The Destiny Of Red String

PART 31||BROKEN

The moonlight filtered through the tall windows of the hallway as Shanaya stormed after James. His pace was quick, determined, but his shoulders were tense. She knew something was wrong, something he wasn't saying.

"James!" she called, her voice sharp, but trembling. "Stop right there!"

He froze for a moment, his back to her, before taking a deep breath and turning around. His expression was cold, guarded-a mask she had never seen before.

"We need to talk," he said, his tone flat.

Shanaya felt her chest tighten. "Then talk."

He hesitated, his jaw clenching. "This... us... it's not going to work. It's over, Shanaya."

Her eyes widened in shock, as if he had struck her. "What are you talking about? What do you mean it's over?"

"I'm letting you go," James said, refusing to meet her gaze. "It's for your own good."

Shanaya's heart began to race, her breaths shallow. "For my own good?" she repeated, her voice cracking. "You're lying, James. This isn't about me. This is about you. What are you so afraid of?"

He flinched but held his ground. "The curse... it demands sacrifice, Shanaya. If you stay with me, you could die. I can't let that happen."

"And your solution is to leave me?" she yelled, tears streaming down her face. "You promised me, James. You swore you'd stay by my side. You said we'd fight this together. Now you're running away like a coward!"

James's fists clenched at his sides. "I'm protecting you," he said through gritted teeth.

"No, you're not!" she screamed, her voice echoing in the empty corridor. "You're breaking me, James! Don't you see that? I... I love you. I love you more than anything, and you're just walking away?"

Her knees gave out, and she fell to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. "I, Shanaya Raisinghani, never kneeled for anyone," she cried, her voice hoarse. "But I'm kneeling for you, James. Please stay. Don't leave me. Please..."

James's heart shattered at the sight of her, his strong, fierce Shanaya brought to her knees, begging for him. He wanted to drop down beside her, to hold her, to tell her everything would be okay. But he couldn't. He forced himself to look away, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm sorry, cara mia," he said, his voice trembling. "But I have to do this."

Her sobs grew louder as he turned and walked away, each step tearing him apart.

"You traitor!" she screamed after him, her voice raw with pain. "I hate you, James! I hate you! Why did you come into my life if you were just going to leave me? I can't live without you! Please... don't go..."

But James didn't stop.

Hours later, Shanaya sat curled up on the floor of her room, her face buried in her knees. Her body shook with silent sobs, her mind replaying James's words over and over.

Austin entered quietly, his expression grim as he saw her. He crouched down beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Shanaya," he said softly, his voice filled with concern.

She looked up at him, her tear-streaked face breaking his heart. Without a word, she threw her arms around him, sobbing into his chest.

"He left me, Austin," she choked out, her voice barely audible. "He left me... He promised he wouldn't, but he did."

Austin wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. "I know," he whispered. "I know it hurts."

She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with red, swollen eyes. "Why, Austin? Why would he do this? He said he loved me. He said we'd find a way. But instead, he chose to leave me."