Destroy

Chapter 9

I walked to the memorial table, set the urn down with quiet reverence, and gently traced my sister’s smiling face in the photo frame. She still looked so sweet. Just like when she’d sneak candy into my hand, eyes sparkling like it was the biggest secret in the world.

As I turned to leave, Mom caught my arm.

“Scarlett…” she whispered, voice breaking. Her eyes shimmered with grief and helplessness.

I squeezed her hand gently.

She let out a heavy breath and slowly released me. “Alright, go.

I nodded once and walked out without looking back.

Aubrey was already curled up in the passenger seat, voice dripping sugar.

“Grayson, I think something got in my eye-

He leaned in without hesitation, blowing softly, their noses almost touching. Breath to breath. Their intimacy was sickening.

They didn’t even remember I was in the backseat.

Aubrey gave me a sideways glance, her lips curling in a victorious smirk.

I said nothing, I sat perfectly still, eyes cast down, a statue carved from ice.

The car cut through the winding mountain roads, the monastery drawing closer with every mile.

But all I felt was

fire in my veins. A hunger that couldn’t be fed. They had taken Lily from me. And I would never forgive that.

The radio suddenly crackled to life, static tearing through the silence.

“Urgent alert: A highly dangerous patient has escaped Hollow Creek Psychiatric Facility. All citizens are advised to remain cautious…”

The two up front didn’t even blink.

I leaned back into the seat, eyes fixed on the back of their oblivious heads.

And smiled.

Silently. Coldly.

Like the calm before a storm.