Page 53 of Silk and Sirens

My entire body locked up. Ice flooded my veins as my chest seized, the ache so sharp it felt like someone had driven a blade between my ribs.

I met Renley’s mismatched eyes and the sick pleasure he got from my reaction.

“Next time, you’ll do exactly as asked,” Selene added quietly. “Won’t you?”

“Please, I’ll get Vivienne another chance.”

“Do it soon, or you know what happens.” She patted my cheek with mock affection as she passed, Renley stopping by my side.

“Maybe I should cut up your face a little,” he whispered, his vile breath slithering across my skin. “Then no one will find you pretty.”

I swallowed the bile surging up my throat, wanting nothing more than to make Renley’s death as painful as possible. “I thought you liked my face the way it is?”

His eyes narrowed on me as he turned away. “You’re pushing it, Aeris. Selene only has so much patience.”

“I’m doing exactly what I’m told.”

The front door clicked closed a second later.

My chest felt tight as I scrambled for my phone, immediately calling my sister. When Brooke didn’t answer, I called Darya.

“Hey Aeris,” she said. “Just the person I wanted to talk⁠—”

“Darya, are you okay? Have you spoke to Brooke? I can’t get hold of her.”

“Woah, slow down. What’s going on?”

“Darya!”

“Jesus, okay. Brooke’s fine,” she said, her voice more hesitant. “She’s probably asleep. Nohr’s still not sleeping through the night, so she’s exhausted.”

I wiped the tears from my cheeks, trying to keep my voice from wavering. “When did you last speak to her?”

“Aeris … is something wrong?”

I closed my eyes, just taking in her voice. “Nothing, I’m just … tired.”

There was a pause. “I was actually planning to call you anyway. You’re coming to Oscar’s birthday next weekend, right?”

I rested my head against the wall. I’d been trying to keep my distance for their safety, but my sisters were insistent, refusing to let me disappear. “I already told Brooke I couldn’t make it⁠—”

“You’re seriously going to miss your nephew’s birthday?” Darya’s voice sharpened. “Aeris, we haven’t seen you in months. Brooke said if you disappoint Oscar she’d give the sperm donor your address.”

My eyes snapped open. “She wouldn’t.”

“She’s not joking. She promised.”

I swallowed the sour taste in my mouth. I couldn’t risk my sisters, but I also couldn’t have him lurking around right now.

“Look,” she said gently. “Has something happened? Do you need⁠—”

“No, I’m fine,” I said quickly, forcing lightness into my tone. “Seriously, I just …”

A firm knock sounded on the front door, and my stomach dropped.

“Darya, I have to go.”

“Only if you promise to come to the party! Otherwise I’ll⁠—”