As Elijah sat back down, his eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I couldn't believe he was a vampire, and a careless one at that. Compelling someone in broad daylight, in front of witnesses, was reckless.
Lilith leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's going on, Rose? Who is this guy?"
I shook my head, unsure how to respond. Elijah's gaze never wavered, his eyes seeming to bore into my soul.
Cass, still entranced, asked, "So, Elijah, what brings you to our table?"
Elijah's smile returned, and he leaned back in his chair. "Just making friends. Although, I must say, your friends are quite... interesting."
His tone sent a warning bell ringing in my mind. What did he want from us?
The rest of lunch was tense, with Elijah dominating the conversation. Lilith and I exchanged wary glances, unsure what to make of him.
As we finished eating, Elijah stood, his eyes locked on me. "Walk with me, Rose. I think we need to talk."
Lilith's eyes narrowed. "I don't think that's a good idea."
Elijah's smile grew wider. "Oh, I think it's a great idea. Don't you, Rose?"
I hesitated, feeling a sense of unease. But something about Elijah's words resonated with me. Maybe it was the mystery surrounding him, or the danger that seemed to lurk beneath his charming facade.
"Fine," I said, standing up. "Let's talk."
Lilith's eyes flashed with concern, but I reassured her with a nod. "I'll be okay. Meet you outside?"
Lilith nodded, her eyes never leaving Elijah's face.
As we walked out of the cafeteria, Elijah's arm brushed against mine, sending a spark of electricity through my body. I pulled away, my heart racing.
"What do you want, Elijah?" I asked, my voice firm.
Elijah chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, Rose. I think you know exactly what I want."
I raised an eyebrow. "I don't think I do."
Elijah's smile grew wider. "You're a witch, Rose. A powerful one. And I think you're in danger."
My eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Elijah leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I've been watching you, Rose. I know about your nightmares. And I think I know what's causing them."
My heart skipped a beat. "What do you know?"
Elijah's eyes seemed to bore into my soul. "You're being hunted, Rose. By something ancient and powerful. And I think I can help you."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Why would you help me?"
Elijah's smile returned, but this time it seemed genuine. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in keeping you alive."
I studied his face, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was sincerity.
"Who's hunting me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Elijah's eyes locked onto mine. "That's what you need to figure out."