Something In The Way-SYLUS X MC X ZAYNE

Chapter 15 "Madness"

The wind whipped around us as Sylus tore through the streets, the motorcycle's engine roaring beneath us. My mind was a tumult of chaos, replaying the horrors of the night—the explosions, the drones, the innocent girl caught in the crossfire. Each thought felt like a jagged shard lodged in my chest, a constant reminder of the fragility of life.

"Mephisto alerted me," Sylus said, his voice steady but filled with urgency as he maneuvered through the darkness. "He spotted the drones before I did. I didn't think I'd get to you in time."

I could hear the worry in his voice, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. I wanted to comfort him, to tell him it wasn't his fault, but the memory of the old man's final moments clawed at my insides.

As we approached the N109 Zone, a strange mix of anxiety and solace enveloped me. I was grateful to be back in his safe haven, but the reality of what had just transpired pressed down on me like a stone.

Sylus parked the motorcycle, and we climbed off, his presence an anchor amid my turmoil. The house loomed ahead, a dark silhouette against the starry sky, promising warmth and safety.

Inside, Sylus lit the fireplace, the flames flickering to life and casting a soft, golden glow across the room. He moved with a gentle grace, pouring two glasses of wine and handing one to me. I took it, my hands trembling slightly.

"Drink," he urged softly, his eyes intent on mine. "It'll help." I grabbed the glass and drank.

The crackle of the fireplace was the only sound in the room, its warm glow casting flickering shadows over the walls. I sat in shock, trying to process everything—the old man's cryptic words, the girl's death, and the weight of what had just happened. My hands trembled slightly as I took another sip of wine, my thoughts racing.

Sylus stood across from me, his broad frame illuminated by the firelight. His eyes were dark, intense, but that usual calm exterior he wore like a mask was cracking. I could feel it—the tension building between us, unspoken but palpable.

"You don't have to blame yourself," he said, his voice rougher than usual, as if he were struggling to keep his emotions in check. "The girl... that wasn't your fault."

I set the glass down, my anger flaring. "Wasn't my fault?" I snapped, standing up and glaring at him. "She died because of me. Because you were too focused on saving me to even try and save her." Furry washed over me "I can't believe you let her die,"

"I didn't let her die," he said slowly, keeping his voice calm, measured. "I chose to save you."

"You had time! You could've saved both of us!" she shouted, her voice breaking. "Instead, you chose me! Why? Why do you always have to control everything?" I shouted the weight of everything collapsing at me at once, I wasn't even angry with him until now, it's like something came over me.

Because you're mine, I protect what's mine."

I belong to no one!" I cried. "She was an innocent girl! You think you can just decide who lives and who dies? You don't get to make that call, Sylus!"

"I made the call because I love you." Sylus's jaw clenched, the muscle twitching beneath his skin. His eyes narrowed, and I could see the darkness in them deepen, something dangerous lurking just beneath the surface. The rawness of his words struck me like a slap. I felt a rush of rage that I couldn't control. I lashed out, my hand meeting the side of his face with a sharp crack. For a moment, everything was still—the sound of the slap hanging in the air between us. His head turned slightly from the force, but he didn't move.

"Your love is poison, It doesn't matter what you do, how many people you kill, or how many grand gestures you make. I'm in love with someone else." I managed to say, my voice trembling as I fought to maintain eye contact. The name lingered at the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't bring myself to utter Zayne's name. The feelings were too raw, too complicated, too much for this moment.