Prologue

The Devil Always Collects

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They say when you make a deal with the devil, you never walk away clean. I just didn’t think the price would come drenched in blood, whispering my name like it meant salvation.

“Please… don’t leave me like this,” he begged.

Blood slicked his hands, dripping down his wrists, staining the floor like a confession no one could dare wash away.

The smell of iron filled the room, clinging to the back of my throat until I could taste it.

“I’ll do anything for you, Leah. Anything.”

He took a shaky step closer, his boots sliding a little on the red mess between us. I wanted to move back, to put space between us and what he had done, but my legs felt welded to the floor.

He reached out, fingers trembling, and caught my chin between them. The warmth of his touch smeared blood across my skin.

“See?” he breathed out, smiling. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore. I fixed it. I fixed everything.” There was pride in his voice, twisted and childlike, as if he truly believed this nightmare was some sort of gift.

My voice barely scraped past my lips. “What did you fix?”

He beamed. “Everything.”

The word hung in the air like smoke, impossible to breathe through. My knees almost gave out. My heart pounded so violently I thought it might crack my ribs open.

I could hear it, the…

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

Like the echo of footsteps running from something that couldn’t be outrun.

He leaned closer, dragging his nose along the curve of my ear. His breath was warm, sticky with the scent of copper and smoke. “You don’t hate me, right? Leah.”

When I didn’t answer, when all he could hear was the tremor in my breathing, he pulled back just slightly. His grip tightened, forcing my chin upward until my eyes met his. Then, softer, almost tenderly, he asked again, “You don’t hate me, right? Leah?”

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction intended for mature audiences. All names, characters, places, organizations, and events depicted in this book are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

This story contains scenes and themes that may be disturbing to some readers, including depictions of violence, trauma, emotional distress, and adult situations. Reader discretion is advised. The author does not condone or glorify any acts of violence, abuse, or illegal behavior portrayed within these pages. These elements are included solely for the purpose of exploring the psychological and emotional dimensions of the characters and the story.

UPDATE SCHEDULE

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You’ll be receiving daily updates, though occasionally I might miss a day or two. At times, there may also be a batch release of chapters. I promise to do my best to stay consistent ٩(⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝)و*̣̩⋆̩*