𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓

NINETEEN.

There are two events lined up to happen.

The first is Surprise Visit, an event originally tied to Theo—but since Y/n has successfully prevented Theo and her from happening, it means he is safe. For now. The other is Rumors Fly, an event that involves him and Elliot. It is a stupid situation to begin with: since word has spread that Angelina's brother was injured instead of her, some of the girls have begun to view Angelina as a nuisance. She will be targeted heavily on her return trip to the academy. Then Elliot will swoop in like a fucking savior.

Not that the eager blonde in front of him knows.

"It was so fun, Brother," she gushes. "Lord Claude used his magic effortlessly—we went around the city square in the sky. Can you even believe that? He was so funny, too."

Good. Angelina is steadily falling in love.

Bad. If they do get together, Y/n will be the one facing the consequences.

"That's nice to hear," Y/n hums. "So? You like him?"

She blushes. "Well—not like that, but yes. He's a great friend..." She trails off, lost in thought. "But I don't think I love him—at least, not yet. I certainly don't make out with him like you do with the Prince."

Y/n tries to cough politely. It dissolves into sputters.

"Wait—what? Since when—"

"Oh, when he aggressively dragged you into an empty room, I was suspicious. And then you came back with flushed cheeks and swollen lips, and His Highness looked so aggravatingly smug—my worst fears were confirmed." She frowns. "I still can't believe it. Yes, he saved you, but..."

"But?" Y/n prompts.

"Just admit you have something against him," Y/n sighs. "Why do you even hate him so much?"

"He pretended none of us existed and only now bothers to show up at the academy," she grumbles. "No matter how you look at it, his personality is awful."

(Hm. All valid points. Y/n can't really refute them.)

"Well," he laughs, "I can't defend him—but I can't speak against him either, when he's been nothing but kind to me."

"Kind," Angelina mimics. "You mean totally ravenous and loving? He can't take his eyes off you, and he can't take his hand off his blade. If he didn't annoy me so much, I'd be terrified of him."

It's strange—almost funny. Angelina and Arion are supposed to be in love. Instead, they barely tolerate each other.

"Ravenous and loving?" Y/n frowns. "That's quite the combination. Where are you pulling all of this nonsense from?"

"Quite the combination," she repeats flatly. "But it's true."

"The Prince..." Y/n trails off. "I think this is the first time he's truly opened up to someone. I won't deny that I love him—but everyone has their own way of doing things."

"And you trust that?" She says. "Do you trust him?"

"I don't think it's about trust," Y/n says thoughtfully. "Perhaps more so about being open minded; trusting and also accepting that people can change. You were accepting of Elliot, weren't you?"

"People can change..." Angelina stares off. "For a long time, I didn't understand you, Brother. You seemed so close, yet so far. Every time I tried to grasp you, you slipped away." She hesitates. "We're close now, right?"

Y/n looks at her outstretched hand. After a moment, he takes it.

"We are," he smiles. "Of course."

It doesn't feel like a lie.

**

"You didn't say he was coming with us," Angelina whisper-shouts. "What is he doing here?"

(Y/n doesn't know either.)

"Arion," Y/n says carefully, "might I ask to whom do I owe the pleasure? So early, too."

Angelina's gaze darts between them—like she expects them to kiss at any moment. She doesn't need to be narrowing her eyes and fidgeting and —

Arion steps forward and presses a kiss to Y/n's forehead.
"There was no occasion, Livio," he says easily. "I simply wished to accompany you back to class."

Right. After bandits, kidnappings, poisonous plants—and a possessive prince who refuses to let Y/n attend lessons while injured. Should've seen this coming.

"Shouldn't you be busy?" Y/n says. "You were rushed yesterday."

"You saw each other yesterday," Angelina mutters, and at this, Arion finally notices her. Irritation flickers in his eyes, and the air tightens. Y/n gulps. It's not looking very pretty.

"Let's go," Arion mutters. His gaze flicks to Angelina—it is neutral, but edged with considerable hostility.

"What's gotten into you?" Y/n whispers. "Behave."

"She's the reason you get hurt," Arion snaps quietly. "How many times must I see this?"

"Don't blame her."

"You can't deny it."

"I can," Y/n hisses. "Sometimes I think you're far too possessive."

Arion stiffens; and his grip tightens. "I despise seeing you hurt. I've been lenient countless times."

"Are we doing this now?"

"You don't understand."

"I do," Y/n sighs. "Arion—give her a chance."

His expression softens—but just slightly.

"She always leads you into danger."

Y/n cups his cheek. "She's my sister. I won't push her away."

Arion leans into the touch, but still he snipes; "I want her to take better care of herself."

"You sound like a big brother."

"I feel no affection toward her."

"I'll talk to her," Y/n murmurs. "She's strong. Powerful. Just... naive; yes; but you do know she doesn't have much experience here. She was neglected, for God's sake."

"I will tolerate her at times," Arion says quietly. "For you." Y/n suppose that's a minor victory; he will accept it for now.

"At times?" Y/n smiles. "Try always."

Angelina clears her throat.

"I still don't understand what you see in him," she says.
"Father and I agree—you know his true nature."

"So I do," Y/n replies evenly. "He's trying."

"He's only nice to you," she snaps. "He's a murderer."

The word echoes; murderer, murderer, murderer. Y/n flinches, reaching for Arion.

"That was unnecessary," Y/n says, his voice now tight.

Arion's expression darkens. "How strange," he murmurs. "That this murderer treats your brother so well."

People start to gather now, and whispers rise. And Y/n understands—

He has triggered the event.

[Rumors Fly has been triggered.]

And for the first time, he realizes: it was him who hurt them both.