Chapter 50

It's nighttime, and a group of us are sitting around a fire in the trailer park. The evening sky sparkles with fireworks over Oddity, glittering bursts illuminating the atmosphere. I rest against Hell's chest, nestled between his legs on the grass, feeling his warmth seep into me. Glancing down, I notice he has something in his hand. He lifts it, revealing a silver piece of jewelry with a charm that glints in the light.

Gently, he pulls my leg upward, and I lift it, draping it across my thigh. He pushes my skinny jeans up and starts to wrap the jewelry around my ankle.

"What's this, Hell?" I ask, my tone tinged with confusion.

"It's a sign of freedom," he replies.

I glance up at him, staring at his painted side-profile in awe. When he finishes, I look down at the delicate piece. He places the small charm on his fingertip—a silver dove with a black diamond set in it and I notice he has placed it on my scarred ankle.

"This is the only chain that will ever be on your fucking ankle again, Dolly. Freedom; the freedom you have always deserved and will always have here, with me." he declares.

My eyes well up as I touch the charm, feeling the importance of its meaning, my soul filling with his dark form of love. I turn my head, and he looks down at me. I take in his painted features, his healed eye, then press my lips to his.

"Thank you, I love it," I whisper, my tone thick with emotion.

He pulls me closer, placing a tender kiss on my head as we continue to watch the fireworks.

My eyes wander around the group, each person engaged with someone else, until they land on M, who is also watching the spectacle, chain-free.

We trained him together and he now lives amongst the rest of us, just as I knew he could with some understanding and care. My eye's move to Arabella, Blush, and everyone else here.

I reflect on everything that has happened since I arrived here, how far I've come with Hell by my side. We've found something in each other that's rare to find.

When I first stepped into Oddity, I never thought it would become a home. And when I met Hell, I didn't think it would turn into love.

Yet here I am—happy, content, free and I am slowly getting myself off the meds. Embracing who I am in a place where insanity is accepted.

I snuggle deeper into Hell's arms, feeling his heartbeat against my back. The fireworks light up the night, mirroring the spark within me. This place, these people, and especially Hell, have changed everything.

I never imagined finding peace in madness, but I have. Right here, at Oddity Carnival & Cirque.

The End of Hollow Hellion.