there. Didn’t you say class would start soon?" Noah tried to use Killian’s own words against him, but the alpha simply shook his head.
"Nice try, but that won’t work. You’re my messenger, remember? I can’t focus well in class without my messenger nearby. So, are you coming, or should I go back to Mrs. Marie and explain how that errand story was a lie?"
A heavy lump formed in Noah’s throat, stealing his ability to speak. How could Killian do this to him? Didn’t he realize those were his only friends here?
Noah stood frozen, glancing between Killian and his waiting friends.
"You know keeping them waiting will be bad for them. The professor will punish them while I stay safe." Killian’s voice was cold and flat, carrying no room for negotiation. The finality in his tone made it clear this wasn’t up for discussion. Noah had no choice but to wave his friends off from afar.
"Go on, I’m coming..." he whispered loudly enough for them to hear. They looked confused at first. Rose seemed to understand quickly and nodded, grabbing Lamia’s arm to pull him toward class. She didn’t appear offended—smart girl. Lamia, however, still looked bewildered as he was dragged away.
"I didn’t ask you to save me, so why did you step in like some savior and now act all bitchy about it?" Noah snapped once they were relatively alone. He didn’t care if he was speaking to someone powerful or risking trouble. He needed to make it clear to this guy that he wasn’t anyone’s slave and never would be.
"Oh, come here, little kitten. Don’t be like that," Killian replied smoothly. "You know that if I hadn’t stepped up, you would have been severely punished. Or have you forgotten you’re just a lowly omega? Not the rich person your mind keeps convincing you that you are."
They stood in the middle of the emptying assembly ground as the last students trickled past. Many gazes lingered on them, fixed on their close proximity. From a distance, it almost looked like they were about to kiss. Noah had no idea the rumors had already begun spreading like wildfire through the academy corridors.
"Lowly omega? I am not lowly," Noah shot back, though the words stung. In this body, he had forgotten just how poor and powerless Ashton truly was. He sighed internally. Maybe he had underestimated this world. Handling four obsessive guys felt impossible. How did main characters in reverse harem stories manage it? His throat felt dry from all the arguing.
"It’s okay, Ashton. I’m not that bad," Killian continued, his tone softening just a fraction. "We had a pretty good time at the cafeteria. I’m sure more blissful moments like that will come. And your dressing feels so different. You don’t normally go this flashy, but I love it. I adore the new you so much—not that previous bland look."
At that moment, Noah couldn’t hide the spark in his eyes. This was the first genuine compliment he had received since arriving here. A red cherry blush spread across his cheeks, deepening quickly. It had been a long time since someone noticed his style and praised it sincerely. Maybe he didn’t get compliments often in his old life either, or he had simply forgotten how good they felt. Either way, wearing Lamia’s clothes had paid off. He made a mental note to overhaul Ashton’s old wardrobe completely and get rid of those disastrous outfits for good.
"This style is perfect on you. Come on, we’re late. We can argue more later at the cafeteria." Killian reached out and took his hand, guiding him forward with surprising gentleness, almost as if giving directions on a shared path.
Noah felt conflicted. Killian seemed too good to be true. That calm, beautiful, soothing voice belonged in books to secret psychopaths or serial killers. His prince-charming looks didn’t match the controlling personality underneath. Yet here he was, being pulled along.
They arrived at class just in time. As expected, the teacher was already inside—this time a female instructor with sharp features and an aura that demanded respect.
"Let’s go in, and don’t worry. No one will question my little kitten."
Noah’s blood pressure spiked at the new nickname. With Killian now constantly on his tail, how was he supposed to investigate Ashton’s death, unlock those blocked memories, or even breathe freely? He desperately needed space. A guide, system, or any kind of assistance would have been perfect when he woke up in this body. Instead, he got four obsessive men monitoring his every move like pieces on a chessboard.