Page 36 of Worse Fates

What am I even crying about? I’m the one who forced Lucero away.

“Hey, Golden, it’s all going to be okay,” Kai reassures me. “You and Lucero are…listen, it’s been a long day and you’re soaking wet.”

I don’t trust myself to speak, every time I open my mouth all I taste are tears.

“C’mon, mate. Lemme take care of you, okay?” Kai offers. “A nice warm shower then I’m sure Ramy will get you some food. I bet a soft bed, too.”

A comforting hand lays on my cheek and I lift my crying eyes. “He doesn’t want me…”

Ramy smiles sadly. “Oh, Golden. He told me you were sweet.”

“Who?” I ask, even though I already know.

Ramy gives me a kind look, before leading me deeper into the mansion.

Chapter Thirteen- Lucero

I sprint from the mansion and out into the country faster than the rain can fall. No direction, no plan, just the weight of Golden's shattered expression on my back. I push myself harder, legs burning from the strain and embracing the cold slicing into me for what it is; a punishment.

Never had I fought with a soulmate. But worse than that; I’d hurt Golden. My words were pointlessly cruel, aimed at the heart of his insecurities, all because of what? To win an argument?

But…

Damnit, aren’t I entitled to my own anger?

A growl forces its way out from between my ribs, reaching up towards the overhanging trees. Why did Golden have to keep pushing the way he did?

Do you even know who you are?

I halt mid-stride, the world jumping back into place like a snapped rubber band. Standing, head thrown back as rain cuts down my cheeks, I try to make sense of my rushing thoughts.

I know who I am.

Or I did.

Before apathy began to sink cold claws into my skin, and each year those deadly points pierced deeper, until I feared my heart would be skewered. Then I’d be no better than Vidar; a bitter husk.

Golden cured all that, and when I brought him into the safety of my home I’d been elated, even given the circumstances.

Yet...

“Fuck,” I spit.

Golden had been shaking, wet from rain and dealing with so much. Hadn’t he been through enough? Yet… yet what had Idone but demand he love me back? I’d been so desperate to rid myself of apathy, but ..

My fingers rake through my hair, eyes squeezing shut.

Golden didn’t need a lover, he needed a friend.

Suddenly, there is only one person I want to confide in.

I change direction and dash deeper into the country, concrete roads soon replaced with dirt. Cottages and parked cars swap with bushes, their leaves quaking in the brewing storm.

I find the farmhouse easily enough—a picturesque one story thatched cottage, with white walls and framed with black pillars. As I walk the brick path towards a muted red door, flowers, though drained of colour in the weather, perfume the air.

The door shuts behind me with a click and I make my way across wooden floors; following an odd trail of glittering broken glass leading towards the bathroom.

Hinges squeak as I enter. The room is large with a porcelain toilet and sink, which has the remains of a shattered mirror scattered across it.