Forbidden Equations: Love In the Dark
Episode 2: "The Warning"
Crestwood University Courtyard | Tuesday Morning
Lila clutched her coffee, the steam curling into the crisp autumn air. Last night’s encounter with Damien replayed in her mind—his bleeding knuckles, the way he’d called her *Goldilocks* like it was a challenge.
Chloe
(sliding onto the bench) "You look like you fought a hurricane. Was Black that bad?"
Lila Evans
"He’s... not what I expected."
A shadow fell over them. Noah stood, his letterman jacket pristine, his smile strained.
Noah Reed
"Lila. We need to talk."
Chloe excused herself with a knowing glance. Noah waited until she was out of earshot.
Noah Reed
(voice low) "Quit tutoring Black."
Lila Evans
"I can’t. Dean Briggs assigned me."
Noah Reed
(gripping her wrist) "He’s dangerous. Last year, a girl from Sigma House disappeared after arguing with him."
Lila Evans
(pulling free) "That’s just a rumor."
Noah Reed
"Then why does security have a file on him? Why does he vanish for weeks?" His eyes softened. "I care about you. Let me protect you."
Before she could reply, a motorcycle roared past, spraying gravel. Damien leaned against his bike, watching them with a smirk.
Damien Black
"Aw. Is Prince Charming giving warnings?"
Noah Reed
Stepping forward) "Stay away from her."
Damien Black
(ignoring him, to Lila) "We’ve got a session. Now."
Noah Reed
"She’s not going anywhere with you."
Damien Black
(coldly) "Try to stop me."
Lila shoved between them.
Lila Evans
"Enough! Noah, I’ll be fine. Damien, let’s go."
As she climbed onto Damien’s bike, Noah’s voice turned icy.
Lila Evans
"You’ll regret this, Lila."
Abandoned Train Yard | Noon
Damien tossed her a helmet
Damien Black
"Reed’s got a real hero complex."
Lila Evans
"He’s worried. People say you—"
Damien Black
"That I what? Killed someone? Sold drugs?" He kicked a rusted rail. "I don’t give a damn what they say. But you? You’re smarter than that."
Lila Evans
"Then tell me the truth. Why were you really expelled from your last school?"
He hesitated, then pulled a folded newspaper from his jacket. The headline: *Local Student Vanishes After Fraternity Party.*
Damien Black
"This wasn’t the first. And Reed’s frat is involved."
Lila Evans
(shaking her head) "Noah wouldn’t—"
Damien Black
"Open your eyes, Goldilocks. The pretty ones are always the cruelest."
Library Basement | 3:00 PM
Lila scrolled through archived campus news. Missing students. Covered-up assaults. All linked to Omega Phi, Noah’s fraternity.
**Noah’s Text:** *Emergency meeting at the frat house. Please come. I’ll explain everything.*
Damien’s warning echoed in her mind. But Noah deserved a chance to explain.
Omega Phi Frat House | 6:00 PM
Noah greeted her at the door, his smile too bright.
Noah Reed
"You came. I knew you’d trust me."
Inside, frat brothers eyed her like prey. The air smelled like bourbon and sweat.
Lila Evans
"What’s going on, Noah?"
He led her to a locked room. Inside, files were spread on a table—surveillance photos. Of her. Of Damien.
Noah Reed
"Black’s using you to get to me. He’s obsessed with tearing me down."
Lila Evans
(backing up) "You’ve been *watching* us?"
Noah Reed
(grabbing her arm) "I had to! He’s manipulating you!"
The door burst open. Damien stood there, eyes blazing.
Damien Black
"Let. Her. Go."
Noah Reed
"Or what? You’ll fight us all?"
Damien Black
(to Lila) "Run. Now."
She fled as fists flew behind her.
A knock. Damien leaned against her doorframe, lip split, knuckles raw.
Damien Black
"Told you he was a bastard."
Lila Evans
(bandaging his hand) "Why were you there?"
Lila Evans
"What do you want from me?"
Damien Black
(cupping her face) "Everything."
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