Ch 6: Apples and Alibis

Rain drummed steadily against the glass window, a rhythmic tap that felt strangely soothing. Veloria had been basking in golden summer light the day before, but this morning, it looked like it had fallen under a fairytale storm.

I padded into the castle's grand dining room in an oversized sweater and loose linen pants. My hair was still damp from the quick shower I'd taken to shake offy emotions from last night— or to atleast pretend I had.

"Well, look who finally joined the living," Cole said, grinning as he poured me a cup of tea.

I muttered a thanks and slid into the chair beside him, grabbing an apple from a near bowl.

Megan leaned in, twirling her spoon in her tea. "Last night was....odd. People dissapeared. First Sarah and Jonah and then you were gone. Leaving me the only American at the party."

"I needed some air," I said, biting the apple, hoping the crunch could deflect my lie and possible guilt. "The garden looked nice and the stars too."

Cole raised a brow, "Alone?"

"Yes. I believe I'm in the most safest places ever."

He chuckled and leaned back. "I was actually going to take everyone shopping today–There's a summer  street market downtown, and I thought it'd be fun. But mother nature had plans."

Thunder rumbled in agreement.

Megan reached for a croissant, "Maybe tomorrow."

He nodded, then added casually. "Anyway my uncle offered to fly us to a resort on the eastern cliffs on the eve of my birthday."

I choked.

The apple lodged in my throat as my eyes widened. I coughed violently as I grabbed my tea and sipped it to clear my airway.

Cole blinked. "Okay. Wow. That was not the reaction I expected."

I set my cup down slowly, eyes watering. "I'm fine," I said hoarsely. "Just accidentally breathed while chewing."

Megan tilted her head. "You alright?"

I smiled tightly. "Peachy."

But inside my heart was pounding as my brain replayed the events of yesterday.

I was still trying to compose myself, subtly dubbing at my watering eyes when Sarah walked in. She was dressed in pink yoga pants and a matching cropped hoodie, her hair twisted in a messy bun.

"Morning," she said grabbing a glass of water.

"Afternoon, technically," Cole teased.

Sarah rolled eyes, "Clocks have already been invented, your highness."

She took a sip and glanced out at the grey clouds beyond the tall windows. "Looks like the rain won't stop any time soon."

"Where did you disappear to last night?" Megan asked.

Sarah froze briefly —just enough for me to notice. Then with a smile, " I was a bit drunk so I slept a bit earlier."

My brow arched.

"Well," she added quickly. "Since we're all up now. I'll be in my room if anyone needs me. I want to get in a little yoga before lunch."

"In this weather?" Cole asked.

"There's nothing more peaceful than stretching to the sound of rain," she said breezily. "I need clarity." Her eyes shot to Jonah.

I took another bite of my apple, hiding my smirk behind it. Clarity indeed.

"Enjoy your clarity," Cole muttered as Sarah turned to leave.

As her footsteps echoed down the corridor, Megan leaned in. "She's been acting weird."

I said nothing, just focused on chewing. The memory of what I had witnessed lingered behind my eyes.

"I almost forgot," I said, turning to cole with a smile.

"Thank you for the dress it was stunning."

He smiled brightly, pleased. "I told you that colour was made for you."

Across the table, Jonah reached for a muffin and glanced up casually. "Saw you from across the garden last night." His voice was low, his eyes briefly locking with mine. "You looked beautiful. Too bad we didn't get a chance to talk."

I opened my mouth to talk but I was caught off guard by the memory of what I saw last night in the garden. A scene straight from a scandalous novel.

Before I could stop myself, a small bitter snort escaped my lips.

"Maybe the rain's just trying to wash something away," I muttered.

There was a beat of silence.

Even Megan glanced from her croissant.

I blinked, realizing what I had said. "I mean—" i laughed slightly, waving my hands in the air. "Everyone was probably drunk by the end of the party. Who knows what sins need cleansing this morning."

Cole chuckled. "You're not wrong."

Jonah joined in with an awkward laugh. "That sounded personal."

I smiled sweetly. "Did it? Must be the tea talking."

I turned my attention back to my apple, feeling the tension like a buzz in my chest. Jonah didn't push— but the look he gave me wasn't casual anymore.