Under Currents

The sun hung low over Pleasant Hills, casting a golden haze across the academy grounds. The usual rhythm of student chatter filled the air, blending with the rustling leaves stirred by a light breeze. But something felt different today—an unease that coiled at the back of my mind, as if the very air carried a hidden warning.

I sat at one of the stone benches in the courtyard, my gaze flickering toward the academy gates. Kieran was late—again. And this time, I wasn't just frustrated. I was worried.

Since the party, our encounters had felt... different. Subtle glances, brief touches—things that lingered longer than they should, leaving questions I wasn't ready to ask. But now, his absence gnawed at me, filling the spaces between moments with unease.

Leonara slid onto the bench beside me, her lilac dress fluttering around her legs. "You've been staring at that gate for ten minutes, Sera. He'll show up."

"I'm not worried about him," I lied, my voice betraying a trace of impatience.

Leonara tilted her head, giving me a knowing smile. "Sure, you're not."

Her words hung in the air like a quiet tease, but I knew there was truth beneath them. Something had shifted between Kieran and me, something neither of us was willing to acknowledge fully.

Before I could respond, the sharp sound of heels against stone interrupted our conversation. Lianne Thornstone sauntered past, her presence commanding attention with every step. Her dark dress shimmered in the sunlight, clinging to her like second skin, and her eyes glinted with a smug satisfaction that made my skin crawl.

"Still waiting for your knight in dark armor, Monte Riego?" she drawled, a sly smile playing on her lips.

I kept my expression calm, meeting her gaze with an icy stare. "He'll be here."

Lianne's smile widened, her expression laced with mischief. "Oh, I'm sure he will. But I wonder—how much of him will be left for you when he's done playing his little games?"

Before I could respond, Leonara's grip tightened on my arm, silently warning me to stay calm. Lianne gave a soft, mocking laugh before disappearing into the crowd, her presence lingering like a shadow.

"She's impossible," Leonara muttered under her breath, her frustration mirroring mine.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "There's more to her than just insults. She knows something. I can feel it."

Leonara's expression darkened, her usual warmth replaced by quiet concern. "She always does. The Thornstones thrive on secrets."

I turned back toward the gate, my heart sinking slightly when I found it empty. Kieran's absence weighed on me more than I wanted to admit, leaving an ache I couldn't quite name.

I was halfway through reviewing notes in the Monte Riego mansion's library when I heard the faint sound of the gate creaking open. I set my pen down, heart quickening involuntarily. He was here.

I made my way to the front garden, my steps quick but silent over the polished marble floors. When I reached the door, Kieran was already waiting, leaning casually against the stone pillar like he belonged in the shadows.

"You're late," I said, my voice sharper than intended.

Kieran gave a small shrug, his dark gaze steady. "I had things to take care of."

"That seems to be your favorite excuse." I crossed my arms, trying to mask the relief washing over me.

He stepped closer, his presence familiar but overwhelming in the quiet garden. His jacket hung loosely on his shoulders, and the faint scent of rain and something darker clung to him.

"I don't owe you an explanation, Seraphine," he said softly, though there was no harshness in his tone. "Not yet."

His words stung, but there was something else there too—something unspoken, lingering in the space between us. I searched his face for answers, but his expression remained unreadable, cold but compelling.

"Then why are you here?" I asked quietly, my gaze never leaving his.

He exhaled softly, his gaze flickering for a brief second—something close to vulnerability crossing his features before vanishing. "Because I wanted to be."

The weight of his words settled over me, and for a moment, the tension between us felt unbearable.

Before I could respond, Kieran reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His touch was cool against my skin, but it sent warmth flooding through me.

"You should stop worrying about me," he murmured, his voice low. "It's not worth the trouble."

"I can't help it," I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them.

Kieran's gaze softened—just slightly—and for a heartbeat, I thought he might say something more. But instead, he stepped back, the familiar mask slipping back into place.

"You're impossible," I muttered, more to myself than to him.

His lips twitched, just barely—an almost-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "So are you, Monte Riego."

And then, as quickly as he had appeared, he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving me standing alone with more questions than answers.

Back inside the mansion, I returned to the library, trying to focus on my notes. But a small envelope on my desk caught my attention—a sleek black seal pressed into the wax, bearing a familiar crest.

The Thornstones.

With trembling fingers, I opened the letter, its message simple but chilling:

"Join us, or be swept aside. You know what's coming."

The words sent a shiver down my spine, the weight of the Thornstones' warning settling heavily over me. Time was running out, and I was running out of places to hide.