Page 16 of Payne's Envy

“It’s nothing.” I rubbed my nose, noticing the taste of brimstone in my mouth.

Kitty looked past me, and I was all too aware of what she spotted. Joy’s closed bedroom door. “What are you doing in this hall?”

“Looking for Prudence,” I lied. “I’m supposed to be protecting her, remember?”

“But she’s been with the soul reaper, right?” Kitty yanked a Slim Jim out of her back pocket. “And her old room isn’t in this hallway.”

I tensed, barely suppressing another growl as anger latched onto me. “What’s with all the questions?”

“You don’t look good, Payne.” The steady rip and tear of her eating the Slim Jim grated on my nerves.

I gripped my temple and winced—everything was so heightened. It physically hurt and pissed me off to listen to Kitty. “I’m heading downstairs.”

“Payne,” she said as I walked by her. “I know you were in the room with her the other night.”

I froze and every muscle in my body strained, knowing exactly who she spoke of without her saying.Joy. Another sister might know more than I wanted.

“Kitty.” I whipped around. “She can’t know.”

“I didn’t say anything.” Kitty cocked her head slowly as I exhaled. “You can’t bottle it in like you’re doing. Whatever’s happening, let it happen because Joy is suffering from it, too.”

It was like ice filled my veins. “What do you mean?”

“You keep too much inside. Haven’t you been around Barron enough to know how dangerous that can be?”

“I’m talking about Joy.”

“Maybe you should find out for yourself.” She shrugged and walked off.

I couldn’t be angry with Kitty for speaking the truth, but fear still claimed me from the inside out. All I saw was Joy bursting into flames.No, no, no!Did my touching her have consequences after all?

Joy.

I needed to see my girl.

Chapter Ten

Joy

When I arrived at the castle, Mom waited for me in my room with her arms crossed.

“Where have you been?”

Prudence must have told her about my situation. There was no point in lying, so I said, “I visited Isabella’s coven.”

“You’re supposed to have someone with you any time you leave the castle,” she said, then sighed. “I figured you’d have trouble getting rid of Ryan.”

I felt my brows furrow. Why did she mention Payne’s dad, Fear?

Maureen faded into my room. “All right. Come here, you.” She beckoned me with her hand. I narrowed my eyes, which caused her to step forward with one side of her mouth upturned. “What’s the verdict, Mom? What’s wrong with her?”

Mom stepped closer. “I don’t know. I haven’t looked her over.”

I backed away from them. My skin prickled at the idea of either of them touching me. They weren’t supposed to be near me, but… Why did I have that thought?Strange.I was an affectionate person, but my spine stiffened. A tingling, like an awareness, erupted at the back of my neck, reaching to the tips of my fingers. An urge I’d never had before.Slash.To maim.A vision of red played inside my brain. I saw Maureen’s beautiful face being marred by black claws. Long, green finger-like digits with a giant knot at two different bends in the hand.Myclaws.

They would dare to touch me?Anger prickled my skin as saliva pooled in my mouth. I snarled. “Don’t come any closer.”

They froze immediately. Mom side-eyed Maureen, who held up her hand, brows wrinkling. “Sis, I don’t think you’re okay.” The hesitation in Maureen’s voice caused all the anger to abandon my bones.

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