We hit the table. A stack of books crashed to the floor. He caught me in the ribs. I drove my shoulder into his chest.
We weren’t thinking anymore—just fists, fury, years of guilt and silence turned into violence.
The sound of the door slamming open barely registered.
“What the hell—”
Elira.
I froze.
My knuckles were bloodied. My breath came in ragged gasps.
Then her shadows moved—fast, wild. They tore us apart like they’d been waiting. Like they didn’t care who started it.
Caelen hit the wall. I staggered backward, heart pounding.
Elira stood in the doorway, her chest rising and falling, eyes wide with something I couldn’t name.
She stared at us like she didn’t recognize either of us.
“Phoenix!”
I didn’t answer.
Didn’t look at her.
I just turned.
And walked out.
My footsteps hit the corridor like thunder.
And then, a breath later—
Hers.
A moment later, I heard hers behind me.
Chapter 21
Elira
I chased Phoenix outside into the front courtyard.
He was pacing—stomping back and forth like the ground might split beneath him.
His hands were in his hair. His breath ragged.
“Phoenix,” I said again, louder this time.
“Go away, Elle!” he snapped. “Leave me alone.”
“No.” I stepped in his path. “Iwon’t.”
“Elle,please!” His voice was raw, shaking.
“What thehellis going on with you, Phoenix?” I demanded. “Why are you acting like this?”
