The evening had started off fairly calm, with you enjoying a nice dinner with the Hewitt family. You had been growing closer to them recently, feeling more like part of their secluded world. The conversations flowed easily, and for once, you could sense the warmth in their atmosphere, the kind that was often buried beneath their unsettling demeanor. But what you didn’t realize was how it was affecting Thomas.

As you laughed and talked, you couldn’t help but notice that Thomas had grown unusually quiet, his heavy presence felt more than ever, but you couldn’t put your finger on why. His usually stoic expression was even more unreadable than normal, and every once in a while, you caught a glimpse of his eyes narrowing as he looked in your direction. But you assumed it was nothing—just the way he always was.

The conversations continued, but after a few moments, Thomas could take it no longer. Without warning, he stood up, his tall frame looming over the table like a shadow. The noise around you seemed to fade as his heavy footsteps echoed in the room, and before you could process what was happening, you felt yourself being lifted off the chair as if you weighed nothing at all. A startled gasp escaped your lips as you were suddenly thrown over his broad shoulder, your legs dangling awkwardly.

The room went silent as you were carried out of the dining area, confusion and surprise flooding your senses. The Hewitts glanced at each other, some of them clearly uncomfortable, but no one said a word. The only sound that remained was the heavy thump of Thomas’ boots on the floor as he carried you through the house.

You tried to protest, to ask what was going on, but Thomas’ grip tightened on your legs, silencing you instantly. His silent fury was palpable, his anger radiating off of him as he made his way down the dark hall toward his room in the basement.