Ray strode down the hall, furious.
— I warn you, if you plan to hurt him again, I—
"Ray…" Isabella began.
- No ! he cut in, pointing at Klaus. This guy is just a manipulator, a liar! He's already destroyed enough lives! You should stay away from him, Isabella!
While he vented his anger, Klaus and Isabella sat motionless on the steps.
Chin in hand, elbow resting on knee, they looked at him without the slightest reaction.
Ray paused for a moment, noticing their calm—almost blasé—appearances.
- What ?! Are you kidding me?!
Klaus raised an eyebrow.
—Are you finished?
Ray remained silent, his lips parted.
"Very well," Klaus said, getting up.
He turned to Isabella, shook her hand.
—I'm glad we were able to make peace.
Isabella returned a slight smile.
Then, without another word, Klaus quietly walked away, hands in his pockets, leaving Ray alone, stunned.
The silence lingered for a few seconds.
"Isabella, I—" Ray began.
But she stood up abruptly, her face closed, and turned on her heel.
Ray caught up to her, grabbing her arm.
—Wait, I just wanted to save you—
— Save me?! she repeated, a bitter laugh on her lips.
She pulled away with a sudden movement.
"I know how to defend myself, Ray. And above all, I don't need you for that.
Ray stood frozen, hurt.
—Why are you so aggressive with me?
"Because I can't take it anymore," she burst out. You were the one who said our kiss the other day was a mistake. So I do what you said: I turn the page. Now, if it annoys you to see me talking to someone else, that's your problem, not mine!
Ray wanted to respond, but no words came out.
Isabella looked him straight in the eyes.
"Listen to me carefully, Ray. I'm tired of you playing with my feelings. And with Miria's too. One minute it's her, the next it's me. Do you take us for your dolls?
She clenched her fists.
— I won't repeat it: stay away from me.
She walked away, leaving Ray alone in the hallway, frozen, breathless.
And, a little further away, hidden behind a pillar, a girl was watching them.
His gaze was piercing, his smile enigmatic.
Without a word, she turned on her heel and disappeared into the shadows of the corridor.