Fractured Fates & Silent Vows

Rating: T/M for some themes

Summary:

In another timeline, Liam triumphantly returns to his hometown for a fresh start. His time at Hollywood Arts is a whirlwind of success and new friendships. Despite keeping a few secrets, he's on top of the world. But just when he thought everything was going smoothly, an old friend reemerges, hellbent on reigniting the past.

Author's Notes:

Foreign languages spoken

*Liam- Yoruba

*Tori- Yucatan Maya

*Katalaya- Yoruba

*Celeste & Lucille- Yoruba

*Jade-?


Chapter 19: Demon in Your Dreams


The chirping of the native birds rings in the budding morning, coupling with the gentle breeze. The gentle atmosphere did little to aid Liam's nerves. Between the upcoming battle with Adewale, his freedom to live by his own rules, and his connection with Tori and Jade, Liam wasn't ready to give all that up, not to live under his mother's thumb.

His brain was then immersed in the sweet scents of the many plants and flowers collected, wondering which exhibit to check out first. After much deliberation, he settled on a botanical garden. The sounds of rushing water mixed with animal calls soothed his spirit accentuated by the pleasant grin now plastered on his face. Here, Liam would allow himself to become lost in the world around him. He was at peace for the first time since arriving in New Orleans; nothing could change that.

His tranquility was interrupted when he bumped into someone.

"Oof..."

"I'm sorry..." He turned around to apologize, stopping short only at the sudden recognition of the person. "I should've looked before... Lucille?!"

Both stared at the other in shock, each for different reasons. Liam's eyes blinked mindlessly while her eyes flashed with a mix of relief rather than ire or annoyance. The siblings continued to stare until Lucille began to clear her throat.

"I'm surprised to see you here, brother..." she quickly resumed her stoic, disinterested tone. "Your... agbare didn't come with you today?"

"They're not whores," he pushed past her with a snarl, unwilling to engage any further with her. "They're my closest friends and you'll respect them as such. I need to clear my head before the fight."

"If you had 'cleared' your head beforehand, you wouldn't be in this situation."

Liam said nothing and moved to the underground cave area. Surrounded by glowing crystals, he and Lucille continued until they stood before the indoor waterfall. While he tried to focus on the task, Lucille's incessant rambling plagued him. Her scathing berating further frustrated her younger brother.

"Why are you here? Don't you have something better to do than annoy me right now? I need to concentrate..."

"You need to let go of this rebellious nature and come home!" she spat, her tone surprising them both. It lacked the usual venom, replaced with a deep sense of concern. "I... don't understand why you would leave the way you did..."

"I left to join Darius and..."

"We both know that you forged that information. I'm sure that demon enabled this too. He was always conspiring when he was training with us."

"Believe me, I know all too well how cunning Darius is..." Liam chuckled, masking the bitterness of the demon's betrayal. The air around the pair softened when Lucille joined him in a chorus of laughter, fortunate that they were alone in the dim cavern. For the first time since their reunion in L.A., Liam felt comfortable around his elder sister.

"I still remember how he would convince us to sneak candy behind mom's back..."

"...only for us to get caught? He would sneak the whole jar while we were punished!" Lucille erupted in another fit of giggles, sighing at the bittersweet memory. "He was lucky he was stronger than us or we would've given him a good receipt for his deception."

"Agreed..." Liam leaned against the railing, his lips curling into a gentle grin. "If I see him again, I'll be sure to give him a piece of my mind. I... I didn't know you cared about my well-being. With all the things you've said, I..."

"I just... wish you didn't run away from home. I was worried about you," her eyes closed with a tranquil breath as if releasing a massive weight off her chest. "I thought you were dead. I... It wasn't easy with you not being here, brother. Mother was furious when she found out and, learning you were alive and living a completely different life in Los Angeles with that woman didn't exactly make things better."

"If it's any consolation, Aunt Katalaya didn't show up in my life until Yerba..."

"It doesn't change the fact that there's bad blood between them. Not to mention our other aunt continuing to be a thorn in mother's side."

Liam couldn't help but chuckle when he thought about their aunt Cecilia, the Voodoo Queen of the Bayou. It was amusing and a bit disheartening to realize she still had a way of rattling his mother's nerves.

"Mom's been chomping at that bit since we were kids," he turned and watched the rushing waters below, letting the current soothe his mind for once. "That's why I had to leave, Lucille. I didn't mean to hurt you by leaving either. I did because I got tired of allowing her to live her life through us... through me. Since I left, I've made friends, had adventures..."

"...found love?"

Liam turned to his sister, noticing how her once-loud bitterness had faded into a soft, meek tone. He wasn't blind to the subtle hints of abandonment creeping into her voice. Despite being the older sibling, she was still family, and right now, she was fighting back tears, her usually stoic demeanor beginning to crack. As he watched her struggle with her emotions, he felt his heart ache at this sudden display of vulnerability.

"Lucille...?"

"Why didn't you take me with you?" she whispers.

Liam was about to answer when footsteps shattered the silence. Both pairs of eyes turned to the lone entrance to see Adewale approaching, his gaze fixed with a fierce determination that matched that of the young woman's brother.

"Lucille. Your mother has been looking for you to open the shop. I was sent to retrieve you..."

Liam glanced warily in his sister's direction, his heart heavy with unfamiliar emotions. He noticed the way her shoulders slumped slightly as if bearing a weight too heavy for her frame. The usually vibrant spark in her eyes seemed dimmed, overshadowed by a cloud of uncertainty. For the first time, a genuine sense of concern flooded through him, unraveling the protective instinct he often felt but rarely acknowledged. As he watched her, he couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was troubling her, prompting his thoughts to race with questions he'd never thought to ask before.

"I'm coming, Adewale," Lucille replied curtly. "I was... just informing my... brother about his upcoming fate upon his defeat."

The flickering sparks of reconciliation faded under the cold stare of his older sibling, who resumed their display of disdain. Liam turned away, concealing the pain from the freshly sharpened knife in his heart. The united contempt directed at him tore open the carefully stitched wounds he thought were healing from years of suffering.

"Don't worry. I was on my way out..."

Lucille stood at the edge of the crowded corridor, her heart heavy as she observed the tense interaction between her brother and the looming figure of his opponent. As he brushed past, their shoulders collided with a slight, almost reluctant force. The familiar blanket of scorn enveloped him, visible to anyone looking closely. She could see the flicker of emotions dancing behind his carefully constructed façade—regret darkening his expressive eyes, haunting remorse casting shadows on his features.

In that fleeting moment, she felt a profound ache for him, recognizing that beneath the bravado lay a heart shattered by the weight of his own decisions. It was as if the air around him thickened with disappointment, smothering his spirit in the wake of their confrontation. He trudged up the stairs, shoulders slumped and head bowed, leaving behind a mixture of anguish in Lucille's chest and a lingering suspicion in Adewale's piercing gaze. Lucille's heart ached with a blend of compassion and helplessness as she watched him disappear, knowing that his struggle was beginning.


Annoyed, Jade leaned against the balcony railing just outside her room, dressed in a simple black tank top and matching leggings. Her sour mood stemmed from Liam's all-too-frequent disappearances; she suspected he had once again slipped out early in the morning. As the sun began to light up the horizon, the gothic girl took a moment to enjoy the cool breeze, using it to ease her frustrations. Since arriving in New Orleans, she had barely spent any quality time with her best friend. The silver lining? Tori was facing the same dilemma.

Her mind instantly shifted to Tori lying in bed and staring at the ceiling. Although her expression hinted at tranquility, Jade sensed more beneath the surface.

"Come on, Vega..." Jade growled at the Latina, plopping on the side. "How can you be so calm right now?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You know what I'm talking about, Tori!" Jade snapped back. "Liam's been missing since this morning and we haven't heard from him. He's not answering his phone and nobody else knows anything either."

"You think I don't know that, Jade?"

Tori sat up, her gaze shifting with frustration and longing. Like Jade, she sensed a hollow space in her heart without her close friend, a spark of yearning igniting within her.

"You don't seem to care enough for my liking, Vega" the goth fired back, scoffing at Tori's defiance.

"...and what does that mean, Jade? I know you and Liam share a past, and I completely understand that this situation might be difficult for you. But you're with Beck now, and I respect that. If you're worried about losing him to me, please know I would never want to put you in that position."

"Then what happened after you two escaped Yerba?" Tori's blood ran cold from the indictment. Jade allowed a cocky grin to appear as her arms crossed in triumph. "Anytime I would ask him, he would always shy away or change the subject while you've never mentioned the thrilling tale of your daring getaway."

Tori realized the goth was trying to provoke her, but her facade was starting to crack, and Jade could see right through it. She wished Liam was there to steer them away from this uncomfortable conversation. Her gut was in knots, and her mouth felt arid.

"It's none of your business..." she rigidly rubbed her arm, words choked in her throat. "I... We had to spend a week in Belize due to a flight complication. It was a nice recovery and..."

"...and?"

Tori could feel an odd sense of anticipation fluttering in her chest, a mix of excitement and apprehension about what lay ahead. Despite everything that had happened, she and Liam were innocent victims of circumstances. He had always stood by her side, especially back in Yerba, risking everything for her safety. But deep down, Tori realized that things were shifting.

The memory of that unforgettable kiss in Belize lingered in her mind, a spark that ignited a passionate connection neither of them could ignore. As she contemplated the days ahead, an unsettling feeling settled in her heart—a sense that their newly forged bond would face unimaginable challenges. What lay on the horizon? Would that magical moment in Belize blossom into a profound love, or would it entangle their lives in unforeseen complexities?

The question that haunted her mind persisted in its affliction. Did Jade know?

"Earth to Vega...?" Tori found herself blinking back the memories. "I'm asking you a question."

"We... This is no time for us to be bickering about this petty rivalry! Liam's future is on the line and we should be out there looking for him."

Just as Jade was about to retort, there was a knock. Quick to escape the undesirable exchange, Tori hopped from the bed to open it, hoping to find some semblance of reprieve. What she found was Katalaya and Lilith standing across from them.

"Are you ready? Where's Neve?"

"Liam?" Tori tilted her head, her brows furrowed. " We haven't seen him since this morning. He wasn't with you?"

Realization steadily reached each one, the small group breaking out into a sprint. Lilith chose to stay behind with the other teens while Katalaya led the two girls to the streets of New Orleans. There was no time to wait for an Uber or a cab, their feet would have to suffice as the older woman guided them to the destination.

From the bustling shopping district to the quieter suburbs, and finally to the grim swamplands of the Bayou, the trio's journey left them exhausted, yet they persevered. What awaited them, far beyond the entrance to the cemetery, was a battlefield. As dusk fell, torches illuminated the scene where two figures stood apart from one another.

"We're too late..." Katalaya's voice dripped with dread, her body shaking as the two combatants wrestled and threw blow after blow that would've felled any other. The group surrounding the boys cheered for more, the bloodlust draping the atmosphere in a heavy blanket. "That damn sister of mine!"

Tori and Jade observed the steely determination in Adawale's glare, the cold brutality in his eyes deepening. Liam's gaze, fierce and unwavering like that of a ferocious wolf, never wavered. They both understood the stakes of this battle, and neither was willing to back down. It was a clash between freedom and conformity.

Though they both wore some form of ceremonial armor, their physical war had greatly damaged the garments. While Adawale's was half torn, Liam's bare torso, scarred and bloodied, was on display. As his chest heaved, drawing deep, brutal breaths, he clenched his fists around his battle staff. It was evident that he was in no mood to concede.

Katalaya noticed that her nephew was struggling to breathe, her combat instincts revealing this fact.

Despite this setback, there was no denying that Liam was about to strike again. Tori and Jade thought they were seeing things at first when they noticed a flaring aura from both boys, drawing a collective gasp from the onlookers. The girls could see that Liam's was an alternating shade of vibrant violet and scarlet. It reminded them both of the day Liam was attacked by Darius back at the park, except the hues blended in a fearsome shroud.

Adewale was cloaked in a brilliant gold aura, making the crowd marvel at his flexing.

"Had enough, traitor?" Adewale sneered, spitting out some phlegm. "Or are you planning on keeping up that tough guy act for your agbere and half-breed aunt?"

"What?"

Liam spun around, his eyes wide with panic and dread as they locked onto the three before him: innocents whose body language was telling a story of its own. Katalaya's gaze was filled with concern, silently urging him to keep fighting. Even Tori shared a similar look, but it was Jade's intense stare that washed away his anger. Her flushed face revealed her struggle to maintain composure.

He felt a swirl of conflicting emotions as he grappled with the situation—was it true understanding that lay beneath their shared silence, or merely a reluctant acceptance tinged with desperation? The uncertainty gnawed at him, yet he had no desire to unravel the truth just yet. His mind needed to sharpen its focus on the impending battle, where even a single misstep could lead to dire consequences, a mistake that could prove devastating for all involved.

A fist plunged into his diaphragm, forcing all the air from his body. He crumpled into a heap, convulsing in agony as his lungs spasmed. His eyes rolled back, each gasp more painful than the last.

"NO!"

Liam couldn't tell whose voice it was calling out. It was all a blur as faded cheers erupted in his ears. He tried with every fiber of his being to crawl to his feet, to continue fighting but his body betrayed his will. Every attempt resulted in him collapsing on the cold dirt. Tears pricked his eyes as he coughed blood.

"Stay down, traitor..." Adewale spat, eyes brimming with victory. "It's over."

"No... Not, ugh... Not yet. I. can still... fight."

Liam began to stir, clutching at his opponent's pants in an attempt to pull himself to his feat. To Adewale, it was pathetic, a last-ditch attempt to save face in front of the ones responsible for his corruption. Many in the masses agreed, yet...

With every ounce of strength he could muster, murmurs and gasps filled the air. His face was bloodied, flowing freely down his body. One of his eyes was closed shut, but in the other eye, there was nothing short of a demon staring back at the once-confident Adewale.

"What is this?!"

"Hehehe..." Liam cracked a bloody smile, further etching this wicked conversion. Taking the opportunity, he drove his knee into Adewale's gut, repaying the favor and making him stagger. "What's the matter? Where's that cocky bastard who thought he won?"

Everyone froze in their tracks. Even Celeste, the orchestrator, was caught off guard as her son sank to his knees, only to bounce back to his feet with a devilish snicker. His aura flared once again, radiating a sickly dark green with ominous black spots. His pupils gleamed menacingly against the backdrop of his dark sclera. This was precisely what she had feared—a dreadful secret that she had desperately tried to conceal by keeping him firmly under her watchful eye.

Tori and Jade watched as their friend and crush hunched over from the weight of this wretched spirit. Was this why he met with Darius? Was he a...?

"I see.."

Katalaya turned to find Lilith standing next to her, her chest nearly jumping out of her chest. How long had she been there?

"Lily?" she whispered.

"This is why my husband sent assassins for his soul, Kat. Your nephew is an intriguing enigma. He's no demon, yet far from a holy being. Anyone else with such power would be quick to utilize it for their agenda, yet he does not. All I've ever seen him use his power to protect others, especially those young women. Even now, he fights to contain it, for their sakes."

Katalaya was reminded of Yerba when Liam was prepared to eliminate the horrid man responsible for trying to hurt Tori. That sickening glee at the sight of spilling blood was intoxicating, a well-concealed family trait that didn't escape her either.

The fight resumed with Liam and Adewale both landing shattering blows to the other now. Skill and technique were thrown out the window as fists and knees connected with whatever body part it landed on.

An elbow splitting Adewale's brow.

A hook to Liam's liver.

Knee to the chin.

A spine-jarring bodyslam.

Punch.

Kick.

Raking the eyes.

Headbutt.

Both boys were near the end of their reserves, their spirits raging while their bodies trembled in exhaustion. How much more could they give or take? Lucille and Celeste watched as their chosen champion's knees buckled. Jade and Tori gasped as Liam's mind went numb. And yet, their fists were still clenched tight.

For the first time, the tension between them gave way to a small grin; A flash of respect that preceded one last strike.

Both men drew back their arms, pouring every ounce of strength into the throw. Despite their mutual respect for each other's beliefs, they knew they had to see this through to the end. Liam was fighting for his freedom, determined to break the chains that sought to bind his future, while Adewale stood as the last barrier to his escape. Liam had promised to return home with Tori and Jade, ready to resolve their differences once they reunited.

Compared to this, dealing with his conflicted feelings was a godsend.

All he needed was to land this blow.

As he stumbled, his body lurched forward, veering away from Adewale in a desperate bid to regain his balance. In those fleeting moments, he caught sight of Tori and Jade, their faces etched with disbelief and concern, rushing toward him with wide eyes and outstretched hands. Just as the world around him began to blur and swirl, a cold wave of darkness enveloped him, swallowing everything in its grasp. The last vestiges of consciousness faded, leaving him in a profound silence, oblivious to the world around him.

Damn... All of that...


As the boys were quickly attended to, the waters of the Mississippi River provided a striking contrast to the tense atmosphere around them. Emotions swirled in every direction, reflecting the many conflicting thoughts at play. Katalaya's eyes burned with barely contained rage, her fiery gaze fixed on the astonished expression of her eldest half-sibling.

They stood by, witnessing Jade and Tori being restrained. Their cries pierced the stillness of the night, far removed from the sounds of civilization. Lucille was caught between her brother and Adewale, her heart heavy with turmoil. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she grappled with the difficult choice of whom to side with.

"Is this what you wanted?" Katalaya finally broke the silence, her voice straining to hold back the waves of wrath boiling in her throat. "Thanks to you, Liam's hurt badly. You just couldn't let go of your petty need for control and look what's happened? Two more are victims of your little cult!"

Celeste began to see the truth before her as she shook her head in disbelief.

"My son..."

"No!" Katalaya finally released all of her ire into a mighty slap that rattled the older woman before being held back by Lilith. In her eyes rested a murderous intent that not only stemmed from the results of her nephew's fight but also from the hurt of a little girl who was ousted from her supposed family. "You don't get to call him that! You caused this! He's hurt because of you, witch!"

"You couldn't fathom the extent of our family-"

"Spare me the bullshit, Celeste!" the younger woman growled, her fangs sharp as she towered over her estranged sibling. "Liam was happy and you couldn't stand that. Look at him!"

Celeste took a deep breath, forcing herself to look past the chaotic scene of girls grappling with each other, their shouts and cries blending into a cacophony of distress. She knelt beside the injured Liam, her heart pounding in her chest. The grief-stricken expressions of Tori and Jade were etched with desperation as they hovered over him, their warm tears cascading down like rain, mingling with the dust of the ground. Each sob they released came entwined with heartfelt pleas, urging him to awaken and break free from the grasp of unconsciousness.

Lucille, usually unflappable, stood by in disbelief, her usual demeanor fading as she observed the unwavering dedication that Tori and Jade poured into their efforts to comfort Liam. It was a sight that would have softened anyone's heart, witnessing the fierce bond of friendship they shared in this moment of crisis.

Just as hope began to wane, a positive shift occurred. Liam's body stirred, and a soft moan escaped his lips. A flicker of relief surged through the air at that sound, igniting an unexpected spark of joy in the girls' hearts. A faint, pained smile broke through Liam's expression, and Tori and Jade were overcome with emotion. Fresh tears streamed down their faces, this time mingled with joy as they saw their friend beginning to return to them.

"He... They really mean the world to him, don't they?"

"...and he means the world to them, sister. My beloved nephew risked his life to protect Tori" Katalaya pointed to the brunette clutching Liam's hand. "He showed himself to be a fine warrior with the heart of a lion."

"I also saw the spirit of a wolf when I first met him months before," Lilith interjected, her hand placed on Kat's shoulder. "Your son's bond with the girls is the strongest and purest connection I've ever seen in my years of experience. From protecting her from spiritual beasts to battling a literal demon general, it's clear why my Jade is determined to rectify her past mistakes."

Once more, Celeste considered the glowing reports of her son: Liam was nothing like what she figured.

She thought the boy was nothing more than a wayward soul, seeking rebellion over obedience. She feared he would end up like her younger half-sister, without support or connection to his ancestry. However, she could now see the truth staring back at her as he was lifted onto a cot, his friends by his side.

They provided him with something he desperately needed; Something she neglected to provide him.

"I see now..."


The next few days were a blur for Tori and Jade.

While the others were oblivious to the events that transpired, the pair spent their time with a sleeping Liam. Aside from the occasional break to eat or use the bathroom, they were pretty much by his side. Both were grateful that their chaperones fabricated a story about him contracting food poisoning, which kept suspicions low, though Jade knew she was pushing things with her boyfriend, Beck.

Still, they were confined to the home of the Voodoo Queen, Liam's other aunt, Cecilia, at least until he recovered.

As the morning approached, Jade was the first to stir, finding her best friend still resting, though the bruises had healed rather quickly. There were no signs of anguish etched on his features anymore, a promising start to the day. Even when she noticed Tori curled next to him, Jade couldn't bring herself to entertain that familiar pang of envy.

But, there was one thing that pricked at her heart as she crawled out of bed.

Liam's future.

Regardless of his health, it was later discovered that his fate would be left in the hands of the woman due to the outcome.

"I can't believe he went through all that just to have his life in someone's hand again."

A few minutes went by before a delightful aroma made Jade's nose twitch, her stomach growling with anticipation for the source of the enticing smell. Groggy and hungry, she mustered the energy to lift herself from the comforting warmth of her slumber. As she smacked her lips softly, she shook off the lingering drowsiness. Standing up, she soon found herself drawn to the irresistible scent, leading her to the kitchen where his estranged sister was busy finishing off the last few slices of beef bacon. What caught Jade's attention even more was Lucille's jovial humming, as if the events of the previous night had never occurred.

That's not unnerving at all... she rolled her eyes.

"Do you always stalk in the shadows or am I fortunate to witness this new side of you today?"

"Not sure," Jade rubbed her eyes, settling on finding a seat at the counter. "You'll have to forgive me if I'm not exactly at ease with my best friend's sibling acting as if he didn't pass out from exhaustion and battle wounds a few nights ago. Given your stance, I'm sure you understand if I sense something... amiss."

"Clever. Between the two of you, I was hoping your other friend would've found me here this morning. At least she would've been a little easier to throw off the trail."

"Yeah, life's tough that way, huh?" Jade flashed her signature grin.

"Clearly..."

"Is there any coffee around here?"

Nodding silently, the older woman grabbed a simple mug and poured the dark liquid inside, the aroma filling Jade with delight. She then handed the drink to the girl with two sugar cubes on the side which she graciously accepted. Bringing the mug to her lips, the heated drink trickled down her throat, soothing her soul.

"Oh God!" she let out an involuntary moan. "This is better than the stuff I have at home. What's in this?"

"Pure Jamaican bean, dear," she scoffed, removing another piece of bacon from the skillet. "some rosemary, imported bay leaves, and possibly snail's sludge." As expected, Jade barely managed to keep herself from spewing the coffee across the room, a single drop spilling down her chin from her desperate attempt at courtesy. The room erupted with laughter as Jade rolled her eyes, realizing she'd fallen for the woman's joke.

"Hard to believe you're Liam's sister..." Jade deadpanned.

"Apologies," Lucille flashed a smug grin, leaning against the luxurious counter. "I needed a good laugh after the last few days."

"You're worried about your little boyfriend? Ada...? Aden?"

"Adewale..." Lucille sneered, brushing a stray strand of her curly hair from her face. "...and he's not my boyfriend."

It was Jade's turn to snicker behind her mug. "Oh, please... With how you've been around him, I'm surprised you two aren't some weirdo married couple. You don't have to be ashamed that your beloved Adewale got his ass handed to him."

"I wouldn't be talking about non-existent relationships" Lucille calmly replied, though her annoyance showed in her shaky hand. "You've been rather sneaky with my brother's heart."

Jade scoffs at the implication, rolling her eyes and taking a drag of the rich liquid.

"Projection doesn't look good on you, Lucy. If you're that embarrassed-"

"Does Beck know about your feelings?"

Jade freezes at the question, her breath catching in her throat. Unlike their earlier exchange, Lucille's expression never shifted. Stoicism pointed at the goth's thinly veiled caution.

"How do you know Beck? Have you been stalking my boyfriend?!"

"So, you do care about him..." Lucille casually took a bite of her bacon. "I wondered if you were simply enjoying juggling his and my brother's heart. Considering how you, and that Tori girl, have spent most of your time with him, I'm impressed that you could even remember his name after everything. Regardless, greed doesn't look good on you, Jade."

At a loss for words, Jade set the mug down and stood to leave. However, Lucille wasn't keen on letting things end here. She had no ill will in her heart, but Jade was playing a dangerous game, one she was too familiar with.

"How long did it take for you to forget Liam existed, Jade? How many years did you let pass before you convinced yourself that you were absolved of your sins; that you were free to move on?"

"You don't know what you're talking about?"

"Don't I? Have you forgotten that Liam had to leave due to your little 'mistake'? He was sent here to heal and control the Faustian Burn you caused. Despite this, he held no misgivings about that night, and I respected his decision. However, this...? Whatever this little game you're playing, you should consider how your actions affect others before you do more damage than any curse could ever cause."

Jade spun on her heels, stomping toward the teenage girl and grabbing a fistful of her robe. Her eyes blazed with tearful rage and her snarl was enough to prove that she'd had enough of these accusations.

"You may be his blood, but Liam and I have a bond you could only wish to have."

"That may be," Lucille replies coldly, though the tears pricking her eyes. "but you and I both know my words are true. I understand Tori's desires as she has no bond to another soul. Can you say the same? If you think I'm trying to start a fight, I regret to disappoint you. For once, I'm looking out for him, like I should've done years ago."

Before Jade could argue her point, she and Lucille heard the distant sound of footsteps accompanied by scattered conversation. Their disagreement would have to wait, as Jade reluctantly released her grip and turned toward the entrance of the kitchen. Tori and Liam walked in, with Katalaya playfully doting on him about his health status, much to the amusement of Tori and the playful irritation of Liam.

"You're awake..." Jade bolted to hug her best friend, her previous guilt banished for now.

"Easy, Jade. He's still a bit sore," Katalaya winced at her groaning nephew. "We would've been down sooner, but we were talking with my other sister, Cecilia about Liam's future."

On cue, Jade's anxiety returned in full force, forcing her to swallow the lump in her throat. Could this be the end of their time together? Was she prepared to hear the answer?

"So... What's the verdict?"