I was still awkward around Silas. It wasn't like before—before everything. Now, I found myself retreating into silence, letting him fill the space between us with his words. He didn't seem to mind, at least not at first. But by midday, his patience started to fray.
"Seb, I told you it was fine, didn't I? Why aren't you talking?" Silas's voice carried an edge of exasperation, but his expression was gentler, softer. He tilted his head, watching me like he was trying to solve a puzzle.
I pressed my lips together and scratched my cheek, feigning disinterest. "Ah…" I managed weakly. Honestly, I didn't have anything to say. What could I say? I was still reeling from the fact that Silas had forgiven me so easily. Too easily.
If he knew the truth—if he knew the full reality—would he still forgive me?
The thought tightened my chest, my stomach twisting with guilt. Silas, you've done it. You've made me greedy. I should be satisfied with your forgiveness. I should feel relieved. But now, I want more. I want this fragile thing between us to stay intact. I want you to stay.
"Ah, my ass." Silas's playful shove snapped me out of my thoughts. "Come on, speak, boy."
"Woof," I deadpanned without thinking. Silas blinked at me, his face blank for a second before the joke clicked. Then, he threw his head back and laughed—a loud, carefree sound that echoed in the quiet room.
"That was so stupid," he wheezed between laughs, shaking my shoulder. "It took me a second to get it, but damn, that was hilarious."
I rolled my eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "Glad you're amused," I muttered, but his laughter was contagious, and I felt the tension in my chest loosen just a little.
We both fell quiet again. Not until Silas speaks up.
"Let's go out?"
It was a simple question, but somehow I tried to not let that statement fluster me. Before realizing I technically can't leave the house right now.
"Well…" I glanced at the clock, suddenly reminded of the time. "I'm technically supposed to be sick."
Silas raised an eyebrow. "Technically?"
"Well, yeah." I scratched the back of my neck, avoiding his gaze. "If my parents come home and I'm not here, they'll definitely be annoyed. Not that they'd be surprised."
Silas's face lit up with mock excitement. "So, we technically snuck out! Like rebels!" He waved his hands dramatically, grinning like he'd just orchestrated the crime of the century.
I huffed a soft laugh. "Sneak out? Who am I even sneaking out from? My parents are at work, and my sister's at school."
Silas froze mid-gesture, his cheeks flushing as the realization dawned on him. "Right… You're home alone." He muttered the words under his breath, too low for a human to catch. But I wasn't human—not anymore.
I snorted loudly, making sure he knew I'd heard. His head whipped toward me, his eyes narrowing into a glare. "Don't look so smug," he grumbled, crossing his arms defensively. "I was just trying to help."
"Sure you were." I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. For the first time all day, the smile on my face didn't feel awkward or forced. "Well, since you're here, why don't we go somewhere? If you want."
Silas pouted, his brow furrowing like he was trying to read between the lines. "I'm asking you, Seb. What do you want to do?"
The question caught me off guard. I felt a bead of sweat roll down the back of my neck as I scrambled for an answer. "Uh—my answer is yes?" I said, my voice laced with confusion.
Silas raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You're only saying that because I want to go out."
"No, I mean—yes, that's part of it," I admitted, laughing awkwardly. "But I guess it'd be nice to leave the house for a bit. You know… get some fresh air."
For a moment, Silas just stared at me. Then his expression softened, a small, genuine smile tugging at the edges of his lips. "Well, then. Let's not waste any time." He grabbed my arm, tugging me toward the door. "Let's go!"
—
"I've come to realize something," Silas said, his voice light as we wandered into a clothing store. He stopped near a rack of sweaters, sifting through the hangers with casual interest. "On school days, malls are usually deserted."
He glanced over his shoulder, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, but I barely registered it. My attention drifted, catching the mirror behind him. It reflected only the empty space where I should have been. The sight—or lack of it—was still unsettling, even after all this time. I sighed quietly, turning back to find Silas watching me, his sharp gaze cutting through the haze of my thoughts.
"Something on your mind?" he asked, tilting his head slightly as he stepped closer, his movements fluid and unhurried.
I shifted awkwardly under his scrutiny. "Nothing… It's just—" My hand rose to scratch the back of my neck as I searched for the words. "It's been a while since I've, well, actually seen myself. You know. In a mirror."
Silas turned his attention to the glass, his brow furrowing slightly. He let out a soft hum when he realized what I meant. The mirror reflected only him, standing alone in the space where we both stood. His expression flickered—curiosity, then something softer, maybe sympathy—but he didn't say anything immediately.
"It doesn't bother me that much, really," I added quickly, trying to wave it off. "Not anymore, at least. But still… It's kind of weird not knowing what you look like for almost a year. I mean, I'm probably a mess." A nervous laugh slipped out, and I patted my hair down, pretending it was no big deal.
But it was strange. And now, standing here in front of Silas, I couldn't help but wonder just how bad I must look. The thought sent a ripple of discomfort through me, leaving me self-conscious in a way I hadn't expected.
Silas studied me for a moment, his gaze flicking between the mirror and me. Then, with a sly grin, he said, "If you're worried about looking bad, don't be. You look good. You just need a little more blood in you, that's all." He winked, snapping his fingers like he'd solved some great mystery.
I froze, his words knocking the air out of me. Silas thinks I look good?
I barely managed to hold back the strangled noise rising in my throat. Silas, oblivious—or maybe pretending not to notice—had already moved on, his attention caught by a soft gray scarf on a nearby shelf. He ran his fingers over the fabric, nodding approvingly to himself.
"This feels nice," he remarked, holding it up for a better look. "What do you think? Do you think my mom would like this?"
I forced myself to move, stepping closer to him, though my mind still spun from what he'd said earlier. My face felt hot, even though I knew it was impossible—I didn't have the blood for blushing anymore. Still, the sensation was there, like a phantom warmth crawling up my neck.
"I-It's… good," I stammered, my voice embarrassingly unsteady. I cleared my throat, hoping to compose myself, but Silas raised an eyebrow at me, clearly amused.
"It does look nice, doesn't it?" he said with a grin, draping the scarf over his arm. "Alright, I'll take it. If you're up for it, we can hit the arcade after this."
I shook my head quickly, desperate to avoid more time alone with him in a setting where I'd embarrass myself further. "N-no, it's fine. Let's just… roam around. I'm not really in the mood for games today." I scratched the back of my neck again, avoiding his gaze.
Silas studied me for a beat, then shrugged. "Alright. How about you wait outside while I pay for this? I won't take long." He gestured toward the shop's entrance with his thumb, already heading toward the register.
I nodded mutely and slipped outside, leaning against the side of the storefront. Through the glass, I watched him approach the cashier, the scarf draped over his arm, his easy smile lighting up his face as he spoke to the woman behind the counter. She laughed, and he grinned wider, saying something that made her tuck her hair behind her ear.
I felt the corners of my mouth tighten as I watched them. A faint, bitter taste curled on my tongue, and something unfamiliar and unpleasant stirred in my chest. My arms crossed on their own, my fingers digging into my sides as I tried—and failed—not to glare.
He was still talking to her, his smile lingering, his posture relaxed. Paying, huh? Oh, he was certainly taking his sweet time.
The cashier laughed again, the sound muted through the glass but sharp enough to grate on my nerves. Silas leaned on the counter slightly, and I narrowed my eyes.
What the hell are they even talking about?
The ugly feeling twisted tighter in my gut, and I huffed, looking away before I did something stupid—like march back in there and interrupt them.
"Lookie who's here. Aren't you that weirdo of a vampire?"
The voice comes from behind me, sharp and teasing. I turn around, and my eyes land on a familiar face. "Rose…mary?" I ask, my voice tinged with surprise as I take her in.
The last time I'd seen her, she was a mess—her clothes were ripped and dirty, her hair tangled with leaves and twigs. She'd looked more like a feral animal than a person. But now? Now she's completely transformed. Her clothes are pristine, her hair neatly styled, and there's an air about her—poised, polished, and snobbish. Although, maybe that's just me projecting.
Rosemary lets out a surprised laugh. "You remember me?"
"I don't think I could forget meeting a werewolf," I reply, my tone dry but honest.
"I'm honored." She smirks, tilting her head in that mocking way that instantly sets me on edge.
I study her more closely, my gaze lingering longer than it probably should. In her human form, she's entirely different from the beast I remember. Her glowing yellow eyes catch my attention, their shade eerily similar to Silas's, but not quite the same. Silas's eyes are warm, inviting, like the glow of a hearth on a cold night. Rosemary's, on the other hand, are cold and indifferent, like the glare of a predator sizing up its next meal.
She has the presence of someone who wouldn't hesitate to maul you for looking at her the wrong way. There's something dangerous about her, something wild that no amount of polish could completely hide.
"Had enough staring?" Rosemary crosses her arms, an amused smile tugging at her lips. Her tone is teasing, but there's a sharpness beneath it, like she's daring me to say something foolish.
I snap out of my daze, shaking my head. "I'm sorry," I mutter, more flustered than I'd like to admit.
She chuckles, clearly enjoying herself. "To think Silas would see something in you," she says, waving a hand dismissively as if the remark isn't worth much thought.
I blink, unsure if that's supposed to be an insult or a backhanded compliment. "What's that supposed to mean?" I ask, my brow furrowing.
Before she can answer, a familiar voice cuts through the tension. "Rosemary. What are you doing here?"
Silas steps out of the store, a shopping bag in hand. His expression is cold, a stark contrast to the warm smiles he'd been giving earlier. The sudden shift catches me off guard, but it's nothing compared to the way his tone sharpens when he speaks to her.
Rosemary smirks, unbothered by his icy demeanor. "Silas. Good to see you too."
"Not quite," Silas snaps, his voice low and dangerous. I glance at him, startled. I've never seen him like this before—so unrestrained in his anger.
Rosemary, on the other hand, seems to be having the time of her life. She tilts her head mockingly, her smirk widening. "What's the matter? Still holding a grudge?"
"You should be behind bars for what you did to that child," Silas hisses, his tone venomous.
Rosemary's smirk falters, but only for a moment. She recovers quickly, tilting her head again in exaggerated thought. "Hm. She did ask for it."
"Ask for it?" Silas's voice rises, his anger barely contained. "No child should be able to decide whether or not they want to be a werewolf. That choice should never have been hers to make." He clicks his tongue, glaring at her with an intensity I've never seen before.
Rosemary scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Oh, Silas. Grow up, would you? It's none of your business why she wanted it. Just know that she did decide. She wanted it. And you? You went and hunted my pack just for that." Her amused expression hardens, her voice laced with anger now.
Silas doesn't respond, his jaw tightening as he glares at her. I glance between them, unsure if I should intervene or just stay out of it. The tension between them is palpable, crackling in the air like static.
"What happened to your guard?" Silas suddenly asks, his eyes narrowing as he gestures toward the gold bangle around her neck. It's only then that I notice it—a collar-like band that gleams against her skin, almost identical to the one around my wrist. Except hers seems… heavier. More restrictive.
Before Rosemary can answer, the sound of hurried footsteps reaches us. I turn toward the noise and see a girl—a foot shorter than Rosemary—panting as she approaches.
"R-Rosemary! Why did you run off?" the girl shrieks, her face red with frustration.
Rosemary's frown melts into a wide grin as she turns to face the newcomer. "Alex~" she purrs, skipping toward the girl like a child about to pull a prank.
Alex glares at her, teeth gritted. "Don't 'Alex' me! You're supposed to stay where I can see you!" she yells, but her anger only seems to amuse Rosemary further.
Before Alex can react, Rosemary wraps her arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. Alex growls in frustration, trying to push her away, but Rosemary just grins, clearly enjoying the chaos she's causing.
"Who's she?" I ask Silas, watching the scene unfold with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
Silas sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's Rosemary's guard. She's the one tasked with keeping her in line until her sentence is up."
I glance back at Alex, who's still struggling in Rosemary's grip. "She doesn't seem to be handling it very well," I murmur.
Silas snorts, a rare trace of humor slipping through his frustration. "No, she isn't."
At that moment, Rosemary tugs on Alex's hair, earning a shriek of protest. Alex lets out a string of colorful curses, swatting at Rosemary, who only laughs louder.
"Perhaps you should take her back to the academy," Silas says pointedly, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple as he watches the chaos.
Alex glares at him, still pinned by Rosemary. "Believe me, I'm trying," she growls, her face red as she struggles to wrestle herself free.
Silas exhales, his tension easing slightly now that Alex is here. But his eyes remain sharp, watching Rosemary carefully, as if waiting for something to happen.
—
It's safe to say I had been dragged back to the academy once again. I didn't even bother trying to keep track of where I was anymore. The grounds all looked the same—tall buildings shrouded in the faint hum of magic, students milling about, and the occasional sound of spells crackling in the distance. Still, I managed to find a quiet spot: a massive tree tucked far enough away from the main commotion. Its branches were wide and heavy, the canopy thick enough to blot out the sun completely.
Instead of lying under it, as I usually did, I decided to climb up this time. Floating came naturally, so I hovered up to one of the higher branches and perched there, sitting with my back against the trunk. The wood felt cool against my skin, and the faint rustling of leaves above was almost enough to lull me to sleep.
Silas had left to visit his mother, likely to give her the gift he'd picked out earlier. I didn't expect him to return anytime soon, and honestly, that was fine. I could use the quiet.
I sniffed the air absentmindedly, only to wrinkle my nose. Something was off. The wind carried a scent—sharp, earthy, and unmistakably canine. My gaze dropped to the ground below, where I spotted her.
Rosemary.
She stood at the base of the tree, arms crossed, her golden eyes locked on me. A smirk tugged at her lips as she raised her voice. "Having fun up there?" she called, her tone laced with amusement.
I pressed my lips into a thin line, not bothering to answer. Instead, I leaned back against the trunk, hoping she'd take the hint and leave.
Of course, she didn't. Rosemary let out a laugh, crouching slightly before springing into the air. I sucked in a sharp breath as she soared upward, her jump far higher than any human could manage. She landed on a branch just above mine with an almost feline grace, crossing her arms as she stood there, looking down at me with a smug grin.
"Think you can do that, vampire boy?" she teased, her voice dripping with mockery.
I frowned, folding my arms. "I'm not interested," I said flatly, closing my eyes in an attempt to block her out. Maybe if I ignored her long enough, she'd get bored and leave.
"Not interested, huh?" she huffed. The branch beneath me wobbled slightly as she jumped down, landing beside me with a soft thud. I opened my eyes, glaring at her as she plopped down on the branch and swung her legs lazily, clearly making herself comfortable.
"Still," she said casually, as if we were old friends having a chat, "I don't get what they see in you."
I raised an eyebrow. "What who sees?"
"Silas. The others. Hell, anyone," she said, gesturing vaguely. "You're a vampire. Your kind's always been annoying, if you ask me. Too cocky, too full of themselves—and for what? I've killed plenty of your kind. Though, to be fair, they were all runts." She leaned back, resting her hands behind her head as she sighed dramatically.
Her words sent a flash of irritation through me, but I forced myself to stay calm. "Do you mind? I'm trying to sleep here," I said, my tone clipped.
Rosemary laughed, a sharp, mocking sound. "Do you think I care? You're barely a vampire as it is. That's what's so interesting to me. What's so special about you that Silas bothers to keep you around?"
I opened both eyes now, leveling a glare at her. "If you're so interested, why don't you go ask them and leave me alone?"
She grinned, clearly enjoying my annoyance. "Hn. Do you really think I'll listen to the likes of you? You're not even worth the effort."
I didn't respond, watching her carefully as she swung her legs. Despite her taunts, I wasn't entirely sure of her intentions. Surely she wouldn't try anything here, not with so many students nearby. I could hear them below us—laughing, chatting, eating lunch. Further off, I could hear the crackle of spells as some practiced their magic.
As if sensing my unease, Rosemary let out a low chuckle. "Relax. I'm not going to attack you here. Don't you see this?" She tapped the golden collar around her neck, the metal glinting faintly in the dappled sunlight.
I narrowed my eyes. "I assume it's stopping you from turning?"
"Spot on, smart boy," she said with a grin, tapping the collar again. "This thing keeps me in line. Lucky for you."
I didn't respond, but my gaze lingered on the collar. It looked heavy, almost suffocating, though Rosemary seemed entirely unbothered by it. If anything, she wore it like a badge of defiance.
"You must feel real special, huh?" she said suddenly, her tone shifting. "Sitting up here all broody, thinking you're so different."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I muttered, turning my head away from her. I had no idea what game she was playing, but I wasn't interested in playing along.
Rosemary let out a short laugh. "Heh. Alright, fine. Maybe it's too early to judge." She shrugged, standing up on the branch. "We'll see, vampire boy."
Without warning, she leapt down from the branch, landing on the ground below with a loud thud. Several students nearby screamed in surprise, their lunches clattering to the ground as they scrambled back.
I leaned over slightly, peering down to see Rosemary laughing, her grin wide and toothy as she waved off their protests. Before anyone could stop her, she darted off toward the main building, her laughter echoing behind her.
I sighed, leaning back against the tree trunk as the commotion below faded into the background. Whatever her deal was, I didn't have the energy to figure it out. I closed my eyes again, letting the rustling leaves above drown out the lingering scent of dog on the wind.