Chapter 8: For Once, Not Running Away

The frustration from being tricked by Derek finally had somewhere to go.

All the pent-up anger, the humiliation, the fear—I let it out on Marcus, unfair as it was. He didn’t deserve it, but I couldn’t stop myself.

Even though I knew how hard it was for a half-demon to endure adulthood without his soulmate, I still couldn’t help but snap at him.

The words echoed between us, sharp and ugly. I hated myself for it, but I couldn’t back down.

Isn’t it… isn’t it all because Marcus is so frustrating?

Maybe I was really just scared. Scared that he needed me—really needed me—in a way no one ever had before.

Marcus backed away a few steps, collapsing to the floor like his bones had turned to jelly.

His legs gave out, and he crumpled onto the plush rug. His breath came ragged, eyes fixed on the floor.

"…Then go."

He sounded so tired. So defeated. I saw his shoulders shake, just once.

He lowered his head, Adam’s apple bobbing, voice hoarse.

He wouldn’t meet my eyes. The silence was deafening.

My anger flared.

I clenched my fists, tears stinging behind my eyes. Why was it always like this—so much pain, so much distance?

What does he mean? He wanted me to come, but now that I’m here, he wants me to leave?

Did I do something wrong? Was I too late? My mind raced for answers, but none came.

How is he just as annoying as Derek?

For a brief, ugly moment, I lumped them together—two boys, both hurting me in their own ways. But Marcus had never lied, never played games. He just… waited.

Speaking of Derek, I felt even more stifled inside.

His words from the bar echoed in my ears, fueling my determination. I wouldn’t be his pawn—not anymore.

Doesn’t he hate Marcus, treating me as a tool to beat him?

Derek thought he’d already won. He thought I’d always choose him. He was wrong.

Then I’ll make sure he loses. Completely.

For the first time, I felt something fierce and new rise inside me. I wouldn’t let anyone decide my story for me—not Derek, not even Marcus. I took a shaky breath, stepped inside Marcus’s room, and shut the door behind me. For once, I wasn’t running away.