Celestial: Fallen

Chapter 49: A Glimpse of his World

My eyes roamed over the vast mansion before us, its grandeur almost overwhelming. The yard stretched out like the size of our university's open field, and though the night had already settled in, I could just make out the faint reflection of the distant shore, illuminated by the moonlight. The gentle sound of the waves crashing against the rocks reached my ears, bringing with it a sense of calm.

I glanced at Josh and Leroy, their expressions mirroring my own wide-eyed amazement. We exchanged silent looks, and I couldn't help but smile at the shared wonder on their faces.

"Guys, come on!" Brigit called from ahead, her voice light and cheerful. Rhyian stood beside her, waiting patiently, while Roisin and Finn had already gone inside. Instinctively, I looked over my shoulder, wondering if Diarmid was following us.

"He's already inside, getting everything ready for dinner, Arwen," Rhyian teased, her smirk playful. My cheeks flushed instantly, and I quickly turned away, hoping no one noticed my embarrassment.

Inside, the mansion was just as breathtaking as its exterior. The walls were painted a pristine white with accents of gold, and the ceiling seemed to stretch impossibly high. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the last traces of twilight, casting a soft, dreamy glow throughout the space. Despite its grandeur, the mansion didn't feel cold or distant as I'd expected. Fresh flowers in delicate vases adorned the corners of the room, their vibrant colors adding warmth to the sophisticated decor. The house exuded a refined elegance but still felt like a home—lived-in and welcoming.

Rhyian led us into the living room, where throw pillows lay scattered across large, plush couches. It wasn't messy, just relaxed, like this was their favorite spot to unwind. A large TV, complete with surround speakers and an Xbox, took up one wall. In the far-right corner, I noticed a drum set and a guitar, personal touches that made the room feel more intimate.

"Let's wait for the guys to finish everything in the kitchen," Brigit said with a smile. I returned the smile, though it felt a bit forced as my mind wandered.

"I didn't know you knew that Clayton guy," Brigit added, her tone casual but curious. The smile slipped from my face the moment his name left her lips, and a cold knot of unease settled in my stomach.

"It's... a long story," I replied, my voice quieter than I intended.

Brigit's brow furrowed slightly, sensing the discomfort in my tone, but before she could press further, Rhyian cut in.

"Well, did he do something awful?" Rhyian asked, her expression darkening with concern.

Before I could answer, Josh spoke up, his voice sharp. "He did!" The sudden edge in his tone startled me, and before I could process his words, the sound of shattering glass rang out from the kitchen, instantly snapping our attention toward the noise.

"Oops! Sorry, don't mind that!" Roisin's voice called from behind the kitchen door, sounding slightly sheepish.

The brief interruption was a welcome distraction, but my thoughts lingered on Clayton. The mere mention of him had unearthed memories I'd worked hard to forget. He wasn't just a random guy from my past—he was part of the ghosts I had been trying to bury. My hands trembled slightly, and I clenched them into fists under the table, trying to steady myself.

Brigit must have noticed my change in demeanor because she leaned closer, her voice soft and understanding. "You don't have to talk about it if you're not ready," she said gently, her eyes full of sympathy.

I nodded, grateful for her kindness, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was running—from Clayton, from the pain he'd caused, from the unresolved heartbreak of Jaimes. The warmth of the mansion felt both comforting and suffocating at the same time, pressing in on me in ways I couldn't explain.