𝐓 𝐇 𝐑 𝐄 𝐄

1.2K 73 3
                                    

Mattie

I was still replaying Amelia's words in my head, trying to convince myself there was even a tiny chance she might be right about Evangeline. I was on my way back inside from the gardens when I nearly walked straight into someone.

"Whoa, Mattie!" a familiar voice called out, steadying me by the shoulders.

I looked up, startled, and came face to face with Thomas. He stood tall, way taller than me, like everyone else in the castle, with his black hair falling into his striking purple eyes. There was always something about him that made me feel small, both physically and emotionally. Maybe it was the way he carried himself with such effortless confidence, or maybe it was because he was Evangeline's best friend.

The best friend.

"Oh, hey, Thomas," I muttered, stepping back and hoping I didn't look as flustered as I felt.

He flashed a friendly smile, and I felt the all-too-familiar pang of jealousy stir deep inside. I hated that I felt that way toward him, but I couldn't help it. Thomas was always so close to Evangeline, and I couldn't count the number of times I'd seen the two of them laughing together, talking in ways that seemed so... intimate. He was always there, by her side, while I was just awkwardly watching from a distance, hoping to catch her attention for even a moment.

I forced a smile, trying to hide the feelings bubbling up inside me. "What's up?"

Thomas glanced down the hallway, then back at me, his smile turning into something a little more mischievous. "I actually need your help with something."

"Uh... sure. What do you need?"

"Well," he started, rubbing the back of his neck, "I've got this new desk for Evangeline's study, and it's kind of heavy. Could use some help getting it to her room."

I blinked. Evangeline's room? My heart immediately started racing. He wanted me to help him carry something into Evangeline's room. As in, I'd actually get to see her space, her private space. Maybe even see her. My stomach did a little flip, and I tried not to let my excitement show too much.

"O-oh," I stammered, trying to sound nonchalant, "sure, I can help with that."

"Great!" Thomas beamed and gestured for me to follow him.

As we walked down the hallway together, I couldn't help but steal glances at him, wondering what he and Evangeline were really like when they were alone. Were they as close as they seemed? Did they talk about everything? Did Evangeline ever confide in him the way Amelia confided in me? The thought gnawed at me, twisting my stomach with jealousy. I hated it. I hated that I was jealous of their friendship, but I couldn't help it. He was always around her, and I was... well, just me.

We reached the storage room where the desk was waiting. It was a sleek, dark wood piece, obviously heavy. Together, we lifted it, and I struggled to carry my end, trying not to show how much effort it took. Thomas, of course, didn't seem to break a sweat.

"You okay there?" he asked, glancing at me with a grin.

"Yeah," I managed, my arms burning. "Totally fine."

We made our way through the castle, carrying the desk through winding hallways, and with every step closer to Evangeline's room, my heart beat faster. What if she was in there? What if she saw me struggling with this desk and thought I was weak or ridiculous? What if I embarrassed myself again?

"Thanks for helping," Thomas said, breaking the silence. "I know it's not the most exciting task, but I appreciate it."

"Of course," I replied, though my mind was racing in a million different directions. "Happy to help."

We finally reached Evangeline's room, and I had to force myself to breathe evenly. The door was slightly ajar, and I couldn't help but glance inside as we approached. The room was everything I imagined, elegant and warm, with tall windows letting in soft, natural light. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes, and there were delicate flowers in vases, adding a gentle fragrance to the space. Her bed was large, draped with dark velvet curtains, and I could already picture her sitting there, reading or writing, looking as regal and breathtaking as always.

But the room was empty.

Part of me felt relieved, no chance to embarrass myself further, but another part was disappointed. I wanted to see her, even if it was just for a second.

"Alright, let's set it down over here," Thomas said, guiding the desk toward the wall near the window.

We carefully lowered it into place, and I straightened up, wiping my palms on my pants. Thomas took a step back, surveying the room with a satisfied nod. "Perfect. She'll love it."

I nodded, unsure of what to say. I was still in Evangeline's room. My heart was still racing, and the scent of her perfume lingered faintly in the air. It felt... surreal, like I was trespassing into her personal world, a world I never quite felt like I belonged in.

Thomas must've noticed my quietness because he turned to me with a curious look. "You okay, Mattie? You've been kind of... quiet."

I froze for a second, panic rising in my chest. Had he noticed my jealousy? Did he know how I felt about Evangeline? I quickly forced a smile, shaking my head. "I'm fine. Just... a little tired, I guess."

He didn't seem convinced but nodded anyway. "Well, thanks again for helping me out. I'm sure Evangeline will appreciate it too."

My heart fluttered at the mention of her name. "Y-yeah, no problem."

As we turned to leave, my eyes lingered on the room one last time. The desk sat perfectly against the wall, and for a moment, I imagined Evangeline sitting there, reading or writing, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders as she worked.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice Thomas watching me with a knowing smile. "You really like her, don't you?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

He chuckled softly. "Evangeline. You're not exactly subtle about it."

My face flushed, and I stammered, trying to find the right words. "I... I mean... no, I don't—"

"It's fine, Mattie," Thomas said, his tone surprisingly gentle. "I get it. She's incredible, isn't she?"

I swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. Of course, she was incredible. She was everything. But the last thing I wanted was for Thomas, of all people, to know how badly I felt about her. How much it hurt to watch him be so close to her, to have the kind of friendship I could only dream of.

"Don't worry," he added, his smile kind. "Your secret's safe with me."

I let out a shaky breath, managing a small nod. "Thanks."

But as we walked out of Evangeline's room, that gnawing feeling of jealousy returned, settling deep in my chest. No matter how kind Thomas was, no matter how much I tried to hide it, the truth was undeniable: I was jealous. Jealous of the way he could stand by her side so easily, while I could barely manage to speak when she was near.

And deep down, I feared that no matter how much I tried, I would never be anything more to her than just the shy werewolf in the background.

————————————————————————————————————

~ R

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 𝐃𝐃 𝐒𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐥Where stories live. Discover now