What have I done?

Chapter 4: What have I done?

“Who told him I was here?” Kael thought, eyes sweeping the office. The tension in the air gave everything away. It was obvious they had called him.

The moment Prince Kael Viren stepped inside, his gaze landed on Elias like a blade. Without a word, Kael stalked toward him, gripped his collar, and yanked him out of the office.

No one dared stop him. His power, his presence—it was overwhelming.

Kael dragged Elias outside, toward where his gang—the R8 waited. He tossed Elias to them like a discarded toy, then shoved him into the car. They drove in silence to the old, abandoned college playground, where bruises and broken glass whispered of past victims.

Just as they were about to start beating him, Kael flinched. A sudden, sharp pang gripped his chest like a warning.

“Stop.”

His voice rang out, and just like before, the gang froze. Frustration rippled through them, this wasn’t the first time Kael had spared Elias, and they didn’t like it.

“You all can leave. I’ll handle this,” Kael said coldly.

They hesitated, glaring at Elias as though he were the reason for Kael’s softness, then backed off and left in silence.

Kael turned back. His voice was eerily calm.

“What’s your name?” he asked, walking closer.

Before Elias could answer, Kael’s phone buzzed. He glanced down, frowning.

Mom: D’Lycan Queen

He answered.

“Kael,” his mother’s authoritative voice rang out. “Where are you? Still with your group?”

“What do you want?” Kael muttered.

“Well,” she replied smoothly, “Delia arrived earlier than expected. I thought you two could have a late night date...”

Elias, still on the ground, leaned in to listen.

His heart skipped.

A girl? A date?

Why did that twist his chest?

“No,” Kael snapped. “I’ve told you, I don’t want to marry. I’ll get an heir through surrogacy. End of discussion.”

“You will not rob me of a complete family,” the Queen said, her voice rising. “Unless you want your cousin to take the throne, you know what’s required.”

Kael’s jaw clenched. “Don’t bring him up.”

“I won’t live to see our legacy handed over to someone else. As for marriage, I won’t force you.”

The call ended.

Kael stared into space for a second before turning back to Elias.

“So you’re really my roommate?” Elias murmured.

Kael’s eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong with you? Why are you acting like that?”

“No...nothing,” Elias stammered. “I’m just... surprised. You’re my roommate and also…”

Kael’s irises flickered gold. Elias’s heart raced.

“What am I?” Kael asked, stepping closer.

“You’re... gay. And I don’t really like gays.” The words came out in a trembling whisper. Elias instantly regretted them.

Kael’s wolf growled inside him. “We need him,” it whispered with heat and hunger.

The anger warred with desire—and desire was winning.

Kael smiled darkly and stepped closer.

“Don’t come any closer!” Elias shouted, raising a trembling hand.

“Oh, right,” Kael said mockingly. “You reported me. So you must be homophobic.”

“I just... don’t think it’s right,” Elias mumbled, stepping back.

Kael grabbed him by the shirt collar, lifting him with raw strength.

“For daring to challenge me, I’ll make your life hell. You won’t survive this college.”

Elias’s face drained of color.

“What am I going to tell my parents?” he thought.

If he got expelled, it was over. His scholarship—gone. His parents couldn’t afford tuition.

“Please,” Elias whispered. “What do you want me to do? I can’t lose this. Please…”

Tears streamed down his face. His voice cracked from desperation.

Kael watched, feeling something stir inside him again—pity. The same emotion he’d crushed earlier with force. It wouldn’t go away.

What is this boy doing to me?

His expression twisted in confusion.

Then an idea struck him.

“Fine,” Kael said. “You want forgiveness? Then become my personal servant at the palace. When I go home, you follow. You’ll obey my every command—for free.”

Elias recoiled. “Wh-what?”

Kael stepped closer, towering over him.

“You heard me.”

Elias stumbled, nearly falling but Kael’s hand caught him. Firm, warm... possessive.

Sparks shot through Elias’s body. His breath caught.

“I refuse to accept this,” he muttered to himself silently, shaken.

He looked up—Kael’s eyes were still on him. He was slow to let go.

“Come with me,” Kael growled.

***

The next morning, all freshmen were asked to assemble in the auditorium for name intake. Elias found out through the class W******p group. He joined the others on the large field, heart pounding.

Several seniors passed. His eyes scanned for Kael.

Why am I looking for him? he wondered.

“Hi,” Elias said to a freshman beside him, trying to sound casual.

The guy turned, scowling.

“I’m Elias,” he offered. “Do you know if seniors will be handling this?”

The guy looked him up and down, then sneered.

“I can tell—you’re just a werewolf. And a foreigner at that. You don’t belong here.”

“Shut the hell up,” Elias snapped. “So what if I’m a werewolf? Mind your business before I report you.”

“Oh really?” the guy scoffed. “So they can kick you out?”

“Why would he get kicked out?”

The voice was sharp. Commanding.

Everyone turned.

Prince Kael Viren stood behind them, eyes blazing.

Elias froze.

“He’s done for,” someone whispered.

“That’s the second time Kael defended him…”

“What’s going on between them?”

“Is he... interested in him?”

Whispers spread like wildfire.

Why did he defend me? Elias wondered, stunned.

He’s gay. I’m his roommate. Does he... like me?

He didn’t have the answer. But he felt the pull and it terrified him.