Page 39 of Darkest Deception

So what in the world is she doing here?

“What are you doing here?” I shout. Guilt slams me when she flinches, but as soon as she steps out, she almost collapses on the floor.

“I-I just wanted to see—”

“See what? Did you not for one second think that just maybe I said no for your own good? Did you think I was joking? That this whole thing is the best thing ever and I am purposely keeping you from having fun?” My voice shakes and drops an octave, but I can’t stop.

I was going to shut this whole thing down. I was going to end the bullying, so when I left it didn’t follow her, and yet here she is, shoving her nose in business that isn’t hers.

“No. I just didn’t want to be left alone with Mum and Dad.”

“I don’t care! You should have asked me!” I scream.

A crowd starts to form around us, but I couldn’t care less. She should have stayed at home. She shouldn’t have come here.

“How could you be so fucking selfish that you decided to follow me? How could you think that you were going to have fun here when I want nothing to do with you? Ever! Get it through your thick head that you are not wanted.”

Her mouth opens, her eyes water, and her hands shake.

“But—”

“But nothing. Never follow me and never, ever, get in my way ever again.”

Grabbing her wrist, I drag her out, ignoring the eyes on me and the crowd that seems to want to swallow both me and Aurora.

I don’t speak and let her hand go the second we are outside the front gates.

“Ambrose, I didn’t mean it like that. You’re my sister. I don’t know why you were being so distant so suddenly,” Aurora whispers from behind me.

“Don’t. I don’t want you near me. There is no bigger reason. It’s the truth. Accept it now before it hurts you.”

I am spun around suddenly to face a raging Aurora. The faint smell of rain hits my nose just as the dark clouds above us crack.

“How could you say that? I am your sister!” She shakes me by my shoulders. “How could you push me away and act like I mean nothing to you? I have been with you my whole life. You protected and—”

“That’s the thing, Aurora. I failed to protect you, clearly. Because you showed up. You let everyone know you are as big of a target as I am. So please, for your sake and mine, stay away from me. It’s not going to be pretty.”

I push off her hands, and the first couple of cold drops hit my skin, making me hiss.

“So that’s it? There is nothing else?” Her hands ball at her sides, her pink dress crumbled and ruined.

I would have drawn hearts around all the bruises you may get. I would have got you transferred and still will do so. You didn’t believe me when I said it’s for your protection, Aurora.

“That’s it.”

Thunder booms and rain showers us. We both get drenched in no time. Hair sticks to our faces and emotions slowly dissolve as we both stand still, looking into each other’s eyes as everything falls apart.

Piece by piece.

The dominoes fall.

And then she says the one word that will change our lives for the next decade.

“Fine.”

13

I installed cameras in my room and had a guard stationed right outside the door.

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