Secrets

Chapter 18 - My Creator

The days dragged on, each one heavier than the last. The house felt too big, too quiet, as if the absence of her parents and the weight of her choices had hollowed it out. Though Mia was alone most of the time, the others came by regularly, their presence less comforting than suffocating.

Eliza was the kindest, bringing food she insisted Mia eat, her concern evident in the gentle way she spoke. Alex arrived with a quiet, watchful demeanor, always scanning the house as if expecting something—or someone—to jump out of the shadows. And then there was Matt, who came less often but always made his presence known with his cutting stares and clipped words.

They didn't live here, but it felt like they might as well have. There was always one of them hovering nearby, watching her with varying degrees of suspicion and concern. They called it keeping her safe. Mia called it a constant reminder of the tension that now defined their fractured friendship.

⟡

On the third day, the tension boiled over.

Mia sat in the kitchen, staring blankly at the mug of tea she'd made but hadn't touched. Eliza sat across from her, leaning on her elbows, her wings tucked tightly behind her. The silence between them was heavy, the air thick with unspoken questions.

"You're not eating much," Eliza said softly, breaking the quiet. Her tone was careful, as though she were afraid Mia might shatter. "You can't keep this up, Mia. It's not healthy. You haven't fully transition yet"

Mia bristled, her fingers tightening around the mug. 

"I'm fine," she said tersely, not meeting Eliza's eyes.

Eliza's brows furrowed, her worry deepening. 

"Are you waiting for him?" she asked gently.

Mia froze, her chest tightening at the question. The memory of Gabriel's parting words haunted her, the way he'd promised to help her control the bond, to give her a solution. She didn't answer, but her silence spoke volumes.

Eliza sighed, her wings shifting slightly. "Mia, you can't just—"

"Don't," Mia snapped, cutting her off. "Don't start."

Before Eliza could respond, the front door opened, and Alex stepped inside, his sharp gaze immediately landing on the two of them. He carried a bag of supplies, setting it down on the counter with a quiet precision that still felt intrusive.

"Mia," he said, his voice calm but firm. "You're not answering our messages. What's going on?"

"Nothing," Mia said quickly, standing and pushing the chair back. "I just needed space."

"You've had plenty of that," came Matt's voice from the doorway. He entered without hesitation, his wings partially spread, as if bracing for an argument. His presence was always heavier than the others', more charged, and today was no exception. His gaze locked on her, unyielding. 

"Your not answering because you're waiting for him," Matt said, his tone cutting. "Don't try to deny it."

"So what if I am?" she snapped, her frustration bubbling over. "I made my choice, Matt. I'm tired of everyone else deciding what's best for me. For once, I chose something for myself."

Matt's wings shifted, his eyes narrowing. 

"Are you sure it was your choice?" he asked sharply. "Do you even know if you made it willingly, or if Gabriel made it for you?"

Mia's frowned hard. 

"He didn't compel me," she said firmly, her voice rising. "I know he didn't."

Matt took a step closer, his gaze sharp and probing. "And how can you be so sure? Do you think Gabriel wouldn't use his powers to get what he wants? You think you're somehow immune to him?"