But he is a pathological liar.
He is so deep into his own shit, he may even believe it to be true.
I say nothing.
I don’t waste words on this walking carcass.
“And now he has tried to drag you into his web of deceit. I am sorry, Karia, but Sullen is not the boy you think he is.”
There is silence.
Then there is another scream.
“Don’t touch her.”It is gasping, Sullen’s voice behind me. It is heartbreaking. “Do not fuckingtouchher.” It sounds like he is gurgling on something.
I think of the stab wound.
Where it might be.
The blood I saw on Stein’s shirt that in the dark, I can no longer examine.
My knees tremble.
I am sagging back against the wall, my arms still spread wide, like I am a sacrifice.
“Don’t. Touch.Her.”The last word is barely audible.
I slide to a crouch, my shoulders aching, but I don’t lower my arms.
Stein dips his chin, staring down at me.
The shadow cast along his face hides what I know must be a cruel smile directed my way.
“Get up, Karia Ven. Your friends are waiting for you.”
I shake my head.
Tears roll down my cheeks.
I want to scratch them away.
I want to stay right here.
I wonder if I could wake up.
“Up, Karia.” Stein’s voice has lost all manipulation. Irritated command replaces it instead.
I do not stand.
He stalks forward, pushing away from the door, where it swings closed behind him.
“No.”Sullen’s voice.
I wonder how much he can hear. What he knows.
“Do not… don’t touch her.” There is true fear in his tone.
Stein approaches me, and before I can tilt my head to meet his gaze, his hand fists in my hair, jerking sharplyup.
