Fort Oakley | Part One

20 | Broken Memory Lane

3 March 2022 - Thursday

''Where you going, Charly?" Elvin asked as he stepped into sight.

I tightened my hold on Mason protectively, then grabbed the gun from the waistband of my jeans, pointing it at him.

Elvin chuckles, holding his hands up in front of him.

''Why are you following me, Elvin?''

''I wanted to see what you were up to. It's funny how you never did anything for me, but the moment that freak shows up at your door, you don't even hesitate to drop everything and help him.''

I shrug. ''Yeah, well, maybe if you hadn't hit me, and maybe if you weren't part of a cult that worships a make-believe deity, then I would have tried a little harder at being your girlfriend. But you know what, Elvin? I'm actually glad you're a part of The Order. Because then once you guys are busted, you and your friends can rot in a prison cell, and I can finally do what I want when I want and how I want without you constantly interfering.''

''Oh, Charly,'' Elvin says with a twisted smile, taking a step closer towards me and Mason. ''You don't seem to understand. We have been around for years, conducting our business without anyone ever noticing, and that's how it will continue to be because there's nothing you or anyone else can do to stop us.''

He takes another step, and I take the safety off the gun.

''And you're mine, Charly. You always have been and always will be, no matter where you are or what happens. You were born to serve Oktia; you were born to serve those who serve her; and you were born to serve me.''

I laugh, not able to comprehend how twisted Elvin really is.

''Listen here, asshole. None of this,'' I say, gesturing at my body, ''was ever yours, and it will never be. That fantasy you have in your head that I'm yours? You better hold onto it, because that's the last thing you'll ever have of me. Just a sick fantasy for a sick person.''

Elvin snarls, lunging towards us. I pull the trigger of the gun, and he jerks back as the bullet hits his shoulder. Elvin sinks to his knees, gripping his shoulder.

I walk closer to him. ''Sweet dreams, asshole,'' I say, before hitting him over the head with the gun. Elvin crumples onto the forest floor, and I put the safety of the gun back on before I slide it back into my jeans.

''Hey Mason? Try to avoid psycho girlfriends in the future, okay? Or psycho boyfriends. Gender isn't even that important in this case. Just avoid the psychos, okay?''

Mason nods.

''Okay, kiddo. Now hold on.''

↟↟↟

When we reach Claire's house, I enter through the back just in case someone from The Order is watching. Then I let Mason climb off my back, and I send Finley a text to thank him and to tell him that I got back safely.

''Come on, let's go check on Jacey.'' I take Mason's hand, leading him upstairs to my bedroom and into my bathroom, where Jacey is still unconscious in the bathtub.

''He's gonna be okay, don't worry. In the meantime, you can take a nap if you want to, since I can tell you're on the verge of falling asleep.''

I open my closet door and walk inside. It wasn't a very big space, but it would work. I grab some extra blankets and place them on the floor, making a makeshift mattress. Then I take my spare duvet and place it on top of the other blankets.