Chapter 17: Shadows in the Dark

Soon silence and inaction began to reign. Ethan and Aria did their best to act normal around the other but could not. Ryan's last words kept echoing in your mind. The storm was far from over.

---.

One day, Aria was sitting with Sophie in the library and trying to do her homework. Though Sophie's chatter helped her distract, she was still glancing at the door every few minutes expecting Ryan or Ethan to walk in.

"YOU AREN'T EVEN LISTENING" SOPHIE SAID AS SHE HITTING HER.

"Sorry," said Aria as she smiled awkwardly.

Sophie sighed. "See things have been crazy but you need to calm down. Ethan can fend for himself and Ryan is just a spoiled brat throwing a tantrum.

"That's what I'm afraid of," Aria said. Ryan is not acting like himself. He's...obsessed.".

"Then let Ethan deal with him," said Sophie. You aren't accountable for everything Aria

Before Aria could reply, her cellphone started ringing with a message. When she opened it, she found a picture of Ethan standing alone by the bleachers and got an ominous message.

"Tick-tock. He doesn't have much time.

Aria's heart raced as she displayed the message to Sophie.

"This is getting out of control, Sophie said, trembling." "You must let Ethan know."

Aria nodded, gathering her belongings, and ran out of the library.

---.

When Aria found Ethan, he was leaning against the bleachers, lost in thought.

"Check this out," she said as she passed him her phone.

Ethan looked darkly at the message. "Ryan's playing with fire.".

"What's our plan going to be?""Does she even know what she did?"

Ethan's gaze steady on her, he looked. "We don't do anything. I'll handle it.".

"You can't keep shutting me out, Ethan," Aria said, irritation creeping into her voice.

"I'm not putting you aside, said Ethan. "I'm protecting you.".

"I don't need protection!" Aria snapped. "Trust me, okay?"

Ethan sighed after staring at her for a long time. "Fine. If you accept my proposal, you need to follow my lead.

---.

Ethan and Aria made a plan to confront Ryan that night. Ethan wanted to meet Ryan alone but Aria would not let him go without backup.

Ethan caught himself mumbling, "You're too stubborn for your own good," as he headed toward the place they had arranged to meet—a derelict parking lot.

Aria said back to him, "You're too reckless."

When they arrived, Ryan was already at the scene, smugly leaning against his car. His crew stood by with neutral faces.

Ryan pushed off the car and said, "Well, well." Who thought did not show up.

Ethan said coolly, "No more playing games, Ryan." "What do you want?".

Ryan's grin widened. "I want what's mine.".

Aria took a step forward. Her voice remained steady despite her fear. I was never yours, Ryan. This needs to stop.".

Ryan's smile slipped, leaving behind a glimpse of something vulnerable for a moment. You don't understand, do you, Aria? He is not the person you think he is.

"And you are?Ethan stepped in front of Aria, a forceful reply.

Ryan lost his cool and yelled. You're not good enough for her, Carter! Your presence spoils everything!".

As Ryan started attacking Ethan, the fists began to fly and things got heated. Ethan She dodged, his movement was calculated.

"Ryan, stop!Aria yelled out as others also joined the call.

But Ryan was not rational because of all his anger. Ethan punched Ryan hard and he stumbled back.

Ethan said, "You are done Ryan," in a low, threatening voice. Aria is off-limits unless you want regrets.

Ryan shot him a look, wiping blood from his lip. "This isn't over.".

---.

Ethan turned and looked at Aria as they walked away. "You okay?".

"I'm fine," she said, her voice faltering.

Ethan paused before reaching for her hand. "You're not fine. But you will be.".

For the first time, Aria allows herself to lean on him. The day had been hard and the evening tiring.

---.

At the same time, Ryan was in his car and angry. His crew exchanged nervous looks, but no one said anything.

Ryan took out his phone and made a call. It's time to advance to the next level.

He felt a sinister smile crawl to his lips as the call ended.