Something In The Way-SYLUS X MC X ZAYNE

Chapter 22 "Lady In Red"

The twins, Luke and Kieran, stepped into the chaotic remnants of the arena, their eyes sweeping over the scattered bodies and debris left in the wake of Sylus's rage. Smoke drifted through the air, carrying a bitter metallic scent, but the twins barely flinched, sharing a knowing look.

"Called it," Luke said, smirking as he nudged Kieran. "He doesn't need us to babysit him."

"Not exactly subtle, is he?" Kieran replied with a small chuckle, though his eyes were fixed on Sylus as he rose to his feet, muscles coiled like a predator ready to pounce.

Then, a swirl of sand began to rise, twisting around them as Theo emerged from the shadows. His eyes gleamed with malice as he lifted his hand, summoning the sand into a spiraling storm. The twins moved instinctively, pulling me back, but I strained against them, my eyes locked on Sylus, who stood unfazed.

With a smooth, controlled stride, Sylus advanced through the whirling sand, each step calculated as he sliced through the storm, closing the distance between him and Theo. His hand shot out, grabbing Theo by the throat, his grip unyielding as he lifted him off his feet.

"You're as pathetic as ever," Sylus growled, his voice laced with a venomous disdain.

Theo's lips curled into a twisted grin, even as he struggled against Sylus's hold. "Finally... you care about something more than yourself," he rasped, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Knowing you'll lose her one day... that's enough for me."

Sylus's grip tightened, his expression hardening. "You messed up when you dragged her into this. You crossed the line."

Theo choked, his face reddening, but he forced out a final sneer. "A monster like you... falling in love? It's better than any revenge. She'll never—"

Before he could finish, Sylus's grip twisted, and with a swift, merciless motion, he snapped Theo's neck. The twisted grin froze on Theo's face, his body going limp in Sylus's grasp. I gasped, quickly looking away as the twins held me back, their faces grim but steady.

Sylus turned to the twins, his voice sharp. "Get her out. Now."

Without hesitation, they guided me out of the building, their hands firm but gentle on my shoulders as we moved into the damp, rain-slicked street outside. One of them draped a jacket over me, his voice low and reassuring. "You're safe now," Kieran murmured.

Suddenly, an explosion shook the ground, and I spun around, my heart plummeting. "Sylus!" I cried, panic threading through my voice.

Luke placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. "Trust me. He's walked out of worse."

Just then, Sylus emerged from the fiery wreckage, unharmed, his gaze immediately finding mine. Relief flooded me, and I broke free from the twins, rushing toward him. I threw my arms around him, clinging to him as he wrapped me in his embrace.

"Take me home," I whispered, my voice barely audible as exhaustion finally weighed me down.

Sylus's arms tightened around me, his expression softening. "I've got you." He scooped me up, carrying me to the car. As the adrenaline wore off, everything faded, and I drifted into unconsciousness in his arms.

When I opened my eyes, I was cocooned in soft, fresh clothes, the room dimly lit by the warm morning glow filtering through the curtains. Sylus was seated nearby, his silhouette framed against the window as he looked out, deep in thought. The moment he saw me stir, he crossed the room, his worry evident as he took my hand, his fingers brushing gently over mine.

"You're okay," he murmured, relief softening his gaze as he kissed my hand, his thumb rubbing tenderly over my wrist. "How do you feel?"

I managed a small smile. "Tired... but I'm okay. I'm just glad you're safe."