Pick us back

the lighthouse

The rest of the day passed in a blurred haze. I moved through my appointments like a ghost, piercing ears and shading skin while my mind stayed locked in that one moment against the workbench. Every time a needle buzzed, I felt the phantom pressure of Ezra's lips against mine, making my heart skip a jagged beat. When closing time finally rolled around, I cleaned the shop with mechanical precision, my thoughts already racing ahead. I turned the lock, the click echoing in the quiet street, and headed for my bike with a stomach full of butterflies.

I kicked the bike to life, but I didn't head for the house. I couldn't-not with the demon waiting for me behind the front door. Instead, I turned toward the coast, heading for the old lighthouse. It was the secret spot my dad used to take me to before the world went quiet, before he died. As the salty air hit my face, I felt the first real breath I'd taken all day.

The trail was as rough as I remembered, forcing me to go slow to keep my bike-and myself-in one piece. I rounded the final bend, and there it was: the red-and-white lighthouse that had been my father's favorite place in the world. I cut the power and headed to our spot. Sitting on the earth, I watched the ocean churn below, the waves slamming into the jagged rocks like they were trying to break the shore. This was the only place where I could actually hear myself think. I exhaled, feeling the tension leave my shoulders. Bliss.

A bike engine growled in the distance, shattering my bliss. I watched as the rider approached and cut the power. Marcus. He stepped off the bike, looking like a dark omen against the red-and-white lighthouse.

"I didn't think anyone else knew about this spot," I said, my voice shaking.

"I saw it on the map. Thought I'd get some air," he muttered, walking to the cliff's edge. He turned to look at me, and my breath caught. He was beautiful in a way that felt dangerous. "I'm glad I found you, Nova."

"Why?"

He bared his teeth in a frustrated grimace, crouching down so he was inches from my face. The scent of leather and cold air rolled off him. "I know what Ezra did. And trust me, I want to do the same. I want to see if you taste as good as he says." He leaned closer, his voice a low warning. "But we're trouble, Nova. He reached out as if to touch me, then pulled back, his fist clenching. "I want you just as bad as he does, but you don't know what you're getting into. Stay away from us. For your own sake."

I stood up, brushing the dirt from my jeans. "I don't take orders from strangers, Marcus." I caught his eye and smirked. "Especially not strangers who can't keep their eyes off me." I kicked my bike into gear and headed back toward town.But as I neared my driveway, the adrenaline faded, replaced by a cold, numbing dread. I pulled over just out of sight, my chest tight as I tried to mentally prepare for the demon waiting inside. My phone buzzed in my pocket.

Unknown Number: You should have stayed away. Now you've done it. -M

"What the hell?" I whispered, staring at the screen. How did he even get my number? I didn't have time to process the threat; I could already hear her screaming from the house. I shook my head, steeled my nerves, and rolled down the driveway into the chaos.