(Song of the chapter: 'I Don't Miss You At All' - FINNEAS)

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SOPHIE

A strong roundhouse kick felled my opponent. He was bigger, at least twice my size, and when he hit the mat it sounded like a house crashing. Before he could get up, I acted quickly.

Throwing my weight upon him, I straddled him then twisted an arm behind his back, holding it there firmly.

He was pinned. Unless he wanted to suffer a very painful time, he was going to have to yield.

He didn't seem to get the memo. His huge body bucked against me like a pit-bull, but I held on determinedly, not giving him an inch.

He was way stronger than me, but I wanted to win way more than he did.

His bucking became harder, almost rattling my bones. I tightened the grip of my thighs, but it was getting harder to hold on. Adding more force on his arm wasn't doing enough to dissuade him.

So I added pressure somewhere else. I reached out with my other arm and grabbed him by the throat.

Either he surrendered in the next few seconds, or he'd pass out from my choke hold. The first option was much more dignified than the second.

Come on, you big oaf, I snarled as his movements continued.

Standing above us, Sensei watched calmly, impassively waiting.

One, two.

Face purpling, he reached out with his free hand and finally slapped the mat.

Three.

Abruptly, I rolled off him and stood. He raised himself up by his palms and inhaled deeply. Once I was sure he'd caught his breath, I reached out and offered a hand.

There was a flash of anger in his eyes as he looked up at me – and I stiffened marginally – but it was gone in the next second. He reached out and grabbed my outstretched palm. Relaxing, I helped him to his feet.

He was faintly smiling now. He raked his eyes up and down my form then shook his head ruefully.

Yes, I know, I'm a frail waif of a thing. Don't rub it in.

"Good game," he said, bowing to me. I could tell that he meant it. I clasped my hands together and did the same.

"Sensei," I said, directing my bow towards my teacher this time.

I think he smiled, but the movement was quite hidden by his lengthy mustache.

"Great work, Cahill." He nodded towards the bathroom area.

"Hit the showers."

Trying not to show how grateful I was, I hopped off the mat and grabbed my satchel at the sidelines. After slinging the strap over my shoulders, I immediately scurried to the washrooms.

The shelter provided water and everything, but the gym had hot water, and that made all the difference. Under the downpour, I could forget about my circumstances for even a moment, something I sorely needed to get through the coming week.

I sighed, feeling all my aches melt away down the drain. I washed, ignoring the feel of my ribs poking out as much as I could.

If I absolutely had to, I guess I could wait tables again, I thought, squeezing water out of my hair.

The weirdly named café was a sure supply of food. The nice man who ran it always gave me food, even if I didn't work at all. Sometimes he'd just slide over a plate and strike up a chat.

That couldn't be good for his books. He was sort of weird.

But it had to be the last time I went over there. Having to find another supplier would suck, but I'd just have to do it.

I was getting too comfortable in this town, which meant it was no longer safe.

This warm feeling in my chest right now was a sure sign of danger, one I'd learned to recognize. Forming bonds and roots were things I absolutely could not do.

If I did, they'd find me. And then they'll kill me.

Turning off the water, I got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around myself. My stomach turned as I studied myself in the mirror, watched my locks fall against my sharp cheekbones.

I despised looking in the mirror even more these days.

Tilting my head to the side, I watched the stranger's face copy my actions.

I'd had a mother who decided to keep me but not keep me. She handed me over to my dad shortly after I was born then took off.

I didn't begrudge her for not wanting to raise a child. Truth was, I didn't feel anything for her really. My dad had filled up the space so completely and perfectly, some days I even forgot I had a mother.

The one thing that never let me forget was my face. Apparently, I was the spitting image of her, this woman I'd never known. Right down to my freckles and gold-flecked brown eyes.

But my hair was definitely, undeniably my dad's.

Bright auburn and as red as a sunset, it was way too distinctive. I'd cut it so it stopped just beneath my chin, which made it easier to hide under the black hood I always wore. But I knew it wasn't enough, that I should dye it brown or some common, plain color.

I closed my eyes and tried to imagine what that would look like on me. I didn't have any vanity, so it shouldn't be a problem. In fact, it would be the opposite: I might even be able to walk down the street in broad daylight without looking over my shoulder.

I could breathe easier, stay in towns longer...

But then the last connection I had to my dad, the only thing still keeping me going these days, would be torn away.

Exhaling, I opened my eyes.

I was keeping my red hair.

I flung some water at the glass then left the bathroom.

I continued mulling as I made my way to the doors. I didn't have many belongings; I could gather all my things and be in a new town as early as tomorrow morning.

A sharp pain sliced at me at the thought of leaving. That feeling told me I was still alive, and I'd better make damn sure I remained that way.

After all he'd sacrificed for me, I owed it to him, and to myself, to be waiting – and breathing – when he finally got out.

I sighed. I'd survived this way for four years already, what was three more?

"Cahill, was it?"

I abruptly halted in my tracks.

The voice came from behind me... a male voice.

I had... walked past someone... without noticing they were there.

That shouldn't be possible. I was hyper-vigilant, seeing threats everywhere and in everyone. I had to be.

And yet, I hadn't imagined that voice.

My heart was doing the macarena in my chest. Slowly, I turned around.

He was tall, dressed in all-black. Everything about him exuded darkness, so much so that when he shifted, it was like the shadows parted about him like a veil or a curtain.

He'd blended in so completely, I'd missed him.

I'd spent years learning how to fight, and even more so, just how dangerous a possible opponent was. It helped me on the streets, to know when to run or when to stand my ground.

As I stared at him, gaging his threat level, I came up with a frighteningly high number.

All my good senses were telling me to run. He didn't look like the ones who were after me, which made me breathe a little easier, but he still knew my name.

I don't know how else he could have gotten that except if he'd watched the fight. That was a while ago.

He'd been watching me, waiting for me...

Although I was tensed for flight, I was somewhat curious to know why.

"Who's asking?"

Dark eyes considered me, dark brown bordering on black. Something lurked within them, wild and unnatural. It made holding his gaze quite uncomfortable.

Casually, he reached up and plucked a stick from his mouth. I saw a shiny red candy on the other end.

"What you did back there was impressive," he said, dodging my question. "I've been looking for someone with your particular skill set, and I think you fit the bill."

I angled my head to the side.

"You go around watching girls beat up big burly men?" What a strange kink.

Full pink lips twitched. It didn't ease me in the slightest to know I'd amused him.

"No," he replied. "I've been looking for someone who can fight, such as you. Someone capable of protecting a person who's dear to me. Not that she'd thank me for it," he added ruefully.

My brow furrowed. I was being solicited for some kind of bodyguard duty?

This was turning out to be a very weird morning.

"I won't get into all the details yet, but you'll need to be in close proximity to her at all times," he said. "Maybe not after school, if you prefer. But during school hours, she shouldn't be left alone for a single second."

"Woah, woah." I had to stop him for a second. School?

"Who is this person to you?" I asked, curious.

His eyes flashed, and I tensed to take a step back, but the look faded swiftly.

"My sister." His tone was cold.

I shifted. Ah, that explained the protectiveness.

"You look capable. Why can't you protect her?"

His expression soured. "Believe me, I'd love to. But since she's in high school and I'm in college, I can't exactly be there for her. Also, I'm pretty sure the law won't approve of my methods of dealing with those who harass her."

At that, he gave me a meaningful look.

My heart dropped.

So he knew more about me than just what he'd seen today. Shit.

Who else could've simply gained that information? I clearly hadn't been as careful as I'd thought.

I had to get out of this town before the real nasties showed up.

"I'm not looking for work."

Work meant forming roots, lots of different pairs of eyes on me every day, being expected at one place regularly.

Work meant they'd find me faster.

I framed my refusal as politely as I could though. I didn't need this guy after me too.

I turned to walk away.

"We can get Aodhan out of prison."

My limbs turned to ice.

Hot pain sliced through me, pain I always felt at the thought of him. It felt like a fresh injury every single time.

One thing I'd learned from all my martial arts training was how to breathe through it.

So, inhaling regularly, I gently turned back around to the mysterious stranger, holding myself as if I might break.

If he noticed the reaction his words had caused, he didn't seem very concerned.

"You'd like him to get out sooner, wouldn't you? Do this and we can arrange for him to be out at the end of the school year."

Rage scorched the air in my lungs. Okay, I had no idea who this guy was, but he was being cruel for no reason. I dashed the hopes that rose from his nonsensical words, smothered them out like a flame.

"Oh, you can arrange a prison break just like that?" I gritted out. "Am I really supposed to believe that?"

And who was this 'we' he was referring to?

He scrutinized me for a moment. I heard a crunch, and he removed the stick from his lips sans candy.

"We have our ways."

Fucking hell. I opened my mouth for another retort...

A bright yellow sheen skittered over his eyes, briefly erasing all the dark.

The words died in my throat.

I'd met many dangerous men in my life.

I'd never met one whose eyes could change color.

Thank God I didn't do something stupid, like scream. In fact, I was utterly silent as I stood gaping at him, my mouth hanging open like a fish.

He stared back, calmly waiting.

I found my voice.

"You know what, I just remembered I, um, forgot something...er...back there." I gestured wildly towards some random direction.

"I'll just, um, go get it."

One black brow arched.

I didn't stick around to see any other facial expressions play across his face. Swiftly dashing across the room, I turned the first corner I found and pressed my back against the wall like the Dullahan himself was after me.

In this moment, I couldn't exactly disbelieve the folktales.

Whatthefuckwhatthefuckwhatthefuck. I was shook, scared and shaking, my chest frantically heaving and falling.

Just when I thought I'd taken all the shite life could throw at me, a new load of steaming horse crap got dumped at my feet.

My heart was beating too fast. Not good. I placed a hand against my chest, trying to slow it. I couldn't afford to faint right now, especially since I hadn't eaten yet.

I let my mind roam, hoping it would help. I've been at this gym often enough to know all the exits. The window right across from me seemed very appealing right now.

In one leap, I could escape and be in greener, safer pastures in no time. I didn't even need to go back to the shelter to get my things.

But... could he really get my father out of prison?

My heart slowed. I missed him, every single day. It was basically my fault he'd landed in the clinker, since he'd been protecting me.

Isn't that what this guy wanted me to do, protect someone? This could be my way to atone for what I'd caused my father to suffer.

Besides, this guy seemed even more dangerous than the people after me. I was probably better off throwing in my lot with him, maybe even getting some protection from this 'we' he kept mentioning.

Still, this could be a trap... but on the slimmest chance that it wasn't, I was prepared to do whatever it took to get my father out.

I took a moment to gather up all of my courage, then walked back to him.

He'd stayed right in the position I'd left him, looking as though he didn't have a care in the world.

"Oh good," he said as I approached without looking at me. "You didn't run."

I suddenly had the feeling things wouldn't have ended well for me if I did.

"So do you accept?"

My grip on my bag was white-knuckled, but I nodded.

"Just so you know," I began, lacing my voice with threat. "If this is some sort of trap, if I go down I'm taking you with me. As you said, you've seen what I can do, and I can promise you wouldn't be getting off as lucky as that last guy. In fact, I can make sure you won't get up at all."

How I would even begin to land a hit on this guy was another mystery to me, but I needed to appear courageous or I was sure I was going to wet myself.

He studied me. I'm pretty sure threatening your potential employer shouldn't win you any brownie points, but I saw the corner of his lips tip up slightly.

His smile wasn't condescending. It was almost... fond, and made him look minimally less scary.

"You're hired," he drawled, the first bit of emotion I'd heard from him seeping into his voice.

I blinked.

He peeled back his sleeve and lifted a wrist, checking the time.

"I can make my Chem classes today, at least" he said, after a moment. He looked back at me.

"Come on. Let's go."

Warily, I followed him through the doors.

"Who are you anyways?"

"I'm Archer." He glanced at me over his shoulder.

"Hello, Sophie," he said softly.

AVALON

Closing my front door, I let out a sigh. The birds weren't tweeting, the sun didn't look that bright, and even the gust of wind that brushed my face seemed a bit pathetic as I walked towards my gates.

Because I wasn't going to see Rhys this morning. Or most of today.

I was already having withdrawal symptoms just thinking about it.

Why oh why was I so pathetic? So what if I'd babbled like a baby in front of him? People have bad days, and flaws.

Not Rhys though. He was literally perfect, while I was just one big flaw. I'd tried to ignore the dichotomy before, but the recent events highlighted them, bring them more into perspective.

He clearly had a history of saving people in need. I was just his newest project - some dumbass girl that needed saving.

I wasn't on the same level as him. The way things stood now, I'd be embarrassed to even be in the same space as him, much less breathe the same air.

Yet still, that was all I wanted to do.

Ugh, shake it off Avalon.

Steeling myself for the long walk to school, something I hadn't done in a while, I'd only gone about five steps when the blue Porsche sidled up to me.

Confused, and shamefully a little hopeful, I looked over.

The two wide-eyed boys in the back should've been my first clue. Then the passenger's window rolled down, and I saw Lilith in the driver's seat.

Her sunglasses lowered, revealing her warm golden eyes.

"Top of the morning, 'old chap!" She greeted with a wave, then laughed raucously.

Brandon and Jasper whimpered in the backseat.

My neck craned forward in shock. "Lilith?"

"That's me! I'm your ride today." She looked very smug.

She was wearing a tuxedo and a cute black hat, with white gloves over her hands. Guess she was taking her chauffer duties pretty seriously.

As I opened the door, I could have sworn I heard one of the guys croak, "No, save yourself!"

I became reasonably concerned. "Do you even know how to drive?" I asked nervously as I strapped in my seatbelt.

"Oh yeah, I've hotwired a car or two," she replied dismissively, her gaze ahead.

Not exactly what I asked. I tried to be more specific.

"I mean, do you have a driver's license, Lilith?"

She looked at me then, smiled amicably, and said nothing.

My unease increased.

"All set?" She tightened her grip on the steering wheel.

"Um, yeah," was my enthusiastic response.

"Then let's go!" At the end of her sentence, she gleefully slammed a foot on the gas pedal.

And then we were airborne, weightless, racing ahead at turbo speed.

"AHHHHHH!" Brandon and I screamed.

"Great Neptune!" Jasper exclaimed.

"WHEEEEE!" I'm sure you could guess who that last one was from.

Cats yowled, branches tore against the window shield, and a nearby trash can was knocked over as we were rocket-propelled forward. My hair rose up over my head, and it was all I could do to remain in my seat, gripping my seatbelt for dear life.

I felt like the ball in an absurdly large-scale game of pinball.

Brandon was muttering prayers under his breath. I never knew he was religious. Though now was as good a time as any to convert, I supposed.

"Lilith, you are driving on the wrong side of the road!" Jasper roared.

She snorted. "No I'm not. 'Wrong side'."

She snorted again. "Americans."

What have I done?

After a few more minutes of heedless terrified shrieking, we abruptly screeched to a stop.

The ride to school usually took about six to eight minutes, but Lilith had gotten us here in less than half the time. I could see smoke around the car, emanating from the tire tracks burned into the pavement.

"We're here!" Lilith chirped, beaming massively. With the way her eyes were sparkling, I had a feeling that if we didn't get out soon, she'd start squealing "AGAIN, AGAIN!"

Head spinning, I got out of the car as swiftly as I could.

The guys got out after me, groaning in pain.

"I am never entering a car again," Jasper moaned. Lilith placed a gloved hand to her mouth and giggled.

When I got my wits about me, I tried to be as subtle as I could in asking. "So, how's Rhys getting to school?"

Lilith raised a finger. "Wait for it..."

I obediently waited.

The roar of a motorcycle announced the vehicle speeding into the parking lot.

I gasped. Edmund-Leonard!

It stopped a few parking spots away from us, much closer to the school doors. Everyone turned to watch the black-clothed rider as he raised his hands and plucked the helmet off his head.

Rhys.

The wind blew at his hair. Still straddling the bike, he shook it out. To my eyes, he seemed to be moving in slow motion, and I could almost hear the swooshing sound effects. Then in one smooth, graceful movement, he slid off the bike.

Why was it that just when I told myself I couldn't be near him, he suddenly decided to get sexier?

He turned and eyed his car, then gave Lilith a supremely amused look before striding in through the school doors.

Several girls sighed us sighed wistfully. No one noticed my sigh being added to the bunch.

********************************************************************************

Fun fact: I actually finished writing this chapter before the last one. I was struggling so hard with writing it for some reason, so I skipped ahead and wrote this one and finished it faster, then I went back to being stuck on Chapter 28 lol.

Writer tings.

Guess what tho? I'm making the story a little bit interactive! 🤗

The twitter accounts at the top are actually real. You can follow @EvercrestHigh and @itsRhysMason and pay Avalon a compliment using Rhys's hashtag on his account. Or you can type in a compliment here in the comments, posing as a student at Evercrest, and it might make it into the next chapter!

Poor Avalon, lol.

See you guys soon!

Lulu.