Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Seventeen

Ominis grunted loudly as he pulled himself off me and stood up, shirtless, to face Sebastian.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Sebastian?" He spat at him, looking like a glorious, avenging angel standing before me. It was incredibly sexy.

I sat up and began buttoning my top. I found my jumper in the pile and threw it over my head. I had never been so embarrassed. I was sure my face was on fire and I was going to burst into flames at any moment.

"I actually came to be alone. I didn't expect to walk in on... your little tryst." He spat back with equal venom.

"Well, that's because you weren't invited."

"Clearly."

They were seconds from throwing insults at each other, I could tell. And I wasn't about to be stuck here in the middle of it all. So, I got up and hastily retreated to the door.

"Rachel, where are you going?" Ominis called out to me. "You don't have to leave. YOU'RE the one who's still welcome in the Undercroft."

"Oh, so now I'm not even welcome in the Undercroft but SHE is?"

"I'm leaving." I said.

"No. Don't go. We probably all need to work this out together, right Ominis? Like you asked me to weeks ago? Or did you not tell her that part before telling her to ignore me."

"I didn't tell her any such thing. If you hadn't noticed, Rachel is a smart, capable witch who makes up her own mind about which assholes she doesn't want to associate with!"

"Then why is she with YOU?"

"I believe you interrupted the answer to that question a few seconds ago."

"You son of a ...." Sebastian made a forceful move toward Ominis and I couldn't stop myself from interjecting.

"THAT'S ENOUGH! I'm leaving. I will not be some pawn in your testosterone fueled tug-of-war over me. This disgusting display just shows me that maybe I don't need either of you in my life. As far as I'm concerned, you can both go fuck yourselves."

I began again toward the exit and just as I reached the metal gates, I whipped around, pointing a finger at them. "Ominis, don't you dare follow me." They both stood utterly still with their mouths agape slightly.

And with that, I left the Undercroft with no intention of returning any time soon.

--

I cried all night. Imelda slept in my bed with me, hugging me and shushing me. I never told her a word about what happened. I didn't want to ruin whatever budding relationship she had going with Sebastian and I especially didn't want to make Ominis look bad in her eyes. I was just so hurt. And embarrassed. Confused. Sad. I don't think I could have put it into words what happened anyway. She just let me cry and cry. Never expecting any explanation.

As a result, we both slept late into Sunday and woke up looking like death warmed over. I had a huge headache from all the crying.

"Good morning." She said timidly, with her face pillowed on her folded hands next to me.

"Good morning." I croaked out, throat dry and lips parched.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"No. Not really. But also, yes." I smiled shyly. "Thank you, Imelda. For being there for me. And not asking any questions."

"Part of the best friend's handbook." She patted my head softly. "I think, we need baths and comfort food. What say I run you a hot bath and get the house elves to bring us a feast right here in the dorm!"