“Too much to think about.” My breath slowed, heavy from exhaustion, like I was floating through the conversation.
“I guess that does come with being a Dam in your own right, even if you are only a human,” she laughed.
“Was there another reason for everyone gathering before? The dispersal wasn’t very subtle.”
Rebecca was in no rush to answer. She took a slow sip of her coffee, the rich aroma reaching my nose as she savored her morning brew.
“When we were dumping parts in the woods, we encountered a corrupted.”
My eyes widened. “Is everyone all right?”
“Of course.” She raised her hand in a calming gesture before reaching forward to place her cup on the table. “We took care of it, but it has some girls a bit worried. They were trading gossip, asking which way you might lean on Mr. Forbes’s proposal.”
My jaw tightened as my teeth ground together. My fingers aimlessly plucked the wool pilling on the blanket. “What did you tell them?”
“I answered honestly. I said you were not in favor of it. It did not calm them.”
My only reply was a nod. My thoughts raced, thinking of how I could possibly ease the crowd without giving in to a monster. It would be like making a deal with the devil, completely undermining our cause.
“There are only a few more days left,” Rebecca mentioned.
“I do not need a reminder.”
“I’m just speaking plainly.” She paused to choose her words carefully. “The needs of the few do not trump the needs of the many.”
“Are youandPhoebe going to lecture me this week?” I left my spot on the couch so I could get ready for the day ahead.
“Where are you going?” Rebecca stepped into my path.
“I need air.”
“We all need some air, but maybe you should wait.” She spoke lowly, throwing a glance at the girls. “For their own mental well-being, they need you here.”
“For their own physical well-being, I’m going for a walk. I have to think. Unless you want to do that for me. Unless you have a quick and easy solution to all our problems, Rebecca?” I looked down at her, cocking my head.
She pressed her lips together, looking away again.
“That’s what I thought,” I mumbled, pushing past her shoulder and out the front door.
They may be comfortable hiding, but they wouldn’t get far if they barricaded themselves like startled hens. Someone had to keep it business as usual, no matter the interruptions along the way.
There was something I had to do, and my window of opportunity was closing fast.
To solve my creature problem, I had to stop hesitating. There was no use stalling it any longer. It was time for him to go.
Since I was already acquainted with the reception, it was easy to get in. All I had to do was tell them his last name and flash a pretty smile.
How gullible.
I stepped down the luxurious hallways, covered in ambient light, the hallways were decorated like a small palace. It wasn’t long before I was in front of his door.
I clutched the small key in my hand, fiddling with it as I took a deep breath. I may only be holding a key, but I had not come unarmed. Tucked away in the dark tendrils of my hair was a hairstick; within it, a needle doused in poison. It was my single greatest weapon against these fiends, and this time it would not fail. I knew better now.
I turned the key in the lock as quietly as possible. Slipping into the room, I latched the door subtly behind me.
The room was dark, quiet even. As my eyes adjusted, I gathered the surroundings. The curtains covered the windows, not even the streetlight snuck between the fabric. The shapes of furniture formed in my vision, and my eyes landed on the bed.
I approached, noticing the bed was untouched, no creature in sight. The sheets were still neatly pressed and tucked into the frame.
