Page 16 of Welcome to Carnage

Suddenly, the restroom door opens, and Luna returns, breaking the tension. “Alright, I’m back,” she says, oblivious to the heaviness in the air. “Nyx, why don’t you accompany Avina to the carnival?”

Nyx’s eyes flicker to me swiftly before he answers, “Of course, I might have to. We wouldn’t want our Avina to miss out on the fun.” His words drip with a chilling undertone, making my stomach churn.

I force a smile, trying to mask my unease. I know Nyx will be safe if he goes as my date, as he’s the fucking murderer. Never before did I think I’d find myself in such a fucked up situation with the boy I’ve lusted after since high school.

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the sick feeling in my stomach and something else more illicit, flaring to life within me.

Luna’s voice pulls me back from my thoughts. “Great! Now that’s settled,” she chirps.

Nyx’s eyes are still on me, his gaze penetrating.

“That’s settled then,” I echo, managing a weak smile.

Nyx smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I feel a chill spread through me. As the conversation moves on, I find myself lost in thoughts. This Halloween Carnival will be like none other, and I don’t know whether I feel excitement or dread.

AVINA

“How does my makeup look?” Luna asks, gazing at me from my dressing table. “Too much?”

“No, not at all,” I respond, giving her a reassuring smile. My eyes scan her face, taking in the expertly applied makeup. “You look amazing, Luna. Harley Quinn would be proud.”

She grins at my compliment, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Thanks, Avina! You look pretty badass yourself. That demonic makeup is spot on!” Her eyes drag down my body. “And if I were a dude, I’d want to bang you.” She sighs. “When will you get you laid if all your dates die?”

My expression falters, and she claps her hand over her mouth. “Shit, I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “You know me and my verbal diarrhea. I wasn’t thinking.”

I shrug. “Don’t worry about it.” If I ever want to be with a man, I either have to turn Nyx in or accept he’s it for me. A psycho stalker who somehow has access to my social media messages. Thank God I didn’t converse with Keith Johnson, or I feel he’d be Nyx’s next victim.

“I guess I’ll have to stick to the demonic look, which might keep the men at bay.” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.

Luna chuckles weakly, clearly feeling bad for her slip. The door suddenly creaks open, and my brother’s head pops in. “You ladies ready? The party won’t start without us.”

I shake my head. “Of course it will. It’s a town event. We can be as late as we want.”

Pierce rolls his eyes. “I’m fed up waiting for you. Get your asses in gear.”

I swallow hard. “Is Nyx here yet?”

Pierce’s brow furrows. “No, he’s meeting us there. He had some shit to do. I don’t know. I don’t ask questions.”

The fact he’s not meeting us here only makes me more nervous. What is he playing at?

“So, are you guys ready?”

“My costume is ready.” I know the only thing that is going to make tonight bearable. “I’ll be ready to leave once I have a drink.” I arch a brow. “Grab the vodka.”

Pierce smirks. “Good thinking. Come on.”

We follow him out of the room, and I look at his costume, which is good as always. “Seriously, I can’t believe you dress as the Joker every year.”

Luna nods. “Yeah, it’s ridiculous.”

Pierce winks at her. “At least we look like a couple now. Keep up our bickering tonight, and people will think we’re a married couple.”

Luna pretends to throw up, sticking her fingers down her throat. “No, thank you.”

He laughs, and we walk into the living room. I grab the bottle of vodka and three glasses, filling them up. “On three, okay?”

Pierce and Luna each grab a glass.

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