Page 105 of Shadow

Soon is what kept me from going crazy.

Well, crazier than I already was.

MIRAGE

Iinhaled the cool night air, allowing it to fill my lungs as I stood in the dark forest. It felt good to be back. Fucking off hadn’t been as much fun as it typically was. I’d spent the last few weeks itching to get back to Rinny.

I bounded through the forest and headed straight for my dorm.

Don’t fuck this up.

Fuck you. I can handle it.

I hope so. If you mess this up…

I won’t. I know what’s at stake.

I darted to the elevator and straight to my room, where I threw the door open.

My eyes locked on Rinny’s.

Within moments, she was off the bed and in my arms. I inhaled her sweet scent deeply, my fingers in her hair, as we hugged one another.

“Rinny,” I murmured. “Fuck, I’ve missed you.”

She responded by pulling away and cradling my face over my rabbit mask.

“I got you something,” I said, taking my bag off my back and digging through it. I brought out a black rabbit mask and handed it to her. I watched as her eyes lit up.

“I thought you’d like it,” I said, grinning at her.

She nodded and slid it over her face and peered at me through it.

“You look perfect, my pirate princess.” I adjusted the mask a bit. She smiled at me, her lips exposed. I took her hand and led her to the bed. She slid onto it and patted the spot beside her as Shadow shifted over a little to make more room.

“Is this the bunny club?” he asked, eyeing us both in our masks.

“Jealous you’re not part of it?” I smiled at him.

“Maybe a little,” he answered, shooting me a quick grin. “I’m glad you’re back. I’ve actually missed you.”

“Aw, I missed you, too,” I said, actually meaning it. Being locked away for so long helped me appreciate life more.

“What are we going to do tonight?” Shadow asked.

“I was thinking we’d just hang out. Maybe watch some movies,” I said.

“I hope it’s not more bug bullshit,” Shadow muttered.

“Well,” I cocked my head to the right. “We could if you’re into that. I was thinking we could let Rinny pick, though.”

“Don’t pick a bug movie,” Shadow pleaded, taking her hand in his. “I’m begging you.”

Her pretty pink lips quirked up as she took the remote from him. I watched as she navigated to Lord of the Rings. Shadow breathed out a sigh of relief and snuggled deeper in the blankets. I followed, wanting to hold Sirena, but I knew it wasn’t our time right now, even if Asylum had gotten lucky a time or two. I could handle the distance.

Liar.

I know.

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