In the heart of a secluded forest, hidden from prying eyes, the enigmatic facility stood as a beacon of hope for Gabriel’s journey. Its walls whispered secrets of suppressed voices and hidden powers. Through their expertise, the staff had guided Gabriel on the path to self-discovery. Now, it was time for Caitlin to seek liberation from her tormenting Voice.

“I don’t remember how I got there. My head was in pain, and then I blacked out until I stood before the building,” Gabriel recalled, his face emotionless but his eyes shining. “The doctors asked countless questions, but I couldn’t answer most. Dr. Lies, an old doctor, stared at me quietly. The voices in my head ceased.”

As Gabriel reached for my hand, a chill ran through me. I glanced at Kevin, uncertain of whether to intervene, but he shook his head, indicating we should let Gabriel continue.

“Did she help you?” Kevin asked gently.

“She did, but she also kicked me out because she said I was ready,” Gabriel explained.

“Ready for what?” I asked, intrigued.

“I’m not sure. Dr. Lies taught me to suppress the voice. When the pain came, I could channel it into whatever I was doing at the time. It’s why I excel at fixing cars—I work better when the voices threaten to take over. I don’t know if any of this helps you, though,” Gabriel admitted sheepishly.

While processing his words, I wondered why I needed to go to the facility if Dr. Lies was the one who helped him. I suggested calling her for assistance, hoping to find an alternative.

“It doesn’t work that way. When I was there, I hurt people, Cat. It wasn’t intentional; the voices compelled me. Our voices have been alive for decades, using humans as hosts. Somehow, they choose those who can endure a long life. I don’t know how they enter us or how to remove them. And we’re not the only ones,” Gabriel explained sadly.

“WE ARE THE ONLY ONES! HE LIES!” The voices erupted, assaulting my mind with excruciating pain. Tears welled up as I leaned toward Gabriel, seeking comfort. Kevin’s fear-stricken expression revealed his concern.

Suddenly, Gabriel’s smile twisted into something malevolent. “Surround yourself in darkness and find a red light. Touch it,” he said in a voice not his own.

Confusion turned to shock, and Kevin’s voice broke the tense atmosphere. “What the hell is happening, Gabriel?”

Gabriel’s response was a venomous hiss, as he turned toward Kevin, his eyes pitch black with a crimson center. “You disgusting human! There are ways to inflict pain beyond the physical. Gabriel may control us, but there are things he cannot.”

Witnessing this transformation, I felt a surge of darkness coursing through me, mingled with a strange connection. Laughter escaped my lips as I jumped with twisted delight. Kevin’s fear shifted to concern as he backed away.

“No! We don’t want to go! If you’re our mate, then let’s play together!” the voices exclaimed, their pain gradually subsiding. Gabriel’s presence became a source of comfort as he reassured me and guided me through my chaotic emotions.

“Help me, please,” I pleaded desperately as darkness threatened to consume me.

Suddenly, I found myself in the midst of a scene—a young boy standing in front of a building in a forest. His cries echoed, and figures in white coats emerged. Despite his fierce resistance, they subdued him. An older woman injected him with something, and he fell into a deep slumber. A voice called out to me, leading me toward the building.

“Gabriel, try again! Don’t give up!” the woman urged. The boy laughed maniacally, proclaiming their inevitable victory. As I watched, I sensed Gabriel’s struggles and felt compelled to join him.

“She can help! It’s difficult, but she can. I’ve killed those in white coats, but it was necessary. I choose when they emerge and what they do. It is possible,” Gabriel explained, his eyes a window to both his true self and the hidden voices.

“Okay, I’ll help,” I responded, the voices now evoking feelings of happiness and a sense of belonging. “Can we play?” they asked, sheepishly seeking acceptance.

“Only if you abide by the rules,” the woman in the white coat retorted mockingly, her voice dripping with irony.

As I emerged from the depths of the dream, Kevin’s voice roused me, urging me to wake. Gabriel remained asleep, his body cold to the touch. Fear gripped me, uncertain of his state.

“I’m okay, Catlin. It takes more than a dream to take me down,” Gabriel reassured me with a smile.

“Hey, don’t forget about me! I had to sleep next to you, too. Don’t I deserve a hug and a smile?” Kevin teased, breaking the tension.

Gabriel, ever playful, responded by swiftly trapping Kevin beneath him. Laughter filled the room until a sudden grunt interrupted their play. Gabriel was flung from the bed, leaving Kevin and me stunned.

Laughing, Gabriel turned to me. “So, are we going?”

“Yes,” I replied, smiling.