Eclipsed Bonds

Ethan was curled up in the oversized armchair by the library window, his legs tucked beneath him and a book open on his lap. The morning sun streamed through the tall glass panes, warming the room and casting long shadows across the shelves. For once, he felt at ease—until the knock at the door shattered the quiet.

Callum stepped inside, his silver eyes sharp as always. "Ethan," he said, his tone calm but with an edge of authority.

Ethan glanced up, blinking. "Yeah?"

"We'll have a guest arriving soon," Callum continued. "A duke. It's... business."

Ethan frowned, closing his book. "Okay? What does that have to do with me?"

Callum's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Nothing, except that it's better if you stay in your room while we meet with him. The fewer distractions, the better."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Distractions? I'm not a distraction."

"Not intentionally," Callum said, the corners of his mouth twitching. "But trust me, it's easier this way."

Ethan huffed, crossing his arms. "Fine. I'll stay out of the way."

"Good," Callum said with a nod. "It shouldn't take long."

The Arrival

From the small window in his room, Ethan caught a glimpse of the duke's arrival. A sleek black carriage rolled up the drive, its polished surface gleaming in the sunlight. The man who stepped out was tall and imposing, his tailored suit fitting perfectly over his broad shoulders. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and he carried himself with an air of practiced authority.

But it wasn't the duke who caught Ethan's attention—it was the four women who followed him.

They stepped out of the carriage one by one, each more breathtaking than the last. Their gowns, elegant and fitted, swayed as they moved, the rich fabrics shimmering with every step.

Ethan's chest tightened. Even from a distance, it was clear these women were used to commanding attention.

A Hidden View

Curiosity got the better of him. Despite Callum's instructions, Ethan slipped out of his room and made his way toward the grand hall, where the meeting was taking place. He crept along the edge of the corridor, careful to stay out of sight, and found a spot on the balcony overlooking the hall.

Below, the four men stood near the entrance, their usual commanding presence even more striking in the presence of the duke.

"Duke Castiel," Elias said, his tone formal but cool.

"Gentlemen," the duke replied with a polite bow. "It's been far too long."

Teagan smirked, his arms crossed loosely over his chest. "Not long enough."

The duke chuckled, unfazed. "Still as charming as ever, I see."

Ethan's eyes darted to the four women standing behind the duke, their gazes fixed on the four men. They moved with a deliberate grace, each one more poised than the last.

"Allow me to introduce my daughters," the duke said, gesturing to them. "Annabelle, Sophia, Clara, and Margot."

The women curtsied in unison, their movements practiced and elegant.

"We've met," Ronan said, his tone flat.

Annabelle, the eldest, stepped forward with a radiant smile. "And it's always a pleasure." Her voice was soft but confident, her eyes lingering on Elias.

Ethan's heart sank.

He didn't know why, but something about the way they looked at the four men—so confident, so sure of themselves—made his chest ache.

Sophia, the second daughter, turned her attention to Callum, her laughter light and melodic. "I see you haven't changed a bit. Still as serious as ever."

Callum raised a brow but didn't respond, his expression as unreadable as always.

Clara and Margot directed their charm toward Teagan and Ronan, their conversations peppered with laughter and coy glances.

From his hidden vantage point, Ethan felt a pang of something sharp and unfamiliar. He tried to ignore it, but it only grew as the moments stretched on.

Unspoken Feelings

Ethan watched as the women moved closer, their beauty and elegance an almost painful contrast to his own disheveled, awkward self.

They're perfect for them, he thought bitterly.

It made sense, didn't it? The four men were powerful, commanding, and beautiful in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. Of course, they would have women like this vying for their attention.

And yet, the thought made his stomach twist.

Ethan shook his head, retreating from the balcony. What's wrong with me? he wondered, his chest tightening with every step. He barely knew these men. They weren't his friends, not really. They were just... the people who had taken him in, for whatever reason.

But even as he tried to push the feelings aside, they lingered. The way Teagan's laugh could light up a room. The quiet strength in Callum's presence. The sharp wit of Ronan, and the steady calm of Elias.

Ethan clenched his fists, swallowing hard.

It didn't matter. They weren't his to think about.

The Duke's Proposal

Back in the hall, Duke Castiel smiled politely as the conversation shifted.

"I understand you've been... hesitant to entertain offers," he said, his gaze sweeping over the four men. "But surely, it's time you considered your futures."

Elias's emerald eyes narrowed slightly. "Our futures are none of your concern."

The duke chuckled softly. "Perhaps not. But surely you see the potential benefits of an alliance? My daughters would make excellent companions—strong, intelligent, and loyal."

Teagan snorted. "And I'm sure their personalities have nothing to do with it."

The duke's smile didn't falter. "I'm merely suggesting a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Callum's voice was calm but firm. "We're not interested."

Annabelle stepped forward, her smile unfazed. "Perhaps you just need more time to get to know us."

Elias's gaze flicked to her, his expression unreadable. "That won't be necessary."

Despite the cold reception, the duke and his daughters lingered, their charm and persistence refusing to waver.

Ethan's Retreat

By the time the meeting ended, Ethan was back in his room, curled up on the bed with his knees drawn to his chest. He couldn't shake the image of the women—so confident, so perfect.

They'll have wives someday, he thought, his heart sinking further. Beautiful, perfect wives. And then what?

He clenched his fists, forcing himself to take a deep breath.

It doesn't matter. It's not like I belong here anyway.

But no matter how hard he tried, the ache in his chest wouldn't go away.