Silent Scars

CHAPTER 37

Luca leaned back, quietly observing Ariana while Kendric boasted about his "unbeatable" gaming skills.

Luca couldn't help but notice the way Ariana sat, her posture slightly more relaxed and her hands steady as she wrote her responses on a notepad. It was the calmest he had seen her since she arrived, a stark difference from the frightened girl who had walked into their lives. For the first time, she seemed at ease, even if only slightly. 

After the final game, Kendric stretched his arms triumphantly.

"My skills are unbreakable!"

Domain, lounging nearby, scoffed.

"Unbreakable? Were they when you played me?"

"Domain, don't even start. I've beaten you before!"

Kendric said, ignoring the smirk on Domain's face as he reminded him otherwise. 

Not wanting to ruin his self declared victory in front of Ariana, Kendric quickly changed the subject.

"Anyway! I'm going to grab some snacks."

He glanced at Ariana.

"I'll be back in a bit."

Ariana nodded wordlessly, and as Kendric got up, he turned to Domain.

"You're coming too, right? You haven't eaten anything today." 

Domain stood, placing a heavy arm around Kendric's shoulders, ruffling his hair.

"You do love me, don't you, Ken?" 

Kendric wrinkled his nose, nudging Domain with his elbow.

"Yeah, yeah, now let's go before I change my mind." 

Ariana watched them leave, her eyes lingering on their playful exchange. Despite Domain's gruff demeanor, their bond was undeniable. She felt a pang of longing as she watched them, a bond she didn't understand but wished she could have. 

Once they were gone, Luca stood, offering Ariana a small smile.

"There's one more thing I want to show you. I think you'll like it." 

Ariana tilted her head curiously but followed as he led her down the hall.

They stopped in front of a large oak door. Luca pushed it open, revealing an expansive library. 

Shelves filled with books stretched up to the ceiling, ladders attached to rails allowing access to the higher ones. A cozy reading nook by a large window let in streams of golden sunlight. The scent of aged paper and polished wood filled the air. 

"Kendric didn't show you this because he hates reading. Sometimes I think he forgets it even exists."

Luca chuckled. 

When Ariana didn't respond, he turned but stopped when he saw Ariana's stunned expression. She was mesmerized.

ARIANA HASTINGS

Ariana couldn't believe her eyes. The library was enormous, easily twice the size of her school's. Books lined every wall, each one calling to her. She'd always loved books, they were her escape, her sanctuary during the darkest moments of her life. At school, the library had been her refuge, but this? This was something else entirely. 

She hesitated before stepping inside, brushing her fingers lightly over the spines of the nearest books. It was as if the library were wrapping her in a familiar embrace, offering her solace she hadn't felt in years. 

"You like books, don't you?"

Luca's voice broke through her awe.

Ariana nodded eagerly and wrote :
"I love books."

Luca smiled.

"Domain's the same. None of us really read much, but he practically lives in here." 

That surprised her. She would've guessed Luca or even Leonardo, but Domain?

Luca noticed her confusion.

"Domain's actually a kind person. He just doesn't let people in easily but he's not as harsh as he seems. And yeah... he's got some anger issues."

Before Ariana could respond, Kendric appeared in the doorway holding a tray of snacks.

"Luca!! Why'd you bring her to this boring place? Let's show her something fun. " 

Luca smirked.

"Aria loves books." 

Kendric blinked, surprised, before nodding.

"Oh....well, if she likes it, I guess it's okay." 

DOMAIN HASTINGS

Domain climbed the stairs, a bag of chips in hand, only to find the library door open. His frown deepened.

None of his brothers liked reading, so why were they here?

Stepping closer, he saw Ariana inside, running her fingers along the spines of the books. 

His stomach tightened. This was his space.

His sanctuary. 

Without thinking, he barked,

"Get out of here right now!" 

The sharpness in his voice stunned Ariana. Luca and Kendric both turned, equally stunned. 

"Domain! What's your problem?"

Luca snapped.

But Domain's gaze was fixed on Ariana.

"I said get out!" 

Her head bowed, Ariana stepped out of the library, trembling slightly. Kendric followed her, throwing a glare over his shoulder. 

Luca faced Domain, his expression hard.

"You didn't have to yell like that." 

"She has no right to be in here."

Domain shot back.

"You know how much I hate it when anyone comes in here. And now her? Do you think I'll let her just... invade this space?" 

"You're being petty."

Luca snapped before heading downstairs. 

Domain stood alone, gripping the bag of chips tightly. The library had always been his escape, the place he went to when the world felt too loud. As a teenager, he'd spent hours in a local library until Leonardo built this one for his sixteenth birthday, filling it with his favorite books. 

This wasn't just a room, it was his safe heaven. And he wasn't ready to share it, not with anyone, least of all a stranger.