Page 101 of Echoes

She's been treating me like I'm herfriend.

I'm not her fucking friend. I'm her leader.

But the way she smiles and jokes with me, as if she's not afraid of repercussions, it's something I haven't dealt with in a long time.

I'm used to people bowing down, following orders, and respecting me out of fear, but never has anyone at Lilydale treated me like a friend.

Like they're my equal.

It's outrageous. I should have put a stop to it long ago, strangled her with my reins. I should have impaled her on my crown, choked her with my thorns. But I've been too distracted withCirquebusiness.

And now she's infecting me like a virus.

My door opens and I gaze up as Grey walks in, covered in blood. I shouldn't be surprised to see him like that, but I thought we had a window where they wouldn't be disturbed.

Unless it's Avery blood. That would solve all my problems right now.

"Damon," he greets coldly, and instantly, I know.

She told him.

"Grey," I mutter back, holding the glass to my lips as I take another sip. "Did you find anything?"

He leans against the wall, body tense and emanating danger. "No, I didn't."

"I see you had a run-in with someone," I point out, tilting the glass toward his blood-stained shirt.

"A new guard interrupted us," he replies casually. "He's no longer with us."

I nod. "Fair enough. Why don't you get on with it?" I direct, knowing he's biting his tongue.

Grey's eyes darken at my standoffish attitude, anger and tension bouncing between us.

"You kissed her."

"Don't remind me."

His eyes flash, staring at me wildly. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" he asks, and for once, I'm not sure if he's referring to the fact I lost control, or because I kissed Avery.

My eyes narrow on his, lowering the glass. "It was a mistake," I spit out angrily. "A simple moment of pathetic weakness. It won't happen again."

"It better not," he warns. "Because I'll knock you off your throne so fast, Deadman."

"I'd like to see you try," I snap back. "But that's beside the point." I take a pause, knowing there's only one thing left to do. I hate doing it, but for him, I'll give in.

"And what's that?"

"I'm sorry."

It's the sincerest apology I can muster. At the end of the day, he is the one I care the most about in this place, and I'm not too proud to realize that I've fucked up with him. He's my brother, my best friend… the one I need for the next steps in my plan.

Grey goes quiet for a moment, surveying me. Finally, he calms down, some of the anger leaving his face.

"Don't ever touch her again," he growls quietly. "You don't even like her."

Now it's my turn to fall silent. I want to agree with him more than anything. But truthfully, I'm not sure what I feel. It's all foreign to me, and I hate myself for it.

"Damon," he snaps. "Do you like her?"

---