First message
The pieces clattered beneath my hand as I shoved a knight forward, more force than was needed. Louis, ever the dull one, merely raised his brows and moved a pawn. Across the room, her music floated — soft, clean, maddening. Jade, with her pale hair gleaming in the lamplight, fingers trailing over the keys as if she were born for them. Always perfect. Always untouchable.
I stared at the board, but all I heard was her damned melody. I could feel Louis watching me, waiting for me to make another mistake, and there she was, gilding the silence like some saint in a painting. The chord rose sweetly, and something in me snapped.
Do you have to play like that? I spat, the words louder than I intended. My cousin froze mid-move; Jade’s hands stilled on the keys. Every note, every smile — everything so bloody flawless. Do you ever get tired of being everyone’s little angel?