Page 62 of Shadows Within

“I wish I could take your pain away, but, instead, I’ll bleed for you.” It’s subtle but intense.

“Thank you for telling me.” I graze his arm.

“I wish there was so much more I could’ve done Scar. I’ve replayed what they said so many times.” Although I want to ask him of these words that replay in his mind, I want to remember them on my own.

“I think this helped a bit.” I give him a faint smile.

He grabs my face and kisses me, apologizing with his lips as our emotions feed into each other.

“I didn’t want you to carry it, so I’ve tried to carry it for you.” His thumb brushes my cheek.

“Thank you for not letting me become forgotten.” I whisper quietly.

A stampede of different emotions race through me— anger, and even a bit of relief. After all the pain and grief that I’m left with, maybe a tiny piece of me has mended its way back together.

Times are Changing

Callum

I leave her house knowing that things will never be the same. I have so much to fight for now. While she may think that I’m holding back, I just can’t watch her break anymore. With time, everything will unravel, and she’ll see all sides of me.

I get into the car that was gifted to me—it’s so fucking tainted.How many people did I have to kill to get this recognition?My phone rings, and Deluca’s name appears across the dashboard.

“Callum,” he says. It sounds like he’s taking a sip of something, like I’m interrupting him.

What a prick.

“Deluca,” I say and accelerate the car.

“We need you here, we’re calling a meeting.” His voice is calm.

“I’ll be there in ten.” He hangs up before I say anything else.

I call Harrison.

No answer.

Something is off. It’s unlike Deluca to call a meeting and ask me to attend. Usually, I’m aware of a meeting or if my presence is requested far in advance.

I call Harrison again.

No answer.

What the hell is going on.

I exhale and my grip on the steering wheel whitens. Before I know it, I’m at the mansion.

Dust rises from the gravel as I rush down the lane way. Grey clouds fill the sky. When I pull up to the building, I don’t see Harrison’s car. I park in my usual spot and pull out my phone.

Where is he?

I scroll through my messages with Scarlett. Sometimes just looking at them when I’m away from her brings me clarity—I need that right now.

The clouds rumble as I open my door and make my way toward the side entrance. I walk up the stairs and into the lounge where I expect to see all the pledges. Instead, only the ruthless ones are seated, alongside a few of the Highers. Deluca and Leo are there, but so are others that I haven’t seen in a long time.

Leo leans against the bar addressing everyone, as Deluca sits on his throne.

“There’s been another incident,” Leo says. “We need to proceed with caution in our final initiations, there are lots of eyes on us right now.”