Page 74 of Martyr

“You don’t look well.” They weren’t far from the Roost, but Nix didn’t bother pulling him to the side of the path. He took him in, concern growing stronger with each sweep of his gaze.

Briant had always been a big guy, tall, with broad shoulders and muscular. He’d been on several sports teams that kept him busy throughout the year, another reason why he and Nix hadn’t spent much time together, and had always prided himself on physical fitness. In college, he’d majored in sports medicine and had gotten a pretty good job immediately after graduation.

He was still broad, but had lost enough muscle mass it was instantly noticeable even with his clothes on. His brown hair was also unkempt, and he had a short beard that could use a trim. The bags under his amber eyes were blotchy and only drew attention to his dry skin.

“I’m holding up,” Briant said, trying to offer a reassuring smile and failing miserably. “My parents…They’re not doing good at all.”

“You’re not doing good,” Nix reiterated, resting a hand on his arm. “When was the last time you slept?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “A couple days ago? I couldn’t sleep on the flight over. I was too anxious.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“I wanted to surprise you. And I was worried. I haven’t heard from you since you enrolled. What if…” Briant stopped and shook his head. “I was overreacting. Clearly. You look fine.”

Did he?

Despite all of the stress he was under, Nix had to admit he was still sleeping and eating regularly.

Great. Another guilt to add to the list.

“I know you said not to tell our parents, but when I didn’t hear from you—”

“Did you tell them?!” Nix stepped in closer, eyes going wide. If they knew the true reason he’d come here, they’d insist on him quitting and returning home, and if that happened, they’d find out about Lake and the others for sure.

Nix wasn’t ready for that either.

Wasn’t ready for his family to know how low he’d fallen. That he was now considered someone else’s property.

“No, of course not,” Briant said. “But that’s why I had to hop on a plane. If I didn’t see you, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to hold back any longer. I was fine with you not telling me what was written in the letter because those were private words my sister meant for you only, but…There’s got to be a reason you came all the way here after reading it. And a reason you plan to leave after only a single semester.”

“I…” Nix glanced away. “Actually, I think I’m going to graduate from here after all.”

“What?” Briant frowned. “Why? You’ve never been interested in Foxglove.”

“Yeah, well,” he shrugged, “there’s actually a lot to do here.”

Like Lake.

And Yejun.

And West.

“Why are you flushed all of a sudden?” Briant placed the back of his hand on Nix’s forehead, testing his temperature. “Are you ill?”

“No. I’m fine really.”

“Nix—” Briant let out a startled sound as he was suddenly yanked away by the back of his shirt and tossed a couple of yards off to the side.

Yejun stood between them glaring.

“Wait, it’s not what it looks like.” Nix took a step forward but before he could do anything else, the Demon stiffened.

“I know you,” his voice was practically unrecognizable, gravelly and filled with hatred. He was staring at Briant, the look in his eye changing from jealous anger to pure, undiluted hatred faster than Nix could blink. “I know who you are.”

In the next instant, Yejun had Briant by the front of his shirt and was swinging. “How dare you come here!”

“No, stop!” Nix tried to rush forward, but someone grabbed his arm, and with a hiss he turned to find Lake was there as well. “He didn’t do anything! Let go!”

---