Welp, I've made up my mind. The chapters will officially be longer than ever after, like twice as long as my average word count. So be excited about the updates, but also expect them to be slower. Like every fortnight, depending on whichever story I'm currently invested in.
Quick note, I'm upping the crossover disparity to 80% EAH x 20 HH. Yes, because I revised the plotting and decided that many challenges and storylines will be changed to better fit the entanglement of destinies within this fictionalized world of mine.
Also, someone help me. I legitimately don't even know what I'm doing. I have no idea what made me write this chapter, and I feel like digging a hole and burying myself inside until the earth takes me.
Not only that, but I don't know a thing about romance, never really dated anyone, priorities, people!
Please tell me how I did after you read this chapter. It sounded so unlike me, probably because it's a sad reflection of a fantasy I can never have. Sob* Sob*...
Also, if you like this story, then be sure to check out my other EAH fan fiction titled, "From the Ashes." It's kind of a darker take of what a child of a God would do if they were ever to mingle with those of Ever After.
Anyway, moving on!
Adam wandered through the dimly lit halls of Ever After High, his footsteps echoing in the quiet stillness. Each step carried him deeper into the labyrinth of his memories, his mind replaying yesterday's events as he recalled the location of the room that had piqued his interest. With time on his hands and the weight of solitude pressing down on him, he sought a distraction, something to fill the emptiness gnawing at him from within.
"It should be right down this hall," he murmured to himself, his voice barely more than a breath as he approached the Music Room. The grand, polished door stood before him, a gateway to something that promised both solace and escape.
The moment he stepped inside, his breath caught in his throat. The room, bathed in soft light, was a sanctuary of sound, every corner brimming with the potential of melody. Instruments of every kind lined the walls, from gleaming grand pianos to delicate violins, each calling out with silent promises of harmony. The air felt alive, humming with the energy of countless past performances, as though the music still lingered, waiting to be reborn.
His excitement bubbled up uncontrollably, a rare flicker of joy in an otherwise subdued existence. Without a second thought, he stepped deeper into the room, caring little if anyone else was there to witness him at this moment of raw excitement. He wasn't here for them; he was here for himself, to reclaim a part of himself long forgotten.
"Now this is more like it," he whispered, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the sheer variety of instruments scattered around. Drums of every size, violas, flutes, and even a golden harp that gleamed with an ethereal light. Each instrument was more magnificent than the last, a testament to the grandeur of the school and its legacy of monarchs and royalty.
Yet, as Adam gazed around, awe soon gave way to something heavier. His eyes grew distant, clouded with longing, as memories of a life far grander than this flooded his mind. No matter how magnificent this music room was, no matter how expertly crafted the instruments were, they paled in comparison to what he once had in the Heavens. There, everything had been perfect. There, he had been surrounded by beauty beyond mortal comprehension, enveloped in a glory he would never know again.
He shook his head, trying to dispel the thoughts. It was no use reminiscing about a world forever out of his reach. "Make the most of what you have now," he reminded himself, though the words felt hollow, as if they could not bridge the vast chasm of loss within him. Still, he had no choice but to live in this new reality, even if it felt like a dim shadow of the life he once knew.
A deep, weary sigh escaped his lips. "It doesn't get much easier," he muttered under his breath, shaking off the wave of sorrow that threatened to drag him under. He glanced around once more, his eyes scanning the room for something to latch onto, something to anchor him in the present.
That's when he saw it.
Tucked away in the far corner of the room, almost forgotten among the polished instruments, was a lute. Old and weathered, it sat apart from the rest, as if it didn't belong here, a relic of a different time. Its wood, though coated with grime from years of neglect, remained unbroken, its strings still intact.
It was calling to him.
Adam felt a pull, as though the lute itself was beckoning him closer. He hesitated for a moment, his heart heavy with both longing and dread. Slowly, he approached, his hand trembling as he crouched before it. His fingers hovered just above the strings, the air between them thick with memories he wished he could forget but could never escape.
This was no ordinary instrument to him. The lute was a symbol, a reminder of someone he had lost — someone who had followed him through battles and bloodshed, through victories and defeats. The name echoed in his mind, sharp and painful.
Lute — his trusted lieutenant. His right-hand woman. His friend.
He could still see her, standing tall and proud beside him, her sharp eyes scanning the battlefield, always ready for his next command. Her voice, clear and commanding, filled his mind, as though she were still right there beside him.
Sir, do you require any assistance?
Sir, I've prepared the recruits for battle.
Sir, I will follow you to the end.
She had been more than just a soldier. She had been loyal, devoted, always striving to exceed his expectations. She had looked to him for approval, for praise, and he had given it freely, knowing that there was no one more capable than her. She had saved him countless times, her keen eyes and swift actions always keeping him one step ahead of danger.
But in the end, it hadn't been enough.
Adam's chest tightened, his breath coming in shallow gasps as the memories of their final moments together crashed over him like a tidal wave. The battle — their last battle together — had been brutal. The enemy forces had been overwhelming, relentless. One by one, his soldiers had fallen, their lifeless bodies littering the ground around him.
And then came her voice, desperate and filled with fear.
Sir, they're overwhelming us!
Sir, look out behind you!
He had reacted just in time, dodging the blow meant for him. But in saving himself, he had doomed her.
Sir…
Her voice had been so faint then, so far away. He could still hear it, the way it echoed across the battlefield, the last thing she ever said to him.
Sir…
Adam…
A strangled gasp escaped him as the memory tore at his soul, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. He had failed her. He had failed all of them. And now, all that remained of his once-mighty legion were ghosts — whispers on the wind, haunting him wherever he went.
With trembling hands, Adam finally reached for the lute, his fingers brushing against the worn wood. It felt fragile, like the memories it held, but when he strummed a single note, the sound that resonated was strong, pure. It reverberated through the room, filling the silence with a melancholy melody that mirrored the sorrow in his heart.
"I'm sorry, Lute…" he whispered, his voice breaking. "I failed you. I failed all of you."
Tears blurred his vision as he cradled the instrument closer, the weight of his grief almost too much to bear. His life had been filled with glory and triumph once, but now it was a tapestry woven with loss. Too many losses. Too many regrets.
But as he wiped the tears from his eyes, a steely resolve took root within him. He would not fail again. He could not.
"I swear it," he murmured, his voice hoarse yet resolute. "I will not fail again."
And with that promise, he let the music guide him, the strings of the lute singing the unspeakable pain of a fallen warrior who would rise once more.
"Thank Father that no one's around to see me like this," Adam muttered, his voice low with embarrassment as he glanced around to ensure his solitude. But as soon as the words left his mouth, a taunting voice echoed through the room, shattering the stillness.
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that."
The mocking tone startled Adam, making him jump as he spun around, searching for the source of the voice. His heart raced, and his eyes darted wildly, scanning the room for whoever had intruded on his painfully private moment.
"Who said that?!" he shouted, the sudden shift from embarrassment to frustration evident in his voice. But all that answered him was the playful sound of laughter, faint and mischievous, reverberating off the walls.
"Show yourself!" Adam demanded, his anger bubbling to the surface as he clenched his fists. "I'm not above teaching random strangers a lesson about privacy!"
"So strong, yet so gentle," the voice teased again, giggling as the sound bounced around him like a playful echo, its source elusive.
"So wise, yet so naive," it continued, the voice weaving through the air like smoke, taunting him. Adam's frustration deepened, his muscles tense as he tried to pinpoint where it was coming from.
"So purrfect, yet so full of flaws," the voice was closer now, dripping with amusement. Adam's fists tightened, his body coiled with anticipation, ready for whoever — or whatever — was about to reveal themselves.
"Curiouser and curiouser, oh Adam, the self-proclaimed First of Man."
Suddenly, the voice materialized into a figure, perched nonchalantly atop the grand piano. Adam's breath hitched in his throat as he took in the sight before him. The girl sitting there was unlike anyone he had ever seen. Her long, wavy purple hair cascaded around her shoulders, adorned with a black headband that featured a bow with cat-like ears and sparkling jewels. Her gothic-chic outfit — black and silver with a sleeveless top, puffed shoulders, and a flared skirt — struck a bold contrast to her lavender tights and fur-trimmed ankle boots. She exuded an air of confidence, her appearance both edgy and whimsical.
"Who are you?! How do you know who I am?" Adam asked, his wariness creeping in as he stared up at the mysterious girl.
She grinned, her smile wide and teasing, as if she found his confusion amusing. "No need to fret, Adam. Or do you prefer… Addy?" Her eyes glimmered with mischief, and Adam's brows furrowed in bewilderment.
"Don't call me that! Wait — only Maddie ever called me that…" he muttered, his mind racing as he began to connect the dots. "Do you know that tea-obsessed gremlin by any chance?" He eyed her suspiciously, trying to gauge her intentions.
"Roommates," she said casually, as if that explained everything.
"Figures," Adam sighed, now even more on edge. If she was Maddie's roommate, then she was bound to be trouble. Keeping up with Maddie's madness was hard enough — now he had to deal with this?
"Wait, we're getting off track! Why are you here?" Adam pressed, his voice rising as frustration simmered beneath his skin. But his question barely fazed her.
"Am I not allowed to roam the school as I please?" she retorted, her voice dripping with playful defiance. She swung her legs lazily as she lay atop the piano, completely at ease. "I've been here longer than you, so maybe I should be the one asking why you're here. Alone, no less."
Adam's eye twitched at her audacity, but he begrudgingly admitted, "Fair point. But what I'm doing is none of your business." He tried to brush her off, but the girl's gaze shifted, her eyes locking onto the lute in his hands.
"Is there something special about that instrument?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Adam instinctively hid the lute behind his back, his posture growing defensive. "It's nothing that concerns you," he snapped, his tone fierce as he glared at her. But she only smiled in response, a frisky, teasing grin that made Adam's gut tighten with unease.
And then, to his utter shock, she vanished.
Sparkling particles shimmered where she had been, her grin lingering for a fraction of a second before it too disappeared. Adam barely had time to react before her voice spoke up again — this time, from behind him.
"What do we have here?"
He spun around, but it was too late. She had already snatched the lute from his grasp, her form flickering in and out of sight as glittering sparkles marked her movements. She appeared once again atop the piano, holding the instrument as if it were a mere trinket.
"Hey! Give that back!" Adam's voice was harsh, laced with anger as he reached out, his body taut with tension.
"Now, why would I do that?" she teased, examining the lute with exaggerated care. "You seem awfully attached to this instrument. Makes me wonder just how far you'd go for it."
Adam's fists trembled, his emotions dangerously close to bursting forth. His eyes flared with a golden light, glowing with his barely restrained fury. "I won't ask again. Give. It. Back." His words came out through clenched teeth, his composure hanging by a thread.
But she only giggled, clearly enjoying the game she was playing. "My, how feisty," she purred, waving the lute in the air, her grin growing wider. "Does it really mean that much to you?"
Adam paused, forcing himself to take a deep breath. He couldn't let her provoke him further. If he lost control, she'd only toy with him more. He exhaled slowly, gathering his resolve.
"Yes," he admitted, his voice steady though strained. "It means a lot. So, would you kindly… give it back. Before we both do something we'll regret."
The girl's eyes sparkled with delight. "Now, where's the fun in that?" she teased, before disappearing once again, this time perching herself above the grand golden harp in the corner of the room. "Matter of factly, why don't we play a little game?" she grinned, cheekily.
Adam sighed deeply, his patience wearing thin. There were many students at this school — some he liked, a few he hated. But this girl? She had already climbed to the very top of the list of people he absolutely loathed.
"What kind of game?" he asked, knowing full well she wouldn't give up so easily. He didn't want to cause trouble, but if this continued, there'd be no avoiding it.
"A simple game of tag," she said with a sly grin. "The stage is the school. One winner, one loser. Whoever triumphs gets to keep this instrument that you seem so fond of. If you win, you get it back." She winked at him with a playful smirk.
"And if I were to somehow lose?" Adam spoke with sheer disdain as she giggled at his heated gaze upon her.
"You'll find out, soon enough." She expressed quite mischievously, as she gave him a very cheeky grin.
"I wish you the best of luck, Addy~" she purred, blowing him a kiss before her form disintegrated completely.
"That's not my name!" Adam shouted, his blood boiling as her parting taunt lingered in the air. His eyes glowed fiercely with determination, his heart pounding with a singular, burning resolve.
He would win this twisted game.
And when he did, she would regret ever crossing him.
"Great. Just great," Adam muttered through gritted teeth, the sharp edge of his frustration unmistakable. His mind still reeled from the baffling encounter with that enigmatic girl earlier. The memory was a thorn in his side, agitating him as his face darkened, and his brows knitted together with mounting irritation.
"Just when I thought, for once, everything was falling into place, life finds a way to screw me over!" He let out a hollow laugh, his voice tinged with bitter irony as he trudged down the desolate hallway. The emptiness around him only amplified his annoyance. "Every dang time. It's like the universe has a personal vendetta against me." He clenched his fists, his steps echoing loudly in the stillness.
"When I find that witch, I swear I'll make her wish she was never born!" He paused, his words hanging in the air, simmering with anger. "Or something along those lines. But mark my words," he continued, his voice dropping low and deadly, "justice will be served. Swiftly and painfully." His fist met his open palm with a sharp slap, the sound reverberating through the corridor, a testament to his resolve.
It was a shame he hadn't gotten the chance to properly explore the Music Room before everything went south. But maybe it was for the best. He was sure that the ruckus he'd caused would have drawn the groundskeepers' attention by now. In fact, he heard some people already heading there by the time he was leaving.
"What the heck am I supposed to do now?" He asked himself, his voice sounding small and lost in the emptiness.
"I guess I could get some new stuff for my room… but I still don't know my way around the village." He frowned, weighing his options. "Maybe I could hang out with some of the new friends I've made? But then again, I don't want a repeat of the Maddie incident. You can never be too careful with all the weirdos lurking around here. Besides, I don't even have a way to find them." He let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of his situation press down on him.
His shoulders slumped, and a pang of loneliness gnawed at him. "Man, I really miss them," he murmured, thinking of his old… friends? "Can I even call them that?" He shook his head, the memories bittersweet.
"My girls were more like daughters vying for their father's attention. The other winners saw me as some sort of icon. And don't even get me started on the other angels and saints." He grimaced, recalling his old life. His interactions had always been shrouded in formality and duty, relationships bound by rules rather than genuine affection.
"Friggin' Sera," he muttered, thinking of the High Seraphim. "Always acting like she had a stick up her arse." He couldn't help but smirk at the thought. She was strict, no doubt about it, always correcting his crass behavior. But her intentions were good. She'd looked out for him when no one else had, guiding him through the treacherous waters of responsibility and expectation.
And then there was Emily. A small, fond smile tugged at his lips. "That little bugger," he chuckled softly, remembering her bright presence. "Always the ray of sunshine, no matter how dark things got. So darn adorable," his smile faltered, replaced by a frown, "and so painfully naive to the harsh realities of our world." He shook his head, trying to banish the troubling thoughts that followed.
"Eh, whatever. It's not like I can change anything now. Might as well make the most of it." He said for the third time, his voice resigned, the same mantra he kept telling himself just to get through the day.
"Talking to yourself, are we?" a voice chimed in, startling Adam out of his reverie. He spun around, heart pounding, his fist instinctively raised as he swung at the intruder. His punch hit nothing but air, his fist crashing into the wall with a sickening crunch, leaving a sizable dent.
"Whoa! Who oversteeped your tea today?" Maddie stood there, grinning mischievously, a cup of tea in one hand and a scone in the other. Adam's eyes narrowed, his vision tinged with red as he registered her presence.
"You," he growled, his voice low and dangerous, his eyes fixed on the girl who had caused him so much trouble.
"It's me!" she chirped, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Mad as a hatter and twice as wonderlandiful!" She giggled, clearly enjoying the effect she was having on him.
Adam lunged at her, but she darted out of reach, her laughter echoing down the hallway. "Oops! Missed me!" she taunted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Hold still!" he snarled, reaching for her again, but she danced away effortlessly.
"Missed me again!" she sang, her laughter ringing out like a bell.
"You little—" Adam growled, his hands grasping at nothing as she continued to evade him with infuriating ease.
"Missed me, missed me, now you gotta—"
"Enough!" he bellowed, his patience snapping as he gave chase. Maddie skipped ahead, her laughter wild and free, leading him through the labyrinthine hallways.
They raced through winding corridors that seemed to stretch on forever, Maddie always just out of reach, her laughter a maddening melody that spurred him on. They burst into a classroom, knocking over beakers and flasks in their chaotic pursuit. Adam barely noticed, his eyes locked on the girl who kept slipping through his fingers.
They tumbled into a gymnasium, the vast space echoing with their footsteps. But they didn't linger. Maddie was quick, ducking through an exit with Adam hot on her heels. He was gaining on her, his breath coming in harsh gasps, his determination unwavering.
They barreled into a room filled with screens and devices broadcasting live news feeds. Adam barely glanced at the startled reporter's face on the screen before they were out the door again, Maddie's giggles guiding him forward.
He was close now, his fingertips grazing the fabric of her clothes as they stumbled into another room. This one was lavish, adorned with opulent furnishings and regal portraits. But Adam had no time to take it all in. His focus was solely on the girl in front of him.
The room's grandeur barely registered in his mind as he closed the distance between them. Two chairs, almost like miniature thrones, sat facing each other in the center of the room. A woman sat behind a desk, her appearance ethereal and pure, clothed entirely in white. But Adam had no time to ponder her identity or significance.
Maddie darted around the desk, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she made a break for the exit. Adam hesitated, casting a quick, apologetic glance at the stunned woman as he continued his chase.
"Sorry about that!" he called over his shoulder, his voice breathless, his eyes catching a fleeting glimpse of the figure seated across from the woman in white. He barely registered their expressions of shock and curiosity as he raced out of the room, his focus narrowing to a single point: catching Maddie.
The woman in white watched them go, a delicate smile playing on her lips as she raised a hand to stifle a soft laugh. "My, what a delightful display of friendship," she murmured, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Um, Your Majesty the White Queen," the student across from her began hesitantly, "who was that boy? And why was he chasing Madeline like that?"
The White Queen's smile widened, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Who knows, my dear. Your guess is as good as mine. But I don't think it's anything to worry about."
The student frowned, puzzled. "But what were they doing?"
"Something fun, I presume," the White Queen replied simply, her voice light and carefree, leaving the student even more bewildered.
"Now then, where were we, Miss White?" she continued, turning back to their conversation with a serene smile, her words echoing in the young girl's mind.
The young princess, seated in the smaller throne-like chair, glanced back toward the door, her curiosity piqued. The boy's sudden appearance had left a lingering impression, his presence a burst of color in her otherwise orderly world. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with wonder, her heart fluttering with a feeling she couldn't quite name as she pondered over the mysterious boy who had so abruptly entered her life and left just as quickly.
Adam silently cursed his height, realizing how it worked against him now. Being so much taller than Maddie made it frustratingly difficult to catch the nimble girl as she darted down the seemingly endless hallway like a blur.
"You're only delaying the inevitable, Maddie!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. He was grateful the corridors were mostly empty; the last thing he needed was more people witnessing this ridiculous chase. But he was getting closer — so close he could almost feel the fabric of her clothes brushing against his fingertips.
"That just means that we can keep playing!" she called back, her laughter bubbling over with unbridled joy. The wide grin plastered across her face was a clear indication of how much fun she was having. To her, this wasn't a chase, but a game — a game she was determined to drag out for as long as possible.
"This isn't a game!" Adam snapped, his patience wearing thin as his irritation grew. He was tired of being the cat in this relentless pursuit. He pushed himself harder, his legs burning with the effort as he closed the distance between them.
Almost… he thought, his hand reaching out, ready to grab her at last.
But just as his fingers brushed against her, Maddie did the impossible. She twisted her body mid-stride and somersaulted into the nearest wall. The impact was catastrophic. The brick crumbled around her as she left an almost cartoonish imprint in the shape of her body, the dust and debris swirling in her wake.
Adam skidded to a stop, staring in disbelief at the hole in the wall. For a moment, he was paralyzed with shock. Did she really just—? He shook his head, banishing the thought as he took a deep breath. There was no time to waste. If she could do it, then so could he. Bracing himself, he launched forward and barreled into the wall.
The masonry exploded around him, the impact reverberating through his bones as he forced his way through the thick barrier. He stumbled out the other side, coughing as he shook off the dust and debris clinging to his clothes. An iron chain, coated in cobwebs, was tangled around his shoulders, and he sneezed violently, sending a cloud of dust into the air. By the time his vision cleared, Maddie was already halfway down the hall, her laughter echoing like a taunt.
His heart pounded with renewed determination. This had to end. He was about to sprint after her again when his foot caught on the chain he had just shaken loose. An idea struck him like a bolt of lightning. He bent down, grabbing the heavy links and coiling one end around his forearm, the metal clinking softly as it wrapped around his muscles.
He grinned, his eyes narrowing as he swung the other end in a wide circle over his head, the chain whipping through the air like a lasso. "Get over here!" he bellowed, his voice booming with a childlike glee that surprised even him. The chain whistled as he released it, the links unfurling like a serpent, hurtling toward Maddie.
She glanced back, her eyes widening in surprise as the chain bore down on her. But just as it seemed she would escape again, the chain twisted, following her sharp turn like it had a mind of its own. In the blink of an eye, it wrapped around her, binding her limbs as she stumbled and fell, the chains snapping tight around her.
Adam felt the chain go taut and grinned triumphantly. "Gotcha!" he exhaled, his chest heaving as he began reeling her in. She struggled against the bonds, but they held fast. "You've had your fun, but now it's time to answer some questions." He pulled the chain harder, her resistance making the victory all the sweeter. "This is how the cookie crumbles, Madeline!"
With one final, powerful yank, he pulled the captive towards him, the chains rattling as they gathered at his feet. He spread his arms, ready to catch her, already imagining the stern lecture he would deliver. But as she tumbled into his arms, Adam's face fell.
This wasn't Maddie.
The girl bound in the chains was similarly as small, her form hidden beneath the metal links. She has long, wavy ebony hair with bold crimson streaks, styled in an updo which framed her face with a golden crown band keeping it in place. A heart-shaped tattoo adorned her right eye, and those blue oceanic eyes… they blazed with a fiery fury that made Adam's blood run cold.
"You're… not Maddie." His voice cracked, the realization dawning on him with an almost painful clarity.
"No, I most certainly am not!" she hissed, her voice a lethal whisper, dripping with venom. Adam winced as her gaze bore into him, every ounce of her seething rage directed at him like a burning spear.
Panic flared in his chest. He had to fix this before things got even worse. What would people think if they found him here, holding this girl in chains? "Listen, this is all just a big misunderstanding," he stammered, his words tumbling over each other in his haste to explain.
But she was having none of it. "I care not for your hexcuses, you scoundrel!" she spat, struggling against the chains. "Off with your head!" The words came out as a ferocious roar, reverberating through the corridor. Adam's heart sank. He was in deep trouble now.
He glanced around, hearing footsteps echoing down the hall. If anyone saw them like this… He had to move, and fast. Without thinking, he scooped the furious girl into his arms and bolted for the nearest door, slamming it shut behind them. The room was pitch black, the only sound their ragged breathing.
"Where's the darn light switch?" he muttered under his breath, his hands fumbling in the darkness. He could hear the girl's muffled curses, feel her body squirming in his arms as she struggled to break free. His fingers brushed against something soft and firm.
"Hm? What's this?" He squeezed the object curiously, rolling it between his fingers, trying to identify what it was. It felt… sensual. He gave it another squeeze, and the girl let out a shriek that could have shattered glass.
"Where do you think you're touching, you degenerate?!" she screamed, her voice piercing the silence like a dagger. Adam recoiled, realization crashing over him like a wave of ice.
"Oh Father— no, I didn't mean to—" he began, his words tripping over themselves in his panic. But she wasn't listening. She was thrashing against the chains, her screams growing louder and more frantic. Footsteps were closing in, the sound of voices drifting through the door.
Desperate, Adam clamped a hand over her mouth, his heart pounding in his chest. "Shh! Do you want us both to get in trouble?!" he hissed, his mind racing as he tried to figure out how to get out of this mess.
"Unhand me, you fiend!" she managed to say through his fingers, her voice muffled but still dripping with venom. "Once I'm free, I'll make sure that it'll be off with your head!"
"Enough with the 'off with my head' bit!" Adam snapped, frustration bubbling over as he tried to think of a way to calm her down. "I'm trying to solve this calmly, but you're making it impossible! Now, would you stop squirming for one second!"
"I have no need to listen to your pitiful hexcuses!" she retorted, wriggling her head free and sinking her teeth into his hand.
"Ye-ouch!" Adam yelped, snatching his hand back. "You little—"
But before he could finish, he lost his balance. The door flew open, and they tumbled out into the hallway, the girl still wrapped in chains as they crashed to the ground. Adam groaned, pain shooting through his body as he lay there, the girl sprawled across his chest.
He looked up, his heart sinking further when he saw who was standing over them. Maddie and the girl from earlier, both wearing matching expressions of amusement and curiosity.
"Hello, Addy! What are you doing on the floor? Taking a nap, maybe?" Maddie asked, her voice laced with mock innocence. "And Lizzie! There you are, I've been looking for you since tomorrow!"
"I prefer more comfortable places to nap, but I guess to each their own. Don't you agree, Addy~?" the other girl chimed in, a sly smile tugging at her lips.
"That's not my name," Adam muttered weakly, his face burning with embarrassment.
The girl in his arms, now known as Lizzie, struggled against the chains, her eyes blazing with fury. "Would you two kindly release me from these bindings so I can hand this debauched man over to the authorities?" she snapped, her voice cold and commanding.
Adam scowled. "How about we send you off to the pound for biting someone you just met?" he shot back, rubbing the teeth marks on his hand. They didn't hurt much, but it would be a hassle to explain them to anyone else.
"How dare you!" Lizzie shouted, her voice filled with righteous indignation. As Maddie leaned down to free her, one can now see her full attire. She wears a striking dress with a black and red bodice detailed in gold embroidery, and a flared skirt featuring a harlequin diamond pattern in red and gold, layered over sheer black fabric. Her look is completed with black patterned tights and red open-toe heels with gold straps. Her overall style is a blend of regal and gothic elements, creating a powerful and elegant appearance.
Lizzie, now rid of her bindings, approached and slapped Adam hard across the face, her hand leaving a stinging imprint on his cheek.
Adam's temper flared. "Oh, you think I won't get you back for that?" he growled, resisting the urge to retaliate with more than a flick to her forehead. Lizzie flinched, the sting causing her to yelp softly as she rubbed the spot, glaring daggers at him.
"What kind of man hits a lady?" she demanded, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and disbelief.
"What kind of lady bites a man?" he retorted, holding up his hand to show the clear indentations of her teeth.
"You threw me into a filthy broom closet!" she shot back, her voice rising in indignation.
"You wouldn't stop squirming and listen to me!" Adam countered, his voice growing louder, his patience wearing thin.
"You wrapped me in chains!" Lizzie cried, her eyes flashing with accusation.
"And I said it was an accident!" Adam shouted, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
"Filthy mongrel!"
"Loudmouth!"
"Miscreant!"
"Crybaby!"
"Pervert!"
"Brat!"
They were both panting heavily now, standing nose-to-nose, their chests heaving with the force of their anger. Their faces were so close that Adam could see the flecks of blue in Lizzie's furious eyes, and she could feel the heat radiating off his skin. The intensity of their standoff left the air crackling between them, a palpable tension that neither seemed willing to break.
For a moment, everything seemed to pause. The world shrank down to just the two of them, their harsh breaths mingling, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Then, almost as if drawn by an unseen force, they leaned in closer, the fury in their gazes shifting into something else entirely.
Before either of them could think better of it, their lips crashed together in a heated kiss. Adam's hand slid around Lizzie's waist, pulling her flush against him as she stood on tiptoe, her fingers tangling in his hair. The kiss was fierce, demanding, filled with all the unspoken words and pent-up emotions that had been simmering between them.
Lizzie's heart pounded wildly as she melted into his embrace, the chains around her rattling softly before falling oss as her body relaxed. Adam's grip tightened, his lips moving against hers with an urgency that took her breath away. She responded in kind, her anger and frustration dissolving into the heat of the moment, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as if afraid he might pull away.
Adam's mind was spinning, his senses overwhelmed by the softness of her lips, the taste of her breath, the way her body fit perfectly against his. He could barely think, could only feel — feel the rapid beat of her heart against his chest, feel the way her hands pulled him closer, feel the overwhelming need to lose himself in her.
Their kiss deepened, becoming more urgent, more desperate. Adam's hand slid up to cup the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair as he tilted her head back, his lips devouring hers with a hunger he hadn't known he possessed. Lizzie whimpered softly, the sound sending a thrill through him as he lifted her off the ground, holding her against him as if he couldn't bear to let her go.
Lizzie's world spun, her thoughts scattering as she clung to him, her body pressed against his, her heart racing with a mixture of desire and disbelief. She had never felt anything like this, this wild, uncontrollable need, this fire that burned through her, consuming her completely. It was madness, absolute madness, but she didn't care. All she wanted was him — his lips, his touch, his everything.
It was only when a loud cough echoed through the hallway that reality came crashing back. They pulled apart, gasping for breath, their eyes wide as they turned to look at the two girls standing nearby.
Maddie was clapping her hands together, her grin so wide it seemed to stretch across her entire face. "Well, well, well!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with glee. "Look at you two, all cozy and lovey-dovey!"
The other girl, the one who had been watching quietly, smirked, her eyes dancing with amusement. "I have to say, that was quite the show. Very… passionate," she said, her tone dry but her expression betraying her amusement.
Lizzie's face turned a brilliant shade of red, the heat spreading down her neck and across her chest as she realized what had just happened. She quickly stepped back, straightening her clothes and smoothing down her hair, trying to regain some semblance of composure.
Before Lizzie could speak, Adam interrupted, shattering whatever silence remained between them. "Don't get any ideas, you two. That was just a spur-of-the-moment thing!" His voice carried a mixture of frustration and defensiveness, cutting through the air.
Maddie, ever oblivious to his rising anger, smiled mischievously. "It most definitely didn't look like that, Addy," she chimed, her words lighthearted, but they only served to stoke the flames of Adam's irritation.
"Call me that one more time, and see what happens!" His voice was a low growl, eyes narrowing on her. "And don't even think about changing the subject, Maddie. I still have things to discuss with you. Both of you," he added, his gaze flicking to the mysterious girl standing beside Maddie.
Maddie blinked, her expression a mask of innocence. "I don't know what in Wonderland you're talking about, Addy. Me and Kitty are innocent! We did nothing wrong!" She threw her hands up in mock defense, the sparkle of mischief never leaving her eyes.
The girl beside Maddie, the one she had called "Kitty," gave a slow, sultry smile. "That's me, by the way. It must have slipped my mind to introduce myself sooner, dear Addy~," Kitty purred, her tone thick with amusement as she savored the way Adam's eyes flared with irritation.
Adam's patience snapped. "You two did plenty wrong! Especially you, pussycat!" He jabbed a finger toward Kitty, his expression stormy.
Her smile widened, feline and teasing. "Oh? You'd want some, don't you?" she taunted, her voice laced with mock seduction.
Adam's face flushed a deep crimson, his mind reeling. "What? No — I don't — what are you—?!" His words stumbled over each other, the confusion on his face evident. His mind spun in chaotic circles, unsure how to respond to her provocations.
Kitty and Maddie burst into a fit of giggles, clearly enjoying his discomfort. Adam scowled, willing himself to regain control. "Oh, grow up, both of you!" He huffed, standing straighter, trying to reassert some sense of authority. He wasn't going to let these girls get the better of him — he was far too mature for their childish games.
Kitty, ever persistent, puckered her lips and made exaggerated kissing sounds. "Maybe you should go back to smooching with Lizzie. Your face is already redder than her heart," she teased, her mocking tone dripping with amusement.
Adam's expression hardened. "Listen, that was a mistake." He didn't see Lizzie flinch behind him at his words. "It was all just a big accident! My emotions got the better of me, I wasn't thinking straight. But I can assure you, nothing is going to happen between us. This whole thing won't ever happen again, I promise." His voice carried an air of finality, confident that he had made himself clear.
The silence that followed was heavy, uncomfortable. It stretched too long, suffocating the remnants of laughter from earlier. Adam didn't understand why it felt so unsettling until he was jolted out of his thoughts by the sting of a resounding slap across his cheek.
"Off with your head!" Lizzie's voice shook, her words a mixture of fury and hurt. She stormed away, her steps hurried as she fought to hold back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Adam stood frozen, rubbing the fresh welt on his cheek, staring after her retreating figure in utter bewilderment.
"What did I do?" His voice was barely a whisper, thick with confusion. He watched as Lizzie disappeared around the corner, his heart sinking with each step she took away from him.
When he turned back, both Maddie and Kitty were staring at him, their once playful expressions now replaced by cold disappointment.
Maddie crossed her arms and shook her head, her voice devoid of its usual bubbly tone. "You messed up big time, Adam."
Adam frowned. "What happened to 'Addy'?" he asked, attempting to lighten the mood, but his attempt fell flat.
Maddie's eyes narrowed. "I only give nicknames to my best friends forever after. And until you fix what you've done and apologize to Lizzie, consider this friendship gone and done." With a flick of her hair, she turned on her heel and walked away, her movements sharp, purposeful. Adam watched her go, guilt gnawing at his insides.
He shifted his gaze to Kitty, who remained behind, her lips curling into a sly smirk.
"What are you looking at?" Adam asked, the irritation seeping back into his voice, though he was more cautious now, wary of the mischievous glint in Kitty's eyes.
Kitty's grin widened as she purred, "Oh, nothing. I'm just amazed that someone like you can be so open-minded, yet so terribly blind." Her body flickered like smoke before she reappeared behind him, forcing Adam to whirl around to face her once more.
"What are you on about?" he demanded, exhaustion creeping into his tone. He was tired of her games, tired of all the riddles and teasing.
Kitty laughed, soft and mocking. "You claim to be wise, yet you're a fool. It's almost tragic," she mused, vanishing again and reappearing by the lockers across the hall.
Adam's frustration grew. "Enough with your games, Kitty! I'm not in the mood. And you still have something of mine."
Kitty's grin widened as she lazily pulled out his lute from thin air. "Ah, yes, you mean this?" She twirled the instrument with a flourish, clearly enjoying the way Adam's eyes narrowed.
"Yes," Adam growled, his voice low. "And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get it back, even if that means using force." His glare was sharp, but Kitty remained unphased, her smile never faltering.
"Oh, Adam," she drawled, "so quick to resort to violence. I thought you were the empathetic type." Her tone shifted, losing some of its playfulness. "But you've hurt someone I care about. And for that, the rules of our little game have changed."
Adam sighed, rolling his eyes in exhaustion. "Seriously? I'm done with these games, Kitty. What else do you want?" His voice was tired, drained of patience.
Kitty flicked her tail, a flash of annoyance crossing her face as she teleported onto the lockers. "I'm holding onto your lute until you make things right with Lizzie, Maddie, and me."
Adam stared at her, dumbfounded. "Excuse me, what?!"
Kitty smiled sweetly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You heard me. Make amends with the three of us, and I'll return your lute. Until then, consider it gone." She paused, watching Adam's growing frustration with barely concealed delight. "I'm sure the school won't miss one instrument."
Adam felt his jaw tighten. "You can't be serious."
Kitty gave a casual shrug, her grin never faltering. "Oh, but I am. Remember, Adam: fix what's broken, heal what's been hurt, and mend the heart you've torn in two." Her form shimmered, starting to disintegrate into glittering particles.
"Take as long as you need. You've got quite the challenge ahead of you." With one final, sly smile, she vanished completely, leaving Adam alone in the quiet hallway.
Adam found himself alone once again, a solitary figure amidst the chaos of his thoughts. The whirlwind of emotions he'd experienced over the past hour felt impossible to articulate; turmoil raged within him like a tempest. His mind was a jumbled mess, while his heart churned with conflicting feelings, yet his eyes betrayed a deep current of self-deprecation.
He understood why their reactions had stung him so deeply. Their anger was entirely justified, and that knowledge clawed at his insides. Yet, beneath the surface, a part of him acknowledged that perhaps this was for the best. He needed to extricate himself from entanglements that only distracted him. In this strange world, he must find clarity, and pursuing frivolous distractions wouldn't lead him anywhere meaningful.
But why had he felt such an irresistible pull towards Lizzie? He couldn't fathom what had compelled him to embrace the fiery girl, to taste her sweetness, to share a fleeting moment of bliss that was unlike anything he had ever known. His romantic history was a tangled web; he was Adam, the First Man, with countless sexual encounters during his time in the Heavens. Yet all those liaisons had been driven by lust, never by love. Not a single intimate moment had ever held the depth of feeling he associated with true affection.
He had only loved one woman in his lifetime — his beloved wife, Eve. Though he had given in to temptation before, he would never have dared to shatter the sanctity of their marriage for a mere moment of passion. There had never been a need for him to guard his heart against feelings for others, for no matter how enchanting or divine the women he had shared his body with, none could hold a candle to the love he had shared with his beloved, his other half of a whole.
But now? Doubt gnawed at him, a relentless whisper that questioned his ability to remain faithful. The memory of that kiss with Lizzie haunted him — when their lips had met, an electric warmth had surged through him, igniting something within that he could no longer ignore. Adam knew precisely what that feeling was, yet he would never dare to acknowledge it. To do so would mean relinquishing his identity as the Righteous Son of God.
He let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his thoughts palpable. "What am I doing?" he murmured, shaking his head as he ran a hand down his face, a futile attempt to clear his muddled mind. He needed to regain control, to think rationally about the path ahead.
"I need to take my mind off things," he declared to himself, pushing forward as he wandered, searching for some means to resolve the turmoil brewing inside him.
"Father, I could really use some help right about now," He prayed earnestly, hoping for guidance, however elusive it might seem.
Adam let out a long, exaggerated sigh, the sound escaping him like the weight of the world slipping from his chest — if only for a moment. He took a slow, deliberate sip from the warm coffee in his hands, its bitterness both soothing and sharp, much like the thoughts that plagued his mind. The Castleteria around him was empty, silent except for the quiet hum of vending machines in the corner. He had nowhere else to be, no one else to talk to. Just him, his coffee, and his thoughts.
The afternoon light was fading, the sun sinking lazily toward the horizon, casting the world in hues of gold and amber. The peaceful beauty of it all seemed at odds with the turmoil in Adam's heart. He stared out the window, trying to lose himself in the view, but the problems swirling inside his head wouldn't leave him alone. School hadn't even started yet, and already, a mountain of complications was crashing down on him, suffocating him beneath their weight.
Another sigh. Another sip of coffee. The bitter warmth sliding down his throat brought him some small comfort, though it was fleeting. It was the kind of bitterness he liked, that anchored him — sharp, dark, real. But even that tiny solace did little to drown out the storm brewing inside him.
Yet again, another sigh, this one accompanied by a weariness that tugged at his bones. The sound had become a regular fixture over the past hour as he sat there, alone. Finally, with what felt like a monumental effort, Adam spoke.
"Women…" he muttered, the word lingering in the air like a plea for answers. He took another sip of coffee, letting the heat spread through him. "Why are they so difficult?" he mused aloud, his voice tinged with confusion and frustration.
He wasn't expecting an answer — there was no one around to hear his lament anyway. The Castleteria was eerily empty, a strange sight compared to the usual bustling crowds of students that filled the space. He glanced around, taking in the silence, but the absence of chatter only made his mind louder, his thoughts more intrusive.
"Father couldn't have made them a little easier to understand, huh? No, no, no, he just had to go and make them so... complicated," he continued, talking to no one in particular. "Why can't they just be like a man — you know, simple, easy to read, an open book? But no... they just had to be so hard to read." He shook his head, letting the thought trail off, feeling the weight of it linger.
His coffee was nearly gone now, the warmth fading from the cup, just like the daylight outside. And with the emptying cup came the realization that he couldn't sit here forever, procrastinating. Sooner or later, he'd have to deal with the mess of emotions and misunderstandings piling up around him.
He liked some of the girls he'd met so far, sure, but handling one troublesome female after another was beginning to take its toll. For all the experiences he'd had with women in his long life, it never seemed to get any easier.
He glanced around the Castleteria, noticing for the first time how utterly deserted it was. Normally, there were a few students lounging around, chatting or goofing off, but now the space felt eerily quiet. The absence of voices, laughter, and life made the loneliness sink deeper into his bones.
"Where is everybody?" he muttered, his voice barely breaking the oppressive silence that filled the room. His question echoed back to him, unanswered, just like the others. It was strange.
Normally, he would've welcomed the solitude after the day he'd had, but today, the silence felt oppressive, stifling. He shook his head and decided to leave, retreating to his chambers to escape the suffocating stillness.
"Mona, I'm back," he greeted the small potted plant on the windowsill, watching as its stem seemed to sway in acknowledgment.
"You wouldn't believe what I've been through today," he muttered, tossing himself onto his bed, which still felt as stiff and unwelcoming as it had that morning. The mattress did little to soothe the tension coiling in his muscles.
The plant quirked its leaves, as if silently asking for more. Adam chuckled weakly.
"All the drama... all the angst," Adam groaned, throwing a half-hearted punch at the air above him, his frustration evident. "It's been non-stop. I swear, if I didn't skip the whole teenage phase, I'd have lost my mind by now. The hormones, the emotions — I don't even want to imagine a version of myself going through all that."
He rolled over, burying his face in his pillow, letting out a long groan of exasperation. "I mean, seriously, what is wrong with these girls? I've been through more drama in one day than I did in a lifetime of leading armies and battling titans." His words were muffled by the pillow, but the frustration behind them was clear.
The day was dying quickly now. Outside, the sounds of night began to rise — the distant chirps of crickets, the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. Even the night had its own symphony, a melody that felt almost as grand as the one that greeted the dawn. His eyelids grew heavy, and he realized how exhausted he truly was. Maybe that's all he needed — a good night's sleep to clear his head before facing the tangled web of emotions that awaited him tomorrow.
"Maddie's kind of my friend, right? Maybe I'll start with her first," he mumbled, his thoughts already beginning to blur as sleep tried to claim him. "But Kitty... ugh, she's been a real pain in the ass. What's her deal, anyway?" he wondered aloud, shaking his head. He still couldn't figure out why she seemed to enjoy tormenting him so much.
"And Lizzie..." Her name hung in the air like a weight. "What am I even supposed to do with her?" His voice was filled with uncertainty. "I mean, what do they expect? Just walk up and say 'I'm sorry' and everything's fine? Yeah, right. Like she'd ever forgive me after what went down."
His hand drifted to his lips, a ghost of a sensation still lingering there — the memory of her kiss. It had been unexpected, powerful, and if he were being honest with himself... it had felt incredible. But the thrill of it was immediately followed by guilt, a conflict between his desires and his principles. He didn't want to admit how much he enjoyed it, how it stirred something deep inside him that he had long buried.
"Whatever. I'll cross that bridge when I get there," Adam muttered, trying to push the thoughts away. He was on the edge of sleep, his mind drifting into a haze, when a sudden sound jolted him awake.
Knock knock knock.
The noise echoed through the room, startling him. His heart leaped into his throat as he sat up, suddenly alert. His last encounter with an unexpected visitor had left him wary, and for good reason.
"Maddie, if that's you, then let me just say that I'm… sorry?" Adam began, bracing himself as he swung the door open, expecting to find Maddie, probably more fired up than usual. But instead, he found someone else entirely. "Raven?"
"Hey, Adam," Raven greeted, her brow raised in slight confusion at the way he blurted out her name.
"Oh, uh, hey. Is everything alright?" he asked, still trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.
"Yeah, for the most part. But... what were you saying about Maddie?" Raven asked, her curiosity piqued by his earlier mutterings.
Adam's mind scrambled for an excuse. "Oh, that... it's nothing. Just something personal. Forget I said anything." He waved it off, desperate to steer the conversation elsewhere. "So, what brings you knocking at this time? Do you need help with something?"
Raven tilted her head slightly, the grin on her face widening just a bit. "Actually, I was wondering if you were going to the party."
"Party?" Adam repeated, his eyes narrowing with confusion. "What party?"
Raven looked at him like he had just asked the most absurd question. "The 'Book-to-School' party that Briar's hosting. You haven't heard about it? It's all over everyone's MyChapter page."
Adam blinked, even more lost now. "Uh... no? No one mentioned a party. What the heck is a MyChapter?"
Raven chuckled, shaking her head at his cluelessness. "Figures. You've only been here for what, a day?" she teased, folding her arms. "Anyway, I was heading there and thought maybe you'd want to come with me. What do you say? It's open to everyone."
Adam hesitated, feeling the weight of his unfamiliarity with this world. But the idea of letting loose for a night was tempting — after all, a party might be exactly what he needed to forget about the messes piling up in his life. He wasn't about to let his confusion keep him from having a good time.
"Yeah, alright," he said, nodding with a spark of enthusiasm. "Just give me a sec." With that, he shut the door, leaving Raven waiting outside as he surveyed his current outfit. It definitely wasn't party material.
He glanced over at Mona, the little potted plant perched near the window, and an idea formed. "Hey, Mona, mind giving me a hand?"
The sprout wiggled in response, as if acknowledging his request. Immediately, brambles and vines began to stir from the walls, slithering toward Adam like obedient tendrils. The vegetation wrapped around his limbs, coiling and tightening, slowly transforming into clothes as it melded against his body. His current outfit was gently torn away, replaced with new attire woven from nearby foilage.
The brambles softened and stretched into a beige, fitted dress shirt, its fabric decorated with intricate patterns of leaves and thorns that seemed to shimmer with a natural elegance. More vines curled down his legs, shaping themselves into fawn-colored jeans that hugged his frame perfectly. Lastly, the branches around his feet thickened into sturdy, yet sleek sneakers, offering both comfort and protection.
Adam's final accessory — a crown of sharp thorns — formed atop his head, though it didn't hurt or pierce his skin. It was a symbolic touch, representing sacrifice, yet it felt light, almost weightless.
Adam gave himself a once-over in the mirror, a grin spreading across his face. "Not bad at all," he said, whistling in approval. "Thanks, Mona. I owe you one." He grabbed a small packet of fertilizer and sprinkled it around the plant's roots as a reward. Then, with a renewed sense of confidence, he opened the door.
Raven had been waiting patiently, though her mind had begun to wander as the minutes passed. When the door finally swung open, she was about to ask what had taken so long — until she saw him. Her breath hitched, her words caught in her throat as her eyes widened in admiration. Adam's new look was rugged yet refined, a perfect blend of earthy, rustic charm and modern style. It was impossible not to notice how effortlessly it suited him.
"Wow..." she breathed, unable to hold back the compliment. "You look... fantastic."
Adam chuckled softly, pulling out a pair of neon green party glasses from his pocket. "Thanks," he said with a playful grin. "Now, lead the way, Doll. We've got a party to crash." He slid the glasses on, their fluorescent glow adding a cheeky flair to his appearance.
Raven felt her heart skip a beat, her lips twitching into a smile despite herself. She shook her head and laughed. "Alright, let's go." She said, for the night was only just beginning.
Did you really think Adam was gonna change that much that quickly? Think again.
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Would love to read them to help keep me inspired.
That's all for now, would be a shame if I kept you all wishing for more.