I looked up and saw Tyler standing there. Instantly, Isolde froze. Only a soft growl remained, and she wagged her tail.

“He’s here! See, Selena? Tyler came for us. He must feel the bond. He knows us.”

Isolde’s voice rang in my head, thrilled.

Tyler held out his hand, helping me up. That sensation rushed back, only stronger this time. Our skin touched, sending uncontrollable shivers through me.

When Tyler pulled me in harder, I stumbled forward and suddenly we were hugging. His scent, the warmth of his skin, even his breath—it all made me lose my mind. My eyes went heavy, craving his touch.

My fists gripped his shirt while his arms wrapped around my waist. I looked at him, and he looked back at me. Without even realizing it, I leaned in and pressed my lips softly against his.

Isolde let out a loud moan, and heat pooled low in my body. I couldn’t stop—I wanted more. But then suddenly, Tyler pulled away, breaking the kiss. His eyes locked on mine, unreadable. That snapped me back. My brain slowly cleared.

“Tyler, I’m sorry... I—”

He didn’t say a word. Just gave me that sharp look, then turned and walked off.

I wanted to chase after him, but I didn’t.

For a while, I just stood there. Isolde sank deep inside my mind, wounded, same as me.

---

Days on campus passed lighter than I expected. The incident on the first day almost felt like a blur—except for Tyler. He was still in my head, every single moment, even when I couldn’t do anything about it.

Maybe he didn’t like me, even if we were fated mates. After all, he already had a girlfriend. Or maybe he didn’t understand what “mate” meant. Or maybe he just hated me for what happened.

I had no idea how Tyler really felt about me. What I did know was that I had plenty of campus activities that drained my energy, which at least helped distract me from the pain whenever I thought about him.

My days were filled with classes, casual chats at the cafeteria, and laughter with new friends.

My best friend on campus was Dave—the first friend I’d made here. He always knew how to make me feel at ease. Whether with his silly jokes or his genuine smile, he never failed to lift my mood.

Even though Isolde kept grumbling whenever I hung out with Dave, I didn’t pay much attention to her complaints.

That was just who she was, right?

I thought things would stay this way—calm, easy. Until that afternoon, when I decided to join the Photography Club with Dave.

“You must be Selena, right?”

A voice stopped me as I stepped into the club registration room. I turned, and for a moment, the world just froze.

It was her.

The girl I’d seen laughing with Tyler in the campus garden.

“Eve,” she said, reaching out her hand.

Her smile was wide, overly friendly, and it instantly made me uncomfortable.

I forced a smile and shook her hand. “Hi, I’m Selena.”

“Welcome to the photography club! If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask me,” she said brightly.

Her voice was warm, but to me, it sounded like an echo of memories I wanted to erase.

In my mind, Isolde appeared, snarling.

“Her again. What is this, Selena? I told you not to get too close to Dave. Look at what’s happening now,” she growled.

I ignored her, trying to stay calm.

“Thanks. Nice to meet you,” I told Eve.

Eve looked pleased. She chatted with me for a bit, asking simple stuff like my interest in photography and why I joined the club. She was so warm and genuine. If I hadn’t seen her with Tyler, maybe I would’ve liked her instantly.

But Isolde wasn’t letting it go.

“So now you’re gonna see her all the time? Great. Don’t you think it’s weird she’s here, acting like nothing ever happened?”

“Enough, Isolde,” I snapped inside my head.

I tried shutting her up. But she wouldn’t stop, muttering and grumbling, making me restless.

“Selena?” Eve’s voice cut through my daze. I turned, catching her raised brow. “You okay?”

“Oh, yeah, sorry. Just a little tired,” I replied quickly, forcing a smile.

She nodded, not too suspicious.

“Alright then, I won’t bother you. Don’t forget our first meeting next week, okay?”

I nodded before slipping out of the room as fast as I could. Once outside, I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. But Isolde was still restless.

“Why don’t you just stay away from her? This isn’t right, Selena. We shouldn’t be anywhere near her,” she said desperately.

“I don’t have a choice, Isolde. I already signed up. What happens if I suddenly quit before the first meeting? Dave would keep asking questions. They’d get suspicious!”

I sighed, frustrated with her constant paranoia.

“Besides, what’s the harm in trying?” I muttered quietly.

As expected, Isolde snapped.

“The harm? She’s connected to Tyler! You really think she won’t hurt you? That she won’t drag us deeper into this mess? And Dave! I’ve told you a hundred times, Selena… maybe he’s not as good as you think. I just know it!”

I went quiet. She wasn’t completely wrong. She was just being cautious, trying to protect me. But I couldn’t keep living in fear of things that hadn’t even happened yet.

“I’ll be fine, Ice,” I whispered softly, trying to soothe her.

“You always say that, but look what happened to us before.”

I didn’t answer. I knew she was still mad, still hurting, but I had to keep moving forward. Tyler was meant for me, and I believed fate would find a way to bring us together. I wasn’t going to force it.

I’d already learned from humans—girls who throw themselves at guys too easily get labeled cheap. And I refused to let Tyler see me that way.

I’d win him the human way. Even if it hurt, even if it meant holding back a lot, I knew I could do it.

As for Eve? She was just a coincidence. Nothing to worry about.