six hours

10: Pet store

The morning air was crisp, biting at my cheeks as I stepped outside. The world was painted in shades of gold, amber, and crimson—autumn in its full, breathtaking glory. The trees stood half-dressed, their dying leaves dancing with the wind, whispering secrets to the earth below. Somewhere in the distance, a flock of birds cut across the grey sky, migrating toward warmth, while I stood there, wrapped in the embrace of the cold.

I exhaled softly, watching as my breath curled into the air like ghostly tendrils. Autumn always felt like a transition—a quiet warning that winter was on its way.

And for some reason, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change, too.

I quickly showered and dressed, pulling on my black high-waisted skinny jeans, an orange high-neck sweater that hugged me like warmth itself, and my black ankle boots. Comfortable, cozy, yet effortlessly chic. My curls, softened by the steam from the shower, were gathered into a loose bun, and the only makeup I bothered with was a swipe of lipstick.

I turned to the mirror and sighed. Eddy was becoming more protective lately. Every time the seasons shifted from warmth to cold, he'd wrap me in extra layers, double-check the locks, and hover over me like an overbearing shadow. He called it 'protection.' Protection from what?

I never asked because I knew I wouldn't get an answer.

Eddy was already waiting by the car, leaning against the sleek black vehicle like he owned the world. The golden sunrise kissed his skin, his sharp features looking like they had been carved from something ancient and powerful.

When I slid into the car, everything suddenly went black.

"Eddy!?" I gasped, my vision swallowed by darkness.

He chuckled, his fingers tying the blindfold securely around my eyes.

"Relax, ma chérie," he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "It's a surprise."

A surprise.

I let out an exaggerated sigh. "Eddy, why do you Romanos love surprises so much? One minute you're throwing extravagant parties, the next you're starting family wars."

Eddy laughed softly, his voice warm but unreadable. "And yet... you're still here."

That shut me up.

We drove for what felt like forever. Without my sight, my other senses sharpened.

🔸 The soft hum of the engine.
🔸 The rhythmic tapping of Eddy's fingers against the leather steering wheel.
🔸 The cold air slipping through the cracks, biting at my skin.
🔸 The scent of leather and cologne—Eddy's signature mix of danger and allure.

I tried to stay calm, but my heart wouldn't stop hammering against my ribs.

Then—the car stopped.

The door creaked open, and before I could react, I felt strong hands grip my waist, lifting me out of the car effortlessly.

"Eddy!" I gasped, half-laughing, half-annoyed. "You could at least warn me before carrying me like some helpless maiden from a medieval novel!"

He chuckled but said nothing, guiding me forward.

The ground beneath me changed—first pavement, then something softer... wood?

Then, I heard it—a door creaking open, followed by the soft chime of a bell.

And whispers.

There were people here.

I could feel them.