Burned Once, Never Again (Niamh and Castiel)

Wracked with pain, Niamh slapped Castiel across the face. The confined space seemed to close in around them, amplifying the tension.

His hand moved from her jaw to grip at her neck. "You've been off all day. Explain yourself."

At that moment, Castiel finally realized Niamh was not to be trifled with.

She was usually composed and measured. If she had simply been angry, she wouldn't have chased him down like this after he ignored her earlier. Niamh looked at him and gripped his wrist. "The courthouse closes in 20 minutes. We need to get this done."

"Niamh!" Castiel's breathing became labored with anger.

She yanked his hand away and pushed him. However, Castiel was unyielding, and she glared at him in exasperation.

In the end, Castiel lost his patience and took her back home. The ride was tense and erratic, reflecting the driver's frayed nerves.

Once home, Niamh sat on the couch, and Castiel took a seat across from her. "Can we talk now?" "I have nothing to say."

What was there to talk about anyway? The entire city knew about his affair with Macy, and yet he had never offered her an explanation.

Castiel's gaze was sharp and unrelenting. Niamh looked away and refused to meet his eyes. Her indifference only made his gaze more menacing.

"Niamh, men from my family don't divorce. They're only widowed."

Niamh shivered slightly. She looked at Castiel and saw his eyes holding a complex mix of emotions-anger, and something darker. Was that the reason he had burned her alive in her past life?

"Fine. Either you kill me now or it's your death."

Castiel was speechless. He stood up and loomed over her. His presence was imposing and oppressive.

Niamh met his gaze unflinchingly. The tension was palpable, and Castiel, unable to tolerate her defiant stance any longer, turned on his heel and stormed off.

He feared he would lose control and strangle her right then.

Niamh watched his back. Even his mere silhouette had once given her a sense of security. But now, she called out, "Wait, you can't leave the house today." Castiel paused but didn't turn around. "Take some time to calm down. Don't call me until you figure out how to talk to me properly."

Recalling the reactions in the conference room, he couldn't help but wonder what was poiss

inside Niamh's head. He had never expected her to bring up divorce.

For the past six months, while rumors about his affair were swirling, she hadn't asked a single question. And now, divorce just slipped out of her mouth so easily. As he tried to leave again, Niamh spoke up.

"If you step out that door, I'll bring Billie to find that woman, Macy, was it?"