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.

crouched by his injured leg to check the

broken bones. But the gash looked agonizing, and

her undershirt, and wiped away the dirt and blood before tying it tight around his

with a wound that big, if they didn't

done as best she could, Sylvia curled up

cave.

the darkness, Rupert's voice rumbled.

her lips

sit up;

reached out to steady him, snapping, "Uncle

wanted to live an easy life, would I be here?" he shot back, dry as dust. She faltered, lost

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

on her shoulder, his voice cool.

he opened his coat and wrapped it around

her body pressed

she

could lose his cool?

the pitch black, only their uneven breathing filled the

get yourself

don't know," Sylvia

not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but

as midnight, even