Chương 20: Chapter 20 - Actions have Consequences
Caius's knock came like a warning shot, sharp and commanding.
Eira startled awake, her head jerking up from Finn's shoulder. She blinked groggily, the heavy fog of sleep giving way to a jolt of panic as the sound registered. Her heart skipped, a cold dread knotting in her stomach.
No. Not here. Not now.
The second knock came louder, insistent, sending a shiver down her spine.
"What the hell is knocking like that at this hour?" Finn muttered, groaning as he sat up beside her.
Eira shot to her feet, her legs unsteady beneath her. "I'll get it," she said quickly, smoothing her hair with trembling fingers. She felt as though she were standing on the edge of a precipice, the ground beneath her crumbling.
She ignored Finn's frown and stumbled toward the door, every step weighted with dread. Her mind raced. What am I going to say? How do I explain this?
She cracked the door open, and there he was.
Caius.
His golden eyes burned with cold fire, more furious than she'd ever seen them. He didn't need to say anything—his gaze alone pinned her in place, the weight of it making her throat tighten. Two guards flanked him, silent and unmoving, like shadows given form.
"Eira," Caius said, his voice low and simmering with barely restrained anger. "Get your things. Now."
Her blood turned to ice, but before she could speak, the door opened wider behind her, and Finn's voice cut through the tension.
"What the hell is this?" Finn snapped, stepping into view. "Who is this guy?"
Eira turned sharply, panic rising in her chest. No, Finn. Don't—
But it was too late.
Caius's gaze flicked to him, sharp and assessing. A humorless smile tugged at his lips, his expression cold. "Finn," he said with biting familiarity. "It's been a while. I see you've recovered."
Finn's brow furrowed, confusion giving way to recognition. His eyes widened slightly. "You're—"
"Caius," Eira interrupted quickly, her voice shaking but firm. "We just fell asleep. There's no need for—"
"No need?" Caius cut her off, his voice deadly soft. The heat of his glare snapped back to her, and she felt as though he could see straight through her, down to her every reckless decision.
"You were supposed to return before nightfall," he said, his words cutting like shards of glass. "Instead, I find you here, after dark—against my orders, vulnerable, and utterly careless."
"I wasn't—"
"You were warned, Eira," he interrupted, his tone darkening. "I don't make idle threats."
Her stomach twisted, shame and anger warring within her. I didn't mean for this to happen. I just wanted one night of normalcy.
"Against your orders? Vulnerable?" Finn cut in, his voice rising with disbelief. "Who the hell do you think you are barging into her apartment like this?!"
Caius's lips curled into a faint sneer, but his voice remained calm, icy. "I'm the one keeping her alive."
The room felt as though it had dropped several degrees, the tension thick enough to choke on.
Finn stepped forward, his fists clenched. "She doesn't need you to—"
"Enough!" Eira snapped, her voice cracking under the strain. "Both of you!"
The silence that followed was suffocating, the air heavy with words unsaid.
She stepped closer to Caius, her pulse pounding so loudly she could barely hear herself think. "Let's go," she said quietly, her voice trembling but resolute. "You've made your point."
Caius's gaze lingered on Finn for a moment longer, and Eira could feel the weight of unspoken threats hanging in the air. Finally, he nodded sharply. "Fine. Get your things. We're leaving."
Her chest felt hollow as she hurried to grab her bag and coat. She couldn't meet Finn's eyes.
"Eira," Finn said, his voice soft but insistent. He caught her arm, his grip firm but not harsh. "What's going on? Why are you letting him talk to you like that?"
She hesitated, her throat tight. "It's complicated," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just… don't worry about it. I'll explain later."
Her words felt hollow even as she spoke them, and the hurt in Finn's eyes carved into her.
"Now, Eira," Caius called from the doorway, his tone brooking no argument. She pulled away before he could say anything more.
I'm sorry, Finn. The words screamed in her mind, but she couldn't bring herself to say them aloud. She walked past him, each step heavier than the last.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
JadedButCute
JadedButCute Hey, amazing readers!
Wow, what a chapter, right? Caius showing up like an unannounced storm at 3 AM, Finn trying to be the protective brother, and Eira caught in the middle of it all. Talk about tension! Writing this scene gave me serious secondhand stress (and honestly, I don’t know who I’d rather yell at—Caius for his overbearing vibes or Finn for walking straight into danger).
What do you think—was Caius too harsh, or was this Eira’s wake-up call? And can Finn stop poking the bear long enough to understand what’s really going on? Let me know your thoughts below. Thanks for reading, and see you next chapter!
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