This feels like someone is trying to peel me open like an orange, just so they can ask if my juice is healthy.
Before I can blink, pain riots through me, and the table disintegrates, taking the pie chart with it. There isn’t even a pile of ashes left behind.
I’m going to pretend that was Sin.
Dr. Parnard coughs but otherwise looks unbothered. “I believe we’ve dug enough for today, but I do have some homework for you both. Vivian, I’d like to see you attempt trust falls with your closest peers, to experience how it feels to be supported.” He pauses to look back at his clipboard. “Ideally, you should use ledges no higher than one meter. I haven’t had a chance to draw up liability waivers, but let me know if you’d like one, and I’ll get it to you later today.”
I frown, wondering if it’s too late to send him back to the Mortal Realm, but Dr. Parnard continues, oblivious.
“I also believe it’s critical that you and Sin discuss the self-sacrifice issue. You’d both benefit from role-playing as each other during the conversation.”
At my answering groan, he clutches his clipboard closer, like he’s worried it’s going to go the same route as the pie chart.
I mean, fair.
“I must emphasize that you not attempt the exercise around any open flames, sharp objects, or potential casualties,” he adds before waving a hand at the door. “I’ll be in touch when I’m ready for your next appointment. Now, kindly get out of my office.”
My mood only worsens when I glance at Sin and find him still smirking.
Nope. Absolutely nothing good can come from therapy.
Chapter 51
Vivian’s Point of View
Rule fifty-one:If he’s hanging on by a thread, fetch scissors immediately.
Sin is acting weird.
Usually, he makes a point to always be in physical contact, but he’s barely touched me today. I thought maybe it was therapy jitters, but that ended an hour ago.
“Ready to do your homework with your friends?” He asks, sounding cheerful as we step outside.
It’s a beautiful day, and the sunshine highlights golden strands in his otherwise dark hair. We’re on our way to find the others, after Carys told us they were in the gardens. They’re hoping the nature time will do Rosie some good.
My gut twists. Sin isn’t holding my hand.
Logically, I know this is for the better. He’s going to need to let me go at some point.
I still hate it, though.
Clearing my throat, I quickly shove those thoughts away before he can feel them. “Not happening. I really think we need to focus on winning the war. My soul can wait.”
Sin’s gaze darkens, but he only sighs and finally takes my hand. The contact causes something warm to light up in me, and I try not to show how unbelievably relieved I am at his touch.
He tugs my hand, and I follow, thinking he can hear the others. Instead, he guides us to a shadowed alcove, tucking us behind a marble column. I glance around the nook, taking in how private it feels. There aren’t even windows that overlook us.
Gently, Sin tips my chin so he can search my eyes.
I try to manifest ‘happy,’ but I assume I’ve failed when I take in his answering frown.
He shakes his head slightly and doesn’t say a word as his hands circle my neck.
I don’t even realize I’m leaning into his touch until I feel something cold brush against my neck. It’s followed by a brief pulse of red light, and then his touch is gone.
He steps back, but the way he looks at me has my heart skipping a beat. “I’ve been trying to keep my distance today, while I obsess over how the fuck I’m going to get you to agree to letting me help you. Because that is theonlything I care about. But in the meanwhile, I think you need a reminder,” he all but purrs, and his eyes drop back to my neck.
Looking down, I find the necklace he gave me back in the Shadow Realm – the one I left behind. My breathcatches as I lift the small pendant, holding it in a small ray of sunlight that peeks around the marble.
