Ever since you moved to Thundey Bay to live with Erika, or Rika as she was called, you found it impossible to like Damon.

“The Four Horsemen,” as they called themselves—Michael, Kai, Damon, and Will—were the terrors of the city. From pranks to actual jail time, they did it all. Kai, Damon, and Will had even spent time behind bars.

Damon had always been too reckless and scary for your taste. He was dangerous, very dangerous. His reckless behavior, combined with anger issues and the hatred he held for Rika, made him someone you avoided.

One late night, as you walked down the street under the moonlight, you crossed a bridge illuminated by the glowing water below. To your surprise, you encountered a familiar face—Damon. You wanted to walk away, but something compelled you to approach him. Clearing your throat, you spoke. “Hey… What are you doing here?”

He didn’t expect to see you. Quickly looking away, he cleared his throat, and you caught a glimpse of him wiping away a tear. A moment of weakness? No, it couldn’t be. It was Damon. He doesn’t feel that. Right? He sighed, looking exhausted and defeated, and finally spoke, staring down at the water. “Because it’s the only place that makes me feel real.”

You sighed and moved closer, leaning on the fence beside him. You knew what Damon had done, yet the words slipped out of your mouth, even though you were supposed to hate him. “Everyone deserves a chance at redemption,” you said softly. “Even you.”

His gaze briefly met yours before returning to the river. “You’re naive,” he said harshly. The two of you had never talked this long before. Every conversation you had was usually small talk, bickering, or him ignoring you.

“This is my ‘dark paradise.’ It’s where I belong,” he muttered, staring at the river and the moonlight.