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Sofia’s Pov

Connor’s arms held me firmly, steadying me before I could hit the ground. For a brief moment, our eyes locked, and my breath caught in my throat. But then, as quickly as it had happened, the moment was over. I was still stiff when I got the thought of what was happening. 

Connor released me, dropping me onto the floor unceremoniously and harshly. “Stand up, and don't stare at me” his voice was achy and tiring. Like he didn't do that on purpose.

I scrambled to my feet, brushing dirt off my dress. Liam scoffed behind him, muttering something under his breath before turning and storming off. I shot him a glare, but it didn’t matter.  

It wasn't like I cared about what was going on or whatever was happening. I just wanted Connor for myself. And not just him, the whole pack, then Liam would fall at my feet and he would lick it clean. 

I turned back to Connor, my lips parting to thank him, but the words caught in my throat when I saw the cold expression on his face. His eyes darted towards me, 
“Connor,” I began softly, reaching out to touch his arm.  

“Don’t,” he said, stepping back. His voice was as icy as his eyes. “Thank the Moon Goddess for saving you, not me. I should have just let you drop”  

The rejection stung, but I masked it with a faint smile. “Still, I…”  

“Enough,” he cut me off. “Follow me.”  

I swallowed the lump in my throat as he led me down the corridor, his strides were quick and purposeful. It was always that about him, it was always that one thing, the manliness, the awesomeness, his cute eyeballs I've always adored since we were kids. 

When we reached the cells, he unlocked the door and motioned for me to step inside.  

I looked at his eyes one last time, hoping to see some kind of mercy that he showed some minutes ago but I got none and I didn't know how that mattered too, I just wanted to keep my gaze on him. 

As soon as the bars locked behind me, he turned on me, his frustration boiling over. 

“Why?” he demanded, his voice was soft but furious. “Why did you kiss me when Liam was approaching? What were you trying to achieve? Tell me what you're doing Sophia. You can't be imprisoned and still cause trouble around here. Aren't you even ashamed of yourself?”  

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied, shrugging as if it were nothing. Why would I tell him I did that on purpose? I wouldn't even admit close enough that I did. It was meaningless, he already concluded I did. 

His jaw tightened, and he slammed his palm against the steel bars. The loud clang echoed through the room, making me flinch. “Don’t play games with me, Sophia. Speak up, or you’ll rot here. I'll make sure of that”  

I clenched my fists, my heart pounding in my chest. “I didn’t do anything wrong! Let me go” I snapped.  

His eyes blazed with anger. “You think this is a joke? You think I’ll tolerate this nonsense? If you don’t start talking, I’ll leave you here to rot.”  

“Connor, please,” I begged, my voice cracking. “Don’t leave me. I…I just wanted… I just wanted you for myself. I'm honest, I just want you to be…”  

But he didn’t wait to hear my excuses. 

“I don't care what you want… I'll make sure you don't have a life remaining”

With one last glare, he turned and walked away, his boots echoing loudly against the stone floor.  

I sank to the cold floor of the cell, my emotions a swirling storm inside me. Why had he saved me if he was going to treat me like this? He could have let Liam deal with me, but he didn’t.  

Maybe he’s finally softening towards me, I thought, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest. Maybe he still cares.

The idea made me smile despite the sting of his rejection. If I could get Connor to see reason, to realize that Aria wasn’t the one for him, then maybe… just maybe… I could finally have him for myself.  

The sound of footsteps snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see Liam standing outside the cell, his expression dark and menacing.  

“What do you want now?” I asked, rising to my feet.  

Liam didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leaned closer to the bars, his voice low and threatening. “Where are Tiara and Aria?”  

I blinked, confused. “What?”  

“Don’t play dumb with me,” he growled. “You know where they are. Tell me, or I’ll kill you. And don’t think Connor will save you this time.”  

His words sent a chill down my spine, but I forced myself to stand tall. “You think you can scare me, Liam?” I asked, folding my arms across my chest. “Go ahead. Open the cell. Let’s have another fight. Maybe Connor will catch me again, and you’ll look even more pathetic.”  

Liam’s eyes flashed with anger. “You’re pathetic,” he spat.  

I smirked. “Oh, Liam, don’t be mad just because Connor doesn’t trust you. Or is it because he listens to me more than you?”  

Liam turned to leave, muttering under his breath, but I couldn’t resist one last jab.  

“I’ll deal with all of you,” I called after him, my voice laced with venom. “Until my last breath, I’ll make sure none of you stand in my way. I don’t care who gets hurt.”  

He froze, his shoulders stiffening. Slowly, he turned back to face me, his expression unreadable.  

In a flash, he was at the bars, his hand darting through to grab my throat. I choked, clawing at his fingers as he tightened his grip.  

“Dare it,” he hissed, his face inches from mine. “And you’ll die.”  

Struggling to breathe, I managed a faint smirk. “Oh really?” I rasped. “What are you going to do about it