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."

any closer. He knew when he was beaten.

She shook her head.

with hope, mistaking her silence for

forgive you. Everything happening to you now? It's

through the quiet

strode away, leaving

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

came a calm

embarrassed. "I'm fine.

once, released her. But as soon as her foot touched the ground, pain shot up her leg and she stumbled right

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

Sylvia protested, cheeks

thigh just enough to make

electric ran through her, and she glared at him. "Uncle

think that's bad? You've clearly forgotten

and she

the parking lot, Rupert glanced back at

if he

the cars. "Where's Edwin? And

left. Maybe you shouldn't waste so much breath