Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace ( Dexter )

Chapter 428

The orphanage was a place more haunting than I'd ever imagined, a wild garden where children, untamed and unchecked, grew rampant without the guiding hand of parents. Ten years of education had taught me the difference between right and wrong, and I knew I shouldn't let myself be dragged down to their level. But I was scared. They'd beat me if I didn't stand with them... If I didn't, I'd be ostracized, left alone on the fringes.

Silas's chest heaved with growing intensity.

I pressed down, urging him to lie back. "Stop talking..."

"I was lucky, I guess. Inconspicuous enough that their malice... targeted the two misfits, the real brains of the bunch..." Blood was pooling in Silas's mouth with each word he spoke.

I was worried. It might've pierced his lung.

"That day, when they planned to set the fire... I was terrified. I'd overheard their plans and hesitated, unsure if I should tell anyone... My conscience wouldn't let me be. In secret, I warned Colin, told him to grab Carter and run... to leave the orphanage before they could act..."

"But Colin said he had someone to wait for, he wouldn't leave."

Silas's gaze found Colin.

I turned, looking at Colin.

Everyone's eyes were on him...

So, there had been a warning before the fire?

Then why hadn't Colin run... and why had Carter suffered the consequences?

All because he was waiting for someone, he'd chosen not to flee, dragging Carter down with him?

Colin stood there, hands by his sides, offering no explanations...

Head bowed, he wouldn't defend his actions from back then.

He too... was flawed, in his own way.

"Colin... Carter could've escaped, but he stayed because of you, right?" Annora's eyes were rimmed with tears as she spoke. "Zoe always said it was Phoebe's fault, for making you wait for her..."

All eyes turned to Colin.

The fire that year, Carter's death had been a consequence of being held back.

Was Colin's wandering, his self-imposed punishment, living in the orphanage, guarding it, all because of his guilt?

"You don't know anything!" Bran's breath quickened, desperate to say more.

"We need to leave... now," Colin's voice was deep, cutting Bran off.

Bran clenched his fists, looking at Colin.

Without another word, he lowered his gaze and headed towards the elevator, checking if it would take them directly to the ground floor.

In that moment, watching his

retreating figure... I saw his

loneliness, his pain, as if... he was

struggling alone in his world, unacknowledged, misunderstood.

I thought, maybe what he needed right now was a hug.

Or perhaps, a kiss.

No need for words to explain, no need to say, Colin, I understand you.

"Let him lie flat, don't move, we have to carry him out. I'm worried the vib has pierced his lung," I whispered, touching Silas's chest again. "Stop talking, I know you just want to survive, just hang on." FindNovel

Silas was trembling, his gaze drifting. He looked at me, his bloodied fingers suddenly gripping

mine "Phoebe... I'm sorno

sorry..." FindNovel

I'm

I frowned, wondering why he was apologizing to Phoebe?

Robin and Finn fashioned a makeshift stretcher and placed Silas on it.

I walked up to Colin, wrapping my arms around him from behind...

"Colin, I'm so tired, I just want to go home."

Colin stiffened, then turned to look at me, his eyes red-rimmed.

Did he also feel wronged in silence when misunderstood?

Looking into his eyes, and the tears at their corners, I found myself lifting onto my toes, and kissed him.

In that moment, let's soothe and heal each other's broken souls.

Colin, my Colin.

Deep inside, a voice told me... I should trust and cherish him unconditionally.

He's Colin, the one and only Colin in this world.