Lucid

CHAPTER 20 - DEATH

I always loved it when they tried to run.

It was cute, really—the desperate belief that they could get away. That somehow, if they ran fast enough, they could outrun death itself.

I used to find it funny. Now? It's just a routine.

He sprinted through the alley, his ragged breath filling the space between us. Fear radiated off him in thick, delicious waves. God, I loved that. The adrenaline, the chase—it was like the final touch on a perfectly prepared meal.

I already knew how this would end.

He did too.

His mistake? Shoving me against a locker one too many times.

I slowed my steps, savouring the moment. He ran like an animal, all instinct and panic. But prey doesn't escape a predator.

And I was the top of the food chain.

As expected, he hit the dead end.

His back slammed against the brick wall, his body trembling as he turned to face me. "Oscar, please. I'm sorry. We were just messing around, okay? You know—school stuff."

I tilted my head. "Messing around?" A sharp, humourless laugh escaped me. "God, I wish it was fun for me too. Maybe then this wouldn't be happening."

"Hey, come on." His voice cracked. "You don't have to do this. We can be friends."

I inhaled slowly, shifting my form into pure shadow. The air rippled as I moved—a dark mist sweeping across the alley—before I reformed right in front of him.

His eyes clenched shut. His body tensed.

"You?" I murmured. "Be friends with me?"

He nodded frantically. "Yeah. Of course."

My lips curled into a grin. "Cute."

I grabbed his shirt and flung him against the wall, lifting him off his feet. He gasped, his fingers clawing at my wrist. But we both knew he wasn't getting out of this.

"But by now, you should know..." I whispered, my eyes burning red.

"...what happens to those who suddenly want to be my friend."

He wasn't the first.

Just the last.

The terror in his face made it all worth it.

"Price, please, man! We can sort this out—"

His voice cut off as I began.

A deep, sickening pull erupted in the air as his life force unravelled.

His eyes turned black, his body twisting unnaturally as I ripped the energy from his bones. The power glowed a deep, crimson red, swirling like liquid fire before sinking into me.

His mouth opened in a silent scream.

Then—nothing.

He was gone.

The alley grew brighter, his absence lifting the shadows. I stretched, feeling the fresh power settle beneath my skin.

I exhaled.

"Perfect."

A slow clap echoed behind me.

I turned.

A woman stood at the entrance of the alley, her black trench coat billowing slightly. Her hair was neat—too neat—and something about her presence made the air feel thick.