The Chains We Break

The soft crash of waves outside their balcony mocked Lucas. Each rhythmic roll of the tide was a reminder that the rest of the world was alive, moving, breathing—while he and Liam sat trapped inside their suite like prisoners.

Lucas sat slouched on the plush cream couch, controller in hand, his character on the screen already defeated for the fifth time that hour.

He wasn’t paying attention. His mind wandered back to Clara’s article, each sharp word slicing deeper into his pride.

“She really called me weak.” His voice was low, almost a growl. “As if being poisoned was my fault.”

Liam leaned back in the armchair opposite him.

“Clara’s an idiot.”

Lucas tossed his controller onto the couch with a frustrated sigh.

“Do you think they’re close to finding him?” he asked.

“The poisoner?” Liam’s fingers froze mid-game. He turned serious, setting the controller down. “They have to be. Graham won’t stop until he does. But it should’ve been us out there, not them.”

Silence stretched be