Page 37 of Velka Manor

“And what do you have planned, Rian?” I ask, twirling the blade in my hand.

“Catch Bastian first and find out, angel.” Dorian smirks, licking his lips, eyeing me up in a way that has my legs trembling.

He runs again, and so do I. Bastian curses, trying to catch up and get further ahead. He jumps down the stairs, landing in the greeting hall a few seconds after Dorian. I pant, out of breath, on the second landing of the stairs. There’s no way I can catch them; they’re faster than me and know these halls better.

If I can’t catch them, then I need to manipulate them.

I quickly untie the blood-stained ribbons on my legs, kicking off my shoes and climbing onto the bannister. It’s luckily wide enough that I can balance easily, but the drop makes my stomach swirl.

“What are you doing, pretty girl?”

Bastian is the first to notice, looking over his shoulder as he stops running. Dorian twists, halting to a stop, his eyes widening as he sees me.

“Octavia,” he barks, and I can’t help giggling at the sternness of his tone.

I spin slowly to the side on the balls of my feet and walk across the bannister, holding out my arms for balance.

“I’m tired of chasing you, so I decided to change the game.” I tip to the side, faking losing balance, and they both shout, rushing closer.

“Get down this very fucking second, Octavia, before you hurt yourself,” Dorian orders, his eyes tracking my every movement.

I fake another slip, yelping, making sure I sound scared. They rush even closer, standing just below me in the perfect position.

“Well, if you insist, big brother.” I smirk, letting my grin grow bigger, and jump right off the bannister.

“Motherfucking Christ, Octavia,” Dorian shouts.

My stomach flips as I fall through the air, and for a single second, I wonder if I fucked up as I keep falling, but a few moments later, I feel their arms catch me. All three of us crash to the ground, their bodies protecting my fall.

They both groan as I lay over them, slightly winded. “Caught you both,” I say, chucking the knife to the floor.

Bastian laughs, pulling me completely onto him, kissing me on the lips. “Fuck, I love you, my crazy girl.”

“I love you too. Thanks for catching me.”

“Always, baby. Always.” He runs his nose across mine, and I close my eyes with a smile.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m absolutely fine,” Dorian grunts. I giggle, trying to pull myself out of Bastian’s hold, but he locks his arms around my waist tighter.

“Share,” he mutters, and Dorian scowls, snapping, “You’re the one who’s not sharing!”

He lunges for us, knocking Bastian on his back before laying on top of us, kissing me deeply. “Where’s my thanks, angel?”

“I was getting there. You just didn’t give me a chance.”

He pulls back, raising his eyebrow, waiting expectantly. I huff out a laugh, shaking my head. “Thank you for saving me, Rian.”

He cups my cheeks, resting his head on mine, staring deep into my eyes. “There will never be a time I don’t save you.”

The look he’s giving me, the reverence in his tone, makes my heart thump wildly in my chest.

“I love you, Dorian. There will never be a time I don’t love you.”

“Octavia…” he whispers, his face scrunching up in frustration. I smooth out the creases with my thumb, cupping his cheeks.

“I know, Dorian. I don’t need words, just you.” Bastian clears his throat loudly, squeezing my waist harder as I lay on top of him. I roll my eyes, shaking my head. “Obviously I meant you too, Bas. I only need both of you.”

“Just wanted to make sure the best one wasn’t forgotten.”

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