Kids in the Dark

Chapter 52

Ryder's P.O.V

"Talk me through what's got you so upset." Adam prompted as I once again regained control of my breathing. I slowly pulled away from him, nodding and rubbing away the tears that clung to my cheeks.

"I've had a dream similar to it before, not long after we stole the cars. I was being chased by something when it catches me and shows me this vision. There's one of each of you, same as last time. Jace splattered on the sidewalk, you with a knife in your chest," I began to explain, finding it easier to talk the more I spoke. "Marc had a bullet in his head and Charlie had been burnt alive," I then added, my eyes meeting Marc's momentarily.

"Theo was last, just like before, and just like before he was lying in the snow, still alive. These wolves were lurking in the shadows before coming out. Instead of ripping him apart like in my last dream, they shifted into these humans with wolf heads." This was where I started to find it difficult, my voice shaking and my breathing becoming unsteady.

"It's OK Ryder, take your time," Adam said, followed by an encouraging smile. I nodded before continuing.

"The scene then changed. Theo was restrained on a hospital bed and the wolf things had become these doctors. They were all growling and getting equipment ready, all while I stood, unable to move, watching Theo. Then one of those, those, things stepped closer to Theo with a syringe and injected its contents into Theo's veins. All I could do was watch as I-I heard the heart monitor flatline and-and, Theo-" I once again broke down, unable to finish my words, and Adam pulled me back into another tight hug.

"Ryder, that will never happen," Adam said reassuringly. "Theo would never leave you. I can guarantee your idiot brother is going to be a pain in your ass for as long as you both shall live." He allowed himself a small laugh, trying to cheer me up, releasing me from the hug to grin at me.

"But that's not true Adam. If he's found guilty he faces-" But I couldn't bring myself to say it.

"Parker won't let him be convicted." Adam then said, voice full of confidence.

"How can you be so sure. Theo isn't exactly acting like an innocent man at the moment." I sighed, running a hand through my tangled hair, pausing to scratch the back of my head.

"Then I'll speak to him tomorrow. He'll be allowed outside for around 2 hours tomorrow." Adam said, voice brimming with confidence, his face set with a look of clear determination.

"Okay," I sighed, unsure what it'd do to help. I then yawned widely, stretching out my arms. My actions triggered a response from Adam.

"You, young man, are one extremely sleep deprived boy. Now go to sleep." he spoke in a parental manner, coaxing a smile onto my face.

"I can't." I then mumbled, too afraid to close my eyes.

"Well, tough Ryder," Adam laughed, but upon seeing the less than happy look on his face he changed his tactic. "What would you normally?" he asked, raising his scarred eyebrow.

"Theo normally just sits beside me until I fall asleep," I said, burying my face in my hands out of embarrassment.

"Fine, but only because you're like a little brother to me." Adam grinned, ruffling my hair.

Feeling somewhat happier I lay back and twisted to face the wall, Adam lying beside me, twisting to face the opposite direction. His back pressed against mine was warm and his body heat provided me with a sort of comfort as we both lay there.

"Goodnight Ryder." Adam then said, his back vibrating slightly as he spoke.

"Night Adam," I replied. "Night Marc." I then said slightly louder, unsure if Marc was still awake.

"Night." He called back, followed closely by a yawn.

Keeping my mind fixed on the presence of Adam as to keep my thoughts from drifting too far, I was finally hit by a wave of tiredness. With one final steady breath, I closed my eyes and slept.

Sorry that this Chapter is so late, but I hope you guys all enjoy it all the same - Flora