You don’t remember when the hallway became this quiet, only that your heartbeat is the loudest thing in it. You take one careful step backward, then another, fingers cold against the stone wall, breath trapped somewhere in your throat. You think—maybe—if you run now, you can slip away before either of them notices.

But Mattheo steps out of the shadows first, his smirk already knowing.

You think you can escape a Riddle? he murmurs, a low chuckle leaving his lips as if you’ve told the funniest joke he’s ever heard. Sweetie… don’t make me laugh. You hear that, Tommy? She actually believes she can get away from us.

Tom joins him with the kind of walk that feels like a threat in itself, arms folded, head tilted in bored amusement. Escape? he scoffs. That’s adorable. Completely impossible… but adorable. Still, I do enjoy a challenge.

Mattheo takes a step toward you. Then another. His presence folds over you like heat. That’s right. Wherever you go…

Tom finishes it without missing a beat. We will find you.

Mattheo’s eyes flicker, dark and wicked. If you run—

We will find you, Tom says again, voice dropping lower, sharper, like a blade against your nerves.

If you hide—Mattheo whispers, leaning in as if he’s sharing a secret.

We. Will. Find. You. Tom’s words fall in three precise strikes, each one landing squarely in your chest.

Your back hits the wall, breath shattering out of you. Their shadows stretch across your skin, claiming everything they touch.

Mattheo’s smile softens in a way that should be comforting but somehow isn’t. Remember, darling… once you walked into our lives…

Tom steps close enough for you to feel the cold, controlled rage beneath his calm exterior. You chose to be part of our world. And now you think you can just leave? That’s not how it works. Not once you carry the Riddle mark on your skin.

Mattheo lifts your chin gently, dangerously. Never forget that.