My chest tightens, knowing they were looking for me.
The hum of A/C reaches our ears as the power continues to flare, as if it heard me. As if this hotel is sentient.
“Why?” I ask again, out loud, but I don’t expect anyone to answer me.
Then, in the next heartbeat, everything is dark again. It seems even gloomier this time, shadows unfurled like a thick blanket over the three of us juxtaposed against the brief light.
“I’ll talk to Mads. Figure out what the fuck is going on.” Isadora turns to leave, but Von moves in her direction, like he’s compelled to.
“You’re not going by yourself. You?—”
“And why not?” Isa demands, lifting her chin.
Go with her. Leave me alone.
“We can’t leave her,” she continues, as if she read my mind. But she isn’t looking at me. She’s glaring at her boyfriend. “You stay here. I’ll find Mads?—”
“He’smyfather.”
“And he’smyboss. What are you so afraid of anyway?” This time, Isa spares me a single glance. “If you think Sullen is the problem, why should you be worried about me walking around this place when it’s only Writhe here?”
“And if you have any doubt at all,” I press, “maybe you should try and trust me. You could start by letting me have some space. It’s been a long few days.”
Both Isa and Von fall silent.
I shrug, indifferent to their tiredness now, gained from their search. As the hours pass by, Sullen is alone, and hurting, and scared.
Whatever I have to say to wiggle out from under their scrutiny, I’ll do it. For him.
“What do you think I’m going to do?” I ask, unflinching. “Run out the front doors? I imagine they’re guarded?”
They don’t say anything, but they don’t have to. Maybe I’m useless to it, but I know Writhe.
“Leave me alone.” I don’t put spite in my tone, but I don’t cower, either, or laugh like I might once have done. Nothing feels bubbly or light or funny to me right now. My thoughts are infected with Sullen, and I try my best to shield that from my gaze, my words. “I’ll be right here. I’m sure Mads is only down the hall anyway.” We’re not in 234 anymore, but we’re on the second floor all the same. After he left us here, Mads met with my parents, and I assume they’re still discussing me and Sullen even now.
“Stay with her,” Isa says dismissively, turning to twist the antique knob on the door. “I’ll be right back.” Then she opens it up and heads out into the darkened hall.
Von looks to me, his gray eyes gleaming, then toward her.
“Just go,” I say, throwing up my hands. “I don’t need a babysitter tonight.”
“Fuck,”Von growls, but with one last lingering glance at me, he darts out into the hallway and pulls the door closed with finality.
I smile to myself.
I’m getting the hell out of here, and I’m going to find Sullen Bram Rule.
Chapter 6
Sullen
Iknow now why they cut the power.
As it shuts off again, casting me in total darkness, I hear the bolt on the door slide closed.
It won’t open again without electricity.
There’s no backup mechanism.
