Professor Owen chuckled. "You're right—I do regret taking you on. I've regretted it for God knows how long. But as long as you're my student, I won't allow these negative things to affect you.

"Besides, I'm Ward's friend. I know all about you. I objected to you being sent there for your internship, you know. It's just that no one listened to me." Professor Owen sighed.

"I know things wouldn't have ended just like that, though. That's why the university and I agreed on a backup plan. If anything were to go wrong because of your identity, you'd be given another chance elsewhere.

"You'll have to use a fake name, though. And it's one that the university arranged." Professor Owen fell silent after that.

Darius didn't say anything. Sunlight streamed in through the window and shone down on him. It made him seem peaceful and warm.

Brett stared at him. He'd never seen Darius like this before. He couldn't help feeling nervous despite knowing Darius was in a good mood. And it wasn't like Darius