Page 296 of Shadowman

“Shit shit shit,” Dash huffs from a few feet ahead. “Watch out for whatever that is… I almost tripped over it.”

“Good looks,” Hancock grunts, hopping over this weird cluster of rocks that could be a boobytrap.

Maybe I should throw myself on top of it.

We managed to locate Hancock a pair of pants and some shoes before we escaped the mansion, so he’s not hiking through the woods in a jock.Kind of a bummer.The thought of it brings on some mild amusement…

Until I remember that I’m dead inside, and I scowl it all away.

I should’ve known, man.I should havefucking knownthat even the most confusing of good things would never last for me. Just like always… It’s ripped out of my hands, just when I’m warming up to the idea of happiness.

That’s my bad. I’m meant to be forever bitter and alone.

It’s just who I am. That’s my identifier.

Ren’s the slutty one. Luthor is the smart one. Dash is the sweet, broken boy. Felix is the lovable lunatic. The Ivory is evil… Velle’s gonna win.

And I’m the lone wolf.On the outside, looking in.

“Felix?!” Luthor calls out in a hushed voice.

“I don’t like that we haven’t found him yet…” Dash murmurs.

“Don’t think about it,” I rumble. “Just keep moving.”

The shore is visible up ahead, just through the trees. Based on where we came out of the mansion and the direction we’re headed, the old armory should be close. Hancock says it’s a safe spot. Apparently, they’ve been stashing guns and supplies there for months, using it to prepare for this uprising since long before the new guards showed up.

It’s kind of amazing. There we all were, just going about our vacant lives in that prison, thinking things had calmed down a bit after Dash escaped and Darcey killed O’Malley. Sure, we were on lockdown, but after Velle came back, it seemed like the tension had cooled off. But his guard was up the whole time.

When The Ivory brought in his guys, it was technically a move Velle hadn’t anticipated, but that didn’t mean they weren’t prepared. And now, I can’tbelieveI doubted him, even for a second.

If anyone has a chance of defeating The Ivory, it’s Jonathan Chevelle.

I’m not sure how it’ll happen. And things might still get worse before they get better. In fact, I’mpositivethey will. But the fact that we’re all still alive and back together feels like a sign.

I hate myself a little for letting The Ivory get in my head; letting him instill doubt throughTrevel Fenwick. Maybe that was his ultimate act of brainwashing…

I should’ve seen this coming. After all,everythingThe Ivory does is carefully calculated. He knew what he was doing, putting Trevel and me in the same cell. Giving usfreedoms… Giving usthe means to build ourrelationship. So that when he was ready to cash in on his debt with Trevel, I wouldn’t think twice about tagging along.

Whether Trevel knew, or was also being played by The Ivory, remains to be seen. But based on the gorgeous Brit with the captivating purple eyes being a world-class chameleon, I’d say it’s a strong possibility that he was in on it all along.

Fucking asshole.

I hope they shoot him.

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop from backpedaling. I don’t care what happens to him. Heshouldget hurt, because he hurt me.An eye for an eye…

That’s thatrevengehe’s so damn obsessed with.

A distinct sound paired with whipping winds grows closer, and we all stop.

“Shit…” Hancock peers up through the trees.

“Is that your helicopter?” Dash asks Luthor and Ren.

“Uh… maybe?” Luthor’s brows zip.

“How can you not know??” Hancock snaps.