"Between Ice and Fire"

Ama woke up to an empty room.

Her eyes darted around, searching for Atlas, but he was nowhere in sight. A wave of panic tightened around her chest. Did he leave? Did something happen?

Just as her thoughts spiraled, the door creaked open.

Her breath hitched.

Atlas stood there, holding a tray of food. His gaze met hers, his expression unreadable at first, then softening slightly. "You're awake," he said, stepping closer. "Something wrong?"

Ama quickly forced a weak smile and shook her head. "No… nothing."

Atlas eyed her for a moment but didn't push. Instead, he placed the tray on the bedside table. "Go freshen up. Your breakfast is ready," he said simply. "Eat, then get ready for uni. I'll meet you outside your house in a few minutes."

Before she could respond, he turned and walked out.

Ama stared at the tray. A small note was tucked beside the plate: Bon appétit.

She chuckled, shaking her head at his little gesture. A pang of guilt crept in. He had done nothing but take care of her, yet she had spent the night doubting him.

Her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Hello, Ama! Good morning, my koala," her mom's cheerful voice came through.

Ama groaned. "Mom! Not the 'koala' again!" she whined playfully.

Her mom laughed. "Alright, alright. Anyway, I have a meeting—talk later, love you!"

"Love you too," Ama mumbled before the call cut off.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. Mom, Dad, come back soon… These terrifying incidents are driving me crazy. She knew she couldn't ask Atlas to stay longer; she had already burdened him enough.

Shaking off her thoughts, she headed to the bathroom, took a quick shower, and got dressed. Before leaving, she grabbed the note Atlas had left and tucked it into her pocket.

Outside, Atlas was already waiting.

She locked the door and walked up to him.

"Have I gone blind, or is Ama Watson actually smiling?" he teased, raising a brow.

She rolled her eyes. "Shut up."

His lips curled into a smirk. "Is it because of me?"

"In your dreams, Atlas Kace."

Their playful banter carried them all the way to university, but the moment Ama stepped onto campus, her smile vanished.

Mark stood at the entrance, waiting.

Atlas followed her gaze, and in an instant, his entire demeanor shifted—his usual teasing smirk was gone, replaced by a cold, piercing stare.

Ama clenched her fists.

Mark took a step toward her. "Ama—"

"Stop right there," she snapped. "I'm not in the mood to hear your bullshit."

Mark exhaled sharply. "I'm here to apologize."

"I don't want your apology," she shot back. "Keep it to yourself."

Mark took another step forward.

Atlas moved instantly. He stepped in front of Ama, his stance protective, almost territorial. "Are you deaf, or just plain stupid?" His voice was low, sharp, and dangerous. "She doesn't want to talk to you."

Mark clenched his jaw, his hands curling into fists. "My ears work just fine, and I suggest assholes like you stop interfering in things that don't concern them."

Atlas let out a slow, dark chuckle. "Oh, so you can screw her over again? You think I'll let that happen?" His voice dripped with venom.

Ama's eyes widened. Mark stiffened, caught off guard.

But he recovered quickly. "I came to fix that."

Atlas took a step closer, his posture radiating pure hostility. "She doesn't want you to fix anything. Take a damn hint."

Mark moved too, the space between them nearly nonexistent now. Both of them stood rigid, barely restraining themselves.

Ama saw it coming before it even happened.

She threw herself between them, placing a hand on Atlas's chest, trying to push him back. "Enough," she hissed.

Mark grabbed her other wrist.

Atlas's head snapped toward him.

A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.

"Let. Her. Go."

The tension was suffocating. Mark's grip didn't loosen, and Atlas didn't back down.

Ama could feel her heart pounding.