Chapter 4: Fractures in the Dark
496 Words
The drive back to the estate was silent.
Too silent.
Zarek’s hands gripped the wheel like he was strangling the world. Lucien stared out the window, the city lights sliding by like falling stars, each one sharp enough to cut him.
Alder’s words wouldn’t stop echoing.
> Ask Zarek what he did to wear this crown.
Lucien clenched his fists. He’d trusted Zarek. He’d given him everything—his body, his heart, his loyalty. But now… doubt was crawling under his skin like poison.
---
The Estate — Midnight
Lucien walked into their room without waiting for Zarek. He peeled off his jacket and threw it on the bed. His heart felt heavy, his chest tight.
When Zarek finally entered, Lucien spun on him.
> “What did he mean?”
Zarek froze. “Lucien—”
> “Don’t say my name like that,” Lucien snapped. “Tell me the truth.”
Zarek stepped closer, shadows clinging to him like armor. “He’s trying to break us. That’s all this is.”
Lucien laughed—sharp, bitter. “Then why won’t you tell me what the hell you did?”
Zarek’s jaw flexed. “Because you don’t need to carry my sins.”
Lucien’s voice shook. “You think I’m not already carrying them? Every time someone bleeds because of you, every time I wonder if loving you is going to kill me—I’m already drowning in your world, Zarek.”
Zarek’s hand shot out, gripping Lucien’s wrist—not to hurt, but to keep him from walking away.
> “You want the truth?” Zarek’s voice dropped to a growl. “The only reason I’m standing here is because I put a bullet in someone who trusted me.”
Lucien’s breath caught. “Who?”
Zarek’s eyes burned. “Alder.”
Lucien staggered back. “You killed him?”
> “I tried. I should have finished the job.”
Lucien shook his head, stepping away. “And now he wants me because of you.”
Zarek closed the distance in two strides, pinning Lucien against the wall—not with violence, but desperation.
> “He wants you because you’re mine. And I will burn the city before I let him take you.”
Lucien stared into Zarek’s eyes—wild, broken, beautiful—and whispered:
> “And what if burning the city takes me with it?”
---
Elsewhere — Alder’s Lair
Alder sat in a leather chair, phone in hand, a smile curling on his lips.
> Send it, he ordered.
Minutes later, Lucien’s phone buzzed.
He pulled it out, still trembling from the argument.
One photo.
Of him.
Taken tonight.
In the elevator with Zarek.
> Do you really know who’s standing next to you?
— A.
Lucien’s fingers went numb.
> “He’s watching us,” he whispered.
Behind him, Zarek’s voice turned to ice.
> “Then let him watch me destroy him.”
- Writer
