BENNETI flopped on my bed, my phone in hand, the same way I’d been for the past hour. Scrolling, refreshing, and glancing at my last message to Lucas.{You good? You’ve been quiet.}Which was left on read.No reply.Not even the little “typing…” bubble that usually popped up.That was weird.I knew Lucas was one to ghost especially when he was spiraling. But even then, he’d send some one-word reply like “Fine” or “Busy” just to shut me up.I sighed and tossed the phone onto the nightstand, rubbing my face. I’d spent the afternoon downstairs with my mom, trying to distract her from the migraines, the visits from the healers and witches, and all the pain she was trying so hard to smile through. I thought checking on Lucas later would be fine.But now… something felt off.Just as I sat up again, thinking of calling instead, my bedro
*Trigger warning: Self-harm and suicidal thoughts is mentioned in this chapter.*LUCAS’S POV.I locked the door the second the guards shoved me back inside my room.My stomach was already twisting, bile scratching up my throat before I even reached the bathroom. I dropped to my knees, my fingers gripping the toilet seat as I threw up everything in me.My lunch from the previous day, liquid and whatever pieces of myself and my soul were left.The stench of cum mixed with bile in my throat made me gag harder.I didn’t care that it was the third time today that I was throwing up, I needed to feel empty. I needed to feel… something that wasn’t this crawling filth under my skin. After a few minutes, I managed to haul myself from the floor and face the sink. I scrubbed my mouth so hard with my toothbrush that my tongue became numb.I got into the shower and turned the water to scalding hot and let it wash my sins away, wash their filthy hands from me. I scrubbed so hard with my sponge. I
RYDER’S POVThere were days school felt like a blur, and then there were days like this where the tense atmosphere gave away the fact that it was going to be an eventful day.I dumped my bag on the table, half expecting Kael to stroll in with that half-smirk he wore when he had gossip or a joke up his sleeve or when he just wanted to get under my skin by flirting with me.But by the fourth period, neither he nor Lucas had shown up, and the thoughts in my head grew louder.“Bennett’s skipping today too,” I muttered under my breath, remembering the text from last night. ‘Spending the day with my mum. She’s not doing great.’ That made sense.But Lucas?Lucas was fine yesterday. Sure, he looked a little… off when he walked past me with Bennett to go see Bennett’s mum but he was fine enough to growl at me like his usual self.So where the hell was he?The question stuck in my throat until the principal walked in at the end of fourth period and gave that strained, too-neutral smile of his.
*Trigger Warning: Chapter contains detailed description of physical and sexual assault.*LUCAS'S POV.When I stepped in, the house was semi-dark; the only light was shining from the sitting room. My boots thudded against the marble floor louder than I intended as I approached the staircase.Thoughts of my outing today with Bennett and his mum flashed through my mind and I couldn't help the smile that pulled at the corner. Of my lips.“Lucas.”My father’s intimidating voice invaded my thoughts. I froze.He stood at the edge of the hallway, dressed in black slacks and a deep green shirt. His eyes blazed with cold disdain, arms crossed tightly over his chest.“Where were you?” he asked.“School,” I said, carefully. “I had a project—”“Don’t lie to me.”He moved quickly and before I had the chance to get away from him, his hands closed around my wrist with bruising force as he yanked me forward. I didn’t resist.I didn't have the strength to fight him off.“Training started three hours
BENNETT’S POVThe car was quiet for a long time after we pulled away from the restaurant. Just the low hum of the engine and the occasional sound of tires rolling over old asphalt. I had one hand on the wheel, the other one resting on my thigh, fingers twitching with nerves I didn’t want to name.My Mum finally broke the silence. “He’s good for you, you know.”I didn’t have to ask who she meant. “Mum.”“No, listen,” she said, angling herself slightly in her seat. “Lucas is kind. A bit reserved, yes. But he’s steady. He sees you.” She paused, her voice soft. “And you’ve always needed someone who sees past your control.”I chuckled under my breath. “You make me sound like a tyrant.”She smiled faintly. “You’re a little bit of one.”The streetlights washed over her features, making her look both young and painfully tired. I glance
BENNETT’S POVThe scent of grilled meat and fried something-that-smelled-amazing wafted out from the diner’s kitchen as I leaned against the counter, waiting for our orders to be packed up. I checked my phone. No messages from Lucas. Not that I expected any. He sure must be having a swell time with my mum for him not to be cursing me over the phone. There were messages from Avery. She has been calling and texting nonstop since our last tutorial. I had been avoiding her in school too but I was going to have to tell her off soon.Unless I want a murderous Lucas on my hands. He has been aggressive and possessive since that night.I drummed my fingers against the metal edge of the counter, glancing out the glass window just for the hell of it and then I saw the last person I expected to see around here.My jaw tightened as my brows furrowed.