The Girl in the gilded cage (A Tom Hiddleston story)

A violent confrontation

*Malina*
"Tom," I breathe, my heart racing, "we need to do something quickly. They won't stop until someone gets hurt." I glance back at the cage, the tiger now pacing in agitation, its powerful limbs taut with energy.

"Let's go, then," he says, determination lighting his eyes. "We need to send someone to get the police."

I nod, though unease knots in my stomach. Ioan was always kind of a jerk, but I had not expected this... this darkness and hatred. And my sister... I can't even begin to understand what she's become.

We slip out of the tent and into the balmy evening, the circus sprawling before us like a canvas, calm yet deceptive. My mind races as we find a young man to send to the nearest phone before we start searching for them. I am sure they are nearby.

As we approach, I see them in the distance. Lavinia leans against a tree, her posture relaxed, yet I can see the tension in her jaw. Ioan stands tall beside her, his muscles rippling under his shirt, a knife glinting menacingly at his side. They look like they are arguing.

"Lavinia! Ioan!" I call out, my voice steady despite the tremor in my heart. The figures turn, and I can see Lavinia's surprise morph into disdain as she recognizes me.

"Look who decided to show up," she sneers, crossing her arms. "The perfect little sister."

"Lavinia, this has to end!" I say, stepping forward, Tom a solid presence at my side. "You're playing with fire, and it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. You two tried to have Tom eaten."

Ioan chuckles darkly, his gaze flicking from me to Tom. "You think you can intimidate us? You're just a girl in a torn wedding dress. How would you stop us?"

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words but pushing through the fear. "More than you think. I know what you're capable of, Ioan, but I'm not afraid of you anymore."

He narrows his eyes, stepping closer. "You should be. If I can't have you, no one should."

"Is that what you tell yourself?" Tom speaks up, his voice low but firm. "You're a coward hiding behind threats."

Ioan's expression darkens, and for a moment, I fear he might lash out. But Lavinia interjects, stepping between us. "Stop! we do not have time for this jabbering." Her voice is sharp, and it cuts through the tension like a knife.

"Lavinia, you need to stop this," I plead, desperation creeping into my voice. I still hope my sister might be saved. "He's not good for you. He's using you."

Lavinia's eyes flash with anger. "You don't know anything about me! I can make my own choices." But I see the flicker of doubt in her gaze, and it gives me hope.

"Look at what you've become," I urge, taking a step closer. "You're cheating on your husband, all for a man who would throw you to the lions if it meant saving himself. Do you really want to become that person?"

Ioan scoffs, but Lavinia's face falls, and for a moment, I think I've broken through. "You're just jealous," she finally says, her voice trembling. "You've always been the star, always the good girl. But look where that's gotten you... stuck in a corner while I live my life."

"Living your life?" I challenge, my voice rising. "You're running from the truth. You're hurting people. You're hurting yourself."

Before she can respond, Ioan steps forward. "Enough of this!" he barks, reaching for his knife. "You think you can stop us?"

Tom shifts protectively in front of me, and I feel a surge of fear and anger. "You won't hurt anyone again," he growls, his stance unwavering.

"Watch me," Ioan sneers, and in a flash, he throws the knife. It flies through the air, aimed straight for Tom.

Time seems to slow. I scream, "Tom!" as the knife hurtles through the air, aimed straight for him. Time stretches as I see every detail... the glint of the blade, the wild look in Ioan's eyes.

I shove Tom aside, making him stumble to the ground, just as the knife grazes my arm, a flash of pain shooting through me. I stagger back, but adrenaline propels me forward. "Stop it, Ioan!" I shout my eyes locked on Ioan.

"Malina, are you okay!" he yells, but I can't back down.

Ioan steps closer, his face twisted with rage. "You think you can protect him?" As Tom tries to get up, Ioan manages to kick him in the face, sending him to the ground. "You're nothing!"

"Shut up!" I snarl, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I lunge at him, hoping to catch him off guard. I need to protect Tom. He sidesteps, and I feel the rush of air as a knife barely misses me again.

"Is that all you've got?" I taunt, trying to distract him. But he's too focused, too furious. He lunges at me, and I barely manage to dodge.

I see Lavinia watching from a distance, arms crossed, a smirk on her face. it's clear she doesn't care what happens next. She's here for her own twisted game.

"Stay back!" I scream at her, keeping my focus on Ioan. I can't let him think I'm weak. I need to end this.

"Why are you fighting for him?" Ioan snarls, lunging again. "He doesn't mean anything to you!"

"He means everything,  you mean nothing to me!" I shoot back, dodging another strike. The knife grazes my shoulder this time, and I wince but push through the pain.

I can see Lavinia's expression shift, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face as she realizes I'm not backing down. "Ioan, stop playing with her," she calls out, her voice cold. "Finish it."

Her words only fuel my determination. I won't be the one who backs down. I see an opening and charge at Ioan, grabbing a nearby chair and swinging it at him.

He stumbles back, surprised, and I seize the moment. "You think you can get out of this? You're pathetic!" I shout, adrenaline surging.

"Enough!" Ioan roars, his anger boiling over. He lunges again, but this time I'm ready. I sidestep, grabbing his wrist and twisting, using his own power to force the knife out of his hand. It clatters to the ground. Honestly I am rather surprised it worked.

But before I can catch my breath, I feel Lavinia's presence behind me. She lunges forward, grabbing my hair and yanking me back. "You think you can take everything from me?" she sneers, her grip like iron.

"Let go!" I scream, struggling against her hold.

Ioan regains his composure, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "You should have stayed out of this, Malina. And you should have stayed away from him."

With a surge of strength, I break free from Lavinia's grip and turn to face Ioan. "You think this is over? I won't let you win."

Before I can react, Lavinia grabs me again, her eyes cold and calculating. "You are dead sis."

.