Page 84 of The Madness Within

I wasn’t just cursed. I was born into it. And lately, even breathing inside Dorian’s house felt like drowning in secrets.

I needed out. Not physically, he’d follow, I knew that, but mentally. I needed to remember who I was before fate carved a brand into my spine.

And there was only one place I still felt like myself.

My voice. My mic. My truth.

Leaving Dorian’s library, I headed in the direction of my studio. The one he made for me. My safe haven.

The red light on the mic flicked on, and I settled into my chair, fingers toying with the dials like second nature.

"Welcome back toDead Wrong," I said smoothly, my voice low and just a little provocative, my signature tone. "Tonight, we’re diving into dreams. The strange ones, the sexy ones, the ones that make you wake up sweating and questioning your reality. Are they memories of other lives? Warnings? Cosmic bullshit wrapped in metaphor?”

I grinned at the silence, letting it build.

“Or maybe they’re just your subconscious reminding you of how deeply unwell you are. I say that with love. Mostly.”

Caller #1 (Male, gravely whisper)

I pressed the button. “You’re live withDead Wrong. Hit me with it.”

A nervous male voice came through. “Uh, yeah. So… I keep having this dream where I’m being chased by a giant chicken in a suit. He has a briefcase. And he speaks Spanish.”

I blinked. “And is this chicken… threatening? Seductive? Offering you stock tips?”

“Threatening! He keeps screaming about how I owe him eggs.”

“…Okay. Listen, you’re either repressing deep anxiety about financial instability, or you’re just hungry and watch way too muchFamily Guy.Either way, lay off the tequila before bed.”

He laughed awkwardly. “You think it means something?”

“Absolutely,” I said, straight-faced. “You’re the chicken.”

The call disconnected with a soft “Oh.”

Caller #2 (Female, high-pitched and shaky)

“I dreamt I was in a cave full of mirrors. Every reflection was me, except one. That one was smiling.”

I nodded slowly. “Creepy. Classic doppelgänger lore. Symbolically? Sounds like your shadow self wants a hug. Or maybe a knife. Hard to say.”

The caller shuddered audibly. “That’s not funny.”

“Neither is dreaming about yourself smiling. Take the hint. Therapy or garlic. Your call.”

Caller #3 (Female, breathy, nervous)

“I dream of my dead husband every full moon. Same dream. Same look in his eyes. He keeps asking me to follow him into the woods.”

“Don’t,” I said flatly.,

The woman let out a startled laugh. “Seriously?”

“Yes. Unless you’re into ghost sex. In which case, have fun and wear spiritual protection. No shame here. Just don’t sign anything in blood, and definitely don’t follow him if he offers snacks.”

I cackled and signed off.

I was about to breathe easy when caller four buzzed in.

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