Beneath the Scars

Chapter 3 - The Beggining

The apartment was starting to feel more like home. Boxes were unpacked, and we had managed to set up a few basic comforts. Xenon was playing quietly in his room, and I took a moment to relax on the small couch in the living area. I allowed myself a rare moment of peace, savoring the silence that contrasted sharply with the chaos of our previous life.

Just as I was beginning to feel a sense of normalcy, the doorbell rang. My heart skipped a beat. Visitors were rare, and I wasn't expecting anyone. I approached the door cautiously, peeking through the peephole. My heart sank when I saw a familiar face standing outside. Thorne.

I hesitated for a moment before opening the door. When I did, Thorne's imposing figure filled the doorway. His eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto mine.

"Xiline," he said, his voice as smooth and menacing as I remembered. "It's been a long time."

"Thorne," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you doing here?"

"Can I come in?" he asked, stepping forward as if he was entitled to enter. I stepped back, allowing him inside against my better judgment. I glanced around the small apartment, hoping Xenon wouldn't come out just yet.

Thorne looked around, his gaze sweeping over the modest furnishings. "Nice place. Not much, but it's something. How are you adjusting?"

"I'm managing," I said, keeping my tone guarded. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to see how you're doing," Thorne said, his expression unchanging. "I've been thinking about you, Xiline. I know things ended badly, but I didn't come here to cause trouble."

"You didn't come here to cause trouble?" I asked incredulously. "You're the last person I would expect to show up with good intentions."

Thorne's lips curled into a slight smirk. "I understand your feelings. But I've been thinking about the past, and I wanted to make amends."

"Make amends?" I echoed, disbelief evident in my voice. "You've never cared about making amends. What are you really here for?"

Thorne's expression hardened. "I know you're angry, Xiline. But there are things you don't understand. Things I need to explain."

"Explain?" I repeated, feeling a surge of anger. "There's nothing you can say that will make up for what you've done. You and your family—"

"I'm not here to fight," Thorne interrupted, raising a hand to stop me. "I came to offer a chance to talk things over. I've been through some changes myself, and I thought it might be helpful for both of us."

"Helpful?" I said, shaking my head. "After everything you've done, how can you expect me to believe you've changed?"

Thorne sighed. "I know it's hard to believe. But I've had time to reflect. I made mistakes, and I want to at least try to make things right. For my own peace of mind, if nothing else."

Before I could respond, I heard a noise from the other room. Xenon had come out of his bedroom, curiosity getting the better of him. I saw him standing in the doorway, his eyes wide with confusion.

"Xiline, who's that?" Xenon asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Thorne turned to look at him, his face momentarily softening. "Is this your brother?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"Yes," I said, stepping in front of Xenon protectively. "Xenon, this is Thorne. He's... someone from the past."

Thorne took a step towards us, his expression shifting to one of strained politeness. "Hello, Xenon. I'm Thorne. It's nice to meet you."

Xenon looked up at me, his face reflecting a mix of fear and confusion. I could see he was uncomfortable with the situation.

"I think it's time for you to leave, Thorne," I said firmly, moving to block his path. "We have nothing more to discuss."

Thorne's eyes narrowed, but he nodded slowly. "Very well. I understand you need time. But remember, Xiline, if you ever need anything, if you want to talk, you know where to find me."

"I don't need anything from you," I said, my voice resolute. "Please go."

Thorne hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked towards the door. As he left, I could feel the weight of his presence lingering in the room. His visit had left me unsettled, and I knew it would take time to process everything.

As the door closed behind him, I turned to Xenon, who was still standing in the doorway. I knelt down to his level, trying to offer a reassuring smile.

"It's okay, Xenon," I said softly. "Thorne won't be bothering us anymore. We're safe here."

Xenon nodded slowly, though I could see he was still shaken. "I didn't like him, Xiline. He seemed... scary."

"He is," I said, gently taking his hand. "But we're going to be okay. We have each other, and we're moving forward. That's what matters."

We spent the rest of the evening trying to regain a sense of normalcy. I focused on making dinner and helping Xenon with his bedtime routine, doing my best to reassure him that everything would be alright.

As I lay in bed that night, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease left by Thorne's visit. His sudden appearance was a stark reminder of the past we were trying to leave behind. But with each day, I was determined to build a new life for us, free from the shadows of our past.

As I closed my eyes, I vowed to stay strong and protect Xenon, no matter what challenges lay ahead.