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.

away and crouched by his injured leg to check

gash looked agonizing, and not a

off the sleeve of her undershirt, and wiped away

big, if they

aid done as best she could, Sylvia curled up

cave.

darkness, Rupert's voice rumbled. "Come

lips

he tried to sit up; the effort made his leg ooze blood

to steady him, snapping, "Uncle Rupert! Are you trying

I be here?" he shot back, dry as

pulled her down beside him, his arm strong and unyielding as iron. She tried to

He clamped a hand on her shoulder, his voice cool.

his coat and wrapped it around both of

startled, her body pressed against his

she thought she could hear his heart

lose his cool?

only their uneven breathing filled the

yourself caught?" Rupert

know," Sylvia

know? You're not the sharpest knife in the

midnight, even in the gloom. Just that look made her