Silent Scars

CHAPTER 41

DOMAIN HASTINGS

The day replayed in Domain’s mind, on an endless loop that wouldn't let him rest. Lying in bed, he stared at the ceiling, the memory of Ariana’s terrified face burned into his thoughts.

She hadn’t been looking at Leonardo during his outburst, not really. That fear wasn’t directed at him, but at someone else. Someone who had terrified her far worse.

Who could have scared her so much?

Domain frowned, running a hand through his hair.

He couldn’t shake the familiarity of her expression. It was the same terror he’d felt after his kidnapping, the same raw, paralyzing fear that had left him trembling and unable to trust anyone but Leonardo.

Leonardo's anger wasn't unusual, especially after what had happened that day.

Leonardo had seen him at his worst, that day when everything fell apart.

Leonardo had become his rock, the one person he could let in. Even now, though he never spoke of it, Domain knew Leonardo still blamed himself for what had happened back then. That guilt had turned into overprotectiveness, which, at times, felt suffocating but was always comforting.

As Domain's thoughts spiraled, he realized something that unsettled him, the fear he had seen in Ariana's eyes was worse than anything he had ever felt, even on his darkest days.

I had Leonardo to lean on, but what about her? Who does she have?

The thought gnawed at him.

He sat up, frustrated, and paced around his room. He glanced at the door across the hallway, hers.

For a fleeting moment, he considered checking on her. But he stopped himself.

What would he even say?

Instead, he turned and headed to the library. Books were his escape, his sanctuary.

But not tonight.

Not even the comforting silence of the library could quiet his racing thoughts.

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Morning came too soon. Domain woke up earlier than he liked, groaning as he checked his phone. 7:30 a.m.

He rubbed his eyes, placed the book he'd fallen asleep reading back on the shelf, and left the library.

His first stop was Kendric’s room. The younger brother was still sprawled across his bed, snoring softly.

Domain stood in the doorway for a moment, the echoes of Leonardo’s outburst from the previous night replaying in his mind.

He knew how much such moments affected Kendric, even if he tried to hide it.

With a sigh, Domain walked over and gently shook Kendric’s shoulder.

“Ken, wake up.”

He said softly, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

Kendric groaned, turning over but not opening his eyes.

“Five more minutes.”

He muttered.

“Nope. Time to get up.”

Domain said, flicking the lights on and off repeatedly. Kendric groaned and pulled the blanket over his head, mumbling incoherently.

“Come on, Ken, don’t make me drag you out of bed.”