Page 65 of His Dark Cravings

Winter sighs, her shoulders relaxing. “Because seeing you with Xavier made me realize this isn’t the life I wanted. Not anymore.”

Her words cut deep, but before I can respond, she pulls me into a hug. For the first time, I feel the fragility beneath her ice.

“Thank you for understanding,” she whispers.

I hold her tightly, trying to memorize the feel of her frame, the scent of her perfume, the familiar sound of her voice.

As she steps back, Sable shoves the last of her things into a duffel bag and slings it over her shoulder.

“Later, Everly,” she says with a wink. “Take care of yourself, huh?”

And just like that, they’re gone. I watch other dolls in the house help them with their things, but then it's empty. The hallway feels colder as I stand there, my arms still warm from Winter’s embrace.

How could this happen so quickly?

I step back into my room, the door closing behind me. The weight of the morning settles heavy on my chest as I try to process the scene I just witnessed. Sable and Winter are gone, and the reality of it hits me like a cold wind. I feel a pang of loneliness as I glance around the room.

I begin to get ready for work mechanically. The thought of facing Xavier alone is both thrilling and terrifying. How will he react to their departure?

I can’t shake the anxiety that settles in the pit of my stomach as I try to find him, but he’s nowhere to be found. The house feels vast and empty, and I’m left with no choice but to head to Ember's Glow.

As I walk into the charity, the familiar warmth of the place wraps around me, but it’s muted by the turmoil inside. Max greets me with his usual smile, but it doesn’t stir anything in me. I return it politely, but my heart isn’t in it. The realization is both startling and comforting. I guess I’m no longer the same girl who harbored a secret crush on him.

When did that happen?

I dive into my work, letting the routine distract me from the storm of emotions. But the memory of Winter’s hug and Sable’s wink lingers, a reminder of the bonds I’ve formed and the uncertain future ahead.

The day drags on, each minute ticking by at a glacial pace. I can't focus on the spreadsheets in front of me, my mind wandering back to the empty hallway, to Winter's quiet strength and Sable's fiery spirit. But as the afternoon wears on, something shifts inside me. The ache of their leaving doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would. It still stings, but I don't feel like I'm drowning in it. I realize, with a quiet certainty, that I've accepted it. They're gone, and I'm still here.

That's what sticks with me most. I'm not falling apart. I'm not screaming or crying or breaking. Instead, I'm thinking about Xavier. Wondering if he's okay. If he's hurting as much as I am. The thought sends a pang through my chest. I need to see him. I need to make sure he's alright.

I glance at my watch for what feels like the hundredth time. Almost time to leave. I start packing up my things, my hands moving quickly. I can feel Max watching me from across the room, his kind eyes crinkling with concern.

"Hey, Everly?" he says as he approaches me. "You okay? You've been... distracted all day."

I look up at him, forcing a smile onto my face. It's easy now. So much easier than it used to be.

"I'm fine, Max. Just... a lot on my mind."

He frowns, those warm brown eyes searching mine. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here. I'm a little worried about you, that's all."

My smile widens, genuine this time. "Thank you, Max. That means a lot." I grab my coat from the back of my chair. "But I really need to go."

He nods, though the furrow in his brow doesn't smooth out. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

I nod back, forcing lightness into my tone. "Always."

I grab my bag and practically glide out the door, my feet moving quicker with every step. My mind is already at Xavier's house. What will I find when I get there? Will he be angry? Hurt? Or will he pretend like nothing's wrong, like he always does?

As I step through the front door of Xavier's home, the scent of cooking food envelops me, a savory blend of garlic and herbs that stirs my stomach into a growl. The warmth of the evening is inviting, yet my nerves hum with anticipation. I hurry to the dining room.

Xavier stands there, his back to me, setting down two plates with the clink of fine china. The sight tugs at my heart, unexpected after the emptiness of the house earlier. His shoulders are relaxed, the picture of calm.

When he turns, his smile greets me like a balm. He seems untouched by the morning's events.

What's going on?

"Hey," he says, his voice smooth, as though nothing is amiss.

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