28. The promised date
Rian arrived at the scene, holding his notebook and looking a little out of breath.
The moment his eyes landed on Marcelline and Amara, his expression lit up like someone had just seen two rare celestial beings descend onto campus.
Rian: "Oh—wow… I mean—hi again! Didn't expect to meet you both here!"
He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Uh… the professor just sent a notice. The last lecture is cancelled. She's on leave today."
Amara placed her hands on her hips, giving him her signature mocking-big-sister grin.
Amara: "Aww, look at our sweet scholar boy. Running everywhere trying to keep up with destiny."
She winked.
"Your heart's beating so loud I can hear the crush from here."
Rian nearly died.
Marcelline sighed dramatically.
Marcelline: "Amara. Stop bullying the mortals."
Amara: "He likes it. Look at him. He's glowing."
Rian was glowing. Mostly from embarrassment.
But before anyone could continue—
Victor slowly stepped forward, making his presence very obvious, very deadly, and very irritated.
His aura was cold, sharp, ancient.
But Rian… didn't notice him at all.
He was too focused on Marcelline.
Rian: "Marcelline, um… if you're free… maybe we could get coffee? Just as friends! I mean—if you want—"
That was the last nerve.
Victor's eye twitched.
The vampire actually stepped between them, one hand casually pushing Rian aside with a silky "move, child" gesture.
Victor: "No. She will not join you. She has already promised me a date."
Marcelline snapped her head toward him.
Marcelline: "I did not—"
Victor cut in, placing a hand over his chest as if heartbroken.
Victor: "My darling, do not embarrass me in front of the youth. He'll lose hope permanently."
Rian blinked.
"Wait—wha—date??"
Amara burst out laughing so hard she had to hold the wall.
Amara: "OH THIS IS GOOD. Keep going, Victor. Break his soul gently."
Victor glared at her but maintained his smug posture.
Victor: "Better luck next time with somebody else, kid."
He flicked imaginary dust off his coat.
"She's out of your league, out of your timeline, and out of your survival capabilities."
Rian opened and closed his mouth like a confused fish.
Marcelline dragged a hand down her face.
Marcelline: "Victor. I swear to the Heavens—if you keep talking, I might actually bury you somewhere."
Victor smiled like that was the most romantic proposal he'd ever heard.
Victor: "Ahh… bury me, fix me, ruin me. Anything from you is a blessing."
Rian sputtered.
Amara cackled.
Marcelline contemplated homicide.
But the atmosphere—despite the chaos—was weirdly warm.
Three powerful beings… and one poor college boy stuck among them.
Finally, Marcelline stepped forward, her tone softer.
Marcelline: "Rian, thanks for informing us. And… maybe coffee later. Not today."
Rian gave a small smile, relieved.
Rian: "Okay! No problem. See you later then."
He hurried away, definitely questioning his existence.
As soon as he vanished from sight—
Victor exhaled dramatically.
Victor: "If that boy asks you out one more time, I might actually consider declaring war on your campus."
Amara: "Relax, blood-sucker. He's sweet. And mortal. And adorable. And terrified of you."
Victor scoffed.
"Good."
Marcelline rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint amused smirk.
Her cute bubbly outside appearance softened the scene…
But beneath that, her devilish inner self radiated silent dominance that both Amara and Victor sensed.
And absolutely adored.
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