Page 464 of Lessons in Cruelty

Something primal stirs inside me, a feeling more visceral than rage, more consuming than possessiveness. It’s hunger—raw and feral, like my body recognizes its prey moving through the darkness.

She’s little more than a shadow picking its way through the trees, but my eyes latch onto her. Every cell in my body feels her presence, tracking her movements with an instinct that bypasses conscious thought.

The rain slows.

Even my racing heart syncs with her cautious footsteps.

I’ve never felt more alive than now as I watch her, unseen. As she searches for something.

Someone.

For me.

Has she ever felt it? This invisible thread that’s always connected us? Or was I just a distraction?

What are you doing out here, girl?

Alone in the rain again.

In the dark.

Her silhouette pauses, head tilting as though she senses me watching. And despite everything—the pain, the rage, the betrayal—I’m struck by how fucking beautiful she is, even as a shadow.

Perhaps you fancy another game of Hide and Hunt, Miss H?

You know...for old times’ sake?

Only this time, we play for keeps.

When I catch you, I’m not letting go.

I step forward, melting into the darkness of the woods.

Chapter 50

Bastian

I glare at the rain as it slams against my Tesla’s windshield. The wipers are going full blast, but I might as well have them turned off. Water sluices down the glass, only briefly dispersed by the blades before a fresh wave ripples down.

…it’s never going to stop, Bash. Never, ever, ever…

My jaw clenches, teeth gritting. It wasn’t raining this hard when I left home. If I knew it would come down like this, I wouldn’t have⁠—

A bark of laughter stabs through Chopin’s nocturnes.

Please.

Like I had a fucking choice.

My resentful glare turns into a bemused smile as I guide my Tesla down the road. Who knew my brain could still surprise me with its little idiosyncrasies? Like pretending I’m not a slave to my urges. In that respect, I’m all too human.

I couldn’t have stayed home anymore than I could have stopped myself spitting into Haven’s bleeding pussy. Or helping her rid herself of her familial duties.

This isn’t about what I want.

It’s about what I need.

And thank God, there’s a college kid in Agony Hollow who needs this as much as I do.