Page 50 of The Monster of Hotel No. 7

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The same I used on my backstabbing little princess.

Clear liquid in the barrel, Stein’s thumb poised over the plunger. He found my supply from the drawer.

No.

No, no, no.

If he puts me under, I will never see her again. He will take me back to Haunt Muren today and I will die there. I will never know what she really thinks of me. I will never be able to ensure he doesn’t come for her, too.

Karia.

Help me.

I know I can’t ask it of her. I am stupid and selfish and pathetic, but as Constance steps around Karia, reaching for the door with his free hand, I don’t think I can stand here and let her walk away.

Don’t do this to me.

Please. Don’t take the sun with you.

Stein steps toward me, syringe in hand, but then he stops.

Karia is still staring at the floor.

She hasn’t yet moved.

Constance has the flashlight, aimed at the cement, everyone’s face thrown in deep shadow.

My pulse ticks inside my head.

Karia lifts her chin, so slowly.

She doesn’t look at me.

She is wholly focused on that exit door.

Escape.

Leaving me.

“Do you want me to hate you?”she asked me. I think the same thing now, but I realize as she takes a small step toward Constance without once glancing my way, she doesn’t care if I do.

This was all a game to her.

This was nothing.

Stein turns then, extending his free hand for the flashlight. It is inches from Karia, his wrist, and my skin crawls with how close they are, because I know what he is capable of. If he hurt her, I would fracture.

“Sorry,” Stein says as Constance keeps the door propped open with his shoulder and lifts his hand to give up the flashlight. “But it’s only a little ways in the dark. You’ll be okay, won’t you, Karia?” Then he shifts his hand, running his thumb over her cheekbone, not yet taking the flashlight.

I see her back stiffen.

I take an involuntary step forward.

Don’t fucking touch her.

Do not.

He strokes the curve of her face.

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