Aries' POV
The resemblance between the two sisters was uncanny. But where Rina's beauty was loud, polished, and paraded for the world to see, Rhea's was hidden beneath layers of… whatever mask she wore. A disguise.
Yet when his gaze locked with hers, Aries found himself trapped. Her eyes—golden, burning like two small suns—clashed with his own icy cold ones. They were… mesmerizing. Too rare to ignore. Too familiar to dismiss.
Why did they look familiar? Golden eyes were nearly impossible to find. Still, he couldn't shake the gnawing feeling he had seen those very eyes before. And once seen, they were unforgettable.
"Wow, you're gorgeous," Paul blurted, grinning. "Why do you hide yourself?"
"You look just like Rina," James added, tilting his head. "Mind-blowing. But with prettier eyes." His fingers brushed her face.
The sharp slap echoed as Rhea smacked his hand away.
"Ouu, feisty," James hissed, rubbing his hand. "I thought Rina was the wild one."
"Let go of me," Rhea snapped, her voice trembling with restrained fury. "I'm in a rush. I don't have time for jokes."
"Relax, we just wanna talk," Paul said, raising his hands as if in peace.
"I'll make it clear then." James leaned closer, grinning. "I want to be your friend."
"Not interested." Her voice was flat, sharp enough to slice.
James clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch."
"But Damian gets to be your friend?" Aries finally spoke, his voice low, carrying more weight than intended. His hand tightened on her arm without thought.
Her head snapped toward him, brows furrowing. "Why do you care who I'm friends with? You already have Rina in your circle. We're identical, remember? In fact—she fits in better."
"But she doesn't have your brains." Paul smiled earnestly. "It'd be nice to have someone smart in the group. Being the only one with a brain is torture."
Aries studied her face. He should've looked away. Should've said nothing. But instead, the truth escaped before he could stop it.
"Or your eyes."
The world seemed to still. Her golden gaze clashed with his once again, and for a moment, he swore time itself had bent, trapping them in that single, unbearable second.
Rhea ripped her arm free. "I—I should go." She turned quickly, walking away before the silence could crush her.
"Well, she's hot," Paul muttered.
"Damn right," James whistled, shamelessly staring after her. "Y'think Rina will mind if I make a move on her sis?"
"She made it clear she's not interested," Paul sighed.
"Doesn't mean I won't try." James smirked.
Aries ran a hand through his hair, concealing his thoughts as he strode ahead of them.
"I don't think the twins are even close," Paul said after a moment. "We all see how Rina treats her. Feels like there's bad blood."
"Good twin, evil twin vibes," James chuckled. "But turns out the 'good' twin's hotter. Who knew?"
"I can't believe she rejected me," James groaned. "No one rejects me. That girl's insane."
Before Paul could respond, Rina's voice cut through the air.
"Aries!"
James instantly perked up. "Rina, you're a sight for sore eyes." He lunged in for a hug, but Rina extended an arm, halting him with a shove of her palm. Her eyes swept past him, fixing on Aries.
"That's cold," James grumbled. "Just like your sis. You're really twins."
"You talked to Rhea?" Rina asked sharply, ignoring him.
"At the field," Paul admitted. "She was in a hurry."
James couldn't hold back. "Your sis is hot. Why's she wasting it being such a dork?"
"Don't tell me you're all about Rhea now because of that slutty stunt she pulled at the Union!" Rina snapped, her voice cracking with frustration.
"Oh, we're definitely about your sis now," James smirked. "But not because of that. If she hadn't done it, we'd never know what she's hiding. She's like a hottie in disguise—and mystery girls?" He whistled. "That's my weakness."
Paul nodded. "He's right. There's this thrill in unlocking the trust of someone guarded. She's… intriguing."
"Besides, she's the only girl bold enough to piss off Stacy like that," James added. "That makes her badass."
Rina's lips twitched. For a moment, jealousy burned brighter than her smile. "And you, Aries?" she asked suddenly. "Are you… intrigued by my twin?"
There was silence for a while as if an angel had passed by. He didn't blink. Didn't move.
Then, cold as stone, he said, "No."
Relief flickered across her face. "Good." She slipped closer, clinging to his side.
But Aries' gaze had already shifted, far away from her.
"How are you coping, obsessing over Stacy, when she's obsessed with Damian? Who's obsessed with my sister?" she whispered, her voice like honey laced with poison.
"Fine."
"Are you sure? Don't you ever feel… lonely? If you ever need someone—"
"I'm fine, Rina." His words cut sharp. "I just need space." He pushed past her, leaving her stunned, her fingers curling into fists.
As his figure disappeared, her lips twisted into a grin. "Whatever happens, Aries Mantle… you'll be mine."
.
.
MEANWHILE
Rhea stood before an old familiar house, her chest tight. She raised her hand and knocked.
The door opened, revealing a woman in her mid-fifties, warm brown skin glowing in the sunlight. Her kind eyes softened instantly.
"Rhea St. Clair. You've grown into a beautiful young woman," Mrs. Sherman said, pulling her into a hug.
"Hi, Mrs. Sherman," Rhea whispered against her shoulder, relief washing over her.
"Come in, dear."
Inside, everything was exactly as she remembered. The vase by the hallway, the curtains, the faint smell of cinnamon.
"It's all the same," Rhea said, almost wistful. "Even the vase hasn't moved."
"Jacob hates change," Mrs. Sherman chuckled, setting two steaming mugs of coffee on the table.
"How is Mr. Sherman?" Rhea asked, wrapping her hands around the warmth of the cup.
"Oh, the same. Busy as always. He'll never retire."
Rhea smiled faintly, but it faltered under Mrs. Sherman's gaze.
"Now," the older woman said gently, "you didn't come here to talk about Jacob. Tell me what's weighing on you."
Rhea hesitated. Her voice came out a whisper. "It's back. The thoughts… the rage."
Mrs. Sherman's face tightened. "Your darkness."
Rhea swallowed hard, fear flickering in her golden eyes. "It's resurfacing. What do I do?"
Mrs. Sherman leaned closer, her voice low. "I've kept this from you, but I knew the day would come. Rhea… it's in your blood. You carry the warrior gene also the serial killer gene, the MAO-A. You can't erase it. You can only learn to control it."
Rhea's breath caught. "Does that mean—am I destined to become—"
"No." Mrs. Sherman gripped her hands firmly. "No, my dear. Having the gene doesn't guarantee you'll become a killer. But it does mean the potential is inside you. And that can be terrifying. But I know you, Rhea. You're stronger than your darkness."
Relief trembled through her. She laughed weakly, fingers raking through her hair. "You always know what to say."
But deep down, she wasn't sure she believed it.
She rose and hugged Mrs. Sherman tightly. "Thank you."
"Remember, nothing is wrong with you," Mrs. Sherman whispered. "Do the breathing techniques. Don't let the darkness decide for you."
Rhea nodded, forcing a smile before stepping back into the world.
But the shadows inside her didn't feel so easily tamed.