Divided Loyalties
The tension between Misery and Eryon simmered in the chamber, the air heavy with the relic’s ominous energy. Misery’s sharp gaze lingered on Eryon, her expression unreadable.
“This changes everything,” she said, her voice quiet but laced with intent.
Eryon’s wolf snarled faintly beneath his control, his instincts warning him that Misery’s curiosity wasn’t harmless. “We didn’t bring you here to plot,” he said, his voice steady.
Misery turned to face him fully, her crimson eyes gleaming. “Oh, darling, plotting is half the fun. But I’ll admit, I’m not sure what to do with this yet—or with you.”
Her words sent a chill through Eryon, but he didn’t flinch. “This stays between us,” he said firmly.
“Of course,” Misery replied with a sly smile. “For now.”
She stepped closer, her movements fluid and calculated. “You know, Eryon, I could keep your secret safe. Make sure no one, not even Adrian, finds out what you are. But that kind of loyalty comes at a price.”
Eryon’s jaw tightened. “You’ve already named your price.”
Misery’s smile widened. “True. But I can’t help wondering if you’ll hold up your end of the bargain.”
Her proximity set Eryon’s wolf on edge, but he held his ground. “I don’t break promises.”
Misery’s laugh was soft and mocking as she leaned in close. “We’ll see.”
***
Meanwhile, Adrian’s suspicions continued to grow. His father’s ultimatum hung over him like a storm cloud, and every interaction with Lyra and Eryon only deepened his unease.
He confronted Misery in one of the academy’s secluded halls, his expression colder than usual. “What are you hiding, Misery?” he demanded, his voice low but sharp.
Misery tilted her head, her smirk never faltering. “Hiding? From you, Adrian? That doesn’t sound like me.”
Adrian’s crimson eyes narrowed. “You’ve been spending too much time with Eryon. And you’re not exactly subtle.”
Misery’s laugh was soft but cutting. “Oh, Adrian. Are you jealous?”
“This isn’t about me,” Adrian snapped. “This is about whatever game you’re playing. I’m not blind, Misery. I see the way you look at him.”
Her smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered. “And what if I am? You’ve been looking at his sister the same way, haven’t you?”
Adrian’s fists clenched at his sides, but he didn’t respond. Misery stepped closer, her voice softening. “We’re both playing with fire, Adrian. The only question is who gets burned first.”
