The new room wasn't in the student dormitories—it was tucked inside the faculty wing.
It was cleaner, colder, and entirely too quiet.
Evelyn stood in the doorway, staring at the unfamiliar space. A fireplace crackled low in the corner, casting gold light across polished floors and deep blue furnishings. It didn't feel like hers. It didn't feel like anything but borrowed safety.
Alexander stood beside her, arms crossed. He hadn't spoken since the walk over.
"So," she said, voice dry. "Am I under supervision or arrest?"
He didn't rise to the bait. "You're under protection."
"I don't need—"
"You were nearly caught off-guard twice. Let me be clear, Evelyn—whoever is behind this isn't playing anymore."
She turned to face him fully. "And you're suddenly my bodyguard?"
"No." His eyes were unreadable. "I'm the only one you trust. Even if you don't want to admit it."
That silenced her.
Because it was true.
After a beat, he moved toward the fireplace and placed the bloodied ribbon on the mantle. The red stain looked darker now. Deeper.
"Whoever left that didn't do it alone," he murmured. "And if Isabella's involved, then there's more than just jealousy fueling her."
Evelyn crossed her arms. "You've been watching her too?"
"I've been watching everyone."
Her brow lifted. "Including me?"
He looked at her then—really looked—and said nothing. Just for a moment, silence wrapped around them again, thick with something unnamed.
She stepped toward him. "You never told me why you're here."
"At the Academy?" His voice dropped lower. "I didn't come to teach. That was just... convenience."
"So what did you come for?"
He hesitated.
Then, carefully: "To find something. Or rather... someone."
She frowned. "And did you?"
Their eyes met.
"I think I did."
A knock shattered the moment.
A young faculty assistant stood awkwardly at the door. "Professor Valerius—Headmaster requested your presence. Urgently."
Alexander didn't break eye contact with Evelyn.
"Stay here," he said firmly. "Lock the door."
And then he was gone.
Evelyn stood alone in the quiet again, but her heart beat faster than before—not from fear.
From something dangerously close to understanding.