Page 67 of Envy

The essence that is you.

It is only you that it beats for,

When death comes knocking, I’ll answer.

I’ll surrender.

To save the Darkthorn I bleed for.

I press the paper against my chest. Still lost in my thoughts, I pad toward the kitchen, craving something light to settle my stomach.

But the moment I hear laughter, I freeze. A woman’s laughter. A sharp, ringing sound puncturing my ribs.

Then, his voice—low, amused. Laughing with her. Jealousy spikes through my veins.

Steeling myself, I step forward. Garret stands shirtless, smiling at a woman—a woman so stunning she could crush me with a glance.

Long, inky-black hair cascades down her back, skimming a slim waist and wide hips. Her lips full, glossy curve in a knowing smile.

She’s been with him. I can tell.

She lifts a delicate hand, feeding him a bite of cake from her fingers.

The intimacy of it makes my stomach churn. I no longer feel hungry. I no longer feel anything but a sick, twisting knot of realization: This isn’t new.

The way they stand too close together. The way her manicured nails brush his wrist as he takes the bite. The way her dark eyes drink him in. Playful. Too friendly.

She isn't Prey.

She isn’t like me. Her dress is designer—black, mid-thigh, expensive. She belongs to his world.

“It tasted better last time I made it,” she says, solidifying my thoughts.

Garret grimaces, chewing slowly. His expression shifts. “It tastes... off.” He shaking his head. “Not good enough.”

I clench my fist so tightly I don’t realize I’m still holding the note.

Her eyes find mine.

I look away in defeat.

I move toward the trash can, wave my hand over the sensor, and crumple the note into a ball.

Garret steps back from her, butnot far enough.

“Hey...” He clears his throat. “Did you sleep well?”

The black steel lid lifts.

I force a smile. “Yeah.” I drop the note.

The lid closes.

“Hungry?” he asks.

I shake my head. “Not really.”

I don’t look at him.

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