Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 463

This medication was supposed to help balance her nerves after returning from Norway.

As Sylvia popped a pill into her mouth, Chris Lennon's words echoed in her head: "Take these only if you really have to."

With a sigh, she put the bottle back down and reached for her phone instead.

She didn't expect the first post she saw would be from Reese.

Reese had her hair up in a messy bun, with damp strands clinging to her cheeks. Clearly, she'd just stepped out of the shower. What really caught Sylvia's attention, though, was the oversized flannel pajama top Reese was wearing- Rupert's pajama top.

"Do I look like a kid sneaking into a grown-up's closet? LOL," Reese had captioned it, grinning blissfully at the camera.

But Sylvia only felt her skin flush hot, because she remembered wearing that same shirt not so long ago.

Suddenly, she shot up from bed and began scrubbing at her arms, neck, and chest-anywhere that shirt had touched—until her skin burned and stung, until angry red marks and even blood appeared beneath her fingernails.

Only when the pain became unbearable did she stop, staring blankly at her hands, blood seeping between her fingers.

Without hesitation, she swallowed the pill, pulled the covers up over her head, and curled into a ball.

She didn't know how much time had passed before the medication finally dragged her into sleep.

The next morning, Sylvia woke up to sharp pain. One look in the mirror told her the wounds from last night weren't healing-they looked even worse.

woman, after all, and scars in such obvious places-her neck and

appointment and headed to the

quick check, the doctor prescribed her an

was leaving, she ran right

What are you doing here?" he asked,

she replied, eager

point, Sylvia wanted nothing to do with anyone

to leave, but Chris caught up

your neck? Did

did Sylvia realize

the doctor's exam. Flustered, she pulled it

stepped in front of her, his tone

about,"

eyes. The second she looked away, he grabbed her wrist and tugged

saw the fresh, crisscrossed

me, Sylvia. What's going

her hand back, pulled her sleeve down, and met his gaze.

I'm fine. What,

go tell

don't do this," Chris said gently,

I'm like this, don't we? I bet you already got the invite, right?"