The house had become a quiet battlefield of glances, gestures, and unspoken intentions.
Alaric was everywhere Isla turned—offering to help with chores, asking about her past, complimenting her cooking. His charm was relentless, and though Isla remained polite, she couldn't ignore the subtle tension building between him and Damian.
Meanwhile, Seraphina had shifted. She was no longer just the elegant guest—she was suddenly attentive, affectionate, and oddly territorial. She began spending more time with Damian, laughing louder at his jokes, brushing his arm when she passed, and reminiscing about their childhood with a sparkle in her eye.
One afternoon, Isla was in the garden when Alaric joined her, carrying two glasses of lemonade.
"You always look so peaceful out here," he said, handing her a glass.
"Thank you," Isla replied, keeping her tone neutral.
"I mean it," Alaric said, sitting beside her. "There's something about you. You're not like the others. You have this... quiet fire."
Isla looked away. "I don't know what you mean."
"You will," he said, his voice low.
Inside, Seraphina was helping Damian organize his study. She leaned close, her voice soft. "You know, we've always had a rhythm, you and I. Maybe it's time we revisit that."
Damian gave her a puzzled look. "Seraphina, what are you doing?"
She smiled. "Just reminding you of what we had. Before Isla. Before Alaric."
Damian stepped back. "That was a long time ago."
"But not forgotten," she said, her eyes narrowing.
That evening, the four of them sat down for dinner. The air was thick with unspoken tension. Alaric kept stealing glances at Isla. Seraphina leaned into Damian's side. Isla barely touched her food, and Damian seemed lost in thought.
After dinner, Isla retreated to the balcony, needing air. Moments later, Damian joined her.
"You okay?" he asked.
"I don't know," she admitted. "Everything feels... strange."
Damian nodded. "I feel it too. Alaric's being too forward. And Seraphina... she's changed."
Isla looked at him. "Why do you think that is?"
Damian hesitated. "Maybe... maybe because I care about you. And they both know it."
Isla's heart skipped. She looked at him, unsure of what to say.