Blade institute: the unseen prophecy

25

Evangeline sat up in the bed, the weight of the moment pressing down on her as she pulled the sheet around her. The rawness of what had just happened, the intensity of it, was still coursing through her veins, but alongside that was a rising tide of regret. She glanced at Rian, who was sitting up beside her, his breathing still heavy, his expression a mix of frustration and something that almost looked like disappointment.

The silence between them stretched, thick with the aftershocks of what they had just done. Neither of them seemed to know what to say, how to break the tension that had suddenly shifted from passionate to awkward. Evangeline opened her mouth to speak, but Rian beat her to it.

"That... shouldn't have happened," he said, his voice rough, still catching his breath. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, not meeting her eyes.

Evangeline felt a wave of relief that mirrored her own thoughts but also a sting of something she couldn't quite name. "Yeah," she agreed, her voice low. "It was a mistake."

Rian nodded, still not looking at her. "We were both angry, frustrated. It got out of hand."

There was a long pause, the weight of their words sinking in. Evangeline felt her chest tighten, not with regret exactly, but with the realization that whatever had just happened between them couldn't be undone. But as much as a part of her had felt something more, something deeper, she knew it was better this way. They were both too wrapped up in their own issues, their own fears, to handle anything more complicated.

"We're attracted to each other," Evangeline said, finally breaking the silence. "That much is obvious. But we can't let it go any deeper. It'll just mess things up, and we both know it."

Rian's eyes flicked to hers then, his gaze steady. "I agree. We have too much at stake, too many things to deal with. This..." He gestured between them, a small, rueful smile tugging at his lips. "This can't happen again."

Evangeline nodded, the knot in her chest loosening slightly. It was a relief to hear him say it, to have the unspoken tension between them acknowledged and set aside. "So, we just forget about it? Never speak of it again?"

Rian's smile widened, a little more genuine this time, though still tinged with regret. "Yeah. We forget about it. And we focus on what matters—getting through this mission and keeping each other safe."

Evangeline smiled back, a small but genuine smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Friends, then?" she asked, her tone light, though there was an underlying seriousness to the question. They had been through a lot together, and despite everything, she didn't want to lose the connection they had, even if it wasn't what she had once thought it could be.

Rian nodded, his expression softening. "Friends," he agreed. "Nothing more, nothing less."

The tension in the room seemed to ease at that, and they both relaxed a little, the awkwardness of the situation dissipating. Evangeline leaned back against the headboard, the sheet still wrapped around her, and let out a long breath.

"Good," she said with a sigh, the corners of her lips quirking up into a small grin. "Because the last thing we need is more drama."

Rian chuckled, the sound low and almost relieved. "Agreed. We have enough of that with demons trying to kill us and bosses who may or may not be my demonized brother."

Evangeline snorted, shaking her head. "Yeah, no kidding. I think we've reached our quota for emotional turmoil."

Rian nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "But seriously, Evangeline, we do need to be careful. About everything. Not just... this." He gestured between them again, but the seriousness in his eyes told her he meant more than just their relationship. "The demons, your magic, the pink eyes—there's a lot we don't understand yet, and we can't afford to be distracted."

Evangeline sighed, the weight of the reality they were facing settling back over her. "I know," she said quietly. "I'll be careful, Rian. I promise."

He nodded, satisfied, and for a moment, they just sat there in silence, the earlier intensity between them replaced by a calm understanding. There was no need for more words, no need to dwell on what had happened. They had made their decision, and they were both committed to it.

Evangeline felt a sense of closure, a feeling that they had reached an important turning point. They had acknowledged the tension between them, had acted on it, and now they could move forward without it hanging over their heads. It was freeing in a way she hadn't expected.

She finally stood up, keeping the sheet wrapped around her as she moved toward the bathroom to clean up. "I'm going to take a quick shower," she said, glancing back at him. "Try to wash off some of this demon blood."

Rian nodded, his eyes following her as she walked away. "Yeah, good idea. I'll take one after you."

Evangeline paused at the bathroom door, turning to look at him one last time. "Rian... thanks. For being honest."

He met her gaze, his expression sincere. "Always, Evangeline."

With that, she stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. The hot water felt like a blessing against her skin, washing away the grime and blood from the battle, as well as the remnants of the emotional turmoil they had just gone through.

As she stood under the stream of water, Evangeline allowed herself a moment to process everything. They had fought hard today—against the demons, against their own fears, and against the pull between them. And while the fight with the demons had been exhausting, it was the fight within herself that had left her feeling the most drained.

But she was glad they had come to an understanding. The attraction between them was undeniable, but they had both seen the wisdom in not letting it go any further. There were too many risks, too many unknowns in their lives to complicate things with a relationship that could very well end in disaster.

And yet, as she washed away the last traces of blood and sweat, Evangeline couldn't help but wonder what could have been, if things had been different. But she quickly pushed that thought aside. What-ifs were dangerous in their line of work.

By the time she stepped out of the shower, she had made peace with the decision they had made. She dressed quickly, pulling on clean clothes, and emerged from the bathroom feeling more like herself again.

Rian was waiting by the bed, already dressed in his own clean clothes. He gave her a nod as he passed her on his way to the bathroom, and she returned the gesture with a small smile.

As he disappeared behind the door, Evangeline sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling a sense of calm settle over her. They had faced something raw and intense tonight, but they had come out the other side with a clearer understanding of where they stood.

They were friends. Nothing more, nothing less. And that was okay.

As Rian showered, Evangeline lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. The events of the day had been overwhelming, but they had also brought some clarity. There were still many challenges ahead—demons to fight, mysteries to unravel, and a mission that could change everything. But at least she knew where she and Rian stood.

And for now, that was enough.

When Rian emerged from the bathroom, they shared a brief look—one that spoke of understanding and agreement. No words were needed. They had already said everything that needed to be said.

They climbed into bed, careful to stay on their respective sides, and the room settled into a peaceful quiet. Evangeline closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the day finally lifting off her shoulders. Sleep came quickly, but so did the nightmares.