Page 65 of F*ckboys

"Fallon, you're acting like you've discovered some dark secret. What's happening?" She presses, her freckled face creased with worry. "Did something happen with Aksel?"

"Darling Mia," I lean in, whispering conspiratorially, "Not everything is about Aksel. I've embraced the shadows, and it's intoxicating. The power, the control—I can almost taste it." I feel theatrical as the words dance off my tongue.

"Fallon, I don't understand." Her eyes dart around the room, searching for answers that remain shrouded in mystery. "This isn't you. What happened?"

"Who I was before doesn't matter anymore." I step closer to her, feeling the thrill of fear emanating from her as she backs away. "There's no turning back now, not for me."

"Please, Fallon, tell me what's going on. We can work through this together." Her voice trembles, a testament to her unwavering loyalty and love.

"Isn't it clear? I've found my calling, Mia. I've found the power to take what's mine, to exact revenge on those who've wronged me." My voice drops to a low growl. "And I won't stop until I've had my fill."

"Fallon, please, think about what you're saying. This... these feelings aren't something to embrace. They'll consume you." Her eyes brim with tears, her expression pleading.

"Perhaps," I concede, my gaze never wavering from hers, "but I'm willing to take that risk."

"And you're acting weird. Are you okay? Can I get you a glass of water or something?" I watch as she shakes her head, disbelief etched on her face. She opens her mouth as if to say something more but hesitates, her words lost in the oppressive silence of the room.

"Fallon—"

"Enough!" I snap, my patience worn thin. "I don't need your help or your pity. I am in control here, and nothing will stand in my way."

"Fallon," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the oppressive silence that fills the room. "I'm scared for you."

"Then be scared." My words are cold, devoid of emotion. "But don't expect me to change because of it. This path is mine, and I'll walk it alone if I have to."

"Is that what you really want?" Her eyes, once bright with hope, now glisten with unshed tears.

"Maybe it is," I answer, my heart aching with a pain I refuse to acknowledge.

"Please," she murmurs, taking a step back, her expression a mixture of sorrow and resignation. "Don't let the darkness consume you."

"Perhaps," I concede, my gaze never wavering from hers, "but I'm willing to take that risk."

The shadows continue their relentless march across the floor, an endless dance of power and control. And though Mia remains rooted to the spot, a lone figure amidst the encroaching darkness, I know that this dance has only just begun.

Because there is no escaping the allure of the shadows, and I am far too gone to ever return to the light.

Finally, with a frown, Mia turns and leaves the room.

My eyelids grow heavy again until, once more, there is only darkness in front of me.

I snap to attention, loosely aware that I'm in the office. I seem to recall something about a knife, and some conversation with Mia.

"Mia?" I call, stepping out into the dimly illuminated hallway.

I hear footsteps off in the distance.

"Mia?" I repeat. Only she would work this late, other than myself of course.

I run in the direction of the noise and reach the back door just in time to see Mia in her pink and purple wool two-piece disappearing out of it. She's sniffling in a way that I would guess means she's been sobbing. Without stopping, she slips through the door and I hear the lock click behind her.

Chapter 34

Fallon

Grave watches me with wary eyes, scanning for cracks in my veneer. The shift in my demeanor hasn't escaped his notice, and I sense he's suspicious. An electric current thrums between us, charged with an unsettling energy.

He searches my face, probing. "There's something different about you." His voice is a low rumble, gravelly with unease. "An edge I haven't seen before."

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