Chapter Seven – The Breaking Point Yn hadn’t slept. Malachi’s confession replayed in her head like a broken record, each word cutting deeper. She told herself she could keep her distance — but the truth was, she didn’t want to. By lunch the next day, Freya had cornered her. “You’ve been weird all morning,” Freya said, narrowing her eyes. “Is this about Barton?” Yn froze. “It’s… complicated.” “Complicated?” Freya scoffed. “Yn, he’s dangerous. Mekonnen told me something — and I think you need to hear it.” Before Yn could respond, Mekonnen himself appeared, leaning against the lockers with that smug half-smile. “Talking about me?” Freya glared. “Tell her what you told me.” Mekonnen’s smile faded. “Malachi’s not telling you everything. His sister? Yeah, she died — but it wasn’t just some random attack. He went after the guy who hurt her. Bad. And that guy… he didn’t make it either.” Yn’s stomach dropped. “You’re saying—” “I’m saying,” Mekonnen interrupted, “that Malachi’s not just some tragic hero. He’s got blood on his hands. And if you’re smart, you’ll walk away before you’re next.” Freya grabbed Yn’s arm. “Please, Yn. He’s not worth it.” But Yn couldn’t shake the memory of Malachi’s eyes — the grief, the guilt. She had to hear it from him. That night, she went to his house again. He opened the door, relief flashing across his face — until he saw her expression. “Mekonnen told me,” she said quietly. His jaw clenched. “Told you what?” “That you killed him. The guy who hurt your sister.” Malachi’s eyes darkened, but there was no denial. “I didn’t mean to. I just… I couldn’t stop. He laughed when I said her name. And then—” His voice broke. “I lost control.” Yn’s chest ached. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because you’d look at me like you are right now,” he said, his voice raw. “Like I’m a monster.” “I don’t think you’re a monster,” she whispered. “But I can’t… I can’t be part of this. It’s too much.” The words shattered something between them. Malachi stepped back, his face closing off. “Then go.” She did. Freya was waiting outside in her car, but Yn didn’t speak the whole ride home. She stared out the window, tears blurring the streetlights, knowing she’d just walked away from someone who needed her — and hating herself for it. Inside Malachi’s house, Mekonnen stepped out of the shadows. “Told you she’d leave.” Malachi didn’t answer. He just stared at the door, his hands trembling, as if holding back the urge to break something — or himself.
