Shadow Bound Fate

Arguing With Shadows

Lira's POV

As I pushed through the thrumming crowd, the music seemed to warp into a harsh mixture of clashing beats, reflecting the turmoil in my heart. I finally spotted Thalia, still dancing with abandon, her laughter ringing out like a beacon of joy amidst the chaos. I hurried toward her, desperate to escape the storm brewing behind me.

Thalia's expression shifted from excitement to concern as she noticed my distress. "Lira! What happened?" she asked, reaching for my hand and pulling me into a quieter corner of the dance floor, where the music was a dull thud rather than a pounding roar.

I shook my head, letting out a soft sigh. "Let's just say I need another drink," I replied, my voice tinged with frustration.

Thalia nodded in understanding, her grip on my hand firm as she led me back toward a quieter corner of the bar. The music faded into a distant thrum, allowing a momentary reprieve from the overwhelming noise of the dance floor. We settled onto two high stools, the cool surface of the bar a welcome contrast to the heat radiating from my cheeks.

Thalia leaned over slightly, her expression shifting to one of concern as she waved down the bartender. "Two more shots, please," she ordered, her tone brisk yet friendly. As he poured the vibrant liquid into two shot glasses, she turned her attention back to me. "Care to explain what happened?"

I shrugged, my fingers tracing the rim of my glass as I searched for the right words. "I just don't get it. One minute, he's telling me he cares about me and wants me to go home with him," I started, frustration bubbling up again. "And then Clara appears out of thin air, acting like she owns him." My voice fell to a whisper as I shook my head in disbelief. "I don't know why I care so much."

Thalia nodded, her gaze thoughtful as she took a sip of her drink before setting it down. "They used to be together," she revealed, and my heart leapt to my throat, a mix of surprise and anxiety churning inside me. "But he broke it off a while ago. She obviously still has feelings for him." Her words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of her implication. "But trust me when I say he wants you to go home because he cares for you."

"Does he think I can't handle myself?" I asked, incredulity lacing my voice.

Thalia shook her head emphatically. "Definitely not. He knows you can handle yourself. It's not that," she reassured me, her tone steady.

"Then what is it?" I pressed, searching her face for answers.

She looked over my shoulder, her expression shifting as if contemplating her next words. "Remember when I said he had a rough childhood?"

I nodded, recalling the fleeting glimpses of pain I'd seen in his eyes during our conversations.

"He's not the best at showing how he cares for others, but he does care for you. His way of showing it is what he's doing now," she explained, her voice softening as she reached for my hand.

I raised an eyebrow, confusion swirling in my mind. "What's so dangerous about being here? I'm with you," I insisted, trying to brush off the unease that had settled over me.

Thalia turned her full body toward me, her expression serious. "You know the Den attracts rebels and other kinds of people," she stated, her tone firm.

I nodded slowly, the implications of her words sinking in.

"Sometimes it can be dangerous here, especially for a pretty woman," she continued, her gaze steady. "Don't get me wrong; I love coming here to have fun. But you still have to be aware. Caius is just making sure you are aware," she said, her voice almost protective.