Rosie noticed it before nightfall.
Durin’s mood.
He was quieter than usual. Not angry. Not sharp. Almost… attentive. He asked what she’d cooked. Commented on the light in the room. Sat closer than he had all day.
She recognised the signs.
They always came on days when his phone stayed silent.
She told herself not to think about that.
---
At dinner, he watched her more than the food.
“You’re quiet,” he said.
“I’m tired,” she replied, quickly smiling. “The move.”
“Hmm.”
He reached for her hand briefly, then let go like the gesture had completed a task.
Rosie smiled again. A little wider this time. The smile she used when she wanted peace.
The house stayed still.
But somewhere inside it, something was watching carefully.
---
Night came.
Durin turned off the light and lay down beside her. He didn’t ask. He never did. His arm slid around her waist, pulling her closer—not roughly, not kindly. Automatically.
Rosie’s body stiffened before her mind reacted.
She didn’t resist.
She didn’t lean in either.
She stared at the wall, breath shallow, waiting for it to be over—whatever it meant tonight.
Behind the wall of darkness, something unseen stood very still.
Arav watched.
Not with anger.
With recognition.
---
Durin’s touch was absent-minded. Impersonal. His attention drifted even as his body moved closer, seeking comfort rather than connection. Rosie felt it clearly—the way he always reached for her only when something else had failed him.
A substitute.
A habit.
A reassurance of ownership.
Her eyes burned, but no tears fell.
She went somewhere quiet inside herself. Somewhere practiced.
---
Arav learned three things that night.
First:
Durin touched her only when he needed something.
Second:
Rosie did not move toward him—not even unconsciously.
Third:
She endured in silence, the way people do when resistance has already been punished out of them.
Arav’s hands clenched at his sides.
He wanted to pull Durin away.
Wanted to place himself between them.
Wanted to give Rosie space—air—choice.
He did nothing.
Not yet.
Restraint had kept him human once.
It would have to do so again.
---
When it ended, Durin turned away almost immediately, already retreating into sleep.
Rosie lay still for a long moment.
Then she shifted carefully, reclaiming a few inches of space.
Her breathing evened out slowly.
Behind her, the air changed—so subtly she might have imagined it.
Cooler.
Protective.
Not touching her.
Never touching her.
Just present.
---
The next morning, Rosie woke up early.
She moved quietly, making tea, humming softly to herself. When Durin came in, she smiled brightly, like nothing had happened. Like she was fine. Like she always was.
He accepted the smile without question.
The house remembered everything.
And Arav did too.
---
End of Episode 3
See ya Cutiees🫠🫰🏻
see the other episode also give feedback
And what next you wish for.
Well say dyou believeve in ghosts.
well I do I am one 😂
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 9 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments