Page 101 of Shadows Within
“I think you feel my darkness.”
His lips part as he takes one final step.
“I think you crave the shadows within me.”
I fight every emotion and every fiber in my body that wants me to pull away. I press my mouth against his. Our lips move in sync as he wraps his arms around me, and our bodies become one.
When he pulls me into his world, every fear and doubt slips away. I’m already so deep in it, I know I can’t get out now. I belong here, in his arms. You can’t reason with love, even when it might be wrong. If it is,I don’t ever want to be fucking right.
His hands move up the back of my sweater.I never want him to let go.I tried to stay away from him, but that didn’t do me any favours.
I pull my head back, away from him.
“I love you.”
I stare into his eyes, begging to be let into his soul.
He rests his head on mine, just like he did right before he brought the gun to my head.
“I’ll spend a lifetime proving how much I love you.” His eyes remain closed.
I can’t fight his darkness any longer—I want to drown in it.
Becoming the Fire
Callum
She looks at me like I’m a light, not darkness. It’s been four days since I killed Father. Four days since I took the life of the person who created me. With the way he treated me my whole life, I’ve thought about killing him before. I’ve killed others for doing less. Still, I can’t shake off the heaviness that lingers in my chest.I did the right thing—it was him or me.It was only a matter of time before the other Highers followed his lead. Everything could’ve ended differently. Now that I’ve done it, The Society won’t see me as anyone else. My dangerous brand has been severely tarnished.
We’re still at the cottage. Harriet used to hide here from her sons and always brought her grandchildren. She created a safe space for them here. That’s exactly what it’s proven to be.
The more time we spend here, the more it feels like we are hiding. I don’t mind the escape, but in a way, it just builds on what’s to come.
My mind flashes back to my father, lying on the ground, surrounded by his own blood. I can’t help but wonder how my mom reacted when she found out. I wonder who told her and how they phrased it.
Mom tried to call me a few times, but I have nothing to say to her. She knows that her comfortable lifestyle will remain and not much will change in her day-to-day. I think about Vanessa and her reaction to the sight of Scarlett at the altar. Guilt eats away at me. One of the first things I need to do is make sure that Vanessa is safe. We haven’t talked much about it, but with theway her mom looked, I think she needs our help now more than ever.
I lie in the small double bed, my arm under her head, supporting her like a pillow. I love how easily she sleeps, it almost makes me want to shut my eyes as well. But I can’t, not when the monsters in my life are reality. I used to sleep to escape my demons, but they’ve since embroidered my soul.Soon, I’ll need to fight them.She rolls over and clings to me, her warm hands on my chest.
My phone vibrates. I assume it’s Mom again, or someone sending their condolences. I pick it up off the floor to see a missed call and a text message from Deluca, and a couple of messages from Leo.
Deluca:You can only hide for so long, Callum. Come back and deal with the consequences before this goes too far.
He doesn’t scare me.
His words replay in my head,“before this goes too far.” I let out a deep exhale and open Leo’s message. I haven’t thanked him yet for letting us go at the temple. I know he’s always been on my side, and he reinforced that when he shot Deluca.
Leo:We need to talk.
Leo:Call me.
Deluca can wait. I slowly pull my arm out from under Scarlett. I hate to leave her, but I don’t want to wake her. I also don’t want her to hear what Leo has to say, since I’m expecting the worst.
I crawl out of bed and pick my clothes up from the floor. I pull my dark Henley over my head, slide the deck door open, and step outside. The refreshing air welcomes me as I call Leo.
“Callum.” He answers on the first ring.
“Leo.” My tone matches his.
