Page 2 of Craving Venom

A reporter’s voice overlays the scene. “Zane Valehart, famously dubbed as the ‘world’s most good-looking criminal’ by the media, continues to capture public fascination. His composed demeanor and undeniable charm have only fueled the debate surrounding his case.”

The screen shifts to a close-up of his face as he smirks to show off the dimple in his left cheek. The camera pans back to the courtroom, showing reporters furiously taking notes while members of the public crane their necks for a better look at him.

I pause the documentary, the screen freezing on Zane’s smirking face. How can someone look so confident while being on trial for ruining lives? The question hangs in the air, unanswered, as I try to make sense of the contradictions wrapped up in this one person.

When I hit play again, the documentary dives further into his story, peeling back the layers of his life. But all I can focus on is that smirk and the way he made an entire courtroom feel like his stage.

I’m totally wrapped up in Zane’s dark past. His story is just... gripping. At sixteen, he did something unthinkable, something horrifying. And now? The comment section is on fire.

People are going crazy over him. Among all the hate, there are some straight-up unhinged supporters backing him no matter what.

CrazyLoveGirl1: “Zane is innocent! There’s a conspiracy against him, mark my words. He’s been framed!”

Conspiracy? It’s all right there in black and white.

ZaneForeverFanatic: “I don’t care what anyone says, Zane is a genius! Society just can’t handle his brilliance.”

Genius? More like a menace who almost got away with it.

BelieverInZane: “You all don’t see the real Zane! He’s a tortured soul, and we should support him through this dark time.”

Tortured soul? That’s quite a stretch.

ForeverZaneFan: “I’ll always support Zane, no matter what. Love conquers all, and I know he can change if we just believe in him.”

ZaneForeverInMyHeart: “Zane has a soul that’s worth saving. Love will heal him, mark my words. Let’s not give up on him.”

Love will heal him, right. Because love magically erases the past.

PassionateZaneSupporter: “Zane is a victim of a corrupt system! We must rally behind him and fight for his justice!”

Yeah, because that’s what we should be fighting for, a murderer’s ‘justice’.

I’m lost in this swirling world of opinions, still clutching my bowl of popcorn, but as the documentary progresses, exhaustion begins to tug at my eyelids. I fight to stay awake, my fascination with Zane’s story warring against the need for rest. Despite my best efforts, my eyes grow heavy, and the details on the screen blur into a surreal haze.

When I wake up, sunlight is already streaming through the curtains. Shit. I overslept. My psychology class is probably halfway through by now. Panic sets in as I scramble to get up. My heart’s racing, and I’m practically throwing on clothes while grabbing my stuff.

Just as I’m about to walk out, Tria shows up at my door. “Faith, you overslept again? Seriously?”

I shoot her a sheepish smile. “I know, I know. I’m so late.”

Tria rolls her eyes with playful exasperation. “And let me guess, crime documentaries struck again?”

I nod, feeling my cheeks flush. “Yeah, I couldn’t resist.”

She sighs like the exhausted mom friend she is, but her expression softens. “You need to find a balance, Faith.”

Before Tria can continue her lecture, a familiar figure strolls over from down the hall. Xaden, another student from our psychology class, walks over with a calm smile. He is always the voice of reason, a grounding presence amid our academic craziness.

“Late as always, Faith?” he teases, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I know. I messed up again.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just make sure to catch up on what you missed.” Xaden’s smile is reassuring.

Tria shoots Xaden a look of mock annoyance. “Xaden, you’re not making it any better.”

“Just offering a different perspective,” he shrugs.

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