Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 354

Rupert let go of her and slumped against a rock, silent.

No one spoke. It could have been a minute or an hour.

Eventually, he shifted his position, one knee drawn up for support. His voice was softer now. "Sylvia, what am I supposed to do?"

Sylvia blinked, confused by his question.

She turned, lips parting to answer, but before she could speak, Rupert's head suddenly dropped, bumping against her cheek.

His forehead was icy. She noticed right away-his usually strong, tall frame was trembling.

In the darkness, Sylvia fumbled closer, checking his wounds.

The shirt she'd used to bandage him was soaked through with blood.

She tore another strip from her sleeve and did her best to tie it tighter.

But it wasn't helping. Rupert only looked worse-his lips pale, jaw clenched, sweat beading on his brow. His hair was damp and stuck to his forehead, and his eyes had that hazy, feverish look.

"Uncle Rupert?” she whispered.

He didn't answer, every muscle tense like he was fighting something inside.

He didn't have to come for her. But

hesitated, then unbuttoned Rupert's shirt and tugged at her own. After a

then wrapped his fist around her arm, holding her

eyes, dark and intense, locked on her, but there was nothing

be scared," his voice was rough, ragged, holding an emotion she'd never heard from

the locator hidden in her shirt, silently hoping

blurred. Then, suddenly, the sound of machinery

had already buttoned it up for her. "Sylvia!

It was Naomi's voice.

neat-freak-she'd actually come down here

relief washed over Sylvia, and her last thread

up in

thing she saw was Naomi's anxious face looming over her. Sylvia nearly squeezed her

voice came

gave her a light shove.

time you

me

phone! I'm too

Naomi turned and poured her a

gratefully, her head slowly

set the cup down. "Mom, did the audio from when I was with those