Beneath Their Devotion (Yanderes x Reader)

16. Interference from the Shadows

Ren's eyes lingered on the message Y/N had just sent him. He read it again and again and again, his lips curling into a sickening grin. The words weren't anything extraordinary, just a simple question really, but to him, it was everything. He could almost hear her voice saying them, her tone light and so very unaware of the way she occupied every corner of his thoughts.

You're so sweet, Y/N. The words echoed in his mind, over and over.

The screen went dark as he slipped the phone back into his pocket, though his thoughts stayed with her. He wanted to reply, but he held back. Now wasn't the time.

He let out a quiet sigh, straightening in his chair. Across from him, Mrs. L/N sat stiffly, her hands clasped in her lap. Her expression was a mix of both hesitation and determination. She looked older today, lines of stress etched deeper into her face. Ren knew why she had called for this meeting, and he wasn't particularly interested in entertaining her doubts.

"Was that her?" she asked, breaking the silence. There was something bitter in her tone, as though she hated even acknowledging Y/N's existence in Ren's life.

He gave her a flat look. "Stay on topic," he said, his voice devoid of warmth.

Her lips tightened, and for a moment, she said nothing. Then, with visible effort, she straightened her posture and spoke. "I've been thinking about this for a while," she began carefully, her words slow. "And I've decided that I want to take Y/N out of Thornebridge."

Ren blinked, his expression unreadable. "Take her out," he repeated, his voice flat.

"Yes." She seemed to take his lack of reaction as permission to continue. "I've changed my mind. This isn't the right environment for her. I'll bring her home. We'll figure something else—"

A faint laugh escaped him, low and humourless. "You've changed your mind?" he echoed.

Her brow furrowed. "I don't think you understand—"

"No," he interrupted, leaning forward, his sharp gaze pinning her in place. "I understand perfectly. What I don't understand is how you think you can just change your mind. Do you think you can just undo everything you've already helped put in motion?"

"I'm her mother," she snapped, her voice rising. "I don't need your permission to take her back. I made a mistake, and I'm trying to fix it."

Ren tilted his head, his expression calm. "And what mistake would that be?"

She hesitated, glancing away for a moment. "I didn't know it would be like this," she said quietly.

"Like what?" he pressed.

She looked back at him, her eyes narrowing. "I didn't know she'd... get so attached. For Christ's sake, she's in the Circle now with people like you."

Ren's smile returned. "People like me?"

"You know what I mean," she said, her tone biting. "Gods. Don't think I haven't noticed you're still the same boy you were all those years ago. No matter how hard you try to conceal your true self."

Ren leaned back, his smile fading. "What exactly is it that you are accusing me of, Mrs. L/N?"

Her hands clenched into fists in her lap. "You're fucking crazy, that's what. And I won't let you drag her down with you."

"Crazy?" he repeated, his voice laced with mock amusement. "Is that what you think?"

"That's what I know," she shot back. "And I'm putting a stop to all of this."

"You think you can just take her away," he said, shaking his head slowly. "You think she'll go along with it?"

"She'll understand," she said, though her voice wavered slightly. "I'll make her understand."