The Slip of Truth
The basement was dim, lit only by a flickering lamp that buzzed overhead.
Yelena sat with her legs crossed on a metal chair, calm and poised, while Makiam paced around Lila’s unconscious body, a devilish smirk twisting his face.
Around them, more than twenty armed men stood at attention; silent, alert, and waiting for orders.
“I never thought that bastard could be lured into my trap so easily,” Makiam said, his voice dripping with dark amusement as he circled the sleeping girl.
Yelena exhaled a slow curl of smoke, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “I told you how much he loves her, Uncle. I knew he’d come running the moment we had her.”
Makiam stopped and brushed a strand of hair away from Lila’s face before glancing at Yelena.
“I have to admit,” he said with a crooked grin, “the girl’s beautiful. I can see why Wolfe chose her over you.”
Yelena’s expression hardened instantly. She shot to her feet, fury flaring behind her eyes.
“What are you doing, Uncle? Trying to rub salt in my wound?” Her voice trembled, brittle but sharp. “Do you want me to start regretting letting you in on this, just so you could get back at Damien yourself?”
Makiam threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the dim basement.
“You’re impressive, Yelena,” he said when his laughter faded, his tone dripping with mock admiration. “You’ve just admitted that this isn’t about blood or revenge. You did all this because you couldn’t have him.”
Yelena’s gaze dropped. She swallowed hard, her silence confirming the truth he’d laid bare.
Makiam nodded once, then leaned down and gave Lila’s cheek a few light slaps.
“I’ll take care of you later,” he murmured. “Right now, I need to focus on Wolfe.”
He tapped her face again, but she didn’t stir.
Yelena let out an impatient hiss and marched over. “How can you be so gentle with her?” she snapped and before Makiam could stop her, she delivered a sharp slap that cracked through the air.
Lila’s head whipped to the side, and her eyes flew open.
“Oh,” Makiam muttered, his brows lifting slightly, amusement flickering across his face.
Lila blinked, dazed. Pain stung her cheek as she looked up, recognizing Yelena instantly but the man standing before her was a stranger.
“Pretty girl,” Makiam said softly, crouching in front of her. His tone was calm, almost mocking. “I’m sorry you’re in this position, but it’s all because of that man of yours. He’s the reason you’re here.”
“What do you want from me? Why do you want him here?” Lila’s voice trembled as she swallowed hard, eyes darting between the two of them.
Makiam clicked his tongue and rose to his full height. “You’re still asking?” he said with a dry laugh. “We want him dead. And you, sweetheart, are the bait. Thanks to you, he’s already on his way.”
A wave of panic crashed through Lila’s chest. She began twisting her wrists, fighting against the restraints behind the chair.
“Stop moving,” Yelena snapped. “You’re just wasting your energy.”
Lila looked up at her, fury flashing behind her fear. “I thought you loved him,” she said in a trembling voice. “Why are you doing this? Why would you want him dead? Because he didn’t love you back?”
Yelena’s lips curled into a bitter smile before her voice broke into a snarl. “Yes. Because he chose you over me. What did you expect me to do, let him walk away as if nothing happened?”
Lila stared at Yelena, disbelief washing over her pale face.
“You want him dead because he couldn’t love you back? How much crueler can you get? Love isn’t something you can force. If he doesn’t love you, then someone else out there will. So why do—”
Lila’s words were cut short by the sharp crack of a slap.
Yelena’s nostrils flared, her eyes widening with fury. “Don’t you dare lecture me, you little brat!”
A metallic taste filled Lila’s mouth as she felt the sting of a cut on her lip.
“I’ll kill both you and Damien today. I swear it,” Yelena hissed.
Lila glared back at her through the blur of tears, defiance burning even as pain pulsed through her cheek.
The sound of rushing water filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of students gathered around the waterfall. Some splashed and played in the clear pool below, their voices echoing off the rocks.
Tessa sat on a smooth boulder at the edge, her legs dipped in the cool water as she watched them with a soft smile. Yet, behind that smile lingered a quiet ache. She missed her best friend. Her thoughts had been with her all morning, and every attempt to call had failed; poor reception had kept them apart even through the phone.
Lost in thought, Tessa didn’t notice Owen making his way toward her until Asher stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
“Going to her again?” Asher asked, his tone sharp, almost mocking. “Why can’t you just leave her alone and let her be?”
Owen gave a low chuckle, stepping back with an amused smirk. The sunlight glinted off the water droplets on his skin. Both of them stood there in their swim briefs, tension crackling between them like static.
“Why does it bother you so much, Asher?” Owen drawled. “There’s nothing going on between you two. You’re just her best friend’s boyfriend.”
Asher didn’t flinch, though his jaw tightened before he shot back sharply, “And that’s exactly why I care about her. Tessa isn’t just Lila’s best friend, she’s my friend too. It’s normal for me to look out for her.”
“Oh, is that so?” Owen’s smirk deepened, his tone laced with mockery. “Because that’s not what your face says, Asher.”
Asher’s throat went dry, and he swallowed hard. “W–What do you mean?” he asked, his voice unsteady despite his best attempt to sound composed.
Owen tilted his head, watching him with a knowing gleam in his eyes. “I don’t know if you’ve realized it yet, or if you’re just refusing to admit it but either way, you can’t hide it.”
Asher’s shoulders went stiff. His gaze darted around nervously, relieved to see that Tessa wasn’t looking their way. His pulse quickened, the sound of the waterfall suddenly deafening in his ears.
“What are you talking about?” he managed, though the words came out too fast, too defensive.
Owen took a step closer, his grin widening. “You’re in love with Tessa, Asher.”
The words hit like a gunshot. Asher froze, the air knocked out of his chest as his heart seemed to leap and tumble all at once. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe because deep down, he knew Owen was right.