Page 42 of The Sea Witch's Son

Dark until it explodes into an abundance of colour.

Over the years, I’ve studied the art of manipulation. Intimidation and fear is a large part, but being able to lie without a tell or tick is another talent all together.

It is difficult, but not impossible, to be a talented liar.

The more truth found within the lie, the harder it is for the body to create the physiological side effects associated with deceit.

Yet even the most skilled liars find themselves in the crosshairs when it comes to the simple matter of fact.

Or, in Melody’s case, doctor’s records.

Letting go of her legs, I watch her stumble back to the ground. Her dark hair swings across her face, the pale skin illuminating the red hidden within.

Like a drop of blood leaking through the water.

Chapter 14

MELODY

It’s a sullen drive home.

Erik doesn’t say a word until we pull onto the driveway. He puts the car in park and turns off the engine, but neither one of us make a move for the door.

“The mayor’s daughter is in the hospital.”

I stare out the windshield, not saying a word.

“The local station said she went in for major surgery.”

“I didn’t realize radio stations send updates on college students.”

“Melody.” Erik snaps his teeth, “You need to stop acting like everything is fine. These people are dangerous-

“You think I don’t know that?” I whip my head in his direction, “You think I don’t know normal people don’t attend class with a knife tucked in their skirt? I saw three extinct speciestonight, Erik. They were hung on some guy’s wall like it was a fucking silent auction.”

Tension stains his handsome features when he looks at me. I stare back, trying to fight off the needles of guilt attacking my stomach.

“I know about the messages.”

“What?”

“The ones you wipe off the bathroom mirror.” Disappointment clouds his features, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I’m handling it.”

“By erasing the evidence and refusing to talk about it.” Erik shakes his head, “You can’t keep doing this. You can’t keep shutting out the pain as though it’s never going to catch up.”

The sting of guilt quickly turns into a swarm of anger.

“I’ve been a little busy dealing with psychotic classmates to sit down and talk.”

His brows pinch together, “It’s not just college, Melody. You refuse to talk about your mother, you refuse to sing-

“I can’t sing.” My shrill voice pierces through the car, “Don’t you get it? My voice was attached to my heart and my heart...”

A sob rips from my throat, “Is no longer strong enough to carry a song. I’m not shutting out the pain, Erik. I’m barely keeping it from overflowing.”

Tears stream down my face, leaving a river of salty residue and heartache behind. Erik doesn’t say anything for a long time, he just stares at me with glistening eyes.

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