Steven’s POV
Liam was driving me home from work, the car’s engine softly humming amid the stillness of the night. As the mansion emerged in the distance, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the day still clinging to me.
“Did someone pass away?” I queried, shattering the silence as I stepped out of the car.
“What? No way,” Liam responded, his tone distant.
“You’ve been oddly quiet… almost somber,” I remarked, a smirk playing at the edge of my lips. “Not that I mind the silence. In fact, I find this version of you quite enjoyable.”
He let out a dramatic sigh, lowering his head. “I realize I’ve been a nuisance, always chatting too much. I’ll just keep quiet from this point forward,” he said, turning to walk away.
I shrugged and entered the mansion, the atmosphere still thick with tension. Today had drained me-endless meetings, endless expectations. My thoughts were racing, but I knew I had to face whatever awaited me inside.
Upon entering my room, I discovered Luna lying in bed, her eyes puffy from days of unspoken grief. The heaviness in the room was overwhelming-it felt as though it was infiltrating the very foundation of the house, gnawing at my insides.
“Why is there such overwhelming sadness permeating everything today?” I muttered to myself, almost as if the residence were conspiring against me.
As I approached my closet to remove my jacket, I heard her sobs, and it struck me like a physical blow to the chest.
“Could you go cry somewhere else?” I snapped. “It’s been days since your mom passed away. Why am I still being tormented by your tears?”
Yet she didn’t stop. Her crying intensified, more raw and desperate. I turned to confront her, my patience fraying.
She was a wreck-her hair a messy tangle on her head, eyes red and swollen. What grated on me the most, however, was that sound. That incessant sobbing wearing down the edges of my composure.
“Enough!” I bellowed, my voice slicing through the quiet room. Luna looked up at me, startled, but I wasn’t finished. “What’s wrong with you, Luna? What do you expect from me?”
Her eyes widened, a mix of confusion and pain flashing across her face. “What’s wrong with me? My mother’s gone, and I wasn’t even there for her in her last moments! And you stand there questioning what’s wrong?!”
The words struck harder than I anticipated, but I stood my ground. “My mother had her heart torn from her chest by her own brother-right in front of me. But you don’t see me moping around, do you?” I retorted, my anger igniting.
I stepped closer, my expression sharpening as I met her gaze. “Whatever anguish or emotional distress you’re feeling now, believe me, it pales in comparison to what I experienced. But I overcame it, and I emerged stronger. Everyone carries their own struggles, Luna. So stop behaving like the weight of the world is crushing you. It only makes you appear weaker than I thought you were.”
I glanced at my watch, impatience washing over me. “Dinner will be ready in about an hour. If you’re tired of moping in this pit of self-pity and truly want to be strong, you’ll come downstairs and join us. But if you prefer to keep crying and staying in your misery, so be it-remain here. But you’ll only confirm what I’ve known all along, proving that you’re just the weakling I expected.”
Without waiting for an answer, I tossed my jacket aside and exited the room, the sharp scent of frustration still hovering in the atmosphere.
—
As I made my way down the staircase, I caught Freya’s eye. She offered a faint smile, her concern evident.
“Steven, you’re back,” she greeted, her voice gentle yet knowing.
“Yeah,” I responded, rubbing my forehead in an attempt to relieve the tension. “Tell me dinner is nearly prepared.”
“Almost,” she answered, but it was clear she could see right through me. “You look like you had a stressful day.”
I let out a sharp breath. “You really don’t understand. I have meetings lined up throughout the day. But what’s up with you? You seem even more anxious than I am. What’s happening?”
Freya paused, briefly glancing down before she mustered a smile. “I’m okay,” she replied softly, but I knew her well enough to see through her facade.
“Are you truly?” I inquired, arching an eyebrow. “Freya, you’re aware that you can confide in me. I might be known for my ruthlessness and feared by many, but I genuinely care about you and Freja. You’re the two individuals I hold nearest to my heart, above everyone else.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and she let out a small sniffle.
“Please, not more tears,” I said, my tone growing firmer. “I can’t handle any more of that today.”
“You’re meant to be ruthless, right?” she remarked, her voice filled with sarcasm. “Aren’t you supposed to be unbothered by tears?”
“I have no problem with them-just when they come from those I care about. So stop holding back and share what’s bothering you. Did someone hurt you? If they did, just say the word and I’ll take care of it,” I stated, the threat of retribution lingering in the air.
She laughed through her tears, a faint smile breaking through her sorrow. “No one dares to hurt me-not while you’re still my brother. I just… I feel so adrift. I miss Jacob.”
“Your deceased mate?” I inquired, my voice a low growl.
“Yes… but for someone who’s supposed to offer comfort, you’re still too blunt and insensitive,” she responded, a gentle laugh bubbling up.
I folded my arms, unfazed. “I told you earlier today. I’m not good at comforting people, so just say what’s wrong.”
“I feel like I’ve betrayed Jacob,” she whispered, her voice nearly silenced.
I raised an eyebrow. “Betrayed? Why? I eliminate people daily, and I never feel an ounce of guilt.”
“I’m not you, Steven,” she replied softly. “I haven’t harmed anyone.”
“So what’s behind this guilt?” I pressed, irritation sneaking into my voice.
“I just… I feel like I’ve cheated on Jacob,” she confessed, her voice quivering. “I’m beginning to feel… a connection to someone else, and I’m unsure of how to handle it.”
Before I could reply, tears streamed down her face, and against my will, a deep sigh escaped me.
“Alright, no more tears,” I muttered, but I drew her into a hug. “You’ll be okay. Remember what you always told me as kids: ‘You’ll be okay, Freya.’ You’ll be okay.”
At that moment, Freja entered the room, her cheerful grin brightening the atmosphere.
“Having a sibling moment without me?” she joked, and before I could intervene, she dashed over and enveloped me in her arms.
“I can’t miss a chance to hug my perpetually grumpy brother,” Freja declared, her voice brimming with joy.
Just then, Luna appeared at the top of the stairs, her arrival unforeseen.
“Did… did I interrupt something?” she asked, her voice quiet. “I just wanted to come down for dinner.”
The twins rushed toward her, their expressions wide and inviting. “We’ve missed you, Luna,” Freya said as they both hugged her tightly.
“I’m really sorry for making everyone uncomfortable,” Luna said, her voice quavering.
“It’s alright,” Freja responded, her eyes soft. “I’m just happy there’s no more sadness.”
As we headed to the dining room, Luna leaned in and whispered something to me.
“I proved you wrong,” she said softly, a trace of pride evident in her voice. “I chose to be strong.”