Beneath the Stagnant Sky

CHAPTER X

BREAKING THE RULES

After a long day, Eli finally arrived home. Yet, no matter how much she tried to shake it off, her mind kept circling back to Caelum—and the woman he was with earlier. It was frustrating how often he occupied her thoughts these days, as if his presence had started to linger even in his absence.

Just as she was about to head upstairs, a sudden voice echoed through the house.

"Maeve!!!"

Eli turned, startled, as a figure emerged from the kitchen.

Standing there was a young woman with wavy chestnut-brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders, her deep-set hazel eyes sparkling with familiarity. Dressed in a casual sweater and shorts, she had a natural elegance about her, effortlessly confident and warm. The slight smirk on her lips held a teasing edge, a trait Eli remembered all too well.

"Selene?" Eli blinked, almost in disbelief.

Selene Guzman—her cousin. They had been inseparable as kids, practically joined at the hip, until Selene and her family moved to another town years ago. What was she doing here now?

Before Eli could react, Selene rushed forward, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"It's been so long! You're taller now—but still the same grumpy Maeve I remember," Selene teased, pulling away to get a better look at her.

Eli rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile forming on her lips. "You're one to talk. What are you doing here?"

"Lola went to Batangas to visit the relatives, and since she didn't want you home alone, I was the lucky one chosen to babysit you for the next two weeks."

"Babysit?" Eli scoffed. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Selene smirked. "Oh, I know. But that doesn't mean I'm going to let you be a boring hermit the whole time." She flopped onto the couch. "So, what's new with you? Any boyfriends? Secret admirers?"

Eli immediately thought of Caelum and scowled. "No."

Selene raised a brow. "That was too fast. Suspiciously fast."

"There's nothing to tell," Eli muttered, turning toward the kitchen to avoid Selene's knowing stare.

"Ohhh, there's definitely something. But don't worry, Maeve, I've got two whole weeks to figure it out."

Eli groaned, already regretting her cousin's arrival. But deep down, a part of her felt... relieved. Maybe, just maybe, having Selene around wouldn't be so bad.

>>

The night air was cooler than Caelum remembered, a welcome contrast to the warmth lingering in his chest. He should have been relieved. Amara was back. They had even agreed to meet again soon. Everything was going according to plan.

Then why did he feel so... unsettled?

Lost in thought, he barely noticed the shadow darting across the sidewalk until—

Thud.

Caelum stumbled, his foot hitting something solid yet oddly soft. A startled yowl split the quiet night as a blur of black fur tumbled to the ground.

"What the—" Caelum staggered back, heart racing as the creature twisted itself upright, fur bristling in indignation.

It was a cat. A sleek black one, with bright golden eyes glaring up at him like he had just committed a terrible offense.