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77 - Confusion and Anger
Last Updated:
2024-09-03 19:58:12
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MAD END'S DECEPTION 78 - Wasn't a Bluff
GILDEONHe couldn’t figure out why Arah had been so restless until he heard the siren in the distance. Faint at first, then growing louder, closer, slicing through the stillness of the morning. His narrowed eyes drifted to the dirt road. It wasn’t long before the cars came into view. The first one he recognized immediately—Durante’s.The police car following behind made his gut clench, a low hum of tension settling in his chest.Why were they here?He pushed to his feet, his body on high alert. Could this be about the captives? He and Roselia had already released them yesterday, altered their memories, and scrubbed the basement clean. Even if law enforcement had somehow questioned those four, they wouldn’t have found anything to tie their disappearance back to him.But with Durante leading the charge, he knew better than to get comfortable.“Gildeon…” Arah began, rising to her feet, but quickly pressed her lips together as if biting back the words. Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes dar
Last Updated : 2024-09-04MAD END'S DECEPTION 79 - Too Much Alike
GILDEONBile rose in his throat. He hadn’t expected Arah to betray him so easily. Had she met with Durante yesterday? He remembered the agent leaving his card, so she must have called him after Gildeon left the house.His stomach clenched. Could he really blame her? After everything he’d put her through, she probably saw him as nothing less than a monster. The thought felt like sharp teeth tearing through his chest.He pushed the feelings aside and focused on the situation. Something didn’t add up. There was no way Durante could have secured an arrest warrant this fast based solely on Arah’s word. There had to be more at play.Durante continued, “But we’ll handle it from here.”“Can I come to the station too?” Arah asked.“We need to take your husband into custody and process him first, Mrs. Ayadi,” Durante replied, casting a sidelong glance at Gildeon. “I suggest you stay home for now.”As Durante turned away, Officer Castillo gently pressed Gildeon’s back, nudging him forward. Just
Last Updated : 2024-09-04MAD END'S DECEPTION 80 - He'd Underestimated Her
GILDEONHis eyes dropped to the folder, his mind racing through the possibilities of what it held. It had to be evidence—something Durante believed would nail him. The agent flipped the folder horizontally, keeping the cover facing Gildeon, the contents hidden from view. The rustle of paper filled the room. Then, with a calculated movement, Durante spread photos across the table—images of the four captives.Gildeon’s gaze remained steady. No flinch, no reaction, just silence. He knew Durante was watching, waiting for the slightest crack.“You know these people?” Durante asked, but Gildeon knew it wasn’t a question—it was bait.He let the silence linger, weighing his response. He had to avoid implicating himself—not out of fear of the law, but because he didn’t want to give Durante the satisfaction of pinning him down. If they were sitting in this room, it meant they needed more from Gi
Last Updated : 2024-09-07MAD END'S DECEPTION 81 - She'd Gone Too Far
ARAHShe sat on the couch, restless, her eyes glued to the phone. Each image was a bitter reminder of how easily she’d destroyed Gildeon with a single tap. She hadn’t meant to, but in that blind whirlwind of rage and hurt, she’d sent the photos and video to Agent Durante without thinking.It had felt right in the moment, like she was taking control, making him pay. But now? Now it felt like a crushing mistake. She wanted to delete them, but what for? It wouldn’t change anything. The damage had already been done.With a frustrated sigh, she threw the phone onto the couch and stood, pacing the living room, her thoughts spinning as fast as her steps. Her hands wouldn’t stop shaking, rubbing absently at the sides of her robe as she tried to ground herself.Barky lay sprawled on the floor, his eyes lazily following her, tail tapping rhythmically against the hardwood. He seemed completely unaware of the turmoil inside her, oblivious to the tension that had her body trembling. At least he wa
Last Updated : 2024-09-07MAD END'S DECEPTION 82 - She's Protecting Us
GILDEONThere was no point in denying ownership of the cabin, much less pretending he wasn’t behind the entire spectacle. But the fact that Durante hadn’t mentioned an accomplice yet was a relief. They either hadn’t noticed Roselia, or she was simply good at staying hidden. Still, Gildeon needed to tread carefully. He couldn’t afford to expose her—whether to witches or anyone else.He began piecing together a believable excuse in his head, but he couldn’t give in just yet.“What’s the obstruction of justice charge for?” Gildeon asked, knowing it was a stalling tactic, but needing the answer all the same.He expected pushback, but it didn’t come. Instead, Durante opened the folder again, revealing more photos: Plumber Paul’s body from the coroner’s office, a dead blonde girl lying on the shore, and then solo shots of both of their fading Clover Wish tattoos.But
Last Updated : 2024-09-09MAD END'S DECEPTION 83 - Gravity of Her Past
ARAHThe growl softened into a deep grunt, and finally, Barky’s posture eased. He sniffed her hand tentatively, his eyes still wary but calmer. She let out a slow breath of relief as his body relaxed. His nose nudged her fingers, and then, in a quick, fluid motion, his tongue lapped at her hand. She smiled, her muscles unclenching as she scratched his head, his ears folding back in that familiar way.She slumped onto the floor and kissed the top of his head, scrunching her nose at the smell of earth and death lingering in his fur. “I thought you didn’t recognize me anymore, Barky. You scared me. Don't do that again, okay?”He huffed softly, almost in agreement, his tail wagging slightly. Her hand moved to scratch behind his ears—rough but gentle, just the way he liked. He leaned into her touch, pushing his head under her hand.“What do you say I clean you up now, huh?”Barky gave a small whine, and she chuckled softly. “Come on now.” She stood up and snapped her fingers, guiding him i
Last Updated : 2024-09-10MAD END'S DECEPTION 84 - Truly Cares About You
ARAHA coven war was coming. The thought made her stomach churn. Witches fighting over the chance to steal her alleged power… It sounded so ridiculous. So unreal. But after watching Barky die and come back to life because of her tattooed Clover Wish, she was past rationalizing everything.Roselia then revealed that she had once been part of one of those covens. The confession caught Arah so off guard that she nearly spilled her tea. She wanted to ask more about the hooded witch, but Roselia had emphasized there was some kind of vow at play, one that could cost her life if she broke it. She couldn’t reveal anything about the other witches—not their identities, not their secrets. But they were already on the island, lurking in the shadows, waiting… stalking Arah.The very thought of it sent a shiver down her spine.“Did you leave the coven on your own?” she asked, curiosity mingling with unease. “Or did they force you to?”“You could say both,” Roselia replied with a shadow of anger fli
Last Updated : 2024-09-11MAD END'S DECEPTION 85 - I Betrayed Him
ARAHHer throat tightened. “But I betrayed him.” Its weight settled heavily in her chest as the memory surfaced. “I got him arrested.”“Your anger was justified,” Roselia said. “I nearly cursed My Lord when he took Filippo’s head.”Arah leaned forward, about to put her cup down on the table. “Who’s Filippo? Your pet?”“My lover.”Arah nearly dropped the cup, and her gaze narrowed. “He killed your lover?”“Yes,” Roselia said as if it were a matter of fact. “But Filippo wasn’t human to begin with.”Arah stared, her mind scrambling to catch up.“He was a vampire.”Her mouth fell open, her fingers gripping the armrest to keep herself grounded. “V-vampires are real?” she blurted out, blinking rapidly.Roselia stifled a laugh. “I think that’s enough for today. I don’t want to overwhelm you.”Arah’s mind swirled, but the question slipped out anyway. “Why did he kill your lover?” She wondered if Filippo was the one who had hurt Roselia in the past, but somehow, it didn’t feel like it.Roselia
Last Updated : 2024-09-11
Latest chapter
MAD END'S DECEPTION 201 - Let Everything Sink In
ARAHRoselia hadn’t been able to remove the bullet, but she managed to stop the bleeding, prevent further damage, and numb the pain. Mabel’s friend would still need to be taken to a hospital for proper treatment. Roselia explained that if she tried to heal her using supernatural methods and alter her memory at the same time, it could cause unpredictable side effects.Mabel’s friend had fallen unconscious. They bandaged her wound and gently moved her to the couch. Cora brought over a blanket and draped it over her.“W-What are we going to do with them?” Mabel’s sister asked, staring at the three corpses lying across the living room.Arah handed her a glass of water. “I think it’s better to leave them as they are. The police will take care of it.” She figured the authorities would arrive soon, especially if they believed Sharko’s gang had already finished whatever they came here to do.Thug Number Two would be a problem. He’d definitely run back to Sharko and report what happened. Then
MAD END'S DECEPTION 200 - Alter Your Memory
ARAHShe had a narrow window before any sudden movement might make one of the thugs pull the trigger out of pure reflex.Or panic.Before she even realized it was possible, her wind tattoo split into two. One lash coiled tightly around the ankle of the thug who was about to assault Mabel’s sister, dragging him down. He hit the floor face-first with a grunt, arms flailing to catch himself. The other streaked across the room and smacked the gun from the hand of the man holding Cora.Arah bolted down the stairs, snatching the fallen gun mid-run, and aimed the gun at Thug Number One. She’d never held one before and had no real idea how to use it. But she’d seen enough movies to get the general idea.Still, she hoped it wouldn’t come to that. To her, manmade weapons felt far more volatile than anything supernatural.She saw Cora grab a coat rack from the corner and swing it hard at the back of Thug Number One’s head. The man let out a stunned grunt, stumbling forward from the blow. He turn
MAD END'S DECEPTION 199 - Would She Kill Him?
ARAHThug Leader motioned to his men to let the girls go, but then pointed at Mabel, her sister, and the girl who’d offered Arah a cocktail earlier.“Those three, and of course, Cora—they all stay.”He turned back to Arah, sneering, probably waiting for her to object. But she stayed silent. He seemed like the egotistical maniac type. If she pushed him too far, he’d only make things worse.Arah settled for glancing at the girls as they whimpered, shuddered, and ran out of the house.“Don’t you dare snitch, or we’ll come after you,” one of the thugs growled, stepping aside and pointing his gun at each of them as they passed.Arah hated how calm they all looked. Like they weren’t worried at all that the girls might bring help. It said even more about the kind of power Sharko’s gang held over the island.“Now…” Thug Leader lifted her chin with the muzzle of his gun. “You said you’d give me a night I’d never forget?”“I need assurance they won’t be harmed,” she said carefully, nodding towa
MAD END'S DECEPTION 198 - Night You'll Never Forget
ARAHShe stared at the lifeless body of the male stripper, sprawled out across the unfurled cardboard box. Blood seeped from the bullet wound in his back. He’d tried to run after the thug leader warned him not to.And they killed him. Just like that.To scare the hell out of them even more, the thugs had dragged his corpse back into the house—for everyone to see. It looked eerie under the strobe lights.The room was tense. The music was still playing, but one of the thugs had turned the volume down. All the girls were huddled together in the living room, clutching at each other like their lives depended on it. Some were curled up on the couch, the others slumped on the floor with their knees drawn to their chests. Everyone was shaking and crying. No one said a word.Their phones had been taken, so there was no way to call for help—unless, of course, Mabel’s call to the police had gone through.One of the thugs paced behind them, gun in one hand, a slice of strawberry cake in the other
MAD END'S DECEPTION 197 - Why Zephyr
ARAHShe leaned against the chair, staring out at the dark stretch of sea. The waves lapped softly at the shore. Their rhythm tangled with the thump of club music and the high-pitched laughter of girls still partying inside the house.It all felt far away now.After that embarrassing moment in the living room, Cora had pulled her out. She was grateful for the breather.Mate. Bride. Little Rabbit—these words looped in her head like some bad joke.Had she imagined the whole thing? Maybe there was something weird in the cocktail she drank. Or maybe it was Barky’s bite, twisting her thoughts most strangely.Why Zephyr, though? Had she personally known him before? Back in Shamibar?Arah slid her hands down her face and let out a heavy exhale. She couldn’t picture herself ever being close to someone like him. Zephyr was dangerous—she knew that much. And whatever his game was, it didn’t involve good intentions. He wanted to raise an army for goodness sake.Behind her, the back door creaked o
MAD END'S DECEPTION 196 - Little Rabbit
ARAHShe barely recognized Cora’s house. Penis-shaped balloons were scattered everywhere, and strobe lights flashed so intensely they nearly blinded her. The music was so loud it made her ears ring. Good thing Cora lived far enough from the neighbors that no one would care, even if the guests started screaming at each other in the middle of the night.There were probably over a dozen ladies here—her, Mabel, Cora, and a handful of others Arah vaguely remembered from the engagement party.Mabel was dancing near a giant pink gift box wrapped in ribbon, right in the middle of the living room. When she spotted Arah, her eyes lit up.“Arah!” Mabel shouted, turning toward the other side of the room. “Sissy Cora, she’s here!” Then she pranced over, cocktail in hand, wobbling just slightly. Her tiara was crooked, and she adjusted it before leaning in to give Arah a double-cheek kiss.“Hey, quite a party you’ve got going on,” Arah said with a smile, handing over her gift. She glanced at the pin
MAD END'S DECEPTION 195 - Are You Magical Too?
ARAHShe checked herself in the mirror, smoothing down the pink dress covered in little floral prints—it matched the theme for tonight. It was her first time going to a bachelorette party, and everything she knew about them came from movies.And in those movies, there were usually male strippers.She’d asked Mabel if there’d be any. Mabel had just giggled and said “no” over the phone, but in that coy way that didn’t really feel like a no.That made her a little nervous.Arah wondered how Gildeon would take it if he found out she went to a party where half-naked men were out there flaunting their abs and grinding to some sexy music. Would he be annoyed? Jealous? Pissed?The thought made her smile as she stepped out of her room and passed by the study. She paused at the door, resting her hand against it, picturing Gildeon inside—still in his cocoon, still asleep.The first time he’d finally let her in, she hadn’t known what to expect. The study room had felt weird. Empty, no furniture,
MAD END'S DECEPTION II: CAYLAO FESTIVAL ARC. 194 - It's Just A Dream
ARAHShe slipped the cardstock with her printed Clover Wish design out of the binder, tore it into pieces, and dropped them into the bin. Then she pulled out a few more flash sheets—ones with patterns that looked a little too much like real sigils—and tossed those out too.She couldn’t risk setting something off again and starting another coven war.A month had passed since the incident. Life on Caylao Island had returned to normal, as if nothing strange had ever happened. The townspeople had been spared that horrific memory thanks to Roselia’s bewitching fog. If it hadn’t been for that, Arah likely would’ve lost her friends too after they found out she wasn’t human.She looked up at her friends gathered in the waiting area, swapping theories about what really happened at Baccayo Prison that night.“I heard Sharko’s gang was involved,” Mabel said, swirling her straw in her milk tea. “Maybe they tried to break out some of their old members.”Tonio grimaced, mid-chew on a massive bite o
MAD END'S DECEPTION 193 - Let It All Go
GILDEONThey brought Arah to Roselia’s farmhouse. She was still out cold, and it would likely take her a few days to recover. Roselia had set up the back room, lit herbs that filled the air with sharp smoke, and circled Arah with crystals humming with healing energy.Gildeon switched on his dragon sight. Arah’s aura flickered, blue-green, faint. But something else swam through it—streaks of deep, electric blue that came and went like a second heartbeat.Gildeon hadn’t seen that on her before, but maybe they were remnants of some buried power. Something that had awakened when her life hung by a thread—something she’d used to wipe out both Zylas and Drusden.The aftermath of that fight still gnawed at him in strange ways, but none of it mattered for now. Answers could wait. He’d talk to Arah when she woke up.Gildeon pulled the blanket over her shoulders, then glanced at Ghulik, who was curled on a cushion near the bed, snoring like an old man, his belly swollen.Before leaving the Bacc
