Chapter 21 This is going to get messy
Ruel’s POV
“Fuck, you ruined my back.” Elric groans dramatically, one hand pressed against his lower back as he settles into the chair opposite mine.
“You barely hit the floor.” I mutter, pulling a file from one of the lockers in my study.
“Barely? Hell, I'd be surprised if I didn't break a rib.” He says with a glare. “And,” he continues, pointing at me. “...you are only brutal when you’re mad. What pissed you off?”
I look away from him. Because I know, more than I'd ever admit, what pissed me off.
That careless bored tone she'd spoken with…. The words she said…
“I don’t think he’s as strong as he’s rumoured to be.”
She said it like when she looked at me, she didn’t see anything worth acknowledging.
Instantly I'd felt this stupid pull to prove myself. To show her just how wrong she was.
I'd completely lost control, my body moving swiftly. In a few seconds Elric was on the floor, and all I felt in that moment wasn't regret from seeing my friend in pain.
No, it was satisfaction.
Watching her eyes grow wide in awe caused my heart to swell with foolish pride.
Insane… That's exactly what that was. ‘Cause I had no reason to react like that. As though I give a damn about her opinion.
Elric’s eyes stay on me, waiting for an answer.
“So?” He presses.
“Forget that.” I mutter, taking my seat in front of him, eagerly flipping open the white file before me.
“And why should I?” Elric asks, slowly straightening. His arms folded against his chest.
I lift my eyes, not bothering to hide the frown on my face. “I’m not in the mood, Elric.”
“You don't have to be. All you need to do is answer the questions I have. And,” he says, cutting me off and making me close my mouth. “I've given you enough time so don't try and change the subject.”
I rest my back against the chair, watching him silently.
“I heard you did a general check last night.” He starts, his eyes narrowing.
“It’s part of my duty.” I say, keeping my face as neutral as possible.
“At night?” He raises one brow. “Interesting hour for duty.”
I glare at him. “What exactly do you want?”
“The truth.” Elric shrugs, leaning forward. “You only checked one room. One. And that room just happened to be where the new servant sleeps. The one with the sharp blue eyes, unwavering frown.”
Ira.
Her name echoes in my mind, settling in my chest.
“Or at least a version you don’t have to lie to yourself about.”
I close my eyes for one second. I should have known he wasn’t here to rest his back. His tone is too clean. Too focused. He only gets like this when he thinks he has discovered something.
I shift but keep my voice controlled. “It was routine. I am allowed to check whatever is in my base.”
Elric clicks his tongue. “So you asking… What's her name?... Yes, Ira.” He snaps his fingers, his eyes lighting up in remembrance. “You asking Ira why she screamed? That didn't sound like routine to me.”
“Watch it.” I warn, wondering how he learned about that.
“I am watching,” he mutters. “That’s the problem.”
I inhale slowly and force my shoulders to stay still.
But my thoughts keep drifting back to last night. To how her scent felt different. Like she was distressed. And that scream. I just couldn't take it. I had to see her.
“The first night we met her,”
I look at him sharply but he continues.
“You remember how you jumped back from her like she burned you? Then there’s the way you keep watching her whenever she's near. I can't count how many times you've zoned out during a discussion.”
My stomach tightens. “Elric…”
“Wait, I’m not done.” He lifts a finger. “And today during practice, you stared at her like you were… memorizing her.”
“You are being ridiculous.”
“Longingly,” he adds. “Like she's something you crave.”
“Stop being delusional.” My voice weakens.
Elric goes quiet and just watches me for a long moment. His eyes lose the playful glint and soften in a way that makes me uneasy.
Then he speaks in a quiet, concerned voice. “She’s your mate, isn’t she?”
My heart stills.
I look away, the air suddenly feeling too tight but I maintain a blank face. “I don’t have a mate.”
“Ruel?” he says softly.
I don’t respond.
He leans even closer, elbows on the table. “Explain it to me then.”
Breath leaves my lungs in a low exhale. “A mate bond is a weakness disguised as love.” I whisper bitterly.
Elric’s expression changes. There's no mockery, no smugness… only a quiet understanding.
“A weakness,” he repeats. “Or something you are afraid of?”
My throat constricts.
Elric sighs. “Ruel… talk to me.”
About what?! I don't even understand my emotions right now.
I push a hand through my hair and stand, pacing a short line behind the chair. I can’t sit. Not when the walls feel too close. “Drop it, Elric.”
“No,” he says calmly. “Because you’ve been acting strange. And if it’s because of her, I deserve to know.”
“You don’t deserve anything.” I shoot, glaring at him.
“Ruel. Look at you. You’re not even hiding it well.”
“There is nothing to hide.”
He tilts his head slightly. “Then why do you look like you want to tear apart anyone who does as little as stare at her with warm eyes?”
My brows furrow in confusion.
“Cortis?” He continues, lifting a brow. “You think I didn’t notice? I noticed the way your eyes followed her this morning. I noticed how your shoulders pulled tight when she spoke to Knight. I noticed the way your wolf reacted to her teasing voice. You think I don’t know why you flipped me and nearly broke my spine.”
“Stop…”
“No.” His tone turns Serious. “Tell me the truth.”
Silence falls on us, my heartbeat getting louder… too loud.
I detest how he is looking at me. Like he already knows. Like the answer is written right on my head.
“Ru…”
“There is nothing I want more than to break the damn bond!” I blurt out, my voice coarse.
Elric blinks. “And what's stopping you?”
I close my eyes for a moment. He's not even going to pretend to be surprised.
“I don’t think she can sense her wolf,” I say quietly. “I need her consent to sever the bond.”
Elric’s brows pull together. “What do you mean?”
“She can’t sense the bond.” My voice is steady. “Not even a hint. I realized it yesterday. She looks at me and sees nothing.”
Elric stares at me, surprise flickering in his eyes. “Nothing?”
“Nothing,” I repeat.
He leans back slowly. “Ruel,”
“I know,” I breathe out.
“She could be a stray.” he whispers so low I almost don't hear it.
“I know.” I respond, dragging a hand down my face.
Elric lets out a long breath. “This is going to get messy, isn’t it?”
I stare at the table, my thoughts a mess.