Page 59 of The Devil's Hunt

"Heathcliff's obsession with Catherine is all-consuming. He will do anything to possess her, even if it means becoming a monster in the process. I believe that this theme of obsession is relevant to our own lives. We have things that consume us, whether it's a person, a goal, or an idea. Heathcliff's inability to control his obsession ultimately leads to his downfall. We see the lengths Heathcliff is willing to go to to possess the love of his life, Catherine. His love for her is both beautiful and terrifying. He is so consumed by it that he is willing to commit violence and murder to protect her. And when she dies, he loses himself in his grief."

"Yes, good job," Professor Hazel nodded in appreciation. "Would you agree that the lengths he would go to show his love for her reveal the destructive power of obsession?"

"I believe it depends on the reader's interpretation of love. Personally, I think his love for Catherine is a source of inspiration and hope, as it shows the depths of human emotion and the lengths we will go to to protect the ones we love. His love for her is both his salvation and his downfall. If we are examining the theme of love and obsession, then this story can teach us that love can be the most powerful force in the world. If we aren't careful, it can also be our undoing if not handled with care and respect. I think it's all a matter of balance and control," I finished.

Professor Hazel nodded, looking impressed. "Nicely stated, asalways, Miss Grey. Your insights are always thought-provoking. Thank you for sharing."

I smiled back at him, feeling proud of myself. Archer leaned over. "You're so fucking beautiful when you speak." He kissed me lightly on the cheek, his lips lingering briefly before pulling away. "I love when you remind them why they should be in awe of you."

"Thank you," I whispered.

Archer smiled at me, a look of pure adoration in his eyes. "You're welcome." He gave me a light kiss on the lips and then returned to listening to the Professor's lecture.

As the class ended, I packed up my things and was about to leave when Professor Hazel approached me.

"Hey, Mila, I wanted to let you know that the board approved you for the teaching assistant position if you were still interested." His blue eyes never left mine. His words hung in the air like a weighted challenge. I could feel Archer's intense gaze on him.

"Um…yeah, I would love to. Thank you, Professor Hazel."

"Great. I'll send the details to your school email, and we can schedule a time to review expectations and lesson plans."

"I would love that. Thank you."

The rest of the day passed quickly, but something was different about Archer's behavior toward me. He wasn't rude, justdistant.

Something feltoff.

A feeling of unease settled in my stomach as I followed him outside after my final class. He leaned against a stone pillar and lit a cigarette, the smoke curling toward the sky. He didn't say anything. He just stared at me as he inhaled.

"I need to get some studying done. I'm going to go to the library for a little bit.”

"Okay."

"Okay?" I frowned.

"Yeah."

"Are you okay?"

"Yep. I'll meet you in the library in a bit."

"Alright," I sighed and left him where he stood, confused about his curt responses.

I spent several hours studying until the sun dipped below the horizon and the library had mostly cleared out. There were ten people, plus the librarian, still hanging around. I had picked a semi-secluded table upstairs to study. It was the same aisle where Archer had kissed me for the first time. I tapped the screen to see if he had texted me, but there was nothing.

"Are you waiting for something, little rabbit?" His voice broke my concentration, and I was startled as I looked in his direction and noted his calm demeanor as he approached me.

"Jesus, you scared me. Where have you been?"

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly as if he was gathering his thoughts. "Why were you checking your phone, Mila?" he asked, leaning down behind me, touching his lips to my ear.

"I-I was checking to see if you had texted me," I admitted, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was waiting for you."

"Did you want me to text you?"

"You said you would meet me here, but it's been several hours and I haven't heard from you." I turned my head to look at him, but his face was stoic. "What's wrong? Why are you acting strange?"

Yep, something was definitely off.

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