“Fascinating night, don’t you agree?” Finn inquired as we strolled through Greenland hours later.

"It was indeed a good night," Alice answered   Her tone carried the weight of satisfaction and contentment.

Xavier walked ahead with hands in his pockets. "I especially like the lass who placed the flyer on our table," he remarked.

“I wonder, is she brave or merely stupid.” Finn mused.

“Why are you so quiet? No comments?" Alice asked me.

I sighed out of boredom. “No comment.” My tone was nonchalant, conveying a sense of disinterest and perhaps a touch of frustration. 

It was as if Willow did not recognise the potential danger Finn posed to her. Seemingly relying on an unspoken assumption that I would shield her from harm, despite our lack of camaraderie. The mere thought left me so rattled that, had it been possible, I might have succumbed to an anxiety attack. Her departure, timely as it was, spared me from such a distressing prospect, but left me feeling thoroughly disoriented

“The human focus was on you the entire time," Finn remarked. "She seems to fancy you. I am surprised. I did not know you rather lass over lads, then again..." He observed me. His smirk hinted at a deeper understanding. "You are certainly that type," he concluded.

I expressed my displeasure with a sour expression. My personal preference was not open for discussion.

“Do you know her?” Finn continued, to my dismay.

“Where should I know her from?” I asked him.

Finn's expression indicated that he believed I knew Willow. 

“She stared at you as if she knows you.” Xavier teased.

I shot him a warning glance while Finn's attention was elsewhere. 

“It is imperative to acknowledge our protocol. Vampires who defy Tobias will undoubtedly face repercussions,” Finn stated in a firm tone.

“What's one more suffering?” I questioned, as if I had grown accustomed to the ceaseless trials that life had thrown my way.

Finn’s voice grew louder as he spoke once more. "What's that supposed to mean, Eden?"

I regretted my words, as Finn may now begin to observe me closely and report my behavior to Tobias. 

“Be careful. I have seen it," Alice said firmly, fixing me with a stern gaze. "It is acceptable to hold affection for someone, but not for her. Take note of the company she keeps. You must not harbor any longing for her." 

“I don’t have any desire towards her,” I expressed uncertainty, questioning my own conviction in the statement I had just made, and acknowledged the doubt that lingered within me.

“Be warned.” Alice narrowed her eyes at me.

“Or what?” I demanded.

“You will bleed for a lass you never had a future with,” Alice said, firmly.

I sighed. “You worry too much. Relationship is a luxury I cannot afford.”

Throughout the rest of the walk, Willow's anguished expression lingered in my thoughts. A brief glimpse behind revealed Xavier intent gaze, directed at me before glancing at Alice and Finn, who strode alongside each other ahead of our group.

Xavier closed in on me, and my eyes narrowed. "You can't speak as if you intend to disobey the rules.”

“It surprises me that you think I care enough about their rules to give a damn,” I said, uninterested in this conversation.

“I know you have a death wish, but it is important to recognise the potential consequences of risky behavior, especially considering Alice situation. She will not leave if you get into trouble, and that does not help her. Careless remarks bear the potential for grave consequences. You do well to remember that.”

“I did not ask for your input. Stay out of my way,” I said.

“I pity you!” Xavier hissed.

“You should pity me. Asshole. You put me where I am.”

Xavier blinked once, then a grin slowly appeared on his face. "Are you still milking that cow? You are truly hopeless," he remarked.

“You aren’t telling me anything I don’t already know.”

Clearly triggered by my response, Xavier's hand gripped my arm with an unwavering intensity. Despite my attempts to pull away, his grasp remained unyielding. His visage became a portrait of intense, brooding anger, a clear reflection of the turmoil within. 

“Release me," I demanded, firmly grasping his arm. "Don't irritate me more than I already am, Xavier," I warned, my voice edged with controlled frustration.

His lips contorted into a malevolent sneer as he spoke, "Do not for a moment delude yourself into thinking that you can challenge me and emerge victorious."

Upon experiencing a sudden surge of adrenaline, a distinctly tart taste filled my mouth, and every fiber of my being quivered with an almost sinister energy. 

“Do not go assuming I am still the same old even-tempered lass. A lot has changed, you know? I am not the same as before.”

“Then why doesn’t it seem that way.” 

It was not a question. Xavier was not waiting for an answer either. He was already at Finn and Alice side. She affectionately placed her arm around his neck, giving him a brief peck on the cheek.

“Let’s have a race!” Finn announced.

“You are on.” Alice chipped in. She threw a glance at me. “Are you in?”

“Sure,” I answered.

“Don’t hold back,” Alice said.

I flashed her grinned. “I was a sport player; I never hold back.”

It seemed as though the oppressive weight of the night had dissipated, yet its lingering presence loomed overhead, poised to descend with crushing force at any given moment.