Cedarwood Cabin

Chapter 23

TWENTY-THRE E

FLORA

It’s been three weeks and I haven't done anything to aggravate Dax or Lyka. Every command has been followed and every punishment has been avoided. I have earned some of their trust with my submission. They no longer cuff me and I can now move around the cabin with ease. But the doors and windows are still locked, of course.

I sit on a wooden stool in the living room. My eyes are focused on the paper in front of me with my palette only holding black paint. It's the only color I can bear to use. The fact I can paint at all is a miracle in itself. I paint an abyss, a reflection of my soul, without hope, without color.

Taking the brush, I sink into the black paint. The bristles slide across the paper, leaving dark trials like shadows in my mind. “All of this is temporary,” I whisper to myself. These words I hold on to like a lifeline. I am better off dead than being stuck in this hell. I hear footsteps behind me, but I don’t turn.

“How's the painting?” Dax asks, his voice casual. He leans over my shoulder.

“It's coming along,” I say quietly, my eyes glued to the paper .

“Good, stick at it. Maybe one day you’ll paint something more cheerful.”

I don’t say anything in response. Dax sighs as he turns and leaves .

“It’s all temporary,” I repeat to myself in a whisper.

Lyka walks into the room and stands behind me, looking at the painting. He bends down and puts his finger under my chin, guiding my gaze towards him. I lay down my paintbrush. He kneels down beside me, making our faces level. I look into his eyes and see nothing, except I’m pretty sure when he looks into my eyes, he sees the same.

“You don’t have to fight this…you don’t have to fight us …” he says, pushing my hair behind my shoulder.

“I’m too weak, mentally and physically, to fight you anymore,” I mumble as my eyes gloss over. “What do you want from me, Lyka? Why are you still keeping me here?”

“Me and Dax would be fools to let you go. You’re ours now, Flora. Plus, who do you have apart from us?”

“I might not have anyone, but I would have freedom.”

“You have everything you could ever want here. We just want to take care of you.”

If I had the energy, I might have scoffed.

“Take care of me? You’ve tortured and tormented me. You lied about a Covid lockdown. My mother died from Covid. How can you be so cruel?” I whisper.

I see guilt in his eyes for a moment, but he quickly looks away.

“Me and Dax are all you have, and it's staying that way. Yes, we did some fucked up things, but you were ours the moment we brought you back to the cabin. I didn’t want to bring you back here. But–” he stops talking and swallows. I try to look down at the floor, but he holds my chin in place. “I had to keep you here. I’m just as tainted as you. The dark though ts that trouble you…Well, they trouble me, too,” he whispers.

For a moment, I feel a connection to the man who holds me captive. We just look at each other, a silent conversation passing between us. His eyes search mine, but I don’t have anything else to say. The numbness has taken over any other emotion in me.

His forehead presses against mine and I feel his breath against my lips. Despite everything, in this moment, I want to kiss and hold him. I want to feel something.

Dax strides back into the living room, his voice breaking the fragile tension between me and Lyka. “Flower, we have a treat for you since you’ve been a good girl,” Dax coaxes, holding up a backpack. I turn to look at him and my eyebrows flicker, confused. Lyka stands up, his demeanor still soft. “We’re gonna take you to the lake and have a picnic, go fishing. What do you think?”

“Uhh…I would like that,” I stutter, caught off guard by the offer to leave the cabin.

Dax steps closer, his voice lower and stern, almost threatening. “You’ve been so good for us, flower. Don’t give us any reason to punish you.” His eyes bore into mine.

What they don’t know is that I don’t have anything left to give. The last of my fight bled out of my body three weeks ago. I nod and stand up from the stool. The thought of heading out into the open to see the lake sends me waves of both thrill and terror. I haven't been outside since being tied up like a sacrifice. Lyka helps me gather my things while Dax just watches us. His eyes still locked on me, reminding me of the boundaries that are still present.

We walk toward the door; some outside light filtering into the cabin. My heart pounds in my chest. Stepping outside, I fill my lungs with the fresh air, and for a moment, I feel a flicker of someth ing I haven't felt in weeks—hope. But their presence behind me reminds me how imaginary that feeling is.

We walk toward the garage as Dax takes my hand; his grip is firm but tender. It’s like we are boyfriend and girlfriend. I can’t find it in myself to care; I’m just happy to be outside. The breeze feels amazing against my skin and the view of the forest is something else. It’s as if I haven't seen the outdoors before; everything is so vivid.

“You’ll be getting on the back of my ATV,” Dax says, pulling me along.

Lyka drops the backpack on his ATV and opens a container filled with weed brownies. “Let’s have these before we leave,” he says, holding out the container. They both take a brownie and eat it, enjoying the treat. I reach for one of the brownies and scarf it down, letting the rich chocolate dissolve in my mouth.

Dax guides me toward the four-wheeler, boosts me to the seat, and then holds my hand steady. He starts the engine and I feel the strong vibrations traveling up the seat into my body. “Hold tight,” he says over his shoulder.

I wrap my arms around his waist, feeling his solid muscles beneath his shirt. We speed off into the forest, the wind whipping past us. Lyka follows behind us.

We come to an open area beside the lake. The water glistens in the midday sun. Dax parks the ATV and helps me off.

Lyka pulls off the backpack and spreads a blanket on the grass as we sit down to eat. The scene is idyllic. I slide all the way back, leaning on my elbows, feeling the sun's warmth soaking into my skin. Lyka and Dax sit on either side of me. Though their proximity reminds me of my captivity, I let myself appreciate this moment in the sun for now. I look around, seeing mushrooms spread across the grass, ducks zip across the lake's surface, and butterflies flutter by.

So beautiful . I may be noticing more because I am high .

Dax pulls out containers of food and lays it out. There are sandwiches, fruits, chips, and nuts. Lyka hands me a bottle of water and I take it gratefully; my throat is parched. It almost feels like three ordinary people are picnicking in beautiful weather beside the lake. The darkness of our reality was pushed out of my mind.

“Oh, shit. We forgot the fucking fishing rods!” Dax states, breaking the moment. I can’t help but chuckle and shake my head.

“I’ll see if there is anything in the fishing cabin,” Lyka says, rolling his eyes and standing up from the blanket.

Dax pulls out his pack of cigarettes and gets one out, putting it to his lips. He tosses me the lighter and it lands on my lap. He nudges his head for me to come over. “Light it for me,” he mumbles from the side of his mouth, the cigarette dangling between his lips. I flick the lighter a couple of times, but my fingers feel a little unsteady. Finally, a small flame appears and I hold it to the end of his cigarette. Dax takes a long drag and then breathes it out. He then places an arm around me, pulling me back to his side. For a quick second, something like comfort washes over me, like I’m not captive, but just sitting beside a lake with someone who cares.

Dax drags on his cigarette once more and I watch the smoke drift away into the air. Part of me hates him, but another part is desperate for human connection.

Even if it comes from a person who has caused me so much pain.

Dax holds out the cigarette in his hand, the tip still glowing faintly. “Oh, I don’t smoke.” I shake my head.

“You’re so innocent, aren't you, flower?” he says, smirking down at me.

His tone has a hint of condescension and it vexes me. I don’t know w hy, but I take the cigarette between two fingers, determined to wipe that smirk off his face.

“Inhale…” he instructs.

I lift the cigarette to my lips and take a cautious drag. The acrid taste of smoke invades my mouth. I pull the cigarette from my lips. The unfamiliar taste and sensation make my eyes water a little.

“Inhale again so it goes here,” he explains, tapping my chest.

I do, and the smoke goes down my throat. It slightly burns as it hits my lungs. I hold it for a moment before exhaling. The taste is coarse and unpleasant on my tongue. I start coughing.

Dax watches me, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Not bad for a first-timer,” he says with a hint of approval.

I pass the cigarette back to him and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. “It’s disgusting,” I mutter under my breath as I can feel the taste of smoke still on my tongue.

“You’ll get used to it…” he says, leaning back and looking at the sky. “Just like everything else.”

I feel a flicker of something resurface in my chest. “Please,” I mumble softly. “Let me go.”

Dax looks up at me; his face is completely emotionless as his hand reaches out and twirls a strand of my hair, mindlessly. “Never,” he whispers.

His words are heavy like a hammer. I turn back to the lake, trying to soothe myself.

Lyka comes back, holding two fishing rods and a tackle box. “Found some things,” he announces.

Dax stands up, stretching his arms. “Well, we better get to it, then.”

The weed brownie starts kicking in more. The world grows softer and colors get brighter. Every sensation becomes heightened. A litt le giggle slips out from my mouth. We pack up the picnic items and walk to a good fishing spot. The walk feels surreal as if I’m gliding rather than walking.

Oh, I’m high. Yup! I’m high.

I follow Dax and Lyka along the rim of the lake. We settle beside a large fallen log right at the water's edge, perfect for sitting and watching. I plop down on the log. They set up the fishing gear with ease. I watch them, feeling detached yet aware. Lyka’s muscles flex as he casts the fishing rod, arching the line and it cleanly enters the water.

“Stay right here,” Dax reminds me.

“I will…”

They stand at the edge of the lake. I tilt my head back and breathe in the sweet, earthy smell of the forest. The warm sunshine falls on my face and I close my eyes to soak it in. I feel the full effects of the brownie, my mind drifting like a cloud of euphoria. I enjoy the moment.

I open my eyes and look around. Lyka glances back at me, nods, and goes back to fishing.

“Enjoying yourself?” Dax calls out across the quiet lake.

“Yeah,” I respond honestly. “I am.”

Dax’s fishing line begins to twitch and his rod bends. “Gotcha!” he hisses, reeling in the line. The fish gives him a pretty good fight. His muscles strain, but he is determined. Finally, he draws it out of the water, holding it up proudly.

“Look,” he grins, holding up the little fish.

I can’t help but give a little round of applause. “Nice catch,” I say.

Lyka takes one look at the fish and chuckles. “Ahh, dude, it’s pretty small. Throw it back. We’ll get bigger.”

Dax sighs, rolling his eyes. “Fine,” he says, taking the hook from the fish’s mouth.

He bends down and gently places the fish into the water. It swims off really fast and out of sight deep into the lake. Dax wipes his hands on his jeans and casts again.

I feel myself basking in the sun again. Dax’s voice cuts through the tranquility. “You feeling the brownie yet, dude?” he asks Lyka.

“Yeah. It’s hitting just right,” he replies.

I hear the sounds of Dax and Lyka gathering up the fishing gear. They walk over and sit beside me on the log. “You’ve been such a good girl today,” Dax murmurs. His lips touch my neck, making me quiver.

Lyka’s hands travel up and down my thighs, applying firm pressure. His strokes are slow and soothing against my skin. Everything feels amplified because I’m high. Dax’s kisses move up my neck to my jawline, each one teasing me.

“You like this, don’t you, flower?”

“Mhmm,” I groan.

Lyka’s hand glides higher. “Why don’t we have a little fun?” he whispers. He looks at Dax as silent communication passes between them.

They suddenly rise from the log, looming over me with their smirks, unsettling and ominous. “Me and Dax are gonna give you just one chance for freedom,” he says, holding up a single finger as if to punctuate the heft of the opportunity.

This has to be a cruel joke. A twisted, evil prank? Humiliate me further? Or could it be a genuine chance to escape this nightmare?

“If you can run to the other side of the lake to the fishing cabin, without us catching you–” Dax explains.

“Yeah?!” I interrupt loudly. A surge of disbelief washes over me.

They share a knowing look and cross their arms. “We will let you go,” Lyka declares.

I glance around. Behind them, the cabin looms, promising freedo m. Would it be possible to make it…without them catching me?

“You said you’d never let me go…If this is some sinister game, you’ve won already,” I state with a concerned look on my face.

“Hey, flower, if you wanna stay, just say so…” Dax says with sarcasm.

“No, no. Just pinky swear this isn't some cruel trick?”

Dax extends his pinky toward me, his face serious. “Pinky swear,” he mouths silently. I twist my pinky finger with his.

“What happens if you catch me?” I manage to ask, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat.

“You’ll see…” Lyka replies with a chilling smile. “We will give you a head start. As soon as you pass that boulder, that's when we start chasing you,” he says, motioning to the massive boulder at the lake's edge. I take quick breaths while my chest heaves up and down. The lake stretches out before me. Every instinct urges me to run, to take this slim chance at freedom.

I stand there and a thousand thoughts cross my mind.

Can I trust them? Is this really my way out? Or will it lead to more pain and punishment?

I feel a rush of adrenaline course through me. I decide. I take a deep breath and brace myself. My eyes flicker from Dax to Lyka, then over their shoulders to the cabin.

Without a word, I start sprinting. My feet pound against the earth as I race past that looming boulder. I push myself towards the distant sanctuary, the fishing cabin, and pray that this time, maybe, I’ll make my way back to freedom. I don’t look back to see if Dax and Lyka are on my trail. My heart is thumping with fear and desperate hope. I don’t hear anything else around me. My tears blur my vision, but I push forward with all my might. In front of me, the cabin looms closer and closer. I can taste freedom. Just as victory seems within my grasp, I feel a weight come c rashing down hard on me from behind. I am knocked forward and my body thumps sickeningly onto the ground.

“Nooo! Nooo!” I cry out.

I’m flipped over and Dax hovers over me. his chest is heaving. My eyes blur with tears and I can hardly understand the cruel reality unfolding in front of me. A mocking laughter comes from Dax and all my hopes of freedom are shattered. I am too out of breath to fight. I lie there defeated.

“What happened, flower? I thought you wanted freedom,” Dax taunts, out of breath.

I look over Dax's shoulder and see Lyka standing there, catching his breath. “You really thought you could outrun the Faulkner brothers…”

“I hate you!” I scream, feeling the first rise of any emotion besides numbness in three weeks.

Dax moves one of his hands to my waistband and slips it under my panties. “Your pussy says differently. Hate us? Then why are you so wet…” Dax asks, rubbing his fingers down the slit of my pussy.

My one chance of freedom is gone. I was a fool even to think I could outrun two muscular men.

Dax removes his hand from my pussy and gets off me.

Lyka holds his hand out to me. I nudge it away, but he grabs my wrist and pulls me into this body. I pound my fists into his chest and cry. His hands move to the back of my thighs and he picks me up. I wrap my legs around him and I cry into his shoulder.

“We caught you. You lost, Flora. Now you’re ours forever,” he murmurs as he carries me towards the cabin. I look behind me and see Dax standing by the door, holding it open with a sinister grin.

We enter the cabin and I bury my face against Lyka’s shoulder, trying to shield myself from the reality of my situation. He sets m e down and Dax moves behind me, cocooning me in their presence. I feel Dax’s arm come around my body as he begins to rub my pussy over my jeans. Despite everything, my body accepts him easily. I should hate them. What am I doing? I raise my hand and place it on the back of his head as it rests on my shoulder.

Lyka’s lips find mine, kissing me passionately like he owns me. I melt into his embrace, our mouths moving together. I moan into his mouth as Dax continues to rub me. His fingers trace over the top of my jeans. I feel myself seeking more. Their bodies press against mine. Dax’s hand works on pushing my jeans down my legs. My breath catches in my throat as he pulls my panties down, his fingers delicately parting my lips.

“Fucking hell. She's so wet, Lyka,” Dax groans.

Lyka steps back and begins to undo his belt. His eyes are fixed on mine with intensity.

“Is your pussy excited for us?” he asks with a smirk. I shake my head in defiance.

Dax's fingers move faster on my clit and my body seems to lean into his touch. Lyka’s belt comes undone and he slides it off. He pulls down his pants and underwear, kicking them to the side. Dax's fingers leave my pussy as Lyka walks over with his hard erection. He places his hands behind my ass and lifts me. I wrap my arms and legs around him on instinct. His body radiates heat against mine and I feel his cock press against my sensitive pussy. He pins me against the wall with his cock at my wet entrance, ready to plunge into me.

His hips thrust forward and I gasp as his cock slides deep into me. The rough texture of the wall against my back adds to the sensation. I hold onto him tight as he thrusts deeper inside me. I hear the slick sounds of our bodies moving together, the wetness between my legs. His fingers dig into my skin while he fucks me with force against the wall. I glance over Lyka’s should er to find Dax standing there, eyes locked on us. He doesn't waste any time, pulling his jeans and underwear down. His cock springs free, already hard as he begins stroking himself.

I watch Dax, his movement as fast as Lyka’s thrusts. I arch my back into his thrusts, my fingers digging into his shoulders. My moans grow louder at the feeling of being filled by him and the exhibitionist thrill of Dax watching us.

Lyka grunts and suddenly pulls out of me. I remove and unwrap my legs from his hips as he places me down.

He guides me to the bed, his eyes silently demanding. Dax follows us, his gaze heavy behind mine. Lyka nods toward Dax, giving him a silent cue. Without a second thought, Dax lies on the bed as his cock twitches. Lyka’s grip on my hand tightens and he stands behind the bed. “Get on top of him,” he commands.

I straddle Dax’s lap, feeling his cock directly below me. Dax reaches up, gripping my waist and guiding me into position. I line myself up with him and the tip of his cock pries my pussy lips open. Slowly, I lower myself onto him, gasping as he fills me. His hand grasps onto my hips and I start grinding on him. Our bodies move together and I feel Lyka looming over us as he watches. “There's a good girl,” Lyka says, full of satisfaction. He reaches out his hand and moves my hair out of my face. Dax's cock stirs inside me, making me gasp. Lyka’s hand moves from my hair to my cheek, his touch possessive. “Do you like how he stretches your pussy?”

I bite my lip and struggle to find my voice. “I…I love it,” I force myself to stutter.

Lyka leans closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Ride him…Show us how much you love a Faulkner’s cock.”

His words make me feel weak as I roll my hips and grind against Dax’s cock. I feel Lyka’s strong presence move behind me as he gets onto the bed, his hand pushing down on my back. Lyka’s voice cuts with a commanding undertone. “Dax may have been the first one in your tight pussy, but I’m gonna be the first one in your ass.”

I let out a loud gulp and stop breathing for a second. A mixture of nervous excitement and arousal swirls within me. Lyka prepares himself to claim what he wants. His hand gropes around my ass followed by a resounding smack, making me let out a little whimper. The sound of his spit hitting my skin makes me stiffen as the warm moisture lands just right above my exposed asshole. I can feel Lyka's cock pressing on my tight entrance as he starts to rub his cock against my hole.

Dax guides my head down to his neck. His grip on my neck gets a little tighter, urging me closer.

Lyka grabs the sides of my ass cheeks and I feel a sharp, jabbing pain in my asshole, a burning sensation running through me like wildfire. I’m being stretched to the limit as I cry into Dax's neck.

“I can’t! Fuck!” I sob.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. Just breathe,” Dax repeats, soothing me.

He holds me against him as he continues to thrust beneath me. I grit my teeth through the searing pain in my ass.

Lyka's grip on my ass tightens, his fingers digging into my flesh as he pushes further into me. My body quakes. I feel myself ready to collapse as the pain becomes too much to handle. Tears stream down my face as he bottoms out.

“Fucking look at them dimples above your ass,” Lyka says out of breath.

Dax and Lyka move inside me together. I feel every inch of them stretching and filling me. I relax and let the sensations ride over as hands move all over my skin.

“She's taking our cocks so well. I think she can take m ore,” Lyka says as he thrusts deeper into my asshole, his balls slapping against my skin.

Dax moans loudly as he continues thrusting. I feel Lyka's firm grip as he fists my hair, grasping at me like he's claiming me. He pulls my head up and I turn my face to the side. “Open your mouth,” he demands.

I open wide, sticking out my tongue as he spits in my mouth. It tastes slightly bitter and I swallow hesitantly.

“You’re one of us, a Faulkner . Do you understand?” His words resound inside me. Pride washes over me, mixed with a twinge of submission. Lyka grips my throat and squeezes. “Do you fucking understand, Flora?” he asks again.

I meet his gaze with desire, my defiance crumbling as my eyes lock onto his. Dax pounds into me from below, making it hard to think coherent sentences.

“I…I…” I stutter.

“Use your words, baby.”

“I understand,” I breathe out.

Lyka's grip tightens around my neck. The pressure is tight, a forceful reminder of his hold on me.

“Ly…Lyka… Dax,” I manage to shriek.

“Scream our names, flower. We want everyone to know we are inside you,” Dax says. I obey and scream out their names.

Their bodies pump deeper and faster inside me with each thrust.

“Fuck. I’m gonna fill you with my cum,” Dax says, moaning.

“You…You…can’t,” I stutter.

Dax kisses me to silence me, his moans mingling with mine as our lips meet. I can feel the tension building within him.

I feel his cock twitch and pulse inside me as his orgasm washes over him. Lyka growls, his nails digging into my skin as Dax pulls out .

“My turn. I can’t wait to fucking breed you,” he grunts, pulling out of my ass as he starts to thrust in my pussy.

Dax clings to me and holds me in place so I can’t move. Lyka pounds into me harder and harder. “I'm coming. I'm coming,” he chants as he holds my hips. “Don’t move, I want my cum to work its magic,” he says as he finally releases in me.

Out of breath, we all collapse on top of each other. “That’s our girl,” Dax whispers.

The Faulkner brothers both claim me as theirs. Was there now a part of me that enjoyed it?

Lyka lets out a deep, rumbling chuckle, like a purr—self-satisfied and possessive.

We all fall silent; I don't want them to leave my body. I want to savor this moment for as long as possible. I should fucking hate them. I do.

Right?

My body's weak, still aching as we exit the cabin while Lyka adjusts his belt outside. I get that sharp twinge in my asshole, reminding me of what had just gone down. My mind's in a haze and I feel like I'm floating from my high; both from the weed and orgasms.

“Well, well, well,” a voice cuts through my daze. I look up to see Jonny standing there with one of his friends.

Jonny saunters toward us with a mocking smile. “The British girl taking more than one guy? She didn't strike me as a whore, but do I get to take her for a ride?”

Dax flushes red with anger, storming up to Jonny. “Fucking, say that again!” he growls, their faces inches apart .

Jonny's friend steps forward, but Lyka cuts in front of him. The atmosphere is tense as they face each other. Jonny and Dax put their foreheads together. I rush toward them and grasp Dax's arm, trying to pull him back. “Dax, don't,” I plead hastily as my voice shakes.

Jonny's eyes dance with sadistic pleasure. “Hit me, Faulkner. I know you want to,” he says, egging Dax on a little more.

“DAX, PLEASE!” I scream again, my voice shattering. I tug really hard on his arm, trying with all my heart to prevent impending violence.

“Go on, Dax, be a good boy and listen to your whore,” Jonny hisses, his voice dripping with venom.

I force my way past and step between them. I'm trembling as I reach up and grab Dax's face, my fingers pressing against his cheeks.

“Dax, look at me,” I cry, my voice shaking. “Leave it.” Dax's enraged stare falters as he looks down at me. Slowly, he steps back from Jonny, his muscles still tight but his demeanor weakening. I don’t want to see him or Lyka get hurt.

Lyka steps back from Jonny's friend, who sneers, “Who knew that Faulkner brothers were such pussies?”

Dax holds my hand tight as we turn away, his breathing heavy. My heart is racing as we walk off. The tension in the air is still thick around us. Jonny's voice pierces the air again.

“Hey, British, how's your father?”

The mention of my father sends a shock wave of pain through me. Dax stiffens beside me, anger reigniting. He starts to turn back, but I give a hard yank on his hand, my eyes begging him not to react. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I refuse to let Jonny see how his words cut so deep.

We finally reach the ATVs and I can feel my compos ure slipping.

Dax and Lyka don't waste another second. We ride off into the forest at lightning speed and I hold on tight as the wind whips my hair in my face. The forest seems to blur around us, the trees a rush of green and brown. I can’t shake the memory of Jonny’s mean comment. It lingers in my mind—a reminder of the outside world. How cruel it was.

We pull into the garage and the tension is still high. Dax hops off the ATV, pacing back and forth. He picks up a helmet off of a nearby table and sends it flying across the room. It hits the wall with a loud thud. I instinctively step back as fear rises at the sight of his uncontrolled anger.

“I need to go back there and kill them! No one speaks to you like that!” Dax roars, turning around to face me, his face inches from mine. His eyes are wild. He's furious. I can feel the heat of his breath and I'm trembling.

Before I can even react, Lyka slides between us. “Calm the fuck down, dude!” he orders.

Dax's fists clench, his eyes darting wildly around the room as he storms over to the wall, beginning to punch into it. I can see his knuckles start bleeding, leaving smears of red on the wall. Lyka runs toward him and snatches Dax's hand before he can punch the wall again. “Enough, Dax!” Lyka demands as he locks onto Dax's wrist.

I've never seen this side of Dax before.

Dark. Feral. Utterly terrifying.

I look at him and once again he's a stranger to me. I step back and my back hits the cold metal of the ATV behind me. Fear must be written across my face because Lyka looks over his shoulder at me, his expression softening.

“You’re fucking scaring her,” Lyka says more softly. His grip on Dax's wrist loosens, but still firm enough to constrain him.

Dax looks over at me. The rage is replaced with regret, perhap s even shame. He unfurls his fists slowly and Lyka lets go.

Dax takes a step back, running a hand through his hair. His knuckles are raw and bleeding. “I'm sorry…” he finally mutters, perhaps more to himself than us. “I just, I can't stand that asshole.”

Dax inhales deeply again; his shoulders slumping as the adrenaline rush dies down. He turns toward me and his expression softens. “You shouldn't have seen that,” he says, looking down.

Still in shock, I nod. “It's okay,” I say, though I don't even believe myself. I’m not okay.

Lyka steps closer and places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Let's get you inside,” he says, guiding me gently toward the door.

I look back as we move away. Dax hasn't budged an inch, still standing by the wall, staring down at his bloodied hands. The darkness I saw in him stays with me.