The bell rang again—long, insistent, cutting through the stillness of the night like a blade.
Seraphina startled awake, her breath catching as she sat upright in bed. The room was dim, washed in moonlight that spilled through the thin gap between the curtains. For a moment, she lay still, listening. The bell rang again, louder this time, followed by a pause that made her chest tighten.
Who would come at this hour?
She slipped her feet onto the cold floor and wrapped her robe tightly around herself. As she stepped into the hallway, another door creaked open. Elowen emerged, hair a tangled halo around her face, eyes half-lidded with sleep.
"Are you expecting your boy toy?" Elowen murmured, her voice thick and lazy.
Seraphina stopped short and stared at her. "Boy toy?" she echoed, scandalized. "What are you even saying?"
Elowen yawned, rubbing her eyes. "He's the only one who rings our bell like he's being chased by demons," she defended, shrugging. "So forgive me for assuming."
Seraphina's fingers tightened around the edge of her robe. A strange warmth crept up her neck. "Maybe it's Thaddeus," she said softly, almost shyly, the name barely louder than a thought.
Elowen's brows lifted as she turned to look at her properly now. A slow, knowing smirk tugged at her lips. "Maybe," she said, then added dryly, "Daddy finally coming home."
Seraphina shot her a look, but Elowen was already descending the stairs, her bare feet quiet against the wood.
The bell rang again.
Seraphina hurried after her, heart thudding harder with each step. By the time she reached the door, her pulse was racing—not with excitement exactly, but with something heavier, uncertain.
She unlocked the door and pulled it open.
It wasn't Thaddeus.
Alden stood on the threshold, the porch light casting harsh shadows across his face. One eye was already swelling shut, the skin around it darkening into angry shades of purple and blue. His lip was split. His jacket hung loosely from his shoulders, as though he had thrown it on in haste—or perhaps someone else had done it for him.
Before Seraphina could speak, Alden stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.
The suddenness of it stole her breath.
He held her firmly, hands gripping her shoulders as though she were the only thing keeping him upright. Then, without warning, he cupped her face, pressed a kiss to her lips—quick, desperate—and looked straight into her eyes.
"I love you."
The words fell from his mouth like something wrenched loose, unguarded and raw.
Seraphina froze.
The world seemed to tilt, the hallway spinning as the words echoed again and again in her mind. I love you. She felt Elowen stiffen beside her, felt the weight of Alden's gaze, searching, pleading.
She didn't respond.
After a heartbeat that felt like an eternity, she stepped aside and gestured for him to come in. "Come inside," she said quietly. "You're hurt. Are you okay? What happened?"
Alden didn't answer.
He walked past them without a word, moving like a man operating on instinct alone. He went straight to the couch and sank into it heavily, elbows braced on his knees, head bowed. The silence that followed was thick and uncomfortable, broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall.
Seraphina and Elowen exchanged a glance across the room—concern etched into Elowen's features now, the teasing gone completely.
Seraphina took a breath and approached him slowly. She knelt in front of him, lowering herself until she was eye level with his bowed face.
"Alden," she said gently, reaching out but stopping just short of touching him. "What happened? Why would you come here in the middle of the night?"
He didn't look at her.
For a long moment, she thought he wouldn't answer at all. Then his shoulders sagged, as if something inside him finally gave way.
Alden took his time, breathing carefully, as though each inhale carried a cost. His fingers tightened around the edge of the couch, knuckles paling before he finally spoke.
"It was Thaddeus."
The name hung between them.
He paused, lifting his head slightly, just enough for the light to catch the swelling beneath his eye. "Can you see what he did to my face?"
Seraphina's stomach twisted. She shifted closer, her brows knitting together as she studied the bruise again—angrier now that she knew its source. "Two fights in one day?" he said.
Seraphina let out a dry breath. "What do you mean?"She asked quietly, disbelief threading through her voice.
"I'm confused," she said. "Explain."
He leaned back, staring up at the ceiling as though gathering himself. For a long moment, he said nothing. The ticking of the clock filled the space, loud and unforgiving.
"I don't want to," he admitted finally, his voice rough. Then he looked at her again, eyes softening. "But I love you. So I will tell you."
Her breath caught.
"So this morning," he began, "when I got back to the house, they were both there. Thaddeus had just come in from his morning run—sweat still on him, like nothing in the world could touch him—and Callum was at the counter having coffee."
Seraphina pictured it instantly. The kitchen. The familiarity of that space made her chest tighten.
"I greeted them," Alden continued, "and walked past like it meant nothing. I didn't want trouble. But Thaddeus stopped me." His jaw tightened. "He asked where I was coming from."
Alden's gaze dropped to the floor. "I didn't want to tell him. So I asked him to move out of my way. He didn't." He shook his head slightly. "So I told him. I told him I was coming from yours."
Seraphina felt her pulse spike.
"He got angry," Alden said simply. "Fast. Like he'd been waiting for an excuse. We fought. Callum separated us before it got worse." His mouth curved into something bitter. "Then Thaddeus stormed out."
He swallowed, fingers flexing against his thigh.
"This evening," he continued, "after dinner—after we'd all eaten like nothing had happened—Callum thought we should settle it. Clear the air." He scoffed softly. "I tried to talk. I really did. But Thaddeus came for me again. Before I could even defend myself."
He stopped then, lifting his head slowly until his eyes met hers.
"Look," he said quietly, reaching out. His fingers brushed her cheek, warm and steady, his thumb resting just below her eye. He didn't break eye contact. "I get it. He's your ex. And the way you two broke up… it was bad. I know you might still have feelings for him."
Seraphina's lips parted, but he continued.
"I want you now," Alden said, voice firm but not unkind. "And if we're going to do this—really do this—you need to make that clear to him. Because the way he acts…" His thumb tightened slightly against her skin. "It's like he thinks you belong to him."
Her breath trembled.
"He doesn't love you, Sera," Alden said softly. "And he doesn't respect you. He sees you as something he can drop and pick up whenever it suits him." His hand fell away slowly. "You don't deserve that. You have the purest heart. You deserve someone who loves you without needing to own you."
He lowered his head, shoulders slumping as if the words had drained him.
"Can I stay here tonight?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Seraphina's chest ached.
"Yes," she said, her voice breaking despite her effort. "You can."
"I'll get you blankets," she added quickly, already rising.
Alden looked up sharply. "I thought I could stay in your room," he said, then shrugged. "But it's fine."
She froze, guilt flashing across her face. "Oh—no, I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I forgot. You can stay in my room tonight."
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied, firmer now. "Go upstairs. I'll get the first aid kit."
He nodded and rose carefully, wincing as he moved. Seraphina and Elowen watched him climb the stairs, his steps slow and uneven, until they heard the soft click of her bedroom door closing behind him.
The silence that followed was heavy.
Seraphina exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. Frustration etched itself across her face.
Elowen stepped closer. "Sera," she said gently, "I think he's lying."
Seraphina spun toward her. "El—how is he lying? Have you seen his face?"
"I'm not saying he wasn't hit," Elowen replied calmly. "I'm saying you know Thaddeus. He doesn't throw punches. No matter how angry he gets." She softened her tone. "Unless he was provoked. And even then… it takes a lot."
She paused, watching Seraphina carefully. "Things were just starting to get better between you and him. Maybe Alden is jealous."
Seraphina's voice rose, though she kept it low. "What does Alden stand to gain from this?" she demanded. "You tell me. Thaddeus sees everything as a competition."
She folded her arms tightly across her chest. "Alden is right. Thaddeus treats me like an object—something he can pick up and drop whenever he wants." Her jaw set. "But I won't allow it. Not this time."
The words settled between them, heavy and final.
Upstairs, a door creaked softly.
And somewhere in the house, the past waited—listening.
Elowen looked at her for a long moment, shaking her head slowly, as though she were trying to steady herself.
"I hope you think this through, Sera," she said, her voice tight. "Before you make mistakes—as usual."
That did it.
Seraphina's chest flared hot, anger rushing up so fast it startled her. Elowen didn't wait for a response. She turned sharply and stormed toward the stairs, her footsteps loud against the wood, each one punctuated with restrained fury.
Halfway up, she stopped.
Her shoulders rose and fell once. Then twice.
With a sharp breath, Elowen turned around.
She descended the stairs with purpose, eyes locked on Seraphina, and stopped just inches from her. The closeness was deliberate. Confrontational. She stared straight into Seraphina's eyes, unblinking.
"You are my sister," Elowen said, her voice trembling with something dangerously close to breaking, "but I am sick and tired of this."
Seraphina opened her mouth, but Elowen didn't let her speak.
"We've known Thaddeus longer," she continued, her words gathering speed, "and not once—not once—did he ever do anything to hurt you." Her jaw tightened. "Annoying? Yes. Difficult? Absolutely. But do you know why?"
She didn't wait.
"Because he wanted to be heard."
Her voice rose. "And by who?" she demanded, then shouted, "By you, Sera!"
Elowen's hands flew outward in frustration. "You were so focused on what people would think—what you wanted people to think, what you wanted them to say—that you didn't even notice you were pushing him away." Her eyes glistened now. "And when you finally did notice, you couldn't understand why he drifted."
Seraphina felt the words hit, one after another, sharp and precise.
"This guy loves you," Elowen said, voice cracking despite her effort to keep it steady. "Okay? He may not be the easiest person to vouch for, but he is in love with you." She took a shaky breath. "I'm not saying you don't love him too—but you doubt him, Sera. Constantly. You never think he's good enough."
Seraphina shook her head, but Elowen pressed on.
"You want him to appear a certain way," she said bitterly. "Act a certain way. Be presentable enough for your world. All he wants is to love you—and you call that possessive."
She dragged both hands through her hair, pacing a few steps before spinning back around. "And now you believe Alden over Thaddeus?" she demanded, disbelief etched across her face. "How?"
She placed both hands on her head, scanning the room as if searching for logic that wasn't there. "How, Sera? You know better than anyone how much those two hate each other."
Her voice dropped, sharpened. "Think. The only way Alden can get back at Thaddeus is through you."
Seraphina's lips parted, but Elowen cut her off again.
"Do you honestly think it's a coincidence that he suddenly likes you?" she pressed. "That he's already in love with you?" Her eyes burned. "You two did all of that the other night, and you think he hasn't mentioned it to anyone? For crying out loud, he didn't even check up on you after."
She shook her head slowly, disappointment heavy in her expression. "I don't know what you want me to tell you again, Sera, but I'm tired. I don't condone cheating—but it's either you're with the guy or you're not."
Her shoulders squared. "Whatever you decide is your choice. Knock yourself out." Her voice hardened. "But if you're going to continue this Alden revenge pool party, count me out."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Seraphina's hands clenched into fists at her sides. "Elowen," she said, her voice sharp with hurt, "I'm going to count you out—because all this Thaddeus support, I don't know where it's coming from." Her eyes flashed. "Have you forgotten everything he did?"
Elowen turned back instantly.
"Your problem," she cut in, her voice slicing through the air, "is that you are too invested in yourself and your achievements." Her tone softened only slightly, but the words cut deeper. "You don't make space for anyone else's."
She turned away, shoulders trembling now. As she walked toward her room, she said shakily, without looking back, "That's why you and Thaddeus never worked out."
She disappeared down the hallway, her door closing with a quiet but final click.
Seraphina stood alone in the hall, chest heaving, eyes burning.
"Is that how you feel about me?" she called after her, voice breaking despite her effort to stay composed.
From behind the closed door, Elowen replied—her voice raised just enough to carry, but restrained, weary.
"I can't do this with you right now."
And then there was only silence.
Seraphina pushed open the bedroom door, the white first aid kit feeling absurdly small and clinical in her hands. The soft glow of the bedside lamp revealed Alden already asleep, his breathing deep and even, one arm flung over his eyes as if to block out the world. Her anger, which had been a sharp, cold shard in her chest all evening, began to thaw at the edges. He looked younger in sleep, the usual confident intensity smoothed away. Gently, she set the kit aside and pulled the heavy duvet over his broad shoulders. The room was quiet, holding its breath.
She moved to the other side of the bed, slipping under the covers with a weary sigh, the space between them a silent, cold canyon. But sleep had not fully claimed Alden. As if drawn by her warmth, he shifted in the darkness, his arm sliding around her waist to pull her firmly against the solid wall of his chest. A soft, unconscious sound escaped him—contentment. Nestled in the familiar scent of him, soap and something uniquely Alden, Seraphina's carefully constructed composure shattered. She lay stiffly for a moment, eyes squeezed shut, but the heat of his body and the safety of his embrace were a catalyst. A single, choked sob broke free, then another, until she was weeping silently, her shoulders shaking, all the hurt and confusion of their earlier fight pouring out.
"Hey… hey, don't cry," his voice was thick with sleep, instantly awake and laced with alarm. He turned her gently onto her back, his hands cradling her face, thumbs brushing away tears that gleamed in the low light. "Love, I'm so sorry. Those things I said… I didn't mean any of it. I never want to be the reason for your tears. Never." His own eyes were dark pools of genuine remorse. "Come here."
He gathered her back into his arms, this time with purposeful tenderness, hugging her so tightly she could feel the frantic beat of his heart against her cheek. It was an embrace meant to absorb her pain, to press the broken pieces back together. After a long moment, he raised her face to his. His kiss was not one of passion, but of profound apology—soft, lingering, and achingly sweet. It spoke of 'I'm here' and 'I'm not letting go.'
His hand, warm and slightly rough, slid beneath the hem of her silk blouse, settling on the small of her back. He didn't grab or demand; he caressed, his palm moving in slow, soothing circles up the delicate ladder of her spine and down again, a silent massage for her tension. Seraphina melted into the touch, a broken sigh escaping her lips. The emotional dam had broken, and in its wake rushed a desperate, hungry need for connection, for affirmation.
She kissed him back, the tenderness shifting into something more urgent, slightly aggressive. Her fingers tangled in his hair as if to anchor herself. Needing to feel more of him, she pushed the soft fabric of his sweatshirt up, and he obliged, breaking the kiss only to pull it over his head and discard it. The new expanse of warm skin under her palms was intoxicating. He dipped his head to her neck, his lips painting a trail of love bites that she knew would bloom like violets by morning, a claiming she willingly accepted.
His exploratory fingers journeyed downward, past the waistband of her pajama shorts, over the lace of her underwear. When his touch found her most sensitive core, teasing her clitoriswith a feather-light, knowing pressure, she gasped into his mouth, a soft, shuddering moan that was pure surrender. Emboldened, her own hands grew bolder, tugging at the waist of his sweatpants. He lifted his hips, allowing her to remove them, his gaze never leaving hers, dark and smoldering.
Driven by a mix of love, guilt, and sheer desire, Seraphina moved down the bed, her intention clear. As she took him into her mouth, he groaned, a deep, ragged sound that seemed torn from his soul. One of his hands fisted in the sheets, the other came to rest gently on her head, not guiding, just connecting. "Sera…" he breathed, her name a prayer.
After a moment, he gently drew her back up, his own need shifting to worship. He peeled away her blouse, then her shorts, his movements reverent. He took a nipple into his mouth, sucking and then grazing it softly with his teeth, making her arch off the bed before his mouth began a slow, hot descent down her stomach. His tongue swirled in her navel before continuing its relentless path lower. When he finally tasted her, she cried out, her hands flying to his hair. The pleasure was acute, overwhelming, a white-hot coil tightening deep within her.
"Alden, please," she begged, her voice strained, trying to pull him up, to guide him into her. "I need you."
But he stopped, holding her hips firmly, his forehead resting against her thigh. His breathing was labored. "Sera," he said, his voice strained with his own restraint. "I just… I think it's too soon."
The abrupt halt was a physical shock. She fell back against the pillows, a frustrated, angry heat replacing the pleasurable one. "Why" The word was sharp, laced with rejection.
He moved to lie beside her, propping himself on an elbow to look down at her flushed, confused face. "After that fight… I don't want this to just be about making up. I want it to be right."
Seraphina stared at the ceiling, the emotional whiplash leaving her raw. After a heavy silence, a smaller, more vulnerable request slipped out. "Can we… hump at least?" The juvenile word felt silly, but it was a lifeline to the physical closeness she still craved.
Alden let out a soft, surprised laugh, the tension breaking for a second. "Is that what you did with him? When you didn't feel like having sex?" The question hung in the air, awkward and immediate.
Seraphina's brow furrowed. "That's a weird thing to say."
He instantly winced, closing his eyes. "I'm sorry. That came out wrong." He opened them, his gaze clear and earnest. "I just mean… I get it. He seemed like the type who always wanted it, and you were always up there in his room… so I get the… compromise." He paused, his hand coming up to gently cup her chin, turning her face back to his. "I'm sorry, love. You can do anything with me. I'm all yours. No compromises."
The reassurance was a balm. He sealed it with a kiss that was both an apology and a promise, lingering until he felt the smile form on her lips. Content, she climbed atop him, settling where their bodies aligned. There, she moved, rubbing her sensitive flesh against his length, a slow, grinding rhythm that was intimate and deeply satisfying in its own right. It was connection without culmination, pleasure built on a foundation of 'us' rather than 'me.'
Later, spent and wrapped in a comfortable silence, they lay tangled in the sheets and each other. The earlier storm had passed, leaving a profound calm. Alden nuzzled into her hair, his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he whispered, his voice soft and husky in the quiet dark.
"I told you I loved you earlier," he murmured, the words vibrating against her skin. "And you said nothing. I know it might be a lot for you right now, feeling it or saying it back. So I'm not going to rush things, okay? I just needed you to know. It's here. Whenever you're ready."
In the sanctuary of his arms, with the echo of his heartbeat under her palm, Seraphina didn't need words. She simply nodded, pressing a soft kiss to his collarbone, her soul quiet for the first time all night. It was enough. For now, it was everything.