The Blackwood Curse

Chapter 14

Sarah’s POV

The rain continued its relentless assault against the windows as I sat in the library, trying to make sense of the day. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting long shadows across the room. A book lay open in my lap, its pages unread as my thoughts spiraled.

The Blackwoods were a complicated family, their secrets as vast and impenetrable as the mansion they lived in. Eleanor’s words lingered in my mind, a subtle warning wrapped in a veil of kindness. We Blackwoods protect our own.

But what did that mean for me?

I was pulled from my thoughts by the creak of the library door. I looked up to see Eren entering, his expression tight.

“There you are,” he said, his voice softer than usual. “I was looking for you.”

I closed the book and placed it on the side table. “I needed some quiet.”

Eren nodded, stepping closer. His tie was loosened, and he looked more tired than I’d ever seen him. He took the seat across from me, his hands resting on his knees as he leaned forward.

“My parents can be... intense,” he said after a moment.

“That’s one word for it,” I replied, unable to keep the edge out of my voice.

Eren sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know this hasn’t been easy for you. They’re difficult, even with me.”

I studied him, searching for cracks in his calm facade. “Eren, what aren’t you telling me?”

His eyes flicked to the fire, avoiding my gaze. “What do you mean?”

“Your family,” I said, leaning forward. “There’s something... off. Your parents, Axel—this whole house. It feels like I’m being drawn into something I don’t understand.”

Eren’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might tell me the truth. But then he shook his head, forcing a smile.

“You’re overthinking,” he said, his voice gentle but dismissive. “My family has its quirks, but we’re not hiding anything.”

I didn’t believe him, but I knew better than to push.

Eren pulled me against his chest and held me close, kissing me, touching me while making me temporarily forget about the looming secrets around me.

Axel’s POV

The sound of Eren reached me as I passed the library. I paused, my hand hovering over the doorknob. Eren and Sarah were inside, their voices low and intimate. Eren's hand hot against Sarah's waist.

Jealousy coiled in my chest, sharp and hot. I pressed my hand against the door, considering my options. Barging in would raise too many questions, but walking away felt like conceding defeat.

Instead, I stepped back, leaning against the wall in the shadows. I listened as their conversation shifted to lighter topics—books, travels, mundane things that somehow seemed precious when Sarah spoke of them.

She deserved better than this life. Better than Eren’s lies and our family’s suffocating control.

I waited until their voices faded and the door opened. Eren exited first, his gaze on the phone as he walked past me without noticing. Sarah followed moments later, her expression troubled.

“Sarah,” I said softly, stepping out of the shadows.

She stopped, her eyes widening slightly. “Axel?”

“I couldn’t sleep.”I lied smoothly

She nodded, her posture stiff. “Neither could I.”

For a moment, we stood in silence, the tension between us heavy.