Page 32 of Devotion

But certainly the one who takes it.

A deep sigh leaves me as I savor that look in his eyes, how his hands tighten around my biceps, knowing there’s no use in fighting this. With a little more force, I rip the blade upward, through his navel, then higher, until I hit his sternum.

There’s a slow trickle at first, the sound of blood droplets spattering the floor, our shoes, and then it becomes a downpour mere seconds before he collapses at my feet.

I’m only vaguely aware of the complete silence in the room, because my focus is honed in on the puddle of worthlessness before me. I hadn’t paid attention before, but there’s a large clock on the wall, and its ticking seems to grow louder as blood rushes behind my ears.

It’s been far,fartoo long.

“Sir, I…”

I believe Darwin means to say more, but he seems to be in shock, never having seen this side of me. No doubt, he’s aware of who and what I am, but I imagine it’s something altogether different seeing me kill right before his eyes.

First wiping the blade clean on my slacks, I tuck it away, glancing toward the small, stainless steel sink mounted against the wall. They watch as I calmly roll my sleeves, then rinse the bastard’s blood from my hands. No sense in scaring the children as I make my way back to my room to clean myself properly.

“Th-thank you, Sir.”

I glance over my shoulder when the woman speaks, offering a nod in acknowledgement of her appreciation before addressing Darwin and Cole.

“Have someone clean this up, then see to it that she gets to her quarters safely.” I reach for a white towel slung over the edge of a nearby shelf to dry my hands.

“Of course, Sir.” Darwin’s response is shaky, proof that bearing witness to my swift display of justice has rattled him. “Should we clear your agenda for the day? Give you time to gather yourself?”

My head tilts, and I don’t thinkanyoneknows what to think when a laugh slips out.

How adorable. They think this was hard for me.

“That won’t be necessary. Give me fifteen minutes for a quick shower, then I’ll meet you both in the dining hall. I’m starving.”

When I start toward the door, I feel their eyes trailing me.

“Of course, Sir.”

If I’m not mistaken, this is the first time Darwin and Cole have met me. TherealDamien Webb.

And it feels so fucking good to be seen.

13

Layla

No new messages from…him.

And more importantly, no bodies displaying his artwork have turned up, either.

Hence the reason I’ve slept a little easier the past couple weeks, despite knowing he’s still out there somewhere. At least his world and mine are no longer merged.

For now, anyway.

Chatter picks up around the station as the case briefing comes to a close, and I rise from my seat. They’ve got no new leads, and Stevens has resorted to comparingthiscase to one he was assigned over a decade and a half ago. A case which remains unsolved to this day. Only,Iknow the two can’t possibly be related, seeing as how I’ve heard The Widowmaker’s voice and wouldn’t place him a day older than thirty.

Then again, that’s purely speculation, so what the hell do I know?

During these two weeks of silence—fifteen days if we’re being specific—I’ve watched every detective on the case scratch their heads, wondering when the next call will come in. No one believes the killings have stopped. This is merely a reprieve before bodies start cropping up again. Still, I’m relieved to have my headspace to myself.

For however long it lasts.

Every now and then, I hear his voice, though, hiswordsreverberating inside my head. They’re always one variation or another of the dark, twisted things I imagine him saying to me. And every time, my heart races wildly, proving that this case is taking a toll on me.

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