Silent Scars

CHAPTER 38

🪄𝙰𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚢 𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜♥𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝!!! 💕✨

Ariana sat quietly in the living room, her heart pounding. Domain's sharp tone still echoed in her mind. She hugged her knees, trying to steady her trembling hands. It wasn't the first time she'd been yelled at, but the weight of his words stung in a way she couldn't explain.

She thought she had been careful. She didn't mean to invade his space.

But the library had felt like a piece of home, or at least the kind of home she had always dreamed of.

The sound of footsteps made her lift her head. Kendric appeared, crouching down to her level.

"Hey...."

He said softly, offering her a bag of chips.

"Don't let Domain get to you. He's just... weird about that room."

Ariana hesitated before taking the bag, nodding slightly in thanks.

Kendric sat beside her, munching on his own snack.

"He'll cool down eventually. He always does. And when he does, he's not the worst. I mean, I am the coolest, but he's okay too."

Ariana managed a small smile, the corners of her lips twitching.

"See? There it is!"

Kendric said, pointing at her face.

"Aria smile number one, unlocked. You're welcome."

Her smile widened just a fraction, and Kendric gave a satisfied nod, leaning back against the wall.

LUCA HASTINGS

Downstairs, Luca found Ariana sitting with Kendric. She seemed calmer now, thanks to their youngest brother's relentless attempts at lightening the mood.

"How's it going?"

Luca asked, leaning against the banister.

"Great!"

Kendric replied, grinning.

"I'm giving her life advice. She'll be fine in no time."

Luca raised an eyebrow.

"Life advice?"

"Yep. Tip number one: Don't take Domain seriously. He's all bark, no bite."

Ariana glanced up at Luca, her expression unsure.

Luca crouched down beside her, his tone soft.

"Kendric's right. Domain's just... protective in his own way. He doesn't mean to be cruel. He just has a lot going on in his head."

Ariana nodded but didn't look convinced.

"He'll come around."

Luca said.

"It's just going to take some time."

Kendric chimed in,

"Yeah, and if he doesn't, we'll gang up on him. Sibling style."

Ariana's lips twitched again, and Luca felt a small wave of relief. For now, that was enough.

Kendric's grin spread wider as he leaned forward, his energy unmistakable.

"How about we go for a drive?"

Ariana's eyes widened at the suggestion, a flicker of surprise and uncertainty flashing across her face.