Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Fiona's funeral was so bare-bones, it didn't even measure up to what most people would call "ordinary."

Usually, folks get a couple days of mourning, casseroles dropped off, maybe some tears and stories shared. But all Fiona got was a quick cremation, a plain grave at the edge of the cemetery, and not much else.

Warren had tried to organize a memorial, really put in the effort. But every call he made ended the same way: no answer, or a polite excuse about being "too busy." The only people who bothered to show up were the ones Fiona had made enemies of.

Even Warren's own uncle, Hilbert, took the whole family and skipped the country. Ironically, he only got wind of the trouble thanks to Fiona herself, who'd warned him with her last ounce of strength.

Honestly, it was hard to say how to feel about any of it.

Sylvia hadn't planned to come either, but Naomi had insisted. So here she was, clutching her coat tighter against the biting wind.

Warren looked like a shadow of himself-gaunt, pale, dressed in a black suit that hung a little too loose. He lowered the simple urn into the ground, set up the headstone, and just like that, an entire life was over.

When it was done, Sylvia turned to leave. Warren hurried after her, his footsteps crunching on the frosty grass.

But before he could reach her, someone stepped between them.

"Can I help you?" The man's voice was cold, commanding-Rupert, Warren's uncle, and not someone you wanted to mess with.

Warren hesitated, glancing from Rupert to Sylvia, then took a cautious step back. "Uncle Rupert, I just want to talk to Sylvia. I mean, look at me—I can't do anything to her."

Rupert stood by Sylvia's side, lighting a cigarette in the chill air, his eyes never leaving Warren. "Go on then. Say what you need to say."

didn't move any closer. He knew when he was beaten. He offered Sylvia a weak, apologetic smile.

She shook her head.

her silence

a clear conscience? No. I will never forgive you. Everything happening to you now? It's what you deserve. I hope it haunts you for the rest

through the quiet cemetery,

pushed past him and strode away, leaving Warren standing there,

Sylvia hurried down the stone steps, her heel twisted on the edge. She nearly went tumbling, but a strong arm caught her around the waist, steadying

alright?" came a calm voice above

embarrassed. "I'm fine.

But as soon as her foot touched the ground, pain

that belied his size, a barely-there smite tugging at the corners of his mouth. "If you wanted me to carry you, you

did not!" Sylvia protested,

squeezed her thigh just enough

electric ran through her, and she glared

"You think that's bad?

went even redder, and she had

way to the parking lot, Rupert glanced back at

promised trouble if he tried

scanned the cars. "Where's Edwin?

waste so much breath on that guy," Rupert