NABC Chapter 21: No More Secrets
Chapter 21: No More Secrets
Chapter 21: No More SecretsThe words hung between us, thick and heavy like fog refusing to lift.
"I have something important to tell you," I repeated softly, my heart racing faster than it had during any life-threatening moment on-site.
Sienna didn't move from her spot, her head still resting against my shoulder. I felt her hum again, that soft vibration against me, but this time it wasn't comforting. It was terrifying.
Because once I said what I needed to say, there was no going back.
I took a slow breath, my chest tightening. She deserved to know everything. I couldn't let this—us—be built on half-truths and omissions. I didn't want to be in a relationship where the person beside me was left in the dark, especially not Sienna. She deserved more than that.
"Before I say anything," I started, shifting slightly so I could see her face, "I want you to think about this—really think about it—after I'm done. Whether or not you want to continue... whatever this is between us. You deserve that choice."
Her brows furrowed, the small smile on her lips fading into something cautious. "You're scaring me a little, Reynard."
I gave a short, humorless laugh. "Yeah, well... I'm scaring myself."
Another breath. In. Out. No more stalling.
"I was going to kill myself."
The words dropped like stones, raw and unpolished, but I needed to say them that way. I needed the truth to be unfiltered.
Sienna didn't flinch, didn't pull away. Her eyes locked on mine, wide and
She nodded, her expression clearing like a storm breaking. "I'm staying. And I want to help you."
Relief hit me so hard I almost laughed, but then she held up a finger.
"But—" she added, her tone firm, "there are conditions."
I swallowed. "Okay."
"One," she said, showing her finger as if counting, "I don't want you to do anything that risks your life. So, no reckless stunts and no 'I'll handle this alone' nonsense. Got it?"
I nodded, feeling like my chest was tightening with something I couldn't name.
"Two," she continued, "Please don't abuse your power. Especially that 'Destroy' thing. You only use it on bad people. The worst people. No exceptions."
Another nod.
"And three," she finished, leaning in slightly, "you don't hide anything from me. Especially in emergencies. If you're in trouble, I want to know. No more secrets."
I felt like I could finally breathe again.
"Deal," I said quietly.
She relaxed for a moment, a smile forming on her mouth. Before she suddenly leaped off the couch, standing proudly with her hands on her hips as though she had just climbed over a Mt. Everest.
"I already know how to help you!" she shouted with a wide and victorious smile.
I looked up at her, shocked at the sudden movement, my heart was still racing from everything that I had just said.
A warm smile appeared on my face...
I sensed that perhaps I was no longer by myself.