The courtyard buzzed with uneasy whispers after Amara fled. Julian sat back down as if nothing had happened, his expression calm, almost smug. He poured himself a drink, ignoring the stares around him.
Cassian leaned forward, his grin gone. "Julian… that was too much," he muttered.
Orion shook his head, his usual teasing replaced with disbelief. "You acted like she didn't have a choice."
Selene crossed her arms, her sharp tongue finally finding words. "You embarrassed her. And yourself."
Lyra's eyes narrowed, jealousy flickering beneath her calm mask. She didn't defend Julian, but her gaze lingered on Adrian's empty chair, her mind racing.
Julian shrugged, his voice casual. "I was only showing her how much I love her. You all are overreacting."
The cousins exchanged glances, unsettled. Aiden kept his promise to Adrian, stepping in to calm the group. "Enough. Let it go. Adrian will handle it." His tone carried authority, silencing further arguments.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Amara sat on the edge of the sink, her tears slowing but her heart still heavy. Adrian stood nearby, his presence steady, his silence comforting.
"Amara," he said gently, "what happened tonight… it's not just about now. It's a sign."
She looked up, her eyes red. "A sign?"
Adrian nodded. "Julian showed you who he is. When someone forces you, when they ignore your words, that's not love. That's control. And if he's like this now, imagine how he would be in the future."
Amara's breath caught. The truth in his words sank deep, heavier than her tears.
"I thought I wanted him," she whispered. "But tonight… I felt trapped."
Adrian's gaze softened. "That feeling matters. Don't ignore it. You deserve someone who listens, not someone who forces."
Amara wiped her face, her trembling slowing. For the first time, she felt clarity. She nodded, determination flickering in her eyes.
Together, they stepped back into the courtyard. The cousins turned, their whispers dying instantly. Julian looked up, his smile faltering when he saw Amara beside Adrian.
Her voice shook at first, but grew stronger. "Julian… I want to break up."
The words cut through the night like a blade. Silence fell, heavy and sharp.
Julian's face twisted with anger. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the stone. "Break up? After everything I've done for you? After everything I've given?" His voice rose, his steps quick as he moved toward her.
Aiden stepped forward, blocking his path. "Enough, Julian," he said firmly, his stance unyielding.
Julian's fists clenched, his anger boiling. But before he could push past, Adrian moved in front of Amara, his presence commanding, his gaze cold.
"She's made her choice," Adrian said, his voice steady, protective. "And you will respect it."
Julian froze, his fury colliding with Adrian's calm strength. The cousins watched, breathless, as the tension thickened. Amara stood behind Adrian, her heart pounding, but for the first time, she felt safe.