Prologue
Trigger Warning Disclaimer:
This book contains content that may be distressing or triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is advised. The following themes are present in the narrative: Violence, Accidental, low descriptive child death, Murder, Profanity, Blood, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Bullying, Abusive relationships, Sexual assault, Sexual abuse, Gore, Death, Decapitation, Torture, Slut shaming, Stalking, Masks, Death of a character, Blood play, Orgasm denial, Smoking, Strangulation, Suicidal ideation, Knife play. Please be aware of your own sensitivities and comfort levels before proceeding. If you find any of these topics potentially disturbing, it is recommended to approach the content with caution or choose a different reading experience.
My feet thudded against the pavement, small rocks and debris digging into my bare soles. The darkness seemed to swallow me whole as I ran towards my dorm, desperate to reach safety. My once perfectly styled hair now hung in wild tangles around my face, whipped by the wind. Tears streamed down my cheeks, mixing with sweat and dirt. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed, constantly looking over my shoulder for any sign of him. But all I saw was empty campus buildings and deserted streets. A sense of relief washed over me, but at the same time, a strange sadness lingered in my chest at the thought of him not chasing me and that he never would again.
My fingers trembled as I hastily packed my belongings into a small suitcase. The room was a chaotic mess, with textbooks scattered on the desk and clothes strewn across the bed. I couldn’t believe this had been my home just a few days ago before everything went dark and twisted. My eyes landed on a photo pinned to the wall of Carmen and her family, a bittersweet reminder of who she used to be before he took her from me without mercy. A wave of anger and sadness washed over me, causing my body to shudder uncontrollably. I quickly looked away and zipped up my suitcase, determined to leave this place and get as far away from Lyric, the girl who was only known for being tormented.
I flung open the dresser by my bed, quickly pulled out a hoodie and leggings, and put them on. I shoved my feet into sneakers and wiped my sweaty face with a wet towel. I threw my unruly hair into a messy bun before grabbing some hair products from the bathroom. The suitcase zipped and ready to go, I took a deep breath and opened the door to the dorm hallway. The fluorescent lights illuminated the way as I ran down the hall, trying to muffle the sound of my fleeing footsteps on the threadbare carpet. My heart was pounding in my chest as I raced past my peers, their confused and concerned eyes following me as I passed by without explanation. But I didn’t care about their judgment or questions - all that mattered was escaping this stifling air of Savannah and the suffocating grip of a love that was toxic all along. With each step, I felt a renewed sense of urgency and determination to leave it all behind and disappear into the night.
With crisp bills and coins clutched tightly in my hand, I approached the ticket counter at the bus station. The smell of diesel fuel filled my nostrils as I handed over my hard-earned cash for a one-way ticket to anywhere but here. My steps were heavy as I made my way to the bus, and I could feel the driver’s curious gaze on me as I boarded. It wasn’t until I found a seat, near the back of the nearly-empty bus, and felt it start to move that my nerves began to calm. As we drove through familiar streets, the neon lights of bars and clubs blurred into one another. But as we reached the edge of town, the lights faded into darkness, and I leaned my head against the cool window, watching as my past life became nothing more than a faint glow in the distance.
No more X, no more Xander, no more tormentors, and no more Lyric.
