Page 74 of Obsession

“Something like that.”

Again, ungratified, Aris’ lips press together. I watch him carefully and wait for him to act out. But his hands are not clenched; to his credit, it looks like he’s managing his displeasure.

“Do you know where we are?” he asks. Interestingly, his voice does not betray his frustration.

I keep staring at him. I find it curious that he’s abandoned his previous train of thought, and that he’s being so polite and cooperative. “A cabin,” I say softly.

“But where is this cabin?”

I think about the fireflies outside. I read somewhere that the bugs are native to the United States, so maybe Jaegen has taken me home. Still, it’s a big country, and I could be wrong.

“I’m not sure,” I admit.

“Where were we before?”

Finally, an easy question. “Denmark. It’s a country in Europe.”

His face clears slightly at the receipt of a clear, honest answer, but it isn’t enough. Aris, at his core, is insatiable. He asks next, “Why were we there?”

“You wanted to go.”

“Hm. How long will we stay here?”

It’s worth remarking on, how he says the word “we.” I don’t even have to prompt it; he’s attached himself to me so quickly. I can’t decide if I find it comforting or unsettling. It’s a good thing, in terms of keeping him trapped, but it worries me, too. What happens when we inevitably separate?

“Until it’s safe again, I guess.”

“You said that I’m strong,” says Aris with sudden determination. He angles himself towards me, pulling a leg onto the couch, only inches from mine. It wouldn’t take much for us to touch. “If you are in danger, I can make things safe for you.”

“Do you remember how?” I ask cautiously.

He pauses, then shakes his head with frustration. “No, but I will learn.”

Oh, I hope not.

It’s concerning that he wants to be strong. Already, he seeks knowledge and power.

“Look, since we’re going to be here for… some time,” I start slowly, “let’s set some ground rules.”

“Rules,” he repeats. “Like what?”

“Well, firstly, no murdering people. We don’t murder people, all right?”

I stare at him pointedly, waiting for him to agree, but he just stares back. “Are you implying that I have murdered people before?” he asks.

“It’s come up once or twice.”

His brows stayed furrowed. “You know some things about me,” he accuses without heat. “You will tell me more later.”

Is he ordering me?

“Will I?” I say.

Aris notes the edge in my voice and amends, with some uncertainty, “You will tell me more… if you want to?”

Better.

I nod. “We’ll talk later. But, for now, we need rules. So, again, first and foremost: no murder.

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