Dylan Page

My dreams are gone. I’m trapped, controlled, and defeated. I made a deal that I have to stick to, if I want to keep everyone—including myself—safe. Shay has given me an ultimatum; be his or someone I love will pay the price.

How did I get here? Broken, bruised, and mentally shattered. For most of my life, my older stepbrother, Shay, was my hero, my rock, and my best friend. The one I knew I could always rely on.

Twice now my life has been altered by the choice of someone else. The first time I was ten; when my mom got married she moved us into a better neighborhood, which meant I had to leave behind everything and everyone I loved.

I am the dark notes of a song, The shadows at your back, The tears that fall from your eyes, The cool touch of the blade at your throat, The hot, burning bullet that pierces your skull. I am the writer of this story, I am the guide. The Director. I have led the pieces to their place on the board.

I have a great life. Loving parents, siblings that I adore. I’ve never gone hungry, or known physical pain. I’ve suffered no trauma… And yet there is another side of me that is… different.