Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chris shot up from his chair so fast it nearly toppled over.

"No way! You just got out of the hospital, and since you got back from Mountain City you haven't even stopped to catch your breath. Your body can't take this."

He waved Rupert off. "Go home, seriously. I swapped shifts with someone for tonight—I'll keep watch for you. Besides, don't you have your own people on this, lurking in the background?"

He gave Rupert's arm a nudge.

Rupert rubbed his temples, sighed, and without another word, turned and left the office.

Late that night.

Rupert sat alone in his study, hands resting on the worn leather armrests. A cigarette smoldered between his fingers, the rising smoke veiling his face in shifting shadows.

On the desk, his phone was playing a recording he'd gotten from Freya, looping over and over.

"...So you really wanted to marry Mr. Rupert in secret! And have a little family! So, would you rather have a boy or a girl?"

"A girl."

"A girl..."

"Gi..."

The first time Rupert heard that recording, it felt like someone stabbed him right in the chest.

how many times he listened, the

careful voice echoing in his ears, he closed

rarely dreamt. Yet suddenly he found himself standing in front of

He chased after her, but even though she was only a few steps away, he could never quite catch up. Her laughter floated around

out,

him, walking slowly toward the porch. "Do you really dislike me that much?

are you?"

of his cigarette pressing painfully into his palm. But he wanted-needed to see her face, so he refused

girl paused beneath the porch

can't

do you hate us so

voice sharpened, trembling with hurt and

a step forward just as she spun

did you hurt Mom? I

"No-!"

out, reaching for her, but his hand

the little girl and the beautiful

"No!"

"Mr. Rupert? Mr. Rupert-!"

him

up, drenched in cold sweat. He glanced down-just a burn

pressed a glass of water into his hand. "Are

a sip, brow furrowing. "Find me a photo of Sylvia when she