Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

In a daze, Sylvia suddenly noticed a napkin appear in front of her.

She was about to refuse, but then a tear rolled down her hand.

"Thanks," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"He's alright. Let's head out," Chris reassured her.

Sylvia nodded, quickly turning away and dabbing her cheeks as she hurried out of the bedroom.

Orson followed them out too.

He looked a little pale, but he kept his composure, the mark of a true professional.

He stepped up to Sylvia and said apologetically, "Ms. Lloyd, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my cool."

Sylvia shook her head and asked, "Have I always had people like that around me?"

"Yeah," Orson explained. "It's easy to get in, hard to get out. In this world, only the dead stop being a threat."

Sylvia's face went white.

She'd thought if she just stayed away from Rupert, everything would finally calm down.

Turns out her life was worth way more than she'd ever imagined—almost laughable, if it didn't feel so cruel. They'd scorn her one minute, then pay big money to get rid of her the next.

living room went

lighten the mood. "Alright, man, stop scaring her. After tonight, it

and said, "I need to step out for a bit. You two hold

was still lying in bed;

where are you

to drop

elaborate, just walked right out

Chris gently sat her

don't you take a breather? I'll make us

rubbing her temples, her mind

have noticed her tension. As he

tried to distract her.

it. Didn't

to

you do, you'll be

can't mess with you

Sylvia stayed quiet.

the idea of going back to school made her chest tighten, though she couldn't

is there a sealed tin of Earl Grey here? I've never seen him drink this

she saw the tea tin in Chris's hand, ske remembered the stash of identical tins she kept in her

the seal looked

s

limited release batch they sent this year. thought he liked to store his teajthose old ceramte jars not leave them sealed