The Thirteen Shadows / SEVENTEEN FF

Chapter 28: Unraveling

Maya's heart raced as Jeonghan parked the car in front of the sprawling manor, the familiar shadows of the building looming over them like a dark promise. After the brief escape to the lakeside cabin, returning to this place felt suffocating. She glanced at Jeonghan, who had been uncharacteristically quiet since receiving that phone call. He gave her a look, one that carried a subtle warning mixed with something she couldn't quite read. Then, without a word, he climbed out of the car and started heading inside, leaving Maya to sit alone in the quiet.

She followed, hesitant, her mind replaying what he had taught her at the lake. Focus on the sensations. Control what you can. But as soon as her foot crossed the threshold of the manor, an unsettling feeling crawled up her spine. The place was quiet. Too quiet.

Jeonghan had disappeared upstairs, and Maya was left standing alone in the entrance hall. A sudden chill swept through her, the eerie silence putting her on edge. She was about to head upstairs, her thoughts already shifting to calling Aera, when the unmistakable sound of footsteps made her freeze. She barely had time to react before Seungcheol's low, commanding voice reached her.

"Going somewhere, Maya?"

His tone was cold, dark, with an edge she hadn't heard before. Maya turned slowly to face him, her heart skipping a beat. He stood there, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her feel exposed. Gone was the playful teasing she sometimes sensed in him. This was different—darker.

"Go to your room," Seungcheol ordered, his voice laced with authority. "Now. Wait for me there."

Maya didn't question him. Something in his gaze warned her not to. With a slight nod, she obeyed, making her way up the grand staircase, her mind racing. What is going on? Seungcheol had always been intense, but this felt different. There was an edge of possessiveness that sent shivers down her spine, a dominance she couldn't quite shake.

She entered her room, her hands trembling slightly as she closed the door behind her. The silence of the manor pressed down on her like a weight, amplifying her confusion and worry. What is he going to do? As much as she tried to gather her thoughts, her mind felt foggy. And then, suddenly, she wasn't alone.

Seungcheol was there—behind her—his presence dominating the space like a storm waiting to break. His breath was hot against her neck, and she felt his lips ghosting near her skin. Maya stayed still, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. She could feel the tension radiating from him, an unmistakable threat lingering just beneath the surface.

"Did I ever give you permission to leave the manor?" Seungcheol's voice was low, dripping with sarcasm, but there was something far more dangerous lurking behind it. His hand came up, lightly brushing her throat as he circled to face her, his dark eyes narrowing.

Maya's breath caught in her throat, her entire body stiffening at the sensation of his fingers barely touching her skin. She stood still, not daring to move, unsure of what he might do. His grip tightened slightly, just enough to remind her of the power he held over her. Maya's lips parted, but no words came out.

"You're taking too long to answer me," Seungcheol said, his grip tightening ever so slightly more. "Did. I. Give. You. Permission?"

Maya swallowed hard, trying to calm the rising panic within her. "No," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I should have asked your permission. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Her answer seemed to please him—at least for the moment. His fingers relaxed, and he smirked, leaning closer, his lips brushing lightly against the side of her neck. Maya felt a shiver roll down her spine, not out of fear, but something more confusing, something she didn't understand. She should be terrified. She knew that. But there was a strange comfort in his touch that left her unnerved.