Frustration, anger, and anticipation. He could not decide which he felt more. He had been handed three perfect things to hunt on a silver platter. It was almost enough to make him grateful.


    Almost.


    His frustration stemmed from the fact that Jason was stronger than him. He couldn''t bleed him, couldn''t watch the hope drain from his eyes. If Jason was awake, there would be no chance. Ending him in his sleep was the only option. But was that satisfying enough? Would it be enough to snuff out the thrill clawing at his veins?


    The others would have to do for now.


    Time dragged as the others talked over the fire, voices low, flickering in and out of his awareness, adding to the conversation when he''d deem it necessary. He never understood why people pretended to care about one another, he had learned however. If he played his part, nodding, smiling his practiced smile, and laughing when expected, those around him would drop there guard, and let him close to them. He knew the truth however—when push came to shove, so-called loved ones would always abandon you to save themselves. The weak clung to each other for comfort, for survival, but in the end, everyone was alone.


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    He licked his lips, fingers twitching at his sides. The flames cast long shadows across their faces as they drifted into sleep. One by one, they faded into vulnerability.


    Jason was the last to rest.


    The Reaver rose silently, stepping forward. His pulse quickened as he loomed over Jason, the flickering firelight dancing across his face. One strike. That was all it would take. A quick, clean kill.


    His breath came slow and measured. His muscles tensed.


    Then, Jason shifted slightly in his sleep.


    The Reaver froze. Even unconscious, Jason carried a presence, a pressure that pushed against the air itself. His fingers twitched toward his weapon, but something inside him whispered: Not yet. He might still be needed.


    He gritted his teeth and exhaled silently, stepping backward into the shadows. Not tonight.


    But soon.