Page 180 of The Wishing Game

They turn to look at me.

"Please don't tell me you've been arguing since I left," I say.

Thea's gaze snaps to Cer and then to Ze, suggesting she's not pleased with either of them.

"I have not been arguing with anyone. I've just been making my opinion known," she says as she gives her brother a harsh look. "And the fact that I donotlike certain people."

The implication that she's referring to Ze is clear, but he doesn't bat an eye at it.

"I do not care about your opinion, Erithea," Ze comments with a shrug.

"No one asked you," she snaps at him. "Just because you're stronger than anyone doesn't mean you get to treat us like shit. I've put up with you for far too long, Ze."

"On the contrary," he notes, raising one finger up. His voice is serene but cold. Calculating. "I am not the one people have to put up with. Shall I remind you what your last stunt caused? You are here for a reason," he says, narrowing his eyes at her.

I blink in confusion.

"What is he talking about?" I ask her.

"It doesn't matter," she quickly answers, but she doesn't meet my eyes.

"You may think I am harsh with Erithea, but has she told you about her reputation back home?" Ze asks, casually taking a seat on the couch.

Thea's eyes widen, her lips compressed in a thin line.

"Ze..." she warns, her voice grave.

"It is not the moment for this, Ze," Cer finally intervenes.

"Why? Are you ashamed of your past, Erithea?" Ze raises a brow.

"You damn asshole," she grits her teeth.

"Cut it out, Ze. Leave her alone."

"And of course, Cerenios is always there to fight her battles for her." He rolls his eyes. "Are you not tired of cleaning up after your sister?"

"Ze, I said stop," Cer enunciates clearly, his entire countenance changing. "You are taking this too far."

"I have barely started." He smirks. "Although, Erithea, I wonder what your family would say if they knew your little secret. Do you think they would disown you at last?"

The temperature in the room suddenly drops. Thea's eyes darken, her nostrils flaring with aggression. She reaches for the cup I left on the table, and with a single touch, the material changes shape, becoming slim and elongated, the edge sharp like a spear. She doesn't waste a moment as she throws it at Ze.

He doesn't even blink as he tilts his head to the side, letting the spear embed itself in the couch.

"Don't you dare say anything, Ze, or I'll?—"

In a flash, Ze is gone from the couch, appearing in front of Thea. His hand is wrapped around her throat as he pushes her against the wall, his eyes swirling an explosive purple.

"You forget yourself, Erithea. I can end you with one snap of my wrist." His voice is cold, unyielding. All of a sudden, I see the same Ze from the night before—the cruel, violent one—and fear courses through me.

Thea struggles to breathe, but she doesn't back down, her eyes shining with anger.

"Stop!" I call out, rushing forward.

But before I can reach them, Cer is by Thea's side, putting himself between her and Ze. He presses his hand on Ze's chest, propelling him back until he hits the wall, leaving a big dent in it.

Thea's hand goes to her neck, massaging it as she inhales deeply.

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