Chapter 48

He collapsed into a chair, his body wracked with sobs. His mother tried to comfort him, but Griffin pushed her away.

"I mean it, Mom," he said, his voice cold and hard. "I'll make them pay. I'll make them sorry they ever crossed us. Villains are not born, people make them"

His mother looked at him, her eyes filled with worry and fear. She knew her son was slipping away from her, consumed by his anger and desire for revenge. But Griffin didn't care. He was too far gone, too hurt, too angry. He had made up his mind, and nothing would ever change it again.

Nicholas stumbled through the front door, his eyes bloodshot, his clothes disheveled, and his hair a mess. His mother, who was sitting in the living room, saw him and immediately jumped up from the couch, her eyes wide with worry.

"Nicholas, what's wrong?" She exclaimed, rushing to his side. "What happened to you?"

Nicholas didn't answer. He just stumbled past her, making his way to the stairs, his movements slow and labored.

"Ni