Page 32 of The Psychopaths

I return the fake journal to the drawer, thankful he didn’t notice it was missing. I do a quick sweep of the room to ensure I’m leaving things exactly as I found them except for the drive now burning a hole in my pocket, along with the watch and the journal in my bag.

All are a small token of the Aries I thought I knew, the one whose journal entries suggest he cares more than he’s ever allowed himself to show.

Carefully, I crack open the door, peering into the hallway.Empty.I slip out, locking the door behind me with Lee’s key. Each step down the stairs feels like a potential disaster, but I make it to the ground floor without incident.

Lee is gone, but several people are engaged in a heated video game battle. With their attention fixed on the screen, no one notices me. I place Lee’s key on a side table where he’ll find it later, then slip out the front door.

The night air hits me like a shot of clarity. I’ve done it—I’ve survived my first real act of rebellion, of investigation. The best part is that I found something that might change everything.

Once in my car, I clutch the USB drive, turning it over in my palm. Whatever secrets it contains, whatever Aries is searching for, I now possess.

This is the first real leverage I’ve had over him...ever.

There’s a newfound confidence in my blood. I have the chance to understand Aries, to figure out what exactly is going on with him.

This is only the beginning…

Arson

The flashing of Lee’s name on my cell phone screen interrupts my review of the warehouse security footage.

“Yeah?” I answer in Aries’s voice—slightly softer than my natural tone, with that hint of consideration my brother always affects.

“Dude, where’ve you been? The housing office is up my ass about clearing out your room. New students are coming in next week.”

Fuck.I’d forgotten about the Mill House situation. I’ve been too focused on Lilian, on the way her fear and desire tempt me like blood tempting a shark.

“I’ll be there in twenty,” I say, already reaching for one of Aries’s designer jackets. The costume I wear to play the golden boy.

The drive to campus is quick, but it gives me time to slip fully into character. Aries doesn’t grip the steering wheel until his knuckles whiten. He doesn’t check his mirrors for tails. Doesn’t imagine creative ways to make his stepsister scream.

Stop thinking about her.

The Mill House looms ahead—one of those pretentious Victorian mansions converted into student housing for thewealthy elite. Aries lived here for four years while I rotted in a padded room. The contrast isn’t lost on me, and I wrangle my emotions before I exit the car. Lee’s waiting on the front steps, concern etched into his features.

He’s been my brother’s best friend since freshman year. Now he’s technically mine; he just doesn’t know it.

“You look like shit,” he greets me as I approach.

Coming from anyone else, it would trigger a violent episode. But Lee’s genuine worry comes from a place of kindness, of care, and it makes my chest ache because he’s the first person to show he gives a fuck about me, even if he doesn’t know I’m not Aries.

“Thanks.” I manage Aries’s self-deprecating smile. “Been a rough few weeks.”

“Yeah, no kidding. After the whole ballroom scene, you basically disappeared.”

“Just needed some space.” It’s a vague response but good enough. Slipping past him, I head inside. The house smells like privilege—old wood, expensive carpet, legacy.

This could’ve been mine, should’ve been mine.

I can sense Lee’s presence behind me, lingering like a ghost as I walk up the stairs and head into Aries’s room. “You know I’m not mad about what happened, right? Bros before?—”

“It’s whatever, man.” I cut him off.

The thing with Salem was nothing but a game. I had intentions of using her against him, of hurting him, of fucking Aries over by alienating all of his friends, but then I witnessed Lee spiraling, and I knew I couldn’t go through with it. He showed me he gave a shit when no one else had, so I showed him mercy in return. “Really. No hard feelings. It’s ancient history.”

The room is exactly as I saw it in photos during my surveillance. Exactly as I leave it every time I have to make an appearance here. Everything perfectly Aries—organized, tasteful, controlled. The life I should have had.

Time to dismantle it piece by piece.

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