Chapter 9｜Shadows and Moves
225 Words
Isolde’s figure stretched long in the fading sunlight as she walked down the hallway, her steps steady but unhurried. She knew Lucien’s gaze was still tracking her like a shadow, but this time, she refused to run. Instead, she met his stare briefly, letting the silence between them say what words never could.
On the other side of the corridor, Elysium leaned against the cold, rough wall, arms crossed tightly, watching the scene unfold with a calculated calm. A flicker of something complicated—jealousy, anger, maybe even a hidden hope—crossed his eyes before he masked it with indifference. His lips curled into a small, ironic smirk. He muttered under his breath, “This game is far more interesting than I expected.” His voice was low, almost a warning.
Suddenly, Isolde’s phone vibrated sharply in her hand. She glanced down, heart skipping a beat. The screen lit up with a message from Riven—three simple words: “See you tonight.”
Her brow twitched ever so slightly, and a faint, unreadable smile touched her lips. The chessboard of her heart was set, pieces moving silently in the shadows. She knew this emotional game was just beginning—and no one would play fair.
The hallway around her buzzed with students, but Isolde’s world had narrowed to the silent war unfolding inside.
- Writer
