Dread -n.h.

eight

(back to Tristan/Taylor's POV) 

The door of Niall's room slammed behind me and I finally felt like I could breathe again. It was as if he had a choke hold on me every second I was in front of him. His blue eyes were so intense, I felt like I shook. My breaths evened out as I hurried towards my room I was sharing with Liam.

I had finally faced the person who ruined my life. But he didn't only ruin it, he saved it as well, several times. I felt sick to my stomach. 

I heard the door open and shut behind me when I was a few steps down the hallway. 

"Tristan, please, stop." I heard him beg. He hurried up to me and his grip found my wrist. It was strong, and I was losing it. Tears were close to falling down my cheeks. 

"Niall, what do you want from me?"

"I want another chance, I want you. Please." Niall was forceful. 

I let my back hit the wall and felt Niall's strength hold my shoulders in place. His chest was pushed against mine and I felt the heat of his body. Memories were flooding my mind. 

"Stay with me here. I need you back." He was whispering but his voice echoed in my head. Tears were now falling down my face.

Taking a moment to think of how I got here, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. I was once a terrified, young girl who met a real demon. He changed my life, trained me to face my fears and be confident. Along the way, I fell in love. I followed him to the underworld and underwent a life-altering moment that doomed me to live here forever. 

When he found out, he left me. I got back on my feet and I somehow found myself back in the arms of the demon who healed my broken pieces and then destroyed all he had done. 

"No. Never again." I said, shaking his grip off my shoulders. The monster was in control now, and I decided to let her take the reins. She pushed him back, hard. He stumbled and looked shocked. I stomped off towards the room I was sharing with Liam. I was sure he would be waiting for me. Niall was silent as I walked away. I thought of something before I got too far. 

"And please, stop calling me Tristan, my name is Taylor." I said, turning around to make sure I caught his reaction. He was obviously shaken up, and he slightly shook his head. I turned on my heel and returned to my shared room. 

---

"Hi, love! Are you ok? Where did you go?" Liam asked as I closed the door. 

"I am great now, thank you." I wasn't lying. "I took a detour to bathroom, but I got lost on the way there. And now I realize I must have left my mask! I am a mess." Maybe I would lie a little bit. 

"I understand, this place is massive. Are you ready to turn in?" he asked as I sat beside him on the edge of the bed. 

"Absolutely." I kissed him on the cheek and kicked off my heels.