Page 72 of Echoes

"It's okay," I tell him gently, knowing that my shit poker face gives me away every time.

I'm relieved that things are good for once, but similar to Grey, you can't just get over your trauma instantly. It's like telling people that you are depressed and they ask 'have you tried being happy?'.

Have you tried not loving two people?

Loving them both feels like breathing to me. I need it to live, to function. And in return, I'm breathing in them. They are the life force for me right now, the strength to face Whittingham's torture. Let him do his worst—because look who I have behind me.

"Alright, little killer," Grey smiles, dropping the subject.

"We're all good, right?" I ask knowingly.

He nods, eyes flickering to Theo once again. Theo must also nod back to him because Grey's jaw twitches slightly, but the smile never leaves his face.

I turn to Damon, his bored expression staring off at the corner like he's being forced to watch a real life rom-com.

"Are we all okay?" I ask again, this time at Damon.

He looks over at me, slight surprise on his face. "What does this have to do with me, Avery? I couldn't care less what happens between the three of you."

"I know," I reply softly. "But this is your kingdom, Damon. It affects you, right? I know that having Theo join tonight wasn't part of the original plan, and despite you probably agreeing for the sake of Grey, I just wanted you to know I appreciate it."

Damon's eyes narrow over me, but this time, it's not in annoyance. "It wasn't Grey's idea."

"True," Grey interjects. "Deadman is the mastermind behind the plan."

"Really?" I ask baffled. "Well… thanks, I guess."

"Whatever."

I hover awkwardly for a few seconds before turning away to look at Theo and Grey. "So, what now then?"

Grey nods his head toward the food table. "Grab some food. I also brought some snacks that you can take back to your room to hide."

"That's so sweet of you," I murmur. "But hopefully I won't be missing any more meals."

"They are still a lot better than the bland shit we get served," he grumbles. "Theo can take some too."

It's nice hearing him use Theo's first name again. I give him a bright smile, heading over to the table.

Mountains of food still remain untouched, resembling a buffet. I watch as Theo's eyes slowly linger across it, wondering if he's going to eat anything.

Reaching for a piece of pizza, I remember an earlier conversation, raising an eyebrow as he takes a bite.

"No pineapple on that pizza."

Theo's nose wrinkles in disgust. "For good reason. At least they have taste."

I shake my head with silent laughter, grabbing a slice as well. "I'm not surprised you're a meat man," I say, noting the heavy protein toppings. "Not surprising at all."

"Avery, I need to see you in my office."

I look up from my bed in surprise as Dr. Smith stands in my doorway.

Breakfast has not long ended and I have no professional appointments today, so I assumed I'd be locked up until lunchtime.

"Okay," I mutter hesitantly, climbing off the bed.

Slipping my shoes on, I follow him down the hallway, wondering why he doesn't have a guard with him. He buzzes us through the doors and as we approach his office, I notice the door is wide open.

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