Chapter 17

When I enter the trailer, I close the door gently behind me, taking a deep breath with my eyes closed. I hear Eli in the kitchen, his movements unsteady. Composing myself, I head towards him and as I step into the kitchen, I spot him immediately. He is leaning against the counter, a tissue pressed to his bloodied nose and guilt creeps up my spine, knowing he's not alright after what Hell did to him.

"E? Are you okay?" I ask gently, my voice soft and concerned despite knowing the obvious answer.

He remains silent, the blood dripping steadily from his nose. I step forward, "Here, let me help..."

Without looking at me, he stands straight and brushes past.

"Just leave me the fuck alone, Noir," he snaps.

I instinctively sidestep, "But..." Before I can finish, he storms into the bedroom, the door slamming shut and the bang reverberates through the trailer, leaving me standing there, guilt and worry churning in my gut.

I let out a heavy sigh, feeling defeated and tangled in confusion knowing where both guys are coming from. Eli is angry because of what he saw which is justified, but throwing a fucking bottle at me wasn't. Hell just went into protective mode which is also justified. Fuck, I need to get myself out of this mess. What am I doing?

I stroll toward the couch, taking a seat, and slowly pull off my boots and jeans, leaving only my oversized hoodie and socks on. My mind races with thoughts of how to talk to Eli tomorrow, and my eyes flicker to the window hidden behind the curtains.

I stand and move toward it before gently pulling a curtain aside. The night outside is pitch black, and his swirling orbs, absent, leaving a hollow ache in my chest.

Turning away, I head back to the couch, dragging a thick blanket with me. I curl up into a ball, my head resting on the armrest and minutes stretch into what feels like hours, my thoughts refusing to settle. Then, something by the window catches my eye and I carefully lift my head, seeing him standing there, smoking a cigarette.

A strange wave of calmness washes over me, and I lay my head back down, maintaining eye contact with him through the glass. His presence, even at a distance, brings an unexpected comfort, a huge difference to how I once felt when he used to watch me. As the tension eases from my body, I finally drift off to sleep, knowing Hell is watching over me, my deadly guardian in the night.