SERAPHINA
The morning light felt sharper than usual, or maybe it was just the satisfaction still humming under my skin from last night.
I stood with Tess near the main steps, letting her ramble about some party while I watched Noah approach from across the quad. He looked wrecked — dark circles under his eyes, uniform slightly rumpled despite the expensive fabric, shoulders tense like every step cost him something. Good. Exactly how I wanted him.
When he stopped in front of us, I let the silence hang for a beat before speaking, my voice sweet and cutting at the same time.
"Noah. You made it." I tilted my head, studying him with open amusement. "Thomas got you here in one piece, I see. How thoughtful of me to arrange that for you."
Tess smirked beside me, arms crossed. She didn't need instructions — she knew how to play along.
Noah's jaw flexed. His voice came out rough, exhaustion and frustration bleeding through. "You didn't come home last night."
I laughed softly, the sound light enough to carry to a few nearby students. "Didn't I? How very observant of you, scholarship boy." I glanced at Tess, sharing the moment like a private joke. "He was waiting up for me. Like a loyal little pet. Isn't that precious?"
Tess's laugh was quick and sharp. "Roman must have kept you occupied."
"He did," I said, turning my gaze back to Noah. My eyes traced the shadows under his, the way his hands stayed clenched at his sides. "It was a very enjoyable date. Late nights have a way of stretching when you're actually having fun instead of sitting alone in a big empty house." I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only he could hear the next words. "Did you miss me? Tossing and turning, wondering what Roman and I were doing? Or were you too busy reminding yourself that you don't get to question where I go or when I come back?"
His breathing hitched, but he held my stare. The exhaustion made his dark eyes look even stormier. "I thought you might at least tell someone. Or come back. The house—"
"The house is not your concern," I cut in smoothly, my tone shifting back to something light and mocking for Tess's benefit. "And neither am I. You're lucky I even let you stay under the same roof. Don't start thinking that gives you the right to worry about my nights." I reached out and straightened his already-perfect tie with two fingers, the touch deliberate and possessive. "You look awful, by the way. Couldn't sleep without knowing where I was? How pathetic."
Tess chuckled. "Maybe he needs a bedtime story next time."
I smiled, releasing his tie and stepping back. "No need. Noah knows his place. He'll be ready after last period for whatever tasks I have. Won't you?"
He didn't answer right away. The silence stretched, thick with everything he wanted to say but wouldn't. Finally, he gave one sharp nod, voice low and strained. "Yes."
"Good boy." The words slipped out softly, just for him, laced with mockery. I turned to Tess, linking my arm with hers. "Come on. We have better things to do than watch him stand here like a lost puppy."
We walked away without another glance, but I felt his eyes burning into my back the entire way. The thrill of it settled warm and satisfying in my chest. Leaving him to ride home alone last night, knowing he'd spend the hours awake and unsettled, had been perfect. He was cracking beautifully — exhausted, resentful, and still obedient.
NOAH
I couldn't move for a long moment after they left.
The lack of sleep made everything feel distant and too close at the same time. My eyes burned. My chest felt tight. Seraphina's words kept replaying — the casual cruelty, the way she'd laughed about her date with Roman, the deliberate touch on my tie like I was a doll she could adjust whenever she felt like it.
She hadn't even pretended to care that I'd barely slept. She'd enjoyed it. Thrived on it.
Marcus appeared at my side, jaw tight, eyes narrowed. He looked me up and down once and immediately scowled.
"You look terrible, Noah. What is going on with you?"
I swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze. "Didn't sleep much."
Marcus let out a sharp, frustrated breath. "Didn't sleep much?" he repeated, voice low and clearly irritated. "That's all you're going to say? You look like you haven't slept in days. This is getting worse every time I see you."
He stepped closer, voice dropping even lower, anger obvious in his tone. "I warned you this was a bad idea. I warned you that living with her would destroy you. But you still went through with it. And now you won't even tell me what's really happening?"
I shook my head, keeping my mouth shut. If I told him Seraphina had stayed out all night with Roman just to mess with me, Marcus would get even angrier. He was already upset enough.
"There's nothing to say," I muttered.
Marcus exhaled heavily, clearly annoyed, and shook his head. "Nothing to say… Fine. Keep it to yourself then."
He didn't offer any comfort this time. He just turned and we headed inside for first period, the tension heavy between us.
The day blurred after that. Classes dragged. Whispers followed me in the halls. Seraphina didn't summon me at lunch — she sat with Roman and her friends, laughing loudly enough that I could hear it from across the atrium. Every time our eyes met, she gave me that small, satisfied smile, like she could see exactly how little sleep I'd gotten and loved it.
By the time the final bell rang, exhaustion had settled deep into my bones.
I waited near the student council room as instructed, leaning against the wall, fighting to keep my eyes open. When Seraphina finally appeared, walking down the hall with that effortless confidence, she didn't even slow down.
"Inside," she said simply, pushing the door open.
I followed her in. The room was empty. She closed the door behind us with a soft click, then turned, crossing her arms as she studied me.
"You really didn't sleep, did you?" she asked, voice soft but edged with amusement. "All because I stayed out late on a date. How sweet. How weak."
I met her eyes, too tired to hide the resentment. "You knew I wouldn't."
She stepped closer, close enough that her perfume wrapped around me again — sharp and expensive. "Of course I knew. That was the point." Her fingers brushed my jaw lightly, almost gentle, but there was nothing kind in it. "You're mine to keep awake, Noah. Mine to use. Mine to leave waiting. And you'll keep doing exactly what I tell you, because the alternative is so much worse."
She let her hand drop and moved to the table, gesturing at the stack of folders.
"Sort them. And while you work, think about how nicely you behaved this morning. No arguing. No insisting. Just obedience." She sat down, crossing her legs. "That's what makes you useful."
I moved to the table without another word, hands shaking slightly as I started sorting. The exhaustion made every motion feel heavier, but I kept going.
Seraphina watched in silence, that satisfied little smile never leaving her face.