Shadows Drift Beyond Memory by Xarin Vale novel Chapter 39

Chapter 1

“You promised me last night in bed. I could do WHATEVER wanted to her this time!”

For the first time I could hear again–right after Quentin dragged my bully into the men’s restroom.

Turns out, the guy who “protected” me… was sleeping with the girl who tortured me.

And I was just their twisted little game all along.

On my 18th birthday, the school’s queen bee confessed to Quentin Thorne in front of the entire school.

He ripped up her love letter without even looking at her.

“You’re filthy, I’m not interested.”

Right in front of everyone, she grabbed me by the collar. “So this deaf bitch you like is clean? Believe me, I can make her dirty too!”

“Try it if you’ve got a death wish.”

That day, she became his sworn enemy.

But what I didn’t know?

Every time he “defended” me, the so–called punishment was fucking her ruthlessly.

Until the day she cornered me in an alley–ripped my clothes off. Even took my naked photos.

Quentin went insane–dragged her into the men’s restroom.

“Go ahead, take my naked pictures too. I don’t give a damn.

“Quentin Thorne. Haven’t you seen and touched EVERYTHING on me already?”

“Don’t forget–you promised me last night. You said I could do whatever I wanted to her!”

Turns out, through all the chasing and teasing, Quentin’s heart had already crossed the line.

“Anna Bennett, I’m warning you–don’t you dare mess around!”

“Or I’ve got plenty of ways to torment you.”

n–bute stiet

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Chapter 1

Broken threats drilled into my ears with no real bite–only drawing out her mocking laughter,

“You mean the kind of torment in bed?”

“Quentin, you’re so bad.”

“Does your precious Rachel ever get to see this side of you?”

Anna stood on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around Quentin’s.

For a long time, no more words came from inside, Just the sound of the girl’s heavy moan–sharp and grating

After what felt like forever, Anna’s cheerful voice floated out again:

“Alright, you win this time.”

“But next time, what should I do to her?”

Quentin’s footsteps echoed. Then one word–cold, careless–exploded in my ears.

“Whatever.”

I couldn’t help but look down, everything at my feet blurring into a haze.

Turns out, being able to hear is the most painful thing in the world.

Quentin reached out to pat my head, just like he always did.

But this time, I flinched away.

His hand froze mid–air, eyes dark and unreadable. [Don’t be scared.]

[I already punished her for this. She won’t dare touch you again.]

The same words. I’d heard them a thousand times.

Yet Anna’s petty revenge never stopped.

His knuckled fingers moved expertly in sign language.

When I was ten, my parents died in a massive explosion trying to save Quentin.

I watched them burn alive. The trauma left me with severe PTSD–at its worst, I lost all my senses.

The Thornes spent years searching for doctors, trying everything.

Eventually, I got my sight back.

tand Along But Baby IS His!

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“Chapter 1

Later, Quentin learned sign language just for me.

Back then, he was so sincere. Looking back now? It’s laughte

Now, all I can see is the bright red mark on his neck.

In that moment, I felt like the pure white flower in my heart had finally rotted away.

1 stubbornly lifted my head. [I’m going to the police. I’m telling the teachers.)

My trembling hands moved through the air. Tears spilled from my eyes.

Quentin grabbed my arm as I turned to leave. The concern in his eyes wasn’t for me anymore.

That anxious look? It was for Anna.

[I already handled it.]

[If Anna gets expelled again, she’ll have nowhere left to go.]

[Besides, if this blows up, it won’t be good for you.]

I watched him sign coldly, feeling my heart sink bit by bit.

When I still didn’t respond, a flicker of barely concealed impatience crossed his face.

[I’m doing this for YOU. I’m only keeping Anna calm for your sake. Otherwise, I’d have dealt with her the way she deserve!]

[Enough. Don’t make a scene. Exams are coming up–we’re going back.]

I clenched my fists instinctively, letting the pain distract me.

Quentin, you’re not doing this for me.

You’re doing it for yourself. For Anna.

Like a puppet on strings, I let Quentin lead me back to the classroom.

Only when the bell rang did Anna saunter in, deliberately brushing her fingers against Quentin’s jacket as she passed.

Flirty. Twisted.

Halfway through the exam, a crumpled note suddenly landed at my feet.

From behind me, Anna’s voice rang out, clear and sharp. “Teacher, someone’s cheating.”

16 Wist