It Will Come Back

A SHED

“A shed? That’s where they used to meet? That’s kind of genius!” Ravi exclaims, nodding as though it’s the most innovative idea he’s ever heard. His approval is palpable, but I can’t help rolling my eyes.

“Genius?” I mutter under my breath, shaking my head. “I thought he was just a testosterone-driven asshole who replaced his heart with his… well, you know.” My voice trails off, but Ravi bursts into laughter, nodding in agreement.

“True,” he says between chuckles, “but if you think about it, it’s kind of sad, isn’t it? He’s going to come back, find out his secret love is dead, and to make it worse, he’ll have to pretend to care about Casey. Talk about a crappy hand to play.”

I tilt my head, considering his words. “Yeah… I guess. It does suck for him.” A sigh slips out before I realize it, and Ravi’s laughter halts as he shoots me a teasing look.

“You’re not getting soft on me, are you?” he asks, a sly grin spreading across his face. Before I can answer, my gaze drifts across the school lawn, where Levi is standing—watching us. His presence feels heavy, unnerving. A small smirk tugs at his lips when he catches me staring, and I narrow my eyes.

“What do you think of Levi?” I ask Ravi, leaning in like I’m about to share a secret. “He’s creepy, right?”

Ravi follows my line of sight and smirks. “Creepy? Not really. Honestly, he’s kind of hot. I mean, he is Luke’s brother. That dark hair, that brooding look sculpted by the gods—it runs in the family.”

I scoff, nudging him playfully. “Yeah, well, I’m more into blondes.”

We start heading toward the school gates, the promise of our free period luring us away from the awkwardness of Levi’s gaze. The air feels lighter once we’re out of range.

“So, you’re going in the shed, and I’ll keep watch?” I say, glancing at Ravi, but he immediately shakes his head.

“Nah, that’s not happening. You’re going in. I’ll stay outside and make sure no one tries to kill us. If anything, I’m putting my life on the line for you, Lux. You owe me big time.” He’s being overly dramatic again, waving his arms for emphasis.

I glare at him. “You left me yesterday, like a scared little baby. You’re the one going in. I’ll keep watch.”

“Rock, paper, scissors?” Ravi suggests with a hopeful grin.

“No. We tried that yesterday, and you still ran off. Fine. I’ll go, you big baby!” I snap, throwing my hands up in defeat.

“Yes! I win!” Ravi cheers, sticking his tongue out like a child. I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head.

“I can’t believe I have to share an apartment with you. You, my friend, are shallow.”

“Shallow?” Ravi stops mid-stride, looking offended. “I am not shallow! There are things about me you don’t even know. In fact, there are things about you that you don’t even know.”

“Oh, yeah? Like what?” I challenge, raising an eyebrow as we approach the shed.

“I know why your eyes went white and purple when you were fighting Kiron,” Ravi says casually, like he’s discussing the weather. The words hit me like a slap, and memories flood back in an instant.

“You… what?” My voice is barely above a whisper, but Ravi doesn’t falter.

“Your family didn’t merge with mine for no reason, Lux.” His tone is serious now, but I shake my head and punch his arm lightly.

“Not funny, asshole,” I snap, but there’s a nervous edge to my voice. He chuckles, undeterred.

“Right, because I’m joking,” he says with an eye-roll.

“Do you think Kiron was lying about all the things he said?” I ask cautiously. “Do you think any of it was true?”

“In some ways, nearly everything he said was true,” Ravi admits. “Until it wasn’t.”

We stop in front of the shed. The air feels heavier here, like it’s weighed down by secrets waiting to be uncovered.

“So, let me get this straight,” I say, crossing my arms. “You’re saying Kiron shot me because I’m some supernatural demon or something? And you’ve known this whole time, and you’re still my best friend?”

“That’s right.” Ravi grins, but there’s a flicker of something else—uncertainty, maybe. “Go ahead. Think I’m crazy.”

I shake my head, smirking as I tap his arm. “You’re not crazy. You’re just like everything else in my messed-up life.”

“Still wanna play rock, paper, scissors?” Ravi asks, gesturing toward the shed door.

“No take-backs. You made me go in,” I say, pulling my sleeves down against the sudden chill.

With a dramatic sigh, Ravi opens the door and pushes me inside. I stumble forward, nearly tripping over something on the floor.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” I mumble as my eyes adjust to the dim light. The flicker of candles illuminates what can only be described as a shrine—dedicated to Luke and Chloe. Their faces are drawn on makeshift posters, surrounded by burning candles and scattered flowers.

“Love’s so beautiful,” I mutter sarcastically, kicking a candle. Its flame wavers, then sparks brighter.

“What the fu—” I start, but my words catch in my throat when Levi steps forward, pinching the flame out between his fingers. His movements are unnervingly calm.

“You followed us here,” I say, crossing my arms defensively. “Not cool.”

“Actually, I was coming here anyway,” he mutters, his tone detached.

“Yeah, right. Come on, Ravi, we’re leaving,” I call out. But there’s no answer. I grit my teeth, stomping my foot. “Not again.”

“He left you, didn’t he?” Levi asks, his voice laced with amusement.

“Why do you hate me?” I snap, glaring at him. “You’re the one acting strange.”

“I don’t hate you,” he says simply. “I just don’t trust you.”

“Funny, I feel the same way,” I mutter. But there’s something about the way he’s looking at me now—like he knows something I don’t.

Levi’s voice lowers. “How did you know Chloe was going to die?”

My stomach twists. The pain comes sharp and sudden, and I cry out, doubling over.

Levi rushes toward me, but I push him away, shaking my head. “Stop… Mom, stop!” I scream, my vision blurring as my eyes flash white.