Chapter Six - Fractures in Fire

1026 Words
--- ❖ Morning – Magnus’ Apartment The silence was worse than any argument. Evelyn didn’t speak when Magnus passed her in the hallway. She didn’t look at him when she reached for her bag. And when he offered, quietly, “I’ll drive you,” she answered with the chill of rejection. “No. I’ll wait for Arnold.” Magnus blinked, as if slapped. “You’re angry.” No response. “You’re not safe out there alone.” “I won’t be alone.” “Evelyn—” She finally looked at him, eyes hard and hurt. “You won’t touch me, you won’t talk to me, and you act like being near me is a sin. So no, Magnus. I don’t want to ride with you.” She left him standing in the marble hallway, fists clenched, fangs aching from restraint. --- ❖ The Drive to Campus – Arnold’s Car “You’re quiet today,” Arnold noted, glancing sideways at her. Evelyn sat rigid, hands in her lap. “I’m just tired.” “Mmhm,” he said with an amused hum. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with Magnus refusing to drink you, would it?” She scowled. “He’s impossible.” “I’ve been telling him that for centuries.” She looked out the window. “It’s like
 he’s scared of me. Of us.” Arnold chuckled. “He is. That’s how you know he cares.” --- ❖ Silverthorne University – Afternoon Ivy linked arms with Evelyn between classes, her bubbly nature a perfect contrast to Evelyn’s quiet intensity. “So
 mystery time.” Ivy leaned closer. “Who is that god of a man that drops you off every day?” Evelyn choked on her sip of iced coffee. “What?” “The blond one. All golden and smug. Your boyfriend?” “No! He’s just
 a friend of Magnus.” “And Magnus is?” Evelyn hesitated. “Complicated.” Ivy pouted. “Lucky. All I get is creepy stares from professors. Although
” she glanced around, “I think Arnold smiled at me today.” Evelyn blinked. “You like him?” “I might climb him like a tree if he ever looked at me twice.” Evelyn laughed—genuinely. The tension around her chest loosened for a moment. --- ❖ University Gates – Twilight She waited by the stone entrance, twilight soaking the sky in purples and golds. Magnus hadn’t replied to her texts. Arnold said he was busy. She tapped her foot and tried not to feel abandoned. That’s when the man appeared. Dark-haired, tall, elegant in a casual button-up and black slacks. His eyes were violet, like Lilith’s
 but colder. “Evelyn Moreau,” he said smoothly. She blinked. “Do I
 know you?” “Not yet. I’m Darius. Lilith’s brother.” The tension returned instantly. “What do you want?” “Nothing,” he said with a calm smile. “I just came to talk. To meet the girl shaking the vampire court.” “I’m not—” “You are,” he said. “And you don’t even know how.” He took a step closer. “May I walk you home?” Before she could answer— Tires screeched. A black car pulled up. The door slammed. Magnus. He was in front of her in seconds, grabbing her arm and pulling her behind him with a snarl. “Step away from her.” Darius didn’t flinch. “Prince Magnus. What a pleasure.” “I won’t say it again.” “She’s her own person, no?” “Touch her again,” Magnus growled, “and I’ll tear your heart out.” Magnus didn’t wait for a reply—he grabbed Evelyn’s hand and pulled her into the car. --- ❖ Magnus’ Car – En Route “Magnus, what the hell—” “Don’t speak to him. Don’t go near him.” “Why?! Who is he?” “Dangerous.” “Like you?” He hit the brakes too hard at a red light. She turned toward him, face flushed with frustration. “You don’t get to yell at me for talking to someone when you won’t even touch me!” “You think I want to stay away?” he roared. “You think it’s easy?!” “I think you’re hiding something.” “You have no idea what you are.” “Then TELL ME!” He gritted his teeth. Silence. When they pulled into the driveway, Evelyn got out first—slamming the door behind her and racing into the apartment. --- ❖ Evelyn’s Room – Night She sobbed into the silk pillows. He made her feel wanted—then rejected. Safe—then invisible. He confused her. Hurt her. But she couldn’t stop needing him. She didn’t know who she was without him
 and she was terrified to find out. --- ❖ Magnus’ Study Arnold raised a brow. “She ran in crying. You gonna tell me why?” “She met Darius.” Arnold straightened. “Lilith’s brother?” “He was waiting at the gates.” “What did he want?” “To ‘talk.’ To unsettle me. To get to her.” Arnold exhaled. “And you panicked. Great.” Magnus looked away. “She screamed at me. Said I was hiding things.” “Are you?” Silence. Arnold softened. “She wants to trust you, Magnus. Let her. Stop treating her like a sin.” “I don’t know how to protect her anymore.” “Then maybe you should stop protecting her and start standing beside her.” --- ❖ End Scene – Elsewhere Darius sat at a table carved from obsidian, Lilith across from him. “She’s stubborn,” he noted. “She has his fire,” Lilith replied. “Will it be enough?” Lilith’s fingers drummed against her wine glass. “It doesn’t matter.” “Why not?” “Because I don’t need her to win.” She smiled darkly. “I only need Magnus to lose.” ---
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