Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 353

But that was the thing about this one chunk of rock-jam it in tight, and it'd hold back the rest of the landslide.

The only catch? Now Sylvia was stuck inside, too.

Their only way out was blocked.

Even after making sure they were at least for the moment-safe, Sylvia didn't relax. Instead, she spun around and glared daggers at the man sprawled half- upright on the ground.

"Why didn't you move? You lied to me! You-"

Sylvia's hand shot up, ready to slap him, but froze midway.

That's when she finally noticed Rupert's leg, pinned and bloodied, a crimson pool spreading under him.

Her anger crumbled, tangled up with guilt and confusion.

Rupert's face was unreadable as he grabbed her chin and forced her to look away. "Didn't hit the bone. Just a nasty cut."

Sylvia yanked her face free and glared at him, eyes rimmed red. "Why are you always like this? You slap me, then hand me a cookie! Am I supposed to thank you? God, I hate you sometimes!"

Rupert's hand hovered in the stale air between them, then dropped. He said nothing.

The old mine was pitch dark; she couldn't see his expression, not really.

and crouched by his

gash looked agonizing, and not a sound had

the sleeve of her undershirt, and wiped away the dirt and blood before tying it tight

wound that big, if they didn't get help

she could, Sylvia

cave.

Rupert's voice rumbled.

lips together,

brow furrowed as he tried to sit up;

to steady him, snapping, "Uncle Rupert! Are

here?" he shot back, dry as

beside him, his arm strong and unyielding as iron. She tried

shoulder, his voice cool. "Would it kill

coat and wrapped it around both

blinked, startled, her body

she thought she could hear

his cool?

their uneven breathing filled

yourself caught?" Rupert

know," Sylvia

You're not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but you're not

shifted uneasily but met Rupert's eyes-dark as midnight, even in the gloom. Just