Scarlett & Ethan

Kierans room

POV. Orion 

 Hajya reluctantly took me under her wing—mostly because she couldn't go back. Why she couldn't, I didn't know. Her lips were set in a grim line as she agreed. She said she'd help me get on my feet, and that would be it. I was grateful and hopeful. 

 We were close to the coordinates. It wouldn't hurt to check out the place, to see what it represented.

POV.  Scarlett

What Kieran hadn't mention when offering me his room was that he didn't trust me to be on my own, or Rather alone in a room with sharp objects. like glass pieces. 

Had this been part of the plan? No. Did that matter? No. The reality of the situation was simple. When I finally calmed down, the thought of being in Kieran's room—free to roam and snoop—was impossible to resist. 

Even though he probably didn't have any old information—especially if he hadn't lived here since I vanished—there was still a chance. Maybe there were things he left behind, things he thought unworthy.

The idea of Orion being deemed unworthy by Kieran annoyed me more than I cared to admit. But why should an old conquest matter to him? What's one more kill, right? 

I stopped myself. I couldn't go down that slope. Orion is alive. He is. He must be. The thought alone sent shivers through me. 

Unwanted tears pooled in my eyes, clinging like exes who wouldn't let go. I've never been a crier. Maybe if I hadn't been stuck in this vicious cycle of hope and devastation, I could've processed my grief and moved on.

I'd probably still want revenge. But thoughts of Orion wouldn't tear my heart apart all over again. I wouldn't have to keep convincing myself he was alive. I wouldn't have to imagine his trust in me breaking. I wouldn't picture him giving his last breath thinking I'd failed him

Of course, I'd long realized that not thinking was the only way I could cope. I couldn't start feeling now.

The moment I stepped into Kieran's room, I started looking around. It wasn't much different from mine—a bed pushed up against the wall in the center, two comforters on either side, a balcony, two windows, and a wardrobe. There was also a door that probably led to a bathroom

I started with the comforters. At first, I didn't notice anything unusual. But on closer inspection, I found a small crowbar—almost pocket-sized. Why would he need one? I turned my attention back to the room, inspecting it with newfound interest

A hidden compartment, maybe? For now, I left the crowbar where I found it and moved on.

I didn't find much else of interest. When I opened the wardrobe, I examined the planks on the wall and the floor, just in case a hidden compartment was there. Still, nothing.

Even the pockets of his clothing held nothing exciting. It might sound silly, but I was determined to find something, and therefor decided it was a good idea to crouching down to "search" while scouring the area for anything that didn't fit. but before that I took off one of my earrings and threw it under the bed. 

When I finished, frustration bubbled up inside me. I was still on my knees when Kieran walked in. He gave me a second look, one brow arched in silent question.

 "May I ask what you're doing?" 

This, ladies and gentlemen, was why.

"My earring," I said, frowning and pretending to look around. "I dropped it." 

I crouched further under the bed, examining the flooring there as well. With a sigh, I finally retrieved the earring and rose to my feet, ignoring the blood flow issues that accrued after crouching for so long.

I put the earring back on and casually asked if I could borrow some clothes. Kieran handed me the spare set he had brought, and I excused myself to the bathroom.

Once inside, I locked the door and resumed my search for a compartment. I didn't find it, but I did discover something interesting—a strange vial in a glass case, almost like an insect display.

I picked it up and shook it lightly, but nothing visible happened. There were no labels, nothing to explain what it was. I put it back where I found it and changed into the fresh clothes. 

Whatever this is, I will get to the bottom of it.

-.-.-.-.-.-. Author note

its a little short. but oh well. better then nothing.