Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 501

Sylvia Lloyd drifted in and out of consciousness, the image of that man fading further and further from her mind until he was gone completely.

...

Hospital.

When Sylvia finally woke up, her head was pounding like someone had swung a baseball bat at her.

"Ow... that hurts," she groaned.

She tried to lift her hand to rub her temples, but before she could, a pair of hands -wrapped in bandages-gently but firmly grabbed hers.

A man's deep, gravelly voice sounded by her bedside, strained with worry and something almost like anger. "So you know it hurts now? Stop moving around!"

Sylvia blinked, disoriented. She turned her head slowly, staring at the man in shock.

Then, suddenly, she screamed.

"Ah! Who are you? Why are you touching me?!”

"What... did you say?" the man muttered, stunned. His jaw clenched and a vein popped out on his forehead as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

Sylvia shrank back under the covers, clutching them to her chest.

Her scream brought people running from the hallway.

in, led by Tristan Garcia-his glare could have

then spotted Naomi in the crowd and

people? Why am I in a

froze, mouths agape, not knowing what

into tears. "Oh, honey, don't scare me like

called for

immediately started examining Sylvia. The car accident had been bad besides cuts

scans showed no serious brain injuries.

What's the verdict?" Rupert Garcia's presence was ice-cold and

he met Sylvia's pale, pleading eyes. A memory flashed-her desperate voice begging him once before: "Chris, I don't expect favors, but...

eyes locked for a

it looks like

said, slowly, "Given

loss. . she's

you fix it?" Rupert's voice was eerily

Rupert's intense denial. It was like watching someone go about their routine after a tornado had blown their house away-outwardly steady,

repeated, gently, "She's lost

know. If it's an illness, there's a way to cure it." Rupert's tone

Chris fell silent.

up on Rupert's strange

whispered, trembling, "Mom, he's scaring me.

moment she spoke, Rupert's eyes turned cold and distant, like the world had gone gray

what did you just