𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 ; 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒏𝒆 | (being rewritten, on hold)

𝓕𝐈𝐕𝐄

♔ ♛ ♔

HIS name was Corbyn. Corbyn Azriel. At least, that's what he told Harper.

She still wasn't completely comfortable around him. Neither did she trust him. Charlie on the other hand didn't mind the fact that Corbyn was a complete stranger. Or the fact that he possibly couldn't be a human. Although the latter was most likely Harper's imagination. At least, she hoped so.

Corbyn had left her and Charlie in a dark, dingy room near the western side of the castle, which was apparently 'more isolated'. It was obvious he didn't trust them. Nor did he want anyone else knowing about them. To Harper, they were just more reasons not to count on him.

Harper stood by the door, locked by Corbyn, with one foot on the wall, her fingers tapping her knee. Her face was neutral, although her eyes glowered at the grimy concrete below her shoes, hazel and all. Charlie sat on the floor across from her, his velvety green eyes staring spiritless into space. He looked like all the life was drained out of him, and it was her fault. All of this was her fault. Stupid Harper, at it again with her stupid shenanigans. She should've listened to him. She should've walked away. But I didn't. It was too late now.

Harper let another minute of silence pass before she glanced at Charlie, "I'm sorry," she mumbled, "This was entirely my fault and I'm sorry." Harper looked back down at the floor in guilt.

Charlie blinked, sighing slowly as if to let more time pass. He simply nodded, not making eye contact with her. The silent treatment. Fair enough, she thought, a bitter look returning on her face. It was one thing for Harper to apologize. But to be ignored? Hell no.

"This isn't only my fault. I never forced you to come."

Charlie narrowed his eyes scoffed, still refusing to meet her eyes, "We both know darn well that isn't true," he paused before continuing slowly, "Just admit it, Harper, you screwed up this time."

She bit her tongue to prevent herself from saying anything she didn't mean. He was right. This was her fault. But she didn't want to believe that just yet. She didn't want to. That was her stubbornness talking.

"You're impossible." she spat, finally turning away from him. Harper could feel his frustration from there.

It's your fault, Harper, why'd you have to screw it up. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down.

Her breathing shifted as she tried to control herself. She was angry, confused, irritated — frustrated. It was a flurry of emotions, and it was strong enough for her to start a mental panic. Harper's thoughts stormed through her mind, counting off all the possibilities of how this could go wrong.

You both could die. And it's your fault. All of it. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

In. Out. In. Out. Her mind started to throb, Harper's brows creasing in stress. No. No, no, not again. It wasn't too long until she felt a hand on her shoulder, nudging her awake.

"Harper, you're doing it again. You had another anxiety attack." Charlie relaxed his jaw when he noticed her breathing slowed. His eyes softened, though they still had some fear in them, "But, you're okay now."

"How long was I out for?" she hated this. No— she absolutely dreaded it. Her panic attacks weren't anything new. Though, they began to get worse and worse after her father's disappearance. Ever since then, they've never ceased, possibly scaring her for life.

Harper had somehow ended up curled up on the floor, hugging her knees. Charlie slid down beside her, sighing. A comfortable silence filled the air before he spoke up again, "Not too long. A couple of minutes at the most." the words came smoothly as if he was used to it. He was.

More silence. They both stared into nothing, content with the quietness. Harper lightly touched her now empty wrist, cringing when she didn't feel her all too familiar watch. That was the only thing that helped her in these situations. The watch and Charlie. Harper opened her mouth to speak but she stopped short when she heard the door unlock, opening wide.

Corbyn was careful to make minimal noise when opening the door, eyeing the person behind him. The girl skipped in a bubbly grin on her face, immediately facing Harper and Charlie. Her eyes widened in amazement as she stared at both of them in awe.

"So Corbie was right. You guys really are mortals." she breathed, her mouth still slightly open. Champagne blonde hair fell past her shoulders, smooth as the pale pink silk she was wearing. Baby blue irises studied Harper, taking in every feature. Harper stared back at her in confusion. Mortals?

Harper could clearly see the smirk Corbyn gave her, and she couldn't resist the urge to slap it off his arrogant face. He was obviously enjoying this. Goodie.

Two can play at this game.

Harper cleared her throat, shifting away from the girl, "Corbie? You never told me that name."

Corbyn's cheeks paled, his eyes widening. The look on his face was priceless, "Because it isn't my name. Amara is just stubborn." he motioned to the girl standing next to him, still staring at her and Charlie. Harper didn't understand what was so fascinating.

"Alright, Corbie. Suit yourself." she shrugged, holding back a smirk.

Corbyn glared daggers at Harper, his face flushing, tinting light blue. Wait—blue? Harper knew that any wrong move or word could get her— who knows where. She didn't know what this place did to people who knew too much.

But of course, Harper had accidentally thought out loud, "Why are you blushing blue?"

The entire room fell silent, nobody daring to move. Harper tried to control the urge to spew out all her questions. Even Charlie was on edge, spacing himself away from the group.

Well, if you didn't think you screwed up before, you did now.

Corbyn eyed Amara before slowly turning back to Harper, "There's a lot we haven't told you about, yet."

"Go ahead, we have the time," she shot.

Control yourself, Serrano.

And surprisingly, Corbyn continued. And all she could do was listen. There was a lot she didn't know.

That's what scared her.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE —

chapter five is finished yeyy-!

i want to write the action so badly rn arghh :,)

anyways, how are y'all? it feels like I haven't updated in forever even though it's only been a week lol.

here's your weekly question ;

Q: would you rather never have to sleep again or never work again?

A: uhm, never work again because I never sleep —

okayy I'll leave you all alone now :> enjoy your sunday!!

thank you for reading, love you <3