Page 27 of Corrupted Torment

It’ll be worth it.

“Okay. You stop your men and any others on this island being a problem when you’re here. Then you and your brother will have access to as many at the caves who agree. I will speak to them in the morning after we arrive home. To be honest, I don’t think it’ll be much of an issue.”

“You can’t be serious,” Sol seethes, rising to his feet and storming his way over to us. His booming voice by me is overly loud. My ears begin to vibrate and light dances across my eyes.

“I only said those who agree, Sol. You don’t have to.” It’s hard to answer while I’m so nauseous. Not realising, Sol glares at us both, fury shining in his eyes.

“I’ll see you next siren, Solomon,” Rafferty teases, his voice smug.

I ignore the pair as they banter back and forth, not able to take it any longer. I rub my aching temples and fear this is an oncoming migraine. With this unending swirling in my gut, I just hope it’s nothing induced by the damn injection.

We need to get home.

Dario gives me a worried look; I hadn’t even noticed I’d released my hand from his to massage my head. I give him a fond smile as I retake his hand. His red hair flops into his eyes and I swear he did it purposefully to hide the tension there. He knows me just as well as I know him. Our tension has always been something we shared, and he can tell something is not right with me. Right now, all my focus needs to be on getting us back.

“Fuck off out of here. You’ve got your way, but don’t expect to see me there,” Sol barks out, and attempts to shove the man. Raff barks a laugh.

“Toodles,” Raff chuckles, lifting his hand and wiggles his fingers in a small wave. His grin full of shining white teeth, before he turns and jogs away from us. Solomon glares daggers at his retreating back, and I know the rest of this journey is going to be heaps of fun with his stroppy arse.

A tingle, a buzz and then scorching heat radiates through my head. I sink to my knees, pulling my head into my hands in pain. I hear nothing, see nothing, but the excruciating agony of a thousand red-hot pokers swirling inside my brain. It is unbearable.

It’s not long before it eases off. Dario sits across from me; his soft hands caress my cheeks. Wiping away the tears I didn’t know had fallen. Solomon stands tall above us, his watchful eye searching the forest.

From the distance is Rafferty's echoing laughter. As if he found amusement in what just happened. I always knew the guy was mad, but this maniacal cackling is a tad bizarre, even for him. Maybe Sol was right, and we shouldn’t trust him. That’s when the crazy one’s voice filters into my head. My eyes widen in shock.

Enjoy the ride, Huck.

Fuck, this is new.

If I’m hearing voices, perhaps it’s me who’s the crazy one.

* * *

Solomon:I can’t believe he’s letting that arrogant twat do this. We’ll all be dead before the next siren ends. He’ll see I’m right. It can’t happen. I won’t let it happen. Not to me. I can’t submit to him.

I let Sol brood in silence, but I can’t stop his thoughts from penetrating my head as we walk the last stretch home. My head is ready to explode, pulse pounding as his words spin round my brain. Not the full migraine, but possibly worse with this side order of spewing thoughts. I know if he doesn’t figure his shit out, he’ll blow. So better this, than the implosion that Sol could be.

The power of mind reading. Not as great as people might like to think. The other two have shown no sign of symptoms yet, but that doesn’t always mean anything. Sometimes it takes a few hours to kick in. Not this though. This is front and centre with no way to block the consistent noise out.

I haven’t told them; I am embarrassed. To be inside their personal thoughts and invade their privacy is a violation. Not wanting them to run from me, I try everything to not listen, to not hear, as words sink inside, but it is impossible. I couldn’t bear to be alone. So, I remain silent, even as every thought filters into me.

Solomon:I can’t believe how easily he pinned me down. I need to get stronger.

Dario:Rafferty and Solomon, a very interesting combo.

Keeping my face impassive as Dario’s thoughts penetrate my mind is unbearable. Fucking Rafferty knew exactly what I was getting into with this one tonight. I hope like hell this doesn’t last long.

Dario:Is Huck okay? He looks so stressed.

Solomon:The twat as good as assaulted me tonight. Why can’t they see he’s bad news? Who does that? He’s not normal. He’s a manipulator. That’s what he is.

Dario:It’s such a big decision. I’m not sure this is a good idea.

Solomon:He’s a liar.

Dario:Then again, we can’t know without trying.

Solomon:He’s a manipulator.

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