Chapter Thirteen-Storms and Sparring
796 Words
🩸Bloodbound Hearts: Chapter Thirteen – Storms and Sparring
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❖ Monday Morning – Silverthorne University Courtyard
The first day back from summer break dawned soft and calm. Birds chirped, the air was crisp, and the heat of the beach faded into memory. Evelyn and Ivy walked across the university courtyard with their bags slung lazily on one shoulder.
Too normal.
"I'm not used to this kind of peace," Evelyn whispered.
Ivy, popping a piece of gum, nodded. "Yeah, no blood, no kidnapping, no creepy visions. Almost boring."
Evelyn chuckled, but there was an edge of truth in their words. They had walked through fire. Now, peace felt... unnatural.
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❖ That Evening – Magnus' Apartment
"It's too quiet," Magnus muttered, staring out the window.
Arnold, lounging on the couch with a book in one hand and a chocolate bar in the other, grunted. "Normal people like quiet, Magnus. You should try it."
Magnus turned, irritated. "This silence feels like the calm before a storm."
"Then enjoy the calm while you can," Arnold said with a shrug.
Magnus rolled his eyes.
A sudden knock on the door cut through the room.
Both vampires stilled. Magnus vanished in a blur and opened the door—and froze.
Ivy stood there, soaked to the bone, rain dripping from her hair, her lips trembling.
"Ivy?" Evelyn's voice was sharp behind him as she rushed forward.
Without a word, Ivy threw herself into Evelyn's arms, clinging to her like a child.
Arnold was at her side in seconds, eyes wide. "What happened?"
"I was robbed," she finally whispered as Evelyn guided her inside. "It was raining. I fell... I just wanted to see you."
Evelyn helped her to the bathroom while Magnus silently offered towels. Later, wrapped in a thick blanket and wearing one of Evelyn’s soft nightgowns, Ivy sat on the couch beside Arnold.
He knelt before her, inspecting the bruises on her hands.
"Why did you go out this late alone?" he asked, his voice a quiet storm.
"I missed you," she murmured.
"That’s not a reason to put yourself in danger. You could have—"
She leaned forward suddenly, straddling his lap and hugging him tight. "I’m sorry, okay? Don’t be mad."
Arnold stared at her, his anger melting with her warmth. She kissed his cheek. He sighed. "You’re impossible."
"You love me."
He grunted. "Unfortunately."
Evelyn placed a tray with hot cocoa on the table. "Be gentle with her."
"I'm trying," Arnold said, already burying his face in Ivy's neck.
Magnus watched the scene for a beat, then turned to Evelyn. He took her hand.
"Come."
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❖ Magnus' Bedroom – Midnight
He pulled her into the room and shut the door with a soft click, trapping her between the door and his chest.
"I'm starving," he whispered, voice deep, eyes glowing faintly.
Her breath hitched. He leaned in, his mouth hovering at her neck.
"Only on one condition," she whispered.
He blinked. "Name it."
She smirked. "You and Arnold teach us how to fight. Tomorrow."
He paused. "Why?"
"We're too weak. If we had any kind of strength... maybe things would be different."
He groaned softly. "Evelyn..."
She leaned up and nipped at his jaw. "Please? I’ll make it worth your while."
His restraint broke.
He crushed her lips with his, lifting her effortlessly as they fell back onto the bed. His hunger, both for blood and her, unleashed like a storm.
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❖ Saturday Morning – Training Grounds
The sun was high by the time they gathered behind the apartment, an empty field Magnus had transformed into a makeshift sparring arena.
Ivy stood in yoga shorts and a tank top, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I'm so ready."
"Are you though?" Arnold smirked, arms crossed, looking all too pleased.
Magnus handed Evelyn a wooden staff. "Defense first. Strike second."
She took it with determination. "I'm not afraid."
Within minutes, that confidence faltered.
Magnus sidestepped her every swing, deflected every jab, and disarmed her effortlessly. Evelyn was panting, frustrated.
Ivy, meanwhile, tried to lunge at Arnold and ended up face-first in the grass.
"I thought you loved me!" she cried.
Arnold chuckled. "I do. That’s why I’m teaching you to survive."
Both girls eventually collapsed in the grass.
"You're so mean," Ivy muttered.
"Cruel," Evelyn agreed.
The boys exchanged a glance.
"Again," Magnus said.
They groaned.
But got back up.
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❖ End Scene – Later That Day
The girls sat with frozen water bottles against their bruises. But their eyes sparkled.
"We'll get better," Evelyn said.
"We will," Ivy agreed.
Inside, Magnus and Arnold stood near the window.
"They have spirit," Arnold said.
"They’ll need it," Magnus replied.
Far away, something stirred in the shadows.
And the peace... would not last.
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- Writer
