Page 54 of His Dark Cravings

“Why are we here?” I ask.

Xavier’s gaze remains fixed out the window, his jaw set in a hard line. “Talon’s been gambling again,” he states, his voice devoid of emotion.

My heart thuds, each beat a heavy drum in my ears. I feel a chill run down my spine, as if the air itself has grown colder.

“But he promised... he said he’d stop,” I murmur, disbelief clawing at my words.

Xavier finally turns his head, his eyes meeting mine for just a moment before he returns his attention to the casino. In that fleeting glance, I see a flicker of understanding—or maybe just a reflection of my own turmoil.

“Did he?” Xavier asks. “It seems your brother has a hard time keeping his word.”

The car pulls up to the casino’s entrance, and Xavier’s chauffeur opens the door for us. As we step out, my thoughts collide in a chaotic storm. Why would Talon gamble again? Does he not understand the stakes? And what does this mean for me, for us?

Xavier’s hand rests on the small of my back, guiding me forward. His touch is firm, like he thinks I might run. The casino’s entrance looms before us, bright and inviting, yet I feel no allure. Instead, a dread settles in the pit of my stomach, heavy and unshakeable. Whatever lies ahead, I know it won’t be easy.

Xavier guides me through the cacophony of the Ravenwood. Conversation surrounds us, the occasional burst of laughter, and the rhythmic clink of glasses. Neon lights flash, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the polished floor. The smell of champagne and cigar smoke makes me sick.

As we weave through the crowd, I notice how people turn to look at Xavier—some with admiration, others with fear. But he moves with purpose, his gaze fixed ahead, as though the murmurs and calls of his name are just background noise. My thoughts are a jumble, anxiety tightening my chest. I wanted to believe Talon had changed, that he’d finally found the strength to walk away from his vices. But here we are, back in the same nightmare.

The room seems to narrow as Xavier leads me to a familiar figure. My breath catches as I see Talon giving all his attention to a poker table. His eyes gleam with the same dangerous excitement I’ve seen too many times before. He’s laughing, throwing a chip onto the table with a confidence that makes my blood boil.

I pull away from Xavier, my feet moving on their own. Talon looks up, his smile faltering when he sees me. He just stares, the laughter dying on his lips. Then, like a switch has been flipped, his charm kicks in. He stands, his movements fluid, and saunters toward me with a smirk.

“Everly, what a surprise,” Talon says, his voice smooth, too smooth. He reaches for me, but I step back, my hands clenched into fists.

“You promised,” I say, my voice shaking. “You said you’d stop, that you’d get your life together.”

Talon shrugs, the gesture careless. “I did. I just... I needed a little extra cash, you know how it is.”

“A little extra?” I echo, disbelief sharpening my tone. “You’re gambling again, Talon. After everything, after all those times—”

“It’s just a game,” he interrupts, his tone light, dismissive. “Don’t make such a big deal out of it.”

“A game?” My laugh is harsh, tears stinging at the corners of my eyes. “You know what’s not a game? Xavier. The contract I signed. His rules, his world—they’re real. And you’re pushing me deeper into this mess with your lies.”

Talon’s smirk fades, his eyes narrowing. “You’re really that mad at me? After everything I’ve done for you?”

What is he even talking about? My confusion mixes with anger. “For me? You call this for me?”

He sighs, rolling his eyes. “You’re being dramatic. It’s just one game, Everly. I’ll pay it off, I swear.”

I shake my head, feeling a wave of despair wash over me. “There’s always just one more, isn’t there? One more game, one more bet, one more lie.”

Talon steps closer, his voice dropping. “You don’t understand. I’m on a streak. I can feel it. This is the one that’ll turn everything around.”

I look into his eyes and see the same boy I’ve always seen—charming, manipulative, and utterly under the influence of his own bullshit. My heart aches with the worry and frustration that I’ve carried for years.

“You’re going to destroy us, Talon,” I whisper, the words barely escaping.

He scoffs, turning away. “You’re overreacting, as always.”

I feel like I’m drowning in a sea of betrayal. Before I can respond, a low, commanding voice slices through the chaos.

“I think that’s enough, don’t you, Talon?” Xavier says, his tone smooth but laced with an undercurrent of menace that makes even the people nearby pause. He steps into the circle of tension, his green eyes locking onto Talon.

Talon’s smirk falters, and he takes a step back, though he tries to play it cool. “Ravenwood. Just having a little chat with my sister.”

“Save it,” Xavier cuts him off, his voice cold. “You see, Everly, your brother and I have had discussions before. Discussions you weren’t privy to.”

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