Page 4 of Obsession

As I walked away, my thoughts turned one last time to Riot Tredway. He’d become an obsession, a dark force that haunted my every waking moment. And now, it seemed, he would be my downfall.

I hurried home, my heart pounding in my chest, my senses on high alert. I glanced up at the rooftops and into the darkened alleyways, but no one was there. I closed the door behind me, triple-checking the locks before collapsing onto my bed.

“Lunacy,” I muttered, drawing my knees to my chin. “It’s gotta be.”

But even as the words left my lips, deep down, I knew it wasn’t lunacy at all. The Butcher of Raven’s Vale -- Riot Tredway -- had his sights set on me, and I didn’t know why.

The wooden door splintered. The cold grip of a strong hand pulled me from the safety of my apartment and dragged me downstairs to the street. My vision blurred, but I could still make out the anguished faces of Dr. Nora Fields and Sheriff Dalton as they watched, helpless.

“Let her go, Goddamnit!” Nora shouted, her voice cracking with emotion.

“Back off, Doc,” one of the thugs holding me snarled. “This ain’t your fight.”

“Like hell it isn’t!” she insisted, but Dalton held her back, his eyes filled with silent apology.

“Please, don’t do this,” I whispered, my heart pounding with terror.

“Shut up, bitch,” the thug said, tightening his grip on my arm until I winced in pain. He and the three others worked for the mayor’s office. Their sole job was making sure the sacrifices made it into Riot’s hands. At least three times a year, Crash and Kane also accepted sacrifices, but they didn’t slaughter as many people as Riot did.

“Leave her alone!” A new voice joined the fray, and I turned to see an older lady I’d spoken to a few times pushing through the crowd that had gathered. Her face was a mix of worry and determination, her fists clenched by her sides. What was her name? Right.

“Stay out of this, Mrs. Norris,” I begged, not wanting her to get hurt on my account.

“To hell with that,” she snapped, glaring at the man who gripped my arm. “You can’t just take her!”

“Watch us,” the thug sneered, shoving me toward another man waiting nearby.

As I stumbled, I caught a glimpse of Riot watching from the shadows. His piercing eyes were locked onto mine, and for a brief moment, something flickered behind them -- something other than bloodlust. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared, swallowed by darkness once more.

“Get her in the car,” the thug ordered, his voice cold as ice.

“Please,” I choked out, tears streaming down my face, “don’t do this.”

“Sorry, sweetheart,” he replied with a cruel grin. “But it’s you or the whole town.”

“Fuck you!” Mrs. Norris retorted. “That sweet girl never hurt anyone.”

“Stay out of it, hag,” he growled.

“Take care of yourself, Mrs. Norris,” I whispered as they threw me into the car.

I glanced back and saw Lyla in the crowd. Out of everyone there, why hadn’t she tried to stop them from taking me? Instead, she’d stood by, silently watching the entire thing. The car began to move, and the last thing I saw before we disappeared around a bend was Lyla’s face, and what I’d have sworn was a smile.

My heart pounded like a drum in my chest. I clenched my fists, trying to steady myself against the fear that threatened to engulf me.

“Look who we got here,” a thug sneered as they dragged me from the car and shoved me toward Riot. I wondered if they delivered the sacrifice to him in the same spot every time. “Your latest prize, Butcher.”

“Leave her with me.” Riot’s voice was low and dangerous. The thugs exchanged glances before scurrying away, leaving me alone with the man who haunted my nightmares.

“Please,” I whimpered, my knees trembling as I stared up at his imposing figure. “Don’t kill me.”

“Silence,” he snapped, his eyes burning into mine. I flinched, feeling a wave of terror wash over me. My mind raced, desperate for any way to save myself from this monster. “Riot, I know there’s more to you than what everyone sees. I’ve seen it in your eyes. You don’t have to do this.”

“You know nothing about me,” he said, grabbing my arm and pulling me close. “I am a fucking killer. That’s all you need to know.”

“Then why haven’t you killed me yet?” I shot back, defiance flaring up within me. “If you’re really the monster they say you are, why am I still breathing? I’ve seen you following me. You could have slit my throat at any time.”

“Maybe I’m just savoring the moment. Or maybe, just maybe, there’s something about you that intrigues me. But don’t mistake that for mercy, girl. One wrong move, and your blood will paint these walls.”

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