𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒎.

page 94: the villain ; miles wildingham .

they told me all of my cages were mental, so i got wasted like all my potential. and my words shoot to kill when i’m mad, i have a lot of regrets about that.

“I know the feeling.” She spoke with an exhale; grateful for the cup he puts in her hand and the warmth it provides. There’d been nothing but chills running up and down her body ever since they left the library. Even as she came home and laid her head to rest on her pillow, she kept her door wide open like her eyes. The uncertainty of the next move leaving her on edge. If they, whoever they were, could locate the society’s library it should be just as easy to locate them wouldn’t it? “Terrified.” Her response was quick, and she tried to downplay her honesty with a laugh but it just came out in a shaky breath. The cup was cradled in her hands as she looked into as if waiting for answers. “I just keep thinking about what could happen to you guys. To us. I mean you’re right here, and I still feel defenseless. Like there’s nothing I could do to help you or Sylvia or Lye, Lucy, Luca…— anyone. Who could be doing this to us? It’s like everything I thought I knew was just blown up in my face.”

-

he looks at miles, confusion clear on his face. perhaps this attack on the society has everyone feeling different, not like themselves, because what other explanation would there be for the two of them being civil to each other? still, if miles is not being an asshole, there’s no reason for farrow to be. “i haven’t seen anyone all morning so you weren’t that far off. i’d say everyone’s just scared.” truthfully, he would be too if he wasn’t so damn curious. “but i thought if we were going to find any hints about what happened it might be best to start right away.”

-

𝚆𝙷𝙾: @wildingham​. 𝚆𝙷𝙴𝙽: the night after the event. 𝚆𝙷𝙴𝚁𝙴: right outside his apartment.

NOTHING HAD SHAKEN her more than the night at the library, and without anyone to turn to, Phoebe had been alone. 

The books strewn all over, the glass all over, refracting light, the missing tapestries, but above all, the note. It’d felt like she was on a train without its breaks, careening out of control on its tracks, with no way to stop it. Even her night with Miles hadn’t gone as planned, and the entirety of her day was spent in her room, wondering how she could fix things. How she could take back control. 

It’s how she ends up by Wilde Apartment in the freezing cold, waiting for somebody to come in — or out of the apartment. Given their little fight, she didn’t want to let herself in as she had before. So she waits, sitting by the steps, bundled up in a thick winter coat, with only her nose and eyes peeking out from under her scarf. 

-

miles had spent most of his day at the library. helping out with the cleaning, trying to get it back to its usual magnificence. and although the place now looked like nothing happened, there was still a dark cloud looming over the society and all its members. how could they move on from this? for miles, it was like eternally waiting for the blow but never quite knowing when and how it’d hit. 

begrudgingly, he makes his way back to the wilde apartment with his hands deep in his coat’s pockets. the wind is howling, hitting his skin, and he can’t wait to walk in the warmth of the home he shares with nevaeh. he’s almost there, walking a little bit faster with each step when a figure outside the building makes him stop on his tracks. he recognizes phoebe almost instantly. 

miles takes a deep breath as he makes his way over. he is happy to see her. but he is not in the mood to continue their fight from last night. there’s enough in his plate as it is, he doesn’t need phoebe breaking up with him as well. because.. that’s what she is here for, right ?

Sleep didn’t seem to be an option after the discovery of the library. Her mind had been much too focused on what was to become of them, and if it were at all possible to stop. She’s grateful when she heard Miles in the kitchen and was quick to join him. It would be nice to step out of her own head for awhile. “Tea?” She questioned, though she knew by the kettle that she had answered her own question. “With almond milk please. Have you eaten? I can cook us up something really quick.” She asked feeling the need to respond to his offer with one of her own. “Did you get any sleep last night?”

-

honestly, lena’s only half-listening, trying her hardest to devour everything on the table with her eyes. she turns to miles with a grin. “i’m always hungry.” she’s teasing, but it’s the truth; gluttony suits her. “but you don’t need to make anything. nevaeh’s been meal-prepping for me, did you hear? she’s close to stealing your spot as my favorite.” as she speaks, she cuts out a piece of the cheesecake and tries it, a happy noise escaping her. it’s delicious, of course. for a moment, she feels something like peace, one that she’s only ever felt around him, practically the only family she has if you ask her. “so. everything alright? after, you know…” she waves a hand. she’s refused to think about the aftermath of the party so far, but if there’s anyone she’s willing to talk with, it’s him.

-

upon seeing miles’ face he almost wishes he hadn’t called out a warning, just to be petty. but then again, while he does dislike the other man very much, he’s not that much of an asshole as to let him hurt himself if he can prevent it. the question makes farrow roll his eyes because it’s evident miles hadn’t expected farrow to help at all. “why are you thanking me?” he questions, eyebrows furrowing. “isn’t it our job as society members to keep this place in tip-top shape at all times or whatever?” 

-

      Johannes didn’t think he’d be going back to the library for a while. It was meant to be a safe place, but now all he can feel is fear and confusion. He sighs in resignation—he can’t do anything but wait—and walks along the shelves, looking through the books, almost expecting certain death to jump on him. When he sees Miles, however, his worries are cast aside for the moment. “I could say the same about you,“ he says, smiling. "It was fun. I, uh, had a good time looking for the sword with you and Sylvia, I just wish the night had had a different end.” Preferably an end with less bloody threats and more prizes. “So, you have the guts to come over here, huh?”

-

where: the society library

when: the morning after the party

who: open to anyone ( @harcourtstart​ )

it takes all morning to pick up the broken pieces of glass strewn all over the room and still as he walks around to check he manages to find them hidden in every crevice and corner. broom in hand, he makes sure to at least pile the glass where others won’t be able to accidentally step on it. after he’s content with the job he’s done he settles down in one of the library’s couches to rest. “watch out,” he says just in case the newcomer he can hear coming down the stairs hadn’t seen the pile of broken shards on the floor. “there’s broken glass in that corner.”

-

PART OF BEING with Miles was knowing exactly when things were wrong, and Phoebe picks up on his annoyance immediately. And for the first time in her life, she is at a loss for words. “I - I didn’t mean it like that, darling —” But even the sweet nothings feel disingenuous, and she swallows. “It’s just - well, I thought this was kind of a now thing.” Half the truth, if only because she’s afraid of letting her heart be torn apart. 

“Um,” Lucy began, not expecting a reply or a request for further information. Her hands danced around her neck as Lucy looked nearly anywhere else but directly at Miles. “This particular ship is just… It’s too big. There’s more masts and sails than a pirate vessel would have during this time, so this one is probably more what the pirates would have attacked? It would probably have belonged to a shipping company with a good amount of money, given the carvings and everything… So yes, it would be associated with pirates, but not in the fun way.” She coughed, once. “That was probably more than you needed to know. Sorry.”

Looking at him as he took the drink, Lucy exhaled through her nose, almost loud enough for it to qualify as a snort. “You look miserable drinking that.” Her humor died as quickly as it had emerged, however, with Miles’ question. “Is it that obvious,” she moaned in frustration. “I don’t like parties. I don’t like this many people. But I’m here and I have to do something about it, but that doesn’t mean I’m happy to be here. Any tips?”

-

miles listened intently, nodding his head along the way. he welcomed the information with wide eyes and genuine interest. “there’s nothing to be sorry about,” he tells her. “i was the one who asked, after all.” he smiled, then continued. “i think it’s very interesting to think that this ship was once attacked by pirates, pretty cool if you ask me.” he looked around once more in wonder and a hint of nostalgia, knowing that they probably won’t see the ship after tonight. 

His reaction solicited a soft laugh at of her. as she listened to him list of risks Nevaeh could be taking by being barefoot she reached for a glass of champagne. “Actually, dad, there’s a lot of studies that have found loads of benefit from being barefoot.” After a small sip to soothe her parched throat she went on. “They call it grounding, and it can improve your immune system, your sleep schedule, help with balance. The most impressive to me though, is that it can help regulate the nervous system. Of course it wouldn’t do me any favors if I stepped on a nail but still cool to think about.” She concluded with another swig from her glass. “ Oh — and you so would take care of me. I’m pretty sure that is one of the bylaws of being roomies.” Nevaeh taunted, all in good fun. “I would have had to drag you out to the dancefloor immediately. Which… probably wouldn’t end well for me. You got some height on me so thanks for saving me the embarrassment and exploring the ship.” She laughed.

-

“yeah, those studies probably referred to walking barefoot on grass or at home, not at a damn college party,” he continued with his reprimand. and then, as if he couldn’t get more annoying, he added: “i’m not letting you get all that bacteria inside our house, i’ll carry you from the door to the bathroom and that’s all i can offer.” another sip of his beer to conclude the topic. miles made a grimace at the sour taste but still took another sip, the last one, just to finish it off. 

𝚆𝙷𝙾: @wildingham​. 𝚆𝙷𝙴𝙽: at the night before the gallows. 𝚆𝙷𝙴𝚁𝙴: walking onto the ship.

SEEING THE SAILS fly high, Phoebe almost wants to laugh — she’d never thought that she’d be dressed in full pirate garb, but here she was, arm-in-arm with Miles. Maybe she’s a bit drunk from the wine she’d had for dinner, but there’s something looser about her today, and she sighs. “Looks nice, but I do feel a bit ridiculous in all of this.” She sighs, gesturing towards her costume while continuing to walk forwards. “Honestly, I do hope that whomever I end up marrying doesn’t make me go to too many parties on boats. I get so seasick.” 

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