Chapter 53. The Vision

MAGNUS

"Magnus, you need to stay away from Astrid for now. Let her have some time to calm down." Atlas's voice was low, a tone of command.

I stared at him, anger boiling through my veins. "Are you ordering me around, Atlas?" I shot back; my voice tight with barely restrained fury. "You think I don't know that she needs space? But I can't just—"

"Yes, I am ordering you, Magnus," Atlas interrupted, his eyes hard as steel. "You have to stop thinking about your needs for once. She's hurting because of you."

His words hit me like a blow, igniting the fire in my chest. "And you think this is all my fault? Don't act like you're innocent in this!" I stepped closer to him, our faces inches apart. "She got hurt because you failed to protect her, not just me. I'm sure you were the one who pushed her!"

Atlas's jaw clenched, his fists balling at his sides. "You were the one who pushed her. I told you to back off, but I don't remember you listening!