The mansion loomed, dark and ominous. “You need to go!” Tyros yelled, the words swallowed by a sharp blow that sent him reeling.
Stella’s voice, a hushed whisper, cut through the chaos. “Mortals, Tyros. We can’t reveal ourselves.”
“Follow Flora,” he gasped, pain lacing his words. He knew the risk, the terrible price of exposure.
A fist shot out, aimed at Stella.
Tyros reacted instantly, throwing himself between her and the attacker. The impact knocked the air from his lungs. “It’s not-” he began, but the words were cut short as several figures descended upon him, pinning him against the cold, unforgiving stone of the wall.
Stella’s scream ripped through the night. “Tyros!”
“Run!” he roared, his voice raw with desperation.
But Stella shook her head, her defiance a stark contrast to the fear in her eyes. “I promised Flora. I’ll help you.” She fought back, a tiny, fierce warrior against overwhelming odds, her blows landing with surprising force, buying Tyros precious seconds.
A hand clamped down on Stella’s hair, yanking her violently into the other man’s chest. A choked “Dang!” escaped her lips as she struggled against his grip. “Who the hell are you?” she demanded, but his response was a cruel, mocking smirk.
“You don’t need to know-”
The words were cut short by Brandon’s arrival. With a lightning-fast move, he seized the man’s hand, twisting it with brutal efficiency. A growl of pain ripped from the attacker as he released Stella’s hair. “Sorry I’m late,” Brandon said, his voice low and dangerous, before turning his attention to the struggle surrounding Tyros. He moved with a lethal grace, quickly subduing the attackers and freeing Tyros.
Tyros’s warning was sharp, urgent. “They’re humans! Don’t shift!”
Brandon’s reply was calm, almost casual. “I know. Flora told me.”
And as if summoned by his words, Flora appeared, her presence a calming balm in the aftermath of the chaos. She rushed to Stella’s side, helping her to her feet. “Are you okay?” she asked, concern etched on her face.
Stella nodded, brushing herself off. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Reinforcements arrived Sadine and the sentinels. “Stella! Flora!” Sadine shouted, her voice cutting through the din.
Stella and Flora ran towards her.
“We need to go!” Sadine urged.
Flora started to protest, but Sadine cut her off. “They can handle themselves. Trust your man!” Stella’s voice was firm, reassuring. She squeezed Flora’s hand.
Flora nodded, a silent testament to her trust in Tyros and Brandon.
The car sped away, leaving Brandon and Tyros locked in a desperate struggle with the attackers. Inside, the tension was palpable.
As Sadine navigated the winding road toward the mansion, Stella watched the receding figures in the rearview mirror, her heart pounding in her chest.
The mansion loomed, a dark silhouette against the twilight sky.
Sadine pulled up to the gates, her movements sharp and efficient. The moment they were inside, Alpha Raven appeared, his eyes instantly drawn to Stella.
“Where’s Theo?” Sadine’s voice was sharp, demanding an answer.
Stella’s reply was concise. “Outside our land. He’s on a mission.”
Sadine nodded, her expression grim. “Busy, then.” She opened the gates, the heavy metal groaning under her touch.
Alpha Raven’s concern was evident. “What happened?” he asked, his gaze searching Stella’s face. “Are you okay?”
Stella started to recount the events, her voice catching in her throat as she described Brandon’s bravery. “I’m fine,” she managed, “but Brandon-”
Alpha Raven cut her off, his voice firm, reassuring. “Don’t worry about them. They can handle themselves.”
Sadine nodded in agreement, her silence a testament to her trust in their abilities.
Together, they entered the mansion, the heavy oak door closing behind them, shutting out the lingering threat of the night.
A gasp escaped Flora’s lips as Sky and Daisha materialized before them, their sudden appearance startling.
“Dad wants to know if you’re alright,” Daisha said, her gaze fixed on Stella.
Stella simply nodded, her expression tight with worry.
Sky’s voice cut through the tension. “What’s going on?”
Flora launched into an explanation, her words tumbling out in a rush. “We were heading back to Stella’s house when Tyros spotted someone tailing us. We thought this mansion, with its tight security, would be safer, but they blocked our path.”
“I drove back alone. Stella stayed with Tyros,” Flora continued, her voice strained.
Daisha’s eyes narrowed, her attention focused on Stella. “You weren’t thinking straight, were you?” she said, her tone laced with disapproval.
Stella met her sister’s gaze defiantly. “Don’t blame me,” she retorted.
Daisha shook her head, disbelief etched on her face.
Flora stepped in, mediating the brewing conflict. “She stayed to help Tyros fight the attackers. She promised,” Flora explained calmly.
Daisha remained silent, her expression unreadable.
Sky turned his attention to the bigger picture. “Brandon went to help, right?”
Flora nodded.
Sadine’s voice, quiet but firm, cut through the tension. “They’re mortals. We can’t reveal ourselves.”
Stella’s response was immediate, passionate. “She’s right! We have to help them!”
Daisha’s disagreement was sharp, a counterpoint to Stella’s impulsive decision. “You can’t help them, Stella,” Her warning was sharp, laced with a condescending tone that grated on Stella’s nerves.
A smirk played on Stella’s lips. “What the hell are you talking about? Are you trying to belittle me?”
Daisha’s smirk was a mirror image of Stella’s, a challenge thrown down. “I’m just stating facts-”
The interruption was abrupt, authoritative. Remus, their father, stood in the doorway, his presence instantly silencing the argument. “Stop fighting,” he commanded, his voice carrying an undercurrent of weariness. “Is this still about a guy?”
Stella’s smirk was a defiant response to her father’s question. “Nah, I’m happy with Theo,” she said, her gaze lingering on Daisha.
Daisha’s reply was equally firm, a statement of independence. “I’m happy being alone.”
Remus, seemingly accepting their responses, turned his attention to Sky. “Come with me,” he said, his tone brisk. He headed for the main door, leaving the sisters to their simmering conflict. “Behave yourselves,” he warned, his voice echoing in the suddenly quiet room.
Stella let out a frustrated sigh. “Dang,” she muttered, running a hand through her hair. The need for escape was immediate. “Let’s go to the garden,” she said to Flora, escaping the stifling atmosphere of the mansion.
The fresh air of the garden offered a welcome respite.
Flora’s question was gentle, probing. “Still fighting with your sister?”
Stella’s response was a tired denial. “No, not really,” she said, settling onto a garden bench, the weight of the unresolved conflict heavy on her shoulders.
A sharp sting on her side jolted Stella back to reality. Another attack, another bruise. “Bruises again,” she muttered, examining the blossoming discoloration.
Flora, ever practical, announced, “I’ll get first aid,” and went inside the mansion.
Stella’s gaze drifted upward, drawn to the serene beauty of the moon. “You’re so beautiful,” she whispered, finding solace in the celestial spectacle.
The sound of footsteps broke the quiet.
Daisha appeared, settling beside her sister. “I heard you got hurt again,” she said, her voice soft, laced with concern.
Stella’s surprise was evident. “You’re fast,” she said, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Daisha’s laughter was a welcome sound, a bridge between the lingering tension and a newfound understanding. Her next words were a revelation, a turning point in their relationship. “I just wanted to check on you, sis. I don’t care about Brandon anymore.”
Stella’s attention was fully captured. “Really?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Daisha’s nod was a confirmation.
“So you don’t like him anymore?” Stella pressed, needing reassurance.
Daisha’s response was honest, realistic. “I can’t just dislike him overnight.”
Stella nodded, understanding her sister’s feelings. “I liked him, but I’d never do anything to hurt your relationship with him,” Stella said, her voice filled with genuine remorse.
Daisha’s nod was a silent acknowledgment of her sister’s sincerity, a sign of reconciliation.
Flora arrived, carrying the first-aid kit.
Daisha took it with a practiced ease, her movements efficient and gentle. “I’ll take care of this,” she said, already starting to clean Stella’s bruises.
Stella watched silently, a comfortable quiet settling between the sisters.
Flora, observing the scene, smiled. She discreetly took out her phone and snapped a picture of the two sisters.
Stella’s question was playful, teasing. “What was that for?”
Flora’s response was equally lighthearted. “Nothing!” she said, her smile widening.
Once the cleaning was complete, Daisha returned the kit to Flora. “I’m going to check on them,” she announced, referring to the injured.
Sadine’s sudden appearance was a subtle shift in tone. “I’ll go with you,” she said, her voice firm, authoritative.
Daisha’s agreement was a nod, a silent acknowledgment of Sadine’s command. But her next words were directed at Flora, a playful warning laced with underlying concern. “Keep an eye on her. Don’t let her leave.”
Flora’s response was exaggerated, a playful salute. “Yes, ma’am!”
Daisha’s playful rebuke followed immediately. “Don’t overreact!”
Flora froze, a picture of mock obedience.
“Let’s go,” Sadine said to Daisha, her voice firm, and they departed, leaving Stella and Flora alone in the garden.
Flora’s gaze fell upon Stella, who was lost in contemplation of the moon. “Quite captivated by the moon, aren’t you?” Flora teased gently.
Stella, startled from her reverie, smiled. “Yeah, she’s beautiful,” she murmured, her gaze returning to the celestial orb.
Time drifted by, marked only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft glow of the moon.
Then, the welcome sight of Tyros and Brandon appeared, their arrival a relief after the tension of the evening.
Tyros’s call was urgent, heartfelt. “Flora!” He ran towards her, his embrace tight, reassuring.
“Are you okay?” Flora asked, her concern evident.
Tyros nodded, but Flora continued to scan him for any sign of injury, her touch gentle, loving.
Stella’s question shifted the focus. “How about the others?”
Brandon’s gaze met hers, a silent acknowledgment of the shared experience. “They were no match for us. Mere mortals,” he said, his voice confident, reassuring. His offer was unexpected, a tender gesture in the aftermath of the chaos. “Stay for tonight.”
Stella’s response was immediate, a polite refusal. “No, I’ll go home.” She turned to Flora. “And you?”
Flora’s response was a gentle shrug. “It’s up to you.”
Tyros nodded in agreement.
The decision to return home was mutual, a shared need for quiet reflection after the adrenaline-fueled events.
They said their goodbyes, Stella expressing her gratitude to Brandon. “Thank you for helping us,” she said, stepping into the car.
Brandon’s question, however, lingered in the air, a hint of romantic uncertainty. “Aren’t you going to wait for my answer?”
Stella paused, her departure momentarily halted, the unspoken question hanging between them.
“It’s fine, Brandon,” Stella said, closing the car door with a decisive click.
Tyros added a casual, “See you later, bro,” before pulling away, leaving Brandon alone in the quiet night.
Brandon watched the car disappear, a knot of frustration tightening in his chest.
Then, Daisha appeared, her sudden presence startling him. “She’s not into you,” she said, her voice flat, devoid of sympathy.
Brandon’s surprise was evident. “Dang! What are you doing here?”
Daisha’s response was curt, dismissive. “Getting my things.” She rolled her eyes, her impatience clear.
Inside the mansion, Daisha retrieved her belongings from the living room, her movements efficient, detached.
Brandon’s persistence was irritating. “Still living there?” he asked, his tone casual, but his words were clearly meant to provoke.
Daisha’s glare was sharp, icy. “Are you mocking me?” she snapped, her teeth gritted.
Brandon’s attempt at damage control failed miserably. “Chill, I was just asking,” he said, but his words only fueled Daisha’s anger.
As Daisha reached the main door, Brandon offered a ride, his attempt at reconciliation clumsy and insincere.
Daisha’s interruption was sharp, decisive. “No,” she said, her voice tight with suppressed emotion. “I’m better off without you.” She walked away, leaving Brandon alone with his regrets.
Brandon let out a long sigh, shaking his head in disbelief. “Well, I deserved that,” he muttered, heading to his room, the weight of his failed attempts at connection heavy on his shoulders.
At Stella’s house, Tyros pulled up to the curb, the familiar sight of home a welcome relief.
Flora’s exclamation of relief was genuine. “Thank God we’re home,” she breathed, the tension of the evening finally easing.
Stella’s suggestion was a welcome invitation to rest. “Let’s get some sleep,” she said, her voice weary but kind. She offered to share her room with Flora, then turned to Tyros. “You can sleep in the living room, okay?”
Tyros’s ready agreement was a testament to his exhaustion. “Sure thing.”
Stella returned with a spare comforter and pillow, a small gesture of hospitality. “Here you go,” she said, offering them to Tyros.
His grateful “Thank you” was sincere, his exhaustion evident.
Stella smiled, the simple act of kindness a balm to her own weariness.
Flora’s offer to join Stella in her room was a quiet expression of their close friendship. “I’ll come with you,” she said softly.
Stella’s response was a gentle nod, a silent agreement. “I’ll leave the door unlocked,” she said, and slipped into her room, leaving Tyros to settle in for the night.
The warmth of the bath water did little to soothe the lingering unease in Stella’s mind. The events of the evening replayed in her head, each detail sharp and vivid. “If they hadn’t arrived,” she murmured to herself, the thought sending a shiver down her spine, “what would have happened to me and Tyros? Dang!” She shook her head, the disbelief palpable.
“I need to be more careful,” she added, the words a promise to herself as much as a statement of fact. Stepping from the bath, she saw Flora sitting on her bed, her posture slumped, her expression downcast.
Stella’s offer was immediate, practical. “Want a bath? You can borrow my clothes.”
Flora’s response was unexpected, heartfelt. “Thank you so much, Stella,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Stella’s confusion was evident. “For what?” she asked, stopping to fully register Flora’s gratitude.
Flora’s explanation was tearful, revealing. “For not leaving Tyros,” she sobbed, the words a testament to Stella’s loyalty and bravery.
Stella’s response was immediate, comforting. She walked towards Flora, pulling her into a warm embrace, stroking her hair.
Flora’s whispered words were a heartfelt expression of her deep affection and gratitude. “I’ll always take care of you,” she murmured.
Stella’s laughter was a gentle reassurance. “Hey, I’m not a child anymore,” she said, her voice filled with affection and amusement.
The shared laughter was a balm to their emotional wounds.
“I don’t care! I’m staying until Theo gets back,” Flora declared, her voice firm, resolute.
Stella, understanding her friend’s determination, simply nodded. “Suit yourself,” she replied, already turning to gather some clothes for Flora.
Flora disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Stella to dry her hair with the hairdryer’s warm, gentle hum. The quiet of the room was broken by a sharp rap on the door.
“Stella!” Tyros’s voice held an urgency that made Stella’s heart skip a beat.
Stella quickly went to the door, her hand already reaching for the knob. “Yes, Tyros?” she asked, her voice strained with anticipation.
“Brandon is here!” Tyros answered.
Stella rolled her eyes in disbelief. “Again?” She asked, and Tyros nodded his head.
“Can you tell Flora that I will just talk to Brandon?” Tyros asked her, and Stella nodded her head.
“Yeah, she’s just taking a bath.” Stella answered.
Tyros walked away and went to the main door while Stella went back inside her room. She continued what she was doing until Flora came out of the bathroom.
“Tyros is outside talking to Brandon.” Stella told her right away.
“Gosh! They always miss each other!” Flora answered and used the hair blower.
“We are just like them!” Stella said while smiling at Flora.
“I know, that’s why I let him leave with Brandon.” Flora answered and smiled at Stella.