Page 146 of Ravaged Soul

His baby blues flick to mine. “Only empty bullets.”

This news causes our silent shadow to shift, arms protectively bracing over his chest. I couldn’t quite string together what happened until I came around for a second time, feeling a lot more lucid.

It’s all painfully clear now. Hyland’s unconscious body. The knife attempting to slice me up. Gunshots. A dead body nearly crushing me to death. Purple hair and honey eyes… but no tattoos.

That’s not my name.

It was Axel. But… not.

A stranger wearing Axel’s face. Axel’s hair. Axel’s features. Yet not a hint of the man I care so deeply about. The one I thought I knew. This person was a carbon copy that my imagination definitely didn’t conjure.

“There’s no ID on the bullets found at the scene,” Warner continues. “So the gun is unlicensed and unregistered. We’ve got a ghost out there, assassinating in broad daylight.”

“He did save my life.” I run a fingertip around the rim of my empty glass.

“We don’t know whoheis, so I’ll hold my thanks in reserve.”

With that, Warner turns to face our lovable goof. No hint of playful, jaunty Axel resides in his stone-carved posture. He’s been wordless since I got discharged after a full eval with Doctor Fawn. The displeased specialist gave me a list of warning signs longer than my left arm to look out for.

“That’s not my name.” The repetition tastes like ash on my tongue. “He said that to me. I thought it was you, Ax. But… it wasn’t you. He told me so himself.”

“You’re right,” Axel finally speaks. “It wasn’t me.”

“Then who?”

“Madden did this, he should be here.”

“I don’t care what bullshit Blaine wants to spew right now.” Warner slams his glass down. “Start talking and make it good. Tell us what the fuck is happening.”

Staring at him now, it’s hard to discern this Axel from the man who rescued me. They’re virtually identical. Honestly, part of me worries it was him. That I’m falling into some kind of trap. There isn’t another explanation for it.

“It wasn’t me. I didn’t save Ember, nor did I knock her out.”

“Then who did?” I gawp at him.

He races a shaking hand over his hair. “It’s a long, complicated story.”

“Then uncomplicate it,” Hyland entreats.

We all watch Axel stare down at the floor, his usual oversized slogan tee failing to penetrate his misery. It’s a classic.I’m not angry, this is just my face.Yet none of us are laughing. Not even him.

“I lied to you.” Axel shamefully glances at me then the other two. “I’ve lied since the day we met. In fact, I’ve lied to every person I’ve ever met since I was thirteen years old.”

“Who is he?” Warner lashes out.

Distant neon lights cast strobes across Axel’s devastated expression as he steps into the centre of the room. Nowhere to hide. No armour or protective humour to keep him safe. His bare, broken parts stripped bare for the world to see.

“My twin.”

To my shock, Warner erupts into disbelieving laughter. “Is this a joke?”

Axel shifts on his feet, visibly antsy. “I wish it was.”

“You know that I combed through your background the day you were recruited. I’m sure MI-5 did the same thing. There was absolutely nothing about a sibling of any sort.”

“And you told me that you’re an only child,” I add.

“Officially, I am.” Axel shudders at the way his voice cracks. “Can I please get a drink?”