Shadows In Durango

Chapter 99

*****Sofia's POV*****

I finish the last sip of my hot chocolate, the warmth lingering for a moment as I gather my things.

By now, the cafe had emptied out, and the quiet hum of conversation and the soft clinks of mugs were long gone.

It was just me, the waitress, and the low buzz of incoming messages as my phone charged on the table in front of me - now at full battery.

Emma had said I could stay at hers tonight, but as comforting as that offer was, a sense of unease still sat heavy in my chest which could explain why I had held off on leaving here for so long... but unfortunately, it was now closing time. It didn't matter where I went in town tonight, because I still felt like a hunted animal who would have to cover my tracks.

My father had always had a way of controlling everything since my Mom died, making me feel like no matter how far I ran, he was just one step behind me.

I glance back outside, seeing it growing darker. The streets were mostly deserted now, with the orange glow of streetlights casting long, lonely shadows down on the pavement.

The whole town felt like it had shifted into an entirely different place after that dinner...

I wasn't sure if I could ever see it the same way again, a place I had once loved, now full of demons and danger...

With a deep breath, I unplug my phone, drop it into my pocket, and head towards the door - leaving a five dollar bill on the table.

The bell chimes softly as I step out into the cold night air again, my arms instinctively wrapping around myself.

I pull my hood up, trying to shrink into myself as I walk, the sound of my sneakers tapping against the pavement becoming my only company.

My brain won't stop replaying everything that had happened tonight. Vincent's face, the shock, the guilt... then Daryl's smug grin, the sharp words thrown across the table, and the crushing weight of betrayal that came from finding out about the arranged marriage deal.

Why hadn't he told me? Is all I could keep asking myself...

If he would have kept me in the loop the whole time then things would have been a lot easier!

The same question had been running laps around my mind, but I couldn't find an answer that made it hurt any less.

all over again. Like Vincent had just helped him find a different way to control my life, in a vile way

wasn't too far now, just a few more blocks

every step felt like a lifetime trapped out in this

quiet street, and I instinctively tense. The street had been dead

it pulls

weird older stranger - probably thinking that I was a street walker looking for cash being out at this time!

feet stopping on

course he had to

I thought that was you!" he says, his voice tinged with surprise and

eyes scanning me up and down. "What are you doing out here by yourself at this time? Where are you going?" He asks, but I don't plan on telling him anything. I open my mouth to

the middle of everything, catches me so off guard that I just stand

was just—" I finally manage, but the words feel jumbled, my mind racing to keep up with what was happening

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all

walking for what felt like hours. "You look like you've been through hell, have you been crying?" he says, his tone softening. "Sofia, what's going on? You

the weight of everything crashing down on me all over again -

this town

of somewhere. I'm fine, though, I'm just heading to a friend's place, not far from here." I nod, but my breathing

calm, far

a moment, his face unreadable as he processes what I'm saying. But then his expression shifts, a mix of concern and protectiveness flashing across his features. This could all

voice leaving no room for argument as my eyes grow

right back to

hesitate, my feet glued to the pavement. I hadn't seen Ashton in a while and seeing him twice in such

cuts me off again, his tone a little

take you to your friends, it's cold!" He demands, before a click is heard and I

Shit!

out rapidly, seeing the smoke fill the

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as Ashton begins to unbuckle his seatbelt, my heart racing. I can feel my pulse pounding in my ears as