Page 72 of Obsession

There is a pause, Jaegen’s flare dimming, the muggy air shifting, but Aris doesn’t relax. He looks between us with narrowed eyes, aware that something is going on. Something he is not privy to.

We agreed that you would stay with him. And control him,

And we have to stay here to do that?

Leaving exposes him to new things. It would introduce variables.

I don’t reply, remembering what I said to Aris earlier. A prison with field trips is still a prison.

“I’ll leave the two of you,” Jaegen says aloud.

He pauses for a moment, waiting for one of us to object or raise further questions, but we’re quiet. I don’t know how long it will be until I see him again, and maybe I’ll be dying for more information in a few days. But, for now, I just want Jaegen to leave.

I did exactly what he wanted me to, and I didn’t get so much as a thank you, just hard words and a new assignment.

With nothing to keep him, Jaegen walks out the front door like a human. His stride is purposeful and long, and he summons his slice of light on the lawn.

Before entering, Jaegen turns, giving me a look over his shoulder.

Contain him. The words jump into my mind, the force and abruptness making my footing uneven. I let out a quiet gasp, gulping in air that is suddenly hot again, my fingers twitching and curling into fists.

It’s a warning. An order.

I can do nothing but dip my head in acquiescence.

Chapter seventeen

Aris follows me around the cabin as I explore. The fridge is full, the cupboards stocked with cans and imperishables, drawers filled with cooking utensils. Everything we could possibly need has been provided: dish soap in a gallon container, trash bags, paper towels in bulk. The bathroom, a narrow space with a design reminiscent of the ‘70s, has several bottles of shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, and toothbrushes and toothpaste. There is a washer and dryer with detergent and stain remover placed neatly beside a laundry basket. The bedroom sheets are folded tight and smell clean, the dresser drawers full of underwear, socks, pants, and pajamas. Shirts and dresses are hung in the wardrobe, all in my size. In the living room is a bookshelf filled with classic literature, atlases, and dictionaries, with board games beside them and films on discs below that.

We will run out of supplies eventually, of course, and I wonder what will happen then. Will Jaegen return? Will the house magically restock itself?

Running through all of this, I take a seat on the couch. Aris follows my lead, sitting on the other end with an intense, attentive gaze.

“Why do you keep looking at me?”

He looks away as if chastised, and I sigh; my tone was too sharp. I have no idea what to do with him. He is Aris, but… not? Does he know his powers, his strength? As I considered before, would he hurt me—even accidentally?

I should be gentler, but it’s been a long night. I try to search for the sense of victory I felt earlier, but it’s notably absent.

“Will you answer my questions now, Mary?”

He asked so politely, in such an un-Aris-like manner that I’m taken aback. I blink as I try to compose an answer. Be gentle, I remind myself. Wouldn’t want to make him evil again.

“Yes,” I say, and he sits up in startled delight. I have to give it to him: he’s been patient. He obviously doesn’t like Jaegen, but Aris followed him willingly because I gave the go-ahead.

He came here. For me.

The thought tugs at something in my chest.

“I wanted to know, are you still cold?”

I shake my head, surprised that’s the first thing he asked. “It’s warmer here,” I say, some shock leaking into my voice.

“Good.” Aris pauses. “I am wondering as well… Who was with us just now?”

“Jaegen.”

His eyes narrow at the name, a shadow passing over his face. He used to hate me saying it—has the dislike persisted, like muscle memory?

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