Elara Venn had stayed in this room for days, possibly weeks, and yet Mrs. Lee remained oblivious.She had once pleaded for release, but with repetition came numbness.Served and silenced like a puppet devoid of will, she barely reacted anymore—except when Mrs. Lee uttered the name Nathan Lane. Then, her eyes would briefly flicker with light.
She thought her submission might earn Hazel Lane's mercy. It didn't.Hazel never mentioned her past promises. Even knowing how desperate Elara was to see Nathan, she remained unmoved.
Elara couldn't take it anymore. The world felt like it was decaying. She brought it up again.
One time, after everything, Hazel lay beside her, toying with Elara's fingers.
"I overheard Mrs. Lee. Nathan hasn't been eating," Elara whispered, barely audible. "If this continues, his body won't hold up."
Hazel raised an eyebrow. Elara braced for anger. But Hazel only replied lazily, "I told them you'd be gone a few more days. If you show up now, it makes me a liar."
"I didn't expect the plan to change," Elara said. "I came back as soon as I could."
Hazel thought a moment. "Showing up is out of the question. But... a phone call could be arranged."
Elara hesitated. This might be her only chance. She nodded.
Hazel studied her. "You really think he'll forget you?"
"..." Don't jinx it.He was her life—literally. If he forgot her, it would take years to start over. Worse, there might be a sign on the door reading: No Elara Venn or dogs allowed.
Hazel frowned. "I still don't understand what exactly you feel for him."
He is my life. That's all.
Hazel laughed quietly, suddenly cupping Elara's chin and biting her lips.Pain bloomed sharp and sudden. She winced. Hazel misread the reaction, frowning and slipping out of bed.
Bare feet brushed the carpet, posture unashamed.
Elara's nose tingled. She looked away.
Moments later, Hazel returned, tossed her phone onto the bed. "Go ahead. Call him."
"Using your phone?"
"He doesn't have my number."
Seriously? What kind of sibling relationship is this...Still, Elara took the phone and typed in the number without checking the contacts.
Hazel smirked. "You memorized it? Truly devoted."
Elara ignored the comment. She waited. The dial tone echoed.Eventually, the line connected. No words. Just silence.
But she knew it was Nathan.
"It's me, Elara. Do you remember me?"A faint change in breathing. Relief flooded her chest.
"I've been away, but I'm back now. Were you eating well?" she asked gently.
Suddenly, the phone was snatched away. Elara looked up in shock. "You said I could—"
Hazel hit speaker and set the phone aside. "Don't worry, he's listening."
Elara hesitated but resumed speaking. Nathan said nothing, but she knew he was there.
Then Hazel leaned in. Elara's eyes widened.
"I heard he's sensitive to sound," Hazel murmured, brushing her lips over Elara's. "Better keep your voice down."
Elara froze. Hazel's tone was calm, casual, cruel."This is what you wanted, right?" Hazel said, pressing her down. "If you stop now, I'll make sure you never see him again."
Tears pricked Elara's eyes. She forced her voice steady, continued the call. Her body betrayed her. Her voice cracked, dipped, rose unexpectedly. Thank god Nathan didn't understand.
Hazel had made her point. She ended the call.
Elara broke. "Why humiliate me?"
Hazel wiped her fingers meticulously. "I'm not humiliating you. I'm reminding you—you're mine."
Every cell of hers, claimed and controlled. The thought was dizzying. Elara wanted to scream, laugh, cry, and disappear at once.
Hazel noticed the flush in her cheeks, brought over a cloth and wiped her down. Her hand softened at the sight of Elara's vacant, glassy gaze.
"Be good, and this won't happen again," Hazel whispered, pressing a kiss to her lips.
Elara looked devastated.
Hazel mistook the despair for shame, not regret at stopping too soon.She tried again—this time gentler.
"I'll let you see him soon. But just a visit. No closeness. If you disobey..." Hazel's eyes turned dark. "Next time, he'll watch."
Elara blanched. "He's a minor," she hissed. "You'll go to jail."
Hazel smiled. "Then behave."
She leaned in, nose brushing Elara's. Warm breath. Long lashes. Soft threats.
Elara wanted to laugh and sob. Hazel was perfect—dangerously so.
Hazel, seeing her dazed, pulled her close by the golden chain around her neck.The kiss that followed was deep and possessive.
Later, exhausted, Elara fell asleep.
She dreamed Hazel had grown taller—like, comically tall—and woke nearly laughing.
Beside her, Hazel stroked her hair. "Seeing him... makes you happy?"
She studied Elara's peaceful face.
"No feelings for me... even after all this time?"
If Elara were awake, she might've written a poem:
Though not long by the calendar,Every moment together lingers—For the hands were skilled,And the nights were longer than years.