The Blackwood Curse

Chapter 21

Sarah's POV

The mansion was alive that night, though its vibrancy felt sinister, like a predator lying in wait. I couldn't erase Axel's words from my mind. Every shadow seemed darker, every whisper louder, and every glance lingered just a little too long. The Blackwood name didn't just command respect—it inspired fear.

Eren had been attentive since I left the library, his protective presence like a shield I wasn't sure I wanted. His hand lingered on my lower back, his touch firm as though anchoring me to him. But every step back to our room felt heavier, like I was descending deeper into the heart of something I didn't yet understand.

We passed the grand staircase, its bannisters gleaming under the dim chandelier light. The portraits of Blackwood ancestors seemed to watch us, their gazes judgmental, their secrets carved into every brushstroke. I avoided looking directly at Victor Blackwood's painting. His eyes felt alive, like they could see straight through me.

When we finally reached the door to our room, Eren held it open, his expression unreadable. "Go on," he said softly.

I stepped inside, and the door closed behind me with a quiet click. The sound sent a chill down my spine, and I turned to face him. His eyes were darker than usual, his jaw set in a way that made him look older, more dangerous.

"What happened tonight?" he asked, his voice low and calm, but with an edge that made my breath hitch.

I swallowed hard. "I told you, nothing—"

"Don't lie to me, Sarah."

The sudden sharpness in his tone startled me. I took a step back, my heart pounding. "I'm not lying," I said, trying to sound convincing.

Eren's gaze softened slightly, but the tension in his shoulders remained. He stepped closer, cupping my face with one hand. "You're scared," he murmured. "I can see it. Whatever Axel said to you, whatever you saw, you can tell me."

His words were kind, but they felt like a trap. What could I tell him? That his brother had warned me about the family? That the weight of the Blackwood name felt like it was crushing me? That I was starting to fear him as much as I was drawn to him?

I shook my head, pulling away. "It was nothing Eren."

He watched me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Fine".

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Eren's POV

She was slipping through my fingers, and I didn't know how to stop it.

I watched as Sarah climbed into bed, her movements slow, almost mechanical. Her back was to me, her breathing steady, but I knew she wasn't asleep.

My fists clenched at my sides. Axel had gotten to her—of course, he had. He thrived on chaos, on finding the cracks in people and tearing them wide open.

But this wasn't just about Axel. It was the house, the whispers, the curse. It was everything that came with being a Blackwood.

I stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air biting against my skin. The storm had passed, but the sky was still overcast, the moonlight struggling to break through.

Victor's portrait flashed in my mind, his eyes cold and unyielding. I'd spent my whole life trying to live up to that legacy, to carry the weight of the name without letting it crush me. But Sarah... she didn't deserve to be dragged into this anymore.

I looked back at the room, at the woman laying in the bed we shared but who felt a million miles away.

I had to keep her away from Axel. No matter the cost. Even if it meant...