The Library

Lilith

I step out of the bathroom, my body still trembling from Sebastian’s touch, from the way he whispers my name like a promise. My skin feels electric, every nerve buzzing from the intensity of what just happened. As I walk back toward the party, I force myself to breathe, to focus, though my thoughts are scattered, my heart still pounding wildly in my chest.

What the hell just happened?

I run my fingers through my hair, trying to shake off the moment I just had with Sebastian. His voice, his touch—it’s all I can think about. I’ve never felt anything like it. There’s a pull, something between us that’s undeniable, and the way my body responds to him… it’s terrifying and thrilling at the same time.

But he walks away.

He could’ve taken things further—I would’ve let him. The thought sends a jolt of heat straight to my core. God, I wanted him to take control, to let this attraction between us spiral into something uncontrollable. But he doesn’t. He leaves me trembling, wanting, but not giving me more. The restraint he shows, the power he holds back—it’s maddening.

I step back into the chaos of the party, the music still pounding in the background, my eyes scanning the crowd for Anna. My mind is racing, my body still burning with the memory of Sebastian’s touch. I don’t need to look to know he’s still here, watching me. I can feel the weight of his gaze lingering in the air, heavy and intoxicating. It sends a fresh wave of shivers down my spine. But I need to find Anna. I need something—anything—to ground me right now.

I spot her in the corner, still deep in conversation with Ty. She’s laughing, her head thrown back like she’s having the time of her life, completely oblivious to the storm raging inside me. I make my way over to them, weaving through the crowd, my legs feeling unsteady, a mixture of adrenaline and confusion coursing through me.

“There you are!” Anna grins when she sees me, her eyes bright with excitement. “You okay? You disappeared for a while.”

I force a smile, though it feels shaky. “Yeah, I just needed a minute.”

Ty gives me a quick nod, barely looking my way as his focus stays locked on Anna. It’s clear they’re hitting it off, and even though I’m standing right here, I feel invisible. Like I’m not really part of the conversation.

Before I can say anything else, Derek appears out of nowhere, holding another drink. He flashes me that familiar smile as he hands it over. “Thought you might need this,” he says.

“Thanks,” I mumble, taking the drink from him. Derek’s always been sweet, a good guy. I’ve known him for years, and he’s never given me a reason to think otherwise. But tonight, something about him feels off. Still, I take a sip, hoping it will help calm the restlessness inside me.

The alcohol is cold as it slides down my throat, but almost immediately, something feels… wrong. It’s like a fog begins to settle over me, the lights in the room blurring slightly. My head feels heavy, my body unsteady. Maybe this one extra sip of alcohol was just enough to push me into that drunk state after my rush in the bathroom.

“I think I need to sit down,” I say, my voice barely a whisper as the dizziness takes over.

Anna glances at me, concern flashing in her eyes. “You okay? You look a little pale.”

I nod weakly, though the movement feels too much. “Yeah, just… too much to drink, I guess.”

Derek is by my side instantly, his hand on my arm, steadying me. “I can take you home if you’re not feeling well,” he offers, his voice soft, almost too eager.

I glance at Anna, who’s still wrapped up in her conversation with Ty. She looks like she’s having fun, and I don’t want to ruin her night. Derek’s always been reliable, always there when I needed him. I’ve trusted him for years.

“Yeah… that might be a good idea,” I murmur, feeling too disoriented to argue.

“Text me when you get home, okay?” Anna says, her attention already drifting back to Ty.

“I will,” I promise, though the words feel far away, muffled by the fog settling over my mind.

Derek wraps his arm around my waist, guiding me toward the door. Everything feels strange—my body, my thoughts, like I’m moving through quicksand. My legs feel heavy, and I lean into Derek for support, my head swimming as the room spins around me.

Something doesn’t feel right.

As we step outside into the cool night air, I try to blink away the haze clouding my vision, but it doesn’t help. The world around me tilts, and I cling to Derek, my legs barely able to support me.

“You’re okay,” he murmurs, his voice too close, too intimate. “Let’s get you home.”

I glance around the parking lot, my heart racing with a strange sense of dread. And then I see him.

Sebastian.

He’s standing in the shadows, his eyes locked on me, dark and dangerous. For the first time tonight, I feel a ripple of fear. His gaze burns into me, watching as Derek helps me toward his car. The heat between us is gone, replaced by something cold, something that makes my pulse race for all the wrong reasons.

I try to shake it off, but the last thing I see before Derek lowers me into the car is Sebastian’s gaze, unblinking, as if he knows something I don’t. Something I should be afraid of.