Page 63 of The Fractured Veil

"Enough," I finally said, my voice firm, trying to inject a sense of calm into the charged atmosphere. "I'm going back to the academy. It's my choice. You all need to calm down." This ridiculous standoff was getting us nowhere.

James's expression softened slightly, and he gave me a small nod, his shoulders relaxing a fraction. Elara sighed, relief washing over her features. Damon exchanged a glance with Zarek and Nox—a silent communication passing between them—and they stepped back.

"Alright," Zarek said, shrugging casually, his usual playful demeanor returning—though a hint of possessiveness still lingered in his amber eyes. "Lead the way, Firefly."

I rolled my eyes at the nickname, but a small smile tugged at my lips despite myself. As we began to walk back towards the academy, I felt a strange sense of balance between the two worlds I was caught in—one of burgeoning friendship and unwavering loyalty with James and Elara, the other of danger, uncertainty, and an undeniable pull towards the enigmatic Shadow Brothers.

"What the actual fuck, Thalia?" Elara whispered, her voice laced with disbelief, glancing over her shoulder. I followed her gaze; Nox and Zarek were trailing about thirty feet behind us, their presence a constant reminder of the complicated dynamics that surrounded me. "Why are they following you like guard dogs?" she asked, her tone a mix of amusement and genuine curiosity.

"Um, like I said, it's a long story, but I promise I'm good," I said, though I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment not seeing Damon. I supposed he had enough of the chaos I had caused for him today, specifically. The thought stung more than I cared to admit.

"Doesn't seem that way," James muttered, irritation evident in his voice. "You disappear after the Wonders of Nexara, we were worried sick. All we heard was that you were safe, and that's it. No explanation, no contact. Classes started a few days ago." He crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in concern.

I sighed, the weight of their concern pressing down on me. I understood why they were upset, but it still felt overwhelming to be questioned like this—especially when I couldn't explain everything. Not yet, anyway. "I know, and I'm sorry," I said softly. "It was complicated, and I couldn't get word to you guys. Trust me, if I could have, I would have. But I swear, I'm okay." Physically, at least. The emotional turmoil was a different story.

Elara studied me for a moment, her fiery eyes searching mine before her gaze softened. "You better be, Thalia. I don't know what kind of mess you've gotten yourself into, but just remember we're here for you." She looped her arm through mine, giving me a reassuring squeeze. "No matter how crazy it gets."

James still looked skeptical, but he gave me a tight smile. "Just... be careful. They—" He pointed back, making it obvious he was talking about Nox and Zarek, "—are dangerous. I know they seem protective, but there's a darkness to them, Thalia. I'm just worried about you."

"I get it, I get it. I'll be careful, but they're notoutto get me. They've helped me a lot, actually." My tone was harsh, but I felt the need to defend them—a surprising surge of protectiveness rising within me after everything they'd done for me.

We continued walking, the tension easing slightly as Elara and James filled me in on everything I had missed at the academy. It was comforting to hear their voices, to know that despite everything, I still had friends who cared about me. As we approached the gothic structure of the academy, I glanced back at Nox and Zarek. They kept their distance, almost blending into the shadows of the surrounding trees, but I could feel their eyes on me.

"I'm going to talk to them before heading back to my dorm, but I'll see you guys tomorrow?" I asked, smiling at Elara and James as they glanced at Nox and Zarek for a moment before nodding. They both gave me a big hug before leaving me with mytwo guard dogs.

"We aren't guard dogs, I hope you know I could hear everything," Nox muttered, glaring at Elara and James's retreating forms as he approached. "If they weren't your friends, that would've gone differently."

A laugh escaped my lips at the grumpy Nox before me. Zarek joined in with my laughter, his melodic chuckle echoing around us, causing Nox to turn his glare—now softened with a hint of exasperation—towards us. "What's so funny?" he grumbled, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

"I know, you two aren'treallyguard dogs," I chuckled. "But I'm going to head back to my dorm now. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me—truly—but it's probably best I give you all some space. I did just crash into your secluded lives," I added, the words feeling heavy on my tongue. I didn't want to leave the surprising comfort I felt with them, but I'm sure all of them—especially Damon—wanted their space back.

"No way are we leaving you alone," Zarek stated firmly. He glanced at Nox, another silent conversation passing between them. "Ifyouwant to stay at the academy, then fine. We can stay here, too." He shrugged as if it were the simplest decision in the world.

"Not only do you have Arethax after you," Nox added, "but you royally pissed off Astaroth."

"We have a room at the academy," Zarek continued, casually draping his arm over my shoulder as he started to lead us towards the main buildings. "You can stay there with us, or we can camp outside your room. Up to you, Firefly."

"No way we would fit in my dorm," I responded, shaking my head. I tried to picture the two of them—all six-foot-plus of sculpted muscle and dark, brooding energy—crammed into that tiny space with me. My little twin bed and minuscule desk were hardly enough room for one, let alone three. And the thought of sharing such close quarters withthem—with Zarek's playful taunts and whatever was going on between Nox and me... My cheeks flushed at the image, but I quickly pushed it aside.

"We can go to your dorms if myguard dogshave to be with me," I added, taking a jab at them.

As we approached the men's dorms, I started to feel my anxiety rising. Students passed us, their eyes widening as they took in the sight of Nox and Zarek flanking me. Whispers followed, and I could feel their curious gazes burning into my back. Nox and Zarek seemed completely unfazed by the attention, but I was not used to it.

Reaching the top floor, we entered their dorm. The deep gray walls, accented with soft lighting and polished herringbone floors created a darkly warm ambiance. A chandelier lit the intricate ceiling moldings. An antique mirror reflected the soft light, creating the illusion of more space. At the hallway's end, a plush velvet armchair sat beside a tall, arched window. Its dark curtains were open, revealing a breathtaking view of the academy grounds below.

"This is your dorm? I mean, I shouldn't be surprised, it seems like you three are above normal standards." I said with a laugh, glancing between the two of them. "It's more like a royal suite than a dorm room. Seriously, a chandelier in what, your living room? It's ridiculous." I shook my head, still taking it all in.

Zarek grinned, nudging me lightly. "What did you expect? We're not exactly like everyone else here."

“And why’s that?” I asked, genuinely curious.

His amber eyes flickered down to my lips, and back up to my eyes. “Because we don’t pretend to be something we’re not. Unlike most people here, we know exactly who we are—and what we want. ”

I narrowed my eyes, sensing there was more he wasn’t saying. “And what exactly areyou?”

He leaned in a little closer, invading my personal space. “Monsters, Thalia,” he stated, his voice low and husky. “We’re monsters. But at least we’re honest about it.” A smirk played on his lips, challenging me to react.

Nox moved past us, his footsteps silent as he gestured for me to follow him deeper into thesuite. I trailed behind him, trying not to laugh at Zarek—his dramatics were almost too much to take seriously, despite the underlying truth in his words.

---