Page 28 of Ravage

Avery and I pull apart as I watch her glance over my shoulder, finding Grey leaning against the doorway casually. I turn my head to look as well, noticing that he's smiling at Avery.

His relaxed posture is a sign of huge improvement, and it's obvious that a large part of that stems from the fact that we thought we had lost her. It's amazing how your perception changes when you realize you have something to lose.

I had an inkling this could be the case after seeing Grey in the tunnels underneath. His demeanor to most is questionable—never allowing people to see what's coming next. It's as if he plays the role of a coin, and it's a guessing game as to which side you'll get.

We've all seen both sides—his notorious anger and odd fascination with blood and violence, contrasted by a carefree, happy nature. But downstairs, I saw a third side, one that I think is deeply hidden.

It's a cavernous mystery that I can assume is the reason he's in Lilydale to begin with.

Most people would make the mistake of assuming he would lose his temper if Damon clapped twice with an order. But I think the danger is far greater than that.

He's calculated. Savage.

I saw first-hand that his anger is not based on emotional dysregulation. If I had to guess, heallowshimself to feel anger only when it's most convenient to him. And he wields it in a way so that he stays in control.

The anger he feels is more than a human emotion. It's a choice—one that he happily engages in.

He's not much different to me.

People say I have anger management problems too. They can believe whatever they want if it appeases their fragile, tiny minds. I just have little tolerance for ignorance, stupidity, and manipulation. Besides, if people see you as unapproachable, they leave you alone. They fear you, and with that comes a strange sense of respect.

It's how I've stayedmostlyunder the radar here. A few knuckle sandwiches and amputations here and there, but people quickly learn. If there's one thing patients are good at, it's recognizing their own mortality—except for dickheads like Hallman. I had contemplated chopping off his dick instead of his finger since he barely measured up to any sense of a man, but removing the part of his body that touched Avery seemed like a better idea.

"You're back," Avery breathes out happily.

I notice she doesn't try to cover up her naked body, nor does she appear embarrassed at us being caught by Grey. Whether or not she realizes, this is a huge step for her too.

Before, she'd worry about other people, scared of not being able to please everyone. She'd put her own needs aside to entertain someone else's insecurities. It nearly tore her apart. She's not designed to keep secrets and live in the dark. She's done that her whole life while stuck in survival mode. It wasan unhealthy coping mechanism that got worse as time went on. But it's time for her to break free and be herself, reach the potential that she's been held back from by the people in her life that let her down.

The night in the library was the first step to acceptance of this weird dynamic for all of us. And together, it appears Avery and Grey are growing and healing whatever issues they brought into this forsaken asylum. I guess I'm growing too. In a strange twist, it's almost like I'm honoring my sister's memory—allowing peace where she found violence and a brutal end.

"I wanted to be here when you woke up but I needed to attend to something," Grey says, stepping forward. He drops to his knees in front of her, pulling her in for a hug.

She hugs him back and when he leans down to kiss her, I finally see her hesitation slip through. Grey notices too, raising an eyebrow.

"Uh—" Avery stammers, looking over at me, unable to find the words.

"I came in her mouth," I answer for her bluntly. I have no desire to drag out her uncomfortableness.

Grey pauses for a brief second, before closing the gap and kissing her anyway. She lets out a little squeak of surprise before kissing him back.

I leave them to have their moment, fetching my clothes and pulling them on. By the time I've finished dressing, they have broken apart, and Grey is helping her with her own clothes.

When we finish getting dressed, Grey shoves his hands into his pockets, giving us both a warm smile.

"We're going to escort you to breakfast. Damon and I have already made sure it's safe. So far, Arthur hasn't bothered to show his ugly head. The guards are keeping to themselves as well."

"And Vivian?" Avery asks quietly. "Has someone checked on her?"

Grey nods. "We had a few guys stand guard to make sure she wasn't disturbed. I believe she's being seen by Markel this morning."

"I don't trust him," she replies with hurt in her voice.

"We are going to look into what happened."

"How?" she asks wearily.

Grey shifts in place slightly, eyes darting over to me. "You're going to be called in for an appointment with him."

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