the beginning after the end perfect duo

A weird shower

We were heading somewhere I'd never been before—one of those places I'd only ever heard about: Wykes Castle. After finally convincing the brat to come along, our real goal was to land a business deal with his father. If we could get him on board, he'd be joining us for the next two years. Honestly, I hoped that time would be enough to change him—for the better.

Lilia was walking just behind me, locked in one of her usual beefs with Lucas. I still didn't get what kind of issue she had with him. I mean, tension between him and Arthur? That made sense. But Lilia? That one was beyond me. Jasmine walked at my side, calm as always, while Arthur, Sylvia and Mira trailed behind.

It's a good thing that Arthur is keeping an eye on Sylvia, as we still cannot trust her.

"I know what you're thinking, Jasmine," I said, breaking the silence. "But I think this is the next step if we want to become stronger."

"I understand that part, Tom," she replied, her voice soft but curious. "What I don't get is why you and Arthur are always chasing strength like it's some kind of holy grail. You're kids—extraordinary ones, sure—but still kids. So tell me... what's really driving you, Tom? Why do you want so much power?"

"I want to protect the people I care about," I said without hesitation. "I don't want them getting hurt."

"Hurt by what, exactly?"

"By life," I answered.

It was a lie. Not entirely, but not the whole truth either. Like hell I could tell her everything. Some things just stay buried for now..

"Well, I'm not sure this is the right way to do so," Jasmine said quietly.

I didn't respond. A flicker of frustration had settled in my chest and I wasn't about to lash out at her for not seeing what I saw. She just didn't know what was coming. That's why she could afford to question things.

So I stayed quiet.

We'd talk again once we reached the stable. Once we had horses under us and the road stretched out ahead like a promise. Until then, silence felt safer.

But that silence gave me time to watch the others. And honestly, it wasn't hard to miss what was going on behind me.

The beef between Lilia and Lucas was still simmering. Not surprising really. This time it was Lucas playing the fool, throwing shade at the whole squad over our status. As if any of us chose where we were born. He knew better than to try that shit with Lilia. She was a Helstia after all. That bloodline alone made her untouchable to him and she knew it. So instead of shutting him down she leaned into it, baiting him with a smirk and just enough sass to make his face twist in frustration. It was almost too easy for her.

I couldn't help but wonder what was really going on under all that anger. Lucas had been raised on hatred molded by expectations he never asked for. Was he actually happy? Was he proud that he might finally be meeting his father's standards? Was he relieved that he wouldn't be compared to his older brother anymore?

Because let's be real. Having a guy like Lance as your sibling? That's not just pressure. That's a war you can't win.

Or was he embarrassed? Ashamed to be riding with a bunch of nobodies like us? Angry because we saved his life when he probably thought he didn't need saving? Or maybe just maybe he was grateful even if he'd never admit it.

People are complicated. Their reasons don't always line up with their actions.

Only time would tell what Lucas truly was beneath the surface.

Lilia wasn't mad at all, which was a relief. She looked fine, despite how much she'd pushed her core. I couldn't help but feel proud of how far she'd come. Still, no amount of pride could erase the guilt gnawing at me. This was the second time she'd almost died under my watch. That alone said everything about how much I'd failed in the one thing I promised myself I'd get right — keeping her safe.