Darkwood: Circus Inferno

Icarus Falls

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The sharp clang of the steel doors echoed through the mortuary as Viola rushed inside, panic in her eyes. Ren and Greyson followed closely behind her, their footsteps pounding against the cold tile floor. They had come running as soon as they’d heard the noise—a cry of pain and fear that pierced through the silent night like a dagger.

“Onyx!” Viola called, her voice trembling with desperation as she searched the dimly lit room. The air was thick with the stench of death, but something was wrong. The lights, which should have been humming softly, were flickering as if barely clinging to life.

Her heart raced. Where was her son?

Ren's eyes scanned the room with growing concern until they landed on a figure crumpled on the floor near one of the gurneys. His breath hitched as he rushed forward.

“Onyx!” Ren slid to his knees beside his boyfriend, taking in the sight of him. Onyx was curled into himself, shaking violently, his arms wrapped tightly around his head as if trying to block out something unseen. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his eyes were wide with terror, staring at nothing, glazed over with tears.

Ren didn’t hesitate. He reached out, gently pulling Onyx into his arms, his own heartbeat thundering in his ears. “Hey, hey, it’s okay. I’m here.” His voice was soft but firm, trying to pierce through the fog of fear clouding Onyx’s mind. He tightened his grip, pulling Onyx’s trembling body closer. “I’ve got you, love. You’re safe.”

Viola hurried over, her hand flying to her mouth as she took in the scene. Her son, her baby, was trembling like a leaf, and she felt utterly helpless. “What happened?” she whispered, her voice shaking.

Greyson stood near the doorway, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room, his hand instinctively hovering near the scythe he always carried. He could feel something wrong—a dark presence that still lingered, even though the lights had returned to normal. His gaze flicked to the corpses, now motionless on their gurneys, but he knew better than to trust appearances.

Something had happened here. Something dark.

Ren brushed the damp strands of Onyx’s hair out of his face, his own heart breaking at the sight of his boyfriend in such distress. Onyx’s breaths were shallow, his face pale, tears streaking down his cheeks.

“Shh,” Ren whispered, rocking him gently. “It’s okay. I’m here. You’re not alone.” He ran his hand over Onyx’s back, trying to soothe him, but Onyx was still lost in the terror that gripped him. His body was cold, and his entire frame trembled against Ren’s.

Viola knelt beside them, tears glistening in her eyes as she reached out to stroke Onyx’s hair. “My sweet boy,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “We’re here. You’re safe now.”

Greyson moved closer, his voice low and calm, though a storm brewed beneath his steady exterior. “What happened?” he asked, his eyes on Ren.

Ren shook his head, unable to explain. “I don’t know,” he whispered. “I found him like this.” He cradled Onyx’s face in his hands, looking into his eyes. “Onyx, can you hear me? It’s Ren. You’re safe now. No one’s going to hurt you.”

Onyx’s eyes flickered for a moment, his breath hitching as he struggled to focus. His lips trembled, but no words came out—just small, broken sounds that only deepened the ache in Ren’s chest.