The notification arrives just after midnight.
Alaric sees the glow of his phone on the desk and checks it without thinking. At first, it doesn't seem important.
There's no warning.
No explanation.
Just a system update.
Academic Schedule Update: Mandatory Collaborative Assignment
He frowns and opens it.
The message explains that a new project has been added to his course requirements. It's long-term. Group-based. Worth a large part of his final grade. Participation is compulsory.
Alaric scrolls down.
His partner's name appears at the top.
Silveren Vale.
He stares at the screen.
For a few seconds, his mind goes completely blank.
Then his chest tightens.
This isn't a coincidence. It's too neat. Too sudden. Too perfectly timed.
He locks the phone and lies back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
So this is what Silveren meant.
Proximity.
By morning, the campus feels different again.
People look at him more openly now. Not with curiosity but with understanding. They've seen the update. They know what it means.
Silveren doesn't work with anyone.
If he's been assigned a partner, it isn't for collaboration.
It's for control.
Alaric arrives at the seminar room ten minutes early.
The room is small and formal. A long table in the center. Two chairs. Glass walls that overlook the quad outside.
Nothing private. Nothing accidental.
He chooses a seat far from the door and waits.
Exactly at noon, the door opens.
Silveren walks in.
He doesn't look rushed. He never does. His jacket is neat, his expression calm, his presence filling the room without effort.
He sets his tablet down on the table before finally looking at Alaric.
"This assignment is mandatory," Silveren says.
"I know," Alaric replies.
"Refusing it would affect your academic standing."
"I'm aware."
Silveren studies him for a moment, then taps his tablet. The project details appear on the wall screen.
"This module focuses on institutional ethics," Silveren explains. "Power systems. Order. Compliance."
Alaric lets out a short breath. "That's almost funny."
Silveren looks at him. "You think this is a joke?"
"I think you chose this topic on purpose."
"Yes."
That honesty throws Alaric off more than he expects.
"Why pair us?" Alaric asks. "You could've assigned anyone else."
"Because you're a problem," Silveren replies calmly.
Alaric's jaw tightens. "That's honest too."
"You disrupt balance," Silveren continues. "You attract attention. And you don't correct yourself."
"I don't think I need correction."
"That's exactly the issue."
Alaric leans back in his chair. "So what is this? A test?"
"It's observation."
"And the outcome?"
Silveren meets his gaze. "That depends on you."
A faculty member briefly opens the door to confirm attendance. Silveren nods once. The door closes again.
They're alone.
Alaric speaks first. "Let's be clear. I'm doing this because I have no choice. Not because I trust your intentions."
"I don't need your trust," Silveren says. "I need cooperation."
"And if I don't cooperate?"
Silveren doesn't hesitate. "Your access issues return. Your evaluations become stricter. Opportunities disappear."
Alaric exhales slowly. "So this is pressure."
"This is structure," Silveren corrects.
"No," Alaric says quietly. "This is leverage."
Silveren steps closer to the table. "You wanted to stay visible. You succeeded."
Alaric holds his gaze. "You wanted control. You're pushing too hard."
Silveren's lips curve slightly. "You're still here."
"That doesn't mean I'm yielding."
"Good," Silveren says. "I didn't expect you to."
The meeting ends without agreement.
But the trap is already set.
By afternoon, Alaric's schedule has shifted again. Shared classes. Overlapping research hours. Study rooms reserved under Silveren's authorization.
There's no avoiding him now.
That evening, Alaric sits alone in a study room, papers spread across the table. The door opens quietly.
Silveren steps inside.
"You're using older sources," he says.
"They're still valid," Alaric replies without looking up.
"They don't support your argument fully."
"They support the truth."
Silveren moves closer, scanning the notes. He doesn't touch anything. He doesn't need to.
"You're making this harder than necessary," Silveren says.
"No," Alaric answers. "I'm refusing to make it easy for you."
Silveren straightens. "You think this is a standoff."
"I think you want me tired."
Silveren pauses. Then nods once.
"Continue," he says. "For now."
"For now?" Alaric asks.
"Yes."
Silveren turns toward the door, then stops.
"You wanted to be impossible to ignore," he says. "Now you are."
The door closes behind him.
Alaric leans back in his chair, heart pounding.
This isn't punishment anymore.
It's confinement.
Silveren doesn't want him gone.
He wants him close.
Close enough to watch.
Close enough to wear down.
And Alaric knows one thing for certain
Whatever breaks first…
won't break quietly.