By the time I make it back to my apartment, the sun is sliding low and gold across the city, and my phone has buzzed what feels like six hundred times.
It’s really five messages from HimLock and twelve messages from Roo.
I drop onto my couch and finally open them. Roo is on her way here since I wasn’t answering her, so I don’t bother texting her back. But the guys? They aren’t coming to me to explain this shit, and I still have questions.
Locke:
Eris. Say something.
She came to see us, and we shut the door in her face.
We should have known she’d find you.
Tell us what she said.
Are you home safe?
My jaw clenches so tight pain lances down my neck.
She knew my name.
She knew I was being watched.
She said it as a warning but smiled as if she were bored.
I almost want to ask for her name, though I know better. If I ask, and she suddenly comes up missing, they’ll look at me with suspicion.
Eris:
Who is she?
The reply is slow. Too fucking slow considering that’s the third time I’ve asked.
Locke:
She’s no one important.
We knew her once, a lifetime ago.
You don’t have to worry about her.
I grit my teeth, but quickly relax my mouth and stand to pace my living room.
Eris:
Do not tell me what I have to worry about.
Tell me how she knows me.
This time the pause is longer… Long enough to feel intentional, like someone deciding how much truth I deserve. Am I worth pennies or gold?
My pulse drums as if mocking the feeling of coins falling into a well.
Locke:
She likes to keep tabs on us.
On anyone or anything we get close to.
