When The Puppet Falls For The Puppeteer

Shadows Between Brothers

Myra

The morning sun was far too bright for how tired I felt.

I hadn't slept much. Marcus hadn't spoken another word last night. He'd held me until I drifted off, curled into the curve of his body like a secret. But even sleep had felt like walking on glass—every movement too loud, every thought unfinished.

I descended the stairwell, sharp voices cutting through the air. Yelling. Fighting. My brows knitted — what now?

Halfway down, I spotted Lillie peeking from the banister, her eyes bright with mischief.
“Lillie, what are you doing here?” I whispered, crouching down to her level.

“Look,” she pointed downwards, almost gleeful. “They’re fighting.”

Her interest was piqued like she was watching a show.
“Lillie, go to your room.”
She gave me a stubborn look, the kind that meant no way.

“Lillie. Now.” My tone sharpened, and she huffed dramatically before stomping off.

I exhaled and turned back.

Dan’s hand shot out, gripping Marcus by the collar.
“How could you do this to me?”

I gasped, frozen on the steps.

For a moment, I thought about retreating, giving them privacy. My body angled toward Lillie’s room—
“Why are you leaving?” Dan’s voice cracked through the air.

I stumbled, caught. “Um—I—”

“Oh, please. Come here.” He stormed up the stairs, caught my wrist, and dragged me down into the living room. His grip was iron, his anger like a storm I had never seen before.

"Dan stop this nonsense and tell me what the hell is wrong with you" Marcus said in a calm voice but I can already see his rage building up

"What the hell is wrong with me?” Dan shot back, his fury making me flinch. He shoved me forward, almost into Marcus’s chest. Instantly, Marcus caught me by the waist with one hand — the other stayed shoved in his pocket, his control deliberate, his presence steady.

"I never interfered in whatever fucked up toxic shit you have with her. Then why did you screw up my relationship" he bellowed

"What are you talking about?" Marcus asked confused

"Ash broke up with me. Because of you.” Dan’s voice shattered, and my heart clenched.

"What? Why?" Marcus' confusion was raw

"Why?” Dan laughed bitterly, his voice rising. “You’re fucking asking me why? Because of you, you fucking psychopath!”

The word hit like a blade. My eyes widened.
Marcus’s face emptied — all expression wiped away, leaving a mask of blankness. But I knew. I knew how much that word cut. His father had branded him as not normal, dangerous, unworthy of his own brother. And now… Dan.

“Dan, don’t say that—” I tried to step in, but Marcus lifted his palm, silencing me.

“What do you mean Ash broke up with you?” Marcus asked, his calmness almost frightening. “She was here last night.”

“Yes, last night. And the stunt you pulled at dinner — you pushed her away. She hates you, Marcus. She hates whatever twisted equation you two have.” Dan’s voice cracked, breaking with fury and heartbreak. “And now she doesn’t want to be with me, because she doesn’t want to be around you.”

Dan’s chest heaved. He turned abruptly, striking out — his arm knocked a vase off the side table, shattering it against the floor. I flinched at the crash.