The Last Warning
A soft knock at the door. Apollo’s ears twitched first, then came the low, deep growl rumbling from his chest. Emilia didn’t need to check; she already knew who it was.
Emilia
[coldly] “Who is it?”
Marco Rinaldi
It’s Marco. We need to talk.
Emilia exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening around the vanity’s edge. She didn’t bother hiding the irritation in her voice.
Emilia
We have nothing to talk about
Marco Rinaldi
[chuckles lightly] “Come on, Emy. Don’t be like that. We’re family.”
Family. The word made her sick coming from his mouth. Apollo’s growl deepened, the fur along his spine bristling. He remembered too. He always did.
Marco Rinaldi
At least open the door. Unless you’re scared?
Emilia
[laughs, but there’s no humor in it] “Scared? Of you?”
She unlocked the door—not to let him in, but to see the look on his face when she did. Marco leaned against the frame, casual, confident. His usual smirk was in place, but there was something darker in his gaze, something she had seen before. Something she had beaten out of him once.
Marco Rinaldi
Eyeing her, voice smooth]..There’s no need to act so hostile, you know. That night—
Emilia
[cutting him off, voice sharp as a blade] “That night? You mean the night I nearly broke your arm?”
The smirk faltered, just for a second. She stepped closer, forcing him back. He could play his games, but he’d learned the hard way that she wasn’t prey.
Marco Rinaldi
[grinning again, but his eyes flicker to Apollo, who is practically trembling with restrained aggression] “No hard feelings, right?”
Apollo
[snarls, lips peeling back to reveal sharp teeth]
Emilia
[soft, deadly] “Apollo hasn’t forgotten either. You think I’m the one who’ll hurt you?” She tilted her head toward the Doberman. “Try stepping inside. See what happens.”
Marco’s fingers twitched. She could see the calculations behind his eyes. He was weighing the risk, considering the fact that last time, she hadn’t held back. That next time, she might not stop.
Marco Rinaldi
[forced chuckle] “You’ve grown cruel, cousin.”
Emilia
[smiling, but there’s no warmth] “No, Marco. I’ve just grown tired of your existence.”
For a moment, neither moved. Then, Marco exhaled, stepping back, though his gaze lingered just a bit too long.
Marco Rinaldi
Alright, alright. No need for threats.
[grins, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes]
Emilia
“No. You won’t. This is your last warning—stay out of my space.”
Marco’s smirk lingered, but for a split second, something flickered behind his eyes—hesitation, or maybe even fear. Then, just as quickly, he masked it.
Marco Rinaldi
[Chuckling] “Goodnight, cousin.
She shut the door, locking it immediately. Apollo pressed his head against her palm, his warmth grounding her. He was still watching the door, still tense, as if waiting for an excuse to attack.
Emilia
[softly, stroking his fur] “Good boy, Apollo.”
Apollo nuzzled her palm, his silent promise of protection clear. Emilia straightened, her resolve hardening. She had beaten Marco once. If he tried again, she wouldn’t stop at just beating him.
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