Sarah's POV
The mansion was alive that night, though its vibrancy felt sinister, like a predator lying in wait. I couldn't erase Axel's words from my mind. Every shadow seemed darker, every whisper louder, and every glance lingered just a little too long. The Blackwood name didn't just command respect—it inspired fear.
Eren had been attentive since I left the library, his protective presence like a shield I wasn't sure I wanted. His hand lingered on my lower back, his touch firm as though anchoring me to him. But every step back to our room felt heavier, like I was descending deeper into the heart of something I didn't yet understand.
We passed the grand staircase, its bannisters gleaming under the dim chandelier light. The portraits of Blackwood ancestors seemed to watch us, their gazes judgmental, their secrets carved into every brushstroke. I avoided looking directly at Victor Blackwood's painting. His eyes felt alive, like they could see straight through me.
When we finally reached the door to our room, Eren held it open, his expression unreadable. "Go on," he said softly.
I stepped inside, and the door closed behind me with a quiet click. The sound sent a chill down my spine, and I turned to face him. His eyes were darker than usual, his jaw set in a way that made him look older, more dangerous.
"What happened tonight?" he asked, his voice low and calm, but with an edge that made my breath hitch.
I swallowed hard. "I told you, nothing—"
"Don't lie to me, Sarah."
The sudden sharpness in his tone startled me. I took a step back, my heart pounding. "I'm not lying," I said, trying to sound convincing.
Eren's gaze softened slightly, but the tension in his shoulders remained. He stepped closer, cupping my face with one hand. "You're scared," he murmured. "I can see it. Whatever Axel said to you, whatever you saw, you can tell me."
His words were kind, but they felt like a trap. What could I tell him? That his brother had warned me about the family? That the weight of the Blackwood name felt like it was crushing me? That I was starting to fear him as much as I was drawn to him?
I shook my head, pulling away. "It was nothing Eren."
He watched me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Fine".
---
Eren's POV
She was slipping through my fingers, and I didn't know how to stop it.
I watched as Sarah climbed into bed, her movements slow, almost mechanical. Her back was to me, her breathing steady, but I knew she wasn't asleep.
My fists clenched at my sides. Axel had gotten to her—of course, he had. He thrived on chaos, on finding the cracks in people and tearing them wide open.
But this wasn't just about Axel. It was the house, the whispers, the curse. It was everything that came with being a Blackwood.
I stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air biting against my skin. The storm had passed, but the sky was still overcast, the moonlight struggling to break through.
Victor's portrait flashed in my mind, his eyes cold and unyielding. I'd spent my whole life trying to live up to that legacy, to carry the weight of the name without letting it crush me. But Sarah... she didn't deserve to be dragged into this anymore.
I looked back at the room, at the woman laying in the bed we shared but who felt a million miles away.
I had to keep her away from Axel. No matter the cost. Even if it meant...
---
Sarah's POV
Sleep eluded me that night. I lay awake, listening to the faint creak of the house settling, the distant howl of the wind. Eren hadn't come back inside; I could hear him pacing on the balcony.
Axel's words echoed in my mind, blending with the cryptic warnings from Eleanor and the murmurs at the party.
The Blackwoods don't forgive mistakes. And they never forget.
What did it mean? What mistakes were they afraid of?
I sat up, the covers pooling around my waist. The room felt suffocating, the walls closing in around me. I needed to get out, to clear my head.
Quietly, I slipped out of bed and pulled on a robe. I opened the door and stepped into the hallway, the chill of the marble floor seeping through my slippers. The house was silent, its shadows deeper in the absence of the storm.
I didn't have a destination in mind. My feet carried me through the corridors, past the portraits and the closed doors, until I found myself in the east wing again.
The study door was ajar, a faint glow spilling out into the hallway. My heart quickened as I approached, the same pull I'd felt earlier drawing me in.
The desk was as I'd left it, papers scattered across its surface. The leather-bound journal sat in the center, its presence almost magnetic.
I reached out, my fingers brushing against the cover.
Axel's POV
The east wing was quiet, the kind of quiet that came before a storm.
I leaned against the doorway, watching her. Sarah didn't notice me at first; she was too focused on the journal in front of her, her brow furrowed as she read.
"What is it about that book that fascinates you so much?" I asked, my voice cutting through the silence.
She jumped, her hand flying to her chest as she spun around. "Axel!
She glared at me, her defiance only making her more alluring. "I wanted answers."
"And did you find them?"
Her gaze flicked back to the journal, and I could see the conflict in her eyes. She wanted to trust me, but she didn't know if she could.
"Why won't anyone tell me anything?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I hesitated, my usual smirk fading. "Because the truth is dangerous, Sarah. And once you know it, there's no going back."
She took a step closer, her eyes searching mine. "Then tell me, Axel. What is this curse about in the journal? What does it mean?"
I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could, the door slammed open.
Eren stood in the doorway, his expression thunderous.
"Step away from her," he growled, his voice low and deadly.
Sarah turned to him, her eyes wide with shock. "Eren, I—"
"Now," he snapped, his gaze fixed on me.
I held up my hands in mock surrender, a smirk creeping back onto my face. "Relax, brother. We were just talking."
Eren strode across the room, placing himself between Sarah and me. His hand curled possessively around her arm, his eyes blazing with fury.
"This isn't a game, Axel," he said through clenched teeth.
"Of course not," I replied smoothly. "But I think Sarah deserves to know what she's gotten herself into."
Eren's grip on Sarah tightened, and I saw the flicker of doubt in her eyes.
"Go back to bed, Sarah," he said, his voice softening as he turned to her. "I'll handle this."
She hesitated, her gaze shifting between us. Finally, she nodded and left the room, casting one last glance over her shoulder before disappearing into the hallway.
Once she was gone, Eren turned back to me, his expression dark.
"Stay away from her," he warned, his voice a low growl.
I smirked, leaning casually against the desk. "Or what? You'll add me to the list of Blackwood casualties?"
His jaw tightened, but he didn't respond.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "You can't protect her from this, Eren. No one can."
His fists clenched at his sides, and for a moment, I thought he might actually strike me. But then he turned and walked out, leaving me alone with the journal and the shadows.