whispers at Midnight

THE UNSPOKEN BOND

The rooftop garden was Mira’s secret escape. Ivy curled along the stone railings, and old roses bloomed in forgotten corners. Few students came up here—certainly not the Storm siblings.

That’s why she jumped when she heard footsteps behind her.

Elias.

He stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his presence coiled and still. The wind tousled his dark hair, but his expression stayed unreadable.

"You always sneak off to places like this?" he asked, his voice low.

"Only when I need to breathe," Mira replied softly, hugging her sketchbook to her chest.

A long pause stretched between them. He stepped closer, keeping just enough distance to show restraint.

"You shouldn’t be here."

"Why?" she asked. "Because I’m a servant?"

Elias didn’t answer right away. Instead, he looked at her—really looked. His silver eyes darkened, not with anger, but something deeper. Conflict. Confusion.

"Because being around you messes with everything I’ve worked to control."

Mira’s breath caught. The air between them changed. He wasn’t threatening her—he was warning himself.

Then, a sudden prick on her finger—a thorn. A single drop of blood welled up.

Elias went rigid.

His gaze locked on the cut. His pupils dilated. His body trembled.

"Leave," he growled, voice strained.

"Elias—"

"Go!"

She stumbled back, heart racing, and fled down the stairs.

---

In the hallway below, Kael leaned against the stone wall, having seen everything. His expression wasn’t surprised—but concerned.

"It’s starting," he whispered.

---

Later that night, Mira stood at the mirror in her tiny servant’s room. She touched her chest, where something inside her pulsed softly. Unfamiliar. Ancient.

She remembered Elias’s eyes. The way he had looked at her—like she was both his salvation and his curse.

"Why do I feel like I already know you?" she whispered.

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