Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             The gallery’s owner was delighted with the theme, but I took a long time to decide. It’s a lot more frightening than my previous dark art. This is something I’ve been keeping to myself for an entire year.

                             My secret is now exposed to the entire world.

                             “You did it!” Sydney squeals and pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you!”

                             “I wouldn’t dare be here without your constant nagging and encouragements. Thanks, Syd.” I offer her the brightest smile I can manage. She and Owen were there for me even when I shut them out. “Where’s Owen?”

                             She points at him, conversing with Mum and a few of my professors. Owen winks when his gaze meets mine. The chaos in my heart weans a little when I’m around my friends. I feel saner. Less dead. I only told them snippets of what happened, saying I met someone in my captivity who gave me a different reason to fight— a truth in some way. Despite some bewilderment at first, they accepted me the way I am. Even thinking me strong to have found safety and sharpened my muse in the darkest of places.

                             It’s their soothing words that got me where I am. It’s my friends and my parents who keep me from succumbing to depression. But even they can’t dry the tears that wet my pillow every night. Even they can’t refill the void in my chest.

                             My thoughts are interrupted by Professor Turell. He introduces me to some of his old colleagues. I greet them and discuss the techniques I used.

                             “It seems you had a model for inspiration, Miss Wilson,” one of them says, “Is he perhaps present?”

                             “She wouldn’t tell us who it is.” Professor Turell laughs. “She feels the need to protect her muse.”

                             I smile awkwardly. How am I to explain that?

                             Mum calls me out. I excuse myself, thankful for the distraction. I pick at the buffet with her.

                             “Do you still have doubts?” She studies me.

                             I nibble at an hors-d’oeuvre. “A little.”

                             She sighs and puts a warm palm on my shoulder. “I know this exhibition is too personal for you, honey, but you’re doing very well. I assure you.”

                             A genuine smile escapes my lips. I open my mouth to thank Mum when the hairs on the back of my neck stand like sharp knives.

                             My pulse skyrockets.

                             It’s... it’s like being stalked all over again. Only this time, my feet don’t itch to run. My eyes don’t stray sideways searching my surrounding. There’s only excitement. No fear whatsoever.

                             I inhale deep, barely able to hold my tears. He’s here. I know Aaron is here somewhere. I can’t mistake this feeling.

                             “Lily, Mae.” Dad’s voice reaches me as soon as I whirl towards him. Beside him is another man. My attention falls on the signet ring before taking in the refined tuxedo. The material hugs his body in a mixture of elegance and power. Black inky eyes stare me down, a gleam in their pools. The masked intensity in his gaze almost buckles my knees.

                             Aaron.

                             Oh God. Is he really here? This isn’t another one of my dreams, is it? He looks so real. Different, but still the same.