It started as an annoyance. A harmless irritation, really. But as the days passed, that irritation festered into something hotter—something ugly that curled in your stomach every time you heard her laugh a little too sweetly at something Sebastian said.

Imelda had always been friendly with him, but lately? She was downright clingy. Leaning into his space, hands brushing against his, smiling at him like he was the only person in the room. And the worst part? Sebastian didn’t seem to mind.

"You’re awfully tense," Ominis mused beside you, his tone dry. "Should I be concerned?"

"I’m fine," you muttered, jaw tight as Imelda reached out to adjust the collar of Sebastian’s uniform.

"Mhm. And I suppose the daggers you're mentally throwing in her direction are just out of habit?"

You refused to give Ominis the satisfaction of a reaction, but your silence spoke volumes. And Sebastian must have caught on—because when his gaze flicked to you, a slow, knowing smirk stretched across his lips.

Then Imelda leaned in closer, voice low as she whispered something into his ear, her hand pressing against his chest like she had every right to touch him. Sebastian didn’t pull away. If anything, he seemed amused, tilting his head slightly toward her as if encouraging whatever nonsense she was saying.

Oh, that was it.

A sharp, hot frustration burned in your chest. Maybe you were being ridiculous, maybe you had no right to feel this way, but logic didn't matter when jealousy took root like this.

And Sebastian? He knew exactly what he was doing.