Mark swallowed as he and Dark stood at the edge of his old neighborhood, the sight of his house not far off. Already, Mark felt more alive—standing among his own people, humans—and even though it was evening, and night was threatening to fall, he felt at home.

"How can you trust me?" breathed Mark as they stood at the street corner, glancing over at Dark, who was no longer clad in his robes but clothes that made him look more human. "I ran away four days ago. What says I won't do it again?"

Dark lazily eyed the people walking up and down the sidewalk, filtering in and out of buildings.

Mark was right. Cibil hadn't shown him anything about Mark running away, nor how many times he might do so, but what he did know was how he and Mark ended up. A warmth spread in his chest as he mulled over the visions, pushing them aside.

"I trust you, Mark," he said as he glanced down at him, red eyes gleaming. He gave a smile and returned his gaze to the crowd. "Have you seen anyone you want, yet?"

Mark hummed, fingers twitching, not used to killing with anyone other than Ethan.

"I usually plan these things out," muttered Mark. "And I target celebrities." He gave a playful smile, laughing and glancing up at Dark. "Maybe I want to kill you."

Dark rose a brow at that, but before he could say anything, Mark pointed to a burly man heading towards his motorcycle—tan and built, with eyes hidden behind dark shades—his gait swaying.

"Him."

Dark followed Mark's gaze, brow arching higher. "He's ten times bigger than you."

"What, are you scared?" laughed Mark. Dark smiled with pride at Mark's lighter attitude, satisfied with the human's humor.

Mark leaned back against the cold brick wall, eyes hungrily following the burly man like a wolf mapping out its prey. Dark examined Mark's mannerisms with interest.

"Plus, he's fit," muttered Mark, licking his lips. "He'll taste good."

Dark couldn't help but do a double-take at that. He blinked, red eyes widened in the slightest as he looked at Mark.

"You eat your victims?" he breathed.

Mark blinked, and his brows furrowed in the slightest. "I thought you knew."

Dark said nothing, and Mark suddenly perked up. A few drunken men walked out of the bar and tapped the man's shoulder, bidding their goodbyes, their bodies staggering and swaying in the slightest. Leaving the equally-drunk man alone.

"Perfect," sang Mark. "Alcohol does wonders to a person's flesh." He smiled, eyes lighting up. He turned to Dark, the joy evident in his eyes. It made Dark wonder if Mark really was human—how could someone enjoy killing their own kind so much?

"Tonight, you listen to me," said Mark, going serious. "Once I go in for the kill, don't interfere." His eyes glimmered under the city lamps. "I enjoy a challenge."

With that, Mark walked across the street, and Dark hastily followed, growing more and more interested in Mark by the second.

Mark sidled up to the swaying man, his simpering attitude now one of false concern.

"Sir, you're drunk," said Mark, casually leading the man away from his motorcycle. "I need to drive you home."

The man grimaced, squinting at Mark through his shades.

"What's your name?" Mark pressed on.

"Griffin," he slurred. "Do I know you?"

"We're gonna go to my car, alright, Griffin?" said Mark, wrapping an arm around Griffin's shoulder and steering him into a dark alleyway. "Just come with me."

Mark practically had to walk on his tiptoes to reach the man's shoulders. From behind, Dark gave a smile of amusement, his heart pounding with anticipation. He made sure the coast was clear before following.

Mark's limbs began to shake as he led Griffin down the alleyway—far, far down—until it was dark as night. Even if Griffin screamed, no one would be able to identify their bodies.

Mark licked his lips, and he dropped his hand, stuffing it in his pocket. "Let me find my keys," he said, and he glanced over at Dark to acknowledge him, eyes gleaming and wild under the shadows. Dark swore it wasn't human.

Once Mark turned around, he was in his own world.

He pulled the knife out of his pocket and stabbed Griffin in the side.

Griffin cried out, and Mark leaped up, wrapping his arms around Griffin's neck and squeezing. Holding on tight, constricting, sucking the life out of every breath like a viper.

Griffin struggled in his hands, choking against Mark's vice grip. Hands grasping. Flailing. Choked cries for help.

Blood dripped to the floor, and Mark used the side of his knee to shove the knife deeper, satisfied at the sinking squelch.

"Come on," he panted, squeezing harder and heaving through clenched teeth. "You're almost there, Griffin."

Griffin clawed at Mark's arms. Strong.

Mark hissed and threw his weight back, bringing Griffin to the ground with him.

Muscle spasmed beneath his grip. The pulse of life. So frantic, fragile. Alive.

Mark bared his teeth as he squeezed Griffin's throat. He began to give. Weaken.

Mark pulled his hands away and bashed Griffin's head into the concrete. Blood sprayed on the ground. Crimson. Black in the moonlight.

He gave a grateful gasp as Griffin went limp underneath him, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. Mark brushed his hair back with bloody fingers, pulling the knife out of Griffin's side, his head in a euphoric daze. He licked his lips and smiled, having missed this feeling.

He glanced over his shoulder to find Dark standing there, unable to see his expression in the thick shadows.

"See?" breathed Mark, his breaths heavy and shallow. His hands shook from the adrenaline. "He wasn't so strong after all."

He looked at his knife and carefully dragged his tongue up the slick surface, blood gathering on his tongue. Dark watched with fascination, kneeling beside Mark.

"Perfect," Mark whispered, closing his eyes and sighing. "God, I missed this."

A silence passed over them, and Mark glanced over at Dark, eyes gleaming under the moonlight.

"Well?" Mark breathed. He threw Griffin's keys into Dark's lap, and he caught them with furrowed brows. "Bring the motorcycle here. I'll load his body in the saddlebags."

———

Mark recalled the ride back to the mansion as he cooked, thoughts distant.

He had sat behind Dark as they drove, arms wrapped around his waist. There was something so reassuring about holding him—bodies pressed so close.

Mark wiped his hands on his pants with a smile, and he glanced over his shoulder, meeting Dark's gaze.

"You're sure the others won't get mad?" asked Mark, eyes gazing around the various counters, drawers, and shelves in the glittering kitchen. It was nothing compared to his kitchen at home—with a mere stove and a few cupboards. "Cooking human in their pots and pans."

"I'm sure," said Dark, walking forward to stand beside Mark. He leaned against the counter, watching the meat simmer and cook on the pan, fresh blood seeping from it. "Focaria's the only one who tends to the kitchen."

Mark hummed, and he opened one of the various, marble-accented drawers, pulling out a spatula. He slid it under the slab of meat and plated it, scooping out some vegetables from the pot to put next to the meat.

"For you," said Mark. Dark slid the plate towards him as Mark plated his own meal, and he turned off the stove, walking past Dark to sit on top of the counter.

Mark set the plate in his lap and sank his fork into the meat, the flesh giving under easily. A smile of satisfaction came to his lips, and he savored his bite, letting the blood and juice soak his tongue. He hummed, unaware of Dark's intense gaze on his person.

"Have you tried it yet?" asked Mark as he opened his eyes, and Dark tilted his forkful under the lights, eyes glimmering.

"I've never eaten human before," he said, brows furrowing. "I... try to make peace with them, not—"

"Just try a bite," urged Mark.

Dark hesitated, then gave in with a sigh. He chewed slowly and took in its taste. He blinked, then swallowed. "It's good," he said simply, unsure of how to feel.

Mark smiled, and he continued to eat gratefully while Dark merely watched.

"I'm ready now, by the way," said Mark. "For what you were about to say."

When Dark rose a brow, he continued.

"About Antinstne." Mark took another bite, glad that he was finally eating what he wanted. He didn't realize just how starved he felt until now. "How much time do we have left?"

Dark leaned against the counter opposite of Mark, setting his plate aside as his gaze hardened. He settled his hands in front of him, shadows flitting across his face.

"Five days," he breathed.

Mark choked, and his eyes widened. "Not even a week?"

Dark sighed, and he turned his head aside, gazing at the china lined up on the walls. "No," he answered simply. "If I hadn't said anything—"

"Why," pressed Mark, voice hard. "Why do you keep going back to him?" His eyes narrowed. "If all he does is make your life harder?"

Dark scoffed and shook his head, glancing at Mark. "He has resources that go beyond my abilities," he said. "He's the only one civil enough to make such deals."

Mark set his plate down and pushed it aside, gazing at the Tear Stealer.

"It's that foreseer, isn't it," breathed Mark, brows furrowing. A tense silence passed over them. "What did they show you?"

Dark suddenly blinked as if he became more aware, glancing around, a vague familiarity glimmering in his eyes. He took in the sight of the kitchen, then the two half-eaten plates, then gazed at Mark, lips parted. A realization glimmered in his eyes.

Dark wasn't experiencing Deja Vu.

This was one of the visions.

Dark composed himself, and he carefully exhaled, pushing himself away from the counter and walking up to Mark. His demeanor shifted, coiling, and he rested his hands on Mark's thighs, pressing himself in between his legs. Mark swallowed, his face reddening, and a heat coiled in his stomach when Dark lifted his gaze, staring deep into Mark's eyes.

"Instead of telling you," breathed Dark, the words flowing from his mouth—almost scripted, "why don't I show you?"

Mark shakily exhaled, and Dark lifted a hand to rest on the back of Mark's neck. Mark swallowed, breaths going shallow, and Dark pulled him forward, their lips meeting.

heyheyhey, next chapter is the smut scene and it's written by ath_appreciates_you ; they are literally so amazing and if you don't send them love i'll eat you 😳

jk, but be on the lookout for the next update >:) I'm seriously so psyched for you all to see how amazing their writing is 😭💞

Thank you so much for reading, and have a beautiful day you pp heads,

Kass xoxo