Page 26 of Dark Bonds

A small spark of hope flickers in my chest. Maybe this trip will give me the clarity I need, and maybe it will help me find a way to move forward so I can decide what to do about the guys and all the secrets they kept.

As Tori’s excitement bubbles over, I get caught up in her enthusiasm. For the first time in what feels like forever, I’mlooking forward to something, but then, mid-laugh at one of Tori’s jokes, it hits me. A chill starts at the base of my spine and races up to my skull, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

The kitchen suddenly feels colder and darker, and the shadows in the corners seem to deepen.

Just for a heartbeat, I see Valerie—tall, menacing, and with eyes that have haunted my nightmares for years.

I blink, and she’s gone, but the fear remains as a knot in my stomach and a tremor in my hands.

Tori’s voice fades to a distant hum as realization crashes over me. We can run and hide, but Valerie’s shadow will always linger, and something in my gut whispers a chilling truth—our time is running out.

Chapter 8

Frankie

Weeks Later…

The eucalyptus-scented steam coils around me like a living thing, its tendrils caressing my skin as I sink deeper into the hot spring. Mineral rich water laps at my shoulders, the heat seeping into my muscles and unknotting tension I didn’t even realize I was carrying. I close my eyes, letting my head fall back against the smooth stone edge of the pool.

For a moment, I can almost pretend I’m back at Shadow Locke. If I concentrate, I can hear Leo’s voice sharing some terrible coffee pun. “Hey, Frankie, this situation is pretty steamy, huh? Bet you wish you could es-presso your feelings!” I can see Matteo’s furrowed brow as he contemplates his next chess move, his fingers hovering over the board with calculated precision. I feel the weight of Dorian’s intense gaze across a crowded room, his dark eyes holding secrets I’m only just beginning to unravel.

And Bishop…

My eyes snap open, my peaceful reverie shattered. The absence of his steady presence is a physical ache, a hollow space in my chest that even the soothing waters can’t fill. I remember the calm authority in his voice as he explained shadow shifterlore, and the patient way he guided me through my first attempts at controlling my powers. Weeks have passed since I told him I needed space, and I walked away from Shadow Locke and the guys. Weeks of silence, of wondering, of…

A splash of water hits my face, startling me out of my thoughts. I sputter, wiping my eyes to see Tori grinning at me from the edge of the pool, her hand poised to send another volley my way.

“Earth to Frankie,” she says, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re doing it again. That whole broody, thousand-yard stare thing.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. “I wasn’t brooding,” I protest weakly.

Tori snorts, sliding into the water beside me. The ripples from her entrance send little waves lapping against my skin. “Please. I could practically see the storm clouds gathering over your head.” Her expression softens. “Thinking about them again?”

I don’t answer immediately, instead watching as a shadow tendril curls around my fingertips, responding to my turbulent emotions. It’s beautiful and terrifying all at once, a constant reminder of everything that’s changed.

Before I can respond, I feel a strange tingling in my fingertips. I look down to see shadows swirling around my hands, responding to my turbulent emotions. Tori’s eyes widen as she notices.

“Frankie,” Tori murmurs, her eyes wide. “Your powers…”

I glance down, my heart skipping a beat as I see the shadows writhing around my hands. Panic rises in my throat as I try to rein them in, but they only grow more agitated, darkness seeping into the water around us.

A nearby spa attendant notices, her brow furrowing as she approaches. “Is everything alright, ladies?” Her voice is neutral,but I catch the wariness in her eyes as she glances at the darkening water.

Tori jumps in, her voice a touch too high. “Oh, we’re just fine!” She lets out a forced laugh, placing a hand on my arm. I feel her fingers squeeze slightly in a silent warning. “My friend here is, uh, trying out a new shadow manipulation technique. Very advanced stuff, you know?”

I nod along, trying to look nonchalant while my insides churn with anxiety. The shadows pulse in response, and I clench my fists under the water, willing them to disappear.

The attendant nods uncertainly and moves away. Tori turns back to me, her expression a mix of excitement and worry.

“That was close,” she says, “but Frankie, do you realize what this means? Your powers are growing stronger. You’re tapping into abilities that most of us can only dream of.”

I stare at my hands, watching as the shadows slowly recede. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this, Tori. It’s all happening so fast.”

With every passing day, I’m learning more about myself. I thought I knew what it meant to be me.

Turns out, I had absolutely no idea.

“Come on,” Tori says, tugging my arm. “Let’s hit the lazy river. Maybe the current will wash away some of those broody thoughts.”

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