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Rebecca opened the door so I could step inside

Hardwood floors A roaring fireplace It was cozy

But terrifying

Rebecca waited

I’d leftI was the one who needed it tonight

I sucked in a breath and crossed the threshold

Rebecca shut the door

But she didn’t lock it

Forneus was on the couch in front of the firelight, in his sweatpants, totally jacked Rivers of veins were all over his shoulders and ar and the skin was so tight over the surface He could probably pick up one of those statues and throw it at

I stood there, unsure what to do

It was a living rooe hearth for the fireplace There was no TV Just a bookshelf with books that had the same titles as the ones in my bedroom There was a hallway that probably led to his bedroom and bathroom

It was strange to see hi so…normal

Forneus stared atevery detail of his expression He was a handsoent eyes But instead of enjoying his attractiveness, he decided to start a cult…and destroy lives “S-sit”

I hated that shit It was like he was speaking Parseltongue froain, so I sat on the couch across from him, uncomfortable because of the present cos that were always in the way

His stare continued, endless, taking me in like I’d really descended fro with him

My eyes glanced down the hallway, afraid that’s where we’d end up

What would I do if that’s what he wanted?

I’d fight—even if it got me killed

“Did you heal the angel?”

A conversation had never begun that ith a personal question It was always soiveness “Yes She’s doing better…for the most part”

He leaned against the back cushion of the couch, his hands planted on his thighs, still like the statues outside

“Why did you help me?”

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