Embers of Warning

The late afternoon sun spilled golden light through the tall windows of the dorm room, casting gentle shadows on the hardwood floor.

Inside, Lily, Maya, and Graham were gathered in their room.

Maya sat comfortably straddling Graham’s lap, her arms loosely around his neck.

He had one arm draped across her waist, the other holding a book he had long abandoned in favor of listening to the conversation Lily had launched into the moment she shut the door.

“I mean, can you believe him?” Lily said, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Touching me without my permission, smirking like a devil, and speaking like I should be flattered! Who the hell does he think he is?”

Graham raised a brow, but it was Maya who replied first, her expression stormy.

“He’s trouble, that’s who. There’s something not right about that guy. It’s not just arrogance. It’s... off. There’s danger beneath the surface.”

Lily began pacing, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

“I tried to handle it myself, okay? I was firm. I was loud. I made sure he knew he crossed a line. I didn't want to come across as weak, especially not in front of Lucas and Liam. Because if they think I can't handle myself, they will slap guards on me like I’m some princess in a tower.”

Graham shrugged, his fingers idly brushing along Maya’s spine.

“What’s so bad about that? They care about you. And if they decide to get you protection, it’s probably because you need it.”

Lily stopped and turned to him sharply.

“That’s not the point! I’m their Luna, not some delicate flower. I need them to trust me to handle situations, not babysit me. If they start wrapping me in bubble wrap now, what will happen when the real challenges come?”

Maya nodded vigorously in agreement.

“Exactly. She’s not saying she doesn’t want help when it matters. She just doesn’t want to be coddled.”

Graham held up his hands in mock surrender.

“Alright, alright. I get it. No overprotective Alpha behavior. Still... I don't blame Lucas for punching that guy. Ethan was asking for it.”

Lily sighed, falling onto the couch.

“Yeah, but it didn’t help. It escalated things. Now Ethan probably thinks he has to prove something, and that makes him more dangerous. People like him thrive on chaos.”

Maya slid off Graham’s lap and walked over to Lily.

“You did well, though. Honestly. You stood your ground and didn’t let him intimidate you. That’s strength. But still... I’m with you. Something about him doesn’t sit right with me.”

Just as the conversation began to dip into silence, a soft rustling came from the door.

A crisp white envelope was slid under it with precise intent.

All three turned to look at it.

Graham stood, moving swiftly to pick it up. He turned it over, inspecting it, then handed it to Lily.

“It has your name on it.”

Lily frowned but accepted the envelope, breaking the seal with careful fingers.

A glossy invitation slipped out.

'You're invited to the Crescent Hill Campfire Gathering.

Tomorrow Night — 8 PM

Behind the Crescent Commons Dormitory

Food, Music, Moonlight, and a Magical night Await.'

Lily's eyes lit up.

“A campfire? I've never been to one before. Not a real one, anyway. I mean, I’ve seen them in movies but... this sounds kind of amazing.”

Maya grinned, immediately infected by Lily’s enthusiasm.

“It is amazing. You’ve got to come. It’s honestly one of the best experiences on campus. There’s music, dancing, food, and the vibes are always incredible under the stars.”

Graham smiled softly at Maya, his arm draping around her shoulder.

“We went last year, remember? You made us dance to every single song.”

Maya rolled her eyes.

“And you loved every second of it.”

Lily was already mentally sorting through her wardrobe.

“What should I wear? I don’t want to overdress but I don’t want to look like I just rolled out of bed either.”

Maya chuckled.

“Don’t worry. I’ll help you pick something. Think: cozy cute. Jeans, maybe a flannel, something warm but flirty. You want to be able to sit on a log and still look good by firelight.”

As Lily moved toward her closet, rifling through hangers with excitement, Maya turned to Graham.

Her expression shifted subtly.

From joy to concern.

She tugged him gently toward the small kitchen corner of the dorm room, far enough that Lily wouldn't overhear as she talked to herself about boots and braids.

Maya's voice dropped low.

“I’m serious about what I said earlier. Something is wrong with that guy. Ethan. I don’t trust him. The way he acts around Lily... it’s more than just annoying. It’s calculating.”

Graham's easy smile faded.

“What are you thinking?”

Maya looked over at Lily and then back at Graham, her eyes filled with worry.

“I don’t know yet. But I want you to find out. Everything. Where he came from. Who he knows. What his past looks like. I need to know if we should be preparing for more than just a creep with a bruised ego.”

Graham nodded slowly.

“I’ll dig around. See what I can find. I have some connections in the administration... and some old friends in the enforcers' registry. If there’s something off about him, I’ll find it.”

Maya sighed, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

“Thank you. I know Lily seems strong—and she is—but she doesn’t deserve another person in her life trying to hurt her. Not after everything with Alex.”

Graham’s jaw tightened at the mention of the name.

Everyone from their high-school still carried scars from Alex’s reign of cruelty and manipulation.

Even though he was gone, his shadow stretched long and wide over them.

They rejoined Lily, who held up two options for outfits.

“This sweater or this jacket?” she asked.

Maya smirked.

“Let’s go with the jacket. Shows off your figure more. You know you have to look good as the Luna of the Alpha twins.”

Lily rolled her eyes but grinned.

“I’m gonna look better than them.”

They all laughed, the tension temporarily forgotten, replaced with the warmth of friendship and anticipation for a night beneath the stars.

But while Lily dreamed of bright flames and the freedom of laughter, Maya and Graham quietly prepared for a deeper fire—one lit by suspicion, fueled by secrets, and waiting to burn beneath the surface.