Page 21 of Nocturne

I try to believe him, but my mind struggles to process why he’s here. When I say nothing and take a step back, he sighs and removes his sunglasses in a fluid, cinematic motion. A few girls passing by nearly swoon. He basks in their attention, even winking at one, prompting a squeal.

If not for the fear, I’d find him handsome too. He’s got the kind of deadly good looks designed to lure victims—a killer’s charm in full force.

He scans the area, searching for someone. When he finds no one, his gaze lands back on me.

“Where’s the boss?”

I frown, surprised by the sudden irritation I feel at the mention ofhim.

“How would I know?”

The bite in my tone makes him pause, then a Cheshire grin spreads across his face, his malicious green eyes glinting.

“He’s been coming here, hasn’t he?”

Before I can lie, he steps closer, tilting his head in a way that’s both casual and terrifying.

“I’d think twice before lying,” he warns.

I swallow the lie and nod reluctantly.

“What does he do?”

The question catches me off guard. Shouldn’t he already know?

“He sits in my classes,” I reply, confused. “Says he listens, whatever that’s supposed to mean.”

I grumble the last part under my breath.

I’d even offered him my sandwich—my beloved sandwich—out of concern, guilt, and maybe even pity. And how did he repay me? By brushing it off without so much as a thank-you.

Curses to him. And curses to me for searching for him in every class, even when I knew he wouldn’t be in the practicals. He prefers lurking in the shadows of the lecture halls. There was only one of those today, and now I’m certain he’s gone for the day.

Eero chuckles, snapping my attention back to him. His thumb rubs his jaw, as if he’s deep in thought. Whatever’s on his mind can’t be good, judging by the wicked glint in his eyes.

“I have to go,” I say.

He steps away from my car, giving me a clear view of the tree line bordering the forest. A sudden chill prickles my skin, and my gaze snaps to the still bushes. Call it paranoia, but the feeling is unmistakable:run.

“What is it?”

I stare at the forest a second longer, waiting for movement. There’s none.

“Nothing,” I mutter, shaking my head.

Still, I shiver as I unlock my car, pulling my coat tighter. Eero follows my gaze, his smile fading as his expression hardens. He begins walking toward the trees just as I open my door.

Against better judgment, I pinch the fabric of his shirt between my fingers to stop him.

“That place isn’t safe, Eero.”

The forest has its stories—myths, warnings, horrors. I know better than to tempt it. The management even installed a wire fence to keep students out, though the thrill-seekers always find a way over.

It’s not the darkness under the canopy that scares me. It’s the stillness, as if every living thing inside is too terrified to make a sound. The kind of silence that suggests something monstrous is listening.

Eero glances at me, something warm and human flashing in his eyes. It softens him, making him seem less like a psycho and more like a person. He smiles, and for a moment, he looks almost boyish.

“Safe is boring, love.” He ruffles my hair.

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