Page 255 of Blackwood

Lex is circling me like a shield. Cade’s back is pressed to mine.

Laing growls, “Oh, this motherfucker’s gonna die slow.”

“Shame your brother missed the scene,

He always knew what shadows mean.

Maybe he watches. Maybe he hides.

Maybe he waits on darker tides.”

My vision tunnels and my knees go weak.

“Because not everything is what it seems,

Not every grave holds silent screams.

And not every ghost you thought had died,

Stayed in the dark where secrets hide.”

Knox curses, fingers flying. “I’m still locked out you guys.”

“We’re getting her out. Now,” Lex rasps, grabbing my wrist.

But the voice isn’t done, and I can’t move.

“Takes one to raise one, that much is true.

He trained the monster that now lives in you.

But Eden’s not built with fire and bone.

It starts with a whisper when you’re all alone.”

My throat tightens. My heart shatters.

Tex scans the area, “Does anyone have a fucking visual?”

“Zeke taught you to run. I taught him to crawl.

He wept like a dog at the edge of it all.

But death is a tale for the ones who grieve.

Your ghost still listens. He just won’t leave.”

Cade leans into me, “Bella, sweetheart, breathe. Look at me. Breathe.”

“You flinch from my flame, but it’s always been yours.

Etched into blood, behind hidden doors.

Your brother now bears it, deep in his bone.

And soon, little Izzy, he won’t be alone.

A collar of fire, a whisper, a code.