They walked together down the surprisingly quiet hallway. Fredrick moved with an elegance that made each step look intentional, almost too perfect for a normal human being.
"Miss Fiona," he began gently, "you never told me why such a pretty maiden walks around by herself."
Pretty maiden? Great. Now I don't know how to speak properly.
"I-I wasn't planning to walk alone," she managed. "I was looking for someone."
He nodded, thoughtful. "May I ask you something?"
Here we go… please don't be awkward, please don't be awkward…
"Do you know someone named Twilight? Twilight Fall."
Her stomach dropped. Why him? Why now?
"Yes, I know him… not personally. Why? Are you related to him?"
Fredrick paused mid-stride. "Related? Not exactly. But in certain… instances, we might be considered connected." His tone hid more than it revealed. "I asked for some peculiar reasons, if you don't mind."
She didn't even try to push further. "It's fine."
They walked a little more—until Twilight appeared at the end of the hallway, his expression cold and angry, though still controlled.
"Fiona," he said tightly, "may I speak to you?"
Oh, perfect. Right between whatever this is.
She stepped toward Twilight, but Fredrick's hand gently closed around her wrist.
"As you can see," Fredrick said calmly, "we're still in the middle of a conversation."
Their eyes locked—two storms crashing without a single thunderclap.
Fiona felt the tension prickling up her spine. And here I am, the poor girl stuck in the middle of their family drama. Yay me.
"Why don't we ask Fiona what she wants?" Fredrick added, still staring at Twilight.
Why me? Why do I have to choose like I'm picking sides in a supernatural custody battle?
Twilight's eyes met hers—sharp, warning, almost pleading for her not to choose Fredrick.
Fredrick waited, firm and unblinking.
"I…" Fiona swallowed. "I'll go with Twilight. I'll be right back, Fredrick. I just want to hear what he has to say."
Please let this not blow up in my face.
Twilight led her to a quiet corner. Not roughly, but firmly.
"Fiona," he said lowly, "stay away from him. It's an advice."
"An advice or a command?" she snapped, pulling her hand away. "You dragged me here just to tell me that? He seems nice to me. Aren't you guys supposed to be brothers or something?"
"If you wish to insult me, do it well than say I'm brothers with him." Was what he said next.
Twilight looked disappointed—quietly, deeply—but hid it under a cold shrug.
" But he seems nice?" A confused look settled on her face.
"Well, that's your business. But Miss Marvin…" His voice dropped to something too soft and too sharp. "You really need to analyze people properly."
Then he walked off.
Great. So am I wrong for choosing you? Because you're acting incredibly annoying right now.
She returned to Fredrick. He looked a little worried.
"Is everything alright?" he asked softly, placing a warm hand on her shoulder.
"No. But let's just continue." She forced a tiny smile.
They talked for a while, calm and light, until she decided to head back to class. He insisted on walking her all the way but finally nodded.
"See you some other time," he said, offering her a small wave before walking off.
He didn't even wait for her reply—almost like something was bothering him.
On her way inside, Fiona finally spotted Aviva and marched over with an irritated glare.
"Where have you been? I was looking everywhere for you!"
Aviva blushed immediately.
"…What's with that face?" Fiona narrowed her eyes. "Aviva?"
She grabbed Fiona's arm, dragging her aside. "Fiona! Guess what?"
"Oh boy. What now?"
"Fiona. Caesar is throwing a HUGE party! Well, it's a rumour, but-"
Fiona hissed and pulled Aviva's ear. "Aviva!"
"Ow! You're such a killjoy," she pouted, rubbing her ear.
Fiona rolled her eyes. "I'm going home. School's over."
"You're not staying for the pep rally? And hey—where were you earlier?"
"I'll tell you when you stop asking a million questions," Fiona teased, walking away.
At the parking lot, she froze. The driver waiting by the car wasn't her usual one.
"Excuse me… where's Mr. River?"
The man turned with a warm smile. Tall, handsome, maybe in his thirties, dressed neatly in a black suit.
"Good afternoon, Miss Fiona. I'll be your driver for now. My name is Sir Ares."
Her brows furrowed. "What happened to Mr. River?"
"He's on leave, Miss. I'll be assisting you in the meantime." He opened the door smoothly. "Please."
Fiona entered slowly.
The ride home was strangely peaceful smooth, quiet, almost like the car floated instead of rolled.
By the time they arrived and the gates opened, she stepped out with a long, calming exhale.
For the first time that day, she felt the tension leave her shoulders.