Threads Of Fate

Broken Apart

As Edward slowly regained consciousness, he found himself enveloped in a soft, flickering glow cast by the candlesticks that sat on a nearby table. Shadows danced ominously along the dark walls of the unfamiliar room, and he was instantly struck by a throbbing pain radiating from his head and coursing through his body. The dim interplay of moonlight and candlelight did little to reveal his surroundings, and a wave of confusion crashed over him, for the last clear memory he had was of lying on the cold, damp earth of his parent's grave, a disorienting flash of crimson blurring his senses.

With effort, he turned his head, the movement sending spikes of discomfort shooting through him. As he grasped at the fog of his thoughts, he caught sight of a familiar figure bent over a worn desk tucked into the corner of the quaint and cosy room. The figure seemed to radiate a soothing aura, yet the closer he peered, the heavier his head felt, weighing down on him like a leaden weight. He let out a soft groan, a sound tinged with both confusion and pain.

Hearing his struggle, the figure straightened and hurried over, concern etched across his features. He gently placed a warm hand on Edward's forehead, his touch both calming and reassuring. "Glad to see you awake, Edward," he said, his voice rich with relief. "You gave everyone quite a scare."

"Dr. Joseph?" Edward managed to whisper, his throat dry and scratchy, each word a challenge to articulate.

"Nothing wrong with your memory, I see," Dr. Joseph responded, a kind smile breaking through the worry etched on his face. He took a moment to assess Edward's condition, his eyes scanning the young man with practised care. "Your body temperature is almost normal now, but I must know—what compelled you to venture outside in such horrendous weather? It is pure luck that you're alive."

As the memories flooded back, a chilling clarity settled over Edward. He had fled the opulent confines of the Hamilton estate, reeling from a shocking truth—Anthony, his dear friend, was an assassin. A wave of anxiety washed over him as he rubbed his hand across his forehead, the weight of the revelation heavy on his mind. He exhaled sharply, the sound laden with unspoken fears and doubts. 

Despite his resolve, Edward knew that forgiveness would eventually find its way back into his heart; he just needed to express his disapproval first. The whispers of others echoed in his mind, branding him a weakling, yet he was anything but—his physique was solid, an embodiment of strength beneath his thoughtful exterior. 

It stung to think that Anthony had taken advantage of him—perhaps not with deliberate intent, but the betrayal felt real nonetheless. Edward wanted his friend to understand the gravity of his actions: hiding such a dangerous secret while residing under Edward's roof was simply unacceptable. At that moment, the gulf between them felt insurmountable, and he resolved to make Anthony see the impact of his deceit.

Dr Joseph had gathered everyone into the cramped room, the air thick with tension. Edward's gaze was immediately drawn to the painful proximity between his sister, Anya, and Anthony. A sense of unease washed over him. Zenith approached, her hand gently resting on his shoulder as a gesture of comfort, but he brushed her off forcefully and tried to get up. anger etched across his features like a stormy sky. Anya instinctively reached out to steady Edward, but he yanked her hand, pulling her away from Anthony's side. 

Through his tousled blonde hair, Edward glared at Anthony, his fists clenching tightly. "Stay away from my sister, Anthony!" he shouted, his voice rising in a fervour before breaking into violent fits of coughs that racked his body. Dr. Joseph, concerned, stepped closer and gently pushed Edward back onto the bed, attempting to calm the storm within him. Yet, Edward shot back up, determination flickering in his eyes. "I need you to leave, Anthony," he whispered, his voice trembling towards the end, as the weight of his hurt pressed down on him, "at least until I can learn to forgive you for your deceit."