41

After finishing their meal, Samael leaned back in his chair, his golden eyes fixed on Ashton. "I want to talk to you alone," he said, his voice quieter but firm.

Felix immediately tensed beside Ashton. "No way. If you've got something to say, say it here."

Samael let out a small sigh before offering Felix a charming smile. "Felix, I understand you're just looking out for your best friend. I respect that. But give me a chance." His lips curled into a playful smirk. "If you don't, I might have to… let my brother know I'm having trouble making friends. Wouldn't that be interesting?"

Felix scoffed, crossing his arms. "Oh? So you're threatening me now?"

Before the situation could get worse, Ashton stepped in. "Relax, Felix. It's fine. I'll talk to him alone." He met Felix's concerned gaze and reassured him, "I can handle myself. Just go ahead."

Felix didn't look happy, but after a long stare at Samael, he huffed. "Fine. But if anything happens, I swear—"

Samael raised a hand in surrender. "I promise, I won't do anything Ashton doesn't want." His gaze flickered with something unreadable when he said that.

Felix grumbled under his breath but finally walked away.

Now alone, Ashton turned to Samael, arms crossed. "Alright. What do you want to say?"

Samael studied him for a moment before stepping closer—just enough to make Ashton aware of the warmth between them. "First, let me say this. I didn't pay for your meal to show off. I just… wanted to take care of you."

Ashton frowned slightly. "I don't need to be taken care of."

"I know." Samael's voice softened. "But I want to. Is that so bad?"

Ashton looked away, unsettled by the intensity in Samael's golden eyes. "I'll say it again—I'm going to grow on my own. Even if my talent isn't combat-oriented, I'll make my own way. I don't need your points or your pity."

Samael's lips quirked up. "Pity? Ashton, you have an S Rank Farming Mage talent and an A Rank Light Affinity talent. That's rare, you know. And powerful in the right hands." His voice dropped slightly, becoming more intimate. "You have no idea how valuable you are."

Ashton stiffened slightly, but before he could respond, Samael gently reached out and brushed his fingers against Ashton's wrist—just a brief touch, barely there, but enough to make Ashton's breath hitch.

"I'm not here to make you depend on me," Samael continued. "But I want to stay by your side. I want you to know that if you ever need someone… I'll be there."

Ashton swallowed, his heart beating just a little faster. He wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially from someone like Samael. He exhaled slowly. "You're persistent."

Samael smiled, warm and knowing. "When it comes to you? Always."

Ashton turned his head, hiding the small warmth creeping up his face. "Do whatever you want."

Samael chuckled, his voice rich with amusement. "Oh, I intend to."

And with that, the conversation ended—but something between them had undeniably shifted.

Felix strode toward his dormitory, still irritated by Samael's persistence. "That guy is seriously persistent " he muttered, running a hand through his blond hair.

Just as he reached his door, he suddenly stopped. A tall figure leaned casually against the wall beside it, arms crossed, watching him with sharp red eyes.

Noah Flameheart.

Felix's eyes widened in surprise. "You?"

Noah straightened, his lips curling into a smirk. "Took you long enough," he said in a deep, smooth voice.

Felix folded his arms. "How the hell do you even know where my room is?" Then, realization dawned on him. "Oh, wait. Obviously, that nosy brother of yours."

Noah chuckled. "Samael doesn't know everything, you know. I have my own ways." His voice was calm, yet there was an unmistakable warmth in it.

Felix eyed him warily. "Alright, whatever. But seriously, what is a third-year student doing in a first-year dormitory? Are you out of your mind? If people see you here, it might not affect you, but it sure as hell will affect me."

Noah took a step closer, closing the distance between them. "If someone has a problem with it," he murmured, his voice lower now, "they can either close their eyes or deal with it." His intense gaze didn't waver from Felix's, as if daring him to argue.

Felix's breath hitched for a second before he scoffed, forcing himself to ignore the way his pulse quickened. "You're ridiculous."

Noah smirked. "And yet, you're not telling me to leave."

Felix's jaw tightened, but he didn't move. The air between them grew thick with an unspoken tension.

Noah finally let out a small chuckle and reached out, brushing a stray strand of Felix's hair back into place. His touch was light—almost teasing. "You should rest," he murmured, his voice softer now.

Felix stepped back quickly, clearing his throat. "Yeah, that's exactly what I was trying to do—until you showed up." He turned toward his door. "So, if you're done with whatever weird game you're playing, just go."

Noah's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he said, "We'll talk later, Felix." His voice was gentle, yet there was an undeniable promise behind it.

Felix pushed open his door and stepped inside, shutting it a little harder than necessary. But even as he lay on his bed, trying to ignore the heat creeping up his neck, one thought refused to leave his mind.

Noah Flameheart was dangerous.

But maybe… just maybe… Felix didn't mind.