Part 21 – The Return of Shadows
Weeks passed.
The chaos of Anna's choice slowly began to fade. Students still whispered, but the sting of gossip wasn't as sharp anymore. Anna and Nick were together now, openly. They walked the halls hand-in-hand, studied late at the library, and shared quiet moments in the garden where Anna often found comfort.
Nick's protective nature mixed with Anna's gentle warmth, and for once, life felt steady. Safe.
But peace never lasted long at St. Mary's.
---
One Friday evening, the school gymnasium was buzzing with excitement for the annual Winter Ball. Anna wore a soft silver dress that shimmered beneath the lights, her hair flowing gently past her shoulders. Nick couldn't take his eyes off her.
"You look like a dream," he whispered as he pulled her closer on the dance floor.
She smiled shyly, resting her head against his chest. For a moment, the world felt perfect.
Until the music stopped.
Gasps echoed across the room. Heads turned toward the entrance.
Ethan Carter had arrived.
He wasn't in his usual playful charm anymore. Tonight, he carried himself differently—dressed in black, his eyes sharp, his aura darker, heavier. The chatter spread like wildfire.
"Why is he here?"
"I thought he left the city for a while…"
"Look at him… he's changed."
Anna froze, her fingers tightening around Nick's hand.
Ethan's eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on her. A slow, deliberate smirk curved his lips, but this time, it wasn't playful—it was dangerous.
---
Hours later, while Nick went to grab drinks, Anna stepped out onto the balcony to breathe. The cold air kissed her skin, calming her racing heart. That's when she heard the familiar voice behind her.
"Miss Rosé," Ethan drawled.
She spun around. Ethan leaned against the balcony rail, his hands casually in his pockets, as though he belonged there.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice firm though her pulse betrayed her.
He tilted his head, eyes glinting under the moonlight. "Did you really think you were free of me? I told you… fires don't die. They wait. And I've been waiting, Anna."
Her breath caught.
"This isn't a game anymore," he continued, stepping closer. "I'm not the boy you kissed in the shadows. I'm something else now. Stronger. Smarter. And whether you like it or not…" His voice dropped, almost a whisper, "…you're still mine."
Before Anna could answer, Nick's voice cut through the night.
"Step back, Ethan."
Ethan chuckled softly, his gaze flicking between them. "Ah, the knight in shining armor. Don't worry, Nick. I'm not here to steal her… not yet."
And with that cryptic warning, Ethan disappeared into the crowd, leaving Anna trembling and Nick furious.
The storm wasn't over.
It was only just beginning.