Page 113 of Demise

We lay there for a few seconds before I push myself to stand, lifting her into my arms and carrying her to the bathroom. I start up the shower and move us inside to the bench where the water can’t reach us yet. I sit there and hold her for several seconds, pressing a soft kiss against her shoulder as she sighs.

“I’ve really missed you.”

Moving some of her hair away from her neck as I place another kiss to her, I murmur against her skin.

“If I’d have had to suffer another day without you, I’d have gladly offed myself.”

She whips around to face me, disappointment in her eyes.

“Don’t joke like that.”

“I’m not joking. Being away from you…it was some of the worst torture I’ve ever endured.”

“Why did you have to be gone for so long?”

Wish I could tell you, still trying to figure that piece out myself.

“Work stuff. Why are you sleeping alone? Do I need to kill someone?”

She smiles sadly and shakes her head, probably thinking that I’m joking. I couldn’t be more serious, though. I don’t give a fuck who it is. If anyone ever inconveniences my siren, I’ll gladly slit their throat and present their severed head like a prize at my siren’s feet.

“Liam’s induction was last night, and…he’s not okay.”

I nod. I’d imagine not. I’ve already heard through the grapevine about Asher’s. Even I was surprised he was able to go through with it. He’s not soft like Liam, but he’s also not a desensitized killer like…well, me.

Liam though…he’s as squishy as they come. He wasn’t meant for this life, or at least, he doesn’t have what it takes. He’s still breathing, so clearly I underestimated him. He’ll probablynever be okay again, though. That’s the point. If you kill for the Brethren, it is the ultimate ammunition to keep you subdued and subservient. You step a toe out of place, and if they don’t send an eliminator after you, they’ll send the police for your crimes. Blackmail at its finest.

“What about the others?” I ask.

She pauses for a moment, and it puts me on edge, like she’s choosing her words carefully. I don’t like that one bit.

“I was tired, sad for Liam. I just wanted to be alone.”

I narrow my eyes in suspicion, not believing what she has to say for a fucking second but allowing her to believe she’s fooled me. For now.

“And now?” I ask.

She smiles, leaning her head against my shoulder.

“Now, I never want you to let me go.”

“I never will, siren.”

Chapter Thirty Seven

Skyla

After the shower, Vincent and I went back to bed for a few more hours. My eyes open as sunlight streams in through my balcony door, Vincent fast asleep beside me for once. I smile down at him as I slide out of bed, wincing as I do. My thighs are sore...like a lot. Vincent tended to my cuts so sweetly and patiently but still, the dull, sharp pain is there, and it is persistent. Worth it.

Carefully, I slip on a baggy pair of sweatpants and a tank top as I slip out of the bedroom. My feet carry me towards the stairs for half a second before I look down the hallway, Liam’s door practically calling to me. I turn and head towards it, hoping he’s ready for some company.

It’s true that I slept alone last night because Liam was upset. I also slept alone because I stayed up until two in the morning reading Thomas Putnam’s journal. I haven’t been able to finish, obviously, but I’m currently reading entries during the witch trials. I made it up to the point his daughter, Ann, was having unexplained fits and cried ‘witch.’ Just from the history books, I know things are about to get bad fast.

I hid the journal underneath a loose floorboard beneath my bed. If I’m honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if Vincent finds it. It seems like something he’d be especially good at. I’m just hoping he won’t even bother, that he wouldn’t have picked up on anything off this morning.

Who am I kidding? This is Vincent we’re talking about.

My feet pause outside Liam’s door, and for some reason, a wave of nervousness rolls through me. Maybe I’m just worried that he won’t want to see me, that he’ll kick me out. Maybe I’m not his favorite person anymore; maybe I’m not what he needs.

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