{~~Avery Sterling~~}I noticed it late. It wasn't until we had turned into a street that I realized we weren't going to Logan's house. But if I was being kidnapped, this late realization would have fucked me up. Ryan took me over to his place, navigating through the heavy rain with practiced ease. His house was closer than mine, a welcome reprieve from the storm that had already soaked me to the bone. The rain beat a steady tattoo on the roof of the car, the rhythmic sound almost soothing in its constancy. We pulled into his garage, the sound of the rain diminishing slightly as the automatic door closed behind us.Ryan’s garage was spacious, large enough to fit up to six cars comfortably. This knowledge would come to fuck me over only seconds after I made this realization. As I stepped out of the car, grateful for the shelter, I heard another vehicle pulling in beside us. At first I thought it was Gareth since I know he lives with Ryan, but that was not the case. I swear I might be

{~~Avery Sterling~~}This was the first nightmare where I was standing in front of a crowd speaking my words of truth. Words I hadn't written, but I listened to them as my physical body narrated them.“In the shadow of your light, I stand,A figure dimmed by your grand command.You walk in brilliance, proud and free,While darkness wraps itself 'round me. Each step I take is less my own,Bound by a fate I've never known.Your laughter echoes, bright and clear,As I reside in constant fear. The world sees you, a blazing star,While I remain a distant spar.Your achievements, loud and grand,Leave my efforts lost in sand. My voice is but a whispered plea,Drowned by your symphony.My dreams, they pale, they fade, they fall,Overshadowed by your thrall. I trace your steps, a weary path,Haunted by a silent wrath.For every glance that turns your way,Is a reminder of my dismay. You shine so bright, you blind my eyes,And in your light, my spirit dies.I am the shadow, ever near,Invisibl