And I never even asked for an explanation.
I just assumed the worst and ran.
Maybe I am the monster in this story.
The realization hits like a physical blow. I’ve spent so much time feeling like a victim—of my disability, of Drew’s condescension, of circumstances beyond my control.
But this time, I made the choice to run rather than trust. To assume rather than ask questions.
And now what?
I’m hundreds of miles from anyone I know, in a country where I don’t speak the language, dependent on a stranger’s kindness.
While Beast is probably discovering my betrayal and thinking I’m just like everyone else who’s ever hurt him.
The tears come harder now, and I’m not even sure who I’m crying for anymore.
TWENTY-EIGHT
ABADDON
I stormthrough the castle’s main level, my rage a living thing clawing at my chest. Apparently, I’ve arrived at precisely the worst moment, because Thing is crawling up the dungeon stairwell, chains still rattling around his massive arms. He’s clearly broken free from the wall anchors but hasn’t bothered shaking off the restraints.
And judging by his eyes—gone completely crimson—he’s beyond furious.
Well, shit.
But that’s not even the worst of it.
Because emerging behind him is Remus, Romulus dormant. Remus controls their shared body now, looking as maniacal as ever. He actually pets Thing’s head while grinning, that smile stretching impossibly wide across human lips. His eyes burn red with a divine spark, too.
Fuck.My hackles rise and my claws extend instinctively.
“Your little consort decided to come exploring,” Remus taunts, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
Thing opens his maw and releases a bone-shaking roar. His face appears human, but the proportions are subtly wrong, made worse by those protruding fangs. Combined with his blue-tinged skin caked in filth, he looks more monstrous than I do—and that’s without considering his multiple, powerful arms.
“If either of you touched her, I’ll—” I begin, protective fury making my voice deadly quiet.
Remus cackles with genuine delight. “Oh, she fled before we broke free. Just a curious little kitten who wanted to see what lurked in the big, bad dungeon. But she was careless enough to leave the door wide open.” That disturbing grin splits his face nearly ear to ear.
Disturbing bastard.
“Now that I’m here, you’ll return to where you belong,” I growl, authority ringing in my voice.
“To hell?” Remus says with mock consideration. “Too late, brother. We were already living there.”
“You’ll have to get through me first.”
“I’ve been anticipating this for decades.” His tail rises menacingly behind him, and his wings spread wide. But then he clenches his jaw and strains his neck.
I bare all my teeth in a predatory smile.
Perfect.It’s his tell. Romulus is awakening and fighting for control. Always that eternal internal battle.
Remus grimaces in fury, realizing I’ve noticed his weakness. “Attack!” he shouts desperately.
Thing launches forward with devastating speed, and I drop into a combat crouch, ready.
