"Jake, we need to talk."

He glanced up from the television; his expression blank. It was a bright, sunny afternoon, and with the look on his face, I knew this wasn’t going to go well. Jaxson was downstairs waiting in the car. Michael, Junho, and Christian were apparently close by; Ethan stayed behind to finish off the background checks on a group of girls who they presumed were being targeted by Xerxes.

"There’s nothing to talk about." He mumbled as he rose to his feet.

"Excuse me?" I questioned, confused.

"Scar, you didn't come home last night, again." He began. I raised my hand, signaling him to stop.

"Jake. Don't. Cece called you and explained what happened. I already had to deal with the embarrassing situation of fainting, while working with an investigation team that had no idea about that little problem. I don't need to deal with you thinking I was elsewhere, again." I pointed out, emphasizing the fact this was the second time he had insinuated I was cheating on him.

Sure, he was technically right the first time, but Cece had sent a picture with the exact date and time of me sleeping in bed to reassure him.

"Your best friend is just covering for you." He argued.

"Covering for me. She sent you a fucking picture! Jake, this has to end. I'm not doing this anymore. We don't love each other anymore. You sure as hell don't love me. You sit on that couch every day, and at night go out to party with your friend – or should I say, girlfriend." I accused; the bitter words escaped me as I glared at him.

He froze.

"You’re my girlfriend."

Liar.

I heard that voice again – the voice from my dreams. Are those my thoughts or someone else? I know I hadn’t thought the word liar. But if I’m not thinking my thoughts, who’s thinking them for me? Maybe my consciousness is speaking to me? Warning me.

I could feel down to my bones that he was lying to me. No, it was more than that. I knew in my soul; he'd moved on to another person – whom he passionately adored. I was nothing but a stepping stool.

"How..."

He began but fell silent as we stood there facing each other. I waited – my heart ached to see some type of reaction. Maybe I wanted to see regret or sadness in those brown eyes that stared back at me.

But as I watched his blank expression and the silence continued to reign between us, I knew he had no regret. He didn't regret wasting five years of my life, and he didn't regret cheating on me. My heart felt like it was being ripped to shreds as reality finally sank into me.

Don't get angry Scarlet....nothing good happens when you get angry. I said the words to myself, but it didn’t matter…

“Yes. I’m seeing someone else…” He confessed.  

I felt the anger within unleashed; my fingers trembled, yet I remained silent, staring at him.

“Scar.”

“Get out.”

His eyes widened at my order; my voice nothing but toneless – not an ounce of emotion left. I refused to let him provoke me.

“Let’s figure this out.”

“Get out.” I repeated.

“Scarlet. Listen to me! You can’t kick me out!”

“Get out Jake. This is over.” I couldn’t stop the outpouring of words. I couldn’t hold back the anger any longer.

“I clothed you. I gave you shelter when you lost everything. I give you a fucking ALLOWANCE while your ass does nothing but sit there on MY couch. I allowed you to sleep in MY bed. Everything in this fucking house was bought by ME! You have done jack SHIT the last four years! Of course, you’re just fucking some cunt ass –” My words stopped abruptly when something hit the side of the face.

I felt the sting across my cheek as the pain radiated and spread. It took me a moment to come out of my shock; my head turned to see Jake’s hand still raised. His eyes wide with anger.

“She’s not a cunt! She makes me ten times happier than you. Fuck, Scarlet; we haven’t had sex in months! Yet, you're trying to put the blame on me!” He yelled.

“Did you just hit me?” He looked at me in shock, as if he hadn’t realized what he just did until the words left my mouth, entering the thick air around us.

The sunlight that once shone through the window disappeared, and it suddenly grew darker outside.

“I…shit Scar, I didn’t–”

“GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!” The words erupted from me hotter than lava from a volcano.

“I swear to the fucking gods themselves, if you DARE come even close to me again, I’ll fucking murder you, and believe me when I say they will never find your no-good-cheating-ass remains!” The building trembled beneath the weight of my words as wind lashed against the outside of the windows. I could hear the constant noise of something beating against the glass, but my eyes were focused on the male before me. His eyes widened in shock, and his hands raised in a sign of surrender.

He backed away before darting to the door.

“You’ll regret this.” He whispered before opening the door, slamming it behind him.

I stood there, motionless. I bit my lip hard, anything to ignore the pain I felt within me.

Anger, sadness, confusion. I didn’t know which emotion hurt more; the feelings fought for dominance inside me as I continued to stare at the floor. The pain in my cheek still pulsed through me; the slap hard enough to leave a bruise.

No one had hit me since Dad. No one.

“Meow.”

My eyes noticed my little cat, sitting at my feet; those turquoise orbs looked sad as he stared up at me.

I knelt down to pet him.

“It’s just you and me buddy.” I whispered. I felt a tear roll down my aching cheek, dropping to the floor. Drip – Drop – Drip – Drop.

The tears wouldn’t stop – visible on the floor as they continued to stream down my face. Moonlight reached up on his back paws as if to encourage me to cradle him in my arms.

I pulled him into my chest before rising to my feet, walking straight to the washroom, closing the door behind me.

I pressed my back against the wall, sliding down to sit with Moonlight still in my arms. It was all the same. It felt exactly the same.

I remembered my aunt walking in – the screams and curses flowed around me. I wanted to leave. I wanted to be with my mother. She loved me. She adored me for who I was.

I felt everything I had felt that day – the pain resurfaced as if I’d opened the tiny box within me that been sealed and buried for years.

I didn’t realize I was screaming until the lights began to flicker on and off. I kicked my feet, smashing into the base of the sink over and over as I wailed.

I felt so much rage, yet I was overwhelmed with confusion as the tears continued to flood down my cheeks. My head ached, the pounding so severe.

Emotions that hadn’t been released in years poured out of me as easily as water from a faucet, and I was powerless to stop them. It was a cleansing that I needed. A release my body had begged for, yet I had denied it for so long.

“Someone…help me.” I begged.

I couldn’t control these emotions anymore. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I didn’t want bad things to happen like back then, but I was so angry, sad, and heartbroken.

Maybe, Dad was right...I should just disappear.

“SCARLET.”

No one can love me wholeheartedly.

“SCARLET. Please! Open the door.”

No one will ever accept me.

“Baby, please. Open the door. Let me in.”

No one will miss me.

"Scarlet. Please."

I opened my eyes; the lights continued to flicker on and off. I looked at my palms – strange swirling marks emitted green and blue lights, glowing off my skin.

Oh, hell nah. I’ve officially lost it. Glowing hands? I tried to steady my breathing, rubbing my arms in an attempt to remove the markings that continued to shine brightly - my actions unsuccessful.

I closed my eyes, wrapping my arms around Moonlight as I began to shiver in fear. It’s just a figment of my imagination. It's all just a nightmare. I’ll wake up and everything will be back to normal.

“Scarlet please. It’s me, Jaxson. I need you to open the door. Baby, don’t let your emotions consume you. Let me in, please.”

I could hear the distress in his voice – my mind finally realized I wasn’t alone in the house.

“Jaxson.” I whispered. Moonlight jumped off my lap as I rose to open the door but as my hand reached the knob I froze.

“Scarlet?” He called out.

“I’m scared to open the door.” I confessed; my fingers trembled. I was afraid to let him in. He might do the same to me. He’d hurt me or leave me. He’d break my heart again.

“Scarlet baby. Listen to me. I know you're in a dark place right now. But I swear it, I’ll never hurt you. I vow it on my God. I’ll never hurt you. I care for you, Scarlet Sinclair. Just find it in your heart to give me a chance.” He whispered against the door.

Truth.

Again, the voice that wasn’t my own returned – the same soft melodic sound. Why was I hearing voices? More importantly, why did I believe their words?

I didn't know what was going on with me. Why could I feel the truth in every single syllable as he made his declaration; the door was the only real barrier between us. I knew deep within, he wouldn't stray from his words. He'd keep his promise. He'd never hurt me, intentionally at least.

Moonlight walked to the door, scratching at the wood as he sat down to look at me.

Guess Moonlight wants Jaxson in…or he’s just tired of me too.

"Meowwwwww." He quickly moved to my feet, rubbing his head against me. I smiled. In a dark situation, my cat seemed to try and shine some light.

It took everything in me to grasp the doorknob – finally having the courage to open it. I let my hand slip away, returning back to my side as if it had lost all its strength after fulfilling its duty. I stepped back, turning to face the sink.

I wasn't ready to look him in the face...to let him see the damage. He'd be pissed.

I heard the door creak open, closing a moment later. I stood still, closing my eyes as my head hung low. I felt so tired.

"Scarlet."

I didn't answer. I didn't know what to say; the words stuck in my throat. I knew if I opened my mouth, I'd break down.

I felt something warm press against my back – the touch made me flinch. He didn't move; allowing me to calm down. I realized he was behind me and wouldn't do anything.

"Scarlet. Turn around." He whispered. I shook my head.

"Please." He pleaded. The sadness coated his voice and tore at my heartstrings. I didn't want him to feel sad or sorry for me. I deserve this. His pity shouldn’t be wasted on someone like me.

I finally turned around; my eyes locked on the ground. My shoulders sunk as I clenched my fists. I noticed his hand reach out; the action meant with good intentions, but I couldn't help but flinch, pressing myself against the sink as I began to tremble.

He won't hurt you.

The voice in my head returned, telling me what I already knew. I knew he wouldn't hurt me. But my body wouldn't listen.

All it was concerned about was not getting hurt – not wanting to feel any more pain than that which was tearing at me from the inside out. The pain on my cheek was now a dull ache – nothing compared to the inferno that brewed within me.

"Scarlet. I won't hurt you. Please, let me see how bad it is." He whispered.

I looked up to face him; my eyes felt weak as I tried to keep my gaze on him.

I saw his eyes land on my cheek, and a deep frown formed on his lips.

I must have been out of it – those amber eyes flickered to an orange glow and back to normal within seconds.

My eyes burned with the same stinging sensation that had been on and off for days. I rubbed my eyes. Are my tears the cause of the stinging? Is that why I’m seeing things?

“Guess I deserved it. I called his mistress or girlfriend a cunt. It took me five...five fucking years to find out he was cheating. I was so focused on school, my art, and my best friend that I couldn't see he didn't love me. I pitied him, thinking he'd have nowhere to go. I…didn't want to be alone again. I guess that worked out well." I laughed through sobs as I continued to tremble; my vision blurred from the tears that pooled in my eyes. The droplets of water fell down my flushed cheeks.

"Scarlet. You don't deserve to be hit by anyone."

"My dad hit me." I confessed, needing to tell him. He needed to understand where I was coming from.

"I was nothing but a nuisance to him. It's my fault my Mom died. I should have stopped her. I should have told her to stay with me instead of going out that winter day. Everything was my fault. That's why I deserve to be treated this way. It is my punishment for letting my mom die." I could already feel the build-up of emotions, threatening to overflow and consume me once more.

"Scarlet. Look at me." He whispered. I closed my eyes for a moment.

"Scar, baby. Please."

I looked up to face him.

"That wasn't your fault Scarlet. Did you use your own hands to kill your mother that day? No. Your father should have never taken his frustration out on you. No one should ever hit you." He stressed his last words.

"Jake did...I –"

"You don't deserve it, Scarlet. You deserve a man who will love you unconditionally. Fuck, Scar. I wish if only for just a second, you could get a glimpse of what I see. The beautiful, fierce woman who walks with confidence and will let the whole room know and feel your presence. When you dance, no one can help but watch you. When you laugh, it makes me so happy, even though I barely know you. But I want to. I want to know all about you. The happy and sad you. But I need you to know that from this day forward, no one will EVER lay a hand on you. Or I'll kill them myself."

I wanted to reply – to say something to such a strong expression of love, but I was rendered speechless by his words.

He means every single word. I let the soft, song-like voice soothe me. I smiled.

"I guess, I'm single now. Woohoo." My voice cracked with the mock cheer.

Jaxson’s arms opened wide as he stood in place.

"Scar, come here." He whispered.

My feet moved before I realized; his arms slowly encircled me. His touch was soft at first as if to see if I would flinch like before. When he realized I was okay, he tightened his hold on me, pulling me into his chest.

I allowed the tears to fall. We sank to the floor; his arms cradled me as I cried into his chest for what seemed like hours, just letting the tears stain his black shirt. Eventually, I calmed, and the tears ceased to flow; Moonlight sat next to our feet, purring softly.

He knew his purring always helped me calm down in some aspect.

"Scar? Jaxson? Where are you guys?"

I tensed up; Michael’s voice echoed outside in the hall. I didn't want to face anyone.

Jaxson rubbed my back soothingly.

"Scar, they won't judge you. Don't be so afraid." He whispered.

"How do you know?" I replied.

"I've known these guys for six years. Trust me. They won't judge you, just as I would never judge you, Scarlet."

"Just a few more minutes." I whispered in his chest.

"Okay." He whispered; his lips pressed lightly against my forehead. He shuffled for his phone; the little sounds of him typing a text message were the only sounds I heard besides his beating heart and our exhaling breath.

I wanted to sleep; my eyelids felt so heavy, but I was afraid – worried that this was merely a dream.

"Scar."

"Don't leave. When we talk to the others...can you stay? I know you’re busy. Just for a bit." I whispered, looking up to him.

"Baby don't give me that look. I'll stay as long as you need me to, alright? We’ll figure out the case stuff later. I'll stay okay?" He reassured me. I nodded, needing another minute with him before I was ready to see the others.

Jaxson helped me up. Moonlight sat at my feet as Jaxson opened the door, gently pulling me forward.

We walked to the living room – Michael and Junho stood in the middle of the room. They both glanced our way; their eyes landed on my face. Junho frowned, while Michael had a blank expression. He took a step forward, but I flinched – the movement enough to make him freeze in place.

"Sorry. Just give me a moment." I whispered. I watched Michael look at Jaxson before he frowned.

"It's okay Scarlet. Just let me know when you're ready." He reassured me.

"We'll stay with you as long as you need us, Scarlet. Don't worry, alright."

I nodded while I took slow, deep breaths. I despised this feeling – to be left in a situation where you felt helpless. I always felt this way when I broke down. As if it was a reminder that I couldn’t run away from this – whatever this was. "It's not like...I don't want your help. This always happens…when I lose control. I tried. I really did try to calm down. I know what happens when I get upset. Weird things happen, and people can get hurt. But, I didn’t mean to...don't think I hate you, either. I just need a moment to convince myself I won't...I won't hurt any of you…” I trailed off, unable to continue.

“I get it, Scarlet. Don't worry. We understand. Take one step at a time." Michael reassured me.

The door opened; my eyes lifted to lock onto Christian. His eyes focused onto my face before he frowned. I felt my eyes begin to sting – the same increase in pressure from before resurfaced as I looked at him.

I looked away for a moment, blinking my eyes rapidly to clear up my vision. I returned my gaze to be surprised by the new appearance – Christian’s amethyst eyes were now a light silver, his hair now a dark purple. The most eye-catching feature were the large red horns on his head – the same ones I saw on Cece's the previous time my eyes went haywire.

I must be hallucinating.

"Red horns?" I questioned, blinking.

Jaxson shifted slightly to look down at me; the others turned to gaze at me with wide eyes.

"What Scarlet?"

"Christian...red horns." I whispered, continuing to stare at the dark red, ivory looking horns; their smooth texture was apparent as they twisted upward. As scary as it was to look at, it didn't make him look bad at all. In fact, it complimented him, as if he was born that way.

"Scarlet.” Jaxson called out, but I felt so tired suddenly; black spots appeared in my vision as they began to cover my image of Christian and the others. My eyes rolled back as my knees buckled. I let out a strained moan as I felt all my energy be swept away from me; my consciousness faded so fast, I didn't have time to process anything else.

I wanted the darkness to take me away – just let me escape reality, even if it was only for a moment.

With that last thought, I was consumed by the darkness.