Page 33 of Maddening Fixation

For the first time in a decade...

I was back inside Flynn Manor.

Laughter echoed from the dining hall deeper within the house.

Crystal glasses clinked together.

Someone proposed a toast.

More laughter followed.

They sounded happy.

Comfortable. Safe.

None of them knew death had already walked through their front door.

I stopped in the centre of the entrance hall.

Slowly lifted my eyes toward the sound.

A cold smile spread across my scarred face.

I was home.

And the monster they had spent a lifetime creating had finally returned to collect what was owed.

Chapter 2

ROMEO

Iwalked forward without haste, every step deliberate.

Laughter bounced lazily between the high ceilings.

Someone was telling a joke.

Another burst into loud applause.

The rich aroma of roasted meat, expensive wine, and freshly baked bread filled the room.

To anyone else...

It looked like the picture of a wealthy, loving family gathered for an elegant evening meal.

I saw something entirely different.

I saw wolves feasting.

I saw the people who had condemned an innocent boy before he had even been given the chance to defend himself.

Not one chair at that table had ever been left empty for me.

Not once.

Not in ten years.

A bitter smile tugged at the ruined corner of my mouth.